Rockem Sockem

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====== 2023. Rockem Sockem 22 Preview: ======

Ahh Florida…thankfully I think Rockem is done with visiting the wang of the United States. Spring Training, World Baseball Classic, that sums it up. Hassles all around, league members on the precipice of life changing events, yet through it all I heard multiple times from all different people how happy they were to be in this, together. **__//THAT //__**  makes it all worth it my friends. So much love to you all, because for every racist uber driver we come across there is a friendly guy selling you street meats who doesn’t speak english.

Onto the preview. This is the most wide open draft and the most wide open MLB has been in our 22 years. No consensus anywhere, could be 100% wrong with my views below and I would not be shocked if the team I pick to finish 12th wins the whole thing; it is going to be a fun year of baseball.

Noticing anything familiar? I just copied and pasted that from last year, just changed 21 to 22. It is even more wide open this year. Injuries are already playing a role (Thanks WBC!) and breakouts will happen like a teenager after a pizza party.

On top of all that uncertainty we have rules changes for 2023. Will lefty averages shoot through the roof, will SB totals rival Vince Coleman? Will absolutely nothing change?!? Can’t wait to watch it with you guys as the season plays out.

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 not going off past managerial performances either…some of you have taken August off in previous seasons. I am also doing this before I read your responses to my questions, any connection is just serendipitous. In Draft Order…

__**Bull:**__

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

En Fuego…..like Shawn’s back after day one in Miami

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

Burnes/Cole on the snake. Never a scenario I considered ever…..but the obvious choice at the time. It changed the draft for me because it forced me to go all offense and not upset with any of my choices for the next 12 rounds. Should have taken Brusdar before Lang……but oh well.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

I’m cheating off Bird. Definitely Vig’s team. He broke the apps that Jay Moon and I were using by punting positions.

4) Green or Yellow?

Stupid question. Gators are green

5) Stand or Sit?

Stupid question. There’s a toilet seat for a reason.

6) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?

The sea life.

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7) Anything to say to your competitors?

That was actually one of the most enjoyable drafting experiences in league history. On point and tight…..6 hours. Long live Puddin’head Wilson and Chief Beef O’Queef!

__**Commish’s Take:**__

The pudd'nhead lover himself opened up the draft with the envious #1 pick and bet the farm on the giant Judge. Could have gone a few ways, all have risk/reward but I think he was really looking at his first snake with the Judge grab as he went Pitch-Pitch to have a power bat and two great arms to feast on.

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Behind Judge, Cole and Burnes, Bull went for 2 options, fairly steady producers (Albies, Correa, Lowe) and Orioles (Rutschman, Gunnar, Santander, Mateo). Hey man, we give sh!t to Vig and Wilson for picking Yanks, Bull’s team should just move into Camden yards…this could the right year to do it though, because none of those picks look like a stretch..If a few later picks like Baez return to form, look out for Big Bull…or if the O’s implode, welcome to Bodymore Murderland.

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On the arms side Burnes/Cole/Ray make a strong push for best Staff here with Gilbert and old man Wainwright (he didn’t retire?!) rounding out starters. He also got a lock down closer with Clase and some longer shots Lange and Cancer Man Hendricks. Overall Bull is looking pretty primped up, just like an empanada cumshot…eww.

__**Commish’s Prediction:**__  Top 3rd. Can the 1st pick win two years in a row? Bull is gonna damn well try.

__**McNally:**__

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

Much like my cab driver on the way to the house… I made a few wrong turns along the way.

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

I know this answer isn't usually one's first pick, but I'm pretty stoked about Turner. I wanted him and definitely thought Bull was taking him.

I would change any one of the 7 or 8 injured players I drafted.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

Bull. A lot of balance there.

4) Green or Yellow?

Yellow. But you should be buying Orange.

5) Stand or Sit?

I sit. But I don't really care as long as we're talking front to back. Those other people are the real animals.

6) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?

- The quiet, peaceful beer and smoke I had by the pool solo waiting for you guys to return from the game. Just waiting for it all to happen!

- The late night hanging with those of you who stayed up after the game. (Thank you, Mr Catalina)

- The walk to the store with Big Bull.

7) Anything to say to your competitors?

Much love, hugs & kisses… now gimmie that damn trophy!

__**Commish’s Take:**__

This was the first year I put the players in during the draft so I was a bit more focused on working than d!cking around and I thought Donny had a proper squad. Then, in the cold light of doing the preview the following week, it seems every player Don drafted is hurt/Day to Day…aren’t we all?

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Even without the injury worries, I am a bit confused about McNally’s cast of players. He flew in late with a 12 pack and no backpack, was up all night chit chatting with Catalina, and dove in with a pretty solid 1-2 of Turner/Riley and then gambled on deGrom. Not bad, Not bad at all, Robert, Springer and Marte, should be a solid OF, A bit weak up the MI (teehee) but OK at the corners with Chapman and Cron.

For arms Fried, Glasnow, Bassitt, Gonslin on paper should work but injuries already are scary. His best move may be his new dance craze, The Hesley Presley Bullpen Hip Shake sweeping the nation, wait Don drafted 2 Closers!??! It is the apocalypse…Honestly, this team confuses me the most, I had no idea where to put them.

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__**Commish’s Prediction:**__  Middle Third. When I am confused by a team I usually slap them in the middle, I can see Don winning or 12th, so let’s split the difference.

__**Fatone:**__

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

- FAF! Lots of new names on the squad, I feel like more than ever, excited to see how it pans out.

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

- Excited to watch Ohtani pitch for Dogzilla, hope to get out there and watch him pitch live. The game vs Toronto last weekend was nuts, so much fun and wild to come down to Trout and Ohtani with a chance to win in extras. Also stoked I held out for a catcher and didn’t pull the trigger early. Really struggled with tounfs 10-12, not anyone I really regret but felt like I was screwing that up.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

-Toms, that’s a real solid start to the draft. Would love to see another first timer this year.

4) Green or Yellow?

-Red. But I think it leans way more yellow than green.

5) Stand or Sit?

-Sit mostly but have been mixing it up the last few months.

6) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?

-Man I hate to miss these but glad many of you got together and had a blast. F Miami!

7) Anything to say to your competitors?

-Good luck peeps, love you all!

__**Commish’s Take:**__

Unfortunately there is a live warrant out for Fatty in FLA so he couldn’t join in person (smart man) and drafting remotely hasn’t worked for him yet…well either has drafting in person!!!

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But seriously folks, tip your waiters and wif-fi providers. There are two teams this year that just feel meh to me. Again, I could see them winning, but I don’t think they will and this is the first. I guess a lot has to do with Acuna. He is back to mega star status? I need to see it first. Ohtani pitch is good, but were there better options (Cole, Burnes) on the board? Nolan, X-man, Rhys as ‘big’ bats? (Editor's note: Sorry Rhys) not the most boner inducing. Vinnie Paisano and Nick the Greek are good mobsters, but one note bats…

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Wait a second, this Don drafted multiple closers as well??! Jesus, it really is the end of days…Well it has been fun boys. Hader, Iglesias and possibly Gallegos and Adam give Fatty a hell of a pen, and with Framber and a few Devil Rays, I guess he could make some noise, but..and I mean butt…like fart.

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**Commish Predictions:** Bottom Third. Don’t think we will be flying to Manhattan Beach for Dinner this December…

__**Wilson:**__

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

Underwhelmingly automated. My fantasy baseball draft was an apt mirror of MLB. It involved lots of data, metrics, comparative analysis and two different drafting Apps…and ended up with a team that statistically makes sense in fleeting moments on a spring Saturday to some finicky algorithm…but which has no heart and soul. No sleepers, no long shots, no domineering personalities, nothing to say "A team was born." It's just a series of modest and unimaginative decisions made in reaction to eyeballs on software. My future goal is to return to the days when I'm just blurting out names.

