Joey Bats and Matt Kemp

[beLEAFing]

Hey again. I'm preparing for an inaugural keeper draft and I want to know my stuff. I have 5th overall pick. It is a keeper league that will run for FIVE years. I know for a fact that Trout and Cabrera are going 1-2, so I need to weigh my options.

What's the outlook for Joey Bats? He's hitting in an "extreme hitters' ballpark" and in a division full of hitters' parks and the Jays lineup is AMAZING. The wrist injury worries me, but to be honest, I haven't been following baseball long enough (3 years) to know what to expect from him recovery-wise.

What about Matt Kemp? I think he might be available at 5th pick as well. His injuries worry me too, but his 40/40 upside is amazing.

Which of these 2 do you prefer?

Thanks for the info. Just trying to get ready for the draft (6PM tomorrow).

[Brosive]

Cross your fingers that Cano falls to you at the 5th spot.. he usually goes around pick #4, but he's who you want.. if hes gone, I'd choose kemp for sure over bautista.. both players have their injury concerns, but kemp has the higher upside.. i realize bautista is in the heart of a bulked up jays offense, but i just dont see his stats being what they were in 2011.. his avg will probably be around .270, while with kemp you're pretty much guaranteed an over 300 season.. just my opinion though.. i could be wrong (i actually hope so because im a jays fan)

[dmvincent]

I'm assuming Braun goes third overall, but if by any chance he falls to you grab him right away. Cano, McCutchen, Votto and Tulowitzki should be on your short list as well. You can't really go wrong with any of those guys IMO.

I'm not ready to take Bautista or Kemp with a top five pick, Bautista has a heck of a lot of power but won't hit for a great batting average and Kemp usually lands on the DL at least once per year. Although they both have great upside, so do the other guys I mentioned.

[bigbabybuda]

Tulowitski would be my choice at 5 if he is around because of position. Votto would be next, most consistent day in and day out. Albert the great is going to have a huge year I think. You need to get one of the big 4 in LA. Murders Row 2.0

[HOOTIE]

In a keep, Bautista isn't top 10.

I would take Kemp myself, after Braun, Miggy, Trout.
But i could see Votto or Cano.

[beLEAFing]

I'm assuming Braun goes third overall, but if by any chance he falls to you grab him right away. Cano, McCutchen, Votto and Tulowitzki should be on your short list as well. You can't really go wrong with any of those guys IMO.

I'm not ready to take Bautista or Kemp with a top five pick, Bautista has a heck of a lot of power but won't hit for a great batting average and Kemp usually lands on the DL at least once per year. Although they both have great upside, so do the other guys I mentioned.

Do you really think injury concerns are a big deal with Kemp?

Prior to last year, he played 161, 162, 159, 155 games, topping 600 ABs in all 4 years.

[gfhyde]

I wouldn't consider Kemp a huge injury risk. If we're talking about health concerns, I certainly would draft him ahead of Tulo.

Wouldn't take Joey bats at that spot either.

If I had the 5th pick I would be thrilled to get Cano or Votto. Mccutch. Someone like that.

[One87]

I agree with dm and BBB...

Pretty much gonna be: Trout, Cabrera and Braun in the top 3. In the 5 spot, I'd look at Cano or Tulo - Fnding power at 2nd or SS outside of these two is a laugher. I wouldn't be mad at taking Kemp at 5. I would rather have Cano.

HM: Pujols, Votto, McCutchen.

[djkiang]

Cano/McCutchen/Votto would be my choice