FakeTeams

Down On The Farm: Marc Hulet's Top 50 AL Prospects for 2010

2010-03-12T17:00:38Z

Mark Duncan - AP

16 days ago: Cleveland Indians coach Sandy alomar, left, talks with catcher Carlos Santana during the team's first practice at baseball spring training camp on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

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Marc Hulet, Fangraphs' prospect expert, published his Top 50 AL prospects for 2010 on Wednesday. Nothing too surprising with this list, although Ackley at 5?? Ahead of Matusz?

Here are Marc's Top 50 AL prospects for 2010.

The Top 10 AL Prospects
1. Desmond Jennings, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
2. Neftali Feliz, RHP, Texas Rangers
3. Carlos Santana, C, Cleveland Indians
4. Jesus Montero, C/1B, New York Yankees
5. Dustin Ackley, 2B/OF, Seattle Mariners
6. Brian Matusz, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
7. Jeremy Hellickson, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
8. Justin Smoak, 1B, Texas Rangers
9. Chris Carter, 1B, Oakland Athletics
10. Martin Perez, LHP, Texas Rangers

Just Missed the Top 10
11. Casey Kelly, RHP, Boston Red Sox
12. Aaron Hicks, OF, Minnesota Twins
13. Tim Beckham, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
14. Wade Davis, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
15. Michael Montgomery, LHP, Kansas City Royals
16. Brett Wallace, 3B/1B, Toronto Blue Jays
17. Kyle Drabek, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
18. Ryan Westmoreland, OF, Boston Red Sox
19. Josh Bell, 3B, Baltimore Orioles
20. Tyler Flowers, C, Chicago White Sox

The Middle of the Pack
21. Hank Conger, C, Los Angeles Angels
22. Mike Moustakas, 3B, Kansas City Royals
23. Wilson Ramos, C, Minnesota Twins
24. Casey Crosby, LHP, Detroit Tigers
25. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals
26. Austin Romine, C, New York Yankees
27. Michael Taylor, OF, Oakland Athletics
28. Austin Jackson, OF, Detroit Tigers
29. Matthew Moore, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays
30. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Cleveland Indians

the next 20 after the jump:

31. Zach McAllister, RHP, New York Yankees
32. Zach Stewart, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
33. Daniel Hudson, RHP, Chicago White Sox
34. Tanner Scheppers, RHP, Texas Rangers
35. Jacob Turner, RHP, Detroit Tigers
36. Brandon Erbe, RHP, Baltimore Orioles
37. Jordan Walden, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
38. Junichi Tazawa, RHP, Boston Red Sox
39. Jake Arrieta, RHP, Baltimore Orioles
40. Alex White, RHP, Cleveland Indians

The Final 10 AL Prospects
41. Kyle Gibson, RHP, Minnesota Twins
42. Zach Britton, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
43. Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels
44. Michael Saunders, OF, Seattle Mariners
45. Nick Hagadone, LHP, Cleveland Indians
46. J.P. Arencibia, C, Toronto Blue Jays
47. Trevor Reckling, LHP, Los Angeles Angels
48. Nick Barnese, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
49. Hector Rondon, RHP, Cleveland Indians
50. Danny Duffy, LHP, Kansas City Royals

Indians catcher Carlos Santana ahead of Yankees catcher/DH Jesus Montero is a head scratcher as well. Paging Ned Colletti.

Hulet publishes his overall Top 100 today.

ILLZ's 1B rankings

2010-03-12T15:25:26Z

Here's my take:

Tier 1:

1. Pujols

2. Teixera

3. Fielder

Tier 2:

4. M-Cab

5. Howard

6. Morneau

7. A-Gonz

8. Reynolds

9. Youkilis

Tier 3:

10. Votto

11. Sandoval

12. Berkman

13. Morales

14. V-Mart

15. Dunn

16. Pena

17. Butler

18. D-Lee

Tier 4 (Just missed):

Cuddyer, Jones, Loney, Laroche, Konerko, Davis, Helton

The big argument at first base this year seems to be the order of the guys after Pujols and before Morneau, Gonzalez, Youkilis, Votto, etc. I really think you have to take Teixera over Prince, Howard, and M-Cab. Teixera has zero injury risk, is in the prime of his career, in the best lineup in baseball, and in a launching pad of a home park. Sure, the other 3 guys are all more capable of putting up the monster season, but you have to go with Teixera's consistency over the other 3. I'm worried about Howard's batting average downside and struggles against lefties. I'm worried about Cabrera's drinking problem. And I'm worried about Fielder eating himself out of the league or getting hurt as a result of his weight, similar to how it ended for his father.

Down On The Farm: Marc Hulet's Top 50 NL Prospects for 2010

2010-03-12T14:00:33Z

Rob Carr - AP

6 days ago: Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward blows a bubble en route to scoring on a home run hit by teammate Freddie Freeman during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, March 5, 2010, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Marc Hulet, Fangraphs prospect expert, released his Top 50 NL prospects today, and his list has resulted in quite a discussion over at Fangraphs, as well as Minor League Ball.

