By Josh Bremberg
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Fantasy Baseball (Outfield): Sizemore Does Matter!

Grady Sizemore (CLE) is a lock for another 30-30 season this year, finishing 2008 with 33 HRs & 38 SBs – not to mention his 101 runs, 90 RBIs & 98 walks. The only knock on this guy is the 130 Ks last year, at least its down from 155 in ’07!

Ryan Braun (MIL) is coming off a break out year – 37 HRs, 106 RBIs, 92 runs. He’s due for similar numbers this year, as long as the Prince stays healthy. Josh Hamilton (TEX) had a true fairy tale season – from the depths of substance abuse to “America’s Sweetheart” at the All-Star Game. He finished ’08 with 32 HRs (maybe there is a jinx with the HR Derby), 130 RBIs, and a .304 avg. Texas is known for their offense, and they’ll need to score some runs this year to protect that pitching staff.

Alfonso Soriano (CHC) - 29 HRs, 75 RBIs, & 76 runs in ’08 - has the ability to be a 40-40 guy, if he can stay healthy. The Cubs should be a play-off team & will rely heavily on the bat of Soriano this season. B.J. Upton (TB) as an absolute stud in the 2008 play-offs! His confidence should carry over into the 2009 season. He has speed (44 steals) & power (9 HRs in the reg. season, 7 in the play-offs!). If you land Upton consider yourself lucky! Carlos Beltran (NYM) - 27 HRs, 112 RBIs, 25 steals, 116 runs - has seen his power numbers dip over the last few years, but he makes up for it in run production. Carlos Quentin (CWS) was an MVP candidate before ending his season early in September. Even with the injury, Quentin still finished with great numbers – 36 HRs, 100 RBIs, 96 runs.

Falling Heroes - Manny Ramirez (37 HRs in ‘08) is always a player to watch, if he feels like playing. I’m tired of him… but man; he’s arguably the greatest hitter of our generation. Vlad Guerrero (27 HRs) just doesn’t seem like the same player. Those bad knees from playing in Montreal have just caused his numbers to nose-dive over the last few years. I guess he’s our generation’s Mickey Mantle.
If you can’t score your top choice in the outfield, don’t worry, there are so many choices that you can’t go wrong – unless you decide to draft the entire Yankee outfield, right Chad!

(Coming tomorrow: Starting Pitchers rankings by Chad Garner)

TOP 20 OUTFIELDERS

1. Grady Sizemore (CLE)
2. Ryan Braun (MIL)
3. Josh Hamilton (TEX)
4. Alfonso Soriano (CHC)
5. B.J. Upton (TB)
6. Carlos Beltran (NYM)
7. Carlos Quentin (CWS)
8. Carlos Lee (HOU)
9. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)
10. Manny Ramirez (LAD)
11. Jason Bay (BOS)
12. Matt Holliday (OAK)
13. Carl Crawford (TB)
14. Nick Markakis (BAL)
15. Matt Kemp (LAD)
16. Vladimir Guerrero (LAA)
17. Curtis Granderson (DET)
18. Alex Rios (TOR)
19. Shane Victorino (PHI)
20. Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)

Big East Matchup in the NCAA Finals

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
March Madness is here! To be perfectly honest, March and April are the only two months of the year I watch College Basketball. Of the four major sports, basketball is the one I enjoy and know about the least. With that being said, I absolutely love the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This is the best thing the NCAA does.

It's the time of year college basketball fanatics, casual fans, and the the women at work who picks the team with the prettiest colors or cutest mascot fill out their brackets. Of course I am not different. I have filled out 3 brackets this year, but will only be talking about the Final Four from the bracket that can fill my pockets the most.

The Final Four
Connecticut vs. Louisville
Many people are saying that UCONN has a chance to be bounced, and become the first #1 seed to lose to a #16. I won't have anything to do with that. I also like them because so many "experts" think they won't make it that far in the tournament. As someone you loves to do the opposite of most people, I actually think they'll beat Louisville and make it to the Finals. The Huskies took down Louisville in the regular season and will do so again in the Tournament. Sorry Slick Rick.

Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina
This is Jamie Dixon's year. While I like the talent of UNC, I am not sure Ty Lawson will have that triumphant a return to take them to the finals. Pitts is a strong, physical team that has battled Big East teams all year to this point. As long as the referees don't hand UNC the game, I think the tough, physical style of Pitt will be too much for them to handle.

Championship Game
Connecticut vs. Pittsburgh
The Panthers won the two previous meetings this year during the regular season. While it's hard to beat someone three times in a season in any sport, I predict Pitt will once again top the UCONN Huskies.

Maybe next year I'll fill out my brackets with a dart board and even blindfolded. I bet I could do just as well as I've done in previous years.

Here's to hoping the Pitt Panthers make me look like a genius!

Louisville will cut down the nets

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The NCAA Tournament is one of pure excitement, this year will be no different. Is there a clear-cut favorite? No. Probably about a handful of teams really can win this thing, but you just never know. That's why they play the games.

Here are my Final Four teams (if you use my picks to gamble in Vegas, don't blame me when you lose your shirt!):

Final Four

Louisville vs. Memphis -- The Cardinals, winners of 10 straight games, have one of the best coaches in the country in Rick Pitino, who makes sure his team is prepared to play at a high level every single night. The Cards don't feature one true scorer, they're just a balanced bunch who likes to run the floor. But defense is where they really shine and wear down opponents. They are one of the best pressure defenses in the tournament and that's where they really flusters teams. I hate to say it, but Memphis will run all over my beloved UConn Huskies to reach the Final Four.

Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina -- Man, Pitt just likes to punch you right in the face with bulldozer DeJuan Blair (15.6 ppg). You just can't move him in the paint, that's why the Panthers always have a distinct advance down low with Blair. You get him in foul trouble, however, and things change slightly. The also handled UConn twice in the Big East, so they are legit. 

UNC has great balance, it can beat you from the perimeter or from the post. Make no mistake, forward Tyler Hansbrough (21.4 ppg) makes this team go. He's an instant spark for the Heels and a tough matchup for anyone. An injury to point guard Ty Lawson (15.9 ppg) worries me a little, but my gut says he's plays later in the tournament. If he's at least 75 percent, watch out. The uptempo style will be too much for Pitt to contend with in the end. Wayne Ellington (15.2 ppg), Danny Green (13.3 ppg) and Deon Thompson (11.2 ppg) give the Heels 5 players who average in double figures.

Championship game

Louisville vs. North Carolina --- Defense, defense, defense. It could be a track meet game, but Louisville's pressure from the opening tip to the final buzzer will eventually leave the Heels huffing and puffing for air. 

National Champion

Louisville -- Will Pitino cry like a little baby. We did after he ruined the Boston Celtics.

Fantasy Baseball (Third Base) with Arod hurt, David Wright takes the top spot for 2009

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The staff at FFS continues our trip around the diamond looking at the top 20 players at each position. Today we'll be covering Third Base. When I look at the top crop of third basemen for 2009, I think of one thing: Multi-position eligibility. Half of my top 20 third basemen are eligible for more than one position. As you'll come to know, there is nothing I like better in fantasy baseball than position flexibility. The more positions you can play, the more likely you'll end up on my team. Thanks to the depth the position has, and the flexibility in eligibility, you should be able to find yourself a good third basemen in any of the first 7 rounds.

Any other year Alex Rodriguez would be the #1 overall draft pick, not just the best option at third base. I am not convinced with the current prognosis that he'll be back in May. His injury is very similar to Mike Lowell's, and he's just now getting back into the swing of things. Now don't get me wrong I still think he'll be back to his usual self come mid to late June. With that being said, I have dropped him to 5th in the third basemen rankings due to his injury and wild off season. In my opinion, you can't draft a guy in the first round if you know he's going to miss a month or two. Even if he comes back in June, you should still expect him to hit .300, 20+ homers and 85+RBI.

