In my most recent blog I shared my thoughts on how to begin your draft. Now I'll share some of my thinking with regard to the end of the draft, when you are filling out your roster with the dregs, I mean, reserves still left for picking.
Again, these suggestions are based on a 10 team, mixed, 5x5 league, standard roster (2 C, 1B, 3B, CN, 2B, SS, MI, 5 OF, UT, 9 P) with a four to six player reserve list. In essence we are looking at the players rated 231 or lower on your cheat sheets, although some will be ranked higher as a result of the position they play.
Obviously, you should be looking to draft reserves that will fill areas of weakness on your roster, whether it is positional or statistical. Conversely, don't worry about selecting reserves at positions that are already razor thin, i.e. catcher. Ask yourself, "do I really need Rod Barajas or Jarrod Saltalamacchia" and, if the answer is anything other than a resounding "NO" let me know because we may have an opening in one my leagues.
The same can be said of starting pitching. It is highly unlikely there will be any starters left worthy of selection. Instead, watch the waiver wire and grab the early surprises off the free-agent list. Guys like Trevor Cahill went undrafted last season, but helped many fantasy teams (including my own).
The Good --Here are a few players to consider that were still around at the end of virtually every mock draft I've been in this pre-season:
Ryan Theriot, SS, STL
Playing for his third team in two seasons, Theriot has the added bonus of also qualifying at second base. That flexibility can come in handy, although his return to shortstop, where in played exclusively in 2009, might allow for improved offensive numbers. He provides stolen bases, having swiped 20+ bases each season since becoming a full-time player in 2007. Playing for the Cardinals, I anticipate an increase in stolen bases and runs scored to go along with his career .284 average.
Jonny Venters, RP, ATL
Every year there are a handful of relief pitchers that assume the closer roll and provide fantasy owners with an opportunity to pick-up cheap saves. Venters looks like he could be one of those guys in 2011. He had an impressive rookie campaign, pitching 83 innings with an ERA of 1.95, a WHIP of 1.205, and 93 strikeouts. I believe it is safe to expect similar numbers this season, with the added possibility of 15 to 20 saves.
Ty Wigginton, 3B, COL
Wigginton's appeal is less about his stats and more about the fact that the Rockies intend on playing him at nearly every position. He already qualifies at first base, second base and third base, and has been working in the outfield in spring training. You would be hard pressed to find someone to fill all those positions without seriously hurting your team, and Wigginton can actually help you in several categories. A season of 20 homeruns, 60 runs, 70 rbi, and a .275 average are not unreasonable, especially if Ian Stewart loses time to injury again.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B, MIN
I was surprised to see him available so often, but there is always uncertainty when a player makes the move from Japan to MLB. He probably won't match his .346 average from 2010, but he could still hit.290 (in 500+ at bats) with 10 homeruns and 20 stolen bases. That makes him a miniature Ichiro Suzuki at a very scarce position.
The Bad -- Here are a few others that will be lingering around that can be serviceable:
Kila Ka'aihue, 1B, KC
What-a-lot-of-hooey as I affectionately call him, Ka'aihue has been misused by the Royals, who have a plethora of young talent but can't seem to get out of their own way. If he finally gets an opportunity to play regularly, he could be a nice power source. I don't see Wilson Betemit as a serious threat, so Ka'aihue should get plenty of at bats sharing time at first base and DH with Billy Butler this season. That translates to 20+ home runs.
Peter Bourjos, OF, ANA
If only this guy could steal first base. Bourjos showed a lot of potential, and could be a 35 steal guy, but he doesn't hit for average (.204 in 2010) or lay off bad pitches (6 walks; 40 strikeouts), resulting in a .237 obp. Still, if he can work out those problems and hold on to a full time spot in the Angels lineup, he has a lot of upside.
The Ugly -- And, finally, you will still see these names on the draft board but you should avoid them at all costs:
Alex Gonzalez, SS, ATL
This guy has bounced around the majors, playing for five different teams in five seasons. Gonzalez has never played more than 130 games or had more then 435 at bats in a single season, and has a career batting average under .250. His career high for stolen bases in five (in his rookie year), and his 23 home runs in 2010 are an anomaly (he his a total of 38 home runs between 2005 and 2009).
Brennan Boesch, OF, DET
Will the real Brennan Boesch please stand up? Prior to the All-Star break, Boesch hit .342 with 12 home runs and 49 rbi. After the break, he fell off the planet, hitting .163 with 2 home runs and 18 rbi. If his bat doesn't keep him out of the lineup, his glove might. He enters 2011 competing with Casper Wells for the fourth outfield spot. Even is he earns a place on the major league roster, anything more than a .260 average with 15 home runs is a stretch.