Here is his Top 50 NL prospects for 2010:

The Top 10 NL Prospects
1. Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta Braves
2. Stephen Strasburg, RHP, Washington Nationals
3. Mike Stanton, OF, Florida Marlins
4. Buster Posey, C, San Francisco Giants
5. Domonic Brown, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
6. Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates
7. Christian Friedrich, LHP, Colorado Rockies
8. Alcides Escobar, SS, Milwaukee Brewers
9. Madison Bumgarner, LHP, San Francisco Giants
10. Aroldis Chapman, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Just Missed the Top 10
11. Logan Morrison, 1B, Florida Marlins
12. Andrew Cashner, RHP, Chicago Cubs
13. Starlin Castro, SS, Chicago Cubs
14. Tyler Matzek, LHP, Colorado Rockies
15. Devaris Gordon, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
16. Derek Norris, C, Washington Nationals
17. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
18. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Atlanta Braves
19. Julio Teheran, RHP, Altanta Braves
20. Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

The Middle of the Pack
21. Fernando Martinez, OF, New York Mets
22. Yonder Alonso, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
23. Josh Vitters, 3B, Chicago Cubs
24. Jason Castro, C, Houston Astros
25. Brad Lincoln, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
26. Zach Wheeler, RHP, San Francisco Giants
27. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Atlanta Braves
28. Jordan Lyles, RHP, Houston Astros
29. Brett Lawrie, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
30. Tony Sanchez, C, Pittsburgh Pirates

the next 20 after the jump:

31. Ike Davis, 1B/OF, New York Mets
32. Jenrry Mejia, RHP, New York Mets
33. Simon Castro, RHP, San Diego Padres
34. Jhoulys Chacin, RHP, Colorado Rockies
35. Brandon Allen, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
36. Thomas Neal, OF, San Francisco Giants
37. Jio Mier, SS, Houston Astros
38. Ethan Martin, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
39. Matt Dominguez, 3B, Florida Marlins
40. Ian Desmond, SS, Washington Nationals

The Final 10 NL Prospects
41. Logan Forsythe, 3B, San Diego Padres
42. Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Chicago Cubs
43. Mike Leake, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
44. Jose Tabata, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
45. Chris Heisey, OF, Cincinnati Reds
46. Andrew Lambo, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
47. Mat Gamel, 3B, Milwaukee Brewers
48. Jaff Decker, OF, San Diego Padres
49. Jay Jackson, RHP, Chicago Cubs
50. Trevor May, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

This list is quite interesting, but I do like the fact that he breaks his list down by NL and AL top 50 prospects for those of us in NL and AL-only leagues.

This list also make me feel good about some of my deals in the UBA this offseason.

AL list at noon.

Fantasy Baseball: Thursday's Spring Training Roundup

2010-03-12T12:30:15Z

Ed Andrieski - AP

15 days ago: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb uses a towel to work on his delivery during spring training baseball in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

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Here are some thoughts after reviewing Thursday's s pring training boxscores:

Cubs SS prospect Starlin Castro went 2-3 with a HR, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. He is currently hitting .571 so far in spring training. He's making my minor league draft decision difficult, as I have the #2 and #3 picks in the UBA league, and have already made up my mind on who I'm taking.

Speaking of prospects, Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez stated that he is considering keeping outfield prospect Michael Stanton with the big club once spring training ends. Surprising. I can see a July callup, but was not expecting that.

Rangers first baseman Chris Davis had 4 hits, a HR and 3 RBI vs the Rockies on Thursday. Post-hype prospect?? Could be. The hype last year was amazing.

Brewers outfielder Jim Edmonds, yes that Jim Edmonds, went 2-3 and is now hitting .364 this spring. Is he the Brewers 5th outfielder?

Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey threw 3 scoreless innings vs vs the Mets on Thursday. Who has the better year Lackey or Joel Pineiro.

Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand batted leadoff on Thursday and went 2-3. Rowand and leadoff hitter should not be in the same sentence. Bruce Bochy for manager of the year. Why does he and Sabean still have a job?

Giants catching prospect Buster Posey played some first base yesterday, while Bengie Molina and Eli Whiteside caught. See what I mean?

Tim Lincecum and pitching prospect Madison Bumgarner both got hit around by the Mariners, with Lincecum giving up 4 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, while Mad-Bum gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks. Not good.

Jose Reyes will be on the DL come Opening Day and could be out anywhere from 2-8 weeks with an overly active thyroid condition. How much should he go for in an NL-only auction draft?

Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb will probably start the season on the DL as well. ESPN's Stephania Bell said that he isn't anywhere near coming back in a recent fantasy podcast, and is going through the same rehab issues that he had last year. Is he draftable?

Poll

Are you willing to waste a roster spot on Brandon Webb?

Zach Abrams First Base Rankings

2010-03-11T17:40:14Z

2010 First Base Rankings.

The following rankings are based on 5 x 5 rotisserie scoring.

5- Ryan Howard

6- Joey Votto

7- Justin Morneau

8- Kevin Youkilis

9- Lance Berkman

10- Adrian Gonzalez

11- Derek Lee

12- Kendry Morales

13- Adam Dunn

14- Billy Butler

15- Carlos Pena

16- Michael Cuddyer

17- James Loney

18- Chris Davis

19- Garret Jones

20- Todd Helton

First base is extremely deep this season, like it is most years. However, this year especially, you can wait to grab a first baseman, and still snag a potential 30+ HR guy in the middle to late rounds. There are five guys on this list who can potentially be drafted in the first round, depending on team totals or preference. I have Howard as my 5th ranked 1B, due to his decreasing potency against left handers. His HR and SLG totals have been in a sharp decline against LHP, and I expect this to continue. Don't be fooled by last years average, as I also foresee another sub .270 batting average.

