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 If anything I think this is season is even more wide open as young players all seem to be arriving at the same time and people have completly different ratings of them. Shizz is all over the place.
-Below be my predictions yo, but more than any other year this could go sideways. No one drafted really poorly as some people have in recent years, I truly believe anyone can win. If you are in the bottom fret not.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/FAmxCK8uFbgAAAAC/thats-crazy-shit-man-amazed.gif?nolink&|Thats Crazy Shit Man Amazed GIF - Thats Crazy Shit Man Amazed Impressed GIFs}}
+Below be my predictions yo, but more than any other year this could go sideways. No one drafted really poorly as some people have in recent years (cough Tom cough). I truly believe anyone can win. If you are in the bottom fret not or maybe take it as an omen that I know nothing.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/A1Zd41e00X8AAAAC/jon-snow.gif?nolink&333x333|Jon Snow GIF - Jon Snow GIFs}}
 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…
-Tom:
+==== Tom: ====
 ) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
@@ Line 55: / Line 59: @@
 Oh, who cares!
-Commish Take: Initially when reviewing Tom's team I thought his roster was in an interesting place, then got a frantic phone call and things spiraled a bit, but in truth there was a larger pattern at work here with all of our teams once I started this preview. After the first few rounds, all of us have no idea what is going to happen. Everyone reached, everyone seems out of sorts and everyone is going on blind luck this year.
+Commish Take:
+Initially when reviewing Tom's team I thought his roster was in an interesting place, then he got a frantic phone call and things spiraled a bit, but in truth there was a larger pattern at work here with all of our teams once I started this preview. After the first few rounds, all of us have no idea what is going to happen. Everyone reached, everyone seems out of sorts and everyone is going on blind luck this year.
 {{https://y.yarn.co/8d7d7bf2-d2a3-44c5-9902-1f08aa0d73d8_text.gif?nolink&400x215}}
-As it stands I enjoy the top of Tom’s team and his first two OF’ers might just get him to the zenith of Rockem themselves. Acuna and Yordan would be my picks for MVP to start the season. His offense has some questions, do all of his baby Reds take that next step forward? Is Tim Anderson still in the league? Can Anthony Rizzo see straight? But I think the top heavy squad will be fine on O.
+As it stands, I enjoy the top of Tom’s team and his first two OF’ers might just get him to the zenith of Rockem themselves. No joke, Acuna and Yordan would be my picks for MVP to start the season. Galbowski could have never dreamed Yordan would have come back to him…Rockem is un-mockable. He may not need much else when it comes to offense if both are healthy, but I also think Smith is positioned at cleanup in that Dodgers lineup, to dominate. Outside of those three, his offense does have some questions, do all of his baby Reds take that next step forward? Is Tim Anderson still in the league? Can Anthony Rizzo see straight? But I think the top heavy squad will be fine on O.
 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2bZ17TfMSQ|Top Heavy - Buddy Emmons]]
-In the pen it really all comes down to Yamamoto. If he is the stud we are led to believe he will be, Tom will be living it up come the end of the season because Gallen as a two is proper. His three closers also are top notch, so in a wild year maybe Tom breaks the curse if you believe in the power of Japan and I am currently watching both Tokyo Vice and Shogun so…
+In the pen I could mention his three strong closers (tied with Bull for best collection of RP's), his bouncing boy ZG's consistency and Sale the lottery ticket, but it really all comes down to Yamamoto. If he is the stud we are led to believe he will be, Tom will be living it up come the end of the season because Gallen would be a mega 1a. In a wide open year maybe Tom breaks the curse if you believe in the power of Japan and I am currently watching both Tokyo Vice and Shogun so…
 {{https://media1.giphy.com/media/LWQSs3Of8Z7FzwX4Q2/200w.gif?nolink&200x200}}
 Commish Prediction: Bonsai! - Top Third
+==== Mike: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+On a scale of 360 degrees, I would rate my draft 180 degrees in the opposite direction of what I intended to do as I walked in from the porch for my 2nd round selection. ‘Twas supposed to be Luis Robert (was going to pass on Yordan Alvarez? As a SECOND round pick? AS WE ALL DID?!??!… absolutely shocking), but I said Zach Wheeler. And a boring draft for yours truly was on. Albeit, I think, a productive one.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+I am psyched that I was not so grafted to a plan (see answer 1) that I got Ha-Seong Kim. I don’t take enough people that fall to me, ever. And then there is the one I probably should have changed (see Yordan Alvarez). But I think I got my porch draft act together shortly thereafter.
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+I tell ya, the NYC connection in rounds one and two for EWC could be HR leaders in both leagues? Whole sh!t looks pretty legit. Dinner at some dope fly-fishing spot this year? Why not?
