Rockem Sockem

The Sunshine Draft has been called alternatively “professional”, “sun stroked”, “Stupid”, “Munch Box-y”, “delightful” “Old School Style” and “has to be done again” by various members of the league…safe to say this one was pretty damn great.

Sure they are all good, but we may be getting better with age if that is even possible… with that in mind, welcome to preview 2013

As always I am just dealing with your team as of the draft with my takes; I can’t keep track if you picked up Johnny Hotnuts or slipped the tongue to Malcolm McVultureSave. I am also doing this before I read your response to any of my questions, so any connection is just serendipitous. So in Draft Order…

Jeff:
1.) So I'm leaving the dining room on the cruise ship (5 days after the draft) and I get stuck behind a fairly portly twelve year old boy. He's taking his sweet time getting up the stairs directly in front of us. I think this has mostly to do with the fact that he's fat, but I quickly notice that his pace is being hampered by the fact that he's got his hands out in front of him, palms facing up, and he's balancing an oversized brownie in each hand. Obviously getting these brownies back to his room after eating a thousand chicken nuggets is much more important then my attempt to get to the casino. When I finally manage to finagle my way past him, without disturbing his brownies, I get good look at the little fellow. Something is askew. He's not downsy per se, but something's up with his genetic cocktail. Mental cringe. I could draw about fifty thousand parallels between this experience and my draft.


2.) I'm excited to watch Strasburg pitch as an owner. Ike Davis is my arch nemesis. I wanted to strangle him the first half of last year as a Mets fan.


3.) BK.


4.) Assholes


5.) Wilson sitting up front with the driver of his own personal stretch limo. Hard to choose. I literally have north of 100 amazing, side splitting memories from what was an all around amazing trip.


6 .) 2014


7.) I love you all. Best. League. Ever.


Commish’s Take:
Props need to be given to Jeffe (it means Boss, Jeff) in his record setting picking pace. Put the man in sunshine, give him all the Miami Vice’s he can stomach, the first pick, a little chemical kick and you get a respectable draft time for Rockem Sockem overall. Now lets look at what all those juiced up (normal speed for anyone else) picks did to him…

Wait Wait Wait…Winston took two pitchers in the first 4 rounds?! Are we sure this was Jeff drafting and not the chick who had his phone calling in picks? The amount of pitching on (now the fake) Armenians team is staggering. 12 pitchers drafted? Dude Jeff changed. With those 12 though he is def competing for one of the best staffs in the game anchored by his top 2 Grienke and Strasburg. While there are questions after that, is (Ryu even in the rotation?) the sheer amount of arms should have him up around 3rd place in a lot of pitching categories…so how is the offense? Well…

Pretty damn suspect after Mig Cab. I think the snake played with Jeffe’s mind. He knew the Commish wanted Goldy Schmidt real bad this year (as did others) so he took him early, good call. So then why did he go Ike Davis and Hosmer back to back? Not really sure. I personally like his MI’s wait, Gyorko isn’t going to be 2b eligible…hmm don’t like them so much any more. The Melky pick just feels wrong as does the Cruz pick, both of whom could be suspended or just suck. Gotta say the more I look at this team the less I like it, but Jeff is a top notch manager and a top notch scouter of 7-11 parking lots…like a few people in this league actually.

Prediction- Bottom 3rd. Going to take a lot of luck and Jeff managing his balls off to move this team up to free eats range.

Birdie:
1. With the Miami Vice being the best drink of the trip, the drink I compare my draft to, a Shirley Temple.
2. Glad I got Yu Darvish, think he will have a big year. Should have taken Braun over Trout.
3. McNally, taking 3 catchers with be the innovation everyone follows for years to come, like bill bellacheck running the two tight end offense. haha
4. ruptured eardrums
5. Tossing the football in the gulf, the dropped foul ball at the minor league game
6. Hopefully soon, we should create our own champions and premiereship league formats
7. Good luck


Commish’s Take:
Well Birdie always loves it when I hate on his team, and he gets scared when I actually like it so what will it be? Last year I picked him to win and he came in 4th by an eyelash, not bad but that cost of steak still sticks in his craw I am sure. He was in the lovely cat bird seat having his pick of anyone Jeff didn't want. Surprisingly (to me at least) Trout fell to Bird and he grabbed him over Braun. (Sidenote: Got a feeling if we did this draft 10 times we would have ten different outcomes in the first round)

Trout’s ceiling is immense, but regression could always be in store, same could be said for EE, Birdie seems to be banking his squad on two guys who jumped the most draft spots between last year and this year…and a bunch of Old dudes. Rollins, Aramis, Morneau, Berkman, Hafner…this team kicks ass!!! If the year is 2008, Hey-Now!

