Since the first part of the 2010 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft has been posted, we have had several updates. Here’s a look at the changes, followed by rounds 6-10.
Updates:
Round 3: Mets shortstop Jose Reyes drops from the second pick of the third round (22nd overall) to the second pick of the fifth round (42nd overall). This is a result of Reyes thyroid injury that will stall his progress this spring. Spring training is vital for Reyes this season since he has to shake off plenty of rust after missing nearly all of last season with leg and knee issues.
Round 5: Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has been pushed from the third pick of the 5th round (43rd overall) because of his recent back pain. While he may not miss any time with the injury, there should be concerns since the 32-year-old veteran makes his living on the base paths. If anything slows Roberts down, his fantasy value will take a serious hit.
As a result of the injury to Roberts, Orioles teammate Matt Wieters replaces him with the final pick of the fifth round:
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
Though he was somewhat unspectacular last season, Wieters proved that he is already an above average catcher by hitting .301 after the All-Star break. This season, Wieters should be a safe bet for 20-plus homeruns, fine run production and a season average near .290.
ROUND 6
High risk, high rewards
Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays
This guy reminds me of Jorge Cantu a few years back, when he came out of nowhere to put up some big numbers for the Rays. The difference here is that Zobrist at one time was a prospect and he has some speed to boot.
Adam Lind, OF, Blue Jays
A breakout player from a year ago, Lind is a fine source for power in the outfield.
Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
Thirty-one bombs and 106 RBI are very impressive for any hitter playing at a pitcher’s park, but his lack of consistency is troubling at times.
Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
He has the makings of an ace, but he’s also very wild and managed just eight wins last season.
Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels
He reminds me of Adrian Gonzalez, a late-blooming power hitting first baseman, but the Angels lineup has regressed.
Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers
This is definitely a risky pick. Manny did not offer much following a 50-game suspension, but he also has incredible potential while playing for his next contract.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
The injury-prone label will be tough to shed for this talent — 30-plus homeruns are possible, but he needs to stay healthy to do so.
Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros
You may be surprised to see Berkman sitting outside of the top 50, but this Astros star is now, at 34-years-old, past his prime.
Mariano Rivera, CL, Yankees
If you take your saves seriously, Rivera is the hurler to know.
Chone Figgins, 3B, Mariners
The Mariners lineup isn’t as threatening as the Angels lineup he shined in a year ago, but Figgins is a table setter and if he’s in front of Ichiro, he should score plenty of runs.
Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs
Injuries have been detrimental to this hot corner slugger, but when he’s healthy he’s as good as anyone.
Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals
Last season this hurler elevated to ace status. Expect another 17-plus wins and 200-plus K’s.
ROUND 7
Rising Stars
John Lackey, SP, Red Sox
The former Angels hurler will learn that it will be more difficult to tame hitters at Fenway Park. He also will have at least two starts going head-to-head with the Bronx Bombers. The good news is that he has established a reputation as a big game pitcher.
Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
He is as dominant a hurler as they come in baseball, but he is more delicate than porcelain.
Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
This five-tool talent has what it takes to go 25-25 with solid all around production. It helps that the Orioles lineup is getting better as well.
Javier Vazquez, SP, Yankees
Yes, his ERA will soar to near four, but the 200-plus strikeouts and 17-plus wins are certainly within reach in Vazquaz’s return to the Bronx.
Adam Dunn, OF, Nationals
A safer bet than both Josh Hamilton and Manny Ramirez, you know Dunn will offer close to 40 homeruns, it’s just that his average will hang around .250.
Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles
One of the bright young talents in the game, the former 7th pick overall needs to up his power before fantasy managers begin to show frustration.
Jason Bay, OF, Mets
There are questions about the Mets lineup, Bay’s health, and his power in Citi Field, which makes 25 homeruns a popular estimate from most fantasy experts.
Jonathan Papelbon, CL, Red Sox
Ignore his few foibles and remember that he’s still a premier closer for a solid team.
Jason Bartlett, SS, Rays
You can afford to wait for shortstops in the middle rounds thanks to the Rays offering us two stellar fantasy options in Ben Zobrist and Bartlett. A former Twins shortstop, Bartlett is the speedier option of the two who can also offer a solid average.
Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
He’s still a bit wild, and I’m not thrilled about the defense behind him, but Gallardo is one of the better young hurlers in the game who can offer 200-plus strikeouts and 15-plus wins.
ROUND 8
The Solid, but Unspectacular
Shin Soo-Choo, OF, Indians
In his first full-time gig in the Majors, Choo responded with 20 homers, 21 steals, and a .300 average. Expect more of the same from the 28-year-old outfielder.
Jonathan Broxton, RP, Dodgers
The Dodgers hurler is not as proven as Rivera or Papelbon, but he gets more K’s and should enjoy plenty of save opportunities.