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem?
+The nicest member of Rockem Sockem is clearly… Glen. If compensated properly, he will get you booze. He has entertaining stories about his dental woes and graphic photos of his son being born. And, most importantly, he was great company for the last bunch of rounds in my Porch Draft. Really enjoyed my time out there btw. Being positioned squarely in the smoking section, I got drive-by’s from every single one of my Rockem brethren at different points and it was grand.
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+/25
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+I just wanted to say… [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llOpE85bmW0|1, 2, 3, 4…]]
+Commish Take:
+Drafting from parts unknown. Mike almost mailed it in this year. Well not with his players, those are fine, but literally his picks as he had to deliver them from the back deck. The long distance relay didn’t delay things, and Mike may have benefited from being out of the pressure cooker by his lonesome.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/javyGne542AAAAAd/arthur-rdr.gif?nolink&290x379}}
+His bats look a bit underwhelming, yet well rounded. Julio could blow up to Acuna levels, but guys like Lindor, Bregman, Walker, Realmuto are well known and not lighting anyones nether regions ablaze. Maybe slow and steady wins the offense this year but I think Julio needs to be a supernova to put Mike over the top.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/2FhQzYKIj2sAAAAC/over-the.gif?nolink&498x210}}
+On the arms front, a very solid 1-2 of Wheeler and Fried allowed him to wait a bit, but perhaps the steal of the draft came in Round 15 with Verlander. If healthy we all know he can dominate back in Houston, could be a game changer and JV may need to be with a Bullpen that looks like it is put together with toothpicks, spit, and elbow grease. If Verlander returns to form and Ju-Rod takes off sure…
+Commish Prediction: …but I don’t see both happening and I got Mike ending up: Middle Third
+==== Vig: ====
+i actually was pretty psyched with my draft. Thought I had balance.
+Sitting with bull bird and Tom was helpful
+. Was stoked about maikel Garcia.
+Should have changed matt McLain
+. I dunno I didn't have a phone for 10 days so I wasn't comparing and contrasting as much.
+. Hardest question ever.\\
+We are all nice. First impression wise or in the end?
+First impression wise I think McNally and Eben are sweethearts.
+The volleyball players are too intimidating
+Tom is always polite but…
+Bk too but he has lethal eyes.
+Mike will tell you to fuck yourself with charm
+Same with you
+Winston is also "nice"
+Fuck nice though. Nice is not the defining characteristic of this league of extraordinary gentlemen.
+Anyway McNally or Eben.
+Put em in a cage and whoever walks out left the nicest behind.
+. 75/25. I feel like you can upgrade your weapons but you can't redeux your team after they say play ball.
+. I want to have dinner together this summer anytime you guys have the time. Jeff was right. The draft is kinda bittersweet because we are so focused on drafting that we don't really get the time to talk.
+We do.
+But it's not the same.
+Commish’s Take:
+It is great that a phoneless JV even made it to the draft as he struggled with UPS and beyond for a digital device. Thankfully he made it and drafted…what exactly he drafted is up for debate.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/x5pvVIfXCJQAAAAC/old-oldschool.gif?nolink&|Old Oldschool GIF - Old Oldschool Debate GIFs}}
+I kid, I kid, I actually think Jay could turn up roses if his gambles pay off, but he took a lot of gambles. Let’s start with the arms to mix it up, Skurbal put up amazing numbers last year, is he a full fledged numero uno? He better be, because picking his boy Cole before Grayson Gilbert Hader etc is a wing and an MF’ing prayer. If he is back soon, Jay is dynamite, if not? Those pitching stats go boom as I don't think Rodon, Cease and Buehler will all bounce back…lots’ of if’s on that staff, including in the Pen with the only for sure opening day closer is Tanner Scott…hmm OOOKKKK.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/NP4p6NFHd00AAAAd/richard-simmons-sure-jan.gif?nolink&300x309|Richard Simmons Sure Jan GIF - Richard Simmons Sure Jan Wink Wink GIFs}}
+On the bats side things are a bit brighter Soto and Vlad are a killer 1-2 and it was impossible to miss J’s huge hardon for Maikel Garcia swinging around the draft room, he already has him penciled into Cooperstown. Actually I think J’s later bat picks are pretty sweet deals like Chaz, Kiriloff, Fraley and Siri which sounds like one rocking law firm, but could very well surprise on the positive side of things…will the team as a whole?
+Commish’s Prediction:… nah. I see JV in the basement again: Bottom Third
+==== BK: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+On a scale of beers we had in the fridge:
+Montauk (high-end all seemed to avoid); Coors Light (late entry many left behind); Bud Light (easy, but 'meh'); Miller Lite (steady and enjoyable); Modelo (loved it late).
