Early 2006 NFBC Bargains

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Mon May 08, 2006 5:31 am

While doing research for a baseball column this weekend, I ran across some incredible pitching bargains in the NFBC this year. As I wrote in my column, I don't have ANY of these guys in my nine leagues I'm currently managing, so obviously I missed something on Draft Day. Let me know if you were lucky enough to get any of these guys and why you chose to nab them or if you were like me and just didn't see the telltale signs.

Jose Contreras, White Sox: In the NFBC, he was on average selected 201st overall. Contreras was one of the most consistent pitchers in 2005 after the All-Star break, going 11-2 with a 2.96 ERA, and he was solid in the playoffs as well. That strong finish should have been the tell-tale sign that this 34-year-old was primed for a solid 2006 campaign.

Tom Glavine, Mets: Glavine went 345th overall in the NFBC drafts. He also had a strong 2005 second half, going 7-5 with a 2.22 ERA.

Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: He went 105th overall in the NFBC and has walked only six batters in 52.2 IP, while striking out 30, giving him a solid 1.04 WHIP Ratio this year.

Bronson Arroyo, Reds: In the NFBC, he went 425th overall on average. I'll admit, I didn't see this one coming.

Kelvim Escobar, Angels: He went 145th in the NFBC.

Curt Schilling, Red Sox: He went 113th overall.

Kris Benson, Orioles: Not a bad start for the 347th overall pick.

John Koronka, Rangers: Wasn't even drafted in the NFBC.

Justin Verlander, Tigers: He went 323rd overall in the NFBC and has surpassed his rookie hype.

Greg Maddux, Cubs: Not a bad start for the 266th overall pick.

Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox: 326th. Wow.

Hitting bargains include:

Chris Shelton, 178th overall

Kevin Mench 188th

Moises Alou 224th

Nick Swisher 236th

Brad Hawpe 298th

Xavier Nady 328th

Ben Broussard 367th

I'm sure there are other bargains out there that I've missed, but these guys stand out. Which bargains are carrying your teams so far?

Joe Sambito · Post by **Joe Sambito** » Mon May 08, 2006 5:53 am

Greg,

We have 3 of your pitching bargains, which certainly has contributed to a strong start for us. We took all three of them a bit before their ADP, but still feel like we got great value out of them. Atleast thus far.

Contreras(198)- His 2nd half was so consistent last year, and he is playing on such a strong team, we were looking for someone with consistent Wins potential and he was the perfect fit. In addition, part of his success last year and this year, has to do with his family finally being situated and no longer a worry for him.

Maddux (258)- Again we were looking for wins, and that is what Maddux does. I also read a quote from him this off-season, where he said to his wife, "I need to pitch well this year, so that somebody lets me wear an uniform next year." Contract year even for the most consumate professional is always a motivational factor.

Benson(318) - Yesterday's start aside, (Thanks C.B. Bucknor and the postage stamp you call a strike zone), Benson is a guy we want to take a late flier on. Leo Mazzone's history with talented guys who have been around but have not performed up to expectations led us to Benson. Mazzone worked magic with Thomson, Hampton, Sosa, and John Burkett. So we felt Benson fit that mold, and was worth a risk as our 7th starter.

That was our thought process, still a long way to go.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Mon May 08, 2006 7:53 am

Unlike last year when I got Grady Sizemore very late and picked up Wily Taveras in FAAB, none of my later round picks are setting the world on fire (Youkilis in the 23rd is pretty good, but won't make the list until he shows more power).

My best bargains won't make this list as they are early rounders. I feel especially fortunate to have gotten Carlos Lee early in the third round as he is putting up first rounder numbers. As long as Glaus keeps his average above .265, I think he was a real bargain for me having gotten him early in the seventh round.

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Mon May 08, 2006 12:23 pm

Webb, Dempster, Contreras, Drew, McCann, Nady, Inge. Unfortunately it's my superstars that suck. And I could have used a Swisher/Shelton power luck out.

Dirt Dogs · Post by **Dirt Dogs** » Mon May 08, 2006 2:38 pm

Thanks for Jinxing Contreras!!! He is DL bound! Please dont talk about any of my teams players. thanks.

