I have debated over this spot quite a lot. I changed it multiple times to include the likes of players like Jason Bay, Aramis Ramirez, and Derrek Lee but I eventually settled on Chris Carpenter after reading a nice article over at Rotoworld about position scarcity and ADP. The basic points the article were that a) to let the power only sluggers slide and draft more for position scarcity in the early rounds and draft a third tier 1b and OF later on (this is something I have been preaching all offseason) and b) that starting pitchers are ridiculously undervalued in mock drafts that have been going on. I understand how deep the SP is this year, you don’t have to preach that to me but Carpenter is the clear cut #2 starter and is worthy of this spot. His ADP so far is 30, and I would be ecstatic if I could get this guy in the third round.
Here’s a little bit about Chris: Chris is 31 years old and he bats and throws right. He is the ace of a young and questionable Cardinal’s staff that most likely will include both of the Cardinal’s most highly touted prospects Anthony Reyes and Adam Wainwright. Carpenter was a Dave Duncan Project, and his only good years have come in the past 3 years with the Cardinals. Prior to 2004 his lowest single season ERA was 4.10 in 2001 with the Blue Jays. He missed the entire 2003 season due to injury but hasn’t really shown signs of the injury since then.
One reason to take him: There is not much risk in taking Chris even though he has an iffy past as his last three years have been nothing short of superb. Over the last three years he has posted ERAs of 3.46, 2.83, and 3.09 with strikeout totals over 150 all three years and over 200 during his Cy Young year in 2005.
One reason not to take him: His IP total of 221.2 IP last year was the 2nd highest in his career only behind his 2005 total of 241.2. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down but if there is one downside to this pick its fear of a slump due to the large number of innings.
Here’s a little bit about Chris: Chris is 31 years old and he bats and throws right. He is the ace of a young and questionable Cardinal’s staff that most likely will include both of the Cardinal’s most highly touted prospects Anthony Reyes and Adam Wainwright. Carpenter was a Dave Duncan Project, and his only good years have come in the past 3 years with the Cardinals. Prior to 2004 his lowest single season ERA was 4.10 in 2001 with the Blue Jays. He missed the entire 2003 season due to injury but hasn’t really shown signs of the injury since then.
One reason to take him: There is not much risk in taking Chris even though he has an iffy past as his last three years have been nothing short of superb. Over the last three years he has posted ERAs of 3.46, 2.83, and 3.09 with strikeout totals over 150 all three years and over 200 during his Cy Young year in 2005.
One reason not to take him: His IP total of 221.2 IP last year was the 2nd highest in his career only behind his 2005 total of 241.2. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down but if there is one downside to this pick its fear of a slump due to the large number of innings.
Referal Code: MLBFrontOffice
