By Josh Bremberg
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Second basemen were only supposed to be good glove men that just hit doubles… well, tell that to Philadelphia Phillie Chase Utley, Texas Ranger Ian Kinsler, and reigning American League Most Valuable Player - Dustin Pedroia (BOS). These three 2nd-sackers may just be among the league’s elite following their 2008 campaigns.
Utley - an MVP candidate throughout most of the 2008 season - hit .292 with 33 HRs and 104 RBIs, should continue to be a huge threat in the Phillie line-up in ‘09. Kinsler playing in only 121 games managed to hit .319, while collecting 165 hits, 18 HRs, 71 RBIs, 102 runs! MVP Pedroia (Kinsler’s teammate at Arizona State - go Sun Devils!) followed up his R.O.Y. performance with a career year (.326 avg, 213 hits, 118 runs). Any one of these players would solidify your line-up, but if their names fall off the board – here are some potential second-tier players for you to consider:
Brian Roberts (BAL) offers great potential - 40 steals, .296 avg, 181 hits, 107 runs - in a pitiful line-up for the Orioles.
Dan Uggla (FLA), despite his name, may just have one of the prettiest home-run swings in baseball! In his brief 3-year career, he’s averaged 30 HRs & 90 RBIs for a young line-up looking to make things happen.
2008 R.O.Y. runner-up Alexei Ramirez (no relation to Manny, as far as I know) put together a fine premier - .290 avg, 139 hits, 21 HRs, 22 doubles, 77 RBIs, & 65 runs! The sky is the limit for this “youngster” – turned 27 in September – who may even play shortstop this season for the White Sox.
Total bases may be one of the most important stats for a second baseman – followed by Utley (325) & Pedroia (322), Seattle’s Jose Lopez surprised with 285 total bases in 2008! Lopez had a career year (.297 avg, 191 hits, 89 RBIs, & 80 runs) in ’08 and should continue on this upward trend.
Looking for steals? Chone Figgins (34 steals last year) may be the next best thing after Roberts, Brandon Philips (23), or a long shot with Milwaukee’s Rickie Weeks (19).
If you miss out on the top three of the group, don't panic. There are plenty of other second-tier 2-baggers that can help your team. Could we have another MVP waiting to break out?
(Coming tomorrow: Shortstop rankings by Chad Garner)
TOP 20 2ND BASEMEN
1. Chase Utley (PHI)
2. Ian Kinsler (TEX)
3. Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
4. Brian Roberts (BAL)
5. Dan Uggla (FLA)
6. Alexei Ramirez (CWS)
7. Jose Lopez (SEA)
8. Brandon Phillips (CIN)
9. Robinson Cano (NYY)
10. Chone Figgins (LAA)
11. Rickie Weeks (MIL)
12. Mark DeRosa (CLE)
13. Placido Polanco (DET)
14. Kelly Johnson (ATL)
15. Mike Aviles (KC)
16. Orlando Hudson (LAD)
17. Freddy Sanchez (PIT)
18. Howie Kendrick (LAA)
19. Akinori Iwamura (TB)
20. Clint Barmes (COL)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Patriots hot for Peppers?
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to multiple media reports, the New England Patriots are in hot pursuit of Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to multiple media reports, the New England Patriots are in hot pursuit of Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.
Peppers, who was franchised by the Panthers and has yet to sign his one-year tender, would be a major upgrade to the Patriots' defense. Peppers is known around the league as one of the best ends that consistently harasses quarterbacks and makes offensive tackles wake up in a cold sweat at night.
But perhaps the one drawback would be that the Patriots would have to convert Peppers into an outside linebacker in New England's complex 3-4 scheme. This would mean that Peppers' priorities would change slightly. As an end, he gets paid to sack the quarterback and also seal the edges on running plays. As an outside linebacker, he can still play on the edges at times and attack the quarterback and play the run, but now he'd have to start covering running backs out of the backfield and tight ends -- something that he hasn't been asked to do in Carolina. It may be an adjustment, but if the rumors are true then how can you not side with the Patriots if they want Peppers?
