Re-Drafting the 2007 MLB Draft Using Advanced Analytics
Risers
Who makes the biggest move in a positive direction?
| Player | Position | WAR | Actual Pick | Re-Draft Pick | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Donaldson | 3B | 32.2 | 48 | 2 | 46 |
| Tommy Hunter | RHP | 5.0 | 54 | 13 | 41 |
| Sean Doolittle | LHP | 6.6 | 41 | 11 | 30 |
As we already touched on, Donaldson was a diamond in the rough. Clearly, the Cubs didn't know how much because before Donaldson made his debut in the bigs, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2008 for Rich Harden. And since his debut, the third baseman has bombed a total of 143 home runs with 453 RBI in 724 career games.
Starting with right-handed pitcher Tommy Hunter, the other two names aren't as big, yet they have provided value. Hunter, in 321 big league appearances, has 48 wins to 35 losses and an ERA of 4.23 in primarily a relief role.
Sean Doolittle didn't start to make a name for himself until 2014, though. In that year, the reliever tallied 22 saves with an ERA of 2.73 in 61 games. He would go on to the midseason classic and solidify himself as an above-average bullpen arm.
