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 The sea life.
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 ) Anything to say to your competitors?
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 Are guys like O’Neill, Ward, Miranda, Abrams, Nootbar, Oscar G really difference makers? Seems like a bunch of guys who do the same thing and do it fairly average to below average. Maybe a few break through to support the big bats, but I am not really seeing it. Just like the way Jeff couldn’t see on Saturday Night.
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-__**Commish’s Prediction: **__ Middle third. Not the best, not the worst, kinda like the house we stayed in
+__**Commish’s Prediction: **__  Middle third. Not the best, not the worst, kinda like the house we stayed in
 __**Mike:**__
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 ) Anything to say to your competitors?\\
 Hard work pays off. And dreams come true. Bad times don’t last. But bad guys do.
+**Commish’s Take: **
+So usually I only look at the draft and not the injuries that affect/effect/whatever it, but this one is impossible, immediately Mike’s team was re-shaped as Altuve’s thumb was shattered in the WBC post draft. It hurts his squad, but with very flexible stat fillers like Mookie and Witt Jr. he may be able to withhold the 2-3 months without the three apples high Altuve.
+{{:smurf2.jpeg?nolink&201x251|smurf2.jpeg}}
+Let’s look at his arms first. Can Cease, Javier, Rodon, Snell be legit number 1’s? Yes, Yes, Yes (with a new arm) and Meh (with a pitch clock). There is enough potential there to get the mouth watering and with a semi-healthy Sale waiting in the wings and a decent bullpen of Robertson, Barlow, and Mike’s boy Karinchak, he shouldn’t be hurting on the D side of things.
+The question really is** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmZjPtXYs_Y|a Rancid lyric, “Do you know where the power lies”]]. **Mike is asking a whole heaping lot from Schwarber and umm..Christen Walker? HR’s could be needed, so hurry back Mighty Mouse from Houston…
+{{https://media.tenor.com/_DJQCDxpU1cAAAAC/mighty-mouse-here-i-come.gif?nolink&298x200}}
+__**Commish Prediction: **__  Top Third, I think Mike can still be in the mix for free eats with those arms, maybe not a title, but maybe, what do I know?!?
+__**SPD: **__
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+On a scale of back sunburns obtained on this trip…from Moon’s being the Mildest, Winston’s being in the middle and mine being the worst I will take mine. Worst isn’t the right term to use though. It stings…my team is gonna sting. Who or what is up for debate.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+Dig this squad a lot, but lots and lots of risky moves/bounce back gambles. Probably about three to many, and that is all in the OF, which could implode and be having an IL party come May.
+One pick I am stoked about is Nola. Had very few scenarios where I got him, but I am proud to have my Ace back with me trying to repeat in Rockem. Also, I feel like this is the first time I ever drafted Kershaw, which probably means his left arm is about to fall off…
+One I would have changed is easily Street Magician Anthony Rendon. Mike took Jung two rounds later and that would have been sexier the move.
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Read the preview. Oh wait…
+) Green or Yellow?
+I can’t even believe that THIS of all things is what is going to rip apart the league…we have been through so much, but the fact that half of you, if not more think that it is Yellow…F*&^ing YELLOW?! I find it hard to swallow, like piss, but not the Green Gatorade, that is my favorite.
+) Stand or Sit?
+I put in my #2 cents on this in the pool. Just be happy I stood so the pool was extra clean, next to you sitters.
+) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?
+So many. Honestly, even when we go to tough places, people have issues with each other and randos, houses get canceled…it is the time that we spend together that is so heartfelt, honest, happy and emotional. I love it all.
+That said, if I had to pick one moment, it would be walking to the WBC through Little Havana and feeling the excitement grow until we entered the stadium. Or the other truly magical moment… “Run Jew Run”.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Read the Prev…oh wait, I already said that…
+__//And now with your guest preview…Mr. Donald McNally//__  :
+I find it interesting that our celebrated Commish and reigning champion asked me to write the preview for his team this year. Can he really be sure that I’ll be objective? Hold no grudges? It was, after all, only six months ago that I had to watch him stumble, fumble and crawl his way across the finish line to Rockem glory - putting an end to my meteoric rise from the ashes and crushing my Rockem dreams.
