Fantasy Baseball Blog at Razzball.com

2012 Razzball Commenter Leagues

Grey — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:15:52 +0000

Valentine’s Day is coming a day early this year. For a limited time only, get your loved one a fantasy baseball league! That’s right, hearts aflutter, snitches. It’s that time of the year. Since back in June when you abandoned your fantasy baseball team because it was totally sucking and you returned to your cubbyhole of Doritos and Freezer Pops, you’ve longed for this day. As Bob Marley sang, this is your redemption song, mon. Or womon, for our three girl readers. It’s time again to join some fantasy baseball leagues. Before you close all of your extraneous porn windows and rush to sign up, let’s explain how these fantasy baseball leagues are going to work. We’re going to have a bunch of leagues and crown a winner from each, then we’re going to crown ONE winner from all of the winners. We will be be crowning the winner by taking each team’s points and multiplying it against a ‘league competitiveness factor.’ If you want to see how it worked last year, go here. So we’re going to fill up as many fantasy leagues as we can for the next couple of weeks. Each fantasy baseball league will be a mixed league, 12 team, snake draft, roto, 5×5, 5 OFs, one Middle Infielder, one Corner Infielder, one Utility, 9 pitchers, 20 game eligibility, 180 Games Started. The lineup is also known as: C/1B/2B/SS/3B/CI/MI/5 OF/UTIL/9 P/3 BENCH/1 DL. The fantasy leagues will be played in ESPN and they will be free to join. They are not at Yahoo because they don’t give non-leaguemates the ability to see the leagues.

We’re going to start with fifteen leagues of 12 and see how we do from there. Each league has an organizer. The duties of the organizer will be to accept 11 other people into the league, set it up at ESPN at the most conducive draft time and then sit back and relax. Just choose one organizer from the available RCLs below and contact them. If we don’t get enough to fill 15 leagues, we’ll fold them together like egg whites and sugar. If we need more than 15 fantasy baseball leagues, then we will expand them like egg whites and a beater. If we need more organizers, then we’ll handle that business in the comments of this post. (The number of spots open will be updated by me as I hear from the organizers.)

Now for the BIG prize! I know, you can hardly wait. This year’s winner will receive a jacket. Not just any jacket, but a one-of-its-kind jacket. A jacket that you need to know someone to own. A jacket that gets you in doors that were previously closed. A jacket that non-members are not allowed to own. A jacket for MEMBER’S ONLY! Not only a Member’s Only jacket… I know, the excitement is killing you right now, but try to keep breathing. A Member’s Only jacket that tells the world exactly what club you belong to — a 2012 Razzball Commenter League Champion Member’s Only jacket! (If you click on that picture again and again, it gets bigger then smaller then bigger then smaller then bigger like a Member’s Only jacket strobe light. It’s effintastic!) Wear it to weddings, funerals or into the shower and tell people you are the 2012 Razzball Commenter League Champion. Okay, now sign up:

1. Organizer — Steve –> LEAGUE’S FULL
2. Organizer — Paul –> LEAGUE’S FULL
3. Organizer — Sean –> ogma107 [at] yahoo.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
4. Organizer — James –> jbag201 [at] yahoo.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
5. Organizer — Eddy –> eddy5791 [at] yahoo.com — 5 SPOTS OPEN
6. Organizer — VinWins –> vinreich [at] zoho.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
7. Organizer — Trini –> trinileslie [at] gmail.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
8. Organizer — JoeC –> jakoye [at] hotmail.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
9. Organizer — Jessica –> jmscarane [at] gmail.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
10. Organizer — PWNNightmare –> jamesalvinbarron [at] yahoo.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
11. Organizer — Tony –> youngy_03 [at] yahoo.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
12. Organizer — Caleb –> caleb.peavy [at] gmail.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
13. Organizer — Smokey –> pulsethree [at] yahoo.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
14. Organizer — ZK –> zach.kuhn [at] gmail.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN
15. Organizer — ichirosan –> chronosaurus [at] hotmail.com — 11 SPOTS OPEN

2012 Twins Fantasy Baseball Preview

Grey — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:15:01 +0000

We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team blogs and featuring their locally blogged answers to pressing 2012 fantasy baseball questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require less energy consumption (for us anyway). The 2012 Twins Fantasy Baseball Preview comes courtesy of Aaron Gleeman from his eponymous Minnesota Twins Blog.

1) I have Scott Baker down for 2012 projections of 11-7/3.65/1.19/160. How’s that sound to you?

Sounds about right. Baker’s performance is never really a question, as he’s basically been a solid second or third starter with great K/BB ratios for the past five seasons, so it’s just a matter of him staying healthy. Or at least relatively healthy. He’s only topped 180 innings once and is coming off an elbow injury. He should provide good value in most drafts.

2) Well, the Tsuyoshi Nishioka experiment turned out about as well Jeff Goldblum’s teleporting pods. Any chance for some redemption in 2012 for Nishioka?

I doubt it. He’ll have to fight just to make the Opening Day roster as a utility man behind middle infield starters Jamey Carroll and Alexi Casilla. In addition to an inept bat Nishioka also showed that he isn’t as fast or as good a base-stealer as the reports from Japan suggested, so even if he were to somehow work his way into the lineup regularly there just isn’t much fantasy upside.

3) Everyone’s favorite game (or maybe just mine)…. The Over/Under Game! Justin Morneau — 100 games? 25 homers? 85 RBIs?

I’d take the under. Morneau’s concussion status has gotten most of the attention, but he’s also coming back from neck, knee, foot, and wrist surgeries. He hasn’t been healthy and effective since mid-2010, so even if you feel like betting on him staying in the lineup that’s an awful lot of time off to pick up right where he was.

4) Francisco Liriano seemed profoundly lucky last year… Cause I know at least a thousand or so fantasy baseballers that would’ve liked to kill him. Can Liriano regain his pre-surgery form this year?

His pre-surgery form? Definitely not. He simply doesn’t have that type of velocity or raw stuff since having elbow surgery. I think he’s absolutely capable of being closer to the 2010 version than the 2011 version, but he has to make significant strides with his command. I’d certainly take Liriano if he fell to me late in a draft, but there are better high-upside risks to take.

5) What is the best slogan for the 2012 Minnesota Twins?
A) A Healthy Mauer Has Doubles Power!
B) Justin Morneau is Concussin’ No Mo’
C) The Plouffe Is In the Pudding
D) Target Field – Too Big For Our Hitters, Too Small For Our Pitchers

I’m hoping it’s A, because a healthy, doubles-hitting Mauer is one of the best all-around players in baseball and his getting back on track is without question the biggest key for the Twins long term.

Justin Verlander, 2012 Fantasy Schmohawk

Grey — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:00:35 +0000

I was listening to this song:

Just as I was looking at recent mocks for 2012 fantasy baseball drafts. Every time I heard the chorus, I saw Justin Verlander‘s name in the top ten. Only I didn’t hear the words. I heard… Fail! Blame it on his ADP, baby! Fail! Fail! Fail! Fail! Fail! Maybe I’m a different breed! Maybe I’m not listening! So blame it on his ADP, baby! Fail! Fail! Fail! Fail! Fail! And I wasn’t even stoned (I don’t think so, at least). When the song was over, I played Neil Diamond on repeat for 3 hours to clear my head of that song and I started thinking, am I missing something? Or s-thing, if you’re in a time crunch. Right now Verlander’s ADP is at 9 overall. He’s being drafted as high as 2 overall. I give this a little leeway because I do think some people mock draft like they would never really draft just to see what a team would look like with a pitcher in the first round. I’ll give you a hint. Your team will look terrible.

This isn’t even about Verlander, though I don’t think he repeats his numbers from last year. This isn’t even about him being drafted before Halladay or Kershaw, which I think is slightly crummy with crackers. This is more about your team with a pitcher in the first or even 2nd round. You can’t make up the missing offense without some luck. You don’t want to count on luck, especially if it’s as indecipherable as done by David Milch. Say you draft Verlander and David Wright (who is about 20 picks away from Verlander, so he’d be around for your 2nd pick) and someone else drafts Prince and Longoria. Then you have 25-ish homers and 15-ish steals from Wright in a good year and a number one starter. The other guy has 60-ish homers and 10-ish steals and drafts Dan Haren four rounds later. I’m ignoring wins, as you should, but between Haren and Verlander you’re missing 50 Ks and ~.50 ERA and ~.04 WHIP. Basically what you’re getting from any halfway decent reliever. If you say, “Well, Grey, with all due respect to your mustache, I’ll grab a 1st baseman where you’re taking Haren.” Okay, you’re drafting Napoli or Konerko. Now, be honest, do you trust Napoli and Konerko compared to Prince the same way you trust Haren compared to Verlander? Fail! Fail! Fail! Fail! Fail! (BTW, that isn’t the official video, but who can resist a girl fight? I can’t; no apologies.)

