Is Evan Longoria related to a Desperate Housewife, and will he win the third base job for the Desperate Rays?
How is the Mike Hampton Comeback, Version 2008 coming along, and what of the annual Mark Prior Hopefest?
Who is Jay Bruce, who is Joey Votto, and what’s the deal with all these great young Reds hitters with five-letter names?
These are questions that deserve answers. That means paying attention during spring training, monitoring all 30 teams to see how position battles are panning out, which prospects are blossoming.
Yes, scouting prospective players for one’s fantasy team during spring training is exhausting, but ignore the news from Florida and Arizona, and you’ll miss important trends that will severely hurt your team. If you didn’t pay attention last March, you didn’t know that Alex Rodriguez was hitting the stuffing out of the ball in Tampa, Fla.
And that made it easy to pick Aramis Ramirez as your third baseman over A-Rod. That didn’t go so well, did it?
That’s the challenge of fantasy baseball, a game in which owners draft real players and form teams. Player performance – batting average, runs, home runs, RBIs and stolen bases for hitters, and wins, saves, ERA, strikeouts and WHIP (walks plus hits, divided by innings) for pitchers – determines fantasy league winners and losers.
Here are rankings for the top fantasy hitters at each position. Players are listed only at the position in which their value is highest. Included are 2007 stats (average, runs, home runs, RBIs and steals):
Catcher
Young catchers Joe Mauer and Brian McCann regressed in ’07, while those owners who went with veteran Jorge Posada enjoyed a career year. In ’08, keep your eyes on youngsters in Texas and Houston:
1. Russell Martin, Dodgers, .293-87-19-87-21
His speed/power combination is unparalleled at catcher, and he’s still just learning.
2. Joe Mauer, Twins, .293-62-7-60-7
The 24-year-old will come cheaper this year after a disappointing, injury-plagued campaign.
3. Victor Martinez, Indians, .301-78-25-114-0
Caught 30 games last year, making him the best run producer with catcher eligibility. Use him there while you can.
4. Jorge Posada, Yankees, .338-91-20-90-2
Don’t count on the .338 average, but another 20 homers and 90 RBIs are well within reach for this veteran slugger.
5. Brian McCann, Braves, .270-51-18-92-0
Struggled in his second year, but should rebound to .300-20-90. Will bat behind Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira.
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Rangers, .266-39-11-33-0
A ton of power potential, a good hitter’s park. But don’t overbid for a guy who hasn’t yet shown what he can do.
7. Bengie Molina, Giants, .276-38-19-81-0
It’s a mystery why he doesn’t get more attention in fantasy leagues. Hard to go wrong with this steady hitter.
8. Kenji Johjima, Mariners, .287-52-14-61-0
A good bet to flirt with .300 again with a little power. You could do far worse.
9. Ramon Hernandez, Orioles, .258-40-9-62-1
Maybe some will forget how good Hernandez was two years ago (.275-23-91). A decent gamble to rebound.
10. Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers, .281-50-11-63-2
The stats are trending down for Pudge, but he’s still a solid, dependable option at backstop.
11. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox, .263-54-14-50-1
Very reliable fantasy option with some power, on a team that’s likely to bounce back this season.
12. Jason Varitek, Red Sox, .255-57-17-68-1
A better clubhouse guy than fantasy catcher at this point. Some power, but there are better options.
13. Geovany Soto, Cubs, .389-12-3-8-0
Broke out at Triple-A last year (.353-26-109) and excelled late in Chicago. Careful, second-year guys are high-risk picks.
14. J.R. Towles, Astros, .375-9-1-12-0
It’s been a long time since fantasy owners cared about a Houston catcher. They do now. Big bat here.
15. Johnny Estrada, Nationals, .278-40-10-54-0
The Braves, Diamondbacks and Brewers let him go, but your fantasy team might enjoy his steady production.
16. Ronny Paulino, Pirates, .263-56-11-55-2
He’s a far better hitter than those numbers would suggest. Paulino could easily hit .300 and drive in 70 runs.
17. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics, .249-27-7-39-0
He’s the reason Jason Kendall was expendable, and 20 homers is very much within his reach.
