2011 MLB Fantasy Mock Draft: Second Round

No starting pitchers were selected in the first round of our 12 team mock draft but in this round both Roy Halladay and Felix Hernandez went off the board. Both pitchers are studs but you may see Hernandez fall because he plays on the Mariners.

Beyond those star pitchers, it was hitting that dominated the second round as third basemen seemed to rule this round of the draft. Evan Longoria went in the first round but Alex Rodriguez, David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman were three of the top four selections. Kevin Youkilis may only be eligible for first base to start the season, but he should gain eligibility at third early in April as he is moving over to the hot corner to make way for Adrian Gonzalez.

Second Round Results

13. Alex Rodriguez – 3B: With my second pick in this mock draft, I selected Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees. Many fantasy owners have Longoria and David Wright ahead of A-Rod, but I maintain it is the Bronx Bomber that will post top numbers at third base.

Rodriguez is healthy coming into 2011 and this is a first healthy camp since hip surgery two years ago. Now that Rodriguez is two years removed from the injury, he should see his power numbers (and games played) move back up. While Longoria and Wright’s top end power projections are in the low thirties, that is A-Rod’s bottom end. Don’t be surprised if Rodriguez threatens for 40 home runs this season.

14. David Wright – 3B: Sure David Wright strikes out too much but in fantasy baseball it’s all about the bottom line production. Wright bounced back with a solid season in 2010, and should have another fine season despite all the problems in the Mets front office.

15. Josh Hamilton – OF: Last year was a career stat line for Josh Hamilton, and his ADP value is at its highest point coming into 2011 MLB drafts. Off the field issues and health problems are major concerns for fantasy owners and for my money, I would rather draft Carl Crawford or Matt Holliday before Hamilton.

16. Ryan Zimmerman – 3B: This was probably a little high for Ryan Zimmerman as Adam Dunn is gone to the White Sox, and I believe Jayson Werth will struggle in his new role with the Nationals. That said, Zimmerman is clearly a star hitter, and the Nationals have added young talent around him.

17. Roy Halladay – SP: The Phillies ace has all the makings of a pitcher who could threaten for up to 24 wins in a season if closer Brad Lidge plays well. Roy Halladay is in the prime of his Hall Of Fame career, and this team had more regular season wins than anyone in baseball last year.

I do have some concerns about the Phillies ability to stay healthy on offense but Halladay should be the National League Cy Young winner for the second year in a row.

18. Carl Crawford – OF: Some are concerned that Carl Crawford may not run like he did with the Rays but fantasy owners should expect Crawford to steal over 50 bags. Boston will let Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury run as their speed is a tremendous asset and is one of the reasons why they are a favorite to win the World Series.

19. Chase Utley – 2B: While Chase Utley is still the best second baseman to select in the National League, his health has come into question as he heads into March. Over the final weekend of February Utley had an MRI on his knee, and it looks like he has patellar tendinitis.

Until the knee issue abates, Utley isn’t expected to participate in spring games. Expect Utley to be with the team on Opening Day, but he will probably get routine rest throughout the season. Because this team has expectations to win a World Series, they will be careful with Utley if he shows any health concerns.

This could be a problem for your team if he misses any length of time so it might be a good idea to see if Utley can drop in the third or fourth round before you select him on draft day.

20. Prince Fielder – 1B: The Brewers big slugger had a down season in 2010, but I expect Prince Fielder to leave Milwaukee with a bang in 2011. This team is primed for the playoffs and their odds of wining the division were increased when Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright went down.

Fielder needs a bounce back season to land a bigger contract in free agency next winter. Take him with confidence in the second round and enjoy, as the Brewers get set for one of the better seasons in franchise history.

21. Matt Holliday – OF: With Albert Pujols on the Cardinals, Matt Holliday is almost a forgotten man. In some ways I almost feel like fantasy baseball owners are forgetting his constant production as outfielders Josh Hamilton and Carlos Gonzalez have zoomed past him in mixed league rankings.

Holliday may not go before the outfielders listed above, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a better season in 2011.

22. Kevin Youkilis – 1B / 3B: The Red Sox are swinging Kevin Youkilis over to the hot corner this season, and he should become eligible for third base in your league by the end of April. Check the rules of your league to make sure he can gain eligibility, as Youkilis is clearly a stronger fantasy option at third base.

As for Youkilis’s fantasy production, he should have a big time season as the Red Sox are loaded with offensive talent, and Youkilis could drive in over 120 runs.

23. Joe Mauer – C: Like Chase Utley, I have concerns about Joe Mauer’s knee problem. Mauer received a cortisone shot at the end of the regular season last year and had offseason knee surgery this winter. While Mauer should still be used as a designated hitter on days off from catching, this knee problem could affect his hitting as we get deeper into the season.

Stay away from Mauer as a second round pick this year as a new class of young catchers offers sleeper value in the later rounds.

24. Felix Hernandez – SP: On talent and ability alone, Felix Hernandez may be the top pitcher in all of baseball. While his overall stats should be superb, his win total will probably stay around 15 games as he pitches for a bad team.

Run support will be an issue once again and Hernandez will throw many high stress innings to keep his team in ball games.

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