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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 135  0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Teixeira really enjoyed his first season in pinstripes, and there is no reason to think he won’t enjoy his second. Teixeira's 2009 numbers with the Yankees were nearly identical to the numbers he put up in 2008 with the Braves and Angels, and I expect more of the same in 2010. He is a top notch option for runs, homeruns, and RBI, and always seem to post an average right around .300. As with all the Yankees' starters, batting in the Yanks' formidable line-up and playing at the new Yankee stadium will help him post an impressive stat line. .310-110-40-130-5 in 610 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
What seperates Teixeira from the very elite is his inability to steal bases. He is likely to be the first player off the board who will not post double digit steals. There really isn't anything else negative to say about Teixeira. .290-95-30-110-0 in 580 AB |
Analysis:
Teixeira is one of the safest picks you can make. His consistency makes him a valuable fantasy commodity. I would rather have the fourth or fifth pick in a draft so I can grab Braun or Utley, because the next four or five picks seem interchangeable depending on preference. In auctions, he is a great guy to target, because he won't demand the same attention as some of the other elite options. You are far more likely to get Teixeira at a discounted price than you are to pull in someone like A-Rod or Hanley Ramirez at less than face value. .300-100-35-120-3 in 600 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 8 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 144 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Cabrera is a truly elite player who can hep you dominate four different categories. Miggy will provide some gaudy numbers in in R, RBI and HR, but he can really help you tyrannize batting average. .325-100-38-120-3 in 615 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Speed. Cabrera runs more like Cecil Fielder than Ricky Henderson, so it's very unlikely he'll ever reach double digit steals. .300-90-30-100-0 in 580 AB |
Analysis:
Cabrera recommitted himself to baseball in the off season and looks to make a huge impact in 2009. Miggy is about as consistent as you can get. Pencil him in for a .315+ average, along with 30+ HR and 100+ RBI & R. If the rumors about his improved conditioning are true, he may even chip in a few steals. There aren't many safer picks on the board than Cabrera, so draft him and reap the rewards all season long. .315-95-35-110-3 in 605 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 10 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 107 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Youk offers plenty of balance, which is a good thing for any fantasy team. He'll produce very good totals in average, runs, homeruns, and RBI, and he'll even steal a handful of bases. .310-100-30-105-5 in 560 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Youk lacks the upside that some of the other players that you can grab for about the same price or at the same spot in your draft have. He is already very good, but I don't think he's going to get any better. He is a very safe pick with little upside or downside. .295-85-20-90-3 in 480 AB |
Analysis:
Hitting in the heart of the Red Sox order will guarantee Youk plenty of opportunities to drive-in and score runs. While you'll likely want to use him at third, he should qualify at first as well, giving him added flexibility. Nothing flashy, but indeed dependable. .305-95-28-100-5 in 530 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 39 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 145 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Morneau will slug with the best of them and end up with elite total in HR and RBI. He'll score a very respectable amount of runs (lowest in last four years was 84) and could even chip in with an excellent average. .300-100-40-120-0 in 595 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Morneau's back will be a concern coming into the year, we'll have to wait and see how much this affects his power. He won't do anything in the speed department (4 career steals). He hit .274 last season and will need to see that average go back up to his 2008 and 2006 levels, when he hit .300+. .270-80-28-90-0 in 520 AB |
Analysis:
Although the depth at first base is pretty deep, Morneau represents a really nice value in 2010. Coming off of a back injury that ended his season prematurely, Morneau seems to be flying under the radar going into 2010. Before the injury, Morneau piled up 30 HR and 100 RBI in only 135 games, which had him on pace to be a top-15 player. If he can get his average back up to the .300+ level, there will be little distinction between the Canadian slugger and the higher end first basemen (Cabrera, Fielder and Teixeria). .280-90-33-110-0 in 580 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 38 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 81 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Morales was one of fantasy's biggest surprises in 2009. He was four category monster and gave you a huge boost in avg., HR, RBI and R all season long. He'll be worth the pick if he can post those numbers again. .300-90-35-105-5 in 580 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
His largest negative is his uncertainty. 2009 was Morales' breakout season, but can the Cuban Clubber do it again? .290-80-25-95-0 in 550 AB |
Analysis:
I have my doubts that Morales will live up to the hype in 2010. He got lucky with his balls in play in 2009 and may have trouble replicating his batting average. It may come back to bite me, but I think there are just better, more proven options available at the position. .295-85-30-100-3 in 570 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 52 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 66 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