18. Carlos Ruiz, Phillies, .259-42-6-54-6
Nice speed for a catcher, and the batting average could increase significantly.
19. Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks .252-37-13-47-0
His 13 homers came in 326 at-bats. It stands to reason he’d hit 20 homers in 500 at-bats, without even improving.
20. Yadier Molina, Cardinals, .275-30-6-40-1
A 60-point improvement in batting average tells the story here. He could hit. 300, but without much more power.
First Base
Don’t expect to find a Carlos Pena (.282-46-121) out of nowhere this year. Draft a dependable power bat at first. There are many to choose from:
1. Ryan Howard, Phillies, .268-94-47-136-1
Started slow in his sophomore year, but turned it on late and showed that he’s the best option at a loaded position.
2. Prince Fielder, Brewers, .288-109-50-119-2
The youngest player ever to hit 50 homers in a season still hasn’t found his ceiling. Scary ability, surrounded by very good hitters.
3. Albert Pujols, Cardinals, .327-99-32-103-2
He is baseball’s best hitter, but concern about possible elbow surgery should scare you at least a little bit.
4. Mark Teixeira, Braves, .306-86-30-105-0
Really came alive in Atlanta (.317-17-56 in 208 ABs). A full season of NL pitching could really be fun for Teixeira.
5. Lance Berkman, Astros, .278-95-34-102-7
Coming off arguably his worst season, Berkman now has a better surrounding cast and could rebound nicely.
6. Justin Morneau, Twins, .271-84-31-111-1
Before last year’s swoon, he was considered on par with Albert Pujols. If he slips in your draft, grab him.
7. Derrek Lee, Cubs, .317-91-22-82-6
His fall to 22 homers is inexplicable, since he said his wrist was perfectly fine. He’s still a very fine hitter.
8. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres, .282-101-30-100-0
Yes, he’s an elite first baseman, one of just two with 100 runs and 100 RBIs last year. He’s just 25 and should still improve.
9. James Loney, Dodgers, .331-41-15-67-0
Anyone who saw him swing last year knows he’s no flash in the pan. Could be a breakout star in ’08.
10. Paul Konerko, White Sox, .259-71-31-90-0
Rumors of his demise are premature. Konerko should bounce back with a more respectable BA this year.
11. Ryan Garko, Indians, .289-62-21-61-0
Expect more at-bats and increased production across the board for this young slugger.
12. Carlos Pena, Rays, .282-99-46-121-1
Some think he’ll disappear after his career year. More likely he’ll stick around and hit around 30 homers.
13. Todd Helton, Rockies, .320-86-17-91-0
The years of 30-plus home runs are officially behind Helton, but he can still contribute and he’ll help your team’s average.
14. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox, .288-85-16-83-4
He may not have the home run power of some, but he has everything else in spades.
15. Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks, .284-56-15-60-2
Perhaps a stretch since Jackson has failed to live up to his phenom billing. I think we haven’t seen his best yet.
16. Adam LaRoche, Pirates, .272-71-21-88-1
A nearly forgotten option, LaRoche has the power to hit 30 homers, especially if he can avoid another slow start.
17. Carlos Delgado, Mets, .258-71-24-87-4
If you saw him struggle to find his swing last year, you might find yourself seeking a better option at first.
18. Richie Sexson, Mariners, .205-58-21-63-1
So frustrating. Sexson has more power potential than almost anyone in the game, but he can’t be counted upon.
19. Nick Johnson, Nationals, DNP
His broken leg is apparently fully healed, making him a high-risk, high-reward choice. You may want more stability at first.
20. Joey Votto, Reds, .321-11-4-17-1
He could be much better than 20th, with the power to hit 30 home runs right away. Just keep in mind he’s young and untested.
Second Base
There are eight excellent choices here, 17 very good ones, and many more serviceable picks, making second base a much improved fantasy position from what it was several years ago:
1. Chase Utley, Phillies, .332-104-22-103-9
So good, so insanely talented, in a great hitters’ park, surrounded by other great hitters. Buy!
