The 4th pick in the 2010 UPL Baseball Draft goes to:
Benver Droncos
History: UPL Regular, who apparently is now in Seoul Korea, enjoying Seoul Food, watching Seoul Train, and driving a Kia Seoul.
Tendencies: Since a 5th place debut in 2005, the Droncos have been mired in a huge slump, finishing last 3 out of the last 4 years.
2009 Result: 12th place
Likely Keepers:
Offense Locks: Justin Morneau, Robinson Cano, Hunter Pence, B.J. Upton, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino
Pitching Locks: J.A. Happ, Scott Feldman, Ubaldo Jimenez, Francisco Cordero, Brian Fuentes
Probable Keepers: Vladimir Guerrero, Marlon Byrd, Franklin Gutierrez, Hank Blalock, Garrett Jones, Kerry Wood, Hiroki Kuroda, Brett Anderson
Strengths and Question Marks:
Offensive Strengths: Morneau is a quality player to anchor offense. Lots of speed with Upton, Rollins, Victorino. Balance to the team, with many players with 12-20 HR potential.
Offensive Question Marks: Unfortunately, the balance on offense will probably lead to mediocre performance, at best. Rate stats will be problematic, as there are many low to mid OBP guys, and not a ton of power. Bounce back year for Upton and Rollins would be very helpful. And being able to move some speed to get back some pitching or power would appear to be a priority.
Pitching Strengths: Some young talent who had good 2009 seasons (Happ, Jimenez, and Feldman). Two potentially elite closers in Fuentes and Cordero.
Pitching Question Marks: If Kerry Wood bounces back, the relief corps could really help in SV and the rate stats, though Fuentes' rate number last year were a little off. The youth (the three mentioned, plus Brett Anderson) needs to come through, and if so this pitching staff would be above average.
2010 Outlook: The offense looks to be average, given the lack of power and rate stats. However, trading speed for power could be a quick way to change the flavor of this team. The pitching looks to be below average, though if things fall correctly, that could push upwards. This team should be in rebuilding mode, and trying to acquire some more young talent, for a run at the podium next year (or more likely, in 2 seasons). This season? Hopefully staying out of the cellar again, but it will be tough to get into the top half of the league. This feels like a 10th place team.
Now, we move into the winners of the 2010 UPL Lottery...
-Chairman (aka O.N. Thugs)
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1 comment:
Get on with the top 3 already!
Oh, and nice analysis all the way around. I think you've got most teams pegged accurately.
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