Draft postmortem: Backdoor Slider

Each day, we'll be conducting preseason interviews, or draft postmortems, if you will.

See what each manager had to say about his team immediately after the draft, and what he would change about it.

Up next: Ken, AKA Backdoor Slider


Q: Which pick of yours did you like the most? Why?

A: My first pick in Josh Hamilton. Even though he was the 5th best available batter according to Yahoo, I'm extremely excited to have him with all the potential he has, especially in the Angels' lineup. The injuries worry me slightly but the payoff for a healthy year from him is way too much to pass up, and I believe he still hasn't reached his full potential. It was impossible for me to pass up the stats he is capable of producing, and I find it hard for him to not thrive in that lineup.

Q: Who was your biggest steal?

A: I believe my biggest steal will prove to be Ichiro in the 13th round, and I was thrilled to get him there. I believe his numbers were only dipping because he was getting bored not having played an important game with the Mariners and lost some focus. Being with the Yankees, Ichiro will be locked in, and I can see his numbers approaching the Ichiro who was always a batting title threat. He proved in his stint with the Yanks last season (and the postseason) that if he wants to turn it on he can hit just as well as anyone in the league. I also believe Michael Young will be revitalized in the Phillies' lineup and ballpark, and provide a ton of value for a 19th round pick.

Q: Which pick would do over again? Why?

A: I would redo my 11th round selection of Youkilis. As it got closer to my pick in the 11th round I decided I would have my eye on a 3B and specifically Will Middlebrooks. When he was drafted three slots ahead of me, I decided I would then be happy with David Freese but he was chosen right after. At this point, I panicked trying to fill 3B and probably chose Youkilis earlier then I had to. In retrospect, I could've waited on my 3B at least another round or two and would've been satisfied with Fraizer or Moustakas later on and could've added another starting pitcher (C.J. Wilson or Hellickson) in the 11th round.

Q: Where do you project yourself to finish in your division?

A: I don't want to follow the crowd or be too cocky about my squad this year, even though I am extremely excited by this team. So realistically, I'll predict that my team will finish 5 spots ahead of Mike's in the Te'o division.