2. B.J. Upton, Rays, .300-86-24-82-22
He played 48 games at second last year, making him eligible in most leagues. He has 40-40 ability.
3. Brandon Phillips, Reds, .288-107-30-94-32
I admit I missed on Phillips last year, had no idea he could hit with this much power all year long. Worth a very early pick.
4. Brian Roberts, Orioles, .290-103-12-57-50
No other 2B comes close to his speed. A trade to a better team would increase his value.
5. Ian Kinsler, Rangers, .263-96-20-61-23
Started fast, with nine homers in April. Careful: A .312 hitter at home, .215 on the road last year.
6. Rickie Weeks, Brewers, .235-87-16-36-25
Many will scoff at the inconsistent, injury-plagued Weeks going this high, but he showcased his 30-30 skills late last year.
7. Dan Uggla, Marlins, .245-113-31-88-2
The Adam Dunn of middle infielders has shown a consistent ability to hit for power in his first two seasons.
8. Robinson Cano, Yankees, .306-93-19-97-4
Very good player who could still improve, on a team that will score tons of runs. What’s not to like?
9. Howie Kendrick, Angels, .322-55-5-39-5
Hit .357 after Aug. 1. A future batting champion in the making, and who knows, this could be the year.
10. Placido Polanco, Tigers, .341-105-9-67-7
He’ll score a ton, he’ll hit for a sky-high average, and he’ll drive in some runs. A little bit of everything.
11. Orlando Hudson, Diamondbacks, .294-69-10-63-10
This may be a bit high, but Hudson is a middle-of-the-order guy in an improving lineup. Very solid pick.
12. Kelly Johnson, Braves, .276-91-16-68-9
A few more stolen bases for this leadoff guy would catapult him into elite 2B status. As it stands, a very good pick.
13. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, .317-86-8-50-7
He could be overrated because of his World Series heroics, but don’t shy away from this ignitor.
14. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays, .291-87-17-78-4
Surprised everyone with his power in ’07, and never really stopped after a strong start.
15. Jeff Kent, Dodgers, .302-78-20-79-1
At 40, he’s a less-than-tantalizing pick. But Kent can still produce and he’s in an improving lineup.
16. Freddy Sanchez, Pirates, .304-77-11-81-0
He was the NL batting champ two years ago, and last year he showed improved power.
17. Mark Ellis, Athletics, .276-84-19-76-9
Will look to build on his breakout September, his first-ever 20 RBI month.
18. Josh Barfield, Indians, .243-53-3-50-14
A backup and a forgotten name after a dismal AL debut, but Barfield has the talent to win the job back.
19. Jose Lopez, Mariners, .252-58-11-62-2
He’s had two solid full seasons, he’s just 24, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he hit nearly .300 with increased power.
20. Kaz Matsui, Astros, .288-84-4-37-32
Had a terrific situation in Colorado, and he gave it away for more money in Houston. A karmic slump in ’08?
Shortstop
You probably won’t get any of the top three guys here unless you have one of the first six or seven picks:
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins, .332-125-29-81-51
Out-of-this-world young shortstop who may scare some owners away because he’s on the Marlins. Don’t be afraid.
2. Jose Reyes, Mets, .280-119-12-57-78
The undisputed leader in steals can also hit for more power and a better average than he did last year.
3. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies, .296-139-30-94-41
The NL MVP is only the third best fantasy shortstop? Perhaps, but the top three are basically a tossup.
4. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies, .291-104-24-99-7
This young Cal Ripken Jr. clone isn’t close to his peak yet and will probably run more this year.
5. Derek Jeter, Yankees, .322-102-12-73-15
Consistency? In 12 full seasons, Jeter never hit under .290, with fewer than 10 homers and 10 stolen bases.
6. Carlos Guillen, Tigers, .296-86-21-102-13
A move to first base makes him a far less sexy fantasy option. Luckily, he still has SS eligibility for one more year.
7. Orlando Cabrera, White Sox, .301-101-8-86-20
Underrated as a fantasy shortstop. Hit .300 for the first time in his decade-long career.