On the pitching side of things He grabbed 2 studs in Felix and Yu but then went old again with Beckett, Nathan and Burnett. Also the injury bug preseason has struck No Run Support with Marcum and Motte battling early season dings.Some nice late picks (Lind, Garcia, Peralta) could help save things, but safe to say Bird is going to like this prediction…

Prediction: Bottom 3rd. Just don’t think the Old guys give Trout enough of what he needs…more seasoning…mm seasoned Trout, delicious.

BK:
1) Rating: I will call it my THURSDAY NIGHT of Rockem' Weekends.
Start out with warm greetings from old friends, refreshing conversation, and aesthetic scenery…………quickly precipitate to darkness, injury, and embarrassment.


2) Stoked for Matt Harvey in 10th. Knew I would have to reach for him, but felt no consternation that would normally adhere to reaching for a pitcher that will be lucky to get 10 wins for these Metropolitans.


Changing Scutaro in the 16th. I panicked when the next 6 middle infielders I had listed dropped off the board in that swing. PLUS, with hindsight, I would have taken Casey Janssen there and Kenley Jansen on the swing - creating my new team name of Janssen&Jansen - possibly sparking a household product team name trend. Damn, Scutaro ruined everything!


3) Impressed: I think the boat will be docking in LIC with Bull's team (even if he's not there, yet).



4) The Duo (DaZ): Drowning amongst Zephyrs.
In reference to the volume and idiot wind.


5) Standout moment: Destroying my lungs, but filling my soul: late-night beachtime with Tom and McNally.
Honorable mention - talking to an old-timer who pitched against Harmon Killebrew while at the Twinkie-Yanks game.


6) Next Spring Training Draft: The spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak. That said, next year?


7) The boat continues to enjoy its harbor.


Commish’s Take:
The champ is here…well until we figure out how not only to tear his ACL but also make him incapable of drafting another winner. Seems like an impossible task. How do you even give a prediction to a kid who just keeps on winning? __Last year I said__ he would finish in the bottom third how facking wrong I was…

This year C-town welcomes back the PED laced Ryan Braun. When it comes out that Braun has been cheating can we strip BK of his title? Anyways…Braun is a beast and yet again BK pairs him with Reyes, why change? He gets D Double’s in the third to solidify his bats. The young upstart Rizzo is going to big in Chi-town, I got questions about Hill, but Beltran Aoki and Morales will all be solid this year for BK with the stick and steals. No real weaknesses there barring major injuries or Braun suspension which I am doubting happens.

On the pitching side things stay top notch. I think Lee bounces back to Cy Young territory and while Dickey can be Tricky!!! Zimmerman looks like an old reliable already, I mean he throws as fast as a retiree, Again!. The young arms of Harvey and Estrada are very enticing so is his bullpen of Holland and Grilli assuming they keep those high K rates…Beachy for the W’s when he is healthy…Jesus H Tap Dancing Christ!


Prediction: Top 3rd. Whole New Year, Part of the same old squad, def same old Champ…Four-Peat, has Pat Riley trademarked that yet? Fifth Overall Title is in BK’s sights.


Moon:
1.I successfully brought “Partly Cloudy” to the Sunshine state.
2.Thought Cole was a steal in the 5th. Feel like the wheels came off in 8-10 taking Gallardo (wanted Sale) and Pedro Alvarez/Yadi when I was targeting Harvey
3.Rhinos all Twitter team – @TheCUTCH22. @Bharper3407. @SimplyAJ10.
4.Peaches and Herb – don’t know why, but it was the first thing to come to mind.
5.Stand outs include not breaking 60 MPH on the radar gun (shoulder still hurts), Don drafting from nap time, taking pool breaks between picks and of course the search for Jeff’s phone
6.Every year if you ask me, which you did
7.Win or lose life is better with baseball


Commish’s Take:
Ever since I first saw Moon-diggy consuming heapings of raw Hot-dogs on the 6th floor at 3-5 Washington Place I knew this man had a love of the Meat. Insert your own cliche, boring eating meat joke here. After taking the no-brainer Cano at 4 he went back to huge possible upside OF’s with Hamilton + Cespedes and the mastodon like Allen Craig.

