Live Draft Chat Transcript for: Live! MDC Fantasy Baseball Expert Draft (12/15/2009)
View Participant Profiles & Rules Fantasy Baseball Expert Draft Results
(Commish): Welcome to Jason Pliml of Mock Draft Central
(Commish): Welcome to Brett Greenfield of Fantasy Phenoms
(Commish): No problem, Brett
(Commish): Welcome to Scott Swanay of Fantasy Baseball Sherpa
Scott Swanay: Hi Geoff, Hi Brett!
(Commish): Welcome to Paul Bourdett of RotoExperts
Paul Bourdett: hola mis amigos
Brett Greenfield: Anyone else waiting for official announcements on this Halladay/Lee deal
(Commish): Welcome to Tom Kessenich of Fanball and the National Fantasy Baseball Championship
Scott Swanay: Hi Paul, Hi Tom.
Paul Bourdett: howdy sherpa
Lenny Melnick - Fantasy Pros 911: Welcome all
Tom Kessenich: hey guys. i can't believe this is my fourth baseball draft already. it's still football seaon for cryin out loud :)
(Commish): I sure could use some baseball weather to go along with the baseball drafts
Jason Pliml: you picked the wrong state to live in for baseball weather
(Commish): First question from AIM: I'm interested to see how the Halliday / Cliff Lee deals affects draft position. In 2010, our league is introducing keepers, How much should I let age effect my decisions to go after players?
(Commish): Welcome to Mike Kuchera of Fantasy Baseball Express
Mike Kuchera: What up gentlemen??!
Lenny Melnick - Fantasy Pros 911: hello all
Scott Swanay: I'd obviously prefer younger players in a Keeper league, but I want them to be established already unless I'm playing in an incredibly deep league.
(Commish): Obviously, with the keepers, you want guys in their prime
(Commish): Agreed with Scott
Jason Pliml: In my keeper leagues, I only look two years ahead (current year, plus two future years), so I only worry about guys that are ready to fall off the cliff
Scott Swanay: Cliff Lee?
Scott Swanay: Cliff Johnson?
Jason Pliml: no, Cliff, the metaphor
Paul Greco: What up fella's?
Jason Pliml: I've found that there are good values to be had with veterans, if you're selective
Scott Swanay: Hi Paul!
Brett Greenfield: Guys, he's referring to the big red dog
Brett Greenfield: come on
Ray Murphy: hey gang
Paul Greco: Scott(E) figures you'd be hanging out in here pal
Scott Swanay: What are you doing here, Paul? Do you have laryngitis?
Paul Greco: Nah man doing both...multitasking tonight...always do the first one of the season
Paul Greco: you can't look like a D-bag on the first draft of the season
Scott Swanay: Wow - you're a better man than I, Gunga Din.
Scott Swanay: As opposed to a D-back.
Paul Greco: exactly
Paul Bourdett: What's up Paul?
Paul Greco: Hey Paul...how ya doin pal?
Paul Bourdett: All is well.
Paul Greco: RIght on man!!!
Paul Bourdett: Still reeling after losing to Andre Johnson and Drew Brees yesterday.
Tim McLeod: evening gents
(Commish): Welcome to Tim McLeod of RotoRob
(Commish): Welcome to Todd Zola of Masterball
Scott Swanay: Hi Tim & Todd.
(Commish): Welcome to Chris McDonnell of FantasyBaseball.com
Tim McLeod: Hey Scott
Paul Greco: I hear ya Paul...I lost by .2 in my big money league this week
(Commish): Welcome to Ray Murphy of Baseball HQ
(Commish): Welcome to Paul Greco of Fantasy Pros 911
Paul Bourdett: i'm in a league where a guy lost by .04!
Tim McLeod: looks like pick one and then nap for me
Paul Greco: Thanks Commish - You're so special to me!!!
Paul Bourdett: those damn hundredths of a point kill ya this time of year.
Ray Murphy: i like this new "announce the starting lineups" feature. can mdc hire michael buffet for this?