Two players who I think can be pleasant surprises this season in returning value are Billy Butler, and James Lones. The hype machine has been pumping Butlers name for months, and many are expecting 30 homeruns. Thirty Home Runs may be asking a lot, but a .290 90r 25hr 100rbi season out of Butler, would make many people do back flips.

Loney on the other hand may be at the short end of the Joe Torre line up musical chairs game he plays every year. Kemp MUST be brought into the heart of the line up, and Loney may be pushed down. I do expect him to continue to grow, and 20 home runs, and a .300+ average is not unrealistic.

If you see yourself on the short end of the first tier 1B run, dont panic, and draft another position. The Firsebase pool is very deep, and all the position scarcity fans will rejoice for now.

Poll

Is James Loney on your First Base Sleeper List?

2010 AL LABR Results: Mastersball.com's Lawr Michaels

2010-03-11T17:00:23Z

More photos » Chris Carlson - AP

5 months ago: Texas Rangers' Ian Kinsler hits a broken-bat RBI-double against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Here is Lawr Michaels AL LABR draft results. I am not sure what his strategy was, but I am not crazy about his team.

c-pierzinski $13
c-powell (i tried for pena on kc, but not enough bucks at the end) $1
1b-overbay (ok, but probably waited too long) $13
2b-kinsler$27
3b-figgins $24
ss-aybar $16
mi-pennington (putting my money where my mouth is) $7
ci-ka'ihue (by product of waiting too long on overbay and running out of bucks. do have quinlan on the bench) $1
o-kubel $21
o-rivera $13
o-cust $8
o-hermida $11
o-c. guillen $8
dh-winn $3
p-sabathia $28
p-burnett $14
p-dicek $10
p-cahill $6
p-masterson $3
p-pavano $3
p-nathan (flew out at five am, straight to yard, then to draft. did not see injury. and, got fuentes to spell) $17
p-fuentes $14
p-rodney $3

r-m. harrison
r-a. gallaraga
r-gaudin
r-gross
r-mathis
r-quinlan

Where's the power? Overbay at 1B, Figgins at 3B, Ka'hue at CI-no power there. He spent $162 on his hitters and doesn't have much power. Sure, Kinsler, Rivera, Cust and Kubel will get him 25+ HRs, but the rest are under 20 HR guys. I can see Cust losing playing time over the course of the season to the likes of Jake Fox and Chris Carter. Does this say that there is not much power in the AL as there once was, or did he just not draft enough?

His pitching staff on the other hand looks fine. I am surprised Sabathia went for under $30. Have to say not knowing about Nathan has to hurt, but who bid $16 on him?

Poll

Will Jack Cust lose playing time in 2010?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: FantasyBaseball.com's Perry Van Hook

2010-03-11T14:00:24Z

Ed Andrieski - AP

8 days ago: Arizona Diamondbacks Mark Reynolds throws to first during drills at baseball spring training in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

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A few more LABR draft results were published on Wednesday, and today we have Perry Van Hook's NL roster. Van Hook writes for FantasyBaseball.com.

C – McCann (21) & Montero (16)

CI – Pujols (41), Reynolds (30) & Blalock (2)

MI – Castillo (10), Manzella (2), & Bonifacio (2)

OF – Milledge (16), Heyward (14), G. Jones (16), Rowand (9), & F. Lewis (2)

UT – Starlin Castro (2)

SP – WRod (19), Hanson (22), Pelfrey (1), Chapman (6), D. Davis (1), Elbert (1)

RP – Nunez (14), Lyon (9), Gervacio (2), Grabow (2)

Perry drafted proven commodities at catcher, 1B and 3B, while drafting some riskier outfielders with upside. Heyward could prove to be a bargain if he approaches the hype he has received this spring training. Drafting Pujols and Reynolds gives Perry about 80 HRs, 230 RBI and possibly 40 SBs. Throw in another 20-90 from Brian McCann and he has some solid power on his roster. Perry is counting on Lastings Milledge to prove he belongs in the majors and I think he ha a breakout season in 2010. I don't see Garret Jones repeating his 2009 season, but I have been wrong before

Perry drafted Wandy Rodriguez at $19, but coming from someone who traded a $1 WandyRod this offseason, I see a 68 inning increase in 2009, and see some dropoff in his ERA and WHIP in 2010. And with that Astros bullpen, I can see the 14 wins in 2009 turning into 11 in 2010. Mike Pelfrey came cheap in LABR and I would be happy with a $1 Pelfrey on my roster. Perry also spend $6 on Cuban pitching phenom Aroldis Chapman, which could prove to be a bargain should Chapman continue to pitch like he did on Tuesday.

