Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: RP

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP | RP

It's fitting that this edition of FSC's baseball rankings comes just days after the most dominant closer of the last few seasons agreed to a new contract. It's good though, because I think a not-so-civil war might erupt in New England if Mariano Rivera were to close games out for the Sox. My mind was slowly melting just contemplating it. Thank goodness that's over though. Let's stop looking in the past and gaze into the fantasy future:

1. Mariano Rivera, Yankees- He's old by baseball standards, but he's damn good by all standards.
2. Brian Wilson, Giants- Not only does he put up incredible stats, but he actually has a good team behind him unlike these next two guys.
3. Joakim Soria, Royals- His stats are out of this world, but with Greinke perhaps on his way out, the number of wins for KC doesn't look so good.
4. Heath Bell, Padres- Take Soria's bit and substitute Greinke with Adrian Gonzalez. If he gets dealt instead, his future is up in the air.
5. Neftali Feliz, Rangers- It's hard to decide if he would have more value as a closer or as a starter with RP eligibility. Either way he's a talented young stud.
6. Rafael Soriano, Rays- If Soriano's WHIP (0.80) was money in his pocket, he wouldn't even be able to buy a pack of Tic-Tacs.
7. Jonathan Papelbon/Daniel Bard, Red Sox- This might seem like a cop out, but with the Red Sox bullpen up in the air, I'm going to put these two guys together. If Papelbon leaves town, both stay in the top 10. If the two share the bullpen, whoever ends up as closer gets the No. 6 slot and whoever is set up slips.
8. Carlos Marmol, Cubs- His strikeout numbers are out of this world by closer standards. If you lack Ks with your starters, Marmol should be a major target.
9. Andrew Bailey, Athletics- Another guy with great stats on a terrible team. But imagining what he can do over a full season makes me a little giddy.
10. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers- He wouldn't be the first closer to come off of a terrible season and respond with a lights out performance. He can still bring the heat.
11. Chris Perez, Indians- He's got the goods. However, the Indians are flat out terrible.
12. Joe Nathan, Twins- A lot of question marks following missing all of 2010, but if he comes back at even 90% he could be a steal.
13. Huston Street, Rockies- It's tough to gamble on a Coors Field pitcher, but Street has shown he can handle the thin air.
14. Jose Valverde, Tigers- Has an ERA that leaves things to be desired, but things look up in Detroit.
15. Francisco Rodriguez, Mets- It doesn't appear that K-Rod will spend any time behind bars, but there doesn't seem to be much confidence in him in New York. If that changes, he moves up to 11 or 12.
16. Brad Lidge, Phillies- The definition of inconsistency, but can be as dominant as anyone on this list when he's on.
17. Francisco Cordero, Reds- If you desperately need saves, Cordero can bring you them in abundance. Of course, it will be at the expense of your ERA and WHIP.
18. Ryan Franklin, Cardinals- Not a tremendous talent, but is the man on a competitive team, and that means a lot.
19. Whoever replaces Billy Wagner, Braves- People are really hyping Johnny Venters. But whoever takes over the helm in Atlanta should have plenty of opportunities to rack up saves.
20. John Axford, Brewers- Axford was solid last year, I don't see why everyone is ready to give his closer slot away.
21. David Aardsma, Mariners-Very vanilla. A solid contributor across the board. But at this point, thats a very welcomed idea over guys who might not even be setup men by June.
22. Drew Storen, Nationals- I don't see why most people are so high on this guy. Washington can never seem to stick with a single closer.
23. Fernando Rodney, Angels- Great power pitcher. If the Angels pick up a big bat (say, Carl Crawford) it could be a big year for Rodney.
24. Kevin Gregg, Blue Jays- It looks like Gregg could stay in Toronto. If he doesn't, there aren't many places he can go and remain fantasy relevant.
25. Leo Nunez, Marlins- At this point, it will just be whoever looks like they have a slight chance at closing games. At least Nunez appears to have a job.

Well thank you for sticking with me throughout these early rankings. If you have keeper questions, trade ideas or anything else you'd like a second opinion on, make sure to e-mail me at bglewis@fantasysportscircle.com.

Otherwise, make sure you check back! There are big things in store for the 2011 baseball season here at FSC.

Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: SP

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP

Last year was indisputably the year of the pitcher, and the fantasy world mirrored that. I have never seen so many dominant performances out of starters. If you managed to draft a staff along the lines of Roy Halladay, Jon Lester, Adam Wainwright and David Price it was game over. If this year is anything near a repeat of 2010, all 25 of these guys could have sub-3.00 ERAs.