I just wanted to post some music into this preview…as a good a time as any..
Gotta say these picks probably make him or break him. All of us love the sweet swing of Hamilton, but how does it play in LA? Relapse time? Must confess right now I watched the A’s play maybe 4 times all year (and I watch a lot of baseball) so I don’t have a good handle on Cespedes…but he does have PED’s in his name. Graig is injury prone (like Hamilton) I know the experts love him but I was staying away. If this trio clicks Moon can be miles ahead in Offense, but I got a feeling he will be saying….Wha Happened?!?

On the Pitching side of things, I think Moon got the overall steal of the draft with Cole Hamels in the 5th round. I am thinking at the end of the season there will be no better value pick then that among the top 60 players taken. He anchors a staff that is semi formidable. Gallardo Parker and especially Bailey can all produce like 1a starters, well I think Bailey can be even better, but he needs to, you know, actually do it one of these years. The down side to Moon’s staff is that he doesn’t have a real Closer at the moment all though I think Frieri will be dope all year long. An enigma of a puzzle of a team…

Prediction: Bottom 3rd. Love the man, hope to hit Chicago this year, not sold on his team

Mike:
1)How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?


On an SPF scale of 0-50, I’d give myself about a 30. Started off great but probably should have reapplied around the 11th or 12th round.


2) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? 




In retrospect, I was really stoked about Chris Sale(sorry again Moon) if only because this year I wanted to be less rigid about sticking to a “plan” and react more to guys who were falling. I think the past few drafts I’ve been terrible at making adjustments and this was definitely an adjustment pick.


Evereth Cabrera in the 14th? Oy.


3) Whose team are you most impressed with?


I think we should all phone in for the drafts from now on. I’m going Stallions on this one. Solid O #’s, Dream Weaver and Gio, with some pretty elite closers. I would love Dan Uggla as my MI!


While we were all at the pool laughing and joking, Jay Vigliucci was at the draft cooking and smoking.


HONORABLE MENTIONS: Wilson, Bird


4) Creatively name of the Duo who forced us out of our draft spot?


“Buttley Assface and His Off-Key Wife.”


5) What part of The Sunshine Draft stands out most to you?


Two words. The. Cottage.


It was like a Zeta Psi party circa ‘95 mixed with Spring Break circa… ’95, as well… boy, ‘95 was pretty facking great!


But it was fantastic. Live band? Birthday party? Birthday parties?!? I felt like everyone was in high gear and it was amazing to see. My fav parts were walking around to catch just a glimpse or two of all the separate mayhem… and of course, the separate literary conversations.


I had to stop doing shots at one point because I wanted to make sure it was all being saved to long-term memory.


HONORABLE MENTIONS: Limo-Pissin’, commandeering a pirate ship at 7-11
6) How soon are we doing another Spring Training Draft?


As soon as possible. I’ll go back now if we still have time before the season starts.


7) Anything To Say to your competitors?


You don’t know my family.


Commish’s Take:
Mike and I may have switched spots this year, Pre-Draft I found out how little prep work and planning Mike had done…this frightens me cause a Loosey Goosey Ducky Wucky Mike is a dangerous Mike, as dangerous as Heisenberg…


Is this the year Mike Knocks?
Ryniec may have been hurting physically come draft time, but the pick of the Puj helps heal things real quick. Doubtful he is worse than last year and last year he was ranked 33 overall. If Heyward breaks out Mike is in the money because Bruce will probably be pushing 35+ dongs…I think that is the name of this league!! Oh god, that was weak, I apologize. Adrock may have to apologize to his team physician with all his 3b injuries. Headley could be huge, but the thumb is kinda needed to hit. The Howard pick could be sneaky good but he probably could have waited a round or two, if he delivers though Mikes power question marks (really the only ones he has on offense) will go away.