+{{https://media.tenor.com/Vs9k9ywdW3MAAAAC/donald-duck-mad.gif?nolink&200x151}}
+Yeah.. I got this. So, let’s go!
+I love those first three picks. Vlad Jr is an absolute beast and I obviously have much love for Francisco Lindor. Bo Bichette? Maybe because his name sounds like Boba Fett? Or maybe because his name oddly reminds of Jacqueline Bisset? Or maybe because he’s an excellent ballplayer?
+Whatever the reason - he’s DEAD SEXY.
+{{https://media.gettyimages.com/id/181797696/photo/the-star-wars-character-boba-fett-throws-out-the-ceremonial-first-pitch-before-the-game.jpg?nolink&212x141|media.gettyimages.com_id_181797696_photo_the-star-wars-character-boba-fett-throws-out-the-ceremonial-first-pitch-before-the-game.jpg}}
+{{https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1024991894/photo/english-actress-jacqueline-bisset-circa-1970.jpg?nolink&290x362|media.gettyimages.com_id_1024991894_photo_english-actress-jacqueline-bisset-circa-1970.jpg}}
+Those three gentlemen alone should provide the commish with some pretty tasty offensive stats. We round things out with that OF - Jimenez, Stanton and Buxton (sounds like Buxom - see Jacqueline Bisset above) and the Commish could have some serious pop! I also think that Vaughn was a steal in the 10th round. I’m not crazy about Rendon as the starting 3B but I won’t be too quick to judge. Speaking of not being too quick…?
+{{https://media.tenor.com/fIseSyjMKBEAAAAM/zootopia-sloth.gif?nolink&220x221}}
+I think the reigning champ could probably use a speed upgrade down the line.
+Let’s talk pitching.
+I love Nola. (both the town and the pitcher) Total stud. He and Gausman should rack up the Ks and provide healthily in all the other pitch categories as well. If Kershaw stays healthy and durable and Montgomery comes through? Could create a strong staff!
+(See Jacqueline Bisset above)
+As for the bullpen… this might be the first year I can say that I like my closers better than someone else’s closers coming out of the draft!
+{{https://media2.giphy.com/media/5VKbvrjxpVJCM/200w.gif?nolink&200x160}}
+Nah, SPD’s pen is pretty solid. I just wanted to point out again that I drafted two closers. Haha! Who knows which ones will even have their jobs in a month? At least he’s got the right Diaz…
+{{https://media3.giphy.com/media/jOMrHCcFQYG0o/giphy.gif?nolink&320x246}}
+Prediction: Top 3rd. I don’t think the Commish repeats but I like his chances of not paying for meat he doesn’t eat.
+Commish’s Prediction: Top Third, I think this team can make some noise that isn’t drunk snoring upstairs…
+__**BK:**__
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+I will equate it to the reservation process of the weekend. About a quarter of the way through, I wanted to CANCEL it all. However, despite the delays, cracks, crevices, Neptune's missing trident, glitches, and grime, the full draft (as the weekend) turned out less luxurious than expected, but delivered in many ways.
+) One pick you were stoked about, one you should have changed?
+Stoked: Wander Franco. One of the few targets I actually landed, and I think he does it this year (if not on IL by time of posting).
+Changed: The 4-5 Arozarena-Garcia OF swing. Maybe 'Sand-Rice' and Adolis will fill it up, but it didn't feel strong at the time and there were some real good INF and SPs available.
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Bull handled the swing really well and didn't reach for ALL the young O's.
+) Green or Yellow?
