The users at Mock Draft Central are using that website for a variety of purposes, including trying out new draft strategies, so the results aren’t something to take to the bank.
However, the calculated Average Draft Position (“ADP”) of each player is our best method of viewing where players could be drafted in similar leagues, and essentially how to gauge whether fantasy players are bullish or bearish on a particular ball player for the 2010 season.
I project the following players will produce much better than what it currently costs at Mock Draft Central to acquire them. Call them sleepers, or call them value plays if you prefer, here is my 2010 All-Sleeper Team.
C Kurt Suzuki , OAK—With little fanfare, Suzuki quietly goes about his business earning a ton of at bats for a catcher. Suzuki will slightly improve on last season’s numbers which will put him around .280 AVG, 17 HR, 93 RBI and 9 SB. These are good numbers for a guy who’s ADP is 10.01.
1B Adam LaRoche , ARI—LaRoche is well known for having a huge second half of the season, but look for a more consistent full season from a guy in another contract year, and is now playing in a stadium that was the second-highest scoring venue in 2009. Numbers like .287/29/120 are more reminiscent of a sixth-round pick, not a 15th rounder.
2B Ian Stewart , COL—Stewart should qualify at second base in most leagues with 21 games played at the position in 2009. If you can get him as a second baseman, you should grab him and run. He should put up 25 homers, 90 ribbies and tack on about nine steals, which is quite a feat for a second baseman going in the ninth round. As a 3B, his likely 2010 position, he’s still solid, but 2B is where the value lies.
3B Casey Blake , LAD—Blake isn’t a flashy player, but he just quietly goes about putting up solid numbers. He’s worth more than the 18.07 ADP he currently sports with a projected .275/19/80 tally. Blake is an excellent mid-round value if one of the elite third basemen doesn’t fall into your lap early in your draft.
SS Miguel Tejada , BAL—Tejada goes to a new team to play a new position. He will be average to below average amongst third basemen, but he qualifies as a shortstop from last season. A .300/17/88 line is nothing earth shattering, but it certainly will beat out most of the players picked in the 12th round where he is currently being selected.
OF Matt LaPorta , CLE, Magglio Ordonez , CWS and Travis Snider , TOR—All three are going in the 17th round over at MDC, but all should be drafted about 5-7 rounds higher. LaPorta is going to be 1B eligible as he will be the new Cleveland starter at that position. Magglio Ordonez has developed a bad reputation for not staying healthy, despite big numbers when he is. Snider is a youngster that should find full time at-bats in the outfield corners and DH. They should all be near 20 homers and north of 80 RBI.
DH David Ortiz , BOS—Big Papi is still a power hitter and will provide you with a solid stats line if he can stay healthy. The faithful at MDC don’t think he will, but I do. His ADP is 12.01, but he’ll be better than that with more the 30 dingers and almost one hundred RBI.
SP Aaron Harang , CIN—Harang was a stud starter before two mediocre seasons. After an emergency appendectomy ended his 2009 campaign, he is a prime candidate for a big comeback and a great fantasy value. His ADP suggests he will go in the middle of the 15th round (15.07), but with a return to his 2007 form, he’ll be a steal in the 12th round or later of your draft.
RP Heath Bell , SD—Since this team is likely to be one of the worst in baseball again this season, no one is looking to San Diego for much fantasy value. Bell is an excellent closer and will get enough saves and put up good ratios to make him a lot better than his eighth round ADP.
Rick Milleman is the head fantasy baseball contributor at DraftBuddy.com . Check his annual player projections included in the Cheatsheet Compiler & Draft Buddy to help draft your championship team.
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