You know the LA Law’ed one always has a good collection of arms. He waited late this year but still managed a rotation of Wainwright, The Nazi, Sale, and Minor. Very Very Impressive that last round Alex Cobb grab was something special too, my favorite of the 24th. Along with Papelboner, Street and Perez Mike has one of the deepest penetrating Staff’s ever to dig in at the Munch box…not bad 5 reviews in before a staff or munch box joke. So I google something for Much Box, and here I am thinking I would get Porn, but there are apparently tons of Munch Box Restaurants out there…huh I guess my 6th grade mind is the childish one here…

Anyways… he will probably lead the league in transactions, but will he lead the league where it matters most?!!?

Prediction: Middle 3rd. Kinda see a mixed bag of Chex Mix for AdRocking Ryniec this year Not far from heaven but a little too close to having to pay to eat.


Bull:

96 out of 100 Hooters Wings


2) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? 



Kershaw: Seriously was considering him in the 1st round, “stoked” he was around in the 2nd.

Posey: Catcher was so deep….didn't want him there but I thought he could be my CI…..then watched Don take 7 Catchers and gave up that strategy.


3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

Florida Gulf Coast University


4) Creatively name of the Duo who forced us out of our draft spot?

Spotted Dick

5) What part of The Sunshine Draft stands out most to you?

Rolling up to the game in a limo….. failing to catch a pussy pop up foul ball…….no one topping 60 on the gun……rolling away in limo.

6) How soon are we doing another Spring Training Draft?

Arizona: Next year.


7) Anything To Say to your competitors?

I like turtles!

Commish’s Take:
Whoever bet the under on Bull lasting 5 minutes before a Munch Box joke collect your prize money at the window. Bull seemed in his element drafting down in Florida which is odd for pasty looking 7 foot dofus.


On the drafting side of things the refugee’s just may be the most balanced squad around. The offense is buoyed by the ever awesome Votto with Buster Posey behind the plate. Can Buster win another combo of World Series/Rockem Sockem Eets A Boat this year? With the likes of 20-20 threats Car-Goes-Mez Zobrist and Desmond he has a shot. The other name that jumps out is David Ortiz. If healthy that could be the overall steal of the draft, but health is not on Bull’s side now, Ortiz, Crawford, Panda, Rios, Granderson, Quinten are all fighting injuries NOW! Also all are at least kinda as injury prone as you can get. This could sap bulls sperm at some point soon, good thing he already had a kid.

Pitching wise Bull is Top Heavy with Kershaw and Cain providing the best 1-2 punch of any of the starters. Then comes some question marks with Lynn and Morrow, but Bull is going to be very active at least in trade requests as he is loaded with closers. It is probably too close to call but the usual suspect Bull and Ryneic will be high up on all Pitching stats again. Will that be enough though? Where will the Scarlet Pimpernel be overall?

Prediction: Top 3rd. Probably a slow start with the injuries, but I think Bull gets a little extra formula for Winston “Muddy” Walters because he won’t be paying for dinner when all is said and done. (oh and Bull great answer to the last question, I love the vid…and here is a bonus pic:



Wilson:
1)How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
Better than riding in the front seat of the Commissioner's stretch Hummer

2) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? 


I wondered about Bryce Harper in the second round. If the monstrous early returns hold up, I'll never question an impulse again. Justin Smoak…what was I thinking putting Smoak and Seager (the hopeless Mariners duo) at the corners?

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?
Who else? BK's. The Dude's in first place and the season isn't even out of April. There isn't even the pretense of competition…although I must thank him for helping me pick Salvador Dali at catcher…that would NOT have occurred to us.

4) Creatively name of the Duo who forced us out of our draft spot?
“No Winston, we won't stop singing Karaoke for $200.” or “Harvest Moon Twice…and not Jay.”

