Shortstops and Outfielders

The baseball season is finally arriving and opening day is under two weeks away. Let’s talk shortstops and outfielders. Shortstop has become a tough position to draft, since the talent level is low. Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, and Corey Seager are the top young up and coming players at this position. Outfield continues to be one of the strongest fantasy positions, featuring Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Bryce Harper as the top stars.

Shortstops

1. Xander Bogaerts- Boston Red Sox

We saw a significant leap from Xander Bogaerts’ production in 2016. Last season, Bogaerts ranked 1st in hits, 2nd in runs, 4th in RBI’s, 4th in batting average, and 4th in total fantasy points for all short stops. The young star has immense potential in a producing offense. If Bogaerts is able to elevate his home run total in the 25-30 range, he’ll be a complete player.

2. Corey Seager- Los Angeles Dodgers

The reigning Rookie of the Year winner had an incredible rookie season. Elite offensive talent is harder to find for shortstops these days and Seager rocked the rankings in his rookie season! In 2016, Seager ranked 2nd in runs, 2nd in hits, 5th in home runs, 1st in batting average, and 5th in total fantasy points for shortstops. Could the 22-year-old run into a sophomore slump in 2017 like Carlos Correa had in 2016? Yes, it is possible, but Seager’s a risk that I would 100% take, any day.

3. Carlos Correa- Houston Astros

Correa, who was valued as a 1st round pick, delivered mediocre numbers and was clearly overhyped in 2016. However, he was still able to rank 7th in runs, 1st in RBI’s, 2nd in walks, and 7th in total points for shortstops last year. Correa is only 22 years old and has been in the league for only two years, so we need to give this potential superstar time. He was the first pick of the 2012 MLB draft and has hit 20 or more home runs in each of his two seasons. With the Astros adding veteran sluggers Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran, expect a breakout season for Correa this year.

4. Francisco Lindor- Cleveland Indians

Lindor has been in the league for only two years and has already played in a World Series and has successfully hit over .300 in both seasons. In 2016, the 23-year-old ranked 5th in runs, 8th in RBI’s, 3rd in RBI’s, and 6th in total fantasy points for shortstops. Lindor is one of the best contact hitting short stops you’re going to find. If Lindor can start increasing his power numbers, he’s going to be a fantasy star.

5. Trevor Story- Colorado Rockies

Story broke all kinds of home run records in the beginning of the 2016 season and became a hot topic of conversation. However, that’s not what impressed me the most. Story was able to stay consistent with his production for the rest of the season. In 2016, the rookie stud ranked 3rd in home runs and T-10th in RBI’s. If Story is able to hit 27 home runs and drive in 72 RBI’s in only 372 at bats in his rookie year, imagine what he’ll be able to do with another year under his belt and more at bats.

The next best in order include: Jean Segura, Brandon Crawford, Troy Tulowitski, Aledmys Diaz, and Eduardo Nunez.

Outfielders

1. Mike Trout- Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout, the new face of baseball, has amazingly ranked in the top 2 out of all outfielders in fantasy points for 4 out of the last 5 years. The 2-time American League MVP winner ranked 1st in runs, T-8th in home runs, 1st in walks, 3rd in batting average, and 2nd in fantasy points for all outfielders last season. Trout could be the best baseball player that has ever played the game, and should be a top 3 draft pick in all leagues.

2. Mookie Betts- Boston Red Sox

Mookie had a crazy breakout season in 2016 and rocked the leader boards. The 24-year-old ranked 2nd in runs, 1st in hits, 2nd in doubles, 8th in home runs, 1st in RBI’s, 2nd in batting average, and 1st in fantasy points for all outfielders. There were absolutely no flaws in Betts’ offensive game last year, and he was a fantasy season saver. Mook should be a popular first round pick.

3. Ryan Braun- Milwaukee Brewers

The veteran slugger had his best season since 2012, when he was the NL MVP runner-up. In 2016, Braun ranked 12th in home runs, 13th in RBI’s, 6th in batting average, and 12th in fantasy points for all outfielders. The Brewers franchise player is a consistent stud who posts elite contact and power numbers each year.

4. Bryce Harper- Washington Nationals

After winning the NL MVP and having a remarkable 2015 season, Harper took a bit of a step back last year. Bryce ranked 2nd in walks and 8th in fantasy points last season. Both his batting average and home run totals were nearly half of what they were in 2015, and he struggled with consistency. On the plus side, he’s still very young and has immense potential and upside. If Harper is able to turn it around and have a bounce back season, he could win another MVP. He’s a risk that I would unequivocally take.

