The day started pretty standard for me: I was about a half-hour late to the draft, and had to repair my laptop because I'd drunkenly attempted to jam the battery back in the wrong way. While there was definite damage, it was completely cosmetic - needless to say, we drank until about 5am. During this point, I was so intoxicated that I somehow managed to NOT win President in Asshole with a starting hand of (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, K, K, A, 9) 5-handed. This spun me into drunken life-tilt, and it's somewhat amazing that I didn't do more damage. Anyway.
This is important because the role of alcohol is important - drafts often have a 'texture', and it's important to realize where value can be had. This sets up a sort of pseudo-arbitrage market, where players will be MUCH more valuable than usual rankings, either because of scarcity, bad picks or future needs for other teams. With six bench slots, I had a great chance to abuse these.
I kept 5 players (Howard, Wright, Bay, Mauer, and BJ Ryan) - Mauer and Ryan weren't really my favorite keeps ever, but Mauer will probably be valuable in trade in the offseason and this group tends to overrate closers, so wasting a 5th rounder on Ryan didn't hurt. Also, most were overvaluing their own guys, so it would be hard to get value for dropping dudes.
Here's my draft:
Cory's My Copilot
| Round | Pick | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| K. | (8) | Ryan Howard | 1B |
| K. | (13) | David Wright | 3B |
| K. | (28) | Jason Bay | OF |
| K. | (33) | Joe Mauer | C |
| K. | (48) | B.J. Ryan | RP |
| 6. | (53) | Adam Dunn | OF |
| 7. | (68) | Bill Hall | 3B,SS |
| 8. | (73) | Prince Fielder | 1B |
| 9. | (88) | Curt Schilling | SP |
| 10. | (93) | Billy Wagner | RP |
| 11. | (108) | Brett Myers | SP |
| 12. | (113) | Rickie Weeks | 2B |
| 13. | (128) | Dave Bush | SP |
| 14. | (133) | Jered Weaver | SP |
| 15. | (148) | Anthony Reyes | SP |
| 16. | (153) | Curtis Granderson | OF |
| 17. | (168) | Brian Giles | OF |
| 18. | (173) | Kelvim Escobar | SP |
| 19. | (188) | Ian Kinsler | 2B |
| 20. | (193) | Chad Cordero | RP |
| 21. | (208) | Chris Ray | RP |
| 22. | (213) | Brad Penny | SP |
I think it's pretty obvious how my strategy unfolded: closers were going at bizarre points, including Wagner going really late . . . in a 10-team league, every team will be able to find 2 serviceable relievers, but guys will often panic and ship struggling closers early. Since closers went way late, I was able to snag two of the remaining guys in the 20th/21st, which should close the market. Another drafter was obviously doing the same, so we were able to pull a cooperation play here - while Cordero and Ray are very borderline, combined we have a great opportunity to drive up prices on traded relievers (especially with some savvy waiver-wire work) - especially if Cordero is moved to a contender.
Additionally, 'name' starters were moving fast, but younger guys and high-risk/upside injury guys were all in play. Dave Bush and Anthony Reyes provide me great value in their slots, and when the older, 'name' starters die, I'll be moving from strength (again, waiver-wire work can buttress this plan), especially if someone like Krispy Kreme Escobar can put up some early numbers.
Past that, Kinsler gives me a modicum of protection against a total Rickie Weeks collapse, and my OF situation gives me viable options against any sort of team. On the whole, I'm pleased with my team - just like last season, I should be looking at a top-3 team coming out of the draft, and my injury tolerance is fairly high (and my risk low).
By the way, Sammy Sosa was drafted in the final round. I stood up, ripped up a beer can into the shape of a syringe, and injected myself with Bud Light in protest, then lit myself on fire.
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