+Yellow. Can't believe this is a debate. If you ask for green Gatorade, you get this:
+{{https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1e4e4deb-72f0-49a3-b964-5d034ba74583_1.e58131ff992e3c4792fca4e198d7d22c.jpeg?nolink&200x200|i5.walmartimages.com_asr_1e4e4deb-72f0-49a3-b964-5d034ba74583_1.e58131ff992e3c4792fca4e198d7d22c.jpeg}}
+) Stand or Sit?
+Sit at the start while things are open for cleaning. Then final wet wipe while standing, if available.
+) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?
+As opposed to a highlight, really, the pleasantness in general was much needed. Poolside chats, Little Havana bar, experiencing a fired up live fanbase (without having personal stake), watching US game as a group - watching Wilson watch US game…
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+The boat has been adrift too long (well, aside from the period where it was sunk).
+__**Commish’s Take:**__
+The Champ just keeps drafting teams that I like, steady across the board and def with a legit shot to win the league. I know I usually work up to predictions with these, but there is not a lot to make fun of here. Safe 1st round stat filler (Jose), Top arm (Sandy), solid combo of power and speed guys (Olson, Wander, Garcia, Gimenez, McCarthy) and a good mix of SP’s (Urias, Triston, Peralta) and CL’s (Duran, Leclerc and maybe Phillips). I think BK’s team is going to be good..blah blah blah. Had a great time with him in Miami…insert joke here..so let’s try something.
+{{https://media0.giphy.com/media/lvOnlEYunAwOkHjgmU/giphy.gif?nolink&320x320}}
+Do people read everyone’s previews? I am not sure, do they just skip to theirs? Who should I test this with, let’s say Fatone. Donny, if you are reading this, text everyone in the league on either chain your favorite hip-hop song with no context.
+So like I was saying, Solid top to bottom, maybe his closers fall apart, maybe Sandy doesn’t get CG’s but as it stands BK is a major player in Rockem 22…unless he starts running through the house with a pickle in his mouth and gets to [[https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-znj7Uf9Oo&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1682101298600044&usg=AOvVaw01kFwQTRHUzhtLpmf0tdNS|“Misbehavin’”]]….
+{{https://media.tenor.com/Rv_bd91I4DIAAAAC/misbehavin-sing.gif?nolink&498x280}}
+Commish’s Prediction: Top 3rd. Can BK win yet another title after the Commish, tossing it back to Rockem 2? We shall see.
+__**Tom:**__
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+On a scale of WBC teams with Nicaragua being 1 and Japan being 10, I feel like my draft is firmly Venezuelan.
+) One pick you were stoked about, one you should have changed?
+I was stoked to get Soto. I was not expecting to get him. I was also stoked about getting Ohtani (Batter). That's two, not one. Fuck you. What of it?
+One I should have changed in Conforto. I was unprepared in that round and it shows. But I did change it. He's gone. And I know that Shawn does not take that into account when he does his previews so he will still give me shit about it. Fuck you. What of it?
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Far and away Jay Vig's. This team is built to win multiple championships - beginning in 2028 (and assuming that Rob Manfred changes the field from a diamond to a triangle, eliminating the need for 2nd base and 2nd basemen).
+) Green or Yellow?
+Green! Of course it's green. Anyone who says otherwise is the filthiest kind of sociopath.
+) Stand or Sit?
+Jesus Christ, Shawn. Go watch a fucking Youtube video or something. Okay, so a stander is actually and literally the filthiest kind of sociopath. Apologies to all of my yellow comrades (it's still green, though, you weirdo dickwads).
+) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?
+I don't know if it's my favorite. It might be? Maybe the most alarming? But here is where I have to type the phrase I would never have guessed necessary before this trip: Cumshot Empanada. There's really no other way to describe it. This was when Wilson attempted a second bite of what all others had discovered to be a far too hot empanada. I don't know what laws of physics or g*d were broken, but a stream of hot, white cheese shot into the air to what had to be Birdie's eye level, then hit the picnic table, ricocheted onto the bench, and smeared foot long stain across the floor. The aftermath looked like a hyper-active spider went days without its Ritalin.
