Here are the next 10 guys that I am targeting in 2010. Let me know what you guys think.
11. Evan Longoria 3B, Tampa Bay Rays- This guy was flat out mashing to start the year last season, with 12 HRs and a .327 average through May. He slowed down after a minor hamstring injury in June, but the guy still ended up with tremendous numbers, especially from the 3B spot. Throw in the fact that he did this at the ripe old age of 23 and that's a player I'd love to get at the turn in my draft.
12. Tim Lincecum SP, San Francisco Giants- If I wasn't so sure that he was some sort of superhuman being I would expect this guy to just fall apart one day with how fast he throws and how small he is. But, he has proven everyone wrong so far, so why prove me right? Lincecum is the #1 SP hands down, and if you feel comfortable taking a pitcher this early Lincecum is not a bad choice. However, don't go reaching for him in the top 8 like I've seen in some mocks, pitchers can only contribute in 4 categories and have a much bigger risk factor allocated to them.
13. Carl Crawford OF, Tampa Bay Rays- Four years ago, if you had asked me how many Tampa Bay Devil Rays would be in the top 2 rounds of this year's draft I'd have bet my left foot on zero. Last year, Crawford showed just how great he can be by contributing in all five categories and dominating the SB column. Even if he doesn't improve, as long as there isn't a major drop-off, Crawford is a definite top round pick.
14. David Wright 3B, New York Mets- Even after the tremendous down year that Wright had last year, he still put up mediocre stats. There aren't many players out there who can say that. With the amount of talent this guy has, its hard to argue against using a top pick on him. I know I'm probably dooming myself with this comment but look for the Mets to make a bit of a bounce back in the right direction, starting with the big guy at the hot corner.
15. Matt Holliday OF, St. Louis Cardinals- What's not to like with this guy? He hits behind the best hitter in baseball, he has a proven track record of putting up huge numbers (even outside of Coors) and he drops easy pop-flies. Alright so maybe the last one isn't a good thing, but that's why we don't have fielding in fantasy, it's no fun.
16. Jacoby Ellsbury OF, Boston Red Sox- There aren't many players in this game who can help you win a category single-handedly, Jacoby is one of them. He led the league in steals, by a pretty wide margin, and got tons of hits and runs. There's no reason to think he will slow down, so I'm buying Jacoby.
17. Justin Upton OF, Arizona Diamondbacks- I'm probably never going to get this guy in a draft, despite the fact that I think he is going to blow down the doors on this season. People are moving him up into the end of the first round, and I am just not prepared to take him there. He is a 22 year old masher, but he is still too inexperienced for me to bet big, there have been way too many players who have turned around and flopped after a season like Upton's 2009.
18. Troy Tulowitzki SS, Colorado Rockies- Any time the Rockies unload their best hitter, like Holliday last year, there will always be someone to step up and be a terrific fantasy player. Even a little league team that spent 81 games in Coors would have someone put up a 90/20/90 line. Tulowitzki is that guy, and the best part is that he is a shortstop, a position severely lacking power. The man named Troy will put up a 20/15 line on one leg, and if you can get that from a SS, do it.
19. Ian Kinsler 2B, Texas Rangers- Another young, middle infielder, playing in a great hitter's stadium. He will probably put up a line very similar to Tulo's, so if you were lucky enough to land Hanley in the 1st, you can lock up the double play combo with a great 2B.
20. Joe Mauer C, Minnesota Twins- This is the guy everyone is arguing where he should go. Ranging anywhere from the 1st-3rd rounds, Mauer has been seen going off the board as a star or a quality backstop. I think he should fall in the middle of where he's been going. Mauer will be the best catcher, a position where its hard to find a great hitter. Even after overcoming his initial injury last year, the king of the Twin Cities made teams shoot up in the batting average rankings. He will help your team no matter what, but don't overpay for a guy who will be mediocre in power numbers and run the risk of missing games at baseball's most physically straining position.
Showing posts with label Rankings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rankings. Show all posts
February 18, 2010
February 12, 2010
2010 Positional Rankings: Catcher
Here's my first look at the backstops in this year's draft. From the big dog Mauer to a few of the Molina bros., these are the guys I'm looking to take, the place where I'd like to take them and their respective tiers.
The King Behind (and at) the Plate
1. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins (21)- I dare you to find someone who thinks this guy isn't the #1 guy at this position. It just can't be done. While my Packer allegiances might hold me back from supporting a Minnesotan, I'll admit I've got a bit of a man crush on him. I'm still not a supporter of taking him in the first round, however, since catchers have the most risk built into them.
The Guys who would be Great if not for Mauer
2 and 3. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians (47); Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves (48)- I could make a case for either of these guys to come off the board at the same time. But I put V-Mart in front of McCann for a few reasons. First, I'm a disgruntled McCann owner from last year and the whole eye-surgery thing still scares me. V-Mart has an amazing lineup surrounding him, whereas the next most intimidating hitter in the Braves lineup may be an aging Chipper Jones. Finally, Martinez's stints at first really help his longevity throughout the season and give him a bit of versatility in your lineup.