The man who now sits a top my third basemen rankings is David Wright. By all accounts, he put up a fantastic year, and is just now entering his prime. It's hard to think he'll put up better numbers than .302, 33 HR, 124 RBI, 115 R, and an OPS of .924, but you should be more than happy to take him so early in the draft and get the same output. He's a top 5 pick overall, and I wouldn't hesitate to take him 3rd if both Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes are off the board.

The next two guys on my board are eligible at both first and third base. Miguel Cabrera is a first rounder in my opinion and will offer you great fantasy points across the board. I am not a Red Sox fan, but I firmly believe Kevin Youkilis is primed for a better year than last when he hit .312, 29 HR, 91 R, 115 RBI & had an .959 OPS. He's on the verge of becoming an elite fantasy player, and is entering the year with a chip on his shoulder after David Ortiz recently voiced concerns about his perceived lack of protection behind him in the order.

Evan Longoria, the rising superstar, is a late second rounder in my opinion. He hit .272 with 27 HR, 84 RBI, 67 R & a .874 OPS last season in only 448 at bats. He's more likely to get about 600 at bats this season so you can bank on 30+ homers, 100+ RBI and more runs scored. I loved having him on several of my teams last year, and already have him one. Since I have three more drafts coming in the next two weeks, I wouldn't be surprised if ended up on at least one of them.

The next tier at the hot corner has a drop off at production, but not a drastic one. Based on stats from 2008 the following list of players will offer you a .300+ average, 20+ homers & 90+ RBI. Aubrey Huff (also eligible at 1B), Aramis Ramirez, Chippers Jones and Garret Atkins. Ramirez should go before the 5th round, but the rest of the mentioned players should be taken in the 6th round or later. Many people have a tendency to forget about Melvin Mora, but you shouldn't. You might not realize it, but he did have 104 RBI, and has been putting up decent numbers for years

Don't get old on me/On the down slide:

Despite the good early stats this spring, I would watch out for Mike Lowell. He's had several good seasons in Boston, but he could be starting to show his age after the torn labrum in his hip late last season. If you're looking for a 3rd basemen later in the draft, I would suggest taking a younger player with more upside. I wouldn't feel comfortable going into the season with Lowell as my starting fantasy 3rd baseman. You might also want to be wary of Chone Figgins. He just turned 30 and is entering his 9th season. His average dropped 54 points last season as he hit .276, down from a career high .330 in 2007. He also hasn't played in more than 116 games and had more than 453 at bats the past two seasons.

Up and Comers:

It seems like everyone is naming Chris Davis as the big mover in fantasy baseball this year. I happen to agree, and expect him to drive in at least 25+ homers and have close to 100 RBI. It will be interesting to see what he does now that you can expect him to get at least 600 plate appearances. The next youngster that intrigues me this season is Ian Stewart. He cam out hot and heavy when the Rockies put him in the lineup last season while Todd Helton was hurt. He did settle down, hitting on .254 in 266 at bats, but also showed good pop (10 HR) and the ability to drive in runners (41 RBI). If you don't think he's that impressive, take into account that he's also eligible at 2nd base.

Before I sign off today, I want to quickly throw out a few names who fall outside of the top 20, but should be considered late in the draft. Josh Fields, Chase Headley, Alex Gordon, Ryan Zimmerman, Brandon Wood and Mat Gamel are all guys that are worth more than a flyer later on. I also like the long term prospects of Pedro Alvarez, but don't think he'll be rushed to the bigs this season. If he is, then he could be another Evan Longoria at the plate.

(Coming tomorrow: Outfield rankings by Josh Bremberg)

TOP 20 THIRD BASEMEN

1. David Wright (NYM)
2. Miguel Cabrera (DET)
3. Kevin Youkilis (BOS)
4. Evan Longoria (TB)
5. Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
6. Aramix Ramirez (CHI)
7. Aubrey Huff (BAL)
8. Chipper Jones (ATL)
9. Garett Atkins (COL)
10. Chris Davis (TEX)
11. Jorge Cantu (FLA)
12. Mark DeRosa (CLE)
13. Melvin Mora (BAL)
14. Adrian Beltre (SEA)
15. Chone Figgins (ANA) * I refuse to use LAA
16. Mark Reynolds (ARI)
17. Troy Glaus (STL)
18. Kevin Kouzmanoff (SD)
19. Casey Blake (LAD)
20. Ian Stewart (COL)

Fantasy Baseball (shortstops): Big decision, either Ramirez or Reyes

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The shortstop position is no joke, especially right at the top of the rankings with super young studs Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes. 