+I would rate my draft: I drank all of them.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+Stoked: Royce Lewis. I figure I'll allow myself some stoked feelings of possible 1st round #s for a 5th round pick until he gets hurt (feel free to replace with Glasnow in 6th).
+Changed: I clearly had a dissociative episode in the Round 2-3 swing, taking Ozzie and Gunnar when super-power-Yordan Alvarez would have been the perfect Tetris with my also self-surprising speedy-Witt pick in the first.
+I love Tetris, and it fell right to me…WTF?
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Think that outdoorsy Blyleven team checks a lot of boxes.
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem?
+Combining all the definitions and connotations possible, I say Mr. Ferrari.
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+Though there have been outlier years, in general: Draft = 36% Manage = 64%.
+Note: last year, only 11 out of my 24 drafted players were on my active roster at the end of the season.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Da-Doo Ron, Ron, Ron; Da-Do0 Ron, Ron.
+{{https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2020/02/13/USAT/ef9dc318-5947-4a92-b6d1-1b15fe6d077e-Michael_Jordan.JPG?nolink&300x361|All-Star Game: Did Michael Jordan-led dynasty break up to soon?}}
+Commish’s Take:
+Somehow BK drafted a lot of different guys than expected, but still came out just as any BK team would, time is really a flat circle.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/8CQCGRUcNdkAAAAC/matthew-mc-conaughey-time.gif?nolink&|Matthew Mc Conaughey Time GIF - Matthew Mc Conaughey Time Flat GIFs}}
+On the bat side of things, going young and sexy was the mission for BK and he succeeded. Witt, Albies, Gunnar, Aroz, Royce. Woof, lots of upside there. Also not a lot of proven track record…The speed and power combos are very nice with Adddddames Hoskins Diaz and Parades all adding to the thumping, but will that be enough dongs to get the job done? I am not sure.
+{{https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExcmw4MDA2cXd1bjY3OHE2dmQ1dnRibThjdWd2NThzanJ4MmNoNGE5YyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/HAd2zDwqOa5MY/giphy.gif?nolink&|Television Snl GIF by Saturday Night Live}}
+What I am sure about it is that his pitching will keep him in the running for the title all season. Glasnow, Grayson and Efflin are a very solid 1-1a-1b and could all really have huge years in 2024. Even if one or two slips, King Civale and Harrison are nice fill-ins. The pen is based in the AL central and could be a small issue, but overall BK, as always looks pretty good…
+{{https://media.tenor.com/jz5siTqAdk4AAAAM/larry-david-seinfeld.gif?nolink&|Larry David Pretty Good GIF - Larry David Seinfeld Pretty Good GIFs}}
+Commish’s Prediction: …but not great. I think a small slippage from the champ is in order for 2024. Middle Third.
+==== Don F: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+Not sure about this one, think I'm gonna have to work hard for the money.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+I think this team is going to bore the shit out of me. Probably would have been more fun to take Vlad over Devers
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Mikes…he may have had the right idea of drafting from Queens again.
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem?
+Probably the commish for rallying the troops year after year and keeping this thing we have going, thanks bud!
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+Well, what the fuck do I know about winning rockem sockem? I don't think I'm qualified to answer this question. I'll defer to BK.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Love you guys. Keep me in the loop on any mid-season excursions. Would love to join you all in another state.
+Commish’s Take:
+Last year Donny switched it up a bit, drafted a few pitchers before round 13 and almost won the whole F*@#ing thing.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/zCw7Wiw-NEUAAAAC/one-left-todo-lets-win.gif?nolink&|One Left Todo Lets Win GIF - One Left Todo Lets Win Last Option GIFs}}
+This time he went back to the all bat attack until drafting a closer, will the return to the all meat diet work? Looking at the stick, he sure loaded up. Mookie, Machado, Devers, Belly, Yelli and Cummy…err Semien. Can’t argue with any of those picks. Pairing them with the likes of Yoshida, Bohm, his boy Castellanos gives Fatty the best Offense in the league. He certainly is the most offensive smelling member Hey-O!
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/oXyK0_PRh84AAAAC/danny-devito-iasip.gif?nolink&333x373|Danny Devito Iasip GIF - Danny Devito Iasip Hello GIFs}}
+But if we look yonder into the dark reaches of his pen that lonely Romano only has Kyle Finnegan to close games with, and his starters aren’t much better. Bassitt, Pivetta, Byrce Miller. They could have career years, but I doubt all three do at once, give Fatty the weakest staff in the league (Sad Trombone Noise) Flaccid.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/A-w7oBvNmMIAAAAC/appendices-appendice.gif?nolink&|Appendices Lesappendices GIF - Appendices Appendice Lesappendices GIFs}}
+In the end…teehee… I think the two even each other outout…
+Commish’s Prediction: … leaving Fatty smack dab in the middle. Middle Third.