5) What part of The Sunshine Draft stands out most to you?
Probably the part where my plane was on time, I was picked up from the airport in a stretch Hummer, got to sit in the front seat of said Hummer, was promptly delivered to a baseball game, where I sat ten rows behind home plate, drank extremely cold beer and caught - for all narrative purposes - a foul ball pitched by I. Nova, and was then safely delivered to a beachside resort, this time in the back of the Hummer just to switch up the experience, and having all of this happen inside of four hours without experiencing any financially or emotionally-ruinous interactions with the law. It was also pretty cool eating multiple breakfasts the day after, and not being charged for either. The trick is to sit down with one set of Rockem Colleagues who are already eating, and then switch tables when other Rockem Colleagues enter and start doing their thing. Just smile, switch tables and re-order…the waitress thinks you're a mirage. Also, the Gods were particularly kind in forcing a run in with that elderly snowbird couple who drove me and the Water Ghost to the airport. I'll tell you…I've ridden with a lot of private citizens in my day. Why pay? Why not just use a little “awe shucks” American charm and get your mileage honestly? They're going there anyway. They want it too. Anyway, when I got in that car, and then saw Don run up out of nowhere and jump in, looking equally shocked to see me - having made totally separate arrangements of the same nature…in that moment I've never felt more “a part of something larger than myself” in my life. That moment hit me as Easter strikes devout Christians. It said it all. In Rockem, we're the kind of people who make alternate arrangements.

6) How soon are we doing another Spring Training Draft?
When Lil Jon and Missy Elliot return with Jeff's phone

7) Anything To Say to your competitors?
I will tell you all what I told the bartender: “Of course my name is Shawn Patrick Donohue, you hick, put it on my room.”

Commish’s Take:
It seemed too hot in FLA for Soup, but this Campbell's kid drafted a hell of a team. Wilson had one of the happiest draft experiences of his life (I think) limos, foul balls and drafting next to BK. Seriously if Neezer does as well as I think he will I want BK to draft in an isolation booth next year, but I am getting ahead of myself.

His bats? Well 3 OF’s in the first three rounds, I wouldn't have thunk it going in, but these three picks could seal all the O categories for W. Harper is going to be first round for the next ten years, Jones is primed for a career year and I haven’t even talked about his first pick The Dread Pirate. Willingham, Altuve, Freeman are just icing on the Spearmint Rhino horn…if anything speed could be an issue, but I doubt it.

On the arm side of things I see a reasonable, well thought out, strategy…adjectives and thoughts I would never associate either of those come Wilson on Draft day. CC, Wilson, Latos are reliable sociable arms that will chat up Hooters Girls and Cottage waitresses with the best of them. With Putz in the back end (teehee) his closers look serviceable, and I can’t believe I am going to say this….

Prediction: Top 3rd. The Spearmint Rhinos will be saving that money for g-strings…

Vig:
1) Being sober was a revelation. I think I may try to keep it that way in the future. I don't know if I have the best team and I probably don't. There are a few of us that need to discover someone outta nowhere and have other guys turn in banner years in order to find separation. Having said that, I think I drafted the best that I ever have. Still room to grow but I felt as if I didn't make too many lazy mid round picks and that is what historically has killed me.
ANDY PETTITTE!!! FOREVAHS!!!


2) Oddly enough Old Man Konerko is who I was happiest to get. Talking to Tom about it, every year I expect him to not do what he does but every year he still shows up very Konerko-y.
Jared Weaver is a little light on the Ks and his velocity has dropped more than I thought. I probably SHOULD have gone after Hamels or just gotten another big stick


3)I like Wilson and Birdie's teams. Wilson in particular.


4) Faggotmouths


5) Not being there sits pretty strong with me. I realize that my life is no more important than any of yours. You all make it happen no matter what. It astounds me. Can't let that happen again. If we wanted to venture to Chicago mid season for wiffle ball or anything like that, I won't let work or financial obligations get in the way. It's not fair to all the papas. Of which there are many. You're all the greatest


Happy everyone had so much fun though!


6) Two years? I would love to do something off the grid for rockem XV though…


7) The cellar is nice and warm. No matter how cold it got (16 degrees last season), I never felt imprisoned entirely. This is a fighting league! Fight!!


Commish’s Take:
The only one who didn't get a tan on draft day (Unless the Harlem Housing Crew decided to install tanning beds) the large ‘lucci put together a spicy meatball of a squad. Going LA heavy (I thought you hated that town!) early could help J or it get him slapped like Rihanna.

Kemp in a revamped Dodger lineup could reap huge numbers and is worthy of the pick here swinging him around with TT Boy is a risky pairing that could win a league like this (meaning the best)…or……Kemp’s shoulder still hurts and Tulo is out 4 months with a toe cramp, can’t tell, but I am leaning towards the second option. The drafting of Weaver 3rd caused the first of many head scratches from Vig, but if the DreamWeave II “The Revenge” can outperform CC, Grienke, Lee, Hamels, Cain, Wainwright who were all drafted post-Weave I will look silly. For the rest of the bats the Italian Stallion looks well rounded with solid producers Pence, Konerko and Pedroia getting involved and rounding out the squad. SHOCKINGLY this is the first year I don’t see J taking the lead with SB’s…a rarity. In fact he may need to trade for steals.