(Commish): Comment from AIM: For Tim McLeod: I, Kevin Orris, decided to skip out on this draft so you can take Mike Aviles first overall
Tim McLeod: hot damn Kev, your the best, LOL
Tim McLeod: and I won't wear that Hot for Hardy t-shirt
Paul Greco: Hey Todd has the merger going pal?
Todd Zola: good thing I am fluent in Greco
Chris McDonnell: Hello all. Time to get ready for another season.
Scott Swanay: Hi Chris.
Todd Zola: so far so good -- should be fully integrated soon
Nick Minnix: hey all
Scott Swanay: Hi Nick.
Paul Greco: Awesome pal...glad to see you're down with the language kid
Nick Minnix: hey all
Scott Swanay: Hi Nick.
Paul Greco: Awesome pal...glad to see you're down with the language kid
(Commish): Welcome to Nick Minnix of KFFL
Todd Zola: Kid?
Paul Greco: Trying to keep you young pal
Nick Minnix: thanks Geoff
Paul Bourdett: i know, wrong paul, but i just pulled it up so I said, what the heck?(Commish): Thanks, guys
Tim McLeod: note to self, turn down volume a tad
Paul Greco: Tim...way to go out on a limb pal
Paul Bourdett: am i the only one hearing a ton of static?
Chris McDonnell: Moving along like a herd of turtles
Tim McLeod: living on the edge Paul
Tim McLeod: I'm attempting to multitask tonite so could be fun
Scott Swanay: Hi David, how are you?
Tim McLeod: ths again Geoff for putting this together
Commish): Our pleasure, Tim
Chris McDonnell: Hey Dave.
Daniel Dobish: doing great, scott, how ae u doing?
Scott Swanay: Great, thanks!
Daniel Dobish: bigdawg!
(Commish): Question from AIM: Why is Matt Holiday not a 1st rd pick?
Scott Swanay: Position scarcity and uncertainty re: where he lands.
Chris McDonnell: He's close.
Todd Zola: because there at least 12 bewtter players
Mike Kuchera: I am very upset Lenny..... wanted Howard and Fielder!!! Power Power Power!
Ray Murphy: holliday will be a 1st rdr by march, in 15-tm lgs
Todd Zola: Holliday is solid, and if he ever were to reach his max in BA, HR and SB in the same season, he wuld warrant first round value, but he usually ends up solid, not spectacular
Paul Bourdett: some reyes love around these parts, huh?
Nick Minnix: went back and forth between sizemore and reyes
Todd Zola: plus the steals are not a sure thing and he doesn't hit quite enough homers to draft w/o a guarantee of 35+ homers
Nick Minnix: for the longest time obviously
Brett Greenfield: Ha I was thinking Sizemore or Reyes too
Brett Greenfield: Thanks for making the decision for me
Nick Minnix: haha
Nick Minnix: np
(Commish): Would Holliday be a first-rounder if he signed with the Yankees? Just throwing that out there
Todd Zola: nope
Scott Swanay: No, Holliday wouldn't be.
Chris McDonnell: Hamilton? This early? Really?
Brett Greenfield: I think Holliday could be a first rounder either way, so long as he's not on Oakland
(Commish): Question from AIM: Todd Why so much hate for Matt Holliday? pure beast with the Cards!!!
Scott Swanay: He won't repeat that (e.g. - hitting .350)
(Commish): Question from AIM: does bay drop more if he doesn't go back to boston
Todd Zola: nothing to do with hate -- he's led me to consecutive NL AUction titles in the NFBC -- just saying not a top-12 player is all
Todd Zola: you're welcome TK
Tom Kessenich: sorry todd i'm multi-tasking. you're welcome for what?
Todd Zola: pimping that even you guys run in March :)
Todd Zola: in an answer
Nick Minnix: i'm not on board with holliday as a 1st rounder either
Scott Swanay: I think Bay goes too high, given his AVG.
Tom Kessenich: ahh thanks :)
Tom Kessenich: given the money you won this year you better pimp it :)
Paul Bourdett: a greco guy, love that!
(Commish): Question from e-mail: Does yesterday's trade help or hurt Halladay's value?
Paul Greco: LOL
Brett Greenfield: I don't think it changes his value much
Scott Swanay: Don't think trade affects Halladay's value much.