5. J.D. Martinez- Detroit Tigers

Martinez is one of the most underrated fantasy players, despite the elite numbers he delivers. In 2016, the Tigers middle of the lineup hitter posted a .307 batting average, 69 runs, 22 home runs, 68 RBI’s in 460 at bats stat line. If Martinez is able to stay healthy (which has been rare), he’s going to be a steal. Martinez is similar to Braun, as he provides strong contact and power numbers.

The next best in order include: Nelson Cruz, Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Gonzalez, Adam Jones, A.J. Pollock, Yoenis Cespedes, Andrew McCutchen, Mark Trumbo, George Springer, Jose Bautista, Charlie Blackman, Jackie Bradley, Adam Duvall, Justin Upton, Starlin Marte

 

Second Basemen/Third Basemen

I’m now on the third week of my fantasy baseball predictions. This article is about second basemen and third basemen. Second base, which was once a weak, low-power position, has evolved. Daniel Murphy (2nd in NL MVP results) and Jose Altuve (AL MVP) were the top stars at this position last year. Third base has always been a great power position with Nolan Arenado and Josh Donaldson as the best hitters.

Second Basemen

1. Jose Altuve- Houston Astros

It’s hard not to rank Altuve at #1, given the fact that he’s led second basemen in fantasy points for 3 straight seasons. The 2016 3^rd place candidate for AL MVP ranked 2nd in runs, 1st in hits, 4th in RBI’s, 3rd in batting average, and 1st in fantasy points for all second basemen last year. Altuve has always posted elite contact numbers (BA, hits, runs), but in 2017 he set career highs in home runs and RBI’s. Altuve is a complete fantasy player and should be off the board quickly in the first round of most drafts.

2. Daniel Murphy- Washington Nationals

The breakout star was nothing short of ridiculous last season, carrying fantasy teams on his back. Murphy, who has been in the league for 8 years, has never more than a good contact hitter with no power. However, something clicked last season as he ranked 1st in doubles, T-6th in home runs, 1st in RBI’s, 2nd in batting average, and 5th in total fantasy points for second basemen. Murphy won’t likely match the insane numbers he posted in 2016 this year, but I would still expect elite numbers.

3. Brian Dozier- Minnesota Twins

Dozier has started a new trend – second basemen with raw power. The 29-year-old has been unarguably the best power hitting second basemen in the league over the last 3 years, ranking 1st in home runs in each of those seasons. Dozier had a career year in 2016, ranking 5th in runs, 1st in home runs, 3rd in RBI’s, and 2nd in fantasy points for all second basemen. Dozier, whose stats have improved in each of his 5 seasons, is a 25+ home run, 100+ run lock.

4. Trea Turner- Washington Nationals

The promising rookie got the attention of many after producing a stellar 1st season. In 2016, Turner posted a .342 BA, 53 runs, 13 home runs, and 40 RBI’s stat line in only 307 at bats. This first round selection has an insanely high ceiling, and should put together a huge breakout sophomore season in 2016. I would take the young sleeper this year because we soon could see him atop the rankings, annually.

5. Ian Kinsler- Detriot Tigers

It’s hard to not rank Kinsler in the top 5, when he’s by the far the most consistent fantasy producer year to year. Kinsler has ranked in the top 6 in fantasy points for second basemen in 4 out of the last 5 seasons, which is a rare stat that should affect where he is drafted in fantasy leagues. In 2016, the 11-year veteran ranked 1st in runs, 5th in home runs, 6th in RBI’s, 8th in batting average, and 6th in fantasy points for second basemen. Kinsler is a high-reliable, low-risk 2B1.

Honorable Mentions in order: Devon Travis, Robinson Cano, Matt Carpenter, Dustin Pedroia, and Chase Utley.

Third Basemen

1. Nolan Arenado- Colorado Rockies

Nolan Arenado has quickly turned into one of the most dynamic players in baseball. In 2016, the young 25-year-old ranked 3rd in runs, 3rd in hits, 1st in home runs, 1st in RBI’s, T-5th in batting average, and 1st in fantasy points for all third basemen. Arenado is a proven star who is on pace to being a first ballot hall of famer. The freak athlete should be taken off the board in the early picks in the first round of all drafts.

