Chappy’s Prospect Challenge Part II (Picks 161-480)

In Part I of our draft recap we covered the first 10 rounds and 160 picks of the new Chappy’s Prospect Challenge dynasty league. Here in Part II we cover rounds 11-30 and picks 161 thru 480.

Quickly reviewing the rules and setup of #ChappysProspectChallenge:
1. Players that have debuted in MLB, even for one appearance, were not eligible for the draft. You won’t see names like Gavin Lux and A.J. Puk on this list.
2. Players are tradeable and can be added/dropped up until they debut in MLB. Once they debut they are a permanent part of the fantasy MLB roster.
3. The premise is to identify prospects that will have the best CAREER fantasy statistics. Once a player debuts their career statistics are counted toward their GMs place in the overall all-time standings. We will have a side competition each season where player positions matter more and lineup strategies come into play, but the primary focus is just piling up the best statistical careers possible in a perpetual dynasty competition.
4. Scoring is 6×6 Roto as follows:

AVG, OPS, R, HR, RBI, SB

QS, IP, K, SV+HLD, ERA, WHIP

 

Round 11

@Scotty_Ballgame on Kris Bubic at #169:

“I dedicate this pick to @RoyalsFarm founder @duvy_013, Royals prospect photographer extraordinaire @acrphoto, and President of the Kris Bubic Fan Club, @RhysBWhite.”

@TDubbs11 on Daniel Johnson at #174:

“Johnson is another proximity play that should start to contribute power and speed in Cleveland. The path to playing time is wide open in Cleveland for a toolsy player like Johnson to make an impact.”

@MyManRob1 on Thad Ward at #175:

“1.67 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 127:45 K:BB in 102.1 innings over his final 20 starts at pick 175? Please and Thank you. I have Ward inside my top 50 pitching prospects and while command and control are always concerns with any young pitcher, I have Ward as a clear sleeper candidate to breakout in his second full season of pro ball.”

 

Round 12

@jacob_swain3 on Yusniel Diaz at #177:

“Diaz came over in the Machado trade and hasn’t been overwhelming, but has shown some consistency. The skills are there and if he can stay healthy, I think a solid career is in store.”

@KingMSquared on Misael Urbina at #180:

“Maybe my favorite pick of the Draft. It’s gonna take a while, but this kid is gonna be an absolute monster.”

@stoffer81 on Sandy Gaston at #183:

“Looking for an arm with high upside I just couldn’t get Gaston out of my head. Reaching triple digits at 16 and the Rays dropping $2.7M makes it obvious that they view him as a frontline starter. So do I.”

 

Round 13

@ChappyisClutch on Ryan Vilade at #195:

“””Vilade was the Rockies 2nd Round pick in 2017 out of high school. 2019 was a breakout season and his combination of power and speed and the tantalizing prospect of Coors Field for a home park made this an easy selection.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on Zach McKinstry at #201:

“@RealJRAnderson has McKinstry ranked 163 overall on his Top 400, and has him one of only three 2B on his list who could debut in 2020. (Madrigal 74/Andy Young 296 the only others)”

@TDubbs11 on Luis Medina at #206:

“While some shy away from the control, I lean into the profile because of the premium ceiling that Medina represents. I tend to chase higher risk, higher reward pitchers because even the deepest leagues have fringe starters on the waiver wire in a pinch.”

 

Round 14

@FsuBailey12 on Freudis Nova at #214:

“Nova’s upside is intriguing but he has to show it on the field. His bat speed and power are definitely worth taking a shot on nonetheless.”

@tonybps1 on Kendall Logan Simmons at #218:

“I really like this kid. He turned it on in the second half last year and has great power for a shortstop.”

@RyanJames5 on Daz Cameron at #223:

“Cameron may be one of the biggest steals in the draft this late. I think he has easy 20/20 potential.”

 

Round 15

@ChappyisClutch on Colton Welker at #227:

“After a down year in 2019 Welker has fallen down a lot of rankings. I saw that as an opportunity to take a high ceiling player who is an adjustment and a big league payroll purge away from hitting dingers in the thinnest air in the league.”

@berrys_baseball on Jasseel De La Cruz at #228:

“A classic case of “Get Your Guy.” De La Cruz may have been around for a couple of more rounds, but I am absolutely the high man on him and I run my mouth so much that I know my league mates were aware of that.”

@FsuBailey12 on Tucker Davidson at #235:

“Davidson’s velocity has steadily increased the past few seasons, with good secondaries to compliment it. There is some reliever risk here, but I project his as a mid-rotation starter.”

 

Round 16

@MyManRob1 on Benyamin Bailey at #242:

“At 6′-5″ and 225, this J2 signing had a 21.4 BB% and 16.5 K% in his DSL debut. Plus power will be his calling card and cutting down on a 54.3% GB rate will help. He does have wheels with 10 SBs in 12 attempts.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on Edward Olivares at #248:

“Kind of felt this Olivares pick was a sneaky good one almost 250 picks in. Olivares is closer to majors than a lot of other OFs taken and has better tools.”