1. Roy Halladay, Phillies-The undisputed #1 starter this year. Unless you get penalized for having dwarf nicknames.
2. Felix Hernandez, Mariners- So good that he will hereby be known as Emperor Felix.
3. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals- He gets to work with the world's best pitching coach in baseball and has the world's best hitter on his team.

Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: OF

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP |

Only in the outfield can you find numerous 20/20 candidates waiting you outside of the first few rounds. It is stacked like Pam Anderson. Circa 1995 of course. Here's the top 25 guys I'd want filling my outfield slots.

1. Carl Crawford, Rays- Only 17 of Crawford's steals came on the fake Tropicana Field. Imagining what he can do when he doesn't call it home, makes me all tingly inside.
2. Ryan Braun, Brewers- No one has been a more consistent all-around threat in the outfield than Braun. If he played third, he could make a run at #1 pick.
3. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies- CarGo will be this year's hot pick. I don't think he will make it out of the first round in any roto draft (unless you play with 4 teams).
   

Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 3B

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP |

Behind outfield and first, third base is where all the power is at. On the rare occasion, as seen with a few of the studs, there is speed to go with the bat. But, for the most part, the guys here swing a mean stick and can be major sources of homers and RBIs. With that in mind, let's look at the top 15 players at the hot corner:

1. Evan Longoria, Rays- Hopefully one of your leaguemates will think his divorce with Tony Parker will hurt his production. That way you can get your hands on the most talented 3B out there.
2. David Wright, Mets- One of those aforementioned speed/power rarities. A 25/15 season will be a down year for this Met.
3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees- A-Rod's run production was suspiciously low last year. But his RBI and homer totals are outta this world.
   

Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: SS

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP |

Remember the days when the young studs dominated the shortstop position? Nomar. A-Rod. Jeter. It was a beautiful time. Even thought the last 2 are still around, shortstop is still filled with young guys swinging big bats. The names may have changed, but you can still find some great hitters at what has traditionally been baseball's weakest hitting position.

1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins- Han-Ram has been the only challenger to King Albert's reign as #1 pick. That's how good he is.
2. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies- If you ran into the Tulo buzzsaw in October, I am genuinely sorry for you. He flat out went off.
3. Jose Reyes, Mets- Always a risk to spend a lot of time injured, but he can sure motor when he does play.

Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 2B

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP |

After all of the out-of-this-world numbers we saw yesterday at first base, it would seem like this edition would be a little on the boring side. Well, that assumption would be wrong. There, I said it. Shallow positions like second base are what make your team great. If you stumble across a late round stud like 2009 Robinson Cano, you could be on your way to a championship. Well, with that introduction, here they are:

1. Robinson Cano, Yankees- Speaking of the star... this guy will fly off draft boards early this year. There doesn't seem to be a hole in his game.
2. Chase Utley, Phillies- All he needs to do is stay healthy and his line should go back to out of this world status.
3. Dan Uggla, Braves- Last year, Uggla's line in 35 games at Turner field: 5/3/6/.343. His power may go down a bit, but a .343 average against the 3rd best staff could mean great success in their ballpark.

Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 1B

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP |

Here's today's installment of the WAY too early fantasy baseball rankings for 2011. First base is always a very deep position, and this year looks to be no exception. With so many powerful options, you can usually wait to fill the position if you miss out on one of the studs.

Quick disclaimer: The reason guys like Victor Martinez don't end up on this list is because they qualify at positions where they would be more valuable.

So without further ado, the top 10 1Bs of 2011:

1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals- The most consistent fantasy star out there. You can argue for Votto or Cabrera, but lets face it, Pujols owners never lose sleep over their decision.
2. Joey Votto, Reds- Was tremendous across the board last year. I can only see him replicating his 2010 line or improving on it.
3. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers- If he ever managed to start swiping bags like Pujols, he could be the #1 player out there.

Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Catcher

Other Positions: C | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP |

Its November, and I find myself writing a fantasy baseball article. I have a problem. I know. But you're reading it, so you must share the fantasy addiction with me, right? Well I guess it is never to early to start mapping out who the studs are for the upcoming season. So let's look at who should be the top 15 players that should be taken at every position (with a few more at OF and the pitchers), and a little blurb describing why. First up, backstops:

1. Joe Mauer, Twins- The undisputed stud of the position. Saw a power dip in the new stadium, but still the Ali of the catcher position.
2. Victor Martinez, Tigers- Despite the fact that Fenway Park is very hitter friendly, Comerica should help boost V-Mart's power numbers. If he stays off the DL he is golden.
3. Bryan McCann, Braves- Consistently very good. Not very great. But very good.