Cabrera or Wright and other draft-day decisions
I know everyone thinks David Wright is a better choice than Miguel Cabrera this season, but something intrigues me about Cabrera's potential totals in home runs, average and RBI. Am I crazy for thinking about Cabrera over Wright with my first pick? All
Dave: It's almost like arguing whether you'd rather have pancakes or waffles for breakfast; both are excellent choices, but each has its own individual highlights. If I could have them both without looking like a total pig, I'd be all over it. So no, I don't think you're crazy for wanting Cabrera over Wright. But given the choice, I want Wright because of the stolen bases he provides. And, yes, given the previous history, Cabrera has a shot at outshining Wright in average, home runs and RBI. If you have a hunch on Cabrera and think he's the one to grab, great, go with your gut. Am I going to give you 20 lashes for it? No way. You really can't go wrong with either, but I prefer the stolen bases Wright provides.
I'm entering into a deep, 17-team league with a live draft coming up soon. I'm looking into the possibility of drafting Kelly Shoppach as catcher. Is this is safe decision given that Victor Martinez might end up starting better than 80 percent of the games for the Indians behind the plate? Also, I'm concerned there may not be enough at-bats to go around for Martinez at first base with Travis Hafner and Ryan Garko in the mix. Is Shoppach worth a late-round pick just in case? Thanks! Foulke
Dave: Don't worry about Martinez monopolizing so much of the catching duties this season for the Indians. He's going to be in the lineup everyday for the most part, but he'll get plenty of time at first base, which gives Shoppach some appealing value in your league. The Indians will need to keep Martinez fresh this season, so I think 80 percent of the catching duties is too high of a projection. Shoppach is going to get close to 350 at-bats again this year, and we all know what he did with that kind of opportunity last season (21 home runs in only 352 at-bats). He's always been able to swing the stick for power, going back to his minor league days, so Eric Wedge will make sure to get his bat in the lineup often. Also, Garko is going to get time in the outfield in 2009, while Hafner will occupy the designated hitter slot most nights. Wedge will make sure he keeps a healthy rotation going between Garko, Hafner, V-Mart and Shoppach. So if Shoppach is there in the later rounds for you, pounce on him.
With the recent arm issues of Brandon Morrow ($4), should I keep him in an AL-only, 5x5 league, or should I go the safer route and keep Josh Beckett ($27) or Mike Aviles ($4)? AM
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Dave: I would still keep Morrow on your roster, because the potential to lock onto his young arm for the next few seasons at that price is too good for me to pass up. Jason Grey goes into great detail on Morrow in our 30 Questions Draft Kit feature on the Mariners, so make sure you check that out. The injury doesn't have anything to with Morrow's elbow, and that's always good news in the fantasy world. Apparently there's some tightness in his forearm and the Mariners did shut him down for a bit because of it, but Morrow has resumed throwing again. The Mariners don't seem to be too concerned about the injury and think there is still a chance for him to be ready for the start of the season. Beckett's price tag is too high for my tastes, even in an AL-only league. I'm just not as wild about him as I once was, considering his injury history and consistency from season to season. You can't deny that Aviles is a great value, but long term in a keeper league I want Morrow.
Do you think burning a high waiver-wire priority on Chad Cordero is worth it? I drafted Tyler Walker and Miguel Batista in a 20-team, 5x5 league with the hopes of winning the Mariners' closer lottery. I only have Brandon Lyon as a legitimate closer, though I do have Brad Ziegler, Kevin Gregg and Jensen Lewis as fliers. I would be dropping Dayan Viciedo for Cordero. Thanks a lot. J.J.
Dave: I would rather save my high priority and see how the Walker/Batista combo works out before going after Cordero. I know in such a deep league saves will be tougher to come by, but I don't see the value in using your high priority on Cordero right now, especially since he only signed a minor league contract after undergoing labrum surgery in July. If Cordero gets himself healthy and gains some of the velocity he lost, then I'm sure the Mariners would love to give him a chance at closing out games this season. He has tons of work to do just to get to that point though, so if you can grab him after he passes waivers, then great. Just don't use your claim on him.
Would you trade David Price for Joakim Soria in a one-year league? Aaron
Dave: In a one-year league, I'd make that trade without thinking twice about it. You'd get one of the best closers in the game in Soria for a rookie pitcher in Price who hasn't done anything at the major league level yet. Plus, it looks like Price is going to be sent to the minor leagues once the season starts, since the Rays' pitching depth is outstanding and management will likely want to monitor his innings this season. Don't get me wrong, I love Price's prospects. He'll eventually be one of the best pitchers in the league in a few short seasons, but in a seasonal league you have to take advantage of the major hype surrounding Price and deal him here.
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