Gekko Gives Back!

[Gordon Gekko II]

Alright folks, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. In a time of extreme economic turmoil, I will be giving back to the NFBC community by awarding the NFBC “magazine” team I drafted to one lucky message board poster (details below). The poster takes over the team and manages throughout the season. Of course if he wins the league, he gets to keep the credit all to himself. I’m out of the picture as soon as I award the team. You can think of it as “Gekko gives back”.



This team is in a winner take all league along with 14 other owners. The winner of this league is awarded a $500 credit towards the 2010 NFBC season. Here is the team I drafted in January:



1B Justin Morneau MIN R2 P12

1B Travis Ishikawa SF R28 P12

2B Jose Lopez SEA R12 P12

2B Alexi Casilla MIN R19 P4

3B Alex Rodriguez NYY R1 P4

3B Adrian Beltre SEA R10 P12

SS Jhonny Peralta CLE R7 P4

C Ramon Hernandez CIN R13 P4

C Kurt Suzuki OAK R17 P4

OF Jacoby Ellsbury BOS R3 P4

OF Corey Hart MIL R5 P4

OF Ryan Church NYM R20 P12

OF Daniel Murphy NYM R22 P12

OF Josh Willingham WAS R25 P4

OF Nyjer Morgan PIT R26 P12

OF Carlos Gonzalez COL R27 P4

OF Melky Cabrera NYY R30 P12

DH David Ortiz BOS R4 P12

SP Roy Oswalt HOU R6 P12

SP Joba Chamberlain NYY R8 P12

SP David Price TB R9 P4

SP John Danks CHW R14 P12

SP Jered Weaver ANA R15 P4

SP Chien-Ming Wang NYY R16 P12

SP Philip Hughes NYY R18 P12

SP David Purcey TOR R24 P12

SP Carlos Villanueva MIL R29 P4

RP Trevor Hoffman MIL R11 P4

RP Kevin Gregg CHC R21 P4

RP Grant Balfour TB R23 P4



How to win this team FOR FREE:

Simple. You need to answer the following question:

What player, without major league experience, will have the most impact in 2009? Note: Answers containing M.Wieters or T.Hanson will not be considered.



Responses need to be posted on this thread and are limited to one response per poster.



The contest runs from now until Saturday, February 28th. I will review all answers on Sunday, March 1st and determine the best response. Responses will be judged mostly on content but originality will also factor in. Bonus points will be awarded for any nuggets of information brought out that I was not aware of.



Good luck and have fun!

[616Fantasyguy]

Andrew McCutchen - The Pirates used the 11th overall pick in 2005 on the talented speedster out of Fort Meade High School. After backing out of the scholarship awarded to him by the University of Florida, McCutchen has done nothing but impress while moving up the ranks within the Pirates organization. The Pirates management know another year in AAA just won't do ... it's time to bring up their 2006 organizational minor league player of the year to see what he can do in the spotlight. The timing is perfect as Muskegon native Nate McClouth came out of nowhere to show a good mixture of speed and power while driving in 113 runs and stealing 23 bases. McClouth is suited perfectly to bat in the 2nd hole. The question that remains to be answered is which speedy outfielder can get on base and manufacture runs in front of McClouth. The clear answer is Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen stole 34 bases last season in his first full AAA season and has also converted 75% of his stolen base attempts in his 4 minor league seasons combined. Also impressive is McCucthen’s AAA .372 OBP which beats that of Jacoby Ellsbury's .360 OBP, which he produced in his 87 game stint in AAA before he was called up to Boston. It also beats Curtis Granderson's .359 OBP, which is what he ended his AAA season with before being given a shot by the Tigers. There is no way the Pirates can leave McCutchen down in AAA while allowing Steven Pearce and Brandon Moss to man the corner outfield spots. The speed factor not only helps the Pirates score more runs, but also adds an element defensivley in the outfield. The numbers are there and McCutchen is a beast waiting to be unleashed by Pittsburgh in 2009.