Neo
4. Matt Weiters, Baltimore Orioles (111)- I call him Neo, because everyone has dubbed him the "Chosen One" as the next masher at the catcher position. I'm not going to lie, the guy has really impressed me. I also nearly jumped for joy when I got him in the 11th round in this year's draft, but you still have to worry about how young he is. But trust me, if he does come into the Neo form this season he could propel you to a championship.
Guys I'd live with
5. Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks (145)- What's not to love about a young guy who has shown what he can do? There's only room to improve (knock on wood) with a player like Montero, and that's why he lands so high on my list.
The King Behind (and at) the Plate
1. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins (21)- I dare you to find someone who thinks this guy isn't the #1 guy at this position. It just can't be done. While my Packer allegiances might hold me back from supporting a Minnesotan, I'll admit I've got a bit of a man crush on him. I'm still not a supporter of taking him in the first round, however, since catchers have the most risk built into them.
The Guys who would be Great if not for Mauer
2 and 3. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians (47); Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves (48)- I could make a case for either of these guys to come off the board at the same time. But I put V-Mart in front of McCann for a few reasons. First, I'm a disgruntled McCann owner from last year and the whole eye-surgery thing still scares me. V-Mart has an amazing lineup surrounding him, whereas the next most intimidating hitter in the Braves lineup may be an aging Chipper Jones. Finally, Martinez's stints at first really help his longevity throughout the season and give him a bit of versatility in your lineup.
Neo
4. Matt Weiters, Baltimore Orioles (111)- I call him Neo, because everyone has dubbed him the "Chosen One" as the next masher at the catcher position. I'm not going to lie, the guy has really impressed me. I also nearly jumped for joy when I got him in the 11th round in this year's draft, but you still have to worry about how young he is. But trust me, if he does come into the Neo form this season he could propel you to a championship.
Guys I'd live with
5. Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks (145)- What's not to love about a young guy who has shown what he can do? There's only room to improve (knock on wood) with a player like Montero, and that's why he lands so high on my list.
6. Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers(154)- A lot of people think this guy has fallen off the map. Hard to think that could happen to a guy in a city like LA. But Joe Torre has definitely done some damage to this guy by putting him out there so often. However, I still have confidence in a catcher with speed though, so go ahead and have confidence in a catcher who has shown he can hit, hit for power and steal a few bases along the way.
7. Jorge Posada, New York Yankees (155)- You know what you're getting when you pick Posada. While he does have his age working against him, you still get a good hitter in the middle of a top lineup in one of the best hitter's parks. Even if he was 60 with a newly replaced hip, I'd still think about taking this guy with his situation.
8. Mike Napoli, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (157)- Napoli is going to miss some games, that's a given. But when he is in the lineup he's a force. He will hit for .270 and I see his slugging coming back up this year to help him hit in the 25 HR range.
The 27s-
9. Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs (166)- Soto has a special place with me after his breakout season in 2008 helped to propel me to a championship. Had I owned him last year, I probably would not feel any confidence in him. But the guy is entering the magical year of his 27th birthday, and if there was ever a time for him to turn his career around it would be now.
10. Kurt Suzuki, Oakland A's (195)- Alright, this might be cheating a little since he doesn't turn 27 until October but I'm going to lump him here anyway. Suzuki is a solid, durable catcher who will help to make sure you aren't slacking at that position. While Kurt may not blow up for any huge numbers he will allow you to focus on your other positions without having to worry about the first guy on your lineup sheet.
I hope this quick review of a few of my favorite catchers helps. Look for more rankings concerning each position, as well as more depth into the guys behind the plate.
7. Jorge Posada, New York Yankees (155)- You know what you're getting when you pick Posada. While he does have his age working against him, you still get a good hitter in the middle of a top lineup in one of the best hitter's parks. Even if he was 60 with a newly replaced hip, I'd still think about taking this guy with his situation.
8. Mike Napoli, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (157)- Napoli is going to miss some games, that's a given. But when he is in the lineup he's a force. He will hit for .270 and I see his slugging coming back up this year to help him hit in the 25 HR range.
The 27s-
9. Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs (166)- Soto has a special place with me after his breakout season in 2008 helped to propel me to a championship. Had I owned him last year, I probably would not feel any confidence in him. But the guy is entering the magical year of his 27th birthday, and if there was ever a time for him to turn his career around it would be now.
10. Kurt Suzuki, Oakland A's (195)- Alright, this might be cheating a little since he doesn't turn 27 until October but I'm going to lump him here anyway. Suzuki is a solid, durable catcher who will help to make sure you aren't slacking at that position. While Kurt may not blow up for any huge numbers he will allow you to focus on your other positions without having to worry about the first guy on your lineup sheet.
I hope this quick review of a few of my favorite catchers helps. Look for more rankings concerning each position, as well as more depth into the guys behind the plate.