+==== Wilson: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+Ironically, I left this draft feeling the strongest I've ever felt. In 20 years. This team is Kevin Bacon in Footloose, Or Danceburugh.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+Adley Rutschsman – the Balitmore catcher. He is superb. As far as question marks….Aaron Judge. I'd preferred to get Juan Soto.
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Shawn's…in addition to managing the logistics of Rockem Sockem, he is finally figuring out how to draft.
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem?
+Me. Obviously. I smile constantly, even when a fist is required. I smile and laugh because my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free, I've got nothing but affection for those who've sailed with me. (Mississippi, B. Dylan,…Wilson's understudy)
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+% drafting, 1% managing. As the last "real" champion, pre-pandemic, I can say that the draft is everything. Managing tiddliwinks.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Thank you – for taking my mind off of life. I love each of you, when our paths cross I feel like it's all fine, which is why it's so hard to beat you and feel good about it.
+Commish's Prediciton:
+Do you know the last time Wilson drafted Pete Alonso? Rockem 18. Guess who won the league, Wilson. No, really, he did…Does the magic return again?! Let’s dive deeper…
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/RLojUQOhycwAAAAd/jump-dive.gif?nolink&333x187|Jump Dive GIF - Jump Dive Fall GIFs}}
+Looking at his arms first, Uncle Ebenezer stepped into the freezer and took a few guys on ice to start the season with Gausman, Doran, Max dealing with various injuries and Montgomery not even signed yet. That said, IF (and that is a big if) Wilson gets something from those guys this year that could be a dangerous staff. Nestor and Morton need to do a lot of heavy lifting early but his pen of Hader and Holmes won’t have much trouble at all.
+I know I mentioned Alonso and his injured staff, but I really think this team revolves around Judge. If he plays a full season he will be up there with Acuna as the best player in Rockem easy. But will he? [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yM5zUvmdf8&pp=ygUYVGhlIFdvcmxkIG1heSBuZXZlciBrbm93|The world may never know…]] As insurance, Campbell Soup dad has good speed (Ruiz Cj and Gimenez), a touch of pop (Seager and Springer) and maybe just enough luck on his side…like a polar bear being judged at a limbo contest…I have no idea what that means.
+{{https://media.tenor.com/DogF5Yt3Y_0AAAAM/limbo-dance-ice-bear.gif?nolink&|Limbo Dance Ice Bear GIF - Limbo Dance Ice Bear We Bare Bears GIFs}}
+Commish’s Prediction: NY NY coming home for Wilson. Top Third
+==== Moon: ====
+. Like shopping at Fairway, there were a lot of great options, but everything was too expensive.
+. Round one was interesting. Was hoping for Soto, Witt or maybe Carroll, but then Freeman dropped and felt like the obvious choice. I regret not picking Carroll tho. Cruz was a nice grab in round 5. I also feel like I should have gone RP in round 7/8 over Gilbert and Reynolds
+. Bull going 3x on the youngsters. Langford, Holiday, Skenes. Or maybe the best team in 3 years. I'll save this answer for 2027.
+.I think we should do a Rockem nicest draft. Looking forward to being picked last. BK probably the champ of that as well.
+. Is this question for everyone? As someone who drafted Mike Trout in the 18th round of his 2012 rookie year (.326 AVG, 129 R, 30 HR, 83 RBI, 49 SB) only to drop him for Sean Marshall (P - CIN) on March 23rd, I'd lean 51% to draft. The rest is about scooping up closers and maximizing games and innings pitched.
+. Was there a question six?
+. It was great to see everyone together in the same place for once, but it did go by too fast. Need more hang time before and after.
+Commish’s Take:
+The middle of this year's draft seemed to be a pretty safe place to be as players seemed to just fall into Moon’s lap like Red Breast 12.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/5Q5JKIzUIg4AAAAd/stuck-whoah.gif?nolink&333|not that red breast}}
+Reliable bat (Freeman), ace (Burnes), all around vet (Altuve), OF pop (Garcia) but as things progressed the whiskey flowed and we shall see if the middle rounds were nice to him. Is Outman for real? Brown ready to take the jump? Cruz going to be the real deal Holyfield?
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/9pcd9PuEpfcAAAAC/mike-tyson-biting.gif?nolink&333|Mike Tyson Biting GIF - Mike Tyson Biting Ear GIFs}}
+I kinda feel like Moon’s and Neezer’s teams have the greatest swing rate between great and shizzy this year. Most teams to me are flawed and I can see anyone winning or losing, but for me Moon and Neezer, in the middle of the draft, seem to be all or nothing for some reason. Watch them end up middle third…
+Commish’s Prediction: …meh, I don’t think so…bottom third
+==== Bird: ====
+. 10/10 - we were all together!