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

I should have drafted Nestor Cortez – who was born for this unruly age of pitch clocks and opaque rules – and taken a pass on Joey Gallo.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

Moon's. I always like Moon's teams, because he frequently steals my first idea, which is probably why he hasn't won in a very, very long time.

4) Green or Yellow?

Green.

5) Stand or Sit?

Stand.

6) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?

Per usual…the side moments with friends in sunny settings. As time passes I've come to enjoy these sporadic interactions more than major league baseball. Baseball is still the best sport under blue skies. And time – as it is experienced between the foul lines – has an elegance that the 21st century desperately needs. But all the rule tinkering, eyeball grabbing, profiteering and marketing of major league baseball has left professional baseball meaning a lot less to me than it once did, and the reunion of old friends is about the only thing that has thrown it a lifeline.

7) Anything to say to your competitors?

If this particular team wins, just know that it's only because you lost (and thank you for the past two decades).

__**Commish’s Take:**__

Wilson had a lot of questions and thoughts on his mind this weekend…predominately being, can I draft all of the Yanks and Rockies as per usual? Maybe some other stuff too, but Yanks and Rocks, Yanks and Rocks…with a side of Ju-Rod (ohhh, now I get it) and tasty Trout. That one-two could be mega, but I got a feeling he is going to need them to be Co-MVP’s if this team is even going to sniff free eats.

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Rizzo, Torres, Holmes, LeMahieu all before the 10th round. Wow…I don’t think Cashmen would draft those guys that high…Toss in Oswald and his shocking lone Rockie, Hand, and you got a Wilson Bomb. Like, bomb in the movie term.

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This team needs help. Maybe it will come in the form of a pretty good 1-2 of Spencer Strider and Shane Bieber, but like his 1-2 bats, those guys are gonna need Cy-Young level years to float this team to the Eets A Boat. I don’t see it. Run Wilson Run.

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__**Commish’s Prediction:**__  Bottom Third. Neezer will be stepping into the freezer come December … and paying for dinner.

__**Jeff:**__

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

On the scale of bad decisions made on Rockem trips - this draft is a poolside gatorade vodka shot. It goes down kinda easy / kinda not. You are well aware that this is a bad idea and will most certainly cause some unintended negative consequences in the semi near term.

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

Speaking of which.. I have never owned Freeman or Semien - not my kind of picks. But my kind of picks have landed me zero full season trophies. Happy to have Pete and Manoah back, balances out the my team / not my team vibe. Manoah is 24, was 33rd on the player rater last year (3rd in Cy Young voting) and available in the 6th round? Rinse and repeat.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

BK and Moon methinks. SPD’s team is intriguing. All 3 of his OFs may be injured simultaneously, but when you are playing with the house’s money, you go big.

4) Green or Yellow?

Chartreuse. Purple frost is the best though.

5) Stand or Sit?

Stand by me

6) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?

The time spent. Always the time spent. Means the world to me.

7) Anything to say to your competitors?

Love you all. Best league ever.

__**Commish’s Take:**__

Another Rockem participant who was thinking about a lot of other things during draft weekend and using the Miami Sound Machine house as an escape. Did he also think this draft was won by who has the best 1b’s because if so, ring the bell now.

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Freeman - Alonso is a lot of meat at 1b, and he backed it up with some solid all around guys tofollow (Semien, Mullins, Swanson). His one-two pitching combo of Manoah and Greene are sexy with a non-broken toed Musgrove solid, but I am worried this team is a bit top heavy…unlike the ladies at Tootsies who were all bottom heavy, fake butts all around.

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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

__**Mike:**__

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

I tell ya, this was a tale of like FOUR different drafts for me. Started shaky. Got great. Fell apart.