2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, the Top 300

Grey — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:15:24 +0000

Finally, we come to the end of the 2012 fantasy baseball rankings. (Can we start games already?) A little birdie told me we’re opening up our commenter fantasy leagues on Monday. Giddy to the up. Okay, you know that I like Lucas Duda more than Melky Cabrera in the top 60 outfielders for 2012 fantasy baseball. You know I like Zack Cozart better than Jhonny Peralta as seen at the top 20 shortstops for 2012 fantasy baseball. But you don’t know how I feel about where these guys fall in the bigger picture. Is Zack Cozart above Lucas Duda? Yup. So to show you where I think players fall in relation to each other in 2012 fantasy baseball drafts, I’m putting together a top 300 for 2012 fantasy baseball. This still needs to be taken with a grain of salt. If you have a shortstop already and Zack Cozart is still on the board in the 17th round, you don’t draft him if you see Lucas Duda and you need an outfielder, even though Lucas Duda is below Zack Cozart on this list. So I might take someone at 200 over someone at 180? Yes, every draft is different. With the top 10, there’s almost no latitude. With the top 100, there’s a decent amount of latitude. With a top 300, there’s lots of latitude. You taking someone at 185 is more or less the same as someone else taking someone at 235. So if you see someone who’s ranked at 250th, but want them at 200, then do what you do. Because of the length of the top 300, there’s no pithy comments with each name, but you kinda do need to know what I’m thinking for each name, so I advise you go over each position in the 2012 fantasy baseball rankings. The top 100 and top 300 is what I would have at my drafts, along with the Point Shares (for auction values; they are coming shortly; Rudy is just waiting on the final projections) and the top 20 rankings posts. I already went over a top 100 for 2012 fantasy baseball, so I’m not going to cover them again. This top 300 will go from 101 to 300. Finally, see our list of all players with multiple position eligibility. Anyway, here’s the top 300 for 2012 fantasy baseball:

