With
the dawning of a new season just one short month away, Fantasy Baseball minds
around the country have begun contemplating whom they intend to select in the
first few rounds of this upcoming season’s draft. Though the landscape of the first several picks has changed,
some familiar faces have resurfaced toward the top of the pecking order in
2009.
1. Even though he’s
expected to slide down in the batting order to make room for Cameron Maybin up
top, Hanley Ramirez owners could
figure to be the biggest beneficiaries of the move. In 2008, the only element of his game that declined was his
RBI total, which finished at 67.
Hitting closer toward the middle of the lineup should only help him in
that area. In fact, Marlins’
manager Fredi Gonzalez has stated recently that he intends to bat Ramirez
third, which is even better for fantasy owners. While carrying a .301 average, Hanley managed to hit 33 home
runs and steal 35 bases last season, leaving him as one of two players to reach
the 30/30-mark in 2008. His high
batting average and shortstop-eligibility is what sets him apart from the
others. With improved plate
discipline over previous seasons, collecting a career high of 92 walks, he
looks to be in store for his best season yet in 2009.
2. Forget about the
steroids. That was then, this is
now. Alex Rodriguez, the best
fantasy third baseman in the game, claims a top 2 spot once again in 2009,
despite a dramatic decline in offensive production. While most players generally drop back in draft status after
falling off dramatically in runs scored (-39), home runs (-19), RBI (-53), stolen bases (-6), and batting
average (-.012), such is not the case with the 3-time MVP. In a season plagued
by personal issues, he managed to bat .302 with 104 runs scored, 35 homers, 103
RBI, and 18 stolen bases. Now, he
has something bigger to focus on, winning a World Series ring. The addition of Mark Teixeira should
provide him with the needed protection to replicate his figures of 2007. That year he batted .314, scored 143
runs, hit 54 long balls while knocking in 156 RBI, and stole 24 bases. Consider
that the last time Teixeira paired up with A-Rod was during his rookie campaign
in 2003. Since then, the youngster
has developed into a perennial power hitter and should afford A-Rod the
opportunity to return to his old form.
The last time the two played together, Rodriguez managed to hit a
whopping 47 home runs while scoring 124 times and knocking in 118 RBI. Yes, this guy is good.
3. With a breakout
performance by Ryan Ludwick in 2008, Albert Pujols carried a batting average of .357 to go with his 100
runs scored, 37 home runs, and 116 RBI, all of which came in an injury-plagued
season that allowed him to reach only 524 at-bats. Factor in that he’s hit 32
or more homers in each of his first eight seasons, four of which went for over
40, and you have a “can’t miss” pick in 2009. Since being called up in 2001, he’s also managed to carry a
.334 batting average. At the age of 29, Pujols doesn’t appear to be slowing
down any whatsoever. The only
reason why his stock fell in 2008 was due to early season grumblings that
suggested a DL stint would be inevitable.
This year we know that he had off-season surgery to repair a nerve near
his right elbow. With his health
concerns behind him, we can look forward to a continuation of his hot streak in
2009.
4. Few were better
in 2008 than David Wright, whose
coming off a season in which he scored 115 runs with 33 homers, 124 RBI, 15
stolen bases, and a .302 batting average.
Wright seems poised for another big season in 2009. With 42 doubles last year, history
suggests that he still has room for growth. Now isn’t that a scary thought? Despite not reaching his stolen base totals of 2007 (34), Wright
figures to be one of the best five-tool players in the game this upcoming
year. There’s no reason to believe
that he can’t make another run at 20+ swipes in 2009. That combined with his ability to surpass 30 home runs for
the third straight season, place him within the top-4 picks once again.
5. Other than
Hanley, no player is more multi-faceted than Grady Sizemore. In
2008, he managed to hit 33 home runs to go along with career-highs in stolen
bases (38) and RBI (90). Despite a
drop off in runs and batting average, Sizemore still managed to put together
his forth consecutive 20/20 season.
The return of a healthy Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez should only
help. His 130 strikeouts in 2008
were the lowest of his four-year career, displaying some patience at the plate
with 98 walks. Forget his .268
average, Sizemore is a serious player.