8. Khalil Greene, Padres, .254-89-27-97-4
Big time PETCO victim; Greene is a career .280 hitter on the road, just .228 at home.
9. J.J. Hardy, Brewers, .277-89-26-80-2
Among the HR leaders through mid-May last year, and then, predictably, fell back.
10. Rafael Furcal, Dodgers, .270-87-6-47-25
Before his 12 steals in September, was among the worst fantasy busts of the season.
11. Miguel Tejada, Astros, .296-72-18-81-2
He wasn’t the same Miguel last year, as anyone who drafted him in the first few rounds will tell you.
12. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks, .238-60-12-60-9
His brother hit .242-13-39 when he was 23, improved to .295-18-57 at 24. Stephen will be 24 in March.
13. Jhonny Peralta, Indians, .270-87-21-72-4
Loves hitting at home (.297, 16 HRs). Not so much on the road (.243, 5 HRs). A decent SS pick.
14. Ryan Theriot, Cubs, .266-80-3-45-28
He can definitely top 30 steals, and his average was better before a lousy September (.202).
15. Michael Young, Rangers, .315-80-9-94-13
Like Helton, he’s a better player than he is a fantasy pick. His power is down but he’ll still drive in runs.
16. Edgar Renteria, Tigers, .332-87-12-57-11
His one AL season (’05 in Boston) was a letdown, and here he is again, with a similarly great lineup around him.
17. Felipe Lopez, Nationals, .245-70-9-50-24
Hugely underrated player with 40-steal ability. A much better hitter than last year’s numbers show.
18. Julio Lugo, Red Sox, .237-71-8-73-33
Seems to be a solid bet for 10 homers and 30 steals each season, and his career average is .271.
19. Jason Bartlett, Rays, .265-75-5-43-23
The 23 steals are nice, and his overall numbers may improve, but keep in mind 10 of the steals came in one month.
20. Yunel Escobar, Braves, .326-54-5-28-5
Careful with these guys with shiny half-season numbers. Escobar is extremely talented but could be overhyped a tad.
Third Base
The gap appears to be widening between the top names here and the best of the rest. A 100-RBI guy is a must have at the fantasy hot corner.
1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees, .314-143-54-156-24
Yes, it was a free agency year for A-Rod, but betting against him repeating it seems foolish.
2. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, .320-91-34-119-2
Stellar for four-plus years on an up-and-down Florida squad. What will he do in a loaded lineup?
3. David Wright, Mets, .325-113-30-107-34
He’s just 25, and his numbers are even more impressive given his terrible April (.244-0-6).
4. Ryan Braun, Brewers, .324-91-34-97-15
Statistically one of the best rookie seasons in history, and in just 451 ABs. The ball seems to jump off his bat.
5. Garrett Atkins, Rockies, .301-83-25-111-3
Hit .336-22-92 from May 28 on. Only five players had more RBIs during that span.
6. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs, .310-72-26-101-0
Averaged 35 homers the previous three years, and he’s not yet 30 years old. Rebound coming.
7. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals, .266-99-24-91-4
His second year was disappointing, but came to camp with his surgically repaired left wrist feeling good.
8. Chipper Jones, Braves, .337-108-29-102-5
The numbers are superb, but injuries remain a constant worry. Do you want that all season?
9. Adrian Beltre, Mariners, .276-87-26-99-14
Won’t hit 48 homers as he did in ’04, but seems to be a good bet to hit 25, drive in 100 runs.
10. Mike Lowell, Red Sox, .324-79-21-120-3
Careful drafting players coming off career years, especially when they are 34 years old.
11. Edwin Encarnacion, Reds, .289-66-16-76-8
Some owners are drooling about his .337 average after Aug. 1. Also hit nine homers in final two months.
12. Chone Figgins, Angels, .330-81-3-58-41
Great for BA and steals, but you’ll have to make up power at other positions.
13. Alex Gordon, Royals, .247-60-15-60-14
Minor league success didn’t translate in his rookie year, but he’s only 24. Don’t give up hope.
14. Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres, .275-57-18-74-1
Nice power, but there are holes in his swing and he plays in PETCO Park, where homers go to die.
