Let’s take another candidate for the “Rate My Team” post. Rich wrote:

Hi there — Great site, I’m a big fan. I’ve noticed you’ve got a “rate my team” thing going, and if it isn’t too much hassle, i’d love to hear your thoughts on my team.

First — I’m in a 12-team, mixed-league, 5×5 roto (R, HR, RBI, SB, OBP / W, WV, K, ERA, WHIP). Also teams must have 4SP and 3RP (no flex P slot).

I’m generally happy with how I drafted, as I think I have a lot of young guys with big upside. At the same time, I’m a little concerned about my pitching and my power output, particularly at OF. Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m a Mets fan, so I probably put premium on Mets players and may have somewhat undervalued Phillies and Braves players

Anyway, my team:

C Paul Lo Duca (18th round, 209 overall pick)
1B Mark Teixeira (2nd, 17)
2B Brandon Phillips (15th, 176)
3B David Wright (1st, 8 )
SS Michael Young (3rd, 32)
OF Hideki Matsui (5th, 56)
OF Juan Pierre OF (6th, 65)
OF Alex Rios OF (11th, 128)
UTIL Derrek Lee (4th, 41)
BN: Jason Kubel (FA pickup)
BN: Edwin Encarnacion (FA pickup)

SP Dan Haren SP (7th, 80)
SP Curt Schilling SP (8th, 89)
SP Barry Zito SP (9th, 104)
SP Andy Pettitte SP (17th, 200)
RP Takashi Saito RP (10th, 113)
RP Todd Jones RP (13th, 152)
RP José Valverde (14th, 161)
BN Mike Pelfrey (16th, 185)
BN Matt Capps (waivers)
BN Jae Seo (waivers)
DL Mark Mulder (waivers)

Any thoughts as to where I’m weak and where I may have surplus to trade? Any other advice?

First of all, thanks for the compliments and your patience since it took me longer to get to your team then I wanted to.

Let’s take a look at the pitching. I think the top part of the staff is aging, and should be safe. Haren is by far the best pitcher that you have. Schilling is on the downside of his career. Pelfrey is a fantastic young pitcher, but may not show his full potential this year. The bullpen could in trouble if you listen to everyone saying that Jones and Saito will be replaced by the end of the year.

Your offense is leaning a bit towards the speed side of things, and has middle of the road in power. If Teixeria and Lee play up to their past performance in 2005, then you will be fine. If they don’t, then you will be in trouble. With how deep 1B is this year, I would not have used 2 of your 1st 4 picks on them.

You have a surplus in speed, and I would suggest trying to trade Pierre for a OF power bat. Maybe you can package Pierre and a pitcher (maybe Schilling) for a 25-30 HR outfielder. That would round you out. I would also not bother with carrying Mulder on the DL, because he may not even pitch this year. I suggest that you go and get Colon, if he is out there, and stash him on the DL.

Those are my thoughts.