There’s the distinct possibility of a 40/40 season in 2009
6. There aren’t too
many players in baseball that can steal the bases like Jose Reyes, and 2008 was no different. Coming off of a 56-steal season, Reyes
happens to be one of the few players that can carry your team with his
speed. Last season marked his
lowest stolen base total in four seasons.
While he’ll never be regarded as a great power hitter, he showed that he
is surely capable, posting 16 home runs with 68 RBI and 113 runs last
season. What’s most interesting
about Reyes is that he set career highs in both doubles at 37, and triples with
19. At a mere 25-years of age,
replicating his 2007 campaign (when he stole 78 bases) isn’t outside the realm
of possibility for 2009. The Mets’
level of success this year depends on it, as they’ve failed to lock up the NL
East for two straight seasons. For them to change their fortunes, Reyes is
going to have to play a key role in New York this season, and there’s little
reason that won’t be the case.
7. Ryan Howard led
the Major Leagues in 2008 with 48 home runs and 146 RBI, all of which came in
season that marked a career low in batting average at .251. After declining an invitation to play in
the World Baseball Classic, Howard intends to focus on his mechanics at the
plate, setting up for what could be his best season yet. Forget that he’s had 180 or more
strikeouts in each of the past three seasons. This guy can hit, and hit hard. For 3 straight seasons, he’s
pelted no less than 47 dingers, and you can’t forget his 2006 tallies, when he
carried a .313 batting average on his way to a 58 home run, 149 RBI
season. That year resulted in his
first MVP Award. Now, he has Raul
Ibanez to help cushion him in the middle of a solid Phillies’ lineup in 2009.
Yes, his acquisition resulted in the departure of Pat Burrell, but I don’t
think Howard will be complaining anytime soon. With a career batting average of .279, he seems poised for a
monstrous year at the plate.
8. After claiming
the Rookie of the Year Award in 2007, Ryan Braun provided owners and fans alike with an encore
performance. Despite a drop in
average at .285, Braun continued to showcase his incredible talent in 2008 with
37 homers, 106 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. While he’s yet to score 100 runs in
either of his first 2 seasons, Braun appears ready for fantasy stardom. Consider that he’s averaged 35 home
runs and 101 RBI during that span.
To top it off, he hit 39 doubles last year. If he manages to get a little more selective at the plate in
2009, picking him could pay big dividends. While he likely won’t have third base-eligibility anymore,
Braun can be just as valuable to your team as an outfielder.
9. In a season by which the Tigers struggled at the plate
collectively, Miguel Cabrera set career highs with 37 home runs and 127. Who said Comerica Park wasn’t a
homer-friendly ballpark? Despite a
drop in runs production (85) and batting average (.292), Miggy figures to be a
first round pick once again in 2009.
With a Detroit lineup that seems poised for another breakout in 2009,
Cabrera could be in line for his best season of his career. Since being called up in 2003, he’s
carried an impressive .309 batting
average, and with first and third base eligibility, there’s absolutely no
reason to pass him up. He’s been
as consistent as any player in baseball, and he’s only 25-years-old.
10. Don’t fret if
you miss out on either of the top-2 shortstops, Jimmy Rollins can hold his own. While 2008 proved to be a disappointment for him, he still
managed to steal a career high 47 bases.
Where he really dropped off is runs (-63), home runs (-19), RBI (-35),
and average (down to .277 from .296).
It’s important to note that he only managed to get 556 at-bats in
2008. In his seven seasons prior,
Rollins played no less than 154 games.
He’s traditionally been very durable, but don’t expect him to reach his
heights of 2007, when he scored 139 runs, hit 30 homers, batted in 94 RBI, and
hit .296 with 41 stolen bases. At
the age of thirty, a 20/30 season seems to be a more realistic goal for 2009.
11. Mark Teixeira may
have migrated to New York in late-December, but he’s bringing his 102 runs, 33
home runs, and 121 RBI with him.
After spurning the Red Sox for the likes of the Bronx big bucks,
Teixeira looks to cash in on a scenario that will most likely result in him
batting third in the Yankee order, right ahead of A-rod. There’s no reason to believe he won’t
be able to flourish in 2009, as well as years beyond. In the past five seasons, Tex has averaged 100 runs, 35 home
runs, and 118 RBI while batting .296 in the process. The presence of Rodriguez in the lineup should free him up
to swing at will, and with the ability to hit from either side of the plate we
could see him hit 40+ homers with 120+ RBI in 2009.
