sportsday

2008-05-13, 23:51:19 

Throughout the next few days, I will be conducting a one person, 12-team draft one round at a time.  This will show you where each player should be taken if you were to take part in a draft today.

Round 1

1. Hanley Ramirez, Fla, SS - As of today, Hanley is batting .331 with an OPS of .987.  He has 34 runs, 22 RBI, 9 homeruns, and 13 stolen bases.  In other words, he does everything exceptionally well.  A-Rod would be ranked first if healthy, but he’s not healthy, and his return date remains uncertain.  He also plays a thing SS position already decimated by injuries.  Hanley is the man(ley)!

2. Chase Utley, Phi, 2B- Not only does he play a scarce 2B position, but he’s batting .327 with 13 homeruns and he plays in a lineup that includes himself, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell.  So, no shortage of runs and RBI opportunities here.

3. Albert Pujols, Stl, 1B - In pre-season drafts, Albert consistently fell to the late first round, even to the early second round because everyone feared his injured elbow.  Well, Albert has since shown us that he’s the same old Albert, so draft him with confidence at number 3.

4. Alex Rodriguez, NYY, 3B - A-Rod can be considered a risky pick at number 4 because he’s still injured, and quad injuries tend to linger.  But, A-Rod’s potential production once he returns is just too much to pass up any longer.

5. David Wright, NYM, 3B - Although he’s gotten off to a relatively slow start in ‘08, he has shown steady increases in production throughout the last three seasons and it’s safe to assume the numbers will come. He is one of only a couple fantasy players who can easily bat over .300, hit over 30 homeruns, and steal over 30 bases.

6. Matt Holliday, Col, OF - His numbers over the past two seasons have been amazing, and he’s finally starting to heat up in ‘08.  In addition, he already has 7 steals, to he should easily surpass his 11 steals form ‘07.

7. Jimmy Rollins, Phi, SS - Finally returning from injury and instantly producing.  Don’t expect a repeat of his ‘07 MVP numbers, but he remains one of the few players who helps in every category.  Consider him a moderately-poor version of Hanley Ramirez.

8. Lance Berkman, Hou, OF - I’ve never been a big Berkman fan, but his numbers so far in ‘08 are ridiculous: .393 avg, 13 homeruns, 38 RBI, 42 runs, 6 SB

9. Miguel Cabrera, Det, 3B/1B - He has been a disappointment so far in ‘08, but with that offense, his numbers can only improve as he continues to grow more comfortable with his new team and new league.  He’s like a David Wright who’s eaten a few too many donuts and can’t steal bases.

10. B.J. Upton, TB, 2B/OF - Although he’s still very young and you can expect some inconsistent performances as a result, he’s still a five-tool stud who has eligibility at both OF and 2B.

11. Ryan Braun, Mil, 3B/OF - After a slow start, he’s finally starting to heat up.  His average is up to .288 and he’s hit 4 homeruns in his last 2 games.  OF and 3B eligibility is also huge, and pitchers won’t be able to intentionally walk him as long as he continues to bat in front of Prince Fielder.  With a few more stolen bases, Braun and Upton would flip-flop spots.

12. Brandon Webb, Ari, SP - It’s usually best to avoid pitchers in the first round, but Webb has been unstoppable: 8-0 record, 2.41 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts

Please leave your questions and comments.  Round 2 to come on Wednesday.

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