is Pujols still a first round pick?

at first he definitely wasn't after news of his elbow injury surfaced. but he's not doing that bad and if it was really a problem wouldn't they let him rest? i'm not sure now. seems like Pujols is turning into a sleeper/good value/whatever you call it. -bB

Pujols Won't See....

.....more than 130 games this season at best. I think LaRussa and the Cards will shut him down towards the end of the season to be precautious if the Cardinals can't compete for the division around mid-August.

Will Joey Votto get over 300 at bats this season?

And more importantly, how will he do?

re: is Pujols still a first round pick?

Assuming a mixed league that is not a keeper league... No. His power is down because of his elbow. So lets say he gives you an upside of 40HR, but a downside of 25 HR (shut down early). Would you pick him over Texeira, Big Papi or Prince? Those 3 aren't 1st round picks and neither is Pujols. Don't forget, 1B is a deep position.

re: Will Joey Votto get over 300 at bats this season?

About 300 AB sounds about right unless Hatteberg gets injured. Dusty Baker always love veterans, even if they stink (Hatteberg doesn't stink, but he's not great either). With 300 AB, I can see 12-15 HR and 8-10SB and a .270 BA. Good late round gamble.

Prince Fielder Not a 1st Round Pick?

Tell that to the three drafts I've had already. He was a top 10-12 pick in all of them.

re: Prince Fielder Not a 1st Round Pick?

Arguably so. No issues there with that. End of Rd1 really comes down to personal projections and scoring systems. Defintely not a top 5/6 pick -- too many 1B in mixed leagues.

who is Joey Votto

man i need to do some research before my drafts this weekend..my young sleeper for this year is none other than Evan Longoria. -bB

re: who is Joey Votto

One of the top 1B prospects. He is on the Reds. At best he platoons with Hatteberg and gets 300AB, which would mean 12-15 HR upside. Baker loves veterans, so I don't see Votto getting more than a timeshare at 1B unless Hatteberg gets injured. Votto is worth a late round flyer.