12. For years, Johan
Santana has been considered a first round
regular amongst the fantasy elite.
While no individual pitcher projects to be first round material in 2009,
there is still something to be said about putting together a strong, sound
pitching staff. Despite managing to gather only 16 wins in his inaugural
season with the New York Mets, he didn’t have stud relievers Francisco Rodriguez
and J.J. Putz to finish the job in 2008.
Last year, Billy Wagner’s injury, accompanied by a handful of blown
saves on his own behalf, contributed to Santana’s low wins total. Still, Johan put together a solid
season in a city that has never made it easy on pitchers. With 234.1 innings pitched, it’s hard
to call last season a disappointment. Since 2004, he has yet to make less than
33 appearances from the mound. Santana
finished his 2008 campaign with a 2.54 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, striking out 206
batters (his lowest number since 2003) in the process. Yes, he also set career highs in walks
(63) and hits allowed (206) in 2008, but he’s proven to be the most consistent
starting pitcher in the game regardless.
After undergoing surgery in the off-season to repair a torn meniscus in
his left knee, Santana is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
13. Ian Kinsler fell
just short of his second consecutive 20/20 season in 2008, and if he hadn’t
suffered from a hernia, he may have well shattered those figures. He still
managed to hit 18 home runs with 71 RBI and 26 stolen bases in 518 plate
appearances. At the age of 26,
Kinsler seems ready to break out. His 41 doubles last year suggest a boost in
power production for the upcoming season.
Don’t forget that he also carried a .319 batting average last year. If he can manage to stay healthy for
the first time in his career, Kinsler could be a big play in 2009. While a little more patience at the
plate wouldn’t hurt, he’s as skilled as they come. A relatively thinner second base position only adds to his
case as a top-20 player.
14. The move from
the thin air of the Rockies to Oakland is the primary reason why Matt
Holliday doesn’t project to be in this
years’ top-10. Although the
addition of Jason Giambi should help some, the transition to a pitcher-friendly
ballpark doesn’t bode well for him in 2009. While I don’t doubt that he’s a heck of a hitter, playing
for the Athletics has its’ price.
They have a history of holding back their runners. If you’re expecting him to replicate
his stolen base totals of 28, you are truly mistaken. Consider that prior to 2008, Holliday had never stolen more
than 14 bases in a given season.
Still, it’s hard to ignore a player that batted .329 in his 3 previous
campaigns, during which he averaged over 115 runs, 31 home runs, and 113
RBI. A healthy Eric Chavez in 2009
would certainly help, but that doesn’t seem to look too promising with his
health issues of the past several years.
Look for Holliday’s power numbers to drop off slightly in 2009.
15. The only reason Chase
Utley has dropped toward the lower end of
the first round is off-season hip surgery in November. While he carries the belief that he’ll
be ready for Opening Day, it’s hard to know for sure how his body will react. In 2008 he hit a career-high 33 home
runs and stole 14 bases, making him once again the games top second
baseman. While he won’t likely
match his home run and stolen base totals from last year, expect a rise in
batting average from .292. Like
Howard, Utley is in line to benefit from the addition of Raul Ibanez. His increased patience at the plate is
no secret to opposing pitchers, resulting in an average of nearly 29 home runs
in four years of play. If his hip
holds up, he could be in for another big year. Keep an eye on his status throughout Spring Training and
respond accordingly.
16. With a breakout
season under his belt, Josh Hamilton looks to add to his 2008 campaign, when he posted career highs in runs
(98), home runs (32), RBI (130), stolen bases (9), and batting average (.304).
Many knew of his promise as a player going into the 2008 draft, but none could
have anticipated the final result.
At the age of 27 (turns 28 in May), he’s not a secret anymore. Now viewed as one of baseball’s top
young sluggers, look for him to post similar numbers in 2009. While 130 RBI might be difficult to
duplicate, a lineup featuring Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Chris Davis, and
David Murphy certainly helps. If
he stays healthy, Hamilton should be in store for another big year at the
plate.