@0RunsIn1st on Rece Hinds at #249:

“Hinds has the raw power we all love. If he can develop that raw power to consistent power at the plate, I really think I will reap the rewards a few years down the road.”

 

Round 17

@ChrisEros on Steele Walker at #257:

“Walker was traded to Texas in the Nomar Mazara deal. He had a terrible 2018 season, but really stepped it up in 2019. I feel that getting him in the 17th round could be a huge “Steele” in this draft.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on Alex Vesia at #265:

“Closer of the future in Miami? Sick numbers in 2019. I’m all in on Vesia and 17th round works perfectly for my roster.”

@stoffer81 on Brewer Hicklen at #266:

“At 266 overall it is probable that I could have waited a little longer on selecting Brewer, but he has the power/speed combo that not many prospects have. If he can reach full potential I can see 25 homeruns with 40 sb.”

 

Round 18

@FsuBailey12 on Dean Kremer at #278:

“Kremer came over to Baltimore in the Machado deal and could end up being the best player they received. He’s a high floor prospect who throws a lot of strikes. I also have an affinity for him since he is a Team Israel Alumni.”

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Jose Salas at #284:

“Invest international. There’s more than just a Martian available. Jose Salas is part of a large group of international shortstops this signing period. Sometimes you get a Kevin Maitan looking for a Wander Franco, but my advice is grab as many as you can. The year Lucius Fox was considered one of the best athletes in his group Vlad Jr., Pache, Juan Soto and Tatis Jr. were available as well.”

@berrys_baseball on Luis Basabe at #285:

“I was a little surprised to see Basabe still around this late and I couldn’t pass him up. There is a ton of raw ability here and perhaps some prospect fatigue has set in among some fantasy players.”

 

Round 19

@tonybps1 on Wander Javier at #295:

“Wander’s will is stronger than your doubt.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on DeMarcus Evans at #297:

“Yeah, I’m in love with stellar numbers and potential closers of the future. With Vesia and Evans, nobody’s touching my pen!”

@JWeisser88 on Robert Dominguez at #300:

“It’s rare to find a player that throws 97 at 17 years old. It’s even more uncommon to find them at pick 300. Robert Dominguez was considered the top J2 pitcher in the 2019 class.”

 

Round 20

@MyManRob1 on Julio Carreras at #306:

“Toolsy Rockies prospect with a 120 wRC+ in GSL at age 18. He could take off if he continues to excel against better competition this year. At pick 306 I’m rolling the dice.”

@tonybps1 on Jake Burger at #314:

“I’m trying to get as many shares of Burger as possible. The only reason he was available this late was because of his missed time due to injuries but that didn’t scare me. He could be up in a year or two and has a solid bat and power. In that lineup, he could put up great numbers.”

@ChappyisClutch on Levi Kelly at #318:

“I look at this pick as a safe upside pick. With a plus combo of slider and fastball, it looks like the floor for Kelly is a high leverage reliever. If he turns into a mid-rotation starter that’s a great outcome at pick 318.”

 

Round 21

@RyanJames5 on Noah Song at #322:

“Who knows what will happen with Song and his time off, but I’m confident he’s great value here if he’s remotely the pitcher he was in college.”

@tonybps1 on Luis Garcia at #327:

“Last year this time, Garcia may have gone in the top 150. Another young player that I’m gambling will bounce back to put up solid numbers.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on C.J. Chatham at #329:

“Brock Holt lite. I still like Chatham to be a decent major leaguer, but I look at him as more of a utility type than everyday position player.”

 

Round 22

@0RunsIn1st on Micker Adolfo at #345:

“Whenever baseball returns, if Adolfo can get and stay healthy, look out! I feel like I’ve said this for the past couple years, but I am still rather bullish on Adolfo. Great fantasy value in the mid 350s.”

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Otto Lopez at #348:

“Otto is my favorite pick of the draft. Hits for a high average and maintains a solid OBP. Can steal a base, hits the ball into the gaps and doesn’t strike out much. I think he shoots up the rankings once the top tier guys graduate and the farms are re-evaluated.”

@ChappyisClutch on MJ Melendez at #350:

“Another player that some have soured on after a down 2019. I see the typical growing pains that a young catcher goes through in the low minors. The offensive upside is still there.”

 

Round 23

@berrys_baseball on Matt Gorski at #356:

“One of my favorite “sleepers” from last year’s draft, Gorski has a solid power and speed combination with potential to fill up multiple categories.”

@0RunsIn1st on Sam Carlson at #360:

“Injuries sure have gotten the best of Carlson since being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2017 MLB Draft. I’m hoping he can bounceback from Tommy John.”

@stoffer81 on Matthew Lugo X at #362:

“Nephew to Carlos Beltron at pick 362 -sign me up please. Lugo is very young and a bit raw but he has the bloodlines one looks for and many think he will stick at SS long term. The biggest reason he was available this late is the questions surrounding his power development.”

