I decided in the off season to wait until rounds 9 and 10 to grab closers and only then if elite closers were available.  My first choice was Joel Hanrahan.   Hanrahan had a MM score of 76 going in and after adjusting for reliability he jumps up to 92.  This basically gives me an elite closer in round 9.  Moving into the 10th round I had my choice as I had the back to back slot selection.  I went with a know commodity in Heath Bell.  Bell had a MM score of 64 going in and when adding for reliability he jumps up to 85.  Miami gave him a three year deal to be the closer and he should keep the job. Attempting to find a couple closers that will keep the job is the same as gambling.  I try to keep it to a minimum with safe picks.  Nothing is safe with closers.

The strategy going in was to roster four starters and four batters in the first 8 rounds.  Here is what I ended up with.  For the record I am a huge fan and member of Baseball HQ.  Most of the decisions were made with the Mayberry Method and reliability in mind.

Round 1

Evan Longoria 3B Tampa Bay Rays

With my custom tiers I had him as tier 1.  Should be a rebound candidate.  Should get 10 stolen bases and qualify as a power speed guy at a thin position.  Good value at this spot.

Projection:  38/8

Round 2

Roy Halladay SP Philadelphia Phillies

Had my choice here of stud pitchers.  I went with a proven pitcher on a team that will win games.  8.0 K/9

Round 3

Eric Hosmer 1B Kansas City Royals

Most of the big guns were off the board by now so I took a chance with a power speed guy.  If Hosmer avoids a sophomore slump the return could be huge.

Projection: 20/11

Round 4

Zach Greinke SP Milwaukee Brewers

Injured to start the year in 2011.  Solid performer only two years removed from Cy Young Award.  Elite skills.  9.4 K/9

Round 5

Howie Kendrick 2B, OF Los Angeles Angels

Picked up a guy here who will bring a power speed mix and some positional flexibility if needed.

Projection: 18/15

Round 6

Mat Latos SP Cincinnati Reds

Changed coasts in a big trade.  Some are worried about the new home park.  Latos pitched well on the road last year.  Will get help from offense.  8.4 K/9

Round 7

Alexei Ramirez SS Chicago White Sox

I did not take Ramirez here because I am a huge Sox fan.  I took Alexei because he is a consistent power speed guy that is often overlooked.

Projection: 17/10

Round 8

Cory Luebke SP San Diego Padres

Lefty in one of the best pitcher parks.  Solid all around last year and I expect more of the same.  8.1 K/9