101. Danny Espinosa – 2012 Projections: 80/24/90/.240/19
102. Drew Storen – 2012 Projections: 4-3/2.50/1.04/75, 38 saves
103. Mariano Rivera - 2012 Projections: 2-3/2.40/0.95/55, 40 saves
104. Alex Avila – 2012 Projections: 60/19/75/.280/3
105. Joe Mauer – 2012 Projections: 80/10/85/.310/3
106. Josh Johnson – 2012 Projections: 10-3/2.75/1.05/100 in 110 IP
107. Ian Kennedy – 2012 Projections: 15-10/3.50/1.12/180
108. Yu Darvish – 2012 Projections: 14-7/3.60/1.10/190
109. Josh Beckett – 2012 Projections: 14-9/3.60/1.20/185
110. Ricky Romero – 2012 Projections: 13-12/3.75/1.20/170
111. Jonathon Papelbon – 2012 Projections: 4-3/2.65/1.00/80, 37 saves
112. James Shields – 2012 Projections: 13-11/3.70/1.25/190
113. Alex Rios – 2012 Projections: 75/17/85/.270/22
114. Colby Rasmus – 2012 Projections: 85/22/70/.265/10
115. Corey Hart – 2012 Projections: 75/24/70/.265/8
116. Nick Markakis – 2012 Projections: 80/18/85/.295/10
117. Andre Ethier – 2012 Projections: 70/22/85/.295
118. Ryan Braun – 2012 Projections: 55/20/70/.280/12
119. Tommy Hanson – 2012 Projections: 9-7/3.75/1.20/130 in 120 IP
120. Matt Moore – 2012 Projections: 10-7/3.15/1.20/160 in 150 innings
121. Jose Valverde – 2012 Projections: 3-3/3.00/1.22/65, 35 saves
122. Brian Wilson – 2012 Projections: 5-3/2.90/1.32/70, 35 saves
123. J.J. Putz – 2012 Projections: 4-3/2.75/1.00/60, 32 saves
124. Michael Bourn – 2012 Projections: 90/2/40/.280/50
125. Emilio Bonifacio – 2012 Projections: 70/2/40/.260/30
126. Derek Jeter – 2012 Projections: 90/10/60/.275/15
127. Max Scherzer – 2012 Projections: 14-8/3.70/1.30/195
128. Ubaldo Jimenez – 2012 Projections: 13-10/3.65/1.27/190
129. Shaun Marcum – 2012 Projections: 12-8/3.60/1.17/160
130. Brandon Beachy – 2012 Projections: 12-7/3.45/1.18/190 in 170 innings
131. Brandon Morrow – 2012 Projections: 13-9/3.85/1.28/210
132. Cory Luebke – 2012 Projections: 9-8/3.25/1.09/170
133. Heath Bell – 2012 Projections: 4-3/3.25/1.18/50, 37 saves
134. Mike Moustakas – 2012 Projections: 60/20/80/.270/4
135. Alexei Ramirez – 2012 Projections: 75/17/80/.270/10
136. Erick Aybar – 2012 Projections: 80/6/50/.280/24
137. Miguel Montero – 2012 Projections: 60/17/75/.270
138. Jesus Montero – 2012 Projections: 55/17/70/.285
139. Torii Hunter – 2012 Projections: 80/24/90/.270/7
140. Vernon Wells – 2012 Projections: 75/25/85/.260/8
141. Chris Carpenter – 2012 Projections: 13-10/3.65/1.25/165
142. Carlos Marmol – 2012 Projections: 5-3/3.50/1.35/100, 25 saves
143. Coco Crisp – 2012 Projections: 65/7/50/.260/35
144. Carlos Beltran – 2012 Projections: 65/18/80/.275/7
145. Nick Swisher – 2012 Projections: 80/25/90/.270
146. Carlos Quentin – 2012 Projections: 60/22/75/.250/3
147. Ichiro Suzuki – 2012 Projections: 80/6/40/.310/30
148. Jose Tabata – 2012 Projections: 90/7/50/.285/30
149. Ryan Roberts – 2012 Projections: 55/13/65/.245/15
150. Aaron Hill – 2012 Projections: 70/18/80/.265/15
151. Kelly Johnson – 2012 Projections: 80/20/70/.265/14
152. Johnny Cueto – 2012 Projections: 11-6/3.80/1.25/130
153. Michael Pineda – 2012 Projections: 14-9/3.75/1.15/180
154. Adam Wainwright – 2012 Projections: 12-7/3.75/1.28/140 in 160 innings
155. Roy Oswalt – 2012 Projections: 14-10/3.65/1.22/140
156. Jhoulys Chacin – 2012 Projections: 12-10/3.60/1.26/175
157. Trevor Cahill – 2012 Projections: 12-10/3.60/1.35/160
158. Jaime Garcia – 2012 Projections: 11-9/3.65/1.30/160
159. Neftali Feliz – 2012 Projections: 10-6/3.55/1.20/95 in 120 innings
160. Joakim Soria – 2012Projections: 3-2/3.35/1.25/65, 35 saves
161. Joel Hanrahan – 2012 Projections: 2-4/3.35/1.20/65, 34 saves
162. Ryan Madson – 2012 Projections: 5-2/3.00/1.22/60, 32 saves
163. J.J. Hardy – 2012 Projections: 60/19/75/.255
164. Dee Gordon – 2012 Projections: 80/0/30/.265/45
165. Ian Desmond – 2012 Projections: 70/10/65/.250/22
166. Danny Valencia – 2012 Projections: 75/18/85/.265/3
167. Jason Kipnis – 2012 Projections: 80/14/60/.255/12
168. Austin Jackson – 2012 Projections: 100/9/50/.260/27
169. Delmon Young – 2012 Projections: 70/17/80/.285/3
170. Cameron Maybin – 2012 Projections: 75/7/35/.255/30
171. Jemile Weeks – 2012 Projections: 90/3/50/.265/30
172. Colby Lewis – 2012 Projections: 14-11/4.00/1.20/180
173. Derek Holland – 2012 Projections: 13-8/4.00/1.32/180
174. Justin Masterson – 2012 Projections: 10-10/3.85/1.32/160
175. Kenley Jansen – 2012 Projections: 1-3/2.25/1.00/85, 25 saves
176. Jason Motte – 2012 Projections: 3-4/2.50/1.10/65, 27 saves
177. Huston Street – 2012 Projections: 2-4/3.00/1.10/50, 30 saves
178. Tim Hudson – 2012 Projections: 11-9/3.65/1.18/120
179. Doug Fister – 2012 Projections: 12-10/3.85/1.18/140
180. Ervin Santana – 2012 Projections: 12-12/4.00/1.30/170
181. Mark Trumbo – 2012 Projections: 60/25/75/.260/7 (500 PAs)
182. Paul Goldschmidt – 2012 Projections: 75/27/85/.245/7
183. David Ortiz – 2012 Projections: 75/27/90/.270
184. Zack Cozart – 2012 Projections: 55/14/70/.245/20
185. Alcides Escobar – 2012 Projections: 75/5/50/.250/30
186. Jair Jurrjens – 2012 Projections: 11-9/4.15/1.35/100
187. Clay Buchholz – 2012 Projections: 10-6/4.25/1.30/125
188. Jeremy Hellickson – 2012 Projections: 10-9/4.30/1.25/130
189. Andrew Bailey – 2012 Projections: 3-1/3.30/1.10/50, 34 saves
190. Dustin Ackley – 2012 Projections: 80/12/55/.265/12
191. Lorenzo Cain – 2012 Projections: 80/8/50/.280/25
192. Lucas Duda – 2012 Projections: 75/20/85/.280/3
193. Brennan Boesch – 2012 Projections: 90/20/70/.270/7
194. Dexter Fowler – 2012 Projections: 90/7/50/.270/20
195. Jeff Francoeur – 2012 Projections: 70/22/80/.260/7
196. Melky Cabrera – 2012 Projections: 75/14/65/.270/15
197. Matt Joyce – 2012 Projections: 55/17/65/.265/10
198. Eric Thames – 2012 Projections: 70/20/75/.255/5
199. Nolan Reimold – 2012 Projections: 65/24/80/.250/10
200. Roger Bernadina – 2012 Projections: 55/10/65/.260/20
201. Brandon Belt – 2012 Projections: 70/24/80/.280/10 (in 500 ABs)
202. Kendrys Morales – 2012 Projections: 65/22/75/.290
203. Jhonny Peralta – 2012 Projections: 60/17/75/.250
204. Justin Morneau – 2012 Projections: 60/17/75/.285
205. Gaby Sanchez – 2012 Projections: 65/20/85/.265/3
206. Freddie Freeman – 2012 Projections: 60/19/75/.280/3
207. Jonathan Sanchez – 2012 Projections: 12-11/3.95/1.35/185
208. Vance Worley – 2012 Projections: 12-9/3.75/1.27/130
209. Mike Minor – 2012 Projections: 10-8/3.65/1.28/170
210. Neil Walker – 2012 Projections: 70/12/80/.270/7
211. Gordon Beckham – 2012 Projections: 55/14/70/.260/5
212. Wandy Rodriguez – 2012 Projections: 10-10/3.65/1.30/170
213. Mat Gamel – 2012 Projections: 60/25/75/.290
214. Sergio Santos – 2012 Projections: 3-5/3.70/1.24/80, 25 saves
215. Alex Presley – 2012 Projections: 80/10/60/.270/20
216. Jordan Walden – 2012 Projections: 4-2/3.35/1.26/65, 35 saves
217. Kyle Farnsworth – 2012 Projections: 4-1/3.40/1.15/50, 25 saves
218. Frank Francisco – 2012 Projections: 3-4/3.50/1.28/60, 30 saves
219. Rafael Betancourt – 2012 Projections: 4-2/3.50/1.10/65, 25 saves
220. Matt Thornton – 2012 Projections: 5-4/3.75/1.22/65, 20 saves
221. Joe Nathan – 2012 Projections: 3-4/3.75/1.18/45, 30 saves
222. Mike Carp – 2012 Projections: 55/21/70/.260/3
223. Chris Heisey – 2012 Projections: 50/17/65/.250/10
224. Nyjer Morgan – 2012 Projections: 65/3/30/.270/27
225. Brandon League – 2012 Projections: 1-4/3.50/1.20/65, 30 saves
226. Ian Stewart – 2012 Projections: 60/24/75/.245/7
227. David Freese – 2012 Projections: 55/15/65/.290
228. Martin Prado – 2012 Projections: 80/12/70/.300/5
229. Brandon McCarthy – 2012 Projections: 8-11/3.50/1.17/140
230. Tim Stauffer – 2012 Projections: 8-10/3.80/1.24/135
231. Ted Lilly – 2012 Projections: 11-8/3.85/1.18/160
232. Scott Baker – 2012 Projections: 11-7/3.65/1.19/160
233. Jake Peavy – 2012 Projections: 10-8/3.75/1.21/130
234. Ryan Vogelsong – 2012 Projections: 10-9/3.75/1.26/140
235. Jonathon Niese – 2012 Projections: 9-10/3.75/1.32/160
236. Bud Norris – 2012 Projections: 7-9/3.80/1.32/190
237. Mike Leake – 2012 Projections: 13-8/3.75/1.22/135
238. Ryan Dempster – 2012 Projections: 12-8/3.90/1.33/190
239. Edwin Jackson – 2012 Projections: 11-10/3.80/1.35/160
240. Geovany Soto – 2012 Projections: 60/18/75/.260
241. Wilson Ramos – 2012 Projections: 55/18/70/.270
242. Chris Iannetta – 2012 Projections: 55/16/65/.245/5
243. J.P. Arencibia – 2012 Projections: 50/21/70/.235
244. Devin Mesoraco – 2012 Projections: 55/18/65/.280
245. Salvador Perez – 2012 Projections: 50/10/65/.280
246. Jarrod Saltalamacchia – 2012 Projections: 45/15/60/.220
247. Ryan Doumit – 2012 Projections: 45/14/55/.260
248. Russell Martin – 2012 Projections: 50/10/60/.240/9
249. Jonathan Lucroy – 2012 Projections: 50/13/60/.260/3
250. Yonder Alonso – 2012 Projections: 55/16/70/.280
251. Justin Smoak – 2012 Projections: 55/18/65/.245
252. Carlos Pena – 2012 Projections: 55/25/75/.210
253. Dayan Viciedo – 2012 Projections: 60/15/70/.260/3
254. Michael Brantley – 2012 Projections: 60/6/50/.275/20
255. Josh Reddick – 2012 Projections: 75/15/85/.260/10
256. Jon Jay – 2012 Projections: 50/12/40/.280/10
257. Alejandro De Aza – 2012 Projections: 60/7/30/.270/20
258. John Mayberry – 2012 Projections: 40/18/55/.250/10 in 400 ABs
259. Jordan Schafer – 2012 Projections: 75/5/35/.245/25
260. Mitch Moreland – 2012 Projections: 60/15/70/.275/3
261. Angel Pagan – 2012 Projections: 75/6/40/.280/27
262. Andres Torres – 2012 Projections: 70/5/40/.265/24
263. Seth Smith – 2012 Projections: 55/15/70/.275/10
264. Ryan Raburn – 2012 Projections: 40/12/50/.275/3
265. Brian Roberts – 2012 Projections: 65/5/35/.260/12
266. Jose Altuve – 2012 Projections: 80/12/40/.265/24
267. Homer Bailey – 2012 Projections: 12-9/3.70/1.28/130
268. Brad Peacock – 2012 Projections: 9-8/3.60/1.30/170
269. Edinson Volquez – 2012 Projections: 8-12/3.75/1.33/200
270. Chris Sale – 2012 Projections: 8-8/3.50/1.24/130
271. Daniel Bard – 2012 Projections: 9-7/3.70/1.22/160
272. Chris Perez – 2012 Projections: 2-5/4.00/1.28/45, 25 saves
273. Jim Johnson – 2012 Projections: 4-5/4.00/1.30/60, 20 saves
274. Matt Capps – 2012 Projections: 3-5/3.90/1.28/45, 25 saves
275. Brian Fuentes – 2012 Projections: 2-5/3.60/1.20/45, 20 saves
276. Juan Abreu – 2012 Projections: 1-4/2.70/1.28/70, 20 saves
277. Sean Rodriguez – 2012 Projections: 55/14/65/.230/10
278. Aroldis Chapman – 2012 Projections: 7-2/3.00/1.26/90, 22 Holds, 5 saves
279. Javy Guerra – 2012 Projections: 2-3/3.50/1.25/55, 20 Holds, 12 saves
280. Jon Rauch – 2012 Projections: 4-5/3.55/1.30/40, 20 Holds, 10 saves
281. Tyler Clippard – 2012 Projections: 5-3/2.65/1.15/90, 20 Holds, 5 saves
282. Mark Melancon – 2012 Projections: 6-2/3.25/1.25/65, 22 Holds, 5 saves
283. Jonny Venters – 2012 Projections: 7-2/2.75/1.15//70, 24 Holds, 3 saves
284. Daniel Murphy – 2012 Projections: 75/12/60/.275/5
285. Josh Willingham – 2012 Projections: 65/22/80/.250/3
286. Francisco Rodriguez – 2012 Projections: 6-4/2.75/1.26/80, 18 Holds, 3 saves
287. Yunel Escobar – 2012 Projections: 70/12/45/.280/3
288. Jason Bartlett – 2012 Projections: 50/3/35/.255/20
289. Rafael Furcal – 2012 Projections: 60/7/35/.245/12
290. Tyler Pastornicky – 2012 Projections: 55/7/65/.250/17
291. Jed Lowrie – 2012 Projections: 60/12/65/.260/3
292. Stephen Drew – 2012 Projections: 60/12/55/.270/5
293. Juan Pierre – 2012 Projections: 85/1/40/.285/30
294. Jason Kubel – 2012 Projections: 60/20/75/.260
295. Ben Revere – 2012 Projections: 70/1/35/.280/30
296. Denard Span – 2012 Projections: 65/4/55/.280/25
297. Carlos Lee – 2012 Projections: 60/20/80/.265/3
298. Grady Sizemore – 2012 Projections: 75/17/60/.245/5
299. Hiroki Kuroda – 2012 Projections: 12-9/3.90/1.24/150
300. John Danks – 2012 Projections: 9-10/3.75/1.28/150

Jacoby Ellsbury, 2012 Fantasy Outlook

Albert Lang — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:00:55 +0000

It’s quite possible that Jacoby Ellsbury can provide more first round value than most any other player selected, especially if he goes late in the first.