Scott Swanay: May get a few more wins, but ERA & WHIP may go up a bit.
Todd Zola: if anything, it keeps the K-rate up which is the potential issue with Doc
Paul Bourdett: greco - you want to talk dominant pitchings staff? My office is always open.
(Commish): I'll toss the same question out for Granderson -- more or less value in his new home?
Tim McLeod: more
Scott Swanay: A bit more if he hits at the top of the order; a bit less if he's in the bottom third and/or platooning.
Paul Greco: Ya Paul, you have an AWESOME pitching staff so far pal
Todd Zola: dang TK, you got me with Sandoval
Ray Murphy: is it bad that melnick thinks all of my picks are "interesting"?
Nick Minnix: LOL
Paul Greco: Ray...Lenny is interesting!!!
Ray Murphy: no doubt!
(Commish): Question from AIM: what are the deepest and shalowest positions this year?
Todd Zola: prety much like last season except fewer multiple eligibility guys
Scott Swanay: I'd go with OF being deepest and SS being shallowest.
Todd Zola: 2B not string but lots of guys that are useful at the back end
Todd Zola: SS big dropoff
(Commish): There's a huge drop off at 3B
Todd Zola: 3B actually kinda weak
(Commish): Look at the top of the 3B list right now and try not to vomit
Jason Pliml: I've gotten stuck with some real garbage at 3B if I don't grab early
Paul Bourdett: haren slipped
Tim McLeod: agree, 3b is a wasteland after early picks
(Commish): Hey, Dan
Todd Zola: there are a bunch of veterans that skip this season, mostly die to injury -- but that makes sense becaus ethe top of thepool is filled with new meat
Todd Zola: slip, not skip
(Commish): Question for Tim McLeod: I have a question for Tim McLeod.....What was his thinking by taking Joey Votto with his second pick when he already has Pujols at 1B???? Also, was he the best player available when you picked him???
Tim McLeod: power, Ba, upside with Votto is shy high imo
Tim McLeod: sky
(Commish): And Canadians stick together :-)
Tim McLeod: LOL
Tim McLeod: need my token Canuck, yes
Todd Zola: sometimes boring is best
(Commish): Question from AIM: projections for soriano?
Todd Zola: key with Soriano is he is now firmly entrenched as an injury risk
Ray Murphy: man, lenny is on my @ss tonight :)
Scott Swanay: Soriano: 529 AB, .268, 28 HR, 71 RBI, 82 R, 16 SB.
(Commish): I think his 20-steal days are over regardless
(Commish): The less he moves, the less he can get injured
Brett Greenfield: And have been replaced with 20 games missed at minimum
Paul Greco: Swanay...Soriano is going to be batting 6th this year ...time to adjust the projections
Paul Bourdett: wow.
(Commish): Question from e-mail: Does no one believe Carpenter will stay healthy enough to put up those numbers again?
Scott Swanay: I don't.
Todd Zola: dear e-mail, please don't name drop guys not drafted yet :)
(Commish): That's my bad
Scott Swanay: Plus, even if he misses 3-5 starts, he's down 20-30 IP vs. the other aces.
(Commish): I usually try to wait until they're drafted :-)
Chris McDonnell: I say Carpenter doesn't get 150 innings
Todd Zola: even if you give him 180 IP -- he's a value in the 7th
Todd Zola: no reason to beieve he won'y bypass 150
Ray Murphy: what about 80? :)
(Commish): I've been sitting on that one for a while
Todd Zola: I wil say though, Lee much safer than Carpenter
Paul Greco: Agree Todd
Todd Zola: and in a eague like this, with Carpenter, you will have to make up Ks with your 2nd and 3rd SP
Tim McLeod: agreed
Paul Bourdett: billy butler's my guy
(Commish): I've been taking Butler a lot higher than that
Brett Greenfield: Me too if I didn't have Dunn and Cabrera already I'd have taken Butler
Todd Zola: round 8 in a 12-team league and the 3B pool is already poopy
Tim McLeod: very
(Commish): No real sleepers there, either
(Commish): Bunch of old, crusty veterans
Todd Zola: just snorers
Scott Swanay: There's one 3B left who doesn't fit that description.
