Strato Draft Board
2002
Challenge the thought process, dare to inquire, and take the road less traveled. The results you get my astonish you...... and others. This is the case with drafting in scratch leagues across the country and ESPECIALLY TRUE in Star Tournaments. For as long as I can remember, and as far back as Star Tournaments records go, the results are so similar... it's almost painful to watch. Many good managers enter the draft, and travel the same route as everyone else. They draft the same way... following the same thought process.. perhaps in order to not look foolish at these tournaments and scratch leagues.
I challenge anyone to research the past drafts from Star Tournaments.... and you'll find the same selections in the first 2 rounds. Now, how can this possibly be.... there are some 300-500 players selected in any draft (depending on the number of teams).. I find it embarrassing that the same 10 players are drafted in the exact same order... in 90% of the drafts. This is partly Star Tournaments fault.. as they hand out a sheet that gives previous draft selections of other leagues. So, in an effort not to look foolish, and go against the grain, you get the same guys drafted in exactly the same order, year after year. This type of influence, severely dampens a managers creativity and must go against many managers own beliefs that certain guys should be drafted before others. This is not an attack on Star Tournaments, as they are a superb organization, and their dedication to the game is unparalleled. Star simply hands out these sheets to help managers prepare for the draft, and to expedite the timely manner of the drafts.
I am challenging Star Tournaments either to not to put out that sheet in tournaments and on their website or to distribute my sheet as an alternative and see how different the results might be. I also challenge every manager to stick to their strategy. This game is played for fun... and the more involvement I have over my players and their selection, the more fun it is... and I suspect, that is the same way with managers form across the country.
With that said, I would like to provide an alternative draft sheet for the first 2 rounds (the top 25 guys). I hope this will help all managers involved in tournaments and scratch drafts. This draft sheet is for any tournament with over usage penalties or for full season scratch drafts with over-usage penalties. Player retention for next year didn't factor into this draft sheet.
1. Barry Bonds-- His bat will produce you 2 runs/game. With my respects to Harmon Killebrew, Big Mac, and Reggie Jackson; he could have the best strato card ever!!
2. Curt Schilling-- With over 250 innings, he has the best all-round pitching card in the set...even though he had severe whiplash from watching those 37 homers fly over the fence!!
3. AROD-- A shortstop who hit 50+ homers and batted .300+ . that's unbelievable.
4. Mike Mussina-- The second best pitching card in the set. He has less BP homers then Schilling, but comes with 25 less innings, a weaker hold, and a lot less DP's on his card.
5. Jim Edmonds-- He is the ONLY elite centerfielder. everyone else can't hold his jock strap... he's just that much better.
6. Javier Vazquez-- It's too bad he plays on a crappy team in Canada... most people haven't even seen his arsenal.
7. Robbie Alomar-- He's the best 2nd baseman this year, when you factor in his hits, OB, steals, defense, clutch, bunting, and being a switch hitter.
8. Bret Boone-- He hasn't driven anyone home since his Junior Prom... then all the sudden .....BANG!! It's called cork in the bat folks!!
9. Paul Lo Duca-- He has less DP's the Ivan, +4 in the clutch, has 20 more AB's, the same power, and actually hits lefties.
10. John Burkett-- The only way he'll enter the hall is when he buys an admission pass. You watch, he won't be able to throw rice at a Chinese wedding this year!!
11. Derek Jeter-- He can actually field, something Rich Aurilla never learned all that time in the minors.
12. Greg Maddux-- This guy will pitch until his arm falls off. Imagine the CUBS GM who OK'd that trade to the Braves... let's all join in on this one.... "What an idiot!!"
13. Sammy Sosa-- Against my better judgment, he shouldn't be this high up only because he's a right fielder and a weak defender, but those power #'s are awesome.
14. Roy Oswalt-- He's got less his on his card then on an Amish Website!
15. Ivan Rodriguez-- If it weren't for his rally killing DP's and he can't hit lefties... he might be higher than he is.
16. Randy Johnson-- His face has more craters on it then the moon.. but he's your man if you like lefties.
17. Pedro-- 117 innings will get you get you 17 outings at 7 innings a pop... that's about 15 wins that card will net your team.
18. Rich Aurilla-- Don't bat him 5th .. he's a whopping -16 in the clutch!! I've seen better cuts with a rusty razor blade.
19. Fernando Vina-- With all that money, you'd think he'd fix that clodhopper nose!!
20. Joe Mays-- Last year he couldn't put the ball in the ocean.. this year he's a stud.. go figure!
21. Larry Walker-- Why is he down so far-- he's a right fielder with Ichiro, Green Guerrero, Gonzales, Abreu, Berkman, and many others still undrafted.
22. Ichiro Suzuki-- I never noticed his talent all those years watching Kung-Fu Theater on Saturday afternoons.
23. Wade Miller-- This guy is a horse... with 2 more legs he can star in a western!!
24. Chan Ho Park-- In Texas, he might fall apart faster then a Wal-Mart sweater. But, his card is a good choice for this pick.
25. Tim Hudson-- He always gets screwed on his strato card.. after him.. it's a gamble for a starting pitcher.
Why didn't a first baseman like Giambi or Helton get chosen in the top 25 ... well, if you cover up Helton's name.... and compare his card to Klesko's (who you can get in rd 15) ... Klesko's is very close vs righties... then you can get Big Mac in rd 25 to hit lefties.. so who would you rather have... Helton and Hideo Nomo... or Schilling and Klesko. think about that .. when you put your ego away.... we all know the true answer. You might also wonder about why Piazza wasn't in the top 25.... that's because his +3 arm kills you. He will cost you more games with that hold then his bat will win you. He's basically a very good DH... and doesn't belong in the top 25 for sure.
So, in closing, draft first baseman, third baseman, and right fielders almost dead last. Pitching wins ball games and will bring you a championship. It's that simple. Check out my website for more articles and information at www.stratoguide.com