B.J. Upton, OF, Rays
He’s a risky bet, but when it comes to potential, few players can offer 20-plus homeruns and 40-plus steals.
Adrian Beltre, 3B, Red Sox
This is my sleeper pick for this season. I’m talking about 30 bombs, 15 steals, and a .290 average. He suits Fenway perfectly and has great protection in the lineup.
Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
When healthy, Beckett is the ace of the Red Sox rotation. Beckett has averaged 30 starts over the last five seasons.
Joakim Soria, CL, Royals
One of the dominant closers in the majors, don’t let the bad team fool you, Soria can still get his 40 saves.
Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
The Marlins ace has gone 22-6 over the last two seasons with plenty of strikeouts and a crisp ERA.
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
McCutchen validated the hype in his rookie campaign and appears to be a five-tool talent on the rise.
Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
Arguably the most consistent Red Sox hurler, Lester should continue his climb amongst the AL’s best this season.
Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
The hype might now be on Jason Heyward, but this Braves prospect lived up to expectations last season with an 11-4 record and 2.89 ERA.
ROUND 9
Time to grab the veterans
Raul Ibanez, OF, Phillies
It took an injury to slow down Ibanez last season, but he returns to a great lineup, solid hitter’s park and still bashed 34 homeruns despite missing 20 games.
Torii Hunter, OF, Angels
The 34-year-old veteran actually enjoyed a career-best .299 average last season with 22 homeruns and 18 steals despite missing time with an injury.
Michael Young, 3B, Rangers
At 33-years-old, Young adapted to the hot corner well with 22 homeruns and a sterling .322 average.
Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Rockies
The Rockies ace has now progressed in back-to-back seasons and will open the season on the mound for the Rockies. Seventeen wins and 200 strikeouts are realistic goals for Jimenez.
Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
The Phillies southpaw regressed last season, but he still has the tools to succeed. Perhaps a little consistency will rub off from his new teammate Halladay.
Howie Kendrick, 2B, Angels
Despite missing a third of the season due to injuries, Kendrick made some progress last season with a career-best 10 homeruns and 11 steals, while batting a solid .291.
Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets
Though he is expected to miss a month due to a knee injury, Beltran is one of the top talents when healthy. He actually mustered a .325 average last season despite those aforementioned knee woes.
Jose Lopez, 2B, Mariners
A sleeper at second base, Jose Lopez is just 26-years-old and still improving. Last season he took a step towards stardom with 25 homeruns and 96 RBI.
Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs
It looks like the ol’ veteran still has a little something left in the tank. Lee surprised everyone with 35 homers, 111 RBI, and a .306 average last season.
Gordon Beckham, SS, White Sox
Even in just his second season, the expectations will be high for Beckham. He looks a lot like Troy Tulowitzki, putting a 20-20 season very much in play.
ROUND 10
No sure bets
Ricky Nolasco, SP, Marlins
When he was bad, he was awful, but when he was on his game, Nolasco was splendid with 13 wins and a career-best 195 strikeouts.
Chad Billingsley, SP, Dodgers
This hard-throwing 25-year-old took a step in the wrong direction last season, but he has the stuff to strike out 200 batters while grabbing 15 or more wins.
AJ Burnett, SP, Yankees
With his injury woes behind him, Burnett’s greatest foible is a lack of consistency. At times very wild, Burnett still managed 13 wins and 195 K en route to a World Championship.
Carlos Lee, OF, Astros
Despite a .300 average, Lee scored just 65 runs last season. His 26 homeruns and 100 RBI aren’t enough to be a fantasy star any longer.
Matt Cain, SP, Giants
Matt Cain made it a two-man wrecking crew for the Giants last season, as he nabbed 14 wins with a 2.89 ERA.
Billy Butler, 1B, Royals
The soon-to-be 24-year-old may finally offer Royals fans a hitter to cheer for. Butler established career-highs across the board with 21 homeruns, 93 RBI, and a .301 average. A little more power can make Butler a legit star.
Jake Peavy, SP, White Sox
Three starts, three wins, three earned runs. Peavy looked ready to dominate for the White Sox in the final weeks of the ’09 season.
Roy Oswalt, SP, Astros
Until last season, Oswalt had won at least 10 wins in every season of his career. It looks like the 32-year-old hurler may be slowing down.
Hunter Pence, OF, Astros
With 25 homeruns and 14 steals, Hunter Pence has been good, but not great. Beginning the season at 26 years-old, youth is on his side.
Francisco Rodriguez, CL, Mets
Just like every other Mets star, 2009 was a setback for K-Rod. Nonetheless he pitches in a pitcher’s park and he did notch 35 saves last season.