Going Deep: Recap of a 20 Team Dynasty MiLB Draft (Picks 51-60)
As hard as it is to believe, we’ve finally reached the conclusion of our look into an offseason MiLB draft of a man whose MLB Power Rankings on FOX elicit comparisons to that of a drunken, dart throwing chimp, Mr. Craig Goldstein. This was certainly an entertaining draft (for the writer at a minimum) to take a look at for the unique rules (no minor league player adds done in-season) and the questionable draft strategies employed by more than a few teams. Hopefully you were able to learn a few things from this draft that can be used in future MiLB drafts:
Part One detailed why taking Roberto Baldoquin over Nomar Mazara (and Jose Peraza) is generally a horrible idea
Part Two featured virtually all top-100 dynasty prospects being snatched off the board, and again, why you don’t take Roberto Baldoquin ahead of even more top-100 dynasty prospects
Part Three discussed how taking highly touted Rockies pitching prospects early in dynasty drafts is a horrible historical proposition but keeps getting repeated on an almost yearly basis
Part Four was highlighted by a underrated SS prospect and underrated CF prospect being taken
Part Five saw multiple future options to replace Didi Gregorius taken, a low bar to clear undoubtedly
With Part Six, we take a look at multiple Astros pitchers and an intriguing young Braves SS:
51. Los Angeles Angels – Rob Refsnyder (2B/OF, New York Yankees)
At the time this draft was held, there was plenty of buzz that Refsnyder may grab the starting 2B job in the spring for the Yankees, so that’s probably what the Angels had in mind with this pick. I won’t fault this owner for selecting Refsnyder with that line of thinking, but it obviously didn’t happen, and he’s back in AAA, where he is patiently biding his time until Stephen Drew gets injured, or reverts back to being Stephen Drew.
52. Milwaukee Brewers – Nick Burdi (RP, Minnesota Twins)
Drafting relievers is not a strategy for long term success in dynasty leagues, but unfortunately leagues keep requiring them to be rostered, so here we are. Clearly the Brewers felt this was a need, so hopefully the Twins won’t manage to take all the strikeout potential out of his arm before he reaches the majors as they seem to do with every other power arm in their system.
53. Pittsburgh Pirates – Vincent Velasquez (SP, Houston Astros)
The range of outcomes for Velasquez – anywhere from #2 starter to late-inning bullpen arm is as wide as his waistline., but he’s a good gamble this late. I can’t imagine there are many arms with higher upside left at this point, but Velasquez’ checkered medical history is why he is still available at this point.
54. St. Louis Cardinals – Leonardo Molina (CF, New York Yankees)
Molina doesn’t turn 18 until July, so as always be careful where your ‘research’ of young Dominicans on the internet takes you, we don’t want any dynasty league owners ending up sitting at a table being questioned by Chris Hansen. Now that we have the creepy public service announcement portion out of the way, we can point out that Molina was ranked number eight on Baseball Prospectus’ list of Yankees prospects, so the talent is evident, even if it’s most four or more years away from bearing fruit at the big league level. Molina may end up being a nice trade chip in a few years, and that’s a nice pick at number 54.
55. Boston Red Sox – Michael Feliz (SP, Houston Astros)
Much like fellow Astro pitching prospect Vincent Velasquez, scouts are divided on Feliz’s long term role. Some see number two/three starter, some see late-inning reliever. John Sickels of Minor League Ball ranked Feliz ahead of Velasquez on his Astros list (number three among Astros prospects) and the 33rd best pitching prospect. Getting him here at pick 55 is a nice value.
56. New York Yankees – Max Pentecost (C, Toronto Blue Jays)
The available talent pool in this draft is much larger than most, but you have to like getting the player whom Bret ranked as the 22nd best dynasty league talent from the June draft at this juncture of the draft. Pentecost is unique in that he brings some actual speed to the catcher position and should be a nice option to give some relief to Russell Martin’s aging legs when he’s ready to contribute in Toronto.
57. Minnesota Twins – Derek Hill (CF, Detroit Tigers)
If you like getting the 22nd best talent from June a pick earlier, you really have to like getting the 21st best talent at number 57. Hill is the Tigers #1 prospect, according to BP, and although he’s pretty raw, there’s potential for a six category contributor, which is all that you can ask of a pick this late.
58. Texas Rangers – Ozhaino Albies (SS, Atlanta Braves)
As a personal favorite, it’s hard for me not to say that getting Albies here is a absolute steal. Fangraphs’ Kiley McDaniel ranked Albies as the 34th overall prospect on his Top 200 list and the accolades keep rolling in for the diminutive Albies, as he finished near the top of most Braves prospect lists this winter, both before and after the Braves added approximately 74 other quality prospects to their system.
59. Kansas City Royals – Michael Chavis (INF, Boston Red Sox)
Note the position listed, as Chavis could end up at 2B, SS (least likely) or 3B as he works his way up the Red Sox system.
60. Toronto Blue Jays – Manuel Joseph (SS, Detroit Tigers)
I’m at a complete loss when trying to find the appeal for Joseph, but perhaps the Blue Jays owner wanted the draft to end, just as many do the breakdown of this draft.