I have been a huge Ellsbury supporter for some time, ranking him seventh before his disastrous 2010 campaign. I truly believed Ellsbury had elite talent and could improve upon his power. Of course, 2010 was a complete waste.

Then in 2011, no matter what format you played in, Ellsbury was a top performer (#2 on ESPN’s player rater, for what it’s worth). Depending on Ryan Braun’s suspension, I have Ellsbury 6th or 7th. Fleaflicker has him 7th overall.

Grey has him at 12 in his top 20 for 2012 fantasy baseball, which is a travesty. Outside of Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Troy Tulowitzki, Ellsbury is the only surefire five category contributor. The only thing players like Fielder, Votto and Adrian Gonzalez have over Ellsbury is they will hit 10-15 more HRs and knock in 30 more runs. Ellsbury will pace them by a bunch of runs, out-steal them likes he’s the Hamburglar and they’re Grimace and bat for a better average. By my count, he wins 3 categories, while the slow lumbering 1Bs win two. Thanks to Sesame Street and the Count, I know 3 is greater than 2.

Let’s address the hesitancy surrounding Ellsbury, i.e., his power. His .230 ISO last year was leaps and bounds better than anything he ever did at any level (presumably since little league).

Will he hit 30+ HRs again in 2012?

No, I don’t think so (obviously it’s possible, but not overly plausible). Still, scouts have believed Ellsbury could settle into the high teens/low 20s in terms of HR output and that seems logical. I’ll pencil him in for 20 HRs.

So he needs to make up the value for a loss of 12 HRs. He’ll do so by getting on base consistently, to the tune of a .320 average and .370 OBP. With that, he’s a lock to score 100+ runs. Furthermore, in a potent Red Sox line-up, 75 RBIs seem to be a given, with significant upside there as well.

And with all that getting on base comes steals. In his last three full seasons, he has stolen 50, 70 and 39 bases. I think 40 is by far the low watermark, with 45-50 being a reasonable expectation. Again, he has upside.

There are very few first round picks with upside. Ellsbury has that. If I’m picking in drafts, I want to be later in the first round to secure Ellsbury and grab a slugger when it comes back to me. That’s a winning formula.

In short:

You want Ellsbury on your team, you need Ellsbury on your team. We use words like BABIP, FIP, RBI. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent on fantasy baseball…

Ellsbury is a few good men, um, man– Well, you get the idea.

2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, the Top 100

Grey — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:15:02 +0000

With the 2012 fantasy baseball rankings for every position done, we turn our lazy eye towards the top 100 for 2012 fantasy baseball. These 2012 fantasy baseball rankings are one part La Bamba and two parts LDP. They own a cat, a dog and a lizard in a two bedroom apartment where pets aren’t allowed. Know why? Cause they don’t care! None of this top 100 for 2012 fantasy baseball is meant to surprise. *jumping out of a closet* Boo! Sorry, that was meant to surprise. This top 100 is just taking my positional rankings and putting guys in The Big Picture. You really should read each ranking post because the blurbs in this top 100 are on the skimpy side because there’s so many of them. Obviously at a hundred players, some guys just didn’t make it. About 200 or so, to be inexact. It’s okay, there will be a top 300 too. Shortly, Sloth, you’ll have your Baby Ruth. Not to get all biblical on you, but this is the gospel. Print it out and take it to Mt. Sinai and it will say, “Win your 2012 fantasy baseball league, young premature balding man.” Projections were done by me and a crack team of 100 monkeys fighting amongst themselves because there were only 99 typewriters. Somebody buy Ling-Ling his own typewriter! To help with your drafting, there’s also a list of players with multiple position eligibility. Anyway, here’s the top 100 for 2012 fantasy baseball:

1. Miguel Cabrera – Let’s take the top off this Popov and shoot one down for Swiggy. Forget the millions of dollars he’s earned. Being Razzball’s number one player is his happiest moment. 2012 Projections: 105/32/115/.325/3

2. Albert Pujols – In the top 10 for fantasy baseball, I said Al Gore invented the internet and Pujols invented Al Gore. Or something like that. 2012 Projections: 100/35/110/.305/7

3. Joey Votto – “His name rhymes with blotto.” That’s Miguel Cabrera pointing at Votto while making small talk at the All-Star Game with Josh Hamilton. 2012 Projections: 100/30/110/.315/10

4. Jose Bautista – Please don’t let Joey Bats fail me now. Not after it took me two years to get pot-committed to him. 2012 Projections: 100/38/105/.265/10

5. Evan Longoria – Your 2012 American League MVP is… Evan Longoria. Now please let him stay off the herpes medication. 2012 Projections: 105/34/120/.280/7

6. Matt Kemp – Some people are taking Kemp first overall. I won’t. 2012 Projections: 100/30/105/.290/25

7. Troy Tulowitzki – If he only misses one month this year, I hope it’s March or October. 2012 Projections: 95/32/110/.305/10

8. Justin Upton – Nothing sexier than Justin Upton this year. Well, maybe Kate Upton. Meow! 2012 Projections: 100/30/100/.300/20

9. Prince Fielder – I hear he’s petitioning the Tigers to change their name to the Zebras. The stripes are slimming. When he went to the Tigers, I went over my Prince Fielder 2012 fantasy. 2012 Projections: 100/37/115/.280

10. Adrian Gonzalez – My hope is he does less spray hitting and more power hitting. I’m also praying for world peace. 2012 Projections: 100/32/115/.275

11. Robinson Cano – Our first Yankee!* (*ESPN passed a law through Congress that by the 450th word of every sports related blog post there must be a mention of the Yankees.) 2012 Projections: 105/27/105/.310/5

12. Jacoby Ellsbury – Our 2nd Red Sox!* (*Similar law.) 2012 Projections: 110/17/70/.295/45

13. Ian Kinsler – In the top 20 for 2012 fantasy baseball, I have Kinsler above a bunch of players that are being drafted after him. I didn’t do this with the intent that I would have Kinsler on every team, but I will happily take him. Please stay healthy. Please. 2012 Projections: 100/25/70/.260/25

14. Jose Reyes – I have Kinsler, Reyes and Hanley back-to-back-to-back, so, basically, I’m tempting fate here. If all three stay healthy and produce, I’ll be impressed. Not exactly what you want to hear at this point in a draft. 2012 Projections: 110/12/50/.295/45

15. Hanley Ramirez – Nothing says team player like… Well, whatever the opposite of Hanley would be. Here comes 3rd base eligibility and disgruntlement (Word of the Day!). 2012 Projections: 90/20/105/.305/25

16. Carlos Gonzalez – Can I add CarGo to the Kinsler/Reyes/Hanley troika of risk/upside? Hey, I just did. But now it’s not a troika. It’s a fourka! 2012 Projections: 100/25/100/.300/18

17. Andrew McCutchen – From Ellsbury to here, The Dread Pirate might actually be the safest, which means he’ll be the only one to get hurt. I’m joking/jinxing, or jonking. Sorry, the 2nd round always gets me nervous. 2012 Projections: 95/25/100/.275/30

18. Mike Stanton – I haven’t been as crazy as I am for Stanton since Ryan Klesko grew out his side burns. It’s true love and I have Stanton’s name scribbled all over my Trapper Keeper to prove it. 2012 Projections: 100/37/115/.260/7

19. Roy Halladay – He’s probably safer than some of the above names, but there’s also a gazillion (plus or minus a million) starters. No need to take one so early. 2012 Projections: 20-7/2.50/1.05/215

20. Dustin Pedroia – I won’t own him. Not that I don’t think he’s going to give you the stats that I project, but because I’ll be taking someone else above. 2012 Projections: 105/18/80/.295/20