The former hot-prospect-turned-bust has become one of the game's most prolific home run hitters, mashing 39 taters in just 471 at-bats last season. He will once again bat in the middle of what looks like a solid Rays lineup, and he'll have the extra motivation of impending free agency at the end of the '10 campaign. Pena has an exceptional batting eye, and he is a legitimate 40-homer threat who will be available at a bargain price on draft day. .250-95-43-110-5 in 500 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Pena's power is undeniable -- it's what happens on those occasions when the ball doesn't leave the yard that worries us. Carlos has whiffed 329 times over the past two seasons, and his career batting average is a lowly .247. An assortment of injuries has limited him every season, and his career-best total is just 490 at-bats. .230-80-33-90-0 in 420 AB |
Analysis:
If you decide to draft Pena, make sure that you have plenty of high-average hitters in your fantasy stable. Big power numbers are a virtual certainty, but your team BA is bound to take a hit. .240-90-40-105-3 in 480 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 66 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 76 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Butler hit an astonishing 51 doubles last season. If he can turn 20% of those into home runs, which he should be able to, Butler will be well worth what ever you shell out to get his services. .305-85-30-100-0 in 610 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
He's only 23 and could still lack season-to-season consistency. .285-75-20-90-0 in 570 AB |
Analysis:
Butler is currently the 14th first baseman coming off the board, around the 90th pick overall, and any improvement from 2009 will have the youngster outperform that draft slot. As it stands, Butler is a solid three category contributor, and if anyone behind him could hit, he'd be more than an average run donor. Butler should be an excellent value in 2010. .295-80-25-95-0 in 600 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 70 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 98 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Lopez is entering his prime and can build on 25 home runs and 96 RBI from 2009. With Chone Figgins and Casey Kotchman now batting in front of him, he should have more RBI opportunities. .280-85-28-105-3 in 640 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Lopez won't help you out in stolen bases -- that hurts. There's always a possibility that Lopez regresses this season, but it's unlikely. .270-75-23-90-3 in 590 AB |
Analysis:
ose Lopez represents the next tier of second baseman. He hit 25 HR last season, and with Figgins and Ichiro getting base in front of him, he should improve on his career high 96 RBI from 2009. If you miss out on the elite talent at the position (Utley, Kinsler, Philips), Lopez can be had at a better value than the likes of Hill and Pedroia, while producing similar stat lines. .275-80-25-100-3 in 620 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 115 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 85 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Konerko is still capable of posting good, if unspectacular, numbers at 1B. He rebounded nicely last year from a down year in 2008, and with his HR/FB dropping 1.3%, he stands a good chance of remaining at or around the 28 HR he hit in 2009. A career .277 hitter, Konerko should once again post a solid average. |
Negatives/Downside:
Fantasy owners shouldn't hope for steals from Konerko as he rarely runs. He'll be 34 by Opening Day, so there's reason to expect some decline in his numbers. At this point, it's more likely that Konerko will regress rather than outperform expectations. |
Analysis:
Konerko should be good for another productive season, providing power and a decent batting average. Because he's older and doesn't have the upside of other 1B, he might end up being a nice value pick in many leagues. .270-70-26-85-1 in 530 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 172 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 74 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
He is a hardnosed player who will give you 100%. Unfortunately, that means nothing in the world of fantasy baseball. However, Swisher still makes for a productive fantasy option. He should be able to approach 30 homeruns again hitting from the left side in new Yankee Stadium, and will score plenty of runs and drive in a bunch as well in the vaulted Yanks line-up. |
Negatives/Downside:
Swisher's batting average will kill you. His poor average negates the value he provides in the power categories. He walks a ton, allowing him to maitain a very good OBP, but that doesn't mean much in standard fantasy leagues. He is classic example of a guy who is a more valuable baseball player than a fantasy baseball player. |
Analysis:
Before taking Swisher evaluate your team. If you already seems weak in batting average, it's best to avoid him. However, if you have someone like a Joe Mauer, Ichiro, or Derek Jeter to help solidify your average, and need help in the power categories, Swisher is a very good option. .250-85-30-85-0 in 500 at bats |
| Recommended Draft Position: 197 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 116 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Jacobs power is really his only asset, he is below average defensively, and has a poor batting eye.
.260-65-25-80 |
Negatives/Downside:
119/36 K/BB ratio, .247 AVG (.218 vs. lefties) in 2008 will put him in a platoon situation. Royals have alot of depth at CI and DH so playing time could be an issue if he stuggles.
