Hall a good late pick
BY ADAM RONIS
Over the next few weeks I'll be analyzing some value picks late in the draft. Also, don't forget to check out Sunday's paper for my story on draft strategy.
Today's player is Bill Hall. I didn't touch him last season because he was drafted early coming off a season in which he hit 35 home runs and 85 RBIs. I knew that wouldn't happen again. Hall regressed in almost 100 less at-bats with 14 HRs and 63 RBIs and a .254 average.
This year I have seen him go after round 20. He's a solid OF in NL-only leagues and a good option as a 4th or 5th OF in a mixed league. He played the outfield last season and he wasn't very good and that had to take a toll on his offense. He is back at third base this season.
That should help his offense. He cut down on his strikeouts, but still doesn't walk a lot. Hall plays in a hitters ballpark and in a good lineup. No one has high expectations for him, so he will come cheaply.
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Comments (3)
There are three A's I'm thinking of taking as late-rounders, but each is a big question mark.
--Eric Chavez
--Bobby Crosby
--Rich Harden
Where do you stand on these guys? I'd appreciate your quick take on these three.
I love Rich Harden. He has outstanding stuff, but you know the deal. He just can't stay healthy. He has appeared in just 16 games the last two seasons. He has pitched more than 128 innings just once in his five-year career. Harden is coming off a shoulder injury and has looked good so far. He can be one of the best pitchers in baseball. His average against is .226 for his career. His stock is low, so I'd take a chance late in the draft because he can be an ace.
As for Chavez, he is already missing some spring time with an epidural injection to his lower back. I'd stay away. Look for Kevin Kouzmanoff or Hank Blalock instead.
Crosby is injury-prone. He has five DL stints in the last three seasons. I'd pass on him.
Out of those guys listed Harden obviously has the highest REWARD but comes along with more risk than the others being a picther...
But Harden might be the only guy worth drafting hes going at about rd 14 .....