Fantasy Baseball: Wednesday's Spring Training Roundup

2010-03-11T12:30:25Z

Kathy Willens - AP

6 days ago: New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain (62) struggles during the Yankees' spring training baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., Friday, March 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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Some thoughts after reviewing Wednesday's spring training boxscores:

Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain may be making the 5th starter decision real easy for manager Joe Girardi. Joba gave up 6 runs on 5 hits, 3 walks, a grand slam and only 1 strikeouts in 2 1/3rd innings. Phil Hughes followed Joba and gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 2 2/3rd innings.

Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore went 2-2 with his first spring HR and 4 RBI. Fantasy owners are hoping he can return to his years of going 20-30 or 30-30.

Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee threw 3 innings giving up one run on 5 hits, a walk and one strikeout. I am curious if all the innings Lee threw last year and in the playoffs and World Series will catch up to him like it did to Cole Hamels in 2009.

Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez went 2-4 with 3 runs scored, and is now hitting .400 in early action. Sanchez is fighting for the first base job with prospect Logan Morrison. Morrison is not helping his cause as he is hitting only .071 at this point.

A's starting pitcher Ben Sheets had a tough outing on Wednesday giving up 6 runs, 5 earned, on 5 hits and a walk in 2 2/3rd innings. The A's are looking for Sheets to have a bounce back season after missing all of 2009 recovering from surgery.

Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin got hit around on Wednesday giving up 3 runs on 5 hits in 1 1/3rd innings. I don't see Franklin repeating his success as a closer in 2010. This situation bears watching.

Padres pitching prospect Mat Latos gave up an unearned run on 3 hits in 3 innings, lowering his ERA to 1.80. Latos is fighting for the 5th starter spot in the Padres rotation, but could be the team's ace by the end of the year. Latos dominated each minor league level he pitched at in 2009.

Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez threw 3 shutout innings giving up 3 hits and striking out 5. Sanchez may be ready for a breakout season in 2010, and should reach the 200 strikeout plateua for those of you in 5 x 5 leagues

Fantasy Baseball: Jason's 1B Rankings

2010-03-10T20:00:47Z

Morry Gash - AP

6 months ago: Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto watches his home run during the 13th inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Here at Fake Teams, we're in the process of releasing our writer rankings. Over the coming days, our writers will be posting their own personal rankings, and will be building composite rankings from them as well.

You can find Ray's 1B rankings here.

I have been posting my position rankings over at my blog here, and have expanded my 1B rankings along with a couple of updates.

Tier 1:

Tier 2:

Tier 3:

I think that first base is extremely deep this season. You've got a lot of power available, and some excellent hitters as well. Some players of note:

I really think that Joey Votto is going to be special this season. I think that if he's given the opportunity to steal more often, he could approach 20.
I am not a fan of Lance Berkman this season. He had a drop off in power that appears mostly related to the time he missed. While he should return to normal for those numbers, if he doesn't get back to hitting .300, he's not a whole lot different from some of the other 1B.
I would be really interested to see what Adrian Gonzalez can do if he gets traded to somewhere other than Petco Park. He is a career .300 hitter away from Petco Park, and could conceivably vault into the top tier of 1B if he did.
After the top two tiers, I think that you're really looking at finding specific needs for your team. Todd Helton would provide batting average, Paul Konerko and Carlos Pena power.

I think that unless you get one of the first tier 1B, you are probably better off waiting and filling other positional needs instead. The difference between the third tier 1B and second tier 1B is not as much as it has been in the past.

Some high-upside and deeper league plays at 1B:

Chris Carter (OAK)
Justin Smoak (TEX)
Chris Davis (TEX)
Garrett Jones (PIT)

Both Carter and Smoak will most likely start the season in the minors, but seem likely to be up in the Majors by about midseason. If Davis can get that strikeout rate under some kind of control, he will be worth owning. But if he struggles again, Smoak will probably get the call sooner rather than later.

Garrett Jones worries me a bit. If you can get him later, he could be a good sleeper. But I think it's highly unlikely that he repeats what he did in the half season he played last year. His peripheral numbers all point to last season being a career year.

Poll

Can Joey Votto hit .300 with 30 HR and 10 SB this season?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: THT's Team Carty

2010-03-10T17:00:45Z

Ralph Freso - AP

12 days ago: Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder smiles as the team takes part in spring training baseball workouts Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

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After posting several articles on the draft results for some of the AL and NL participants in last weekend's LABR experts drafts, I decided to email The Hardball Times' Derek Carty yesterday, and he kindly responded that he had posted his draft results on The Hardball Times site. Derek became the youngest owner to win the NL LABR title in 2009, in his first year in the league.