Vig has perhaps the 2 best closers in the game with Soriano and Chapman to go with Axford so saves shouldn't be that much of a concern for him starting out. His starters seem all risk and reward with Gio (Biogenisis?!?) Josh Johnson (Constant Injury) Petitte (498 year’s old) but a solid (and under appreciated) Kuroda could help out. Vig has potential here if everyone clicks and stays healthy…

Prediction: Bottom Third. …I can’t see everyone clicking staying healthy and that is the big thing. If they do this team jumps into the free eats conversation but Tulo, Johnson, and aging bats don’t say 162 games.

McNally:

1. On a 4 STAR scale, I give my draft… 11 Miami Vices.
2. Madison Bumgarner is a stud. I picked Danny Haren with me heart! And I imagine me heart will be broken…
3. Really? BK, obviously… mostly because Brian “House Money” Kelly decided to bring the Mets back together!
4. The Harvest Moon Players
5. Jeff Winston's quick picks?!
6. Next year.
7. Its my tenth anniversary… so, I'll just say THANK YOU.

Commish’s Take:
The Hat and Glasses man…who decided to leave it all behind this year at the Tiki Bar came out with a pretty drunk team…lets give it a look-see.

The first of 2 Tigers taken it is hard to hate on Verlander, and I won’t. The best pitcher in the game, and all signs point to him doing it again in 2013. Drafting 65 catchers though? I can hate on that…nah nah nah, McNally did a good job drafting backstops, Jake Taylor is still on the board though:

Holliday, Fowler and Werth make a decent OF, but I am not sure where the beef is…Then again his arms look pretty fucking legit.

Mr. Kate Upton will run stuff, (seriously props for Verlander this chick is legit, and it gives me a reason to post these:


but Maddy Bum, Peavy and Haren will be the toast of the town too (well maybe not Haren so much)…I wouldn't say this normally but Donny’s Staff looks Stout! Eww…..His Relievers are…ha!!! Don, Relievers? are you joking? The Water Ghost believes that Jesus Saves, he has no need for closers….

Prediction: Middle 3rd. I think Don will slip and slide his way to a mid table finish, no free eats, but no shame either. Same can’t yet be said for the Water Ghost persona…

Shawn:
1)How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
On the scale of frozen beach cocktails I am going to go Mango Daiquiri. I always seem to go for the Mango mix when I am sipping frozen ‘nuciousness on the beach, it is the flavor I want, shoot for, and consume. This draft pretty much went to plan (minus the end bits) but when all is said and done there is probably a better team out there, just like that Miami Vice Drink….

2) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? 


Stoked, that word kinda fits this year with the beach motif. I will say Szjamdriasimcdnf or however you spell that former Tight End (teehee) from Notre Dame’s name. Seriously, I think umm The Shark, will have a top 10 pitching season this year for Rockem when all is said and done…depending on those Cubbie W’s I guess.

Changed, Well any of my late picks of rookies who aren’t even making the club in the first few months. I am building the best team possible…for 2016. I will say Bundy particularly though because I literally thought he was older than 20 and would be in the O’s rotation…whooops.


3) Whose team are you most impressed with?
Read the Previews!!!
4) Creatively name of the Duo who forced us out of our draft spot?
Mad Dog and Cunty Woman.

5) What part of The Sunshine Draft stands out most to you?
Jesus I loved the whole damn thing. Limos, Dumb Floridians, Munch Box, Hooters, Catch on the Beach, The Tiki Bar, The Maid Peeping in my window every time she walked by, The Stadium, The Foul Ball, Wilson Drafting Matt Weiters 8 times, Before you guys got there all the fucking… Too me this one had no downside, Jeff even found his phone.

6) How soon are we doing another Spring Training Draft?
Kind of a serious question but I wanted to get peoples opinion on this one. Honestly I wouldn't mind making this an every few year kind of thing I was that impressed. I wouldn't even mind keeping it exactly the same (maybe checking out the Red Sox next time) because the combo of Beach and Baseball really works for me. It screams that summer is almost here after the shatty winter and juices me up.

