I have a group of friends slogging their way through a live message board draft right now, updating the draft board as it goes along; it started late last week. Each of the 12 teams kept four players going in to the draft.

When it got to Round 12, one of the competitors selected Nick Johnson, a selection that quickly drew snickers from the rest of the group. At that point, I sent him a link to Mark Zuckerman's story that described Johnson's difficulty walking -- an essential skill in baseball. No one has any idea when he'll be ready to play this season, but there he was getting an "oops" selection in front of guys who will actually step on the field in April such as Aubrey Huff, Brian Giles, Ryan Shealy and Austin Kearns, just to name a few available bats.

But it gets better. That guy's twin brother (no, seriously) selected Francisco Liriano just four rounds later. Now Liriano was a phenomenal pitcher last year, but he will miss all of this season with Tommy John surgery. Two guys who will win at least 15 games each this season -- Cliff Lee of the Indians and Jon Garland of the Chicago White Sox --- went seven picks later.

So do your research. It will save you a roster spot or two, as well as some laughter at your expense.