17. With a return to
the American League in 2009, C.C. Sabathia looks to build on his two straight seasons of dominance, but this time
he’ll be wearing pinstripes. Now
in New York, Sabathia looks to provide the Yankees with the ace they’ve been
yearning for since last winning a World Series in 2000. Don’t expect a repeat of what he did in
Milwaukee. As a Brewer, he posted a 1.65 ERA to go with a 25/128 walk to
strikeout ratio. In 17 starts for
the Brew Crew he threw 7 complete games. Pitching in the treacherous AL East doesn’t bode well
for him. Although his wins will
most likely be up this season, look for his 251 strikeouts to take a slight
dive. When you consider that prior
to his 2008 campaign, Sabathia had only passed the 200-K mark once with 209 in
2007. He’s pitched 200 innings or
more three times in his eight-year career, and has never carried an ERA lower
than 3.21 in the American League.
Dating back to the early portion of last season, C.C. only managed to
put together 6 wins while posting a 3.83 ERA for the Indians. Despite entering the 2009 season as the
second best pitcher in baseball, he comes with some risk. Move on him with
caution. There’s still a reasonable chance that he’ll be the first pitcher off
the board.
18. Prince Fielder’s
vegetarian diet backfired in 2008, leading to a season by which he saw declines
in runs scored (-23), home runs (-16), RBI (-17), and batting average (from 288
to .276). Still, he’s played no
less than 157 games in each of his first 3 seasons, and the power-potential is
certainly there. Last year,
Fielder managed to hit 34 long balls after hitting 50 one year earlier. At the age of 24, he looks to rebound
in a big way. With the core of the
Brew Crew lineup returning this year, expect Fielder to reach a middle ground
between his 2007 and 2008 campaigns.
He’s still able to crush the ball at will, and the presence of Ryan
Braun should only help matters.
19. For the first
time in six years Carl Crawford won’t be the first player selected from Tampa
Bay in fantasy drafts. The honor goes to the rookie sensation Evan
Longoria, who was responsible for much of
the Rays’ success in 200. At only
23 years of age, he looks follow up his rookie campaign with another stellar season
in 2009. In only 448 at-bats last
season, Longoria belted 27 home runs, resulting in 85 RBI and 7 stolen bases in
as many attempts. Despite the low
average in 2008 (.272), he has shown that he has a very live bat that will only
get better with more Major League experience. In the middle of a young potent lineup, Longoria’s 31
doubles should convert into a lot more home runs in the near future. If he
could just get a little more selective at the plate, a breakout season in 2009
is likely.
20. Despite a drop
off in home runs in each of the previous two seasons, Justin Morneau put together an MVP-caliber performance in 2008
with a .300 average, 23 home runs, and 129 RBI for the Minnesota Twins. Don’t concern yourself with the decline
in long balls. He’s still one of
the tougher at-bats in baseball.
His 47 doubles last year ranked fifth amongst the league. For three consecutive seasons, Morneau
has seen an increase in walks (76).
He’s also while trimmed down his strikeout count (85) in each of the
past four. With his 28th
birthday coming in May, expect him to start converting some of those
two-baggers into homers. With a
lineup that features Joe Mauer, Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer, and Delmon Young,
2009 could very well be the Canadian slugger’s time to shine.
21. Tim Lincecum put
together a solid 2008 campaign that had him winning the National League Cy
Young Award. Last year he pitched
227 innings while allowing only 182 hits and striking out 265 batters. He also managed to post a 2.62 ERA and
1.17 WHIP while winning 18 games, all of which came at a youthful age of 24
years. It’s hard to doubt that he
is one of baseballs’ most talented arms, but with that being said, he’ll
probably get over-drafted in most formats. While the strikeouts will most certainly be there, it’s hard
to tell if he has the needed run support and bullpen that he needs in San
Francisco to flourish in 2009. In
his case, I view control to be a major issue as he enters his third
season. Last year he allowed
84 walks, and lets not forget that in 2007 he sported a scary 4.00 ERA in 24
starts. While the strikeouts will
come, I’m just not sold on the idea that he’ll be able to match his 2008
numbers.