+. Happy about Shane Beiber in Round 12. Think there is great upside at this price. Not sure about a second closer by Round 10…will see if that works out.
+. Dogzilla
+. Loaded question…if this means who is the nicest by providing copious amounts of lox and egg salad for a draft, then hands down, Jeff!
+. 80/20 need a good draft to set yourself up for success and since trading is basically non-existent and waiver pickups are difficult, managing the team you drafted is the most important
+. "Once more unto the breach dear friends"
+Commish’s Take:
+If you showed me all of the teams without who drafted them or in what draft order I would say that this one is pretty solid, pretty boring, 4th or 5th in the order and probably BK’s. High praise for Bird who put together a good one. Bird ain't "The Legend" for nothing
+On the Bartman side of things…
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/iSsh_8DAWo8AAAAC/bart-running-man-dance.gif?nolink&333|Bart Running Man Dance GIF - Bart Running Man Dance GIFs}}
+err Bat Man…
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/kRgPan3NR8EAAAAd/happy-birthday.gif?nolink&333x333|Happy Birthday GIF - Happy Birthday GIFs}}
+Never mind, Tucker is a lock for his gaudy numbers, Riley is a beast and Bo could be a steal in the third round, if he ever learns to steal some bases himself. I think that is the one thing Bird is lacking, SB”s but if Mullins bounces back he should be pretty set as his pop is all there with Vinnie Teoscar and Gleyber who sound like a wild Mafia enforcement crew.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/nMguYUVR9xoAAAAC/the-sopranos.gif?nolink&333x255|The Sopranos GIF - The Sopranos Chris GIFs}}
+PItching seems pretty well rounded as well. Two 1A’s with Pablo and Perralta, a really solid three with 1 upside in Bieber. Darvish and Javier who (two years ago) were aces. The Willam Penn is quakering as Iglesias and Dovell are top line, he may need some more help there, but overall there is not much to critique in a year when every team seems to be lacking something…
+Commish’s Prediction: …maybe Bird’s recent lack of Eet’s A Boat ends this year. Top Third
+==== Winston: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+I drafted 4 injured pitchers. I think that’s a scale.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+Was surprised Corbin Carroll fell to me. Changed my whole draft. And by that I mean I went from having no plan to having even less of a plan.
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+BK, Moon
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem?
+Bird
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+Depends on the year, sometimes entirely. But I think it’s generally on the order of 50/50.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Love you all. What an honor and a pleasure.
+Commish’s Take:
+Towards the end of the draft I think a few of us "backend drafters" (Starting with Jeff) went a bit off the rails, one of us at the back of the pack I think has a legit shot, but the others? Me thinks, not so much. Jeff’s team feels full of potential…for three years from now!!! Very little of a sure thing this season. He is a hell of a manager and will work those waivers but the preview just deals with the draft and things are a bit wonky.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/gzIzHczo15YAAAAC/i-see-no-problem-here-no-problem.gif?nolink&333|I See No Problem Here Crossed Eyes GIF - I See No Problem Here No Problem Crossed Eyes GIFs}}
+Hard to argue with Carroll at 9 and Turner on the swing, but The double Nolan’s will need to be hitting bombs for Jeffe to be in the power company as the only other true HR threats are..umm…Casa’s? Walker? Each having half a good season combined in their past so far? With Colt Keith, Churio Westburg this is team Young Guns.
+{{https://media.tenor.com/Np3hBvVaq6gAAAAM/young-guns-did-you-guys-see-the-size-of-that-chicken.gif?nolink&333x192|Young Guns Did You Guys See The Size Of That Chicken GIF - Young Guns Did You Guys See The Size Of That Chicken Peyote GIFs}}
+This is also team Young arms as Kirby Perez Steele and Ragans lead the staff. TONS of potential, but is this the year they all reach it? Two of them? One? Meh. Kodai could be a real good sneaky late pick if the Mets decide to play him this year but not drafting a confirmed closer certainly doesn’t help. Sure, he will be vulturing that waiver wire and he is going to be needing some help as I think this draft Jeffe is…
+{{:vandal.jpg?nolink&333x416|vandal.jpg}}
+Commish’s Prediction: This team is a year or two away…in a keeper league. Bottom Third.
+==== SPD: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+On a scale of: Which piece of discarded roadside furniture “repurposed” in the Brownstone Cowboy Apartment is my squad? I will rate this team the wobbly table. No bed bugs, but might not hold up until August.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+Odd draft all around for me, lots of guys going right before me on both sides which was a bit unexpected. One to change is probably Goldschmidt in the third. Had Altuve Bo and Nolan and they all went in order before me, so a bit flummoxed and I went Goldie. Solid, but should have gone sexy with Elly or Oneill.