Apparently the Pats are dangling a second-round pick (No. 34 overall), which they received from the Chiefs in the Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel deal. Not only would the Pats have to give up a draft pick or two, but you know Peppers would want a big payday as well. I think it's a shot worth taking since the Pats still need help on defense -- I love Tedy Bruschi and the passion he plays with, but he's close to calling it a career and it pains me to watch him try and cover anyone -- and Peppers is a franchise-type defensive player than can impact a game with one tackle or strip-sack.
Just trade Cutler already!
Jay Cutler, meet your new coach Josh McDaniels and now say goodbye ... for good. This head-scratching feud between the former Patriots offensive coordinator and Denver's star quarterback (doesn't he play just like Brett Favre, force the ball into coverage because he thinks his arm is like a cannon) needs to end quickly. Big deal, McDaniels wanted to trade for Cassel since he worked with him in New England and he would have had to trade cry baby Cutler to do so. But Cutler, showing his immaturity and lack of leadership, complained to the media and has been throwing insults in every direction, sort of like the way he throws picks to the opposition.
Quick solution.
Detroit needs a QB so ship him to the hapless Lions and McDaniels can live and die with his hand-picked slinger. This soap opera needs to be cancelled.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Big East owns No. 1 seeds
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, it looks like the Big East is the big dog in the NCAA Tournament. When the March Madness brackets were announced Sunday night, the NCAA committee confirmed that the Big East is the top conference in the country.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, it looks like the Big East is the big dog in the NCAA Tournament. When the March Madness brackets were announced Sunday night, the NCAA committee confirmed that the Big East is the top conference in the country.
Louisville headlines the Midwest brackets as a top seed, while Jim Calhoun's UConn Huskies are No. 1 in the West. The last Big East No. 1 team is Pittsburgh in the East. North Carolina is the final No. 1 seed -- the Tar Heels are in the South region. Early reports indicate that the pundits are picking North Carolina to win the NCAA Tournament.
As everyone knows, a lot can happen from the time the tournament starts with 64 teams to the time it finishes with the champion left standing. Who else has a real shot at postseason glory? There's probably about 50-55 teams that really don't stand a chance. Thanks for playing, enjoy it while it lasts!
Who will wear Cinderella's glass slipper?
Plan on more March Madness chatter throughout the tournament and expect to see all of our staff Final Four predictions and National Championship winner (you can also vote for the champ on our poll located to the right of the page).
Here is the complete bracket, courtesy of ESPN.com:
Wright Returns to Patriots
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to the Boston Globe, Mike Wright has re-signed with the New England Patriots. After visiting with The Arizona Cardinals & Denver Broncos, Wright has decided to return to the team who originally signed him after going undrafted out of The University of Cincinnati. It appears that Wright has signed a four year, $7.5 million deal. Sources have also indicated the deal could be worth as much as $10 million with escalator clauses.
Wright had a career high 2.5 sacks last season with 33 totals tackles. The signing offers good depth on the defensive line behind Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green. Wright has seen time at every position on the defensive line. The 2009 off season has seen the exodus of several longtime Patriots, such as Mike Vrabel, Lonny Paxton & Larry Izzo, as they retool the roster for another Super Bowl run.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to the Boston Globe, Mike Wright has re-signed with the New England Patriots. After visiting with The Arizona Cardinals & Denver Broncos, Wright has decided to return to the team who originally signed him after going undrafted out of The University of Cincinnati. It appears that Wright has signed a four year, $7.5 million deal. Sources have also indicated the deal could be worth as much as $10 million with escalator clauses.
Wright had a career high 2.5 sacks last season with 33 totals tackles. The signing offers good depth on the defensive line behind Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green. Wright has seen time at every position on the defensive line. The 2009 off season has seen the exodus of several longtime Patriots, such as Mike Vrabel, Lonny Paxton & Larry Izzo, as they retool the roster for another Super Bowl run.