Here is Derek's team, following by my comments:

LABR NL 2010 — Team Carty

C: Gregg Zaun - $4
C: Nick Hundley - $3
1B: Prince Fielder - $37
2B: Ian Stewart - $22
3B: Andy LaRoche - $10
SS: Ronny Cedeno - $3
CI: Adam LaRoche - $24
MI: Adam Kennedy - $9
OF: Jay Bruce - $23
OF: Elijah Dukes - $20
OF: Ryan Ludwick - $18
OF: Kosuke Fukudome - $6
OF: Angel Pagan - $2
UT: Jeff Clement - $8

P: Ricky Nolasco - $26
P: Joe Blanton - $10
P: Clayton Richard - $8
P: Francisco Rodriguez - $16
P: Takashi Saito - $4
P: Pedro Feliciano - $3
P: Joe Thatcher - $1
P: Kiko Calero - $1
P: John Smoltz - $1
P: Edinson Volquez - $1

RSV: Chien-Ming Wang (SP)
RSV: Kevin Hart (SP)
RSV: Livan Hernandez (SP)
RSV: Fernando Nieve (SP)
RSV: Carlos Silva (SP)
RSV: Brian Moehler (SP)

Derek spent $189 on offense and $71 on pitching. He drafted several upside or post hype picks with Andy LaRoche, Jay Bruce and Elijah Dukes, although I am not sure I would have paid that much for Dukes or Kennedy, but we don't know who was left when he spent $18 on Dukes. But one thing he did do was draft guys who will play almost everyday and get alot of at bats. Other teams I have reviewed drafted several prospects who probably won't see any playing time till June. Not so with Carty's team.

Derek also drafted only 3 starting pitchers, well, 4 including Volquez, but when he returns is anyone's guess. But he did draft several late round pitchers in the reserve round. He also drafted a couple guys in Saito and Smoltz who could see some save opportunities in 2010. I have Smoltz in the UBA league and am hoping he signs with a team where he can close-think St. Louis or Philadelphia.

Poll

Would you spend $18 on Elijah Dukes in 2010?

Fantasy Baseball: New Twins Closer-Francisco Liriano?

2010-03-10T14:00:39Z

More photos » Nati Harnik - AP

5 days ago: Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano delivers against the Boston Red Sox in a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Saturday, March 6, 2010.(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

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I was trading emails with a fellow UBA owner yesterday morning and he thought the Twins should usestarting pitcher Francisco Liriano as their closer to replace Joe Nathan. I think it is a great idea, as Liriano really hasn't held up as a starter in recent years.

In his first two years in the majors, Liriano has made a total of 38 starts. In his career, ;Liriano has performed well in crunch time. According the Baseball-Reference, in high leverage situations, Liriano has held opponents to a .238 BA and a .678 OPS. He has identical stats in situations where there are runners in scoring position with 2 outs. When the situation is "late and close", he holds opponents to a .254-.324-.328-.653 slash line.

And here is an even more telling stat, his opponents first plate appearance again Liriano, batters are hitting .216-.292-.342-.634 with a K/BB rate of 178/56. Quite impressive. In his first 25 pitches of the game, Liriano is holding hitters to a .211-.274-.313-.587 slash line with a K/BB rate of 130/31.

The Twins have their closer and they don't have to look any further than Francisco Liriano.

Poll

Should the Twins move Francisco Liriano to closer?

Fantasy Baseball: Tuesday's Spring Training Roundup And One Of My Favorite Dodgers Passes Away

2010-03-10T13:00:28Z

Charlie Riedel - AP

2 days ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

View full size photo »

Tuesday afternoon brought alot of baseball news, but none more stunning than the passing of one of my all-time favorite Dodgers, Willie Davis. When I was growing up, collecting baseball cards, Willie Davis was my "first" favorite Dodger. One of many for sure, but he will never be forgotten. Phil Gurnee over at True Bue LA posted a nice tribute article this evening. Be sure to go read it.

We received more stunning news this morning when we learned that the Twins closer Joe Nathan could miss the 2010 season with a torn UCL ligament in his right elbow which might require Tommy John surgery. We will find out soon enough who the Twins closer will be once the TJS decision is made. They could have an in-house candidate that no one is talking about.

Tuesday's spring training action was highlighted by Stephen Strasburg's first professional start, which saw his pitch two scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing two hits. Strasburg will be the first pick in the UBA league's minor league draft, but I am wondering how long the owner will keep him in this keeper league. Check out what Ed Chigliak has to say about his outing over at Federal Baseball, SB Nation's Wsashington Nationals site.

Tiger's prospect Austin Jackson is trying to show he belongs in the majors after hitting his first spring HR to go along with his .538 BA.

Another prospect fighting for a job is Nationals SS Ian Desmond, Desmond had a hit and 2 RBI on Tuesday and he is hitting .500. His competition at SS, Christian Guzman, is hitting .200 so far.

More after the jump:

Lost in the hype surrounding outfield prospect Jason Heyward, newly signed first baseman Troy Glaus just keeps hitting. He had 3 more hits on Tuesday, and is now hitting .750 this spring. Glaus has lots of power, but can't stay healthy. He is a late round selection in mixed leagues if he can stay healthy.

The Mets Johan Santana came out of his first spring training start healthy, but he got hit around, giving up 4 runs, on 6 hits and a walk in 1 2/3rd innings on Tuesday. Mets fans will breath a sigh of relief if he can make his next start as scheduled.

Yankees ace starting pitcher CC Sabathia didn't fare much better than Santana, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits, one a HR, and a walk in 2 1/3rd innings. Sabathia is a notorious slow starter, so don't be alarmed if April produces similar results.

Yankees DH quieted his critics by smacking 2 HRs in the loss to the Pirates. Johnson is an on base machine who should provide Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez with plenty of RBI opportunities this season.

Another ace pitcher got hit around on Tuesday, and that was the Cardinals Adam Wainwright. He threw 2 innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks and no strikeouts. He's the third possible Opening Day starter to get hit around on Tuesday,.

