As a preamble to our offseason, last night we carved up Chuck’s old El Dorado team. Was it punishment for losing the World Series? Or does Chuck just like the challenge of team building?
The draft was loaded with talent. Established starters like Woodruff, Buehler, and Burnes. Former MVPs and All Star position players like Bryant, Goldschmidt, Lindor, etc. Everyone was sure to get an impact player.
Before the draft, I did a ranking of all the players available, and I figured LaMahieu would be there at my pick and I was prepared to pick him, but I had Cody Bellinger higher in my list, so I picked him. I probably should have picked LaMahieu, but couldn’t. No disrespect to Charleston, who got a great player IMO. But there was a method to my madness.
Let me give you some background first –
I’ve been asking Chuck about Cody Bellinger since he drafted him back in 2018, it would always end up in me trading Judge back to him in the deal, which I wouldn’t do.
The last time we carved up a former team and had a dispersal draft back in 2017, I think. I chose Brian Dozier, at the time he was a 30 year old all star 2bman just coming off a 856 OPS season. DJ LaMahieu is 33 yrs old and a former all star 2bman, so I went with my gut and drafted Bellinger. Not because I needed another outfielder, but because sometimes I like to have players on my team that I just enjoy watching. I love to watch Cody Bellinger hit a baseball, to quote a friend “The dude doesn’t get cheated” He has such a sweet swing. I hope it works out better this time.
Anyways, I wasn’t able to join the ZOOM call, due to work related issues. I wanted to know what the other Groundouts thought of the draft. Great picks? Any Surprise picks?
Also, congrats to Commissioner Dave on winning the World Series, and a very exciting first year as Commissioner.
I was too worried that LaMahieu was headed towards an end like Brad Hawpe. Hawpe had 4 phenomenal years with the Rockies then flamed out, shipped to San Diego and was done at age 32. LaMahieu is probably a smarter hitter and could adjust so we'll see, but for the first time ever I have two decent catchers, at least for one season.
I figured Bauer was a peak Capilanos pick so I couldn’t really do anything else.
The biggest surprise for me was that Lindor lasted until #8. While I get it that he's had a few off years - well actually 1 1/3 years (and pardon me Mr. Covid but you wreaked havoc on a lot of ball players performances in 2020) - he still is a premier SS who plays excellent D, at a prime defensive position. With that said, some metrics show he is declining as a hitter so who knows for sure. I think he rebounds in 2022 and maintains front line SS performance for years to come.
It was a lot of fun getting together with you all last evening (I did miss the groundouts who couldn't make it) - the socialization and the draft were priceless....😊⚾️
😂😂😂
Great re-cap. I don't think any player was picked shockingly high or low, but I thought Goldschmidt might have lasted a little longer. Then I looked him up, and he had a 6+ WAR, so pretty hard to argue with that. One guy that came tantalizingly close to the end of the round was Dustin May. I know he's coming off an injury, but Pensacola made out pretty well. The draft was a blast--let's break up Chuck's team again real soon.