I had mentioned doing Cooperstown for a draft but there would have been snow on the ground up there this year, should make that an all-star trip or something instead. I am down to check out any other cool combos off Beach and Baseball__off this list__ before all the teams move to Arizona….hmmm Cactus draft!!!

7) Anything To Say to your competitors?
Read the Previews!!!!!


Guest Reviewer Mike Ryniec’s Take:
My flight from LA left at 1:20am. I didn’t even know there were flights at that time? But there you have it. To get to Fort Myers I had to do a twisted red-eye that only began at 1:20am. But after a three-hour stopover in Dallas, a second flight, and an hour and a half cab ride from the airport I was getting close.

My pace quickened as I walked through the Outrigger with a backpack and a duffel bag on my shoulder, in jeans and a hoodie that were as traveled and worn out as me. And then I saw him. I saw The Commish. He was standing at the Tiki Bar with the ocean and beach behind him, in trunks, with a cocktail in hand.

And I tell ya fellows, only if he had been sanding a boat or had the chessboard at the ready could this moment have felt any more like the ending of The Shawshank Redemption!

The Shawnshank Redemption?

“You remember the name of the town, don’t you Red… (whispers to himself) Fort Myers Beach…”

I was amped to see Shawnee Dufresne, my friend.

In honor of that magical moment, I offer you a review of his draft. To be read in the voice of Morgan Freeman…

—- “I remember thinking how can anything good come from the back of the draft this year. You need a Trout. Or a Braun. Or a Mig Cab.

But we don’t decide where we draft. Fate does. Fate and some cards pulled out of a hat in downtown Manhattan. It was there that Shawn Donohue found himself at the 10 pick. And the back of the draft.

I don’t know how he did it. But Shawn put a together a squad that just may take that leap towards the top. The top and a sushi boat.

Taking Prince Fielder in the 1st round is just about as solid as it gets. Taking two 3B’s back to back? Well, that is The Commish. Fearless. No real concern for filling a position when there is a better player on the board.

The offense looks balanced. Speed. Power. The real question here is Hanley Ramirez and his injured thumb. Shawn might find himself crying out what I’ve heard so many great men cry out before – ‘if only there were more middle infielders. If only there were more middle infielders.’ But lets believe that Hanley is 20/20, if not for just a while longer. And that Shawn’s offense will stand up.

Now, I wish I could tell you that Matt Moore and Jeff Smardzija can anchor a staff, and that each will take a step forward to elite status this year.

I wish I could tell you that. But Rock’em Sock’em is no fairy-tale world.

With Vogelsong and Kennedy and a couple of hotshot NA prospects, this is where Shawn’s season lies. The pen will be there. Mo Rivera. Wilhelmsen. And Jansen is a closer even if the Dodgers don’t know it yet.

There is potential here. Potential to be great.

The perfect draft position didn’t matter for Shawn. He made it work. No matter the pick, we are all lords of creation. And in fantasy, as in life, the same words hold.

Get busy drafting, or get busy dying.

Or something like that.”

GUEST PICK’EM: Middle 3rd, with a real chance for the top if the young guns on the P side of life can elevate and dominate.

Tom
1)How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?


On a scale of non-karaoke karaoke with one being “Sweet Emotion” and 10 being silence, I think my team is “Harvest Moon”. Whether it is the first or second rendition of “Harvest Moon” will be determined once the season gets underway.

2) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? 



I was pretty happy to get the Adrian Gonzalez/David Price package with the Round 3&4 wrap-around.

I never like to see Garrett Jones on my team. Yet here he is again.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

I don't actually believe that I'm going to say this but Wilson's line up looks pretty good. His pitching is a little suspect but he could make some noise if things fall right.

4) Creatively name of the Duo who forced us out of our draft spot?

The Angel & Vagabond

5) What part of The Sunshine Draft stands out most to you?

Draft day itself. A perfect day weather-wise and even though we were run out of the thatch hut by Comic Book Bad Guys, the move inspired the well needed pool participation.

6) How soon are we doing another Spring Training Draft?

I'll need to confer with my schedule and my wallet.

7) Anything To Say to your competitors?

Congratulations, BK.