[Likewhat17]

Dayán Viciedo- Although he doesn't necessarily project to open the year as the starting third baseman, he oozes potential. With a monster spring, or with Josh Fields struggling early on, Viciedo could easily find himself a full-time gig. In his 2nd season in the Cuban National Series, at only 16 years of age, he hit .337 with 14 HR. Ozzie Guillen has already shown a propensity to give young Cuban players without major league experience a chance to make the club out of spring training (Alexei Ramirez last year). Couple that with the fact that the White Sox play in one of the most hitter friendly parks in baseball, and you could be looking at .275/25/90 with upside to go even higher than that. Oh, and the first ADP has him averaging Mr.Irrelevant at 450th overall. If that doesn't scream value, then I don't know what does!

[751542]

wheres crazy?? he should be all over this contest!!! good luck to all participants!

[cribgusto]

Logan Morrison, 1B, Fla.



Morrison, Baseball America's #18 prospect in 2009, is poised to grab Florida's 1B job for two reasons, his production, and the lack of competition in Florida.



Last season in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League, Morrison put up .332/.402/.494, chipping in 9 steals. The year prior, Morrison hit 267/.343/.483 with 24 HR in the Sally League. This fall, Morrison was a batting star of the Arizona Fall League, going .404/.444/.667. He even hit for the cycle on Halloween. At 6'2", 215, Morrison has the build to hit and hit hard and the athleticism to throw in some steals.



The Marlins have a mess at 1B going into the year. As of today, 1B is slated to be manned by some mess of 26 year old Gaby Sanchez, Jorge Cantu (on days he's not playing 3B) and the immortal Wes Helms. Sanchez has no real history of major league success and must be viewed with skepticism. Moreover, Sanchez bats right-handed, the opposite of Morrison's left-handed bat. Given any failure by Sanchez, Morrison is poised to at worst, assume the good side of a platoon.



Morrison is undisputably Florida's future at 1B. He's been invited to spring training, so he's in the team's eye. It may not be until mid May (a la Braun and Longoria), but Morrison's bat is ready to fill the hole at 1B, and hit some HRs in the process.



[ February 24, 2009, 04:31 PM: Message edited by: cribgusto ]

[Crazy Like a Fox]

Originally posted by RoundTrippers:

wheres crazy?? he should be all over this contest!!! good luck to all participants! What player will have the biggest impact this year who hasn't had any major league experience? That's easy. 23 year old Colby Rasmus, a true 5 tool talent should win the ROY on top of winning the hearts of fantasy leaguers everywhere.



In 2007, just 22, he dominated the Texas League in just 128 games to the tune of .275-29-72-92 runs with 18 steals leading the league in homeruns. To show his power potential even more he threw in 37 doubles. Talk about stuffing the box score. This big time talent is not new to showing off his power, as a senior in high school he passed Bo Jackson for 2nd all-time in the state for homers in a season with 24. The Cardinals were contemplating bringing him up but due to his youth they wanted him to continue to grow before taking it to the next level.



After that season, Baseball America listed him at #5 in their top 100 prospects just behind the likes of Jay Bruce, Longoria and Joba and just ahead of Cameron Maybin, David Price and yes, Matt Wieters. Even though Rasmus struggled last year in AAA with nagging injuries, they thought highly enough of him to move him up to #3 prospect for 2009 out of the top 100.



In fantasy baseball, power/speed combinations are pretty rare, Rasmus has a chance to be a 25/25 player and if Schumaker moves to 2nd base (which Larussa is pushing for) that leaves a spot wide open in centerfield for Rasmus to take and run with. Jim Callis (one of the foremost authorities on prospects) after seeing his injury riddled 2008 had this to say, "I'll take him over any center field prospect in the game."



When trying to predict what player with no major league experience will have the biggest impact in 2009, you need two things, big time talent and opportunity. He has both.



Last year I predicted Carlos Quentin. This year's biggest impact rookie will be none other than Colby Rasmus.

[Hawk]

Mark Melancon will be the most impactful.



The greatest question in the Yankee universe - that does not include steroids - is whether Joba Chamberlain should be kept in the 8th inning or should be a starter. Brian Cashman has been chided on virtually every MLB talk show for putting Joba in the rotation. How could he, they say, lose such a weapon?



The answer is: Mark Melancon.



