Just got done with my first draft for 2007. It is a head to head 14 team mixed league with no trading allowed. Too many arguments in prior years led to this rule. Starters listed first.

C Jason Varitek
1B Ryan Howard
2B Chone Figgens(He qualifies there in our league)
SS Edgar Renteria
3B Ryan Zimmerman, Eric Chavez, Morgan Ensberg
OF Matt Holliday, Ryan Church
OF Jeff Francouer, Curtis Granderson
OF Rocco Baldelli, Matt Kemp(Dropping him as I didn't realize he wasnt starting)

SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Cole Hammels, Jeff Francis
SP Chris Young, Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey(stashing him away for later this season)
RP JJ Putz
RP Ryan Dempster, Jose Valverde

I thought I did pretty decent and getting 3 closers after the 15th round helped even though they are not the greatest. Any suggestions on a sleeper OF I could pick up off the waive wire?

Hey, definitely a pretty good draft. Here are a few pointers I might give:

1. Drop/Trade some 3B/OF for some RP. You're rather weak there and you can't underestimate that position. Their very low WHIP and ERA along with 1-2 K's per inning are of GREAT help. Look for a guy in your league who is lacking in 3B or OF and make a deal for some RP with him. I would hold onto Valverde, though. The Diamondbacks are looking like the sleeper team in the West this year and with the relatively decent pitching staff they've amassed and offensive threats, I wouldn't be surprised if Valverde breaks 40 Saves. Might wanna look into Dustin Hermanson, for the Reds. You know how powerful he was with the White Sox, and the Reds sure can hit the ball to protect a lead/get one back.

2. Outfield Sleeper Picks: Josh Hamilton, Ryan Freel, Chris Burke, Chris Duffy

Hey, definitely a pretty good draft. Here are a few pointers I might give:

1. Drop/Trade some 3B/OF for some RP. You're rather weak there and you can't underestimate that position. Their very low WHIP and ERA along with 1-2 K's per inning are of GREAT help. Look for a guy in your league who is lacking in 3B or OF and make a deal for some RP with him. I would hold onto Valverde, though. The Diamondbacks are looking like the sleeper team in the West this year and with the relatively decent pitching staff they've amassed and offensive threats, I wouldn't be surprised if Valverde breaks 40 Saves. Might wanna look into Dustin Hermanson, for the Reds. You know how powerful he was with the White Sox, and the Reds sure can hit the ball to protect a lead/get one back.

2. Outfield Sleeper Picks: Josh Hamilton, Ryan Freel, Chris Burke, Chris Duffy

Thanks for the advice and some potential sleepers. Only problem is that 3 of those 4 guys were already drafted. LOL Also, there is no trading in this league. The only reason I took a 3rd 3B was that Ensberg was available in the 20th round and couldn't pass that up.

As far as the RP's go, I will just wait until the year starts and try and pick up another closer that emerges which happens every year. That is why I am not one to use high picks on them. Is Hermanson going to close for the Reds? If he is then I will pick him up.

True about RP's being the difference maker in many line-ups/leagues
JJ Putz..kindof a Sleeper I guess, sweet pick-up so late imho

Chone 2b & OF Nice!
Ensberg has burnt me 2 Years now! I picked up Ty Wigg and was suprised how he helped. Having 25y/o B Phillips on the bench also helped ;)


I've seen a few of these guys available:
Milton Bradley, Athletics
Frank Catalanotto, Rangers*playing Time??*
Joey Gathright, Royals
Randy Winn, Giants


PS: Josh Hamilton, Beat the Demons kid!! What a story this could turn out to be...
Kemp dropped? If so, keep him on your watched list, he's got talent galore. But you realize this since you drafted him ;)

Overall you look solid John!!

The kid Alejandro Diaza who's going to start for the Marlins in CF, not listed on any top 25 for the Marlins minor prospects.