Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: 18th Round

If the Cardinals are going to make a run for the playoffs without Adam Wainwright it will take a full team effort. Jaime Garcia had an impressive season last year and needs to become the Cardinals true No.2 pitcher in the rotation.

18th Round Results

205. Ike Davis – 1B: The Mets have an offense that is waiting to wake up and have a big season. Ike Davis is a clear sleeper this year and will improve on his numbers from last season. If this group can rally together admits their ownership problems, they should give opposing pitchers fits.

206. Joel Hanrahan – RP: Look for Joel Hanrahan to be the favorite to rackup save opportunities this season with the Pirates. This club has one of the worst rotations in baseball but every team will get some chances to save games. Hanrahan should be one of the last options you select for save opportunities.

207. Jordan Zimmermann – SP: If the Nationals have hopes of making the playoffs in a few years, Jordan Zimmermann needs to bounce back from injury. This will be Zimmermann’s first full season, since he had Tommy John Surgery, and he should be able to give you respectable outings.

208. Ian Kennedy – SP: The Diamondbacks are going to have their struggles but early on Ian Kennedy should be a decent pitcher on your staff. Every team thinks they have a shot to begin the season and the D-backs are going to play with confidence as Kirk Gibson is their head coach.

209. Johnny Damon – OF: As long as Johnny Damon is healthy he should start most of the games for the Rays. This team needs his veteran leadership as they have a cast of young players starting this year. Damon is worth a look but will probably go down to injury at some point.

210. Matt Tornton – RP: Many are knocking Matt Thornton as fantasy owners look to Chris Sale as an option to unseat Tornton as closer. Sale is a gifted pitcher, but look for the White Sox to stick with a veteran presence in the ninth inning.

211. Brian Matusz – SP: Coming into the 2011 fantasy baseball season Brian Matusz is probably the only starting pitcher worth having from the Orioles. Matusz has good stuff and should continue to develop into a front of the rotation pitcher.

212. Derrek Lee – 1B: Changing over to the Orioles wasn’t a bad move for Derrek Lee, but he will probably struggle with health from this point on in his career. His talent is better than an eighteenth round selection but because of health concerns, he’s a respectable pick in this area.

213. Austin Jackson – OF: Many have tabbed Ryan Raburn as the sleeper outfielder for fantasy this season but don’t forget about Austin Jackson. The Tigers need Jackson in the lineup most every day as his speed in center field is important. Jackson should be a player who gains in value as the season moves along.

214. Jorge De La Rosa – SP: The Rockies should challenge in the West this year and Jorge De La Rosa is worth a roster spot because of it. No, De La Rosa won’t post a terrific earn run average, but he can give you decent stretches during the season.

215. James Loney – 1B: While James Loney can hit for a decent average and drive in a respectable amount of runs, it’s hard to like him for fantasy. Look to other options in mixed leagues as you need more power upside from the first base position.

216. Jaime Garcia – SP: This will be a key year for Jaime Garcia as Adam Wainwright is gone for the season. I believe Garcia will up his game this year and is more than worth a selection at this point in the draft.

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