Melancon - as opposed to Joba - has always been a reliever. He possesses a good fastball and a big curve. He has swing and miss stuff. He is the heir apparent to Mariano and he will break out this year as the best setup man in the league.



His presence toward the back end of the bullpen will end the biggest debate in baseball and that makes him the most impactful rookie in baseball.

[Dub]

Neftali Feliz, at age 20, is the choice. This is a very big kid. He is 6' 3" and 215 lbs. He reaches in excess of 100 MPH on the gun and averages in the mid to high 90's. His motion is effortless and free. To go along with the gas he has a plus curve with a good change up. His control has been excellent for such a young hard-thrower. While going 10-6 with a 2.98 ERA in 27 starts in 2008 in AA, Feliz struck out 153 batters in 127 1/3 innings, walking just 51. that translates to a 3-1 k/BB ratio with a 10.9 K9.



The Rangers are on the come with excellent young hitting talent. Considering the depth and quality in the Ranger organization, it is a big compliment to be considered their number one prospect by Baseball America and the number nine prospect overall.



If the Rangers get out fast, much like the Rays last year, they will be hard pressed to hold back this kid, since its pitching that has always been their Achilles heel.



This kid could be special much like Doc Gooden was in 1984.

[pinstripepower]

1ST BASE CHRIS CARTER OAKLAND ATHLETICS HE MITE PLAY 3RD THIS YEAR HE HAS GREAT POWER# 39HR101RBI MAYBE IF CUST GOES DOWN HE DH HE WAS PART OF THE CARLOS QUENTIN PACKAGE AND THE DAN HAREN DEAL SO HE IS THOUGHT OF HIGHLY BEING ASSOCIATED WITH THESE PLAYERS. ONE QUESTION THOUGH HOW DO WE KNOW WHO MAKES THE GREATEST IMPACT? WITHOUT THINGS PLAYING OUT? ANYWAYS GEKKO I SEE THAT U ALWAYS POST ALOT I GET A KICK OUT OF SOME OF THAT STUFF ESPECIALLY THE RED ALERT DOOM AND GLOOM THE END IS NEAR HEY I SAW YOU WERE GOING TO DO SOME SORT OF PRE-DRAFT THREAD AND PEOPLE WERE BEING HATERS WITH THERE FEEDBACK F THEM I ALWAYS WELCOME NEW IDEARS





WITH KNOWLEDGE THERES POWER

[MichiganFantasyTeam]

Why not pick a guy that is going to come out of the gates swinging and dosen't have to worry about making a trip to the minors? The only possible way to make a fantasy impact is to show up to the party(OPENING DAY STARTER)! Playing in the minors is not going to help your fantasy team.

David Freese, yes that 3rd basemen from the St. Louis Cardinals...this guys stats are off the charts, and I really think they will transfer over to the majors. If you want a player that has a mantle FULL of awards, this is your guy.

Freese was spectacular in 2006, playing for the NCAA in division I, he hit .414 with 73 runs and 73 RBI in 60 games. He won the SBC batting title and also led the Conference in RBI's. He made the All-Conference team at third base and was named SBC Player of the Year. He was picked as a American Baseball Coaches Association All-American as the top third baseman in NCAA Division I, ahead of almighty Evan Longoria! Yes...this guy is that good.

In 2007, Freese made the California League All-Star team as the top 3rd basemen, that was when the St. Louis Cardinals traded one of the best centerfielders to ever play the game for him, the great Jim Edmonds!

In 2008, Freese had a very strong finish to the season earning him the Cardinals minor league player of the year award. The main reason that Freese is ready...he hit .360 over his last 43 games in 08.

[Head 2 Head]

Have you looked at the Seattle closer options?



With half a season in that role a rookie could make a huge impact in the 2009 Fantasy season.



Josh Fields, 22, was the Southeastern Conference pitcher of the year (Georgia) this past season, with a 2-2 record, 16 saves and a 2.27 earned-run average. Fields limited opponents to a .112 batting average in 30 relief appearances.



The job is his for the taking by mid-season as Seattle management would love to justify taking a RP in the first round (and a $1.75 million signing bonus).