21. Clayton Kershaw – This is where the rankings get a little tricky. I tried to look at ADP to avoid putting some of these guys above where they’re being taken. So I like Kershaw, but I want someone else to take him first. Just too many pitchers to be taking one this early. 2012 Projections: 17-7/2.55/1.05/230

22. Cliff Lee – I said most of what I had to say about The Adverb in Kershaw’s blurb. 2012 Projections: 18-8/2.50/1.05/215

23. Justin Verlander – Um, yeah, still see above. Or see the top 20 starters for 2012 fantasy baseball. 2012 Projections: 18-7/2.75/1.08/240

24. David Wright – Also, I need to say something in general about this top 100. If I’ve drafted Longoria or Bautista already, I’m not taking Wright. Though if I haven’t taken Longoria or Bautista, which is a possibility since they’re the only 3rd basemen in the top 20, then I’m grabbing Wright. 2012 Projections: 85/24/100/.290/15

25. Adrian Beltre – Also, I’m not taking Beltre if I’ve taken Wright, Bautista or Longoria, which means I’m probably owning Jay Bruce this year. Unless I have an outfielder but not a 3rd baseman. Well, I’ll go over all the draft strategy pairings in a separate post. 2012 Projections: 75/28/100/.280/3

26. Jay Bruce – Pretty surprised to see Bruce much lower in ADP as of right now. Hey, over-the-internet friend, outfield is shallow. There’s a lot of other outfielders that are giving you five categories? Rhetorical! 2012 Projections: 90/34/100/.270/10

27. Tim Lincecum – Like Digital Underground, he’s outta the Bay Area and he’s a freak of the industry and he’s money, B. Still don’t see any way I’m drafting him. Too many offensive slots to fill early on. 2012 Projections: 15-10/2.75/1.18/230

28. Josh Hamilton – Hey, look at that, Hamilton is ranked 28th. As in the number of rehab days for Sandra Bullock in that terrible movie. Since most everyone likes Hamilton more than Bruce, there’s a good chance I don’t own Hamilton this year. Unless, of course, after drafting something like 7 teams I decide to mix it up for variety sake. Also, the deeper the league, the more I’m avoiding Hamilton. As pointed out in the top 20 outfielders for 2012 fantasy baseball. Now, if I sense Hamilton going cheaper just because he likes his tonic with gin, then I’d draft him. Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle* would be proud I didn’t let a little thing like alcohol abuse stop me from drafting him. (*Sorry, every 450th word.) 2012 Projections: 75/27/85/.295/7

29. Felix Hernandez – Will be fun when ESPN is talking about how F-Her is having a bounce back in twelve-after-twenty even though he wasn’t bad last year. Good fun! 2012 Projections: 15-12/2.80/1.14/220

30. Nelson Cruz – Imagine you’re playing charades, Nelson Cruz is your partner and the phrase to guess is “always injured.” Cruz would just point at himself. 2012 Projections: 70/30/85/.260/10

31. Mark Teixeira – Albert Lang went over his Teixeira overrated thingie-ma-boob. I don’t disagree. 2012 Projections: 100/35/110/.260

32. Dan Uggla – He is being drafted on average in the 50′s. Guess who has two thumbs, two pinkies, is making the “Hang Loose” sign and is gonna own Uggla this year? This guy! 2012 Projections: 90/35/105/.250/3

33. Pablo Sandoval – Guess who has two thumbs, two pinkies, is making the “Hang Loose” sign, hasn’t showered since last week and is hopefully gonna own a third baseman before he gets out of the third round? Still this guy! 2012 Projections: 80/27/95/.320/3

34. Ryan Zimmerman – Guess who has two thumbs, two pinkies, is making the “Hang Loose” sign, hasn’t showered since last week, is eating ice cream out of his belly button and is hopefully gonna own a third baseman before he gets out of the third round? Same guy, different blurb! 2012 Projections: 80/27/100/.290/5

35. CC Sabathia – I have an idea for the All-Star Game weekend. Pie eating contest between Eugenio Velez and Dee Gordon with CC and Prince as their coaches. Imagine the agony on CC’s face when Dee Gordon can’t get down more than a forkful. Why am I not in charge of the All-Star Game festivities? 2012 Projections: 20-7/3.10/1.20/210

36. Hunter Pence – First full year in Citizens Flank, which could mean he exceeds my projections. Even if he doesn’t, he’s one of the safest bets out of the first 40 picks. Ed Wade’s Toupee would be proud, wherever it is. I’m guessing a tropical island. 2012 Projections: 95/25/100/.280/10

37. Curtis Granderson – I’m a big fan of Grandy this year. Now look at that sentence in the mirror. Here’s a post I dedicated to my Granderson reverse love. 2012 Projections: 100/29/90/.255/18

38. Elvis Andrus – Younger, healthier version of Reyes with 5 less homers. Can’t put it to you any simpler. 2012 Projections: 105/7/60/.285/40

39. Starlin Castro – Usually when people get excited about a player, I get cynical and excuse myself to the lavatory to barf. In this case, I kinda like Castro. 2012 Projections: 100/12/70/.310/20

40. Zack Greinke – First top ranked pitcher I have a legitimate shot at owning. I’m so fine with that, I’m finer with it. If that made any sense. 2012 Projections: 15-8/2.90/1.18/220

41. Cole Hamels – I’ve got no quarrel with Hamels, but if I’ve just drafted Greinke there’s no way I’m owning Cole. Just the facts, Jack Black Kerouac. (<–alliteration in lieu of wit!) 2012 Projections: 15-10/2.95/1.10/200

42. Brett Lawrie – I already went over my Lawrie 2012 fantasy. I had it dry cleaned for you. 2012 Projections: 90/20/70/.290/24

43. Paul Konerko – I want a 3rd baseman early. I want an outfielder early. I’ll definitely take a 1st baseman early. The problem? I don’t have enough picks for all the early picks I want. Um… Crap? 2012 Projections: 85/29/100/.290

44. Alex Rodriguez – Out of 44 picks, this is the 8th 3rd baseman from the top 20 3rd basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball. ESPN, “Yay, that means it’s deep!” Reality, “No, that means eight 3rd basemen will be gone quickly and then things get tricky.” ESPN, “Whatever. Go Yankees and Red Sox!” 2012 Projections: 70/24/85/.270/5

45. Howie Kendrick – Random Razzball Commenter, “Why is Kendrick ranked above some outfielders here that he’s ranked below on the top 40 outfielders for 2012 fantasy baseball?” February Grey, “Because he has 2nd base eligibility. If Matt Holliday had 2nd base eligibility, he’d be ranked here.” Random Razzball Commenter, “I love your mustache.” February Grey, “Thank you.” 2012 Projections: 100/18/70/.290/15

46. Brandon Phillips – Wanna see some value? Why are you looking under your desk? The value isn’t there. Look at Pedroia’s projections and look at Phillips’s. There’s the value. 2012 Projections: 90/20/85/.275/17

47. Matt Holliday – Maybe Holliday will pull a Claire Danes, but I doubt it. To explain: I don’t like Claire Danes. I’ve managed to avoid everything she’s ever done. Yet, she’s surprised me with Homeland. Best drama on TV, assuming Mad Men’s on hiatus. Yes, better than Boardwalk Empire. Though, I haven’t started watching Breaking Bad yet and am still trying to figure out how I feel about Luck. Confused is one word that comes to mind with Luck. Only thing disappointing about Homeland is I keep waiting for Claire Danes to introduce her gay best friend played by Carlos Beltran. 2012 Projections: 85/24/90/.305/5

48. Carlos Santana – Taking a wild guess here, but I’m thinking I don’t draft Santana anywhere ranking him this low. Last year, I took a lot of heat for ranking Posey in the 90′s overall. How’d that work out for you? 2012 Projections: 80/25/90/.260/5

49. Madison Bumgarner – I’m uber-high on Bumgarner. Yes, I used uber. Here’s my Bumgarner 2012 fantasy too. 2012 Projections: 15-8/2.90/1.18/200

50. Yovani Gallardo – If I didn’t draft a starter yet, obviously I’m taking one in this player grouping. Or plouping, which sounds like a Swedish person going to the bathroom. 2012 Projections: 15-9/3.15/1.20/210

51. David Price – Leave the fan on cause we’re still in the same plouping. If you’re pooped from this ploup, there’s good news. There’s only one more to drop. It’s below you. No, down. 2012 Projections: 15-10/3.20/1.18/200

52. Jon Lester – Hey! Glad you found it. He’s the courtesy flush before we leave this plouping. 2012 Projections: 16-9/3.25/1.22/200

53. Chase Utley – Worth pointing out here that Utley is the 7th 2nd baseman from the top 20 2nd basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball in 53 names. What’s going on here is I’m making sure I have at least one top 2nd baseman so I can grab another 2nd baseman for my middle infield slot. Then I only have to deal with one shortstop. 2012 Projections: 80/20/85/.280/15

