Subscribe via RSS
Looking for the printable version link? Just print this page instead!
Despite falling in value, Beckett remained the No. 4 pitcher selected
photo by Icon Sports Media, Inc
Since the official opening of fantasy baseball mocks on Dec. 3, 2007, Mock Draft Central users have participated in a record-smashing number of practice drafts. The past four months were sizzling hot, with full mock drafts running at all times of the day. Today, The Mock Market Report will highlight the biggest movers and shakers from mock drafting season 2008.
The story of the fantasy baseball preseason was unquestionably the torn elbow ligament of St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and it`s affect on his draft value. The slugging corner infielder -- an unanimous top-five selection in early drafts -- saw an instant drop in Average Draft Position (ADP) after a Jan. 22 St. Louis Post-Dispatch report brought to light the severity of his arm injury. Pujols did make a late charge back up draft boards, however, after hitting .407 with five home runs in Grapefruit League action. Still, the doubts surrounding his elbow were enough to make the 2005 National League Most Valuable Player a late first-round selection in most drafts.
Injury also played a role in the fall of Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. After missing an exhibition start with back spasms on March 8, the value of the Beantown ace took a severe turn downward. Despite injury concerns, Beckett managed to end drafting season at the No. 4 pitcher selected behind Johan Santana of the New York Mets, Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres and Erik Bedard of the Seattle Mariners.
In my first mock draft of the season, a 15-team extravaganza on Nov. 13, 2007, outfielder Barry Bonds went with the 146th overall selection. In my final draft of the season, a 15-team extravaganza on March 26, 2008, the all-time home run champ went 369th overall. What a difference four months -- and a lack of employing team -- can make.
Mock drafting season was kind to Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. The sweet-swinging lefty was a 22nd-round selection in MDC`s December expert draft, but some good spring numbers and positive press carried the slugger up to 10th- and 11th- round levels.
Among those not drafted in the aforementioned expert draft that took place a mere 116 days ago: Baltimore Orioles pitcher George Sherrill (then a member of the Mariners) and Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson. Today, both closers are most times off the board by Round 20 ... behold the power of the save.
This has been The Mock Market Report for Friday, March 28, 2008.
The story of the fantasy baseball preseason was unquestionably the torn elbow ligament of St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and it`s affect on his draft value. The slugging corner infielder -- an unanimous top-five selection in early drafts -- saw an instant drop in Average Draft Position (ADP) after a Jan. 22 St. Louis Post-Dispatch report brought to light the severity of his arm injury. Pujols did make a late charge back up draft boards, however, after hitting .407 with five home runs in Grapefruit League action. Still, the doubts surrounding his elbow were enough to make the 2005 National League Most Valuable Player a late first-round selection in most drafts.
Injury also played a role in the fall of Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. After missing an exhibition start with back spasms on March 8, the value of the Beantown ace took a severe turn downward. Despite injury concerns, Beckett managed to end drafting season at the No. 4 pitcher selected behind Johan Santana of the New York Mets, Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres and Erik Bedard of the Seattle Mariners.
In my first mock draft of the season, a 15-team extravaganza on Nov. 13, 2007, outfielder Barry Bonds went with the 146th overall selection. In my final draft of the season, a 15-team extravaganza on March 26, 2008, the all-time home run champ went 369th overall. What a difference four months -- and a lack of employing team -- can make.
Mock drafting season was kind to Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. The sweet-swinging lefty was a 22nd-round selection in MDC`s December expert draft, but some good spring numbers and positive press carried the slugger up to 10th- and 11th- round levels.
Among those not drafted in the aforementioned expert draft that took place a mere 116 days ago: Baltimore Orioles pitcher George Sherrill (then a member of the Mariners) and Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson. Today, both closers are most times off the board by Round 20 ... behold the power of the save.
This has been The Mock Market Report for Friday, March 28, 2008.
« Previous Article Article List Next Article »