2/22/2008 12:12:37 PM

Is it really necessary to post the 13th round picks? How many rounds are there?

Bret Sims

2/22/2008 12:27:25 PM

I actually was eyeing Helton as well. But then I realized that I hadn't filled out my 3B need yet. We are entering a point where owners have to start grabbing CM, MI and UT slots.

I didn't want to hit that part of the draft and have to fill those slots listed above AND not have a solid 3B. So I left Helton out there, and went with The Kouz.

I like Kouz's youth. He has a definite starting gig, now that the Padres are moving Chase Headley to OF. He hit .302 with 17 dingers since May 1 last season, after a horrendous start.

I think he avoids the sophomore slump. And as an added bonus, I think he'll hit near .290, which is good because Helton's average was the main reason I wanted him. Kouz won't hit in the Helton stratosphere, but as Mercury Morris would say, "he' on the block."

Jeremy Fischer

2/22/2008 1:22:17 PM

It is interesting that I too was considering Helton, but there are about five other guys at 1B, that I opted to go with a fourth outfielder and some much-needed speed in Taveras.

Coupled with Rafael Furcal, BJ Upton, and some other well-balanced players like Nick Markakis, Hunter Pence, and Matt Kemp I am feeling good about being competitive in stolen bases.

I liked Taveras with Houston and loved him in Coors Field, where the spacious ballpark plays well with his speed and gap-hitting abilities. He missed 65 games last season, so a healthy year could propel him even higher. He has almost zero power and has never topped 30 RBI despite logging over 500 at-bats twice, but Taveras' amazing speed makes him a good bet to post a strong batting average and he has legitimate 50-steal potential if given the green light as often as he was last season.

Dan Clasgens

2/22/2008 3:04:20 PM

If Burnett can remain healthy grabbing a guy like him this late was a bargain. I also like taking the chance on Pedro this late. I think most of the offensive guys taken here are all the same. The only one who stands out as a potential breakout player is Kouzmanoff. I like that guy and expect big things again.
Wow, I really am a JFish accolyte now?

Jimmy Dinsmore

2/22/2008 3:38:24 PM

Yes, Bret, the 13th round is necessary. Would it help if we drafted some ex-Wildcats? (Brandon Webb was taken a long time ago, but Joe Blanton should be drafted within a few rounds.) Just stay tuned!

Chris Wetzel

2/22/2008 3:45:03 PM

As for my Pedro pick...I'd been targeting him for a couple of rounds and figured people would stay away because of the rotator cuff injury.

However, he came back aggressively and posted a sub-3.00 ERA in the five starts he was back. (His WHIP was high for those starts, but command wasn't always a strong suit of his.) If he can make the switch from power-pitcher to finesse-pitcher, he should be a steal from this round.

Chris Wetzel