By JIMMY D / Miggy's move to Motown makes him No. 1 | Jimmy's archive

Jimmy didn’t take part in the MLB Experts Draft when he attended the big Fantasy Sports Trade Association conference a few weeks back.

But what he saw from some of the best-known fantasy writers in the business surprised him - Miguel Cabrera, No. 1 overall.

Yes, Miggy’s move to Motown from Miami should surely elevate his fantasy status as he will reside in the middle of a truly potent batting order. But No. 1 overall? [ Draft order here ]

C’mon fellas….

In fact, the two biggest trades of the off-season pushed the principles into the top two spots in this league. Johan Santana was selected second overall as poolies figured the combination of Santana striking out four pitchers every game and the potent Mets offense would yield a sick number of wins and Ks.

The perennial consensus No. 1 pick – A-Rod – fell to No. 3 in this league, but remains atop many mock draft lists. He produces prodigious fantasy babseball numbers annually and the fact he now has a $275-million contract will surely provide more security for him, because his last deal was for a pauperish $252-million. How the hell was he supposed to survive on such a pittance?

Jose Reyes, who sits second in many mock draft tables, fell to No. 8, while the experts subscribed to the theory that Albert Pujols’s shoulder woes are behind him (he went fourth overall).

3B David Wright made it three Mets in the Top 8 when he went fifth overall and last year’s breakout player Hanley Ramirez went next at No. 6. The talented 24-year-old shortstop ripped off 50+ bags for the second straight season and punched out 29 HRs while hitting .332 and driving in 81. Sick, sick, sick.

Rockie stud Matt Holliday was seventh while 2B Chase Utley started a run on Philadelphia Phillies (1B Ryan Howard and defending NL MVP Jimmy Rollins) followed (sandwiched around Cubby Alfonso Soriano) to round out the Top 10. Imagine if Utley managed an MVP season, you would have three different Phillies winning it back-to-back-to-back.

A pair of Brewers (both who played on Jimmy’s second-place Jackals last season) 1B Prince Fielder and 3B Ryan Braun (the NL Rookie of the Year) completed the first round.

Pitch me, pinch me

Starting pitchers fell into the fourth round and below in most cases. The exceptions were Padre Cy Young winner Jake Peavy who went 25th overall and Erik Bedard – the focus of another huge off-season trade – going 48th.

Bedard bolsters Seattle’s hopes of contending in the tough AL West and gives the Ms a potent 1-2 punch with Felix Hernandez.

The draft lasted 29 rounds and anyone wanting to see the results for their draft-preparation can visit www.JimmyDSports.com for the list.

Injury Wrap

Philadelphia won the NL East last year (actually the Mets lost it) despite serious injury woes, especially in the bullpen. Things got off on a bad foot (make that a knee) when newly acquired Brad Lidge tweaked his surgically repaired knee. He will have it scoped and be back in time for Opening Day if all goes well.

His arrival lets Philly move Brett Myers back into the rotation. Maybe.

In Boston, Curt Schilling won’t play until after the All-Star break while he rehabs his shoulder. Schilling’s doctors advised surgery, but Boston’s docs say rehab. Since Boston can void his $8 million contract if he doesn’t follow their orders, rehab it is.

Draft him only as a longshot flyer for second-half potential.
In Chicago, 2B Mark DeRosa is out of hospital after experiencing a racing heartbeat in drills last week. This apparently had nothing to do with Jessica Simpson hanging out in the stands in her skivvies.

That was a joke, please don’t send me emails detailing where Ms. Simpson was last week, unless it was somewhere nearby, in which case, here is my email address jpoole@herald.ca ; ask her to contact me.

In Cleveland, OF Shin-Soo Choo is out until mid-May. This isn’t really a big deal, but Jimmy was dying to get his name into a column. There must be marketing opportunities for him out there (Skin So Soft hand softener or Shih Tzu breeding kennels?)

In Yankee Stadium, one of the most expensive players in team history threw some light pitches. Carl Pavano isn’t expected back anytime soon, but he is noteworthy because his $40-million deal expires this year. His totals? 19 starts, five wins. Now you see why they don’t mind paying A-Rod $275 million – the dude actually plays.

Speaking of disabled list regulars, surprising to see Mark Prior on there. Only difference this year is that he’s on San Diego’s list instead of Chicago’s.

We had hoped to mention a few NHL trades, but as of press time Monday, there was nothing to report on. So that will wait until next week.

In the meantime, stay busy and stay lucky.

Jimmy D
jpoole@herald.ca