2. Josh Donaldson- Toronto Blue Jays

Donaldson has been the core of the Toronto Blue Jays top-tier offense the last few seasons. In 2016, the every year stud ranked 1st in runs, T-4th in home runs, 4th in RBI’s, and 2nd in fantasy points for third basemen. Donaldson leads third basemen in fantasy points over the last 4 years and will be drafted early in most drafts.

3. Kris Bryant- Chicago Cubs

Man… third base is a better fantasy position than I thought it was. Kris Bryant has been in the league for two years and is already a known star. In 2016, the all-around World Series champion ranked 2nd in runs, 4th in hits, 3rd in home runs, 3rd in RBI’s, 7th in batting average, and 3rd in total fantasy points for all third basemen. The top three third basemen (Arenado, Donaldson, and Bryant) are all flawless studs, no doubt making it tough to decide rankings. 

4. Manny Machado- Baltimore Orioles

While Machado may be a smudge worse than the third basemen ranked above, he’s still close in production. In 2016, the talented 24-year old Oriole ranked 4th in runs, 1st in hits, T-4th in home runs, 8th in RBI’s, T-5th in batting average, and 4th in total fantasy points for third basemen. Machado has ranked in the top 5 in fantasy points in two straight seasons and is a part of the new generation of elite third basemen hitters.

5. Kyle Seager- Seattle Mariners

Seager had a roller coaster season last year, excelling in May and July and disappointing in March and September. However, Seager was still able to put together a great season and even set career highs in batting average, home runs, RBI’s, and runs. In 2016, the Mariners slugger ranked T-7th in runs, 8th in home runs, T-4th in RBI’s, 7th in fantasy points for third basemen. Seager is a low-risk, low-potential starter.

Honorable Mentions in order: Adrian Beltre, Evan Longoria, Jose Ramirez, Alex Bregman, and Mike Moustakas.

 

Catchers/First Basemen

Last week, I began my 2017 fantasy baseball predictions and began with starting and relief pitchers. This week I proceeded to catchers and first basemen. The position of catcher is very weak in fantasy. My strategy of drafting catchers is that if you can’t get Buster Posey, wait a while and take a young sleeper late in the draft. First basemen, on the other side, are the most powerful fantasy position and have a large supply of elite hitters.

Catchers

1. Buster Posey- San Francisco Giants

Buster Posey is arguably the best catcher of this generation. He’s led catchers in fantasy points for the last two years and ranked in the top 2 in points for the last 5 years. There is not much that Posey has not accomplished in the MLB, and he’s only 29 years old! The 3 time World Series winner ranked 1^st in runs, 2^nd in hits, 5^th in batting average, and 1^st in fantasy points for all catchers last year. Anyone who takes another catcher over Posey clearly doesn’t follow baseball.

2. Jonathan Lucroy- Texas Rangers

Lucroy had an off year in 2015, but was able to recover with a stellar 2016 campaign. In 2016, Lucroy ranked 2^nd in runs, 3^rd in home runs, 1^st in RBI’s, 4^th in batting average, and 2^nd in fantasy points for all catchers. The newly acquired Ranger is far more underrated in fantasy than Buster Posey, and he tends to fall much deeper in drafts. It may be smarter to wait until the middle of the draft and try to snag Lucroy, whose stats are almost always 2nd to Posey.

3. Gary Sanchez- New York Yankees

After Posey and Lucroy, the talent level and reliability sharply dips. Knowing this, you might as well take a risk with a young player if you can’t get Posey or Lucroy. Sanchez carries legit risk since he’s only played in the MLB for one season. However, he was pretty amazing last season, posting an elite, .299 batting average, 20 home runs, and 42 RBI’s in a measly 201 at bats. Gary Sanchez might be the next big thing when it comes to elite hitting catchers and I would take the sleeper.

4. Willson Contreras- Chicago Cubs

Contreras is in a very similar boat as Gary Sanchez. Contreras has only played in the MLB one season, but really impressed. In 2016, Contreras posted a .282 BA, 12 home runs, 35 RBI’s stat line in 252 at bats. With Kyle Schwarber shifting to outfield, Contreras is moving into the starting catcher position. With Contreras’ offensive talent and the Cubs extremely elite offense, the Cubs 24 year old catcher should have a successful sophomore season.

5. Salvador Perez- Kansas City Royals

Salvador Perez has ranked in the top 10 in fantasy points for catchers in 4 straight seasons, proving his reliability. In 2016, the dominant defensive catcher ranked 7^th in runs, 6^th in hits, 5^th in home runs, and 8^th in total fantasy points for catchers. Batting average is no longer a strength in Perez’s game, and instead he has developed solid power. The Royals star is a low-risk, low-potential starter.