Orioles first baseman Garrett Atkins was 0-3 on Tuesday, but he is hitting .444 in early action this spring training. Could he bounce back after a few bad seasons in Colorado?

Newly signed outfielder Rick Ankiel went 2-3 with a HR and 4 RBI on Tuesday. Ankiel is another former NL hitter looking to bounce back in 2010.

Poll

Would you draft Troy Glaus in your mixed league draft in 2010?

2010 AL LABR Draft Results: Larry Schechter From Sandlot Shrink

2010-03-09T20:00:31Z

Michael Dwyer - AP

5 months ago: Boston Red Sox's Jacoby Ellsbury, center, steals second base as Cleveland Indians' Jhonny Peralta looks for the call in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

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Larry Schechter from Sandlot Shrink posted the results of his AL LABR draft:

C Buck	5
C Kendall	2
1B Kotsay	2
2B A. Hill	21
SS Bloomquist	2
3B M. Tejada	16
CI J. Bautista	6
MI Teahen	10
OF Ellsbury	34
OF Choo	24
OF Hunter	23
OF Gutierrez	18
OF Ankiel	4
UT Hafner	3

PITCHERS Greinke	30
Saunders	7
Danks	13
Bergesen	1
Blackburn	3
Aceves	2
JP Howell	4
Rauch	3
Rivera	27

RESERVES Guerrier
Hunter
Bannister
Balfour
Pedro Martinez
Wheeler

Larry's team is lacking power, but has plenty of speed. I do like his outfield of Ellsbury, Choo and Hunter, but if it was me, I am spending $34 on a power hitter rather than Ellsbury. But Larry is a Red Sox fan and he got his guy. Ellsbury was the highest auctioned outfielder in the AL LABR draft.

Larry can't go wrong with Greinke and Rivera anchoring his pitching staff, but I am not sure he has much else on his staff.

I am curious about the following: how Rick Ankiel performs in Kansas City? and if Aaron Hill can hit 30 HRs again in 2010.

Poll

Can Shin-Soo Choo go 25-25 in 2010?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: Bob Radomski From Sandlot Shrink

2010-03-09T17:00:28Z

Here are the draft results for Bob Radomski's team from Sandlot Shrink:

C John Baker	8
C David Ross	1
1B Derek Lee	23
2B DeWitt	2
SS Y. Escobar	19
3B Headley	17
MI Eckstein	2
CI Aubrey Huff	13
OF Carlos Lee	26
OF Pence	27
OF G. Parra	3
OF Schierholtz	9
OF Schumaker	10
UT Freese	7

Gallardo	20
Cain	19
Jurrjens	16
Derek Lowe	8
Maine	5
Burton	1
Bruney	1
Lindstrom	8
Howry	1
Capps	14

I wouldn't be too happy if I drafted that offense. I don't see Derrek Lee hitting 30 bombs again in 2010, Huff may not play everyday in San Francisco, and Eckstein gives you what? I'd like to know who bid $9 on Skip Schumaker. With Felipe Lopez and Julio Lugo on the Cards roster, how many ABs does he get? Freese has some power, and I'd like to see what he can do if he wins the third base job in St. Louis. I like Dewitt at 2B, as I think he can hit 12-14 HRs and drive in 60+ should he win the 2B job in LA, and I think he will. I like Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence in his outfield, and it remains to be seen whether Nate Schierholtz can play everyday in the majors. Parra at $3 could provide some value as he could play 3-4 times a week in the Arizona outfield.

I like Bob's top 4 starters, and he didn't spend alot on his relievers, who could get him 50 saves in 2010.

2010 AL LABR Draft Results: Greg Ambrosius/Shawn Childs From NFBC

2010-03-09T15:00:53Z

Reinhold Matay - AP

5 months ago: Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria (3) crosses the plate following a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees in St. Petersburg, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.(AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)

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The AL LABR draft was held on Saturday night and the results are trickling in day by day. Here is the draft results for Greg Ambrosius and Shawn Childs from NFBC:

NFBC AL LABR Team:

C – Matt Wieters $18
C – Adam Moore $2
1B – Billy Butler $26
2B – Jose Lopez $19
SS – Mike Aviles $2
3B – Evan Longoria $34
MI – Jack Wilson $2
CI – Justin Smoak $1
UT – Vladimir Guerrero $16
OF – BJ Upton $31
OF – Matt LaPorta $9
OF – Delmon Young $14
OF – Eric Byrnes $3
OF – Michael Taylor $3

P – Justin Verlander $28
P – Jake Peavy $16
P – Rich Harden $11
P – Philip Hughes $10
P – Kevin Millwood $2
P – Daniel Hudson $2
P – Jason Frasor $7
P – Chris Perez $3
P – Joey Devine $1

Reserve round: Ian Snell, Clete Thomas, Matt Tolbert, Mike Aubrey, Zach Stewart, J.P. Arencibia

This team looks a little more balanced than their NL LABR team. They took a couple risks with Delmon Young, Matt Laporta, BJ Upton and Eric Byrnes. They are counting on Upton and Weiters to hit better in 2010 than they did in 2009. Justin Smoak and Michael Taylor are cheap and could easily outperform their draft day salaries should they play regularly in 2010.