Fantasy Baseball (first base): Pujols, clearly the best
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Yesterday, Chad started us off with the catcher rankings, so today we'll delve into first base. The first base position was once the darling of all things power, but has taken a slight turn in recent years with the "ending" of the steroid era. Gone are the days of five or more 40-50 home runs, 130-plus RBI players.
When it comes to the first base position, I now think about a hitter that bats around .300, about 30 HRs, 100+ RBI, 85+ runs, and an OPS over .900. That type of production will bring you a top 30 fantasy player. Based on 2008 stats, there were six of those players (Pujols, Berkman, Youkilis, Texiera, M. Cabrera and Aubrey Huff) Yes, in case you didn't notice it, Huff did have that good of year in 2008.
Albert Pujols is clearly the most productive at this position, and is typically ranked in the top 2-3 overall fantasy positions. It's hard to argue with a player who hit .357 with 37 HRs, 115 RBIs, 100 runs, and had an OPS of 1.114. Pujols is 29, we think, and is still in the prime of his career. At this point, the only thing that will stop him from meteoric climb into the record books is his health.
Despite the fact that his stats fell in several places last year, Miguel Cabrera happily takes his place behind Pujols. An awful start last year caused his average, OPS, and runs to fall off a bit, but his great second half turned around his season. He set career highs in both home runs (37) and RBIs (127). Now that he's more comfortable at first base, look to him to continue his hot second half in 2009. In my opinion, he's the only other clear cut first-rounder for this position.
After the Pujols and Cabrera there is still good fantasy depth at this position. The next tier of players include Lance Berkman, Ryan Howard, Mark Texiera and Kevin Youkilis. You should be comfortable with taking any of these players within rounds 2 and 3. Of those players, Berkman would be the most valuable. He had a career-high 18 stolen bases last season.
If you concentrated on other position early in the draft, you can still add a quality first basemen in round 4-6. Prince Fielder, Justin Morneau, Aubrey Huff and Adrian Gonzalez are all top 50-60 fantasy players. If you completely forget about the position until the 6th round or later, you should still be able to pick Carlos Pena, Garett Atkins, Jorge Cantu and Adam Dunn.
Don't get old on me/On the down slide:
Carlos Delgado had a comeback year last year, but how much longer can he do it? Delgado will be "37" this June, and showed serious signs of age and lack of production in 2007. I can't see him putting up 38 HRs and 115 RBIs like last year, but wouldn't be surprised if he hit around 30 homers with 90+ RBIs. I would proceed with caution and take someone with more upside.
After career highs in average, homers and RBIs in 2005, Derek Lee has been on the down slide since an injury limited him to only 50 games in 2006. Since 2005, Lee has barely managed 22 HRs (in 2008) and has driven in no more than 90 runs. His numbers haven't been bad, but just not good enough to take early on in the draft.
Up and Comers:
There are four players I think will make big improvements in 2009 -- Joey Votto, Chris Davis, James Loney and Pablo Sandoval. Votto will be the most valuable of the four in my opinion. After hitting .297, with 24 HRs and 84 RBIs in his first full season, I expect him to increase his power numbers. He hits in the hitter friendly Great American Ballpark, so I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him put up 30 HRs and 100 RBIs. That type of production would move him into the top 10 at the position for next season.
Davis is another player to look at for 30+ homers and close to 100 RBIs. He hit 17 HR and 55 RBIs in only 295 at-bats last year. He is a full-timer in Texas, he could make huge strides this season. I expect a good 25 homers and 85+ RBIs this season down in the heat of Arlington. Don't forget he's also eligible at third base.
As you will all come to find out, I am a diehard Dodgers fan (yes, I know that is an Oxymoron). James Loney has all the tools to be a very good first baseman. He can hit for average, drive in runs and plays well in the postseason. Loney needs to do two things to make a larger impact in the fantasy world -- hit more home runs and get on base more. Power and patience are often the last things to develop in a hitter. He's only 24 and should eclipse the 20 HR plateau this season.