My next 5 ranked catchers in order are: Matt Wieters, Brian McCann, Yadier Molina, Yasmani Grandal, and Evan Gattis.

First Basemen

1. Anthony Rizzo- Chicago Cubs

The face of the Cubs World Series winning franchise has put together 3 straight superb seasons. In 2016, Rizzo ranked 7^th in runs, 8^th in hits, 8^th in home runs, 4^th in RBI’s, 6^th in batting average, and 4^th in total fantasy points for first basemen. Rizzo is only 27 years old and produces outstanding numbers in all categories.

2. Edwin Encarnacion- Cleveland Indians

Edwin’s time in Toronto has ended, and he now joins the defending American League championship Indians. Encarnacion has solidified himself as the best and most consistent power hitter in the league, hitting over 33 home runs in 5 straight seasons. In 2016, the slugger ranked 4^th in runs, 1^st in home runs, 1^st in RBI’s, and 3^rd in fantasy points for first basemen. Joining the Indians shouldn’t affect Edwin’s elite stats.

3. Joey Votto- Cincinnati Reds

Votto had a treacherous first half to the 2016 season. He even told the media, “I’d rather quit and leave all the money on the table than play at a poor level.” However, Votto was able to regain his MVP-like play, find a groove, and have an unreal second half. In 2016, Votto ended up ranking 3^rd in runs, 4^th in hits, 1^st in BA, and 2^nd in fantasy points for all first basemen. Votto isn’t a 30+ home run hitter anymore, but still produces top-tier contact numbers.

4. Miguel Cabrera- Detroit Tigers

Miggy is going to go down as one of the best players of all time, and is still producing MVP numbers in his 14th season. In 2016, Cabrera ranked 1^st in hits, 3^rd in home runs, 5^th in RBI’s, 2^nd in batting average, and 5^th in fantasy points for first basemen. When he totaled fewer than 30 home runs in his 2014 and 2015 seasons, fantasy owners were worried he was losing his power. However, his 38 home runs in 2016, reminded owners that those years were only a fluke.

5. Albert Pujols- Los Angeles Angels

In my opinion, there is not a more underrated fantasy baseball player than Albert Pujols. Each year he produces insane power numbers consistently. But there is still this continuous norm or false scare that he’s out of his prime and too old, which forces many to pass on Pujols and let him drop very low in drafts. In 2016, the future hall of fame lock ranked 7^th in singles, 9^th in home runs, 2^nd in RBI’s, 3^rd in strikeouts, and 11^th in fantasy points for first basemen. Pujols gets a large amount of at bats; posts historically low strikeout rates, produces tolerant batting averages, and provides elite power numbers. You can keep passing on him because you’re scared his age is going to catch up with him, but you’re going to miss these beautiful numbers each year.

Rounding out my next 5 ranked first basemen: Jose Abreu, Paul Goldschmidt, Freddie Freeman, Hanley Ramirez, and Carlos Santana.

Preview on Starting and Relief Pitchers

While, it’s very sad to see the football season come to an end, it’s exciting to get ready for another great year of baseball. I am starting my fantasy baseball projections and wrote about starting and relief pitchers. Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer were the 2016 CY Young award winners, which was a major surprise for many, so I will make some bold and questionable predictions.

Starting Pitchers

1. Max Scherzer- Washington Nationals

Max Scherzer has established himself as an elite pitcher, winning the CY Young 2 out of the last 4 years. In 2016, Scherzer ranked 2nd in innings pitched, 2nd in wins, 1st in strikeouts, 3rd in WHIP, and 1st in total fantasy points last year.

2. Madison Bumgarner- San Francisco Giants

3. Chris Sale- Boston Red Sox

4. Clayton Kershaw- LA Dodgers

5. Jake Arrieta- Chicago Cubs

Here are the rest of the top 10 in order: Corey Kluber, David Price, Jon Lester, Stephen Strasburg, Johnny Cueto.

Relief Pitchers

1. Kenley Jansen- LA Dodgers

2. Mark Melancon- San Fransisco Giants

3. Jeurys Familia- NY Mets

4. Aroldis Chapman- NY Yankees

5. Francisco Rodriguez- Detroit Tigers

Rounding out the top 10 in order: Wade Davis, David Robertson, Craig Kimbrel, Zach Britton, Cody Allen