2012 PRESEASON FANTASY AWARDS

In an effort to forecast fantasy baseballs top performers, THE FANTASY DUGOUT has taken a moment to highlight players who could compete for major awards during the 2012 season. As fantasy drafts grow closer, wouldn’t it be great to know who will be this years greatest fantasy contributors? Below I’ve highlighted three players from each league, who, by seasons end, should be in competition for their respected awards.

By Sam Milne

AL MVP – Miguel Cabrera, DET (Justin Verlander 2011) – Could put up huge numbers with the Prince protecting him in the Tigers lineup. 40 HR, 120 RBI, .330 avg are all well within Cabrera’s reach, especially considering his soon to be third base position eligibility. The king of consistency should again prove to be a top pick in 2012 drafts, and will heartily pay off for those lucky enough to employ his services.

Honorable Mention: Jose Bautista, Robinson Cano, Mark Teixiera

NL MVP – Mike “Giancarlo” Stanton, MIA (Matt Kemp 2011) – The Marlins focused on surrounding Giancarlo with nice pieces, something that should benefit his prodigious power numbers. With Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes hitting ahead of him in the Marlins lineup, and up and comers Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez hitting behind him, Stanton could easily lead the National League in homeruns and isolated slugging percentage. Look for Stanton to take the next steps in cementing himself as one of the games premier young talents and fantasy superstars.

Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki, Andrew McCutchen, Justin Upton, Matt Kemp

AL CY Young – Jered Weaver, LAA (Justin Verlander 2011) – The addition of Albert Pujols to the Angels lineup, as well as the teams continued development of young players like Mike Trout and Peter Bourjos, should boost the “Dream Weaver’s” wins total. Already possessing the nasty stuff needed to strike out 220 and maintain a minimal era in the 2’s, Weaver could easily approach the upper-teens in double digit wins, and could be in the discussion for fantasy, and real world, Cy Young Award winner.

Honorable Mention: Dan Haren, Jon Lester, Felix Hernandez, CC Sabathia

 NL CY Young – Roy Halladay, PHI (Clayton Kershaw 2011) – Really hard to argue with this pick. Halladay is not flashy, but in his fourteenth year in pro ball, this two time Cy Young winner, with 188 career victories, knows what it takes to win. Depending on the league, Halladay is a fringe first round pick, and could pay off big time in the long haul. Halladay continues to post superior numbers in K, W, ERA, and CG, so don’t take the Doc for granted, because he’s got the medicine you need to win your league.

Honorable Mention: Zack Grienke, Cliff Lee, Clayton Kershaw, Tim Lincecum

AL ROY – Jesus Montero, SEA (Jeremy Hellickson 2011) – Although critics will highlight the fact that Montero plays half his games at spacious Safeco Field, and still does not have catcher eligibility, its hard to ignore his tremendous potential. The opportunity to play everyday for M’s could pay dividends for former Yankees top prospect. His power, as well as his ability to hit to the opposite field, should translate well to Seattle. Depending on when he plays enough games to become eligible at catcher, Montero, provided he stays healthy, could easily finish the season within the top-five catchers and should be a candidate for rookie of the year. Look to target Montero in the mid-rounds of drafts, anywhere from round 13 on.

Honorable Mention: Matt Moore, Mike Trout, Jacob Turner

NL ROY – Yondor Alonso, SD (Craig Kimbrel 2011) – Blocked by incumbent Reds first basemen Joey Votto, Yonder Alonso was the prize in the offseason trade that sent Mat Latos to Cincy and a haul of young talent, including Alonso, to the Padres. Without question, the trade from Cincy to Padres opens the door for this former top-hitting prospect to play everyday. Whether at first base or in the outfield, Alonso will have an opportunity to showcase his skills in spacious Petco Park. Although his power could take time to develop, his high contact rate and good eye could make him a valuable fantasy asset by seasons end. Target him in the late rounds, and most likely as an undrafted free agent.

Honorable Mention: Bryce Harper, Shelby Miller, Julio Teheran

There are certainly other top players who could fit the parameters for all these awards, and only time will tell how accurate these predictions are. Who are the others?

 

Stay tuned for more! Tomorrow we turn to the power alleys in another POSITION PREVIEW: OUTFILED.

POSITON PREVIEW: CATCHER

One of fantasy baseball’s shallowest positions, the catcher is analyzed in todays edition of POSITION PREVIEW. Top catchers like Brian McCann and Mike Napoli welcome youngsters Carlos Santana and Matt Weiters to the elite tier of backstops, but is it worth an early round pick to secure these players in 2012 fantasy baseball drafts? Read more to find out, as we’ll take you through an in-depth analysis of the position and highlight 2012 rankings, injury concerns, sleepers, busts and top prospects.

