[Editor’s note: With the fantasy baseball season fast approaching, SportsJudge continues its preseason positional preview. Please be sure to check back every Tuesday at 9 a.m. for a weekly positional analysis that will lead you right into your fantasy draft.]
Other Fantasy Positional Previews:
1. Outfield
2. First Base
3. Second Base
4. Shortstop
Welcome back to another edition of “The Buzz Around the Bullpen.” So is anyone else tired of hearing about steroids yet? I know I am and unfortunately, I think the worst is only yet to come. While I understand the recent A-Rod steroid news has revived the steroid conversation, is now the first time we’re realizing that these guys were taking these performance enhancing drugs? I have a hard time believing that. At this point, the best thing baseball can do is to admit that it shares some of the responsibility and show that they have instituted some of the toughest drug testing in sports. Until then, the blame game will continue and the great baseball stories of 2009 will be overshadowed by continuous coverage of that weeks new steroid news.
For right now, let’s get back to some preseason projections. Last week we focused on the Shortstop position and today we will move to the hot corner. Let’s talk about some Third Basemen.
Studs
1. Alex Rodriguez (NYY): Similar to Hanley Ramirez last week, if you’ve landed the first pick of your draft, you have to take a look at A-Rod. While the media scrutiny will continue throughout the 2009 season, this guy is just too good to be held down. You can expect at least a guaranteed 35 HRs, 115 RBIs, 115 runs and around 20 stolen bases. Until this guy stops producing at such an impressive rate, you have to put him slightly ahead of some of the young rising superstars at the third base position.
2. David Wright (NYM): If you take a look at David Wright’s 2008 numbers, they are quite similar to A-Rod’s. Maybe more important, Wright’s numbers in ’08 were improved from his past three seasons (outside of his average which dropped to a still impressive .302). Considering he’s only 26 years-old, it is likely that he’ll continue to build on his numbers in ’09. If you miss out on A-Rod, David Wright is a great option to hold down the hot corner on your fantasy squad.
For right now, let’s get back to some preseason projections. Last week we focused on the Shortstop position and today we will move to the hot corner. Let’s talk about some Third Basemen.
Studs
1. Alex Rodriguez (NYY): Similar to Hanley Ramirez last week, if you’ve landed the first pick of your draft, you have to take a look at A-Rod. While the media scrutiny will continue throughout the 2009 season, this guy is just too good to be held down. You can expect at least a guaranteed 35 HRs, 115 RBIs, 115 runs and around 20 stolen bases. Until this guy stops producing at such an impressive rate, you have to put him slightly ahead of some of the young rising superstars at the third base position.
2. David Wright (NYM): If you take a look at David Wright’s 2008 numbers, they are quite similar to A-Rod’s. Maybe more important, Wright’s numbers in ’08 were improved from his past three seasons (outside of his average which dropped to a still impressive .302). Considering he’s only 26 years-old, it is likely that he’ll continue to build on his numbers in ’09. If you miss out on A-Rod, David Wright is a great option to hold down the hot corner on your fantasy squad.
Wingmen
3. Evan Longoria (TB): Whether it is the post-World Series hype or just the thought of owning a 23 year-old stud, someone is likely to overdraft Longoria in your league in the first two rounds. Please don’t think that I’m not high on Longoria because I believe this guy will eventually be one of the faces of the game. However, Longoria isn’t quite on the level of A-Rod and David Wright just yet and I’m not willing to spend my first or second round pick on him. It is possible that he may struggle in his sophomore season and I need to see one more year from him before he is on top of my draft board.
4. Kevin Youkilis (BOS): I really like Kevin Youkilis this year. After jumping from 16 to 29 HRs last year, Youkilis established himself as a viable fantasy third base option. Before draft day, be sure to check his player page because he will almost definitely be 1B eligible as well. A combination of his versatility, his potential and the fact he gets to hit in the Boston lineup everyday makes him a nice pick after the elite guys are off of the board.
5. Aramis Ramirez (CHC): Before each season, there are certain predictions you can make that are about as close to a lock as possible. Here’s one for you…If Aramis is healthy, he is good for .300, 30 HRs and a 100 RBIs. As a Pirate fan, I look at him as “the one that got away.” If you have the opportunity to grab him and the time is right, don’t make the same mistake the Buccos did.
6. Chris Davis (TEX): Before you question why Davis is here, take a look at the guys that are left. The only player I had trouble ranking Davis higher than was Chipper Jones. I explain why Chipper lost that battle next. I like Davis here because he has dual eligibility at 1B and 3B, he has a ton of power potential, he plays in Texas and he has a great track record throughout his minor-league career. I’m sure they’ll be some stretches where you’ll question this pick but by the end of the season, you’ll be pleased you didn’t settle for a veteran.
7. Chipper Jones (ATL): Chipper Jones is turning 37 years old in April, he hasn’t played in more than 137 games since 2003 and I have a hard time believing he’ll ever hit .364 again. Now that I’ve told you why I didn’t rank him at 6, here’s why he is still a valuable fantasy option. He still has the ability to hit around 20 HRs and his OBP is consistently around the tops in the league. If you do decide to draft Chipper, it might be a good idea to also draft a Plan B later in your draft.
8. Aubrey Huff (BAL): Huff has great versatility with dual eligibility at 1B and 3B and he is also coming off a great year in ’08. However, if you take a look at Huff’s career numbers, there is no telling what kind of numbers he’ll put up in ’09. With that being said, I am a little hesitant to take a chance on him but if you’re confident he can repeat his numbers, here’s where he fits in with the rest of the 3B’s.
9. Ryan Zimmerman (WAS): I may be one of the few that hasn’t completely “written off” Ryan Zimmerman. He was awesome in his rookie season in ’06 and has only shown flashes since. One of those flashes was last September when he hit 5 of his 14 total homeruns in ’08. You may be able to get some great value for your pick so if he’s available after these first eight are off of the board, he is worth taking the chance.
10. Garrett Atkins (COL): Over the past three years, Atkins’ numbers have declined in a hurry. Now he’s lost some protection in the lineup with the departure of one of the league’s best hitters, Matt Holliday. This is nothing but bad news for Atkins. However, his dual eligibility at 1B and 3B still make him attractive and let’s be honest…there isn’t too much left at the 3B position.
The Best of the Rest
11. Adrian Beltre (SEA)
12. Chone Figgins (LAA)
13. Jorge Cantu (FLA)
14. Mark DeRosa (CLE)
15. Mark Reynolds (ARI)
Please be sure to check back next week when we take a look at Catchers.
As with any SportsJudge articles, please feel free to post any questions or comments. Until next time, keep your ears open for the Buzz Around the Bullpen.
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2 comments:
Michael Young should be 3b eligible this year for those who snag up him and another SS.
Chris Davis is going to be Texas' guy at 1b. If you can get him eligible at both positions that would help too.
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