February 11, 2010
2010 Fantasy Baseball Rankings #1-10
This is officially my first post here on FSS. With football season having just come to a close, it is time to turn our focus to baseball. So without further ado, here are my rankings for the top 10 players in this year's Roto drafts... with a little blurb about why they are there:
1. Albert Pujols 1B, St. Louis Cardinals- If there was a way for me to ensure that I had this guy on my team, I'd do it. Sell my unborn child, yes. Stick nine-inch nails through each one of my eyelids? You betcha. Be forced to watch my hometown Padres? We'll talk.
2. Hanley Ramirez SS, Florida Marlins- He hits for average, for power, steals bags and plays at a very shallow position. He's the only guy I'd even question Albert Pujols with, but I don't want to commit blasphemy.
3. Alex Rodriguez 3B, New York Yankees- Even though last year was filled with steroids, injury and Kate Hudson, A-Rod still turned in a quality season in minimal at-bats .My mouth is watering at the possibility of him returning to the guy he was before A-Roid.
4. Chase Utley 2B, Philadelphia Phillies- Not only did he explode in the Series when it mattered most, but the guy can flat out rake. Like Hanley, he is the king of his position and this year 2B is definitely one of the weaker spots.
5. Ryan Braun OF, Milwaukee Brewers- You could really make an argument for any of these #3-5 guys for the right to be picked after the Big 2. Even though I have no doubts that Braun will put up the best numbers of the three guys in question, he still plays outfield, and positional scarcity is a big one with me.
6. Matt Kemp OF, Los Angeles Dodgers- This guy is the real deal. It is hard to find players who can legitimately contribute in all 5 roto categories. This guy is one of them. Take him in the 1st round and be happy.
7. Mark Teixeira 1B, New York Yankees-He must love New York. He plays in one of the best hitter's stadium, has some of the best protection in the bigs and enjoys Broadway musicals, according to Wikipedia (take that college professors).
8. Miguel Cabrera 1B, Detroit Tigers- Miggy C is just too good of a hitter to escape the 1st round like I've been seeing in some mocks. If you are able to catch him at the turn go buy a lottery ticket.
9. Prince Fielder 1B, Milwaukee Brewers-If I had a copy of the Guiness Book of World Records I would put money on the fact that he is the there under biggest vegetarian. All that tofu sure hasn't affected his power though, that's for sure. He'll put up nasty numbers.
10. Ryan Howard 1B, Philadelphia Phillies- I know I said I was a big believer in positional scarcity and yes, I know this is the 4th straight first-baseman. But this guy has a satisfaction guarantee symbol tatooed on his arm. The guy will provide heaps of HRs, RBIs and Rs. Get him and pair him with a speed guy with a high BA later and you will be more than happy.
1. Albert Pujols 1B, St. Louis Cardinals- If there was a way for me to ensure that I had this guy on my team, I'd do it. Sell my unborn child, yes. Stick nine-inch nails through each one of my eyelids? You betcha. Be forced to watch my hometown Padres? We'll talk.
2. Hanley Ramirez SS, Florida Marlins- He hits for average, for power, steals bags and plays at a very shallow position. He's the only guy I'd even question Albert Pujols with, but I don't want to commit blasphemy.
3. Alex Rodriguez 3B, New York Yankees- Even though last year was filled with steroids, injury and Kate Hudson, A-Rod still turned in a quality season in minimal at-bats .My mouth is watering at the possibility of him returning to the guy he was before A-Roid.
4. Chase Utley 2B, Philadelphia Phillies- Not only did he explode in the Series when it mattered most, but the guy can flat out rake. Like Hanley, he is the king of his position and this year 2B is definitely one of the weaker spots.
5. Ryan Braun OF, Milwaukee Brewers- You could really make an argument for any of these #3-5 guys for the right to be picked after the Big 2. Even though I have no doubts that Braun will put up the best numbers of the three guys in question, he still plays outfield, and positional scarcity is a big one with me.
6. Matt Kemp OF, Los Angeles Dodgers- This guy is the real deal. It is hard to find players who can legitimately contribute in all 5 roto categories. This guy is one of them. Take him in the 1st round and be happy.
7. Mark Teixeira 1B, New York Yankees-He must love New York. He plays in one of the best hitter's stadium, has some of the best protection in the bigs and enjoys Broadway musicals, according to Wikipedia (take that college professors).
8. Miguel Cabrera 1B, Detroit Tigers- Miggy C is just too good of a hitter to escape the 1st round like I've been seeing in some mocks. If you are able to catch him at the turn go buy a lottery ticket.
9. Prince Fielder 1B, Milwaukee Brewers-If I had a copy of the Guiness Book of World Records I would put money on the fact that he is the there under biggest vegetarian. All that tofu sure hasn't affected his power though, that's for sure. He'll put up nasty numbers.
10. Ryan Howard 1B, Philadelphia Phillies- I know I said I was a big believer in positional scarcity and yes, I know this is the 4th straight first-baseman. But this guy has a satisfaction guarantee symbol tatooed on his arm. The guy will provide heaps of HRs, RBIs and Rs. Get him and pair him with a speed guy with a high BA later and you will be more than happy.
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