Fantasy Picks

Believe it or not I'm a bit of nut when it comes to this but I rarely have a better time then when I sit down to draft a fantasy baseball team. So far I'm at four so far. This will be my fourth year of having multiple teams and that does cause some problems. First off it's difficult to root against anyone because every player has some connection to your team. It's like watching the Red Sox play the Yankees and wanting Josh Beckett to pitch a shutout, but you also want Gary Sheffield get two hits and two steals, but not score. It's even worse if you have the starting pitcher going against your favorite team. Another problem that I always have is that (and I never plan this)but I end up with a lot of the same players on each roster. Maybe I believe differently then a lot of other people about a players abilities. When I'm drafting I just can't believe that no one is picking up these players yet. Below is a look at some of those players and why I believe differently then everyone else. Typically these players are young, changing position or coming off of injuries.

Prince Fielder: This year's Ryan Howard. This kid has power to spare and Milwaukee is going to play him every day. He may struggle early but by the second half he'll be putting the ball into the stands.

Ryan Howard: Everybody knows this kid was last year's Rookie of the Year, but I don't think enough fantasy owners know just how much power this kid. In that tiny ballpark in Philadelphia this guy should be a first or second round pick. I've seen him available in the eighth and ninth rounds. If he's there you should jump.

Ryan Freel: He plays all over the field and he steals bases. He's eligible at 2B, 3B and OF and managed to steal 35 bases. Tony Womack is currently Cincinnati's leadoff hitter but give it week and Freel will probably be in that spot. Expect runs and even a few homers playing in that bandbox.

Ian Kinsler: He's going to be the Rangers starting shortstop this season and playing in that tiny park in Texas should be able to put up some good numbers. He put up great numbers in the minors and should be able to carry them over to the majors. There's a reason they got rid of Soriano.

Lance Berkman: Watched this guy slip to the tenth round in one league and I could not for the life of me figure out why. This guy is a monster hitter in a little park and he's healthy this year. Sizzling second half last season. This year he's eligible at 1B and OF.

Grady Sizemore: I had to take him early but this guy still has room to grow as a player. He could be a 30-30 guy this season. Playing at the top of the Indians potent lineup he'll score a ton of runs. He's also just a fun guy to watch who always plays full out.

Rocco Baldelli: Coming back from multiple injuries after sitting out all of last season reports have Baldelli almost back to a 100%. When healthy he's somewhat like Sizemore but not that good. If he could improve his discipline he'd be great. He'll give steals and some power. Also like Sizemore he's just a fun guy to watch play. But the main reason to think he can back is that he's just a phenomenal athlete to begin with.

Ryan Dempster: Had a good year as the Cubs closer last season. I think most people I was drafting with didn't realize that he would be the Cubs full time closer this season as the went through most of the other closers before considering this guy. Also the memories of having a Cubs closer may have been just too much for some owners. He's also a good strikeout guy. For those of you in Yahoo leagues or other leagues he's going eligible as a SP and RP which allows some useful flexibility.

Mike Gonzalez: Pittsburgh's fulltime closer this season. I'm guessing most of the people I'm playing with so far don't know who this guy is. Well to let them in on it this guy throws gas. Pittsburgh's closers have gotten saves in the past with Jose Mesa getting 43 just two years ago. Pittsburgh should be better this year as well.

Scott Kazmir: I'll give you three reasons to pick Kazmir this year: strikeouts, strikeouts and.........how about strikeouts.

J.D. Drew: Coming off of injuries last season everybody is sick of this guy being injured every season. But he plays he's very good. Draft him late and dump him when he gets hurt he'll still offer you 200-250 very good at-bats.

Jonathan Papelbon: Another bullpen/starter guy. He proved himself when it mattered last season and is guaranteed a spot with the big club this season. Papelbon along with Mike Timlin will be Boston's first option in case Keith Foulke can't handle the pressure coming back from his injuries. If that happens he could quickly grow into the position as closer.

Justin Morneau:This guy was so hurt last season it was ridiculous. He was everybody's pick to explode and hit 40 HRs last season and this year no one wants him I took him in the 16th and 17th round this season. He should be back to his bashing ways this season.