 

Round 24

@FsuBailey12 on Connor Scott at #374:

“Scott is a very raw athlete. I think he will end up as the Marlins everyday centerfielder a few years from now. He is a plus runner with a solid bat.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on Brayan Bello at #376:

“One of my favorite Red Sox pitching prospects, I probably reached a bit here and could have gotten Bello in the late 20s/early 30s round-wise.”

@tonybps1 on Shun Yamaguchi at #378:

“My 2nd rookie free agent who can give me numbers this year in Toronto. Can be their fifth starter or relieve for the Blue Jays.”

 

Round 25

@tonybps1 on Griffin Roberts at #391:

“He put up very bad numbers last year but I think St. Louis can get him to maximize his potential. He was suspended last year for testing positive for the chronic but I’m hoping he’s matured since then and doesn’t get caught again.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on Alexander Vizcaino at #393:

“I think Vizcaino was a solid pick here in the 25th round as a couple other guys commented about being sniped. That always makes you happy when you’re drafting this deep.”

@FsuBailey12 on Alexander Ramirez at #395:

“If we are talking upside, Ramirez is likely a Top 5 prospect in the Angels system. An athletic player with exciting power potential.”

 

Round 26

@Scotty_Ballgame on Christian Koss at #408:

“Koss put up some great numbers in his pro debut in 2019, even though it was just 53 games in the Pioneer League (Rookie ball). But I’ll take that 1.052 OPS with 10 SB!”

@tonybps1 on Chris Seise at #410:

“Seise fell off a little last year but he was going through injuries and could be another solid option at shortstop and at this pick it’s a great gamble.”

@ChappyisClutch on Hector Yan at #414:

“At this point in the draft I’m looking for upside and Yan fits the bill with a fastball that touches 96 and a high strikeout rate.”

 

Round 27

@Scotty_Ballgame on Keithron Moss at #425:

“IMO, all other guys in the draft, and many in the prospect industry, are sleeping on Moss. Bahamian opened eyes in Rookie ball in 2019 at age 18. Let’s see what he does over the next couple seasons.”

@JWeisser88 on Yanquiel Fernandez at #428:

“Not too much information is out there on Yanquiel Fernandez but what information is out there is exciting. According to scouts from Cuba he has more power than Yordan Alvarez did at a similar age. If he can hit like Yordan he will be an incredible pick here, especially when you add in the fact that he’ll be playing his home games at Coors Field.”

@KingMSquared on Yoendrys Gomez at #429:

“My first Pitcher!!!!!!”

 

Round 28

@FsuBailey12 on Adonis Medina at #438:

“Back-to-back Phillies for me. Medina had a down year in 2019, but I think his arsenal is good enough to succeed even if he ends up in the bullpen. Great value this late in the draft.”

@berrys_baseball on Mahki Backstrom at #445:

“””With all of the first base talk in the Braves system revolving around the power of Bryce Ball, now might be the time to get Backstrom for some pretty good value. It will add even more value when the DH inevitably comes to the National League.”

@ChappyisClutch on Nick Schnell at #446:

“From @GatorSosa in his Rays Top 50: ‘Schnell, the former Indiana High School Gatorade Player of the Year, improved across most statistical categories in his second season and continued to display a well-rounded profile against older competition.'”

 

Round 29

@MrNobodyImportant1 on Lucas Erceg at #453:

“Probably one of my least favorite picks. I took Erceg off of value alone. I do think he can hit his way into a platoon role in the bigs and stick around for a decade so there’s value in that alone for this league.”

@stoffer81 on Evan Edwards at #458:

“Selected in the 4th round of the 2019 draft, Edwards has a solid bat with a slash line of .330/.455/.604 with 14 homeruns and 7/8 in SB in his senior year. The biggest factor for me snagging him at 471 was he did not commit a single error his senior year as a 1B which is impressive.”

@FsuBailey12 on Rodolfo Castro at #459:

“Castro is volatile, but he consistently hits the ball really hard. He is a switch-hitter with a nice feel for the zone. His power and defensive skill set are intriguing.”

 

Round 30

@FsuBailey12 on Yerry Rodriguez at #470:

“Rodriguez’s breakout 2019 season was cut short due to injury. I am still buying into it and hoping he stays healthy. If he does, he could be a starter with multiple plus pitches.”

@Scotty_Ballgame on Brock Deatherage at #472:

“Coming off a down 2019, great name Deatherage is a great bounce back candidate for 2020. Lots o’ talent and could be a sneaky power/speed guy. No downside to taking him in the 30th round.”

@tonybps1 on Kevin Maitan at #474:

“He was once labeled the next Miguel Cabrera only a few years ago and is only 20 years old with less than 1,000 minor league at bats. Maybe something clicks for him this year or next?”

 

That’s it for Part II. Stay tuned for the final installment with rounds 31 thru 50 in the coming days. In the meantime we’d love to hear from you in the comments and on Twitter.