Fantasy Baseball: Revisiting 2013’s Top-10, Part 2

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In Part 1 of this two-part series, we took a look back at our Top-10 from 2013’s Draft Kit. It was something discussed in a Facebook discussion, and a column from me just before the season started.

In case you forgot, this was our Top-10.

Last time, we went over Braun, Cabrera, Trout, Cano, and Kemp. This time, we’re going to look at the 6-10 guys. Let’s do it.

6. Andrew McCutchen

— What I said then:

Dixon made a very compelling argument against McCutchen in our thread. He pointed out that without much around him, McCutchen is relatively easy to pitch around. So as dynamic as this young star is, he may not get as many opportunities at good pitches as the rest of these first rounders. However, with everything equal, this kid would be a steal, because he will give you great numbers across the board!

— What I say now:

McCutchen was absolutely a steal, and it looks like the Pittsburgh Pirates found enough to put around him to make teams challenge him. Cutch should be taken right behind Trout and Miggy next year. He’s a real RBI threat and if he can get that RBI total over 100, he’s without a doubt fantasy baseball’s third best hitter.

7. Albert Pujols

–What I said then:

"Albert Pujols is one of my all time favorites, and more so he is one of the all time greats. However, with 2 slow starts to season in a row, and he being relegated to DHing in spring training right now. The writing is on the wall, Albert is old, and on the decline. He may still get you 100-30-110-10-.300, BUT if he has another slow start, and maybe take a long DL stint at some point, he may destroy your chances at winning your league because you will have passed on so many other great 1B options after drafting Pujols in the first round. With Fielder going just a pick or two later, and guys like Edwin Encarnacion or Billy Butler available just a couple of rounds later, I would pass on Pujols even at this spot."

–What I say now:

Well, I should have taken my own warning here. Pujols did get off to a slow start and did spend a lot of time on the DL and just sitting out. Even when he was in the lineup he was pedestrian at best. Sadly, as great as Albert Pujols has been in his career I think that his elite days are far behind him. Pujols might make a nice bounce back candidate if you can get him around rounds 8-10 or for around $10, but I would not overpay for him.

8. Joey Votto

— What I said then:

"Joey Votto is my 6th pick overall because he is an absolute professional hitter! He will produce great numbers in Runs, HRs, RBI and AVG and should even steal double digit bags. He had a down year due to injury, but is still in his prime years, and has an improved lineup around him. Also this pick has a little more to do with the knocks on the next 2 players than it does with my expectations for Votto."

— What I say now:

Coming off an injury-plagued 2012 season, Votto had a fine bounce back season. The problem is that his average was a little low, the HR totals weren’t there, and his lack of RBI was the most concerning state. This just won’t do for a first-round guy, and Joey just might not get back to first round caliber. I would wait on him and hope he drops, even past the second round.

9. Carlos Gonzalez

— What I said then:

"Cargo is as dynamic as Braun, Trout, Kemp and McCutchen, he just has so many question marks on him. As well as one of the craziest home road splits for an “elite” player. Of course, there is always the chance that Cargo returns to his 2010 dominance, however Cargo has never played more than 150 games in a season, and furthermore, he strikes out A LOT. So if you are all about high risk high reward type guys, Cargo is your man!"

— What I say now:

Cargo, when healthy and playing at Coors is worth a first round pick. In just 391 at bats he still achieved 20/20 and batted over .300. I would still be tempted by Cargo at the end of round one, question marks and all. If you can get him in round 2, take him and run!

10. Prince Fielder

— What I said then:

"Lastly we have Prince Fielder. If I am in a 10-team league, I am excited about this pick only because with the wrap around pick I would be taking Buster Posey. That said, if I am in a 12-team league or deeper, I am taking Buster Posey here and will gladly take whatever criticism is dished out. Prince is a terrific hitter, and is probably about as bankable as they get in round 1, but there is just something about Buster Posey and how he has been ELITE in his 2 real seasons in the majors."

— What I say now:

Well, I was pretty solid with the Prince pick here, he had a fine season, and actually I think he might be able to pick it up a little next season. The Posey pick on the other hand was not wise, to say the least. Unfortunately with catchers the field is pretty evened out these days, so I would wait on catchers and take any of the younger up and comers. Prince is the right pick if you have the 10th pick in round 1, maybe even a tad higher if you just don’t believe in other guys.

That finishes the Top-10 players. Before we go, we need to revisit a few more notes.

— What I said then:

"Pass on pitching in round 1, because worst case scenario is that you end up with an even better hitter in your lap in round 2 because your league mates took the top tier pitchers. Also, the difference between Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander to Felix Hernandez isn’t that much, so if you get Felix at pick 20, then you are just fine."

— What I say now:

I think that there is one pitcher who absolutely belongs in the Top-10, and maybe even in the Top-5. Clayton Kershaw was absolutely lights out last season, and with the impact that his numbers could have on a fantasy rotation, he is worth every fake dollar!

— What I said then:

We have a lot of 1B and OFs in Round 1, so if you are going to reach for a player, make sure it is a 3B or Middle infielder like, David Wright, Jose Reyes, or Dustin Pedroia.

— What I say now:

I don’t suggest reaching for Pedroia anymore. But even with a very real threat of injuries for both, I stand by reaching for Reyes and probably Wright.