2016 Fantasy Baseball | Team Introduction
11:52 AM
It's that time of year again. The baseball season starts in about a month (give or take) and, on Saturday night, my 8-team fantasy league held our draft. As the league manager, I had first pick (an opportunity that I take very seriously) and, all in all, I don't think I did too shabby. Check out my full squad under the cut. Note: commentary will range from okay-at-best to "I like this guy."
The CaptainJames McCann (DET), Catcher
Come on. I can't seriously name my team after a player and not have him on my team, can I? While my plan was to draft James in one of the later rounds, he got snatched up by an opponent pretty early on. No fear, though - a straight-up trade of McCann for my catcher pick Jonathan Lucroy solved that issue. In all honesty, I'm not counting on James for huge offensive point-value; I just needed my team's namesake.
The Infield
Eric Hosmer (KC), 1BA really solid pick, I think. His 2016 predictions are trending a little lower than his 2015 totals but, honestly, what do predictions know?
Kolten Wong (STL), 2BI really don't know much about Wong but I needed a 2B and he was one of the best available options. I'm hoping he can provide some solid offense (obviously).
Josh Donaldson (TOR), 3B
Ladies and gentlemen, my number one draft pick. Okay, okay, I hear you. "Why didn't you take Trout or Harper or Cabrera?!" Look, don't judge my strategy. Donaldson is the reigning AL MVP; he's no slouch. I like his hair, he's going to be on Vikings, and he's not too shabby at swingin' the bat. This pick will pay off.
Troy Tulowitzki (TOR), SS
I think Toronto's lineup is full of great hitters, Tulo being no exception. I like him as a player a lot, for reasons probably superficial and frivolous, but whatever. It's not like I purposely drafted my favorites instead of the Best Name Available but, like, sometimes... why wouldn't you?
Ian Desmond (TEX), 2B/SS
So, Desmond was a (kind of) big story late this off-season because it took him awhile to find a home and, when he did, it was for a lot less money than was projected. Hey, if he can get me a fair number of points on a one-year deal, so be it.
Todd Frazier (CWS), 1B/3B
Because he has a really cool nickname and he can hit some incredible home runs. That's it.
The Utility Man
Víctor Martínez (DET), DH
Before I made this pick, I was like "this is for my mom." Picking VMart is risky; he is coming off of a very down year. I have faith, though, that 2016 will be a bounce back to form, with his familiar strength returning to his bat. If not, well, thanks a lot, Mom.
The Outfield
José Bautista (TOR)
Helloooooooo, bat flip. Literally how else do I need to justify this choice? Exactly.
Adam Jones (BAL)
I feel like Adam Jones is a really cool dude. Everyone rags on him 'cause they don't know what he is saying in that one commercial but, come on, who cares? When were you ever an MLB star in a commercial?
Christian Yelich (MIA)
Is this not an obvious choice for me? Last year, Yelich battled some back issues and some overall slumpy offense, but I'm hoping for an uptick in production this season.
Kole Calhoun (LAA)
I honestly don't know that much about Kole and, when I searched for a photo of him, I spelled his name "Cole Kalhoun." He seems like a decent player. Maybe some of Trout's offensive genius will rub off on him.
Kevin Pillar (TOR)
It's times like these and players like Pillar that make me wish I could get points for defense. Nonetheless, Kevin makes my squad out of camp. Time will tell if he keeps his job in my major league.
The Starters
Madison Bumgarner (SF)
Look, I don't like Bumgarner as a person, but he's a hell of a pitcher. A true ace.
Zack Greinke (ARI)
Ace number two. RIP Greinke's long hair.
Chris Archer (TB)
I used to despise Archer. Now, I think he is a really cool guy and an extremely talented pitcher. I'll take him.
Do you sense a theme? I just really like good pitchers.
Jordan Zimmermann (DET)
Considered the number two in our rotation, Zimmermann could easily be an Opening Day starter on numerous other teams. I'll put my eggs in that basket.
Hisashi Iwakuma (SEA)
A good pitcher. I'm running low on thoughts here, guys.
Wei-Yin Chen (MIA)
I'm really happy with this pick-up for Miami. We need stability in that rotation.
Gio González (WSH)
For some reason, I've always loved Gio.
Daniel Norris (DET)
My last pick of the draft was a pure fun one. I don't even know if Norris will make the Tigers' rotation out of spring training but, hey, there's always another option on the free agent market.
The Relievers
Mark Melancon (PIT)
A good closer? I think. Who knows. I like alliterative names so he has that going for him.
A.J. Ramos (MIA)
I am a huge fan of Ramos based solely on his personality and friendship with Giancarlo Stanton, but I also want to see how well he does in his first full season as Miami's closer - if that position sticks.
Sean Doolittle (OAK)
A bit of a risk considering how little Sean pitched last season, but it's hard to root against a guy who is so passionate and a truly awesome person.
Final Thoughts
First off, can I just say what an absolute pain it has been formatting this post? Anyways, I'm really happy with my team this year and I think that these players give me a definite shot at reestablishing my winning ways after faltering last year. If I make any moves before the season starts, they would probably deal with balancing out my pitching; I think I want to get some more relievers that pitch on a fairly regular basis in order to have a constant opportunity for points instead of depending on starters - especially when a lot of mine will be pitching on fairly similar schedules.
I can't wait for the season to start.
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