Pablo Sandoval, eligible at 1B, 3B, and C this season, could be the most unheralded of the four youngsters. He impressed in just 145 at-bats last season for the San Francisco Giants, hitting a robust .345 with 3 HRs, and 34 RBIs. His value is on the rise as he's mashing the ball this spring. I don't typically put much stock in spring training numbers, but he's currently hitting .444 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs with an OPS of 1.031. That will certainly get my attention.
See how the top 20 rounds out below. As always, FFS loves to hear how its fans think about our rankings. Let us know!
(Coming tomorrow: Second base rankings by Josh Bremberg)
TOP 20 FIRST BASEMEN
1. Albert Pujols (STL)
2. Miguel Cabrera (DET)
3. Lance Berkman (HOU)
4. Ryan Howard (PHI)
5. Mark Texeira (NYY)
6. Kevin Youkilis (BOS)
7. Prince Fielder (MIL)
8. Justin Morneau (MIN)
9. Aubrey Huff (BAL)
10. Adrian Gonzalez (SD)
11. Derek Lee (CHI)
12. Garret Atkins (COL)
13. Carlos Pena (TB)
14. Chris Davis (TEX)
15. Adam Dunn (WAS)
16. Carlos Delgado (NYM)
17. Jorge Cantu (FLA)
18. Joey Votto (CIN)
19. James Loney (LAD)
20. Pablo Sandoval (SF)
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Yesterday, Chad started us off with the catcher rankings, so today we'll delve into first base. The first base position was once the darling of all things power, but has taken a slight turn in recent years with the "ending" of the steroid era. Gone are the days of five or more 40-50 home runs, 130-plus RBI players.
When it comes to the first base position, I now think about a hitter that bats around .300, about 30 HRs, 100+ RBI, 85+ runs, and an OPS over .900. That type of production will bring you a top 30 fantasy player. Based on 2008 stats, there were six of those players (Pujols, Berkman, Youkilis, Texiera, M. Cabrera and Aubrey Huff) Yes, in case you didn't notice it, Huff did have that good of year in 2008.
Albert Pujols is clearly the most productive at this position, and is typically ranked in the top 2-3 overall fantasy positions. It's hard to argue with a player who hit .357 with 37 HRs, 115 RBIs, 100 runs, and had an OPS of 1.114. Pujols is 29, we think, and is still in the prime of his career. At this point, the only thing that will stop him from meteoric climb into the record books is his health.
Despite the fact that his stats fell in several places last year, Miguel Cabrera happily takes his place behind Pujols. An awful start last year caused his average, OPS, and runs to fall off a bit, but his great second half turned around his season. He set career highs in both home runs (37) and RBIs (127). Now that he's more comfortable at first base, look to him to continue his hot second half in 2009. In my opinion, he's the only other clear cut first-rounder for this position.
After the Pujols and Cabrera there is still good fantasy depth at this position. The next tier of players include Lance Berkman, Ryan Howard, Mark Texiera and Kevin Youkilis. You should be comfortable with taking any of these players within rounds 2 and 3. Of those players, Berkman would be the most valuable. He had a career-high 18 stolen bases last season.
If you concentrated on other position early in the draft, you can still add a quality first basemen in round 4-6. Prince Fielder, Justin Morneau, Aubrey Huff and Adrian Gonzalez are all top 50-60 fantasy players. If you completely forget about the position until the 6th round or later, you should still be able to pick Carlos Pena, Garett Atkins, Jorge Cantu and Adam Dunn.
Don't get old on me/On the down slide:
Carlos Delgado had a comeback year last year, but how much longer can he do it? Delgado will be "37" this June, and showed serious signs of age and lack of production in 2007. I can't see him putting up 38 HRs and 115 RBIs like last year, but wouldn't be surprised if he hit around 30 homers with 90+ RBIs. I would proceed with caution and take someone with more upside.
