Injured Starting Pitchers Get Love in Mock Draft Round 7

Mar 6, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) throws against against the Detroit Tigers during a spring training baseball game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7 of my mock draft was pitcher-heavy compared to the last few rounds. There were two relief pitchers and three starting pitchers selected. Of those three starting pitchers, two of them had their 2014 seasons cuts short. the seventh round isn’t too early to take a risk on a returning player, but for your No. 2 starter, it may be. Those owners must have a lot of confidence in those players to bounce back and be dominant once again. There was also some power hitters drafted, too.

7.61 RP Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Kimbrel has been one of the most consistent closers in the game. He finished the 2014 season with 47 saves, his fourth straight of 42 or more, and 95 strikeouts. He had a 1.61 ERA and .908 WHIP, the highest in three seasons, but still excellent numbers for a closer. With the emergence of other closers, Kimbrel isn’t a must-own, but he’s still a top-five closer. While the loss of Justin Upton may hurt the run support, Kimbrel has the skills to rack up another 45 saves.

7.62 2B Dee Gordon, Miami Marlins

When typing this round, I actually put “Los Angeles Dodgers” for Gordon’s team. I likely forgot he was traded to Miami. After realizing that, I like Gordon a lot more this season. He is a pure speed guy. He hit 12 doubles and led the majors with 64 stolen bases. With Giancarlo Stanton hitting behind him, his runs-scored totals are likely to increase as well. As the de facto second baseman in Miami, he is a top-five fantasy second baseman.

7.63 1B Prince Fielder, Texas Rangers

Fielder’s first season with the Rangers was nothing short of a disappointment. He played in just 42 games and made 178 plate appearances. Fielder then underwent neck surgery in May. He received the okay from doctors last month, but is still a big risk. However, he is one of the more reliable hitters in the league, playing in 162 games four times from 2009 to 2013. If he remains healthy, he could finish as the top first baseman. The seventh round is the earliest I would draft him.

7.65 2B Ian Kinsler, Detroit Tigers

Kinsler was the other piece of the Fielder trade last year. While Fielder was dealing with injuries, Kinsler had what many would say was the best season of his career. He played in 161 games, made 684 at bats and 188 hits, all career highs. He cranked up the power, 17 home runs and 40 doubles, while still being able to get on base, .275 average. While age may be a factor, Kinsler will still be an elite second baseman.

7.66 SP Matt Harvey, New York Mets

The first of the injured pitchers I mention earlier. He missed about 18 months while recovering from Tommy John surgery. In his first appearance this spring, he pitched two perfect innings. Things are looking good for the Mets’ ace. While there are reports of an innings limit for Harvey, he should still be able to put up superstar numbers. This owner selected Harvey as their No. 1 pitcher. I don’t recommend that. He is better off as a No. 2 because of the big risk he represents.

7.67 OF Yoenis Cespedes, Tigers

If Cespedes was still with the Boston Red Sox, I believe his ADP would have been higher. However, I still like him with the Tigers. The duo of (a healthy) Cabrera and Cespedes will be dangerous to opposing pitchers. Cespedes’ numbers have been a roller coaster these past three seasons. His batting average went from .292 to .240 to .260 while his power remains consistent. He doesn’t look to be the speed guy we saw in 2012, but is still a top-30 outfielder. The seventh round is a nice spot to draft him.

7.68 OF Nelson Cruz, Seattle Mariners

I wrote about Cruz and his 2015 projections here. Long story short, the move to Seattle will hurt Cruz’s production. He won’t come close to his 2014 numbers, which helped his ADP for this season. If possible, pass on him until Round 9 or 10.

7.69 SP Jeff Samardzija, Chicago White Sox

After playing for both the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s last season, Samardzija will begin the 2015 season with the White Sox. Last season with the breakout performance we needed to see from him. Despite the 7-13 record (no help from the Cubs), he struck out 202 batters with a 2.99 ERA and 1.065 WHIP. Even with the change of scenery, Samardzija will be a top-20 pitcher will continue to build on his command. As a No. 2 pitcher, you can’t do much better.

7.70 SP Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees

The second of the two injured pitchers, Tanaka ends Round 7. After the amount of innings he pitched in Japan, I was not surprised to see Tanaka miss a few starts. His first three months were very impressive, going 11-3 with a 2.10 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 115 2/3 innings. If he wasn’t injured, he could have entered the 2015 season as a fantasy ace, but that isn’t the case. He is just as big of a risk as Harvey, maybe worse. I would have waited another round or two.