I had my first fantasy baseball draft over the weekend. I tried a new strategy this year and took a few pitchers in the early rounds rather than building a scrapheap rotation and trying to trade for an ace in July. This is a 6×6 league: R,HR,RBI,SB,AVG,OPS | W,K,ERA,WHIP,SV,K:BB. 23 man roster.
C: Brian McCann
1B: Carlos Pena
2B: Chase Utley
3B: Chone Figgins
SS: Stephen Drew
OF: Justin Upton
OF: Julio Bourbon
OF: Ryan Ludwick
Util: Adam Laroche
Util: Nick Swisher
Bench: Kyle Blanks
Bench: Vladimir Guerrero
SP: Dan Haren
SP: Justin Verlander
SP: Ricky Nolasco
RP: Chad Qualls
RP: Leo Nunez
RP: Bobby Jenks
P: Matt Cain
P: Matt Garza
Bench: Erik Bedard
Bench: Ervin Santana
Of course, Santana’s elbow had to act up right after the draft. Bedard won’t be available until May or later, but he’s a good bet to perform well when he’s on the mound. I’m crossing my fingers that Santana is healthy and ready to deliver on another big year, but I’m keeping my eye on a few waiver wire pitchers just in case.
With two more drafts coming up on Sunday, one in the Sports of Boston league, I’ll have more to say. There’s pressure on me to do well in that league, or I’ll have to face those guys as the writer who lost!