22. What a shame it
was to see Carlos Lee’s career
season cut short due to a broken pinky of all things. He appeared to be on a record pace prior to the injury. In 436 at-bats, he managed to post 28
home runs with 100 RBI and a .314 batting. While he’s no longer the stolen base threat (4) that he once
was, 2008 was a good display of what he’s capable of in terms of power. Prior to last year he made 591 or more
plate appearances in each of the previous five seasons. If he’s able to put his pinky ailment
behind him, look for the 32-year-old to bounce back with a monstrous 2009. Lee is one of the few players capable
of pounding 40+ long balls while still producing for high average. The presence of Lance Berkman and
young-phenom Hunter Pence in the Astros lineup helps too. In 2009, expect Lee to post his best
numbers to date.
23. Dustin Pedroia fell
three home runs shy of his first 20/20 season, but that didn’t stop him from
claiming the American League MVP Award in 2008. In a lineup that features David Ortiz, Jason Bay, Kevin
Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Lowell, and J.D. Drew, expect big things from
Pedroia in 2009. Last year, he
scored 118 runs to go along with 17 home runs, 83 RBI, a .326 average, and 20
stolen bases. Did I mention that
he led the league in doubles with 54?
At the 25 years of age, Pedroia can do it all. With 94 combined strikeouts between the 2007 and 2008
seasons, the young second baseman has emerged as one of the league’s most
dangerous hitters at the plate.
The fact that he was only caught stealing once last year says a lot
about his athletic ability. Expect
big things from him in 2009. 110+
runs, 25+ home runs, 90+ RBI, 20 stolen bases, and a .320+ average are well
within reach.
24. No player had a
stronger second half than Manny Ramirez in 2008. While it remains
to be seen whether or not he’ll actually have a team to play for in 2009, few
players can contribute more in terms of home runs (37), RBI (121), and batting
average (.332) than Manny. The two
things working against him are health and age (36). He’s only reached 500 or more at-bats four times since 2000,
and if agent Scott Boras has his way, Ramirez won’t be playing for a new
contract again in 2009. Expect a
slight drop off in production, but 30 homers and .310 should keep you happy.
25. Alfonso Soriano
faced an injury-plagued 2008 season that left him with only 453 at-bats, but
consider what he was able to accomplish when healthy. Last season he produced 29 home runs with 75 RBI. Soriano
looks to rebound in 2009. Despite
missing 20-stolen bases for the second straight season, he’s still a player
capable of producing another 30/30-type year. The last time he achieved that feat was in 2006, when he
posted 46 homers to go with 119 runs and 95 RBI, not to mention 41 stolen
bases. Last year he was caught
stealing 3 measly times. While his
batting average tends to be streaky at .283 in an 8-year career, there aren’t
many players that can help your team in all five categories like Soriano can.
26. After a hot
start Lance Berkman fizzled
toward the end. Still posted 114
runs, 29 homers, 106 RBI, 18 stolen bases, and a .312 batting average. While he’ll no longer be outfield
eligible, he still remains amongst the upper tier of first basemen. Since 2001, Berkman has played 150 or
more games in seven of the past eight seasons. He can swing from both sides of the plate and plays in a
ballpark that favors the long ball.
At the age of 32, don’t expect a repeat of his 2008 stolen base
totals. Last year he managed to
double his previous career high of 9.
27. Carlos Beltran
fell just short of his second
consecutive 30/20 season in 2008, scoring 116 runs with 27 homers, 112 RBI, and
25 stolen bases. He batted .284
last year, marking his highest average since 2003, when he hit .307. At 31 years old, look for Beltran to
continue producing at the plate.
He’s a solid 4-tool player already, with the potential to hit for
average as well. The only
potential red flag for 2009 is his health. While I don’t expect him to match his 606 plate appearances
of 2008, he’s been good for 500+ at-bats in each of the past eight
seasons.
28. Arguably the
best hitter in the game, Ichiro Suzuki posted his eighth straight 200-hit season in 2008. Throughout the
duration of his Major League playing career he’s also managed to score 100
runs, steal 30 bases, and carry an average of .300 or higher in every season
since 2001. How’s that for
consistency? Despite not being
known for his power, he’s still capable of hitting a few here and there. Don’t worry though, that’s not why
you’d be drafting him anyway. In
terms of leadoff hitters, they just don’t get any better than Ichiro. He’ll play his role for your team by
providing you with 3 of the 5 primary offensive categories. Even though he’s 35
years old, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be in the hunt for the batting
title again in 2009.