+One stoked, I think I actually got real good value with Nimmo in the 13th, but c'mon, now I have destination viewing of the best player on the planet every night. Shohei for the win. (Wrote this before the betting news broke ZOINKS!)
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Read the Preview!
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem?
+This came up during this year's Sockies and I initially said BK. After thinking on it a bit though, I think I am going to have to go with the limo driver back from [[http://rockemsockemfantasybaseball.com/2006_draft|Rockem 5]]. He seemed nice, wanted to talk wrestling, and didn't mind us devouring his mystery brown. Good soul, def the nicest, his essay was three beers a peachy…glad he is in the league.
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+Originally when Jeff asked this at the Draft order gathering I was thinking 90% drafting since the league never trades, and free agent pickups that change the league in a champions favor are ultra rare. That said, a few years back my draft wasn’t very good and yet I won with lots of maneuvering and luck.
+I actually think it is probably 70-30 (draft - manage) at this point with players health a major spoiler in all of this, you need to be a good manager but if you draft a team that stinks you have zero chance of winning…maybe free eats, but even that is a long shot.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Read the Preview!!!
+Guest Preview: Ladies and germs…Mr. Tom Gallagher:
+If you’re still reading at this point – and honestly, why would you be? – the Commish has asked me to take some time away from writing my victory speech and preview his team. Being that I’m the nicest guy in the league, how could I say no?
+{{https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExbzlpcnNhMHAyaWgyZ2hsbjZyNG9sbGd3OGlvcnkwd3QwcHd3Y29pNyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/Izubn05ilR3ltHptQX/giphy.gif?nolink&|Brag Gus Sorola GIF by Rooster Teeth}}
+Now on to this garbage pile of a team.
+The Commish made some good decisions early…by meeting up at Paddy Reilly’s at 10am for a Guinness.
+Then he decided to go DH, 1B, 1B in his first three rounds. Not the most versatile start but when your top three bats are Ohtani, Olsen, and Goldschmidt maybe it doesn’t matter. Goldschmidt is the key here (assuming Ohtani doesn’t end up in a federal penitentiary). If he can hold off Father Time one more year, those are some good bats. And you know Olsen is going to get his big hits.
+{{https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZmFqZHJzeWEwa3Q3cGppcmtxYjBjanh6aWltc214MjMyb205cnk0MiZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/uG3lKkAuh53wc/giphy.gif?nolink&|Bitch Slap Slapping GIF by absurdnoise}}
+The part-time pescatarian added more beef with Schwarber and actually drafted a goddamn Burger! If Stanton and Brandon Lowe can stay on the field for any significant amount of time, that’s a lot of meat!
+{{https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExY3V0bHkyYmQwMWlhY2l1aGgwYWNjYWZubXQ2aXRwZG1zbjh3Nm9ocCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/27zJnTOnUpeAU/giphy.gif?nolink&|Meat Beef GIF}}
+Nico Hoerner in the 4th felt early but has a legit shot of being top 10 in steals, runs, and batting average. If he continues to progress on an improved Cubbies team that will end up being a great pick. Health and playing time will be the key to the rest of Shawn’s speed game with Marte, Berti, and Winn.
+Let’s talk some pitching!
+Everyone’s favorite homeless vet waited until the 7th round to grab his first pitcher. And say what you will about Joe Ryan but out of all of the pitchers in Major League Baseball, he certainly is one!
+But the dude Ks to IP last year was off the charts. He gives up a lot of dongs, though, so that 4+ ERA may not bounce back. Bibee is a super interesting pick and could be an all-star as soon as this season. Woo and Ober round out a middle of the road rotation that could be good enough. They are both streaky in spurts and may see more consistency if their teams allow them to build up their innings count. Shota Imanaga was great in the WBC and had some good but not great numbers against lesser talent.
+Evan Phillips is as steady as they come out of the pen. If the Dodgers start winning at the clip that is predicted he may be experimenting with throwing lefty by the break. Andres Munoz can throw the goddamn baseball. Without pesky Paul Sewald around and seemingly healthy, he can end up being a top 10 closer. Alvarado and Uribe have big arms and should be able to grab some saves if their managers mix and match and give them the bull of chances.
+So, what’s going to happen to everyone’s favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd cover-band roadie? Shawn will certainly emphasize how wide-open and hard to predict this season will be. He’s not wrong!
+Prediction:
+This is how it might happen.