54. Aramis Ramirez – I’d throw Aramis in with those Hamilton/Cruz-types that I’d be careful about in very deep leagues where it’s not as easy to fill in off waivers because Aramis always misses time. 2012 Projections: 75/25/95/.295

55. Kevin Youkilis – I see Youuuuuuuuk being drafted in the 80′s overall. I hate to write a sleeper post on him because it’ll be as lame as my Vernon Wells sleeper post, but Youuuuuuuk’s a bargain in drafts this year. Cust kayin’. 2012 Projections: 75/19/85/.270/3

56. Lance Berkman - You know what’s gonna be weird? When I don’t have a 1st baseman yet and Berkman’s name pops up in my queue. That’s gonna be awkward after all the bad things I said about him last year. 2012 Projections: 80/24/95/.275/3

57. Michael Young - Old Young is being drafted on average fifteen spots before Youuuuuuk. Whole lotta average lovers out there. 2012 Projections: 75/15/90/.310/5

58. Eric Hosmer – Trying to figure out how to justify putting Hosmer ahead of Berkman and Young even though I don’t have him in front of them on my top 20 1st basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball post. I could see a potential scenario where I don’t have a 1st baseman and I take Hosmer before the previous two. What I’d prefer to happen is I have a 1st baseman so there’s no need to take Berkman or Young, and then Hosmer is around for me to take a little later for my corner infidel slot. This seems highly unlikely though since Hosmer’s ADP is above even 58. Oh, well. 2012 Projections: 85/25/95/.280/10

59. Brian McCann – I punt catcher so this is merely a formality ranking him here. I’ll go over catcher strategy in its own post. Continued in the next blurb. 2012 Projections: 70/25/85/.275/3

60. Matt Wieters – But, and this is a J. Lo-sized but, I could see ignoring Wieters if he’s there at the 60th pick, but grabbing him before his ADP of 100-ish. 2012 Projections: 80/24/85/.280

61. Dan Haren – Doesn’t he seem older than 31 years old? Maybe he’s got that Benjamin Button disease. That was a true story, right? 2012 Projections: 17-10/3.30/1.12/190

62. Jimmy Rollins – Now here’s a guy that seems older than 31 years old. *checking notes* Oh, he is. He’s 33. Yeah, speed doesn’t age well. Neither do Phillies. Comatose Marlins Fan, “Too bad my team never spends any money or we might actually compete this year.” Comatose Marlins Fan, I have some good news for you. 2012 Projections: 80/14/55/.270/24

63. Asdrubal Cabrera – I was all ready to write an overrated post for Asdrubal, and maybe I still will once more people come out with their rankings, but right now I think the fantasy baseballers (<–my mom’s term!) are on the money with where they’re taking Asdrubal. 2012 Projections: 80/14/70/.270/15

64. Jered Weaver – I’m pretty down on Weaver (not like that!) compared to other ‘perts. February Grey’s mantra, “Too many pitchers to choose from so, if I’m not into one of them, I’m moving on.” So it’s not the most soothing mantra. 2012 Projections: 16-10/3.35/1.12/200

65. C.J. Wilson – You can read what I wrote about Weaver in the mirror. .artnam gnihtoos tsom eht ton s’ti oS No, I meant, I’m up on Wilson compared to being down on Weaver. Still don’t mean it like that. 2012 Projections: 14-8/3.45/1.21/190

66. Shane Victorino – “Every time I try to get out of drafting Victorino, I get pulled back in!” That’s me looking at Victorino’s ADP compared to where I’ve ranked him. Is it too much to ask for people to get excited about him so I don’t have to draft him? He’s really good! Did that help? 2012 Projections: 85/15/55/.275/20

67. Craig Kimbrel – Yeah, I don’t draft top closers. SAGNOF! 2012 Projections: 5-2/2.20/1.08/110, 40 saves

68. Michael Morse – From this next plouping of outfielders, I’m looking for my 2nd outfielder in 5 outfielder leagues. Since at this point, I’ll have quite a few players I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m taking Morse over Jennings. If I have Bruce or Stanton, I may feel like I need speed more than Morse provides. If I have Uggla, I may not take Fellatio Upton because of average concerns. If I have Wright, I may not take Heyward because they both need to bounce back. This is where things become interesting. I mean that sincerely. I’m a nerd! 2012 Projections: 80/27/90/.275/3

69. Desmond Jennings – I’m gonna go easy on my love for Jennings because if Stanton hears me… Well, I just don’t want to ruin what we have. To read my Desmond Jennings 2012 fantasy. Do that click you do. 2012 Projections: 80/16/65/.275/35

70. B.J. Upton – Spoiler alert: I like B.J. Usually before I say that, I say, “Soiler alert.” 2012 Projections: 80/20/85/.250/40

71. Adam Jones – I drafted Adam Jones in my first 2012 fantasy baseball mock that I’ll post next week. I gotta be honest. Drafting Jones didn’t get any tingling going in my nethers. 2012 Projections: 80/25/90/.285/12

72. Drew Stubbs – Stubbs and Krispie both seem good in theory. Don’t under any circumstances draft them on the same team or with any other guy who I have projected for .250 or lower. Cause if two of them miss their marks and hit .240, you’re like Dunn done. 2012 Projections: 80/17/55/.240/40

73. Krispie Young – See Stubbs’s blurb or 1/8th of an inch above. 2012 Projections: 85/25/80/.235/25

74. Jason Heyward – Here’s something that I don’t think I mentioned in the top 40 outfielders for 2012 fantasy baseball post. If Heyward has another terrible year, he’ll be ranked around 200th overall for 2013. I just don’t see that happening. 2012 Projections: 80/22/90/.280/10

75. Shin-Soo Choo – This is a plouping inside a plouping. I’m not crazy about Choo, but I have him low enough where I shouldn’t own him anyway. 2012 Projections: 80/17/85/.280/17

76. Carl Crawford – Really wanted to believe in the bounce back. I did, really. Really, really. But wrist surgery, really? 2012 Projections: 75/10/70/.280/30

77. Alex Gordon – I’m not a fan of guys coming off career years unless they’re like 24 years old and could get better. That’s just me being real with ya. 2012 Projections: 85/20/100/.280/12

78. Brett Gardner – If Ellsbury is less valuable than Gardner in 2012, you have to pay me a $1. Any takers? (Sure, there’s no scenario here where I give you money, but are you taking the bet? Yes or no?) 2012 Projections: 105/8/50/.280/50

79. Jayson Werth – Watch Werth carry the Nats to the World Series. That would surprise you? Okay, a little. But it does sound within the realm of possibility. 2012 Projections: 75/22/90/.265/15

80. Mike Napoli – I already went over my Napoli overrated post. It was written by Mike Scioscia. 2012 Projections: 60/25/70/.250/3

81. Buster Posey – As someone mentioned in that Napoli overrated post, I could’ve just said any catcher drafted before 100 overall is a schmohawk. Kinda true when you think about how many people have wasted Posey draft picks in his short career. 2012 Projections: 65/20/75/.300

82. Michael Cuddyer – Kinda surprised me how high I ranked Cuddyer. Not a good surprise, or a bad surprise, just a surprise. 2012 Projections: 75/22/85/.275/5

83. Mark Reynolds – Draft Reynolds and get the Mini Donkey show. Home run, steal, strikeout whiff strikeout whiff strikeout whiff, home run, steal, strikeout whiff strikeout whiff strikeout whiff. He likes to get his whiffs in. 2012 Projections: 75/35/90/.230/7

84. Adam Lind – Let’s see if you can guess what I’m drafting now. No, not a pitcher! I’m drafting a corner man. I have no problem filling up my corner infidel slot before I even have a shortstop. I actually don’t mind drafting a middle infidel before a shortstop. That would mean two 2nd basemen before a shortstop for those slow on the uptake. 2012 Projections: 90/32/105/.270

85. Billy Butler – I kinda wanna own Butler this year. I know, it makes little sense. But so does that fact he just had a solid year and his ADP actually went down from last year. 2012 Projections: 90/20/100/.300

86. Ryan Howard – The positive is you’ll be able to DL him. The negative is no one knows for how long. 2012 Projections: 70/28/100/.260

87. Gio Gonzalez – People will look at this high ranking of Gio like I lost my stuffing that stuffs my head that some people call brains. Fair enough, but there’s no way the rankings go exactly in this order, unless 12 people are all drafting from the same top 100 list. And keeping exactly to it. As soon as some schmohawk drafts Mariano Rivera 80th overall, the entire order shifts. So the chances of you drafting Gio at, say, pick 120th is good. 2012 Projections: 15-8/3.50/1.28/200

