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I love fantasy baseball.
It’s the second best fantasy sport to play other than football. The season begins in early April and ends late September, which is by far the largest fantasy season.
Playing fantasy baseball gives us sports geeks something to stay occupied with during the dog days of summer when baseball is the only major sport in season.
Plus, it takes us right into fantasy football, which begins in mid-August.
I enjoy drinking a cold beverage on a hot summer night while watching Baseball Tonight on ESPN and seeing what my fantasy team players are doing.
Fantasy baseball takes more time than every other fantasy sport combined. It’s a daily grind and owners must check their roster each day.
It also rewards the truest geeks.
There will be many players who we’ve never heard of that will have breakout seasons and help your team.
If you’re willing to work the waiver wire at 2 a.m. you will definitely have an advantage over other members of your league.
I recommend playing fantasy baseball at yahoosports.com. It’s a better setup than ESPN and is completely free.
Last season I knew a guy that paid $25 for an ESPN league. He won the league, but all he received was a T-shirt. His league had 12 teams each paying $25 and ESPN, being the sports giant it is, gave him a T-shirt for winning his league title? Play yahoo, you’ll find it easier, fun and free.
Here’s a quick tip when drafting your team: wait on pitching. You will be able to draft players like C.C. Sabathia, Brandon Webb, Josh Beckett and Aaron Harang in the 4th round and beyond.
There is no need to take pitchers such as Johan Santana or Jake Peavy in the 1st or 2nd round when players like Sabathia, Webb, Beckett and Harang will be available in later rounds. In my opinion, stock pile position players during your first three picks and grab the nucleus of your pitching staff in the middle rounds.
Here’s a list of my top 10 fantasy baseball players heading into the 2008 season:
1. Alex Rodriguez — He is the top fantasy player. A-Rod’s numbers are Babe Ruth-ish. He’ll carry your team and has a great chance to lead MLB in home runs and RBIs. He’s a fantasy monster. Even if you despise the Yankees, do not pass A-Rod up — if you’re lucky enough to get the
first pick.
2. Hanley Ramirez — Last season, Ramirez had one of the best seasons in history for the short stop position. He’s a 5-tool player to the truest sense. Not only did he hit .332 with 29 HRs, but he stole 51 bases and scored 125 runs. He does scare me slightly with the loss of Miguel Cabrera to Detriot, and he’s only 24 years old. Still, his numbers last season should indicate what’s
to come.
3. Jose Reyes — Reyes is very similar to Ramirez only with less power. Reyes is a proven stud at the tender age of 24. He’s averaged at least 60 stolen bases the last three seasons — 78 last year alone. He’ll lead your team in hits, runs, triples and stolen bases. I could see him going ahead of Ramirez simply for the fact that he’s more proven. You won’t regret taking him. He’ll steal more bases than other teams and is one of only a few players that will win you several statistical categories every week.
4. Matt Holliday — Most people have Holliday ranked 7th to 10th. I, however, like him at the 4th spot. Check out his numbers last year: .340 BA, 36 HR, 137 RBI, 120 R, 11 SB. His numbers are disgusting and merit this pick. Plus, he’s in a potent Colorado lineup and plays in the most hitter-friendly park — Coors Field — in the league. A monster season is on the horizon for Holiday, don’t regret reaching for him in the top 5.
5. David Wright — You can’t argue with Wright’s rise to the top of fantasy baseball. His numbers have improved every season. He’s a power-hitting third baseman that swiped 34 bags last year. Stealing that many bases while also hitting 30 HRs isn’t something that many other players can do. He’ll carry your team.
Here’s the remainder of the top 10. All will be solid first-round picks:
6. Jimmy Rollins — J-Roll does everything. You’ll love having him.
7. Chase Utley — He is maybe the best fantasy second baseman of all time.
8. Albert Pujols — Pujols scares me with a lingering elbow injury. Take caution.
9. Miguel Cabrera — He’s now in Detroit he will anchor one of baseball’s greatest ever lineups.
10. Prince Fielder — As a 22-year-old, he hit 50 HRs with 119 RBIs. Hello!
Have fun with your draft, it’s the best day of the season. Remember to take players that do a number of things well with your first couple picks, but most of all, have fun.
Listen to the Johnny Ballgame Show every Monday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on KUOI 89.3 FM or www.kuoi.org .
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