There is not a single way to prepare for a NL or AL only keeper league draft. In these type of leagues, its important to get a good read of who came over from the other league in the off season, and figure out how their skills will do in the new league. As, they go directly to the new player pool that will be available for bidding on in the draft. Each owner in evaluating the players coming over to a new league should consider :
- the ball park the player is coming from/to
- the playing time the player may receive with the new team
- with pitchers coming from AL to NL, the lack of DH in NL suggests better results
The list goes on, but lets take a look at the movement with the NL teams this off season.
The Braves bullpen is remade with the Wagner and Saito signings, but one of their best pitchers Javier Vazquez traded away. The Doctor is in for the Phillies, but sent Cliff Lee packing for Seattle pitchers Philippe Aumont and Juan Ramirez and outfielder Tyson Gillies. The Marlins traded away Jeremy Hermidia for Boston prospects Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. The National brought in Matt Capps, Pudge, Miguel Bautista, Adam Kennedy, and Chris Duncan. Along with Jason Bay, the Mets signed Hisanori Takahahi From Japan. The Diamondbacks blew up the team with starters Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson coming over in blockbuster deal. They remade the left side of the infield in Adam Laroche and KellyJohnson/Tony Abreu. Their bullpen was upgraded with Bob Howry and Aaron Heilman. The Cubs took on Carlos Silva, and obtained pitcher Jeff Grey in trades. Chad Tracy and Kevin Millar were signed as possible backups. The Brewers added Randy Wolfe, Doug Davis, and outfielders Jim Edmonds Carlos Gomez. The Pirates traded with Rays for Aki Awamura, they signed Ryan Church, and added pitcher RHP Chris Jakubauskas. The Reds shocked people by signing the Cuban defector Chapman, along with SS Orlando Cabrera, reserves Miguel Cairo and Josh Anderson. The Astros Ed Wade overspent for a new back end of bullpen. The Cards signed Brad Penny and Fellipe Lopez. The Rockies brought in Tim Redding and Melvin Mora. The Giants signed Mark DeRosa, 1B Aubrey Huff, and pitcher Todd Wellemeyer. The Padres stayed busy with additions of both the Hairston brothers, Aaaron Cunningham, John Garland, Catcher Torrealba, and P Radames Liz. The Dodgers stayed busy with divorce issues and only signed Josh Towers, Jamey Carroll, and Nick Green.
