Spring has sprung. It may not be official yet, and the northerners up to their eyes in snowdrifts probably don't believe it, but players will slowly be trickling into major league camps in Florida and Arizona this week. Baseball is almost back.
With that in mind, here's my preliminary top 15 fantasy players to help you get started:
1. 1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals:
Now a U.S. citizen, Phat Albert is the most dangerous American to wield a bat.
2. SS Jose Reyes, Mets:
One of the few players who combine outstanding speed with top-notch offensive production. He's got to be the first shortstop off the board.
3. OF Alfonso Soriano, Cubs:
Takes a slight dip because of the loss of 2B eligibility and the possible complacency that comes with a fat contract. But he still has 40-40 potential, and guys like that don't grow on trees. Plus, he didn't have Derrek Lee or Aramis Ramirez in the lineup in Washington.
4. 3B Ryan Howard, Phillies:
The secret's out this year, and you'll pay a lot more for Howard on draft day. But he could become the first player to crack 61 homers legitimately ... at least we think it's legitimate.
5. 3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees:
A-Rod posted elite numbers in what most considered a "down" year in 2006. I'm expecting another run at the MVP award ... and so are a million angry Yankees fans.
6. DH David Ortiz, Red Sox:
Virtually a lock for 40 homers and 130 RBIs as long as Manny is batting behind him in Beantown. Pretty much a safe bet.
7. Carlos Beltran, Mets
Made a huge jump in the power department (41 HRs, 116 RBIs, both career highs) last year while still flashing some of his speed (17 SBs). Beltran will help you in multiple categories.
8. OF Carl Crawford, Devil Rays
If a Devil Ray bats .305, steals 58 bases and hits 18 home runs, does anyone notice? Fantasy players do. By the way, Crawford is 25 years old.
9. SP Johan Santana, Twins
Unquestionably the top pitcher in baseball, fantasy or otherwise. Draft him and pencil him in for 15 wins, 130-plus Ks and a sub-3.00 ERA. Move him up depending on how much your league values pitching.
10. 3B David Wright, Mets
A third-sacker capable of hitting .300 with 40 homers AND 20 steals. Now I know why the chicks dig him.
11. 3B Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
Already has the makings of a future Hall of Famer at age 23 after three stellar full seasons. Don't believe me? Check out his most similar players at baseball-reference.com. However, this news should be a tiny a concern.
12. DH Travis Hafner, Indians
Pronk was as dangerous as any hitter in the league last year before suffering a broken hand. He's an OPS machine and could make a run at an MVP if the Tribe lives up to lofty expectations.
13. 2B Chase Utley, Phillies
Enough evidence to suggest Utley is a considerable step ahead of the rest of the league's second basemen. There just aren't that many guys capable of doing what he can do at this position.
14. OF Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
Vlad will be on the wrong side of 30 this year, but that wouldn't scare me away from taking him early in the second round. You can still squeeze some more production out of him.
15. OF Manny Ramirez, Red Sox
Pretty much the same story as our friend Big Papi: Like the sun rising in the East, Manny will get his 40 HRs and 130 RBIs if healthy.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
16. Reggie Sanders, Royals:
The Redbirds shouldve never let this one go. Yes he's old, yes he's slower, but the man can play some ball. And he is my favorite player.
This is a little high for old Reggie. I'd probably put him at 17, behind Ron Gant.
Post a Comment