Besides them being 1-2 (you can make a case for either to be your No. 1 shortstop to get) at the position, they also are being drafted in the top 5 overall -- Ramirez is going first in a lot of drafts.

And what's not to like. The former Red Sox farmhand (are they still trying to trade to get him back?), is a 5-tool monster (.301 BA, 33 HRs, 67 RBIs, 125 runs, 35 SBs in 2008) for the Florida Marlins.

The one category in a standard 5 X 5 league that isn't impressive is RBIs, but remember Ramirez served as the leadoff guy last season. His new role, according to Marlins brass, is to drive in runs from the third hole. The fantasy impact of the lineup move will be obviously more RBIs, but don't be too surprised if his stolen bases drop into the 20s. If they don't, then taking him No. 1 overall is really a no-brainer. 

Reyes, that 25-year-old from the Mets, is a jackrabbit on the bases, one of the best base stealers in all of baseball. Some fantasy owners like to scrap stolen bases just like saves, but I'm a big believer in trying to get consistent guys in every category. Reyes fits the bill. He hits for average (.297), power (16 HRs), drives in runs (68 RBIs as leadoff stick), scores runs (113) and steals (56) which were down 22 swipes from a year ago.

You just can't go wrong with either guy. At No. 1 take Ramirez and if people laugh at you because you really like Reyes better -- sometimes you need guys on your team that you like, it's  a long year if you have guys on your team you just can't stand (any Red Sox player for me, GO YANKEES!!!) -- then you'll be laughing at the end of the season with the stats he puts up. And watch how many trade offers you field during the season because an owner decided to scrap shortstops to add an extra closer. Go ahead and laugh now, it happens in every league.

Jimmy Rollins failed to deliver last year (.277, 11 HRs, 59 RBIs, 47 SBs), but he's simply too talented to shy away from. Plus, if you enjoy busting a move every now and then, watch J-Roll boogie down in the dugout. 

Perhaps the guy I think is way too overrated is Dodgers' Rafael Furcal. Yes, he's talented and can run the bases, but he can't stay healthy. You need your guys on the field to produce stats, Furcal is fragile. He played in only 36 games last year and 138 in 2007 --- my colleague Jim Ingram is probably typing a response now because he protects his Dodgers like the secret service protects President Obama. Just to tease us, Furcal, in 2006 had these great stats (.300 BA, 15 HRs, 63 RBIs, 113 runs, 37 SBs). I think the risk of injury is too great to target Furcal on draft day.

Then, there are a bunch of players grouped together. Do you want youngbloods you hope keep improving -- Stephen Drew or Troy Tulowitzki -- or veterans you know what you're going to get from -- Derek Jeter and Michael Young. 

Quickly about Jeter and Young. Jeter's stats may be on the decline -- he only hit 11 homers and drove in 69 runs with 88 runs scored and 11 steals, but he hit .300 once again. Young had a bad year to his standards (.284, 12 HRs, 82 RBIs, 102 runs, 10 SBs), but for pretty much anyone else you'd be happy with that production. These guys can still get it done, don't take the bait from some "fantasy gurus" ... these guys won't let you down, they are still productive players. Let others think they're washed up and pounce on them like a cheetah on a wounded gazelle.  If you get either Jeter or Young in the 6-9 round range, can you say steal?

Jhonny Peralta, a guy I've always thought was OK, has put up back to back solid years -- .270-21-72-87-4 and .276-23-89-104-3 -- and he's only 26. Keep him on your radar.

Other bargains can be found with Cubs' Ryan Theriot and Royals' Mike Aviles. I don't typically endorse Red Sox, but Jed Lowrie deserves consideration since Julio Lugo's knee is torn up, plus Lowrie's a better player. He could be a solid fill-in and backup.

