Targets: Picks 101-200

Some may argue against targeting players because it causes you to focus too much on certain players at the risk of ignoring better players who have slipped in the draft. And I agree to a certain extent. It's fine to have targets, but you shouldn't get overly focused on them. But it's certainly worthwhile to have some players who you think have some upside, because - let's face it - the only way you win a league is by having some players break out.

So, I've put together a list of players you should think about targeting, but I want to stress that you shouldn't get carried away. Just because Matt Kemp is one of your targets, that doesn't mean you should draft him ahead of Bobby Abreu. Be reasonable.

Here are the players you should target between the 101st and 200th pick in the draft. For picks 1-100, see this post.

Picks 101-110
Tim Lincecum - The Giants' offense will be utterly pathetic. Lincecum's run support will not be pretty, meaning his win total is likely to be low. But, you have to love a guy who strikes out more than a batter per inning and plays in a good pitchers' park. Just be aware that if you draft Lincecum, you may need to balance him with some pitchers who you expect to win some games.


Picks 111-120
Alex Gordon - Amid high expectations, Gordon struggled in his rookie season. But, after the first two months of the season, he hit .275 and slugged .461. While those numbers aren't incredibly impressive, they're less disgusting than his season totals (.247 and .411, respectively). And don't forget that he also added 14 steals. The kid is too talented not to succeed. Don't be afraid to grab him.

Matt Kemp - Oh, Matt. You're so, so good. I sure hope you don't have to split time with Andre Ethier. Seriously, when are these teams going to grasp the concept of a sunk cost and just let players like Juan Pierre sit on the bench where he belongs? I'm convinced that Kemp will force the Dodgers to find playing time for him.


Picks 121-130
Rich Hill - Rich Hill is your friend. Rich Hill will strike out almost a batter per inning. Rich Hill will win games because the Cubs will score runs and because the NL Central is utterly shitty. Draft Rich Hill.


Picks 131-140
John Maine - Maine is almost identical to Hill in terms of strikeouts and win potential. The only reason I rank Maine slightly lower is that he walks more batters than Hill, making a higher WHIP likely.


Picks 141-150
Chad Billingsley - For those of you who are familiar with investment terms, Billingsley has a higher Beta than Hill or Maine. That is, he has more upside, but also more downside. He could find his groove and be absolutely dominant this year, or he could struggle with his control and be a dud. I lean towards the former and I am perfectly willing to take a chance on this kid.

Jeremy Hermida - I fully expect to see Hermida hitting in the #3 spot in the batting order, which means many opportunities to drive in Hanley Ramirez. Assuming that's the case, Hermida should easily reach 100 RBI.


Picks 151-160
Jeremy Bonderman - Good K rate, great run support. I swear he's going to put it all together at some point. My money's on this year.


Picks 161-170
Edwin Encarnacion - Encarnacion should approach 20 homers and 10 steals, with room to the upside. He's basically Alex Gordon lite.

Oliver Perez - The only question with Perez is his control. He strikes bitches out like a crazy man and he plays for a team that should score plenty of runs. If he can keep his BB/9 rate around the manageable 4.0 of last season, Perez could get 15 wins and 200 K's.


Picks 171-180
Stephen Drew - If you miss out on the top tier of shortstops, I'd be very tempted to just wait it out and take Drew late in the draft. His batting average (.238) is sure to increase (unless he's just destined to be unlucky) and the power should continue to increase with 20 homers a possbility. He was also 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts last year. Hey, Stephen - run a little more, buddy. You're pretty good at it.


Picks 181-190
Geovany Soto - If anyone has a chance to be the next Victor Martinez, it's this guy. Soto slugged .652 at AAA last year and was very impressive in his brief stint in the majors. I have him ranked seventh among catchers


Picks 191-200
Ryan Garko - Finally getting the playing time he deserves, Garko is showing that he has legitimate power. He's entering the magical age-27 season (which, by the way, is meaningful but not as much as some people think) and should be a key component of the Indians' great lineup.