Hope no one in my DC reads this as I was hoping to get him in the 45th round.

[Crazy Like a Fox]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by pinstripepower:

[qb] 1ST BASE CHRIS CARTER OAKLAND ATHLETICS HE MITE PLAY 3RD THIS YEAR HE HAS GREAT POWER# 39HR101RBI MAYBE IF CUST GOES DOWN HE DH HE WAS PART OF THE CARLOS QUENTIN PACKAGE AND THE DAN HAREN DEAL SO HE IS THOUGHT OF HIGHLY BEING ASSOCIATED WITH THESE PLAYERS. ONE QUESTION THOUGH HOW DO WE KNOW WHO MAKES THE GREATEST IMPACT? WITHOUT THINGS PLAYING OUT? ANYWAYS GEKKO I SEE THAT U ALWAYS POST ALOT I GET A KICK OUT OF SOME OF THAT STUFF ESPECIALLY THE RED ALERT DOOM AND GLOOM THE END IS NEAR HEY I SAW YOU WERE GOING TO DO SOME SORT OF PRE-DRAFT THREAD AND PEOPLE WERE BEING HATERS WITH THERE FEEDBACK F THEM I ALWAYS WELCOME NEW IDEARS



You should get extra credit for all caps and run-on sentence.



[ February 27, 2009, 09:50 PM: Message edited by: Crazy Like a Fox ]

[Babe Ruthless]

A question on your definition of major league experience. Does it mean absolutely no plate appearances or does very limited PA's count as "no major league experience"



Thanks

[Gordon Gekko II]

has to be a player with zero PA or pitches thrown

[Sir Larry Wildman]

Originally posted by k27orourke:

Why not pick a guy that is going to come out of the gates swinging and dosen't have to worry about making a trip to the minors? The blooming reason why it's not bloody likely



http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports ... enDocument



The dog's bollocks quote from the piece: "Freese is now hindered only when running."

Does your game of baseball in the States permit a pinch runner from home plate to first base?

[The Phoenix]

The answer to Mr. Gordon Gekko’s question is:



Mike Carp, 1B, SEA



Opportunity

Exhibit A:

Players who started a game at first base for the Mariners in 2008 (starts):

Richie Sexson (72)

Miguel Cairo (37)

Bryan LaHair (33)

Jose Lopez (12)

Jose Vidro (7)

Greg Norton (1)



Exhibit B:

Players currently in Mariners camp possibly vying for playing time at 1B:

Russell Branyan (most AB in any season since 2002: 241)

Chris Shelton

Bryan LaHair

Mike Sweeney (DH, would play here IF he could still hit, AND he had a glove in his medical bag)

Mike Morse (if they wanted to try him here)

Jose Lopez (if they wanted to make room for Ronny Cedeno)



Talent and misc. info

• He was the top positional prospect acquired from the Mets in the J.J. Putz trade.

• 2006 Sterling Award as Mets Minor League Organizational Player of the Year

• 2006- 20 yr old (high-A): (483 AB, 16 HR, 86 RBI, 68 R, .290 BA, .382 OBP, .449 SLG)

• 2007 stats fell off precipitously due to injury. His finger was broken by a relay throw from second base on a double play attempt.

• Despite his struggles in 2007, he played in the 2007 AFL with the Scottsdale Scorpions along side such luminaries as Evan Longoria, Travis Snider, and Max Scherzer. Mike Carp did not perform well (in fact poorly) and his stock had fallen somewhat.

• 2008- 22 yr old (AA)- a rejuvenation year for Carp- (134 G, 478 AB, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 67 R, .299 BA, .403 OBP, .471 SLG, and most impressively to me he improved his plate discipline to 79/88 BB/SO)



2009 Impact

2009 Stats- 385 AB, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 55 R, .275 BA, 1 SB



I suppose my version of “impact rookie” varies from many of the other entrants. My pick may appear too risky and/or not enough “big stat” potential to have an impact.

I include the cost of acquisition when evaluating the impact. There are many prospects with more upside than Mike Carp, however, a draft pick will be required to retain their services.

Mike Carp has NO acquisition cost beyond taking up a roster spot. I’m sure he can be had in round-30 or picked up for $1. Any production you get from him is free.