I like his two corner guys-Longoria and Butler. I can see Butler approaching 30 HRs in 2010.

I like their pitching staff with Verlander and Peavy leading the way. Peavy may not pitch like he did in San Diego, but he still has ace stuff and is a competitor. If healthy, Harden should provide a nice ERA and WHIP.

Poll

Am I crazy for thinking Butler can hit 30 HRs in 2010?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: Greg Ambrosius/Shawn Childs From NFBC

2010-03-09T13:00:24Z

Eric Gay - AP

4 months ago: Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard strikes out during the eighth inning of Game 6 of the Major League Baseball World Series Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, in New York. New York Yankees' Jorge Posada is catching. Umpire is Joe West. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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The AL and NL LABR experts draft results are slowly being published with Greg Ambrosius and Shawn Cholds publishing both their AL and NL draft results yesterday. Here are their NL draft results with some commentary:

POS	Name	$$
C	Jason Castro	3
C	J.R. Towles	2
1B	Ryan Howard	35
2B	Rickie Weeks	16
3B	Pedro Alvarez	3
SS	Tory Tulowitzki	31
COR	Juan Uribe	6
MID	Jose Reyes	26
OF	Matt Holliday	32
OF	Chris Young	14
OF	Melky Cabrera	10
OF	Ryan Spilborghs	1
OF	Jermaine Dye	1
UT	Mike Jacobs	2
P	Tim Lincecum	36
P	Edwin Jackson	11
P	J.A. Happ	10
P	Homer Bailey	5
P	Chris Volstad	2
P	James McDonald	2
P	Kyle McClellan	1
P	Juan Gutierrez	3
P	Ryan Madson	6
R	Rich Hill
R	Ryan Hanigan
R	Gary Matthews
R	Chad Tracy
R	Freddie Freeman
R	Aaron Poreda

When you spend more than half of your $260 budget on 4 players-Howard, Tulo, Holliday and Lincecum, you end up with no closers, and starting pitchers like Happ, Bailey, Volstadt and McDonald.

He has several high risk hitters in Reyes and Chris Young, along with a couple minor leaguers-catcher Jason Castro and third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Both could be up by June, or sooner. Castro has an outside shot of being the starter in Houston.

He also took a risk drafting Mike Jacobs, who could end up in AAA, and Jermaine Dye, who has yet to sign with any team as of this writing. Ryan Spilborgh will be the Rockies 5th outfielder barring injury to one of Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Brad Hawpe, but he is the only right handed hitter of the bunch. Well, Fowler is a switch hitter, but hits better left-handed than right-handed.

Poll

Would you spend $26 on Jose Reyes in an auction draft?

Fantasy Baseball: Monday's Spring Training Roundup

2010-03-09T12:00:35Z

Tony Dejak - AP

3 days ago: Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman pitches to the Kansas City Royals in the third inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 8, 2010, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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Most teams were back at it on Monday afternoon, so here's some thoughts I have after reviewing some boxscores:

Dodgers second baseman Blake Dewitt now has a stranglehold on the second base competition in Los Angeles. He got on base four times on Monday with two hits and two walks vs the Giants. He is hitting .800 in the early going so far in camp.

Red's rookie pitcher Aroldis Chapman pitched two shutout innings in his spring training debut, giving up one hit while striking out three. Chapman will more than likely start the season in the minors.

Braves outfield prospect Jason Heyward hit his first homer of spring training. He drove in two runs and also walked.

Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer failed to get two outs in the first inning, giving up five runs on four hits and three walks. He now has an ERA of 30.86.

Marlins outfield prospect Michael Stanton went 3-5 with 3 runs scored. With Cody Ross and Cameron Maybin both nursing injuries, I am curious if the Marlins will rush Stanton in 2010. Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco struck out 5 in 3 innings of work.

Mariners prospect Dustin Ackley went 1-5 batting second in the Mariners lineup, and he played second base again. The Mariners are really giving him a shot at second in spring training. If he can make the switch to second base, it will increase his value to fantasy owners.

Brewers outfielder Corey Hart hit his 2nd HR of spring training. Could he return to being a 20-20 player in 2010?

Padres third baseman Chase Headley hit his first HR of spring training today. The Padres have him batting fourth in the lineup behind Adrian Gonzalez. He should get plenty of RBI opportunities and could be a breakout player in 2010.

Rockies catcher Miguel Olivo went 3-3 with a HR and 3 RBI. He could force Chris Iannetta to the bench in 2010 should Iannetta continue to not hit like he did in 2009.

Poll

Aroldis Chapman starts the year in the minors: True or False?

Fantasy Baseball: Who Should Be Your Backup Plan for Joe Nathan?

2010-03-09T00:22:41Z

More photos » Mark Duncan - ASSOCIATED PRESS

5 days ago: Minnesota Twins' Joe Nathan pitches against the Cleveland Indians in the ninth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in Cleveland. Nathan retired the side in order for his 36th save and the Twins won 4-1. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

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Joe Nathan left camp in Florida to return to Minneapolis for some tests on his elbow. Undoubtedly at this point, all Joe Nathan owners have large, red sirens going off around them. Elbow problems? Never a good thing. Now, he has had surgery to remove bone spurs during the offseason, and this could be a slight residual effect related to it.