After career highs in average, homers and RBIs in 2005, Derek Lee has been on the down slide since an injury limited him to only 50 games in 2006. Since 2005, Lee has barely managed 22 HRs (in 2008) and has driven in no more than 90 runs. His numbers haven't been bad, but just not good enough to take early on in the draft.
Up and Comers:
There are four players I think will make big improvements in 2009 -- Joey Votto, Chris Davis, James Loney and Pablo Sandoval. Votto will be the most valuable of the four in my opinion. After hitting .297, with 24 HRs and 84 RBIs in his first full season, I expect him to increase his power numbers. He hits in the hitter friendly Great American Ballpark, so I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him put up 30 HRs and 100 RBIs. That type of production would move him into the top 10 at the position for next season.
Davis is another player to look at for 30+ homers and close to 100 RBIs. He hit 17 HR and 55 RBIs in only 295 at-bats last year. He is a full-timer in Texas, he could make huge strides this season. I expect a good 25 homers and 85+ RBIs this season down in the heat of Arlington. Don't forget he's also eligible at third base.
As you will all come to find out, I am a diehard Dodgers fan (yes, I know that is an Oxymoron). James Loney has all the tools to be a very good first baseman. He can hit for average, drive in runs and plays well in the postseason. Loney needs to do two things to make a larger impact in the fantasy world -- hit more home runs and get on base more. Power and patience are often the last things to develop in a hitter. He's only 24 and should eclipse the 20 HR plateau this season.
Pablo Sandoval, eligible at 1B, 3B, and C this season, could be the most unheralded of the four youngsters. He impressed in just 145 at-bats last season for the San Francisco Giants, hitting a robust .345 with 3 HRs, and 34 RBIs. His value is on the rise as he's mashing the ball this spring. I don't typically put much stock in spring training numbers, but he's currently hitting .444 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs with an OPS of 1.031. That will certainly get my attention.
See how the top 20 rounds out below. As always, FFS loves to hear how its fans think about our rankings. Let us know!
(Coming tomorrow: Second base rankings by Josh Bremberg)
TOP 20 FIRST BASEMEN
1. Albert Pujols (STL)
2. Miguel Cabrera (DET)
3. Lance Berkman (HOU)
4. Ryan Howard (PHI)
5. Mark Texeira (NYY)
6. Kevin Youkilis (BOS)
7. Prince Fielder (MIL)
8. Justin Morneau (MIN)
9. Aubrey Huff (BAL)
10. Adrian Gonzalez (SD)
11. Derek Lee (CHI)
12. Garret Atkins (COL)
13. Carlos Pena (TB)
14. Chris Davis (TEX)
15. Adam Dunn (WAS)
16. Carlos Delgado (NYM)
17. Jorge Cantu (FLA)
18. Joey Votto (CIN)
19. James Loney (LAD)
20. Pablo Sandoval (SF)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Fantasy Baseball (catchers): McCann, Martin headline list
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
While the fantasy catching position isn't really anything to brag about, if you're able to land either of the top two players -- Atlanta's Brian McCann or Los Angeles' Russell Martin -- then you no doubt have an advantage over other owners at the position. But at what cost in the draft? Don't take a catcher too early (3rd-4th round if where both these studs should be drafted), but if you're going to do so, then grab McCann or Martin, especially if one falls into the 4th round.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
While the fantasy catching position isn't really anything to brag about, if you're able to land either of the top two players -- Atlanta's Brian McCann or Los Angeles' Russell Martin -- then you no doubt have an advantage over other owners at the position. But at what cost in the draft? Don't take a catcher too early (3rd-4th round if where both these studs should be drafted), but if you're going to do so, then grab McCann or Martin, especially if one falls into the 4th round.
