So spring training is starting to get serious, and we're finally done watching a competition that saw the Netherlands win two games in the World Baseball Classic. Now it's time for Major League Baseball and the fantasy baseball preview for 2009.
If you're like most fantasy drafters, you take pride in finding solid players by reading up on your material just before the draft. To help you rise to the top of your league, here is a team-by-team analysis, including potential sleepers to take chances on if you are gutsy enough.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Overrated:
Nick Markakis (OF)
Somehow Markakis is being drafted at an average of 28th. How a guy who only hit 20 home runs last year with 87 RBIs in a full season earns that type of draft respect is beyond me. People are counting on a breakout year from the 25-year-old, but his fly ball-to-ground ball ratio isn't high enough to see any reason for an increase in the power numbers.
Underrated:
Adam Jones (OF)
A foot injury derailed Jones' 2008 campaign, and he would not be a bad option late in the draft to nab as your fourth or fifth outfielder. He's only 23 years old, and the risk-reward factor could be worth it considering his torrid numbers in the minor leagues.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Overrated:
Gavin Floyd (SP)
Fantasy baseball is all about consistency. Unfortunately, Floyd isn't. It's hard to justify taking him when you can get so many more reliable pitchers to round out the rotation. Simply put - he has the ability to destroy your team's earned run average for the week in just one start.
Underrated:
Jerry Owens (OF)
He probably won't play to start the season, so don't waste a draft pick on him. However, he is lightning fast, and if he rounds out his hitting skills, he may be worth mid-season pickup. Just keep an eye on him.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Overrated:
Cliff Lee (SP)
Lee was absolutely filthy in 2008, but it's difficult to see him repeating a 22-win, 2.54 earned run average performance this season. He's got great stuff, but he needs to continue to keep the ball down in the zone and force ground balls.
Sleeper:
Mark DeRosa (2B)
With Travis Hafner back in the lineup, DeRosa may be the guy who benefits the most by seeing a lot more pitches to hit. Not many people paid attention to him in 2008 - a year where he only hit 21 home runs with 87 RBIs while scoring 103 runs.
DETROIT TIGERS
Overrated:
Gary Sheffield (DH)
He's too old ... he's just too old. Everyone knows the name from his Dodger drama and his Yankee tenure, but it's hard to justify even the thought of a 40-year-old designated hitter who showed a definite career decline with his .225 batting average last season.
Underrated:
Curtis Granderson (OF)
He gets you statistics in just about every category. These kinds of guys are great players to have if you follow closely and can pinpoint their breakouts. He started out last season on the disabled list with a hand injury, so a full campaign this season could mean bigger and better things.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Overrated:
Joakim Soria (RP)
When Soria takes the ball in the ninth inning, the opponent knows the game is over. Don't let the fact that he's on the Royals distract you; he should definitely get his numbers. He'll be overlooked by a lot of your fellow league members, and if he gets traded at the deadline to a team in need of a closer, he'll get his chances to improve upon his 42 saves from last season.
BOSTON RED SOX
Underrated:
Jon Lester (SP)
On average, he's been the 18th pitcher off of the board in drafts this season. He had a breakout year in 2008. When the Red Sox needed a win, they put the ball in Lester's left hand. The cancer survivor seems able to overcome everything, and with a fresh perspective on the mound, nothing seems to get him rattled.
Sleeper:
Justin Masterson (SP)
Keep an eye on Masterson along with other potential starters in Clay Buchholtz and John Smoltz. If Masterson ever convinces Sox brass that he's too valuable to be in the bullpen, he could see a lot of innings as a starter. He may not surface in the rotation until mid-season, though.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Underrated:
Chone Figgins (3B)
Figgins digs out every play, and the Angels' offense could see some improvement with the addition of Bobby Abreu, who was yearning to get out of the pressure of New York. He's just another one of those solid contributors, spreading his statistics out and thus greatly benefiting the quality of your team.
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