Anyone who already owns Nathan should probably be at least doing some research related to who they would go get should Nathan miss significant time. Let's take a look at the candidates:

Matt Guerrier - In terms of a closer, Guerrier could potentially see some problems. Closers generally are known to need a pretty good strikeout rate, as they will need the occasional strikeout to close out a tough save. But Guerrier is not really well known as a strikeout pitcher, mostly due to his rates. In his last 3 seasons, Guerrier has struck out 6.95, 6.96, and 5.54 per 9 innings. Not exactly a dominating number. I could see him used from time to time depending on matchups, but I don't think that manager Ron Gardenhire will move Guerrier out of the role he is currently slotted for.

Jose Mijares - I like the theory that Mijares could get the opportunity to close. His strikeout rate was solid (8.03 per 9 in 2009). However, his walk rate would need to improve (3.36 per 9 innings) for him to be effective long-term.

Jon Rauch - This seems to be the most likely player to get save chances without Nathan around. Rauch has closed before (both with the Nationals and the Diamondbacks), and prior to 2009 consistently posted a strikeout rate greater than 9.

Jesse Crain - Crain also posted high strikeout rates (7.49 in 2009), but also walked too many (4.70 in 2009). I don't think he's likely to get more than a couple of random save opportunities.

Pat Neshek - Neshek is coming back after having missed the majority of 2009 with an injury. However, when healthy he did post excellent strikeout rates. Not sure I believe in him getting a lot of opportunities either, although there's potential there.

For me, the key is how the pitcher is going to do for you if he doesn't immediately provide saves. Out of this group, I would be inclined to go after Rauch. He has the "I've closed before at some point" seal of approval, and still provides solid peripheral stats in the other categories. But either way, I wouldn't go get any of them quite yet, but you'll have to be vigilant to see when news hits about Nathan's tests.

Sleeper No More: Juan Pierre

2010-03-08T18:05:02Z

More photos » Mark J. Terrill - AP

5 months ago: Los Angeles Dodgers' Juan Pierre dives into third for a triple during the first inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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From Buster Olney's blog this morning:

6. There's a lot of talk in Arizona already about how the White Sox intend to run like crazy on the bases this year.

On the ESPN Fantasy Podcast today, Olney predicts Juan Pierre to steal 65-70 bases this year.FWIW.

Fantasy Baseball: NL LABR Draft Results-USA Today

2010-03-08T17:38:01Z

More photos » Rob Carr - AP

6 days ago: Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward, right, celebrates with Brian McCann, left, after Heyward scored on a home run hit by teamate Freddie Freeman during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, March 5, 2010, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Head on over to the USA Today to read Steve Gardner's post on some of the auction values in the NL LABR draft last night. Here is what he said about the top two prospects in baseball:

Strasburg sold for $9 and Braves outfield prospect Jason Heyward went for $14 in what could turn out to be decent bargains, depending on their playing time.

That and Hanley Ramirez sold for a $1 more than Albert Pujols. I just don't see him outperforming Pujols this year.

Poll

FakeTeams

Down On The Farm: Marc Hulet's Top 50 AL Prospects for 2010

ILLZ's 1B rankings

Down On The Farm: Marc Hulet's Top 50 NL Prospects for 2010

Fantasy Baseball: Thursday's Spring Training Roundup

Are you willing to waste a roster spot on Brandon Webb?

Zach Abrams First Base Rankings

Is James Loney on your First Base Sleeper List?

2010 AL LABR Results: Mastersball.com's Lawr Michaels

Will Jack Cust lose playing time in 2010?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: FantasyBaseball.com's Perry Van Hook

Fantasy Baseball: Wednesday's Spring Training Roundup

Fantasy Baseball: Jason's 1B Rankings

Can Joey Votto hit .300 with 30 HR and 10 SB this season?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: THT's Team Carty

LABR NL 2010 — Team Carty

Would you spend $18 on Elijah Dukes in 2010?

Fantasy Baseball: New Twins Closer-Francisco Liriano?

Should the Twins move Francisco Liriano to closer?

Fantasy Baseball: Tuesday's Spring Training Roundup And One Of My Favorite Dodgers Passes Away

Would you draft Troy Glaus in your mixed league draft in 2010?

2010 AL LABR Draft Results: Larry Schechter From Sandlot Shrink

Can Shin-Soo Choo go 25-25 in 2010?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: Bob Radomski From Sandlot Shrink

2010 AL LABR Draft Results: Greg Ambrosius/Shawn Childs From NFBC

Am I crazy for thinking Butler can hit 30 HRs in 2010?

2010 NL LABR Draft Results: Greg Ambrosius/Shawn Childs From NFBC

Would you spend $26 on Jose Reyes in an auction draft?

Fantasy Baseball: Monday's Spring Training Roundup

Aroldis Chapman starts the year in the minors: True or False?

Fantasy Baseball: Who Should Be Your Backup Plan for Joe Nathan?

Sleeper No More: Juan Pierre

Fantasy Baseball: NL LABR Draft Results-USA Today

Would you pay more for Hanley Ramirez or Albert Pujols?