McCann hit .301 with 23 HRs and 87 RBIs, while Martin had a slightly down year (.280 BA, 13 HRs, 69 RBIs, 87 runs). But the 18 stolen bases separate him from everyone else in the group. McCann's HR total, .300-plus batting average and RBI output also makes him enticing. I like the added power, average and RBIs, so I slightly -- and I mean slightly -- favor McCann. If I get "stuck" with Martin, well then my draft is ruined (joking).
Geovany Soto also offers great HR potential (23 bombs as a rookie), and one would think even better production this year. His value, based on draft position, could make Soto a better value than both McCann and Martin.
But after McCann, Martin and Soto, then you just don't know what to expect. Victor Martinez was once a stud, but he was hurt last year and do you really trust him now? Could be a big-time bargain this year. Joe Mauer was always a safe pick (great average, plus-RBI total for catcher), but his back is junk now, so stay away from him unless you've got inside information regarding his health.
If you've watched the World Baseball Classic (WBC), Team USA's Chris Iannetta has been impressive with the stick. He had 18 HRs last year, so he's not a bad pickup later. I've got a funny feeling Jorge Posada's still got some pop in his bat. What about the bulging waistline of Bengie Molina? He's not going to win a best body contest, but he always flies under the radar and produces year in and year out (19-19-16 homers last 3 years).
Rookie Matt Wieters from Baltimore has Major League pop and he's the No. 1 rookie to get.
After the top 9, shoot for specific categories. If you want homers then draft Mike Napoli (20 HRs last year), Kelly Shoppach (21 HRs) or Ramon Hernandez (15 HRs). Guys that are consistent but won't really help impact your team include: A.J. Pierzynski, Yadier Molina and Dioner Navarro. Remember the name Ivan Rodriguez. He's currently a free agent, but he deserves a MLB job and is proving he can still play with his performance in the WBC.
If you miss out on the two studs of the group, don't panic. There are plenty of other positions to chase that can help your team more than middle-tier backstops. But always remember: Big risk could equal big reward.
(Coming tomorrow: First base rankings by Jim Ingram)
TOP 20 CATCHERS
- Brian McCann (ATL)
- Russell Martin (LAD)
- Geovany Soto (CHI)
- Victor Martinez (CLE)
- Joe Mauer (MIN)
- Jorge Posada (NYY)
- Chris Iannetta (COL)
- Ryan Doumit (PIT)
- Bengie Molina (SF)
- Matt Wieters (BAL)
- A.J. Pierzynski (CWS)
- Yadier Molina (STL)
- Ramon Hernandez (CIN)
- Mike Napoli (LAA)
- Kelly Shoppach (CLE)
- Dioner Navarro (TB)
- Kurt Suzuki (OAK)
- Ivan Rodriguez (Free agent)
- Chris Snyder (ARZ)
- Taylor Teagarden (TEX)
Galloway signs with Patriots
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to ESPN.com, the New England Patriots and veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway have agreed to a one-year contact.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to ESPN.com, the New England Patriots and veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway have agreed to a one-year contact.
Although Galloway, 37, was hurt last year in Tampa Bay, he still can stretch the field and corners around the league still must respect his speed.
In 2007, Galloway had 57 catches for 1,014 yards and 6 TDs.
Galloway went for 1,287 yards and 10 TDs in 2005, and was over the 1,000-yard mark in 2006 (1,057 yards, 7 TDs).
The best part about the signing is that the Patriots aren't looking for Galloway to be a No. 1 receiver -- we all know he's not anymore. But Galloway has to be considered one of the best No. 3 receivers in the NFL. Name another third cornerback on any team that has the skills to stay with Galloway step for step.
Just think about it, Patriots fans. Randy Moss, Wes Welker and now Galloway. I think the skill positions on offense are all set. Quarterback Tom Brady is somewhere right now with a big smile on his face. Oh, and don't forget about running back Fred Taylor in the backfield. How do you stop the Patriots? Good luck figuring that out.
Remember, always trust Bill Belichick.
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