[clodbuster]

I know what you're going to say, who in their right mind would choose a pitcher from the Texas Rangers as their breakout performer of 2009? Well, you should.



In case you haven't been paying attention, the Rangers have quietly churned out a number of quality arms beginning in 2004 with Chris R. Young. Unfortunately, the Rangers traded him to San Diego, in what has to be one of the worst/best deals in MLB history, along with Adrian Gonzalez for Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka. Their farm system has also been responsible for recent upstarts; Edinson Volquez, John Danks, and Armando Galarraga.



Unfortunately, their front office haven't been as successful since they've all taken the next step with different clubs. Of course, who would argue with Josh Hamilton, but the Rangers have been in desperate need of a quality starter, always.



2009 could just be the year they find that starter and I'm not talking about the highly touted 20 year old righty, Neftali Perez. He should be ready for the call in '10 but for 2009 the real ace, Derek Holland, will be establishing himself as a bona fide Major League starter by mid July at the latest.



The 22 year old Holland finished '08 a combined 13-1 with a 2.27 ERA in over 150 innings pitched between low A and AA totaling 157 Ks. His career ERA over 217+ innings is 2.56 with a WHIP of 1.05. and 240 strikeouts.



He's been said to have a mid-high 90's fastball with a tight slider and serviceable change. He spots his pitches well and as his strikeout totals suggest, has a strong ability to make batters miss.



Holland has been invited to spring training but don't expect him to crack the starting rotation immediately no matter how well he fares. However, he's got an exceptional work ethic and is extremely focused meaning a slight delay is all that should be expected with him beginning the year in AAA and getting his call in late spring/early summer '09.



Now is your opportunity to stash this young phenom before word gets out. There's a reason Baseball America recently ranked the Rangers' farm system number one in all of baseball and this kid's it!

[DiamondKing]

Anybody that puts lyrics from Rush in the signature should win the contest.

[Babe Ruthless]

Here is my entry.

Without a doubt Matt LaPorta will be the player that will have the most impact this year. To start off, he is one physically imposing guy, 6’2”, about 220 lbs, and is called, “country strong”. One scout said of him that he has tremendous bat with plus power.



The Indians are ready to cash in their chips from the Sabathia trade to Milwaukee last year. Matt was a former first round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers. (Actually, he was drafted in previous years by the Red Sox and Cubs, but didn’t sign)



He has always been highly motivated to play baseball. His mom even wrote in his baby book, “he was strong and had a passion for baseball”. When he was five, his Uncle Rick was pitching waffle balls underhand to him. Little Matt got mad and told him to throw overhand, “throw it HARD!”



Being in the Major Leagues has been a lifelong dream of his. In the ninth grade, he had an assignment to write a paper detailing his future career and how he was going to achieve it. In his paper, he wrote of his desire to become a major league baseball player. He was told by his teacher, that he couldn’t be a Major League Baseball Player and was told to re-write the paper. Rather than do that, he took a failing grade.



He played baseball at The University of Florida (2004 – 2007) and is the only 2-time SEC Player of the year and is in the top 10 all-time NCAA career HR. (74 HR in 722 at bats with a .323 career average.) His stand out year was 2007 when he hit 20 HR’s in 169 AB, .402 batting average, and was walked intentionally 30 times.



Once into professional baseball he continued his strong hitting. Playing in the rookie league for the Helena Brewers, he hit a home run in his first at bat. His time there lasted 7 games and then he was moved up to single A. He proceeded to crush to ball, hitting 12 HR, 31 RBI, .304 avg, and 1.065 OPS in just 30 games.



Moving to double-A Huntsville in the Brewer organization last year, he hit 22 HR’s in 362 at-bats(OBP/SLG/OPS - .402?.576/.978). Then he was traded to the Indians and had a drop off in production and never found his grove. But during this time, he also represented the United States in both the Futures Games and the Olympics in Beijing.



Bill James’ projections for him are 31 doubles, 24 HR, 76 runs and 86 RBI. This just might be the needed impact to vault the Indians into the playoffs.



I can just hear big Matt yelling at CC in a game, “Come on CC, throw it HARD!!”