Todd Zola: that the one?
Scott Swanay: Yes.
(Commish): I think Beckham will go higher than that come March
(Commish): And I imagine most will draft him as a 2B
Scott Swanay: If he's eligible there in your league.
Nick Minnix: great value on carlos pena
(Commish): True -- most can probably wait out the five- or 10-game wait
Tim McLeod: could be worth the wait
(Commish): As cruddy as 3B is, I'm not so sure he's not better off there
Todd Zola: not so sure many won't be leaving him at 3B when the see teh dreck available to put at 3rd
(Commish): I think there's some real strategy to be had at 3B -- especially in auctions
(Commish): I did one for a magazine a few weeks ago and grabbed A-Rod, Longoria and Youkilis -- thinned down an already awful pool
Tim McLeod: that would work Geoff
(Commish): :-)
(Commish): I'll toss a question out there -- who does everyone have ranked as the No. 1 closer?
Scott Swanay: Papelbon, followed by Nathan.
Jason Pliml: my 2009 bust of the year, Brian Fuentes??
Todd Zola: nathan, buit that's like being the best fast food burger -- yeah, one is best but you usually just go with what is most convenient at the time
Tim McLeod: good pick
Jason Pliml: that was an all time bad call, eh
Jason Pliml: in retrospect
Ray Murphy: i took brox, assuming he has 10 good toes this yr
Tim McLeod: not really Jason, good call. I thought same here
Tim McLeod: just didnt happen, there's always 2010
(Commish): Since our questions have slowed down some, I'd like to open the floor for our experts to promote their fine sites and what they have going on
Jason Pliml: MockDraftCentral.com - home of the live fantasy baseball expert draft
(Commish): That sounds good
Nick Minnix: Well, over at KFFL.com, we're of course hot 'n' heavy for fantasy football rankings for your playoffs :D
Jason Pliml: I was just showing people what a shameless plug looks like :)
Nick Minnix: Free content going up daily at KFFL.com
Nick Minnix: Fantasy baseball articles are picking up steam
Brett Greenfield: Fantasy Phenoms has all your hot stove reactions and 2010 articles letting you know who to get on your roster and who to leave off
Scott Swanay: Fantasy Baseball Sherpa - customizeable player rankings before and DURING the season! Sherpas guide people to the top of mountains; I'll guide you to the top of your fantasy baseball league standings!
Tom Kessenich: I like th shameless plug. Here's one for the National Fantasy Baseball Championship. Go to nfbc.fanball.com to check all of the live and online events we're offering in 2010
Nick Minnix: Offseason transactions analyzed all the time
(Commish): Unfortunately, most of my squads won't need those rankings this week :-(
Ray Murphy: BaseballHQ: first 2010 projections on the site this Friday. 2010 Baseball Forecaster shipping now....
(Commish): Forecaster shipping -- the true X-Mas for many
Ray Murphy: got mine yesterday... still a great day, even though i've had the PDFs for a month or so
Tim McLeod: RotoRob is finalyzing there year end awards in all four sports.
(Commish): There's four sports?
Tim McLeod: A, AA, AAA, and bigs
(Commish): Ah, makes sense
Todd Zola: Mastersball is proud to announce we have merged with our llongtime friends and associates at CREATiVESPORTS. We tell people and they say "what took you so long?" so I think we made the right decision
(Commish): Like Jurrjens
Daniel Dobish: best part about living in North Carolina...a TON of minor league baseball
Brett Greenfield: Thanks Geoff
(Commish): Question from e-mail: Now that Wieters is gone ... :) Is he a keeper in a keep 6 dynasty league?
(Commish): Without knowing league size, I'd say yes
Tim McLeod: yes, imo
Todd Zola: depending on the rules and your plan for winnng this season, he could be akeeper in a keep 1 league
Todd Zola: is 6 keepers really a dynasty league?
Scott Swanay: I agree with Geoff/Tim/Todd: yes.
