First Base
Firstly, get it... firstly. I do not recommend you wait on first base this year. I am a firm believer that if you don't get one of the top 7 one baggers you will have a hard time making up the power elsewhere. However, these are some good targets for your Corner Infield or Utility slot.
Paul Konerko (85.7) I don't expect as many home runs as last season (39) but he is safe and reliable. Everyone after him is sketchy.
Lance Berkman (208.1) I'm not in love, but I there are worse fliers to take. There is a good chance to make a profit on the Big Puma, with small puma investment
Second Base
Brian Roberts (149.4) Came back from injury last season and stole 12 bases in 59 games. A nice value the Orioles offense is on the upswing.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka (204.8) Ichiro light, but at 2nd Base... possibly at Short Stop. Count me excited.
Short Stop
Rafael Furcal (138.4) I really have no rational reason for thinking Furcal will stay healthy. I just really love the value if he does and hate most of the other options at Short.
J.J. Hardy (213.5) Great post hype sleeper. Nice 20 Home Run potential this late in the draft at a power light position.
Third Base
Mark Reynolds (154) I think this guy is getting way too much hate. Espically at a position that is as shallow as Third base is this year. The batting average is brutal, but he has 40 Homer 20 Swipe potential. His career BABIP coming into last year was .346 in 2010 his BABIP dropped to .257 . His luck should turn around nicely. I would consider taking him in round 9 if I was still in need at Third.
Chris Johnson (260/Undrafted) Tremendous upside potential for the last round.
Catcher
Mike Napoli (177) I liked him better for the few days he was a Blue Jay, but he is one of the many reasons to wait on a backstop this year.
Chris Iannetta (222) Now that Migel Olivo has been banished to Seattle. Look for Iannetta to capitalize on the extra at bats in the thin mountain air.
Outfield
Chris Coghlan (213.9) Chris is a great way to pad your Batting Average late in the draft from a former Rookie of the Year.
Magglio Ordonez (217) If he can stay heathy he brings a bit of everything but speed to your lineup. Don't count him out, but I wouldn't count on him as more than a 5th outfielder.
Starting Pitcher
Daniel Hudson (150) have you looked at this kids line last year?
14 GS 95.1 Inn 84 Ks 8 Ws 2.45 ERA 1.00 WHIP
Ricky Nolasco (168) See Rafael Furcal but a pitcher.
Jake Peavy (207) He has looked great coming back from his shoulder surgery, this was a top 20 guy for years. Terrific buy low candidate.
Javier Vazquez (224) The move from the big city to an empty stadium should team Javier well.
Relief Pitching
Brandon Lyon (209) The 'Stros sent Matt Lindstrom packing making Lyon the closer by default.
Craig Kimbrel (184) A little earlier than I typically like to draft a reliever, but his talent could end up top 10 at the position.
I leave you with my personal top 10:
- Albert Pujols
- Miguel Cabrera
- Evan Longoria
- Hanley Ramirez
- Ryan Braun
- Joey Votto
- Troy Tulowitzki
- Robinson Cano
- Carlos Gonzalez
- David Wright