+{{https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExMDZ6MGZmNnBnODk5cDJxaGlnM3N0czdsNjgwdHBqeTNxOW42MzhrMyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/5QRoC29tqzuI0pDQxM/giphy.gif?nolink&|Clue Turnaround GIF by Paramount Movies}}
+Goldschmidt is going to continue his regression as age catches up with him. The team power will be sapped with long term injuries is Giancarlo and Lowe. This will neutralize any of Schwarber’s power contributions as his .191 average becomes an albatross.
+Marte will go on the IL for a minor pinky injury but remain on the IL for 3 months with a mysterious and unexplained spleen rupture. Berti, like everyone else, forgets that he signed with the Yankees and does not report to the team until early May. He has been showing up at Loan Depot Park in Miami every day wondering why his credentials won’t get him through security. Bryan Woo is successfully sued by Ric Flair for identity theft and released. In an act of desperation, Shawn picks up Corey Knebel. Ober, Winn, Knebel is now his only hope. All three are immediately struck down by Darth Vader but, in a twist, do not become stronger than anyone can imagine.
+Finish: Bottom Third
+{{https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExMjRvZ2cyNHhqYTB4bzdlMnhnZXI3cGp0YjZwYXhieHhhdjhlMTNrdSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/WIHIODKbqcz4lSBKbP/giphy.gif?nolink&|Ufc You Suck GIF by The Guardian}}
+Or, how about this?
+{{https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExaGl1aHg4cGhlcTNudmljbnZoanB0Z3B4b2YzYXU3ZDdidGlkZWw5ZSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/VsaD2hUogMBdLfJ7St/giphy.gif?nolink&|Happy Vintage GIF by Laff}}
+Joe Ryan maintains his strikeout pace and adds a breaking pitch. He approaches 200ks once more and gets his ERA down to a very respectable 3.20. Brandon Lowe stays healthy and returns to 30+ HR form. A slimmed down Giancarlo hits 25 dings-dongs.
+In a hot streak like no other in MLB history Shohei Ohtani challenges Joe DiMaggio’s streak with 122 hits in his first 50 games – all of them for extra bases. He gets a tattoo in Japanese lettering on his neck that translate to “Draft Kings”.
+{{https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExa2Zmbm1neWg1MXM1YWN2Mzd5bTIzemd1dzF6ZXpkb3JwOG1qazZxbyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/xQz492gZVUoms/giphy.gif?nolink&|Madeline Kahn Flames GIF}}
+Bailey Ober has such an impressive season that he wins both the AL and NL Cy Young Awards. Bryan Woo successfully sues Ric Flair for defamation and wins his first of 19 heavyweight titles. Little Nic Hoerner continues to prove what a good boy he is and leads the league in plums.
+Finish: Top Third
+{{https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExcHRrZWRoNjFhd2poOTVkaTg2N3pxa3YxbnF3bHJ1bmRqOTI2cjN0diZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/10qFfWNueB7vWw/giphy.gif?nolink&|Lesley Ann Warren Practice Makes Perfect GIF}}
+But here’s how it will really happen.
+{{https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExcGR5ZHJ0Z3psYTRkcDljZzdqZWUwcTlqc2J0cmsxejdkYWd2bnFkbyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/M9Tz2xwwItE90aQ7i1/giphy.gif?nolink&|Clue Movie GIF by LogoTV}}
+Goldschmidt’s impact will be minimized as he starts to wane, but he will put up some serviceable numbers. Ohtani and Olsen will both be top in the MVP race. Marte and Winn will get SPD in the upper-middle of the pack in SBs. Berti’s playing time in NY is not enough to be a factor.
+The bullpen will prove to be solid but starting pitching will be the downfall. Not enough Ks from Woo or Ober and Ryan sees his WHIP balloon. Hoerner will finish third in plums behind Wilmer Flores and Bryan Reynolds.
+Finish: Middle Third
+{{https://media4.giphy.com/media/izyRTIOzU07dtJF2u7/200.gif?nolink&|Goat Reaction GIF by MOODMAN}}
+Commish’s Prediction: Thanks Doubting Thomas, I love Clu Gallagher…I see my team: Bottom Third
+==== Don M: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+Somewhere between a dirty leprechaun and a drunk fireman sits a broken computer screen.
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+Not really one that I was stoked about or one that I would change? I kinda like my team but I think my draft was weird. I guess maybe I could have done something other than Castillo 3rd round.
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+I mean, BK? Play the favorite.
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem? Birdie.
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+I think it’s 30% draft, 30% managing and 40% how the cookie crumbles.
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+You’ll have to ask my interpreter. -don Ps. Was there a question six?!
+Commish’s Take:
+I always like the symmetry when East Coast and West Coast Don’s draft like Yin and Yang.