Ray Murphy: thirded
Todd Zola: just don't expect too much this season -- upside is Teixeira with C religibility
(Commish): Downside is the Royals giving him a two-year deal in 2015
Jason Pliml: followed by a "remember me, I'm Matt Wieters campaign"
(Commish): Users may ask questions of or make comments to our experts in two ways: 1) expertdraft@mockdraftcentral.com, 2) AIM: mockdraftcentral
Scott Swanay: Sal Fasano will be Royals' starting catcher in 2 years after Kendall is released.
Todd Zola: okay, I have a question. How come teh green sugar free jello comes out of the plastic thing compltely, but the red and ornage ones leave residue behind?
Scott Swanay: Is that a theoretical question or a practical one?
(Commish): Red and orange contains traces of airplane glue
Todd Zola: nothing theoretical about it -- doesn't matter what brand --
(Commish): Question from AIM: Why does Ken Williams continue to sign players who were popular in 2002?
Scott Swanay: He's hoping they'll still be good by 2005.
(Commish): Question from e-mail: Who do you like to win the closers jobs in PIT, WSH, and TOR?
(Commish): Nice pick, Tommy
(Commish): Pit - Hanrahan, maybe?
Tim McLeod: hanrahan, bruney, and downs. tis early
(Commish): Was - guessing MacDougal gets first crack
Todd Zola: I'd rather have the runner-up for $1 in WAS and PIT. They say Downs and Frasor will split in TOR, I like DOwns as he will be helpful anyway as a guy to put in from reserve when your starters have rough schedules
(Commish): Washington seems to have the best options
Ray Murphy: i like storen in was come summer
(Commish): MacDougal, Storen or Bruney
Todd Zola: League nice reserve pick in deeper leagues
(Commish): Question from AIM: Garrett Jones or Casey McGeehee in 2010?
Todd Zola: Jones, not evena question for me
Brett Greenfield: Jones - batting cleanup and in his prime
Scott Swanay: My ears are burning.
Todd Zola: turn the rap music down
(Commish): Question for Tom Kessenich: For Tom: Will NFBC have AL and NL only online satellite leagues this year?
Scott Swanay: Newwwwwwwwww Yorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrk!
Tom Kessenich: we will if the interest is there. you can post your interest on the nfbc boards or contact me at tkessenich@fanball.com and i'll get it started
(Commish): Question from AIM: Chippers AVG fell 100 points in 2009, how many will he gain in 2010?
Todd Zola: I may need to draft Dr. James Andrews for my squad
Tim McLeod: LOL
Scott Swanay: I think he's back around .300, even if his arms fall off.
(Commish): Question from AIM: Where will we see Heyward being drafted in March?
Tim McLeod: depends on format
Todd Zola: too early
Tim McLeod: waaaay
(Commish): They're already talking him up
(Commish): Question from AIM: What should we expect from Rich Harden in Texas? (other than multiple trips to the DL?)
Scott Swanay: Heat stroke.
(Commish): lol
(Commish): Those 50-pitch innings might not work too well
Todd Zola: if the question is becsuse of the park, I am not so concerned about that -- when healthy, a K an inning
Todd Zola: in a league like this, you will be able to backfill -- he's usually out or in -- when out, you replace the roster spot
Todd Zola: as opposed to questionable
Todd Zola: not suire whether to use him if nicked a little
Todd Zola: Geoff/Jason -- updated projections coming later tonight or tomorrow
(Commish): Great -- thanks, Todd
(Commish): Just a note to all of our viewers: 2010 Fantasy Baseball mock drafts are running 24/7 here at MDC
Todd Zola: waited for the deals to be official, not waitinga any longer
Paul Greco: Tim you got my pick pal...not the JJ
(Commish): And there's the token Blue Jay
Tim McLeod: LOL
Nick Minnix: Wells is an absolute steal
Tim McLeod: and we're done, is Aumont out there Geoff?
Nick Minnix: that crap (14 HR, 17 SB) he did last year is bottom of the range
(Commish): I think so
Tim McLeod: ah, Buster finds a home
(Commish): Chipper there is a great pick
Todd Zola: at thispoint, worth the risk
Todd Zola: as is Weeks
Tom Kessenich: the depth at catcher stinks right now so i'll chase buster's potential
Tim McLeod: good one to chase Tom
(Commish): Comment from AIM: Todd Zola gets the pick of the draft.
