UPL Baseball Draft Lottery and 2010 Preview - Pick 9

The current buzz in the green room is the potential of a 2nd expansion team in 2010. Apparently negotiations are still on going, but league sources suggest that one of the original UPL Football owners has reached a preliminary agreement to expand into 2010 UPL Baseball... More on this as things develop.

The 9th pick in the 2010 UPL Baseball Draft goes to:

SuckMyKnuckleballs

History: UPL Regular who generally finishes in the top half, though there are surprisingly few podium finishes (3rd place in 2008 is only baseball podium finish).

Tendencies: Generally willing to trade, though not the most active trade partner. Likes Red Sox players, which has been a good thing the last few years.

2009 Result: 5th place

Likely Keepers:
Offense Locks: Jason Bay, Ryan Braun, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, J.D. Drew

Pitching Locks: Josh Beckett, A.J. Burnett, Roy Oswalt, Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Ryan Franklin

Probable Keepers: Mark DeRosa, Hideki Matsui, Scott Rolen, Miguel Tejada, Kurt Suzuki, Tim Hudson, Dice-K, Gavin Floyd

Strengths and Question Marks:
Offensive Strengths: Overall offense should be strong. Braun, Bay, and Youks provide a very nice anchor to team.

Offensive Question Marks: There's a lack of speed on the current roster, which would have to be augmented in the draft or free agency. The offense (and the roster in general) feels old, with players like Tejada, Rolen, Matsui, DeRosa, etc. well into their 30's. Health will be a big concern.

Pitching Strengths: Three top flight options at closer, and will likely finish in the top 3 in SV, which also should help with the rate stats.

Pitching Question Marks: Starting pitching could be a bit problematic. Beckett and Burnett have been enigmas, dating back to their days together w/ the Marlins as flamethrowing prospects in the early 20-aughts. Again age could be a concern, as Beckett is 30 this season, and is the youngest of the starters that are certain to be kept. Gavin Floyd is still only 27, though he's likely on the bubble.

2010 Outlook: On both sides of the coin, this team looks to be solid, not spectacular. This should be another season where SuckMyKunckleballs finishes above .500, but may not have enough to get on to the podium. This feels like a 5th to 6th place team.

When we come back, we'll announce the 8th pick of the 2010 UPL Baseball Draft.

-Chairman (aka O.N. Thugs)