15. Troy Glaus, Cardinals, .262-60-20-62-0
Not sure the power potential offsets the fact his .262 BA was Glaus’ highest since 2000.
16. Josh Fields, White Sox, .244-54-23-67-1
Still must win the job over veteran Joe Crede, but if he does, he could approach 30 homers.
17. Casey Blake, Indians, .270-81-18-78-4
Has 88 homers in the last four years. He won’t hit .300, but he’s steady as they come.
18. Evan Longoria, Rays, DNP
Has torn up minor league pitching, and has the green light to show he’s ready for the starting job. Watch closely this spring.
19. Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks, .279-62-17-62-0
Not convinced he’ll do it again after a surprise rookie season. Chad Tracy could return and take his job, too.
20. Andy LaRoche, Dodgers, .226-16-1-10-2
Appears primed to win the starting job, and the talent is there to run with it.
Outfield
In mixed AL-NL leagues, there’s ample talent available in later rounds to fill out a roster nicely:
1. Matt Holliday, Rockies, .340-120-36-137-11
He won’t sneak up on pitchers anymore, but seems to hit just about anything thrown at him anyway.
2. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, .299-97-33-70-19
Don’t worry if he doesn’t steal bases this spring. They’re hoping to get his legs ready for a stellar season.
3. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels, .324-89-27-125-2
Some of the luster disappeared last year, when his HR total fell. He’s still great, and Torii Hunter helps.
4. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers, .363-117-28-139-4
Hard to imagine he’ll match his career year, but also hard to see him fading away. Think .320-25-110.
5. Grady Sizemore, Indians, .277-118-24-78-33
He’s 25, coming off three straight 20-20 seasons already. This may be the year he breaks .300, too.
6. Carlos Lee, Astros, .303-93-32-119-10
Is there a more consistent hitter over the last eight years? Almost always hits around .300 with 30 homers.
7. Carl Crawford, Rays .315-93-11-80-50
Not sure why some owners are souring on him, coming off career high average, 50 more steals.
8. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, .351-111-6-68-37
It’s not every base stealer who also hits .350. And he’s hit at least that high three times in seven seasons.
9. Carlos Beltran, Mets, .276-93-33-112-23
Great power-speed potential, but hasn’t hit above .278 since 2003. A four-category star.
10. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays, .245-85-16-80-10
He could slip in drafts after easily his worst season as a pro. He’s due to bounce back. Big.
11. Curtis Granderson, Tigers, .302-122-23-74-26
If your league counts extra-base hits, Granderson becomes a top pick (38 doubles, 23 triples in ’07).
12. Lance Berkman, Astros, .278-95-34-102-7
Injuries seemed to catch up to him in ’07, and he had some issues early this spring, but Berkman still has elite power.
13. Andruw Jones, Dodgers, .222-83-26-94-5
Another season like the last one and he’ll have trouble staying in a lineup. At least a modest rebound coming.
14. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks, .286-103-21-83-50
The 50 steals shocked almost everyone. He’s scrappy and talented, but probably won’t do that again.
15. Nick Markakis, Orioles, .300-97-23-112-18
He’s developing into an elite player, fantasy and otherwise. But his supporting cast is pretty bleak.
16. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox, .296-84-20-88-0
Can he rebound to his usual 35-45 homers at age 35? Don’t put it past this slugger.
17. Torii Hunter, Angels, .287-94-28-107-18
As great as he is, has had just two 20-20 seasons and has never hit .300. A tad overrated in fantasy.
18. Jason Bay, Pirates, .247-78-21-84-4
Had a brutal season and complained about his team’s complacency this winter. The talent and drive are there, however.
19. Jeff Francoeur, Braves, .293-84-19-105-5
Bulked up during the offseason, and will be counted on to absorb some of the loss of Andruw Jones’ power.
20. Brad Hawpe, Rockies, .291-80-29-116-0
And he still is learning to hit lefties. If and when that comes, he’ll be a .320-40-130 guy.
21. Adam Dunn, Reds, .264-101-40-106-9
Kept his average away from the .240 range fantasy owners dread. If you just need home runs, he’s your guy.