Commish’s Take:
I didn't know Tom was a carnivore but his love of meat is evident with his first three picks. Going for big bopping bats Giancarlo and Joey Bats puts Tom in the envious position of having two guys who could hit 40 home runs with ease, no other team can boast that. Going back for a second helping of Adrian Gonzalez this year proves Galbowski ain’t scurrred when it comes to last years under-performers…

I think that 2012 was a fluke for A-Gone and he will be back to mashing in Dodgertown. Side note, Vin Scully is the greatest thing ever, yes I put this in Tom's post for a reason.
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Other bats get a little dicey for Tom and I thinks he will need his big power three to produce if he has a chance. Phillips is decent but 15/15 is about his ceiling, I am not sold on Middlebrooks and Ichiro is well past the point of producing (unless some Bronx magic enters his veins). He will also need Stubbs to steal every time he gets on to contend with SB’s, not sure I like much of that O outside of Gian-Carl-OOOOO.

The arms are another story, Price Cueto and Halladay as a third starter ain’t to fricking shabby. If Doc turns it around this will be the best staff in the league…unfortunately, I feel like Tom’s Big Brother is done-zo. Some rich closers will have him contending for the Rolaids Relief title and if he gets lucky with the Skaggs pick he could be onto something with the arms. Where does that leave us?

Prediction: Middle Third. I just see Tom having a frustrating year this go around and missing out, as one of his big 3 fails to produce. This team is the one I am finding the hardest to get a handle on in the preseason though.

Fatone:
| 1)How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
On a scale of these nuts, I would rate my draft a Beltre, no way the worst of the lot and solid enough I think I'm eating free.

2) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed? 


Even though I like to bypass the closer dance I was stoked to scoop Kimbrel in the sixth so none of you can have him, but deep down I like what he's going to do for my era whip and k's, maybe ill make a trade and contend for saves. For some reason I liked shields early but clearly there were better players in the board. Hopefully KC is for real and JS can run up his wins.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?
I'm thinking toms team, if I don't win this and BK doesn't make it 4 in a row I like toms chances

4) Creatively name of the Duo who forced us out of our draft spot?
The Dodgers

5) What part of The Sunshine Draft stands out most to you?

The atmosphere, outdoor draft and sunshine all made for a perfect draft location for RS. Well done commish!


6) How soon are we doing another Spring Training Draft?

Within the next two years

7) Anything To Say to your competitors?
Good luck gents, enjoy the season and look forward to seeing you all as much as possible.
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Commish’s Take:
Fatty rode that snake like it was a Harley and he was on his way to the Beached Whale…Was I imagining things or were their bikes outside that joint? Memory is a bit hazy regarding that night. He seemed confident, prepared and sure his team will be as bad ass this year as Clay Morrow, do I agree?

Well somewhat. I love the Upton Beltre 12-13 move, but not so enamored he went back to the Upton well and thought Billy Butler was a sexy man…eww.

Don then went on a white guy run after the BB love, the likes of which we haven't seen since Bull's Hitler Youth Draft of 2004. Fatty took 6 and half honkeys in a row…Jeter’s black dad got in the way of making it a magnificent 7. Out of those crackers most were pitchers, but Trumbo could be a big stick. Speed shouldn't be an issue with the Italian as Pierre and Maybin could be real producers this year with Pierre batting a top of a no name Marlin lineup and Maybin swinging in San Diego…umm on second thought after typing that he may need some help there.

As far as arms go, Fatty is banking on Shields producing, I may take my money out of that bank and invest it somewhere else…Kimbrel is a nice pick with the Braves looking to contend in the NL East so the saves should be plentiful…If Mitchell Boggs keeps the job Don could have the two best closers in the NL, who would have thunk it?! Bounce back is the key to Don’s starters and I think he has some ripe candidates with Lester and Linceum. Hmmm maybe Don’s got a shot at this thing…

Prediction: Top 3rd. I think Don has a solid squad and contends for free eats until the end, but what do I know….which leads to:


Overall prediction:
Here’s way I say the patented sentences and I seriously mean them (Except that we all know BK will probably win again):

The league is waaaay too tight, injuries and breakout seasons are what will decide this year’s champ.

It will come down to the final days like always and something weird will probably decide the title and who eats for free.

I seriously believe anyone can win this thing…and the great thing is, someone will.