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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.
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.
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.
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?
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.