[Captain Hook]

Originally posted by Dub:

Neftali Feliz, at age 20, is the choice. This is a very big kid. He is 6' 3" and 215 lbs. Not sure WHO you were looking up Dub, but Feliz is listed at 180 lbs....and that may be generous.



btw - everyone lists him at 6-3.....and I will check in the next day or so, but that may be with cleats on...he doesn't look that tall

[Gordon Gekko II]

Alrighty. Entries are offically closed! Thanks for all the entries! I'll read them over tonight and announce a winner tomorrow morning.

[Gordon Gekko II]

Alright, the votes are in. I really wish I could award a couple of free teams. there were two or three answers that i thought were excellent! Good job guys.



And the winner is...Crazy Like a Fox



"Big time talent and opportunity" was the straw that broke the camel's back. Crazy, please PM me for further instructions on how to take control of the magazine team. Thanks everyone and good luck this year.

[Dub]

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:



1B Justin Morneau MIN R2 P12

1B Travis Ishikawa SF R28 P12

2B Jose Lopez SEA R12 P12

2B Alexi Casilla MIN R19 P4

3B Alex Rodriguez NYY R1 P4

3B Adrian Beltre SEA R10 P12

SS Jhonny Peralta CLE R7 P4

C Ramon Hernandez CIN R13 P4

C Kurt Suzuki OAK R17 P4

OF Jacoby Ellsbury BOS R3 P4

OF Corey Hart MIL R5 P4

OF Ryan Church NYM R20 P12

OF Daniel Murphy NYM R22 P12

OF Josh Willingham WAS R25 P4

OF Nyjer Morgan PIT R26 P12

OF Carlos Gonzalez COL R27 P4

OF Melky Cabrera NYY R30 P12

DH David Ortiz BOS R4 P12

SP Roy Oswalt HOU R6 P12

SP Joba Chamberlain NYY R8 P12

SP David Price TB R9 P4

SP John Danks CHW R14 P12

SP Jered Weaver ANA R15 P4

SP Chien-Ming Wang NYY R16 P12

SP Philip Hughes NYY R18 P12

SP David Purcey TOR R24 P12

SP Carlos Villanueva MIL R29 P4

RP Trevor Hoffman MIL R11 P4

RP Kevin Gregg CHC R21 P4

RP Grant Balfour TB R23 P4

Congratulations CLF- you deserve it!

[Crazy Like a Fox]

Originally posted by Dub:

quote:Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:



1B Justin Morneau MIN R2 P12

1B Travis Ishikawa SF R28 P12

2B Jose Lopez SEA R12 P12

2B Alexi Casilla MIN R19 P4

3B Alex Rodriguez NYY R1 P4

3B Adrian Beltre SEA R10 P12

SS Jhonny Peralta CLE R7 P4

C Ramon Hernandez CIN R13 P4

C Kurt Suzuki OAK R17 P4

OF Jacoby Ellsbury BOS R3 P4

OF Corey Hart MIL R5 P4

OF Ryan Church NYM R20 P12

OF Daniel Murphy NYM R22 P12

OF Josh Willingham WAS R25 P4

OF Nyjer Morgan PIT R26 P12

OF Carlos Gonzalez COL R27 P4

OF Melky Cabrera NYY R30 P12

DH David Ortiz BOS R4 P12

SP Roy Oswalt HOU R6 P12

SP Joba Chamberlain NYY R8 P12

SP David Price TB R9 P4

SP John Danks CHW R14 P12

SP Jered Weaver ANA R15 P4

SP Chien-Ming Wang NYY R16 P12

SP Philip Hughes NYY R18 P12

SP David Purcey TOR R24 P12

SP Carlos Villanueva MIL R29 P4

RP Trevor Hoffman MIL R11 P4

RP Kevin Gregg CHC R21 P4

RP Grant Balfour TB R23 P4

Congratulations CLF- you deserve it! [/QUOTE]Thanks Dub.



You can't beat free. I'm curious who I'm playing against.



Thanks to Gekko for giving me this opportunity.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Crazy, the draft is laid out for you in the magazine that we receieved over the weekend.