I have the first pick in my league's draft and I'd really prefer a pitcher. (and I don't want to screw it up which I have a tendency to do with high picks)

The top guy has absolutely stellar control and splits (projected 91, 80, 86) and 2 good pitches, 1 decent, 1 bad (projected 88, 82, 53, 17), but his durability is only 17 (and isn't getting higher) and his stamina projects to 85 (currently 65).

He is a HS player, with Health and Makeup already in the 90's.

I'm just worried that the stam/dur combo won't let him pitch enough to really be worth it.

This is a pretty good draft at the top and there are 3 real good position players that I'd consider with the pick.

Take the best position player and wait until rollover and trade him for a better pitcher. Guys with 17 dur will waste their stamina, because if you want him to pitch every 5th day, you have to keep his pitch counts somewhere in the 80's maybe lower. Another option is to draft this guy and make him a 2 inning closer. What's his g/b and velocity? I like my closer to have very high control, g/b, and velocity. I'll even settle for lower splits if those 3 ratings are really good.

He keeps the ball down and brings heat, both in the 80's

If you're paying attention to GB/FB and VEL, you're paying attention to the wrong ratings.

That said, I'd take an elite bat if it were there, but that should be an allstar pitcher.

The 17 Dur. would scare me off. He's worth a high pick, but not the 1st. I agree with jimmystick, draft a big stick and trade him for a better pitcher...

What would qualify as a big enough stick to pass on him? :)

Quote: Originally Posted By jonas1102 on 10/23/2009If you're paying attention to GB/FB and VEL, you're paying attention to the wrong ratings

GB/FB can be somewhat important. Agree, its not as important as Splits, Control and Pitch Rating, but its not like VEL.

Velocity carries added importance if you have a crappy fielding team. Less balls in play = less opportunities for errors.

I'm just talking about closers. I don't believe in using my best reliever as a closer. I use my best guys at SuA and for my closer I take the guy with the best control/vel/gb combo.

Closers who walk guys and give up home runs are scary. I want lots of strikeouts (few balls in play) in the 9th inning.

But back to the original question... I think this pitcher is good but not worth the #1 pick. If draft a good hitter you might be able to trade your hitter to whoever drafts this guy and have him throw in another pitcher. Better yet, there's probably a better pitcher you haven't scouted, and you might be able to trade for him.

Never draft on need. Always take the best player.

I've got I player that's 80/24 and he pitches about 200 innings per year. Depending on park you are looking at 180 quality innings out of that guy.

Similar DUR/STA ratings to what you're projecting and the 2nd pick in the draft in season 5, Jerry Glover is a Cy Young candidate in season 13 of Moonlight Graham.

18-5, 200 IP, OAV .197, ERA 1.80, WHIP 0.97

TB, you're getting terrible advice .. until toddcommish. Draft the pitcher. 17 DUR with that stamina is noooo problem. Pitching is the name of the game, hitters are a dime a dozen.

Quote: Originally Posted By jsturgis5866 on 10/23/2009TB, you're getting terrible advice .. until toddcommish. Draft the pitcher. 17 DUR with that stamina is noooo problem. Pitching is the name of the game, hitters are a dime a dozen

Saved for posterity.

And for probably the only time it'll be true.

Maybe. But he's a division mate in Ruth now, so I want to give credit where credit's due.