29. I give Jonathan
Papelbon the edge over K-Rod. Besides his ability to pitch more than
one inning per-outing, Papelbon fielded a 2.34 ERA and 0.95 WHIP to go along
with 5 wins and a scary 8/77 walk to strikeout ratio. In fact, last year marked his highest ERA and WHIP since
becoming the Red Sox closer in 2006.
Over the past three seasons he’s managed to get 35 or more saves while
boasting a 1.70 ERA. Papelbon is
surrounded by a strong rotation and an even deeper bullpen. With a deep lineup behind him, he seems
poised for another big year.
30. How far the
mighty have fallen. 2008 proved to be a disappointing year for Carl
Crawford after posting career lows in runs
(69), home runs (8), RBI (57), stolen bases (25), and batting average
(.273). His hand injury clearly
affected his game, especially on the base path. From 2003 through 2007,
Crawford averaged over 53 stolen bases per season. During that span, he also managed to carry a .300 batting
average. While it remains to be
seen whether or not he’ll ever be able to replicate his 18 home runs of the
2006 season, he’s still a player capable of 15 dingers with 80 RBI and 50+
swipes. With a plethora of young
talent throughout the Rays lineup, expect a rebound year. Crawford could very well be the best
value-play of 2009.
31. In each of the
past three seasons, Roy Halladay
has managed to pitch no less than 220 innings. While it’s hard to ignore his injury-plagued 2004 and 2005
campaigns, you must acknowledge that the guy simply knows how to pitch. Last
season he further demonstrated what he’s capable of. With a monstrous 246 innings pitched, he struck out 206
batters while walking a measly 39.
To add to that, Halladay also tallied 9 complete games on his way to his
second 20-win season. If he can
remain healthy, which is no small task considering the abuse that the Blue Jays
have put him through, expect big things in 2009.
32. Nick Markakis is
one of the more intriguing players in the 2009 draft. While he’s yet to breakout, you can feel it coming. Whether it is the 45 doubles he’s
averaged over the past 2 seasons or the 21 home runs, Markakis has shown that
he’s very capable of being a multi-dimensional player. In 2008, his RBI went down from 112 to
87, but at only 25 years old, he displayed the consistency that you look for in
a young player. It’s important to note that in 2008, his walk total rose from
61 to 99 in 2008. While the Orioles have done little to bolster up their
lineup in the off-season, they still have some talent to support Markakis,
namely Aubrey Huff, Brain Roberts, Melvin Mora, and Adam Jones. His first 30 home runs season could be
in the cards for 2009.
33. Only two years
removed from a 30/30 season, Brandon Phillips could be a gem in 2009. While he doesn’t carry the same draft status as Ian Kinsler,
Chase Utley, or Dustin Pedroia, he deserves ample consideration in the late
second to early third round. Not
only does he plays in a homer-friendly ballpark, but he also appears to be in a
lineup that should have little difficulty scoring runs in 2009. With the late season trades of Ken
Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, the Reds feature young studs Joey Votto and Jay
Bruce, not to mention the off-season addition of speedster Willy Taveras. In 2007, Phillips batted .288 with 107
runs scored, 30 home runs, 94 RBI, and 32 stolen bases. Despite lacking patience at the plate,
only a broken finger stopped him from repeating his earlier success in 2008. He
still managed to post 21 long balls with 23 stolen bases in nearly 100 less at
bats than his previous season.
Forget his .261 batting average. Phillips can do it all, and he happens
to play a thin second base position that generally produces little pop. At only 28 years of age, his best years
could very well be ahead of him.
34. Jason Bay proved
his worth after being acquired by the Boston Red Sox from Pittsburgh in a
three-team deal that sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers. While Manny’s success last season got
most of the attention, Bay did his own share of damage for “The Red Sox Nation”
in 2009, finishing with 111 runs scored, 31 homers, 101 RBI, 10 stolen bases,
and a .286 average. After a
disappointing 2007 campaign, he bounced back in a big way, putting together a
season that was nearly identical to his 2006 totals. The only difference now is
that he’ll finally get to play a full season with a team not named the
Pirates. Boston’s lineup should
benefit him greatly. Look for Bay
to be a sure-fire 30+ home run, 100 RBI-type-player this season.