88. Matt Cain – Recently, saw someone I went to high school with post on Facebook a bumper sticker that said, “Kane is able.” Then they wrote, “Clever!” Then 20 people thumbed it up. On a related note, I have no idea who these people are I went to high school with. 2012 Projections: 14-10/3.10/1.10/180

89. Mat Latos – The thought is that a pitcher leaving Petco will take a hit-slash-get hit. Yeah, agreed. But Latos has the stuff to play in any park and now he’ll actually have an offense. Win-win. Literally. 2012 Projections: 16-10/3.50/1.20/200

90. Stephen Strasburg – I don’t see how I’m going to end up with Strasburg unless I reach way above this ranking or compete in a 12 team league with 11 relatives who don’t like baseball. I don’t even think I have 11 relatives. Grey’s family is small, yo! 2012 Projections: 12-5/2.90/1.10/165 in 160 innings

91. Daniel Hudson – I don’t look at where people are drafting every player until after I do my rankings, so I’m not needlessly influenced. With that said, I was happy to see Hudson around this spot so there’s a chance I could get him. Yay for me. 2012 Projections: 14-8/3.40/1.18/190

92. Jordan Zimmermann – Would’ve been crazy to think this in 2011, but as early as next year, Ryan Zimmerman could be drafted after Jordan Zimmermann if Ryan can’t hang with J-Z and the “Ninjas in Paris.” That is what the asterisks are for, right? 2012 Projections: 14-6/3.25/1.15/170

93. Logan Morrison - My best friend Harry has a brother Larry in five days from now– Oh, sorry, was listening to my iTunes. Um, yeah, Morrison… Um… Well, you know what he does. 2012 Projections: 60/25/75/.270/5

94. Peter Bourjos – Frequent commenter and, I believe one of our three girl readers, pubscout, alerted me that Bourjos is nursing a hip injury. If that’s the reason why he’s fast like a gazelle, but his steals were down last year, I might have to drop him in my rankings. You’ve been caveated. 2012 Projections: 85/15/50/.255/35

95. Ben Zobrist – Maybe his Christian-rock-singing wife can write a little ditty called, “There’s No Middle Infidel In My Heart That Does What You Do.” 2012 Projections: 75/17/90/.255/17

96. Rickie Weeks – Draft him and then start thinking about who you’re going to pick up to fill in for him when he’s hurt. 2012 Projections: 65/18/50/.260/10

97. Ike Davis – Here’s hoping the Mets move their fences to just off the infield grass. 2012 Projections: 85/22/90/.280

98. John Axford – To talk as if all I watch is infomercials, I think Axford is gonna be more wow than sham, but I’m still not drafting a top closer. 2012 Projections: 5-1/2.40/1.16/90, 38 saves

99. Matt Garza - Pray that somehow, against all odds Phil Collins-style the Padres become contenders and they trade for Garza mid-season. 2012 Projections: 12-10/3.40/1.25/190

100. Anibal Sanchez - I already dropped on you an Anibal Sanchez fantasy. I talk about things in that post that are unprintable. Luckily, no one’s printing it out. 2012 Projections: 15-8/3.50/1.24/190

2012 Angels Fantasy Baseball Preview

Grey — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:11 +0000

We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team blogs and featuring their locally blogged answers to pressing 2012 fantasy baseball questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require less energy consumption (for us anyway). The 2012 Angels Fantasy Baseball Preview comes courtesy of Sam Miller from The OC Register.

1) The addition of Pujols creates a logjam, which sounds very odd. But it’s true. I went over my thoughts when he landed in Bobby Grichville. What do you think? Specifically, does Mark Trumbo play and where?

First Trumbo has to get healthy. He’s got a weird foot thing, which is weird because the guy he replaced had a weird foot thing, and the guy who is writing this answer has a weird foot thing. I just like the shape of them. Can I see your foot? The left one.

But the problem with even a healthy Trumbo is that it’s not like there are four guys for three positions and he just happens to be the fourth. There are basically seven guys for four positions and he’s sixth or seventh. He’s not going to play over Pujols. He’s not going to play over Hunter. He’s not going to play over Wells, at least early. He’s not going to play over Abreu/Morales against righties. And he might not play over Morales against lefties, either. Also, (I read ahead,) do we see Mike Trout this year? So it’s not great. Third base was a longshot to begin with, but weird foot thing + not trading Callaspo/Izturis makes that look not only unlikely but unhelpful. I wouldn’t bet on more than 250 plate appearances.

There are two reasons to own Trumbo anyway. One is that he could still stumble into 3B eligibility, along with 1B, RF, maybe LF, which is a useful combo. Two is that the Angels could trade him to someone who puts him near the middle of the order. Three is that he’s the world’s greatest hitter, which is why there are only two reasons.

2) This is sort of a part B on the first question. Do we see Mike Trout this year? If so, how many at-bats will he get?

I think he was going to start in Salt Lake even before Pujols signed. Scioscia was telegraphing that plan pretty clearly, if still leaving his options open. And Pujols pushes all the playing-time crunch onto the corner outfield spots, so now it’s even less likely he’ll start in Anaheim. Just a guess, but maybe he’s up in June or July and plays every day for whoever is injured or sucking. A lot of these playing time decisions will depend on whether Vernon Wells bounces back.

>>Glances down. Sees Question No. 4.<<

These questions are all out of order, Grey.

3) Okay, this is kinda part C on the first question. Man, you’re getting off easy! Does Kendrys Morales bounce back to what we saw before his limp-off home run or does he just bounce back and forth off the DL?

There’s a pretty long history of position players missing a year or more and coming back more or less good at baseball as they ever were. More or less. Ron Gant did it and Chipper Jones and Robin Ventura and even Rocco Baldelli before a bunch of new and unrelated injuries ruined him. Those injuries are all different than Morales’, so I’m not saying they work as perfect comps, or even imperfect comps for his health, but long stretches of inactivity don’t seem to erode skills. There’s obviously a limit to this theory, though, according to the motion picture Mr. 3000.

He truly is ahead of where he was at this point last year, so I’m a bit more sanguine, which is a word I love to use in my writing because I don’t know how to pronounce it. I think he’ll be healthy enough to play this year, and I think his pre-injury line in 2010 (.290/.346/.487) is a fine projection, perhaps adjusted down a tick to reflect a lower overall offensive environment.

4) This is not question 1D, but you can think of it like that if you like. I see Vernon Wells as a bounce back candidate. Do you agree or think I’m crazy like everyone else who reads that post I just linked to?

Wells is still strong and runs pretty well in the outfield and his isolated power numbers were reasonable.He just forgot how to hit, at all, and not just in a BABIP way — his line drive rate was the worst in the league, and he went from June 10 to July 16 without a walk. Still, I’d always bet on the guy who forgets how to hit before I’d bet on a guy who gets old and fat and broken down. Vernon Wells is not fat and he’s not physically broken down and he’s not all that old.

He’s also rebuilt his swing “from scratch.” Those offseason working-on-my-swing stories always seem encouraging, and it seemed encouraging to me when he said it. (He’s working with the Cubs’ Rudy Jaramillo, a guy smart people say nice things about.) But on the other hand, the tinkering phase is sometimes like the third or fourth step toward madness. So I don’t know if that’s good or bad, actually. It’s either good or bad. But every fantasy sleeper is going to be either good or bad. That’s why they’re fantasy sleepers instead of fantasy studs.

5) What would be the ultimate proof that the Angels supplanted the Dodgers as the favored SoCal team?
A) Rihanna and Alyssa Milano hanging around the clubhouse.
B) Arte’s wife files for divorce.
C) Fans show up in the 4th inning and leave in the 6th.
D) Tommy Lasorda opens up a pasta stand at Angels Stadium.
E) They change their name once again but this time to the On-Hels.
F) The Dodgers rename themselves the Anaheim Dodgers of Los Angeles.

G) Vin Scully starts calling their games.

Washington Nationals 2011 Minor League Review

Scott Evans — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:19 +0000

Washington Nationals 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (14) | 2010 (24) | 2009 (21) | 2008 (10) | 2007 (30) | 2006 (24)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [80-81] NL East

AAA: [66-74] International League – Syracuse

AA: [80-62] Eastern League – Harrisburg

A+: [68-71] Carolina League – Potomac

A: [75-64] South Atlantic League – Hagerstown

A(ss): [45-30] New York-Penn League – Auburn

The Run Down

There would’ve been a few more guys to discuss here, had the Nationals not gutted their system in acquiring Gio Gonzalez. Their top two pitching prospects (Brad Peacock & A.J. Cole) were shipped out along with top catching prospect, Kerek Norris, and big-league-ready LHP, Tom Milone. Prior to the trade, Baseball America had this Nationals system ranked #1 overall. GM Mike Rizzo drafted some high-ceiling types in Anthony Rendon and Matt Purke, and the organization still possesses baseball’s top prospect. Regarding that top prospect: he’s got the tools and makeup to be a perennial All Star, but his mustache could use some work. It’s flat and whispy, but not pathetic enough to be making a comedic statement a la Derek Holland. Harper needs to add significant volume to his 6^th tool in order to complete the package. Perhaps Grey could lend some advice?