BEF · Post by **BEF** » Mon May 08, 2006 3:12 pm

I'm quite pleased with Jose Vidro (21st), Arroyo (24th), Oscar "4 Wins in the First 2 Weeks" Villareal (26th) and especially Casey Blake (28th). And yet here I am hovering around 6th, thanks in part to my "DL Quintet" of Crisp/DeJesus/Casey/Rivera/Randa.

Just waiting for the other shoe/foot/hamstring/wrist/shoulder to fall...

Dirt Dogs · Post by **Dirt Dogs** » Mon May 08, 2006 4:36 pm

Jinx again! Thanks for the poor outing Maddux! Hey can you talk about Pujols and how good he is doing!

JEagle · Post by **JEagle** » Tue May 09, 2006 2:37 am

some good picks

Weathers in rd 13

Millwood in rd 16

Youkilis in rd 26..not bad for a 330 hitter

Joe Sambito · Post by **Joe Sambito** » Tue May 09, 2006 5:28 am

Greg,

I am not talking to you anymore...

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue May 09, 2006 5:40 am

Originally posted by Joe Sambito:

Greg,

I am not talking to you anymore... Don't blame me. I do not possess the SI cover jinx!

Kevin D · Post by **Kevin D** » Tue May 09, 2006 6:01 am

Bargins!?! Bargins!!?! How about a $100 Satellite League. 7 Months entertaiment. That's less than $4 a week!!!!!

mdz129 · Post by **mdz129** » Tue May 09, 2006 6:05 am

Pitching is so streaky-- Contreas DL Bound, Maddux -- looked great getting raked last night.

It will be interesting to see the real bargains up to the all-star break-- maybe even a Colorado pitcher or two.

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Tue May 09, 2006 6:15 am

What? no props for Hanly Ramirez? I mean for a 24th rounder he is putting up amazing numbers for SS.

Gomes also is looking like a champ...

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Tue May 09, 2006 6:15 am

[ May 09, 2006, 09:39 PM: Message edited by: Spyhunter ]

eddiejag · Post by **eddiejag** » Tue May 09, 2006 11:08 am

Fernando Rodney 3 dollars auction and rd 21 in ultimate,era 000.00 5 saves and a win.

Moises Alou 16th rd ultimate

Nick JOHNSON 17th rd main event

Greg Maddox 19th rd both main and ultimate.

Phil Nevin 25th rd main

Kenny Rodgers 1 buck auction

AND my best pick of the year Wiggington in the resereves in the Vegas auction.

mdz129 · Post by **mdz129** » Tue May 09, 2006 11:57 am

Greg Maddux looks like a Deer in Head Lights. Cut him before the greatb start is ruined!

mdz129 · Post by **mdz129** » Tue May 09, 2006 3:07 pm

eddiejag,

add Fernando Rodney to pitchers to only own in april along with Maddux

Lost Sailor · Post by **Lost Sailor** » Wed May 10, 2006 2:38 am

Can't say I got in on any of the really crazy bargains, but I'm quite happy with Giambi in the 10th and Batista in the 30th.

As it's been said, I'm still waiting for the stars (MCabrera in the 2nd, Kent in the 5th) to heat up.

JEagle · Post by **JEagle** » Wed May 10, 2006 3:13 am

Well....so much for Millwood..What a joke

eddiejag · Post by **eddiejag** » Wed May 10, 2006 5:42 am

As soon as i mention Rodney , he gives up 3 runs.

Plymouth · Post by **Plymouth** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:20 am

Originally posted by JEagle:

Well....so much for Millwood..What a joke I don't think I have ever seen a WHIP of 9.75 before.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed May 10, 2006 8:23 am

Originally posted by JEagle:

Well....so much for Millwood..What a joke I know there is no crying in baseball, but I came damn close last night...dominates BLT and lets MIN own him. Nine hits and a walk in 1.3 IP. Here is hoping the fleas from a thousand camels infest Buck Showalters jock for leaving him out there!

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Wed May 10, 2006 10:00 am

Me as well. Millwood ruined a good start from Felix (FINALLY) and some good relief by Liriano!!

Westbrook blew up today - makes me feel a bit better since I don't own him in the 2 important leagues I am in (misery loves company!!)

[ May 10, 2006, 04:01 PM: Message edited by: Spyhunter ]