+{{https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/medium/3/dolly-elvira-yin-yang-charles-p-hoover-transparent.png?nolink&400x400}}
+If you could combine them? Super team. Where Fatone loaded up with one of the strongest O’s in the league, McNally did it on the D side. His 4th starting pitcher was last years NL Cy Young winner. A 1-1-1-1 of Strider, Castillo, Valdez and Snell is MEGA. For some reason (booze) he drafted Berrios and Ed Rod to go along with that and could have really used another Bullpen arm to go along with heart (attack) broken Kenley, but if those four arms fire Don can easily trade one for some Pen help.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/PbAWciGsaPkAAAAC/live-free-or-die-hard-die-hard4.gif?nolink&|Live Free Or Die Hard Die Hard4 GIF - Live Free Or Die Hard Die Hard4 Mc Clane GIFs}}
+On the bat side of things are a touch less rosey, but not barren. McNally seemed to be drafting all Athletes…kinda like the Padres. Power/speed combos with maybe not enough of each, but a chance for success with tons of natural ability. Tatis, Robert, Chisholm, Arrazez, O’Neill. Unfortunately all of these guys have seemed to under perform recently, but potential is there…will it come through…
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/cLR_fcLfyLoAAAAC/yoda-8ball.gif?nolink&|Yoda 8ball GIF - Yoda 8ball Fortune GIFs}}
+Commish’s Prediction: … probably some, but not enough. Middle Third.
+==== Bull: ====
+) How would you rate your draft (feel free to create your own scale)?
+Since my team is filled with the kids (de la Cruz, Holliday, Langford, Skenes). I’m going for the Chris Hansen Catch a Predator Scale. I’d rate my draft a Jared from Subway
+) One pick you were stoked about, One you should have changed?
+Jackson Holliday - All draft the talk was no one knew where to reach for the rookies/unproven guys. Holliday fell exactly where his rank was and the mock draft said he could go. I didn’t want to reach, since I already did that a little with the other young guys.
+) Whose team are you most impressed with?
+Actually going with my own team. After all the mock drafts, I thought I would have a really tough time putting together a team that would not be a clear bottom 3 team. I tried every combination at the snake and every team felt gross. Somehow this draft allowed me to put together a balanced team, which I thought would have been impossible. If I can’t say myself….I’m going with BK. Because why would you not go with BK in Rockem Sockem?
+) Who is the "nicest" member of Rockem Sockem?
+Clearly it must be someone who believes in Green gatorade.
+) What percentage of winning Rockem is drafting and what percentage is managing?
+%. Drafting 30% Managing. 20%. Believing in the guys you drafted and not over managing
+) Anything to say to your competitors?
+Great to see everyone and too bad no one got naked. Also what happened to question 6? I’m going with Green for the answer to that one.
+Commish’s Take:
+This is the one bottom drafter that I think has a shot, but one or multiple of his young stud gambles needs to cash in for big bull. That sounds like g*y cowboy p*rn:
+{{http://rockemsockemfantasybaseball.com/_media/bullnude.jpg?nolink&648x602|rockemsockemfantasybaseball.com_media_bullnude.jpg}}
+Anyways. Solid bats with Harper and Jose at the first SNAAAAKE! And adding the upside of Elly with Michael Harris could be mega. Is Wyatt Legit? We shall see, but he may need to be with only Santander and Kerry Carpenter in the OF to help him out. Better is Bull MI trifecta of Gelof Volpe and Holliday, but the true harbinger of Bull’s fate lies on the other side of the stat line.
+{{https://media1.tenor.com/m/RaWK3dkYJF0AAAAC/numbers-dont-lie-statistics.gif?nolink&|Numbers Dont Lie Statistics GIF - Numbers Dont Lie Statistics Statistics Dont Lie GIFs}}
+No lying in Bull’s penn, no question there as Dennis is tied with Tom for the strongest three closer combo in the league with Diaz Clase and Lange, the question is at the top of the starters. Was last year a blip for Nola or is he descending like the city itself? The Phils signed him to big money, so they are hoping a blip, but he was worryingly bad last year, if he turns it around and can be an ace with a CG here or there Bull can win this thing because Miller Gray Keller and Kelly are an excellent supporting cast in need of a Top Gun!
+{{https://media.tenor.com/fu8Z7fCES5UAAAAM/goose-top.gif?nolink&|Goose Top GIF - Goose Top Gun GIFs}}
+Commish’s Prediction: Goose gets it done…not dead. Top Third.
+I have no faith in my predictions but here they are:\\
+Final Prediction Order:
+. Winston
+. Vig
+. Moon
+. SPD
+. TIE: Fatone and McNally
+. Mike
+. BK
+. Eben
+. Bull
+. Tom
+. Bird