Arizona Fall League Players – Scottsdale Scorpions

Pat Lehman (RHP); Rafael Martin (RHP); Sammy Solis (LHP); Derek Norris (C); Bryce Harper (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Danny Espinosa (SS); Wilson Ramos (C); Yunesky Maya (RHP); Ryan Mattheus (RHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Bryce Harper | OF:

Grey previews Harper here. And while I tend to agree with the guarded outlook, the Nationals have been adamant about not counting their prized prospect out of a Major League role when camp breaks. Grey noted that this could simply be a ploy to stir fan interest, which seems plausible. Lately, though, I’m wondering if the Nats are sincere about promoting Harper sooner rather than later. This, of course, is a situation worth watching closely as it develops this spring. My best guess: Harper will be called up in June.

Chris Marrero | 1B:

Marrero collected 100+ AB’s as the Nationals’ primary first baseman this past September. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old did not impress. His 2011 Triple-A figures (.300/.375/.449), however, are his best to date. Blocked by Michael Morse and Adam LaRoche, Marrero should return to AAA, but he’s right on the cusp of breaking through as another rather boring NL first baseman.

Steve Lombardozzi | 2B:

Lombardozzi is one of those scraptastic guys who you probably don’t want anywhere near your fantasy roster. Not very toolsy, but oozing with baseball acumen. You know the type. He’ll likely make the Nats as a utility infielder, but shouldn’t see regular time unless Danny Espinosa or Ian Desmond goes down to injury.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Anthony Rendon | 3B:

The sixth overall selection in the 2011 draft, Rendon signed late and is yet to make his pro debut. He brings a polished approach to hitting and is discussed in the same light as Evan Longoria and David Wright. Washington will be careful with him at first; a strained throwing shoulder hampered him in his final season at Rice. Rendon has a Major League contract so he’ll be in camp with the big club this spring, but I expect him to make his pro debut in Potomac. The Nats may have to consider shifting him to second base while Zimmerman holds down third.

Pitchers

Matt Purke | LHP – SP:

Purke signed too late to gain any professional experience last year, but he has the potential to climb quickly through the Washington farm system. The lefty went 16-0 with Texas Christian in 2010, but didn’t pitch in 2011 due to a shoulder ailment. The condition didn’t require surgery, and the Nationals feel they got a steal in drafting Purke in the third round last June. Until he proves his health on the mound, it’s fair to be skeptical, but Purke is armed with a filthy fastball-slider combo, and projects as a frontline starter.

Cole Kimball | RHP – RP:

Kimball was off to a nice start to his Major League career before his season was cut short to injury. In 12 appearances with the Nats, the righty posted a 1.93 ERA. This was after Kimball put up a 0.00 ERA in 12 appearances as the closer in Syracuse. Rotator-cuff surgery is cause for concern, but the Nationals hope to have Kimball back in their bullpen for the second half.

Sammy Solis | LHP – SP:

Solis projects as a mid-rotation, innings eating type. His repertoire features a mid-90′s fastball with movement, a decent curve, and a work-in-progress changeup. Solis posted a 2.72 ERA in 10 starts at High-A to round out his 2011. He’ll ride that momentum into Harrisburg for 2012 and could progress quickly from there, given his solid mechanics and fundamental approach.

Top 5 Utility Players for 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Grey — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:15:51 +0000

We fill out the 2012 fantasy baseball rankings with the last few hitters, the top 5 utility players for 2012 fantasy baseball. Tomorrow we take this mother to one hundred! Not one hundred utility men. The top 100 overall. Then we take this to 300! Again, not 300 utility men. Okay, these players are only eligible at DH aka Utility. Frankly, I don’t think you should draft any of these designated hitters. They don’t allow enough flexibility. For example, what if you had Vladimir Guerrero clogging up your Utility spot last year and you really wanted to pick up Desmond Jennings? You would’ve been wretched, retching on all fours to borrow from The Decemberists. These guys have no position eligibility for fantasy baseball. As with past rankings posts, this top 5 for 2012 will be broken up into tiers, and their 2012 projections will be included. Anyway, here’s the top 5 utility players for 2012 fantasy baseball (they suck, enjoy!):

1. Billy Butler – This is the first tier. This tier goes from here until here. I call this tier, “Look at dem cans!” (Butler had 11 games at 1st base so he might have eligibility for you there.) To see Butler’s 2012 projections go to the top 20 1st basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball.

2. David Ortiz – This is a new tier. This tier goes from here until here. I call this tier, “And now you’re hamstrung.” By the tier name I mean this, Ortiz seems like the only Utility-only player that anyone considers drafting. People draft Butler, but as a 1st baseman. So when people draft Ortiz, they really are only getting a Utility-only player. With no hope of getting a 1st baseman from games played during the season. Now they have no flexibility. If you have a guy in your Utility spot all year, you’re hamstrung. BTW, isn’t it interesting how the word utility means something useful, but for fantasy it’s not? I swear that sounded interesting in my head before I typed it. Anyhoo! 2012 Projections: 75/27/90/.270

3. Johnny Damon – (Has 16 games in the outfield, so he might have eligibility there.) This is a new tier. This tier goes from here until the end of the post. I call this tier, “You are a damn fool if you draft one of these guys.” Actually, I can see a scenario where drafting one these guys makes sense. You join a ten team league with you and nine other teams that are just you using different aliases. I’d then draft Damon for one of the other teams that you’re sandbagging. When you beat the nine alias sandbagging teams, the girls will be throwing themselves at your feet. 2012 Projections: 50/12/40/.265/12

4. Vladimir Guerrero – It’s definitely not the age of the DH, huh? Somewhere Ron Blomberg is rolling over in his grave. Assuming he’s dead. If he’s not, looking at the current DHs will kill him. I hope you’re happy, Vlad! 2012 Projections: 35/15/45/.270

5. Hideki Matsui – “Does he have outfield eligibility? Does he have a current major league team that is going to play him?” That could also be this tier’s name. 2012 Projections: crap/that/smells/nasty

Curtis Granderson, 2012 Fantasy Schmohawk

Grey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:58 +0000

There was good dialogue in the comments on my Curtis Granderson 2012 fantasy that I wrote while lip-synching to Taylor Swift. I’ll give you the gist since your clickie finger doesn’t always work so well. I’m paraphrasing, btw. Frequent commenter, Oaktown Steve, said, “Granderson was working the shortest part of the park pretty well last year. I think there’s something to be said for knowing how to take advantage of your home yard. Might have figured it out. When I saw him this year I saw very quick hands inside, especially against left handers.” I said, “And what if pitchers work him away more in 2012 and that short porch (that he had in 2010 that he didn’t work) does nothing for him?” Then Oaktown Steve said, “Different adjustments will have to be made. He gets 100 runs and 100 RBIs with no problem in that lineup.” Then I said, “He didn’t get 100 runs and 100 RBIs in 2010 in a solid lineup.” Then Oaktown Steve said, “His 2010 September was huge and that was portending a huge 2011.” Then I said, “Then is his poor September in 2011 portending a bad 2012?” Then Oaktown Steve said, “I never used the word portending. Are you even using that word correctly?” Then I said, “I’m not sure.” Then Oaktown Steve said, “I didn’t say any of these last few statements.” Then I said, “Yeah, but I have to wrap up this conversation somehow.” Then Oaktown Steve said, “It’s a wrap!” And I said, “Now you owe Bobby Valentine a nickel.” So what can we expect of Curtis Granderson for 2012 fantasy baseball and what makes him overrated?

His HR/FB rate last year was silly. Silly as in too high. Not too high as Cheech and Chong would’ve intended it. His career HR/FB% (with the huge 2011) is 13.9. Last year it was 20.9. Not repeatable, unless Zoltar’s still taking wishes. Last year his K-rate went up and his line drives fell. That sounds like a recipe for disaster that the Barefoot Contessa would not be happy to serve Jeffrey. (BTW, the Barefoot Contessa is wildly attractive to me even though she’s not attractive at all. Is that weird? I feel like everyone should have one totally weird crush, right? I’m jealous of Jeffrey. I’d like to poach her fish! Okay, I’m weird.) Grandy’s BABIP wasn’t totally crazy, but he’s barely a .260 hitter without luck. Okay, and he’s about to turn 31 years old. He’s getting better? Nope. His steals and power are there to an extent, so I’m not totally down on him in the sexual way (not that there’s anything wrong with that). He should be good for 27 to 32 homers and 15 to 20 steals. But because of all the potential pitfalls, I wouldn’t go anywhere near him in the 2nd round as he’s being drafted. Stamped: Schmohawk!