Then ended strong. So I guess that means something like a 5/10 on any scale I could imagine. I

will say though…With the new shift ban coming, I was very particular about strikeouts this year. Not rrrrrreally

knowing who will and who won’t be affected by the loss of a guy standing in shallow right, I

wanted to prioritize k’s – if you can’t hit the ball, I don’t care where anyone is standing! So I

snapped this MLB blurb a few weeks ago….

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And I managed to get 4 out of the 5 of ‘em! Now, Rodon is gonna miss a few starts and there is\\
more to evaluate in terms of a quality SP than just K/9 and past performance isn’t always an\\
indicator of future results and blah blah yadda yadda blah. BUT! It was really awesome to go in\\
with a pitching plan and see that plan unfold as I had hoped.

2) One pick you were stoked about, one you should have changed?\\
Stoked for David Robertson in the 13 th . Barring injury or utter incompetence, I can’t see how he\\
wouldn’t be the Mets clear choice for closer. A team with a whole lotta potential save\\
opportunities and a guy who knows the gig sporting pretty solid 2022 numbers, could be a top tier\\
closer when it’s all said and done.\\
I should have taken him in the 12 th instead of Scott Barlow tho! Haha. Realized what I was\\
missing JUST after I called Barlow’s name. And then sweated out that round break with my\\
fingers crossed that Robertson would make it back.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?\\
The Commish’s. Think it could be a repeat year. Beginning of a dynasty???

4) Green or Yellow?\\
Since I believe we are speaking about Gatorade flavors - the clear answer is Fruit Punch.

5) Stand or Sit?\\
STAND AND DELIVER! Be it subway car, public house or baseball game, I just can’t stand\\
sitting down. I’ll sit when I’m dead, like Warren Zevon says. Or something like that.

6) Favorite part of the trip/draft experience?\\
Not very favorite-y overall for yours truly? Missed you fellows a bunch and missed that baseball\\
game, which sounded phenomenal!\\
If I am looking on a bright side, however, I will say it was positively delightful drafting in my\\
jammies like I was EWC in 2008 at the OG ski house. I used to put on a shirt and tie for these\\
things?!?!?!?! :-D

7) 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.

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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…

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__**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: **__

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

Read the preview. Oh wait…

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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”.

7) 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.

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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.

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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…?

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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!

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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…

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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:**__

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) Whose team are you most impressed with?

Bull handled the swing really well and didn't reach for ALL the young O's.

4) Green or Yellow?

Yellow. Can't believe this is a debate. If you ask for green Gatorade, you get this:

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5) Stand or Sit?

Sit at the start while things are open for cleaning. Then final wet wipe while standing, if available.

6) 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…

7) 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.

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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’”]]….

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Commish’s Prediction: Top 3rd. Can BK win yet another title after the Commish, tossing it back to Rockem 2? We shall see.

__**Tom:**__

1) 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.

2) 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?

3) 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).

4) Green or Yellow?

Green! Of course it's green. Anyone who says otherwise is the filthiest kind of sociopath.

5) 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).

6) 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.

7) 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”.

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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.

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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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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!!

5. Stand for music Sit for most of the rest

6. It's efficiency haha. And my squeaky toy making screw crew laugh.

7. 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-

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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?

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Commish’s Prediction: Bottom Third, you knew where this one was going, straight to Triple A with Volpe.

Bird:

1. 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.

2. Luis Castillo as my 2nd pitcher i hope will pay dividends this season.

3. 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.

4. From Gatorade via Twitter. Now go get your shinebox!!

Image not found…(editors note, I am sure it said Green)

5. Sit unless you are an animal.

6. WBC game. Loved the passion and the atmosphere. Wish MLB games were like that.

7. "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.

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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.

12. Vig

11. Wilson

10. .

9. TIE Moon and Fatone

8. Bird

7. Jeff

6. McNally

5. Tom

4. Mike

3. SPD

2. BK

1. 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.