(Coming tomorrow: Third baseman rankings by Jim Ingram)

TOP 20 SHORTSTOPS

1. Hanley Ramirez (FLA)
2. Jose Reyes (NYM)
3. Jimmy Rollins (PHI)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (COL)
5. Stephen Drew (ARZ)
6. Derek Jeter (NYY)
7. Michael Young (TEX)
8. Rafael Furcal (LAD)
9. Jhonny Peralta (CLE)
10. J.J. Hardy (MIL)
11. Mike Aviles (KC)
12. Miguel Tejada (HOU)
13. Ryan Theriot (CHI)
14. Yunel Escobar (ATL)
15. Cristian Guzman (WAS)
16. Orlando Cabrera (OAK)
17. Edgar Renteria (SF)
18. Yuniesky Betencourt (SEA)
19. Jason Bartlett (TB)
20. Jed Lowrie (BOS)

Proud to be an American

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff



I'm sick and tired about hearing how there's nothing good about the World Baseball Classic (WBC). If you watched the United States baseball team rally for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to stun Puerto Rico, 6-5, Tuesday night, you're probably thinking twice about bashing the WBC.

It's hard not to be patriotic, especially when you see the American flag and the red, white and blue color scheme being worn on a baseball diamond and in the stands. When David Wright drove in the game-winning runs with a two-run single down the right-field line and the American dugout erupted onto the field, the cameras quickly cut to Wright who was being attacked by Derek Jeter and Kevin Youkilis at the head of the pack.

They all had an ear-to-ear smile after that great comeback. The loser was eliminated from the WBC, and the winner earned a trip into the semifinal round. 

But for these multi-million dollar ballplayers to show that much emotion and passion for the win, but more importantly their country, this is why the WBC was created.

You can talk all you want about the negatives -- injury concerns, flawed format, lack of reps and too much down time (that's Chipper Jones' latest excuse), poor talent level on some teams, etc. -- but something has got to be said for representing your country and trying to develop and showcase our game to the entire world.

The Americans accomplished that Tuesday night.

Yes, I'm proud to be an American!!! Go USA!!!

Peppers to Pats, Not So Fast.

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Adam Schefter, NFL Network Insider, made quite the bold statement during his semi-regular appearance on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan show this morning. Schefter stated that Julius Pepper's would not be in a Patriots uniform this coming season. John Dennis asked him how sure he was, Schefter quickly replied, "I am 99.9% sure that Julius Peppers will not be a Patriot during the 2009 season".

He cited several reasons why the trade won't happen. He indicated that it would take more than the $73 million deal that Jared Allen received from the Vikings last off season, with $30+ million of that guaranteed. When was the last time the Pats doled out that kind of money? He also questioned what that type of money would do to the salary structure of impending free agents in the locker room. Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins are all unrestricted free agents after the 2009 season. All three will be looking for big paydays and the Pats most likely will not have the room for all three.

Personally, I would love to see the Pats bring in a play maker like Peppers. He's one of the best pass rushers in the game and would inject life into a defense that desperately needs it. Bill Belichick would be given the option of moving him to outside linebacker this season and see how the transition works out. If Peppers struggles, you can let Richard Seymour walk, and move him back to defensive end. Richard Seymour has been either hurt or unproductive for the past two season and would be my pick as the odd man out. Seymour still does many things well, but isn't going to be worth the money he'll be seeking. The Patriots try their best to stick to the philosophy of paying a player what he's worth now, not what he's done in the past.

As for the money, I don't see a reason why you can't fit Peppers, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins under the salary cap. Wilfork is the centerpiece to the Patriots 3-4 defense and shouldn't be in the Albert Haynesworth price range. Don't forget the NFL has the potential of an uncapped season on the horizon. If that occurs, and Peppers makes a successful transition to outside backer, spend the money and keep all four players.

Regardless of what happens, the New England Patriots continue to make this an eventful off season. Make sure to check back for the latest news and our unique opinions on everything Sports.