35. In terms of
starting pitching, Brandon Webb
is as safe as they come. He’s
extremely consistent, surpassing the 200-inning mark in each of his past five
seasons. While he may not provide
you with that sub-3 ERA, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. In 2008, he racked up a league high
with 22 wins. Webb carries a 3.24
career ERA, and in a division that isn’t known for bleeding offense, he could very
well reach greater heights in 2009.
Expect 17 wins with close to 200 strikeouts.
36. B.J. Upton played
the majority of last season with a partially torn labrum, affecting his power
numbers as his home runs plummeted from twenty-four in 2007 to nine in
2008. He proved his worth in Tampa
Bay’s run to the World Series though, hammering in 7 home runs for 16 RBI. In addition, he stole 6 bases in the
playoffs to go with his 44 of the regular season. With the combination of power and speed that Upton possesses,
he has the ability to belt 20 home runs and steal 40 bases once again. The only drawback is his recovery from
off-season surgery. As of now, he
expects to miss the first week of play, but be sure to monitor his situation
and adjust accordingly.
37. At a
particularly thin third base position, Aramis Ramirez seems due for another big season in 2009. Last season, he posted 97 runs, 27
homers, 111 RBI, and a .289 average.
While he’s yet to score 100 or more runs in eight seasons of play,
Ramirez has average just shy of 30 home runs per year since entering the
league. Like so many others,
durability is a key issue for him.
Aramis has participated in 150 or more games three times during his
career. Still, he’s had 500+
at-bats in seven of those seasons.
If you’re looking for a steady option at the hot corner, few are better
than him. At only 30 years old,
Ramirez’s best seasons could very well be ahead of him.
38. The Mets most
recent acquisition of Francisco Rodriguez clears up what was a shaky bullpen situation. After setting a league record in 2008
with 62 saves, Rodriguez replaces Billy Wagner as the teams’ shutdown
closer. In the past four years,
none have been better or more consistent than K-Rod. He’s had 40 or more saves in each of the past four
seasons. In addition, he’s carried
a 2.35 ERA over that duration.
What’s most remarkable is that despite his monstrous performance last
season, it marked the lowest number of strikeouts in his six-year career with
77. His WHIP remains a slight
concern at 1.29. Still, the saves
just kept on coming. While
Rodriguez may very well be the first closer off the board, I favor Papelbon due
to run support and the pieces around him.
Don’t forget that the Mets also added J.J. Putz in the off-season. Sure, K-Rod will get his fair share of
save opportunities, but expect Putz to cut into his totals in 2009.
39. Vladimir Guerrero
disappointed many owners in 2008 when he managed to duplicate his 2007 home run
total of 27. Vlad also put
together his lowest RBI count since his injury-plagued 2003 campaign when he
knocked in 79 runs. Though he’s no longer the stolen bases-threat that he once
was, Guerrero carries a career batting average of .323 with over 34 home runs,
all of which came in 11 seasons of play.
At the age of 32, he enters the 2009 season recovering from a battery of
injuries, the latest of which resulted in off-season knee surgery. He also has a history of back
issues. Still, if things remain
the same with the Angels, this season will prove to be a contract year for
him. Despite some question marks
pertaining to his ability to bounce back, Guerrero has show time and time again
what he’s capable of.
40. While Kevin
Youkilis is recognized within the baseball
circuit as a first baseman, his third base-eligibility is key to his value in
the game of fantasy. In 2008 he
hit 43 doubles to go with 91 runs, 29 homers, 115 RBI, and a .312 average. With the support of Jacoby Ellsbury,
Dustin Pedroia, Jason Bay, David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, and Mike Lowell, there’s no
reason to believe his numbers will plummet in 2009. Health is the only potential drawback for the upcoming
season, as he’s yet to manage reaching 150 games in each of the past three
seasons. Still, in terms of third
basemen, few are more dependable than the 29 year old.
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