22. Corey Hart, Brewers, .295-86-24-81-23
He does a lot of everything, and if he hits at the top of this improving order, he’ll score a ton, too.
23. Bobby Abreu, Yankees, .283-123-16-101-5
He’s no longer a 30-30 candidate, but he’ll continue to score and drive in runs in droves.
24. Jeremy Hermida, Marlins, .296-54-18-63-3
If the second half was any indication (.340-10-36), big things are coming from this former phenom.
25. Alex Rios, Blue Jays, .297-114-24-85-17
Fast starter; he’s hit a combined .328 in April and May the last two years, with 22 homers.
26. Matt Kemp, Dodgers, .342-47-10-42-10
Improved his contact, cut down on strikeouts from 53 in 154 ABs in ’06 to 66 in 292 last season.
27. Juan Pierre, Dodgers, .293-96-0-41-64
Not a great leadoff hitter because of his low OBP? Fantasy owners don’t need to care about that.
28. Jermaine Dye, White Sox, .254-68-28-78-2
Comeback player of the year candidate. Could get back to .300 and 35-40 home runs.
29. Hunter Pence, Astros, .322-57-17-69-11
Needs to stop walking through glass doors, but otherwise is ready to build on a standout rookie year.
30. Chris Young, Diamondbacks, .237-85-32-68-27
Quintessential leadoff guy with power; hit 25 solo homers, batted .207 with runners on base.
31. Hideki Matsui, Yankees, .285-100-25-103-4
Has driven in 100 runs in each of his four full seasons. A dependable power source on a great team.
32. Shane Victorino, Phillies, .281-78-12-46-37
Four steals in 415 at-bats in ’06, 37 in 456 at-bats last year. It can happen when a guy starts getting the green light.
33. Josh Hamilton, Rangers, .292-52-19-47-3
The amazing rookie achieved these numbers in 298 at-bats for the Reds, and is primed to break out in the AL.
34. Delmon Young, Twins, .288-65-13-93-10
A bit of a fantasy disappointment as a rookie. But he played in all 162 games, and showed signs of what is to come.
35. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox, .353-20-3-18-9
Don’t expect him to hit .350 over the course of his first full season, but nine steals in 116 ABs is promising.
36. Aaron Rowand, Giants, .309-105-27-89-6
A move away from Philly could mean a slight drop in production. But Rowand is still a solid OF choice.
37. Nick Swisher, White Sox, .262-84-22-78-3
Hit 35 home runs in ’06, and now moves to a team where he’ll have more power surrounding him. Expect a rebound.
38. Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs, DNP
Hard to know what you’ll get from this Japanese slugger, but early spring reports were positive.
39. Raul Ibanez, Mariners, .291-80-21-105-0
Hit .357-15-44 after Aug. 1, which means he was brutal before then (.253-6-61). Seeking a more even performance.
40. Willy Taveras, Rockies, .320-64-2-24-33
All those leadoff bunts will infuriate other teams, delight Taveras owners, because an SB chance is upcoming.
Designated Hitter
Some owners hate to lose lineup flexibility by drafting a player with no eligibility at other positions. But how do you pass up on one of the top two here, if they somehow dropped to the second round?
1. David Ortiz, Red Sox, .332-116-35-117-3
The sky-high average was 31 points above his previous career high. Expect a power rebound, lower BA.
2. Travis Hafner, Indians, .266-80-24-100-1
Never found his stroke last season. Could easily rebound to ’06 levels (.308-42-117).
3. Jim Thome, White Sox, .275-79-35-96-0
His age may scare some away, but the good thing about DHing is it cuts down on wear and tear.
4. Gary Sheffield, Tigers, .265-107-25-75-22
Unless you owned him, you may not have noticed the 39-year-old Sheffy stole 22 bases last year.
5. Billy Butler, Royals, .292-38-8-52-0
This may be a bit high, but Butler has the type of swing that could translate easily to .320-18-90.
6. Frank Thomas, Blue Jays, .277-63-26-95-0
Keeps going and going, but is more likely to repeat last season than to hit 39 homers, as he did in ’06.
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