Dream Draft: Team Alan Matthews
by Alan Matthews
March 16, 2006
| Pick |
Player, Position, Organization (Age as of April 1, 2006) |
| 1. |
Delmon Young, of, Devil Rays (20) |
| 2. |
Vladimir Guerrero, of, Angels (30) |
| 3. |
Francisco Liriano, lhp, Twins (22) |
| 4. |
Andruw Jones, of, Braves (28) |
| 5. |
Barry Zito, lhp, Athletics (27) |
| 6. |
Matt Cain, rhp, Giants (21) |
| 7. |
Brad Lidge, rhp, Astros (29) |
| 8. |
Jon Garland, rhp, White Sox (26) |
| 9. |
Nick Markakis, of, Orioles (22) |
| 10. |
Chris Volstad, rhp, Marlins (19) |
My Philosophy: I emphasized players' ages, and tried to identify players that would perform close to their ceiling during the 2006-11 window.
My Draft: Despite watching Joe Mauer, Jeff Francouer and Mark Buerhle drafted in the same round I had targeted them, I was pleased with the players I wound up with. Because big leaguers went off the board more quickly than prospects, I tried to take advantage of the prospects available.
Best Draft: Will Lingo. I don't think Chad Cordero will be as dominant as Brad Lidge, who was also on the board, and I have doubts about Jorge Cantu's long-term impact in the big leagues, but otherwise his draft had the best nucleus of young, yet proven talent.
Worst Draft: Chris Kline. It's tough to tell what his philosophy was. These 10 players represent the lowest aggregate potential of the 10 drafts.
Best Pick: Mauer. Although we were not strictly building teams in this exercise, here's a lefthanded-hitting catcher with potential to win multiple batting titles and Gold Gloves.
Worst Pick: Ryan Zimmerman. I guess it's the fact that he made it to the majors so quickly, but I believe BA and others are overrating him. He's a peerless defender and has great makeup, but he's a corner infielder with modest power and has slightly more than 300 professional at-bats.
He Wasn't Taken?: Khalil Greene. A year after being named BA's Rookie of the Year, Greene posted modest offensive numbers, but has a good glove, great instincts and feel for the game as well as age on his side.
That Hurt: I was pretty sure Mauer wouldn't be there when I discovered I'd be picking ninth, but when Lingo stepped up to the podium, err, speakerphone, and Mauer was still available, I thought I might get lucky.
Baseball America