+This. This of all things is almost what killed Catalina. He almost dropped dead of all or any of shock, awe, and an overdose of laughter.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Do I wish I would have won a Rock'em championship? There’s not a day goes by I don’t feel regret. Not because I haven't won, because you think I shouldn't have. I look back on the way I was in Rock'em 1: a young, stupid kid who committed that terrible mistake of joining a fantasy baseball league. I want to talk to him. I want to try to talk some sense to him, tell him the way things are. But I can’t. That kid’s long gone, and this old man is all that’s left. I got to live with that. Championship? It’s just a bullshit word. So you go on and eat from your sushi boat, sonny, and stop wasting my time. Because to tell you the truth, I don’t give a shit.
+__**Commish’s Prediction:**__
+After an epically bad draft from Tom last year, he turned it around a bit…as the Beatles said, “It Can’t Get Much Worse”.
+{{https://media.tenor.com/yx7BuO-i-wsAAAAM/adios-despedida.gif?nolink&220x242}}
+Not drafting a pitcher until the seventh round gave him a pretty well rounded Bat Cave as Soto, Ohtani, Anderson, Bregman, and Teoscar give a good mix of power, avg, sb’s and O’Neill is a sexy wild card who could be great or a waste of a pick. I dig the gamble with a solid base already in place. Not so excited about picks like Escobar, Diaz and Conforto, but they can’t all be wieners.
+{{:4d271d054068971e71ab36c131e5fd69.jpg|4d271d054068971e71ab36c131e5fd69.jpg}}
+Let’s look at the bats to wake up Sal PereZzzzz sorry dozed off. Yawn, Pena, stretch, Kwan, roll over, France, pull up the covers. I will say Walker and Brown are two possible superstars, but will they even start the season in the majors? Not a bad squad, but just a bit dull, and in this wide open year that actually could be a plus…but not in my preview sucka…
+Commish Prediction: Bottom Third. Beats being at the bottom of that filthy pool.
+Vig:
+. Oof. Kevin Garnett was given advice from Jorda and told to retire when "he didn't recognize anything anymore" I never felt more like that in a draft. Nobody made sense and I reached in every direction. I'm hoping I cobbled something together that will keep me away from the basement but more likely than not, I'll go back to my room.
+. I feel like this question is usually the same answer for me. Maybe not. I was stoked to get Anthony volpe because I have been paying attention to him for a while and I think he will be a legit top 5 SS/MI. All the shit I read about him suggested he should go no later than the 8th round. Having said that, I don't know if you guys cared about him at all. He may NOT even start. I probably could have waited another 6 rounds to get him. Maybe more.
+. I dunno. I like em all? I like Wilsons team because it is so chock full of yankees. And Bieber and strider I dont see a clear favorite
+. Not sure what this means but yellow can suck a dick. Reminds me suburbia in the 70s. In a bad way. Green baby green!!!! 420 is comin!!
+. Stand for music Sit for most of the rest
+. It's efficiency haha. And my squeaky toy making screw crew laugh.
+. If there is a summer pool party we can do in NY or CT, WE SHOULD. LOVE U
+Commish’s Take: Back in 2003, your humble Commish drafted Eric Hinske in the 4th round. The pick was notoriously bad, earning an award for the biggest bust to be named after him. However, he was reigning Rookie of the Year…Ladies err Gentlemen, I submit to you, the worst pick in Rockem History, Anthony Volpe in the 7th Round of Rockem 22. Will he make the Opening Day Roster? Doubtful (Editor's Note: Watch me be totally wrong on this, Volpe made the opening day squad). Does he make the majors at all? Hmm maybe? Is he worth the 83rd pick overall? {{https://media.tenor.com/FUItMRhUz3sAAAAM/chapelle-charlie-murphy.gif?nolink&}}
+Listen, I will confess I thought Vig was on to something after his first four rounds, I like all of the picks of Yordan (broken hand), Tatis (cheater), Max (insane) and Woodruff (umm looks doughy?) but Varsho was shaky and then Volpe…the cliff was well and good jumped off of. Tom’s draft last year was straight up Woof, but Vig may top him this year. ADP-
+{{https://media2.giphy.com/media/aRr0zGv8fp1Tuw9Ggr/giphy.gif?nolink&280x158}}
+A collection of very iffy bounce backs (Bellinger, Kimbrel, Ozuna, Suarez) and a bunch of never was (Senga, Vargas, Kelenic, Torkelson) is a brutal combo. Vig’s taking on so much risk he is making Winston’s job look safe…too soon?