(Commish): Like Buchholz
Nick Minnix: what happened paul, you come around on Jenks?
(Commish): Question from AIM: Why has Joba Chamberlain's stock fallen so much this year?
Paul Greco: Nick -- LOL
Scott Swanay: He's been inconsistent due to the Yanks' constant meddling with his schedule.
Chris McDonnell: Joba's stock is down because Yanks screwed him up last year.
Brett Greenfield: Love the Polanco pick
Todd Zola: Joba needs to show he can be a 7-inning guy plus there is the chance he gets moved to the pen
Todd Zola: better pick in a deeper league where MR are more helpful if he ends up there
Chris McDonnell: I love Pierre to make a comeback this year
Nick Minnix: great find there
Scott Swanay: Still have to get a Juan Pierrewood shirt from last year.
Paul Bourdett: are we having a reserve draft?
(Commish): Really think Edwin could do some damage in the NL West
Chris McDonnell: That's gold!
(Commish): Nope, Paul -- just starters
Todd Zola: to the fans in the bleachers maybe
(Commish): Ha
Todd Zola: my staff is picked under the assumption I would have a reserve list -- or at minimuma DL list ;)
Chris McDonnell: Nice pick Zola. I wanted Santana
Tim McLeod: time to fill my DL slot
Todd Zola: dang guys, Imay have to pick a healthy pitcher
Tim McLeod: tis a cruel world Todd
Scott Swanay: Kelvim Escobar's still left.
Scott Swanay: Mark Mulder.
Todd Zola: well, there is another repeat guy on my NFBC NL auction champios avaiable, I'll take him
Tim McLeod: Clement retired
Todd Zola: and somewhere, Gene McCaffrey curses me
Tim McLeod: ah, going Cuban Paul?
(Commish): As we head toward the final round, I'd like to thanks our 12 experts for taking time out of their busy schedules to join us tonight
Ray Murphy: thanks for having us, commish!
(Commish): And also thank all of our viewers -- especially those who sent in questions
Nick Minnix: Rasmus - I like the way the Cards brought him along
(Commish): Any time, Ray
Nick Minnix: I think he'll be a stud in a year or two
Scott Swanay: Thanks for doing this, Geoff & Paul!
Nick Minnix: breakout potential this year
Tim McLeod: and tks to MDC for doing their always great job of hosting and FP911, Lenny, Tony, for broadcasting
Mike Kuchera: Thanks guys! Good times...
Ray Murphy: yeah, someone get lenny a tall glass of water already....
Paul Greco: Ray...LOL
Daniel Dobish: good night guys!
(Commish): I nailed the trifecta! I had Tim, Dan and Chris to finish 1-2-3
Tim McLeod: nite guys, have a great 2010!
(Commish): Thanks, Dan
Jason Pliml: We're glad to host. These live mocks are a good time and good fodder for discussion and articles. It's rare to get knowledgable guys who are willing to share their insights.
Tom Kessenich: thanks for the invite jason and geoff. take care everyone
Jason Pliml: Have a good night everyone
Ray Murphy: gnight all
(Commish): Thanks, Tom
Paul Bourdett: thanks geoff. I would've been more interactive had I known it was a mock!
(Commish): Yay! Vlad
Brett Greenfield: I think Leo Nunez and Lyon need to be moved up a bit
Brett Greenfield: haha someone had to take him
Paul Bourdett: Thanks for the invite, though.
(Commish): No problem, Paul
Brett Greenfield: He'll likely bat 4th or 5th wherever he goes, for as long as he's healthy
Scott Swanay: I was going to grab him if he had still been available for my last pick.
Mike Kuchera: Thanks for the invite guys! Have a great nite!
Nick Minnix: just found him
Nick Minnix: thx geoff
Paul Bourdett: your system rates each team, right?
Paul Bourdett: with room for commentary?
(Commish): Thanks, Nick
Jason Pliml: under the View Projections link, yes
Jason Pliml: also, participants can vote on the teams
Brett Greenfield: Thanks to all for coming and to MDC for hosting...
Nick Minnix: Thanks a ton for hosting MDC folks!