.245-60-20-70 |
Analysis:
Jacobs is moving from one pitchers park to another in 2009 (Kauffman Stadium) which was dead last in the American League in HR allowed in 2008. Making matters worse, Jacobs has to learn a whole new league of pitchers which doesn't bode well for a hitter with a career .258 AVG. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 200 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 75 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Huff has proven that he has the ability to post 30 plus homerun and 100 plus RBI seasons. 2009 was a down season for Huff, but he has already shown the ability to bounce back after mediocre seasons. In 2007 he hit just .280 with 15 homeruns and 72 RBI. He bounced back to hit .304 with 32 longballs and 108 RBI in 2008. Huff will be a fixture in the heart of the Giants order and is a good candidate to bounce back in 2010. |
Negatives/Downside:
He is far too inconsistent to be relied on, and is coming off of his worst season since he became an everyday starter. At 32, the best is behind him, and we may struggle to improve on what was a disatorous 2009. He moves into a offensively challenged line-up that plays its home games in one of the league's best pitcher's parks. It all adds up to another disappointing season for Huff in 2010. |
Analysis:
The Giants were so desperate to add some power to their offense that they brought in the inconsistent Huff to bat in the middle of their order. Huff really is a huge wildcard. He could put up another season with close to 30 homeruns and a .300 average, or have a season that mirrors his disappointing 2009. I am looking for him to fall somewhere in the middle. .275-70-20-85-0 in 550 at bats |
| Recommended Draft Position: 264 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 87 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Kotchman always turns in a good average and if your league counts singles, move him up the draft board. |
Negatives/Downside:
He has no power and he's now playing in the hitter's inferno known as Safeco. |
Analysis:
The light-hitting Kotchman is back at home in the AL West. He won't provide much fantasy value, but if you need some average help in deeper leagues, he's your man. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 333 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 87 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Overbay hasn't really made a fantasy impact in three years but if he can recapture some of his former magic, he could help in avg and RBI. |
Negatives/Downside:
He's a negative across the board. |
Analysis:
Overbay underwhelms in almost every offensive category and should be avoided come draft day. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 366 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 91 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
When he's on, Atkins can mash with the best of them. At his best he'll hit 20+ HR and 100+ RBI, but it's hard to see him doing that again. |
Negatives/Downside:
2009. A stat line of .226-37-9-48-0. That's about as low as you can drop. |
Analysis:
Atkins has always benefited from two things -- Coors Field and steroids. Now, I'm not sure there's any proof of him actually doing steroids, but his 2009 numbers would certainly suggest it. It seems peculiar to me that at age 29, his supposed prime, Atkins could come off a three year average of .305-95-25-110 to the abyss in which he found himself last year. His numbers have declined every year since strict steroid enforcement has been in place, and it would explain this Black Thursday-like plummeting of his numbers. Now he's without the assistance of Coors -- not a receipt for success. Treat Atkins like he has fantasy leprosy, so unless you're Jesus, keep a sound distance away. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 360 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 73 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
He has power, that's undeniable. |
Negatives/Downside:
He's aged quickly and won't see many at-bats. |
Analysis:
Blalock has signed a minor league deal with the Rays and will likely serve as an insurance policy for Carlos Pena. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 443 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 72 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
in CI leagues his potential for a good average an excellent runs makes him a viable option. .300-85-8-60-0. 550ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
Given the logjam of players and the A's switch of Eric Chvez to first this spring, it seems likely that in addition to his power problems, Barton will face playing time problems. |
Analysis:
Barton came up at age 21 and dazzled people by hitting four home runs in 18 games in an end season cuppa. Then he failed totally the following season when they tried to push him into the starting lineup.
The problem is not that he has no talent as a hitter, because he clearly does. It's that he is now a first baseman with middle infielder power. The last time he slugged over .500 was when he was playing Peoria. In September last year He batted .306, got on at .402 and scored 9 runs. But it's only one month. .280-70-8-60-0. 500ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 381 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 73 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
DINGERS!!! Davis slugs with the best of them. If he can play every day he'll end up with 30+ HR. If he can do that, expect his RBI totals to increase with it. |
Negatives/Downside:
He has no speed and will severely damage your average. |
Analysis:
In 2009, Davis hit a home run roughly every 18 at bats, which is excellent. Unfortunately, he struck out basically every other at bat. If he could ever figure out some patience at the plate, he’d be a force in fantasy, but things aren’t looking that way. If you can pair him with an elite average producer like Mauer or Ichiro, he’ll be a nice fit, but if you don’t have anyone to pick up the slack, you’ll find yourself dead last in the category. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 161 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 70 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Now in his mid-30s, his best days are well behind him. But, in deeper leagues, he could provide a spark from your CI position. |
Negatives/Downside:
If injuries get the best of him again this year, it could be his last. He's been terribly unproductive the last two years and that trend will more than likely spill over into 2010. |
Analysis:
Injuries have plagued Guillen the last few years, so if he's healthy, a return to form isn't out of the question. Expect Guillen to be in double digit home run range, while posting average numbers in RBI and runs. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 422 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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