+{{http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/get-a-job.gif?nolink&200x150}}
+Commish’s Prediction: Bottom Third, you knew where this one was going, straight to Triple A with Volpe.
+Bird:
+. 86 degrees. Felt very cold about the how the draft would turn out like the pool when we first got to the house but didnt feel like the 104 degrees we try to get the pool to after the draft was over.
+. Luis Castillo as my 2nd pitcher i hope will pay dividends this season.
+. Vig - Rather than punt a category , he chose to punt a position (MI) this year shows we are all playing checkers while he plays chess.
+. From Gatorade via Twitter. Now go get your shinebox!!
+Image not found…(editors note, I am sure it said Green)
+. Sit unless you are an animal.
+. WBC game. Loved the passion and the atmosphere. Wish MLB games were like that.
+. "Run ** Run!!!"
+Commish’s Take:
+While Birdie's team may not be as tasty as Saturday Night Sushi while watching the WBC, he isn’t as bad as that one Salmon Skin roll was. Man, I think I still taste that.
+The snake always makes for reaching, but in overall evaluation, I think Ferrari was pretty restrained. Which, again in a wide open league, could be a plus, but Devers, Tucker, Seager Abreu, Reynolds, Kirk, Arraez, Marte all strike me as safe but not really the kind of guys that win you a league. The arms are a bit more intriguing with Verlander, Castillo, Cortes, Garcia, and Lopez who all could be dynamite, but the bullpen of just Bednar, that facking Mick Finnegan and maybe May weigh it down from reaching elite pitching status to these eyes.
+{{https://media.tenor.com/XD51EcXMDnUAAAAM/salutediscord.gif?nolink&220x257}}
+Commish’s Prediction: Middle Third. Tony Hawk keeps rolling and so may The Legend, but I think he pays for eats in 2023.
+OK, let’s go to the robots and see what they say:
+Birdie’s draft helper who shockingly thinks that Ferrari will win the whole thing.
+Yahoo is a bit different.
+The exclamation point site loves Moon’s bats and thinks Bull and McNally have solid stick as well (doesn’t it seem like Yahoo! Always likes McNally’s squad?!?) It poo-poo’s Vig, Mike and Tom’s offensive. On the pitching side, things are much closer and the purple people eater digs on Jay Vig, Bull and Fatone and is not a fan of Tom, McNally and Moon’s collective staffs.
+Overall, here is how Yahoo! See’s it shaking out and if the robot is right (which it hasn’t been yet), this will be a blow out:
+- Bull 105.5
+- Moon 96
+- Fatone 86.5
+- TIE BK and McNally 80 - .
+- Wilson 79
+- SPD 76
+- Ferrari 73.5
+- Winston 73
+- Mike 70.5
+- Jay Vig 63.5
+- Tom 52.5
+Now what really matters (no, it doesn’t) how the Commish see’s it ending and I would say it is MUCH closer than Yahoo! thinks.
+. Vig
+. Wilson
+. .
+. TIE Moon and Fatone
+. Bird
+. Jeff
+. McNally
+. Tom
+. Mike
+. SPD
+. BK
+. Bull
+I am not sure if I ever picked the same as Yahoo! Let’s check past previews…nah too much work, safe to say if we both picked Bull, there is no chance he wins…
+Thanks for reading, I love you all.