By Sam Milne

2012 Preseason Rankings

1. Carlos Santana, CLE: Premier young catcher has shown huge power potential and should continue to have a high OBP while limiting strikeouts.
2. Brian McCann, ATL: The incumbent top fantasy catcher, McCann should continue to post fantasy friendly numbers at a shallow position.
3. Mike Napoli: TEX: Burst onto the scene in his first year with the Rangers; How likely is a repeat? Hard to say, especially w/ lingering ankle issues.
4. Joe Mauer, MIN: No question as to his hitting abilities when healthy…but health has been the biggest detractor last few years and is still a ?
5. Buster Posey, SF: See Mauer, Joe, above.
6. Jesus Montero, SEA: Top prospect should open the years as Seattle’s starting designated hitter, but how long before he plays enough games to become catcher eligible?
7. Miguel Montero, ARI: Finally lived up to true potential w/ Dbacks in 2011 and should pick up where he left off.
8. Matt Weiters, BAL: A bit low compared to most rankings, however, former top prospect still needs to prove that he can post high power and batting average numbers before he climbs the rankings. Could finish ’12 in top 5 if he does.
9. Alex Avila, DET: Struggled post all-star break in ’11, but offseason conditioning and further seasoning should pay dividends…not to mention Fielders addition to the lineup.
10. Yadier Molina, STL: Fun to play name that Molina, but Yadier is clearly a better real world catcher than fantasy asset. Although his annual .290 average and 10 HR are steady but not spectacular.
11. Kurt Suzuki, OAK: Must be the pooka shells because I just don’t like this guy.
12. Geovany Soto, CHC:  After a wonderful rookie season, Soto has failed to produce. By now we know who he is, which, if you limit your expectations for a late round pick isn’t half bad.

Injury Analysis

Joe Mauer: Limited by back and knee injuries over the past two seasons, Mauer played just 137 games in 2011 and a mere 87 in 2012. When healthy, Mauer’s hitting abilities are among the best in baseball, however, the biggest question is whether he can continue to play such a demanding position. As a 4^th – 5th round fantasy pick, Mauer represents an early round gamble that could pay off for those willing to take the chance. More than likely, Mauer will encounter one too many DL stints; owners should avoid Mauer and instead target a more reliable pick later in the draft.

Buster Posey: After sustaining a major, season ending, leg injury in a home plate collision last year, the Giants will no doubt be extremely cautious rushing their young catcher back to action. However, Posey has had nearly nine months to recover and should be ready to start the season as the Giants opening day catcher. Leg injuries are always serious, especially for catchers, but if Posey is able to effectively return from this injury he could provide quality numbers in BA, HR and RBI’s. He is especially enticing in keeper leagues, however, for standard redraft leagues his stock will be presumably lower than previous years due to the injury. Capitalize on this drop in draft status and pick up Posey at a discounted price.

Sleepers

Wilson Ramos: After an offseason kidnapping ordeal, Ramos is ready to resume baseball and get back to the basics. The former Minnesota Twins top catching prospect, Ramos was dealt to the Nationals in 2010 for closer Matt Capps. Ramos showed huge improvements in his first full season as a starting catcher and should improve upon those numbers. As a young, everyday player, Ramos represents a late round pick that could pay off as the season progresses.

JP Arencibia: A one-category contributor, HR, Arencibia was dreadful in 2011 in terms of batting average and OBP. In leagues where strikeouts count for negative, he was even worse. But after an offseason to further prepare for his second year in the majors, Arencibia should continue to post huge power numbers and will likely improve a terrible batting average as the Blue Jays starting catcher. If you’re willing to take the hits at BA, OBP and k’s then Arencibia is your guy; he should be available in round 21-25 on draft day.

Busts

Brian McCann: Not a bust in the typical definition of the word, McCann is a guy who finds himself on this list because of his high draft status and relatively ordinary fantasy numbers. While catcher, as well as SS, is an extremely shallow fantasy position in 2012, using a fourth or fifth round pick on McCann is a foolish idea. McCann’s typical season, 65 runs, 23 hr, 86 RBI, .275 AVG is good for a catcher, however, were he a first basemen or an outfielder his number would rank merely as average, nothing to write home about. Instead of spending an early round pick on McCann, a catcher who will post standard yet unspectacular numbers, I suggest grabbing an ace pitcher such as Dan Haren or Zack Greinke, and taking a flier on a catcher later in the draft.

Kurt Suzuki: The backstop for Billy Beane’s fighting Athletics, Suzuki could very well have Adam Dunn syndrome. The relation between the two you ask, besides just a low batting average, hype, and lack of power? Simply put: Pooka shells. This fad of the nineteen-nineties Abercrombie and Fitch models is not a good look for baseball players, and proved to be unlucky in 2011 for both Dunn and Suzuki. While the catching Suzuki is annually surrounded in unnecessary preseason hype, it’s important to remember that this is a catcher with a career .258 average and just 49 homeruns since becoming a full time starter in 2008.  Comparatively, Miguel Olivo, the unspectacular Mariners vet, has a similar average and 68 homers in the same span. Draft Suzuki at your own risk, however, I would suggest avoiding this backstop sloth.

Top Prospects

Ryan Lavarnaway, BOS: The Red Sox top catching prospect, Lavarnaway could break camp with the big club, however he will have strong competition from veteran Kelly Shoppach for the back-up catching job. The Sox starter, Jarrod Saltalamachia is no safe bet himself, so keep tabs on Lavarnaway throughout spring. There is little question in regard to his offensive abilities, although his defense is lacking and he is blocked at DH by returning vet David Ortiz. Still, Lavarnaway is a top prospect, someone to watch, and a valuable youngster in deeper leagues and keeper formats.

Devin Mesoraco, CIN: A name to remember, Mesoraco should start the season with the Reds and figures to get playing time while platooning with current Reds catcher Ryan Hannigan. Altough he has only 18 major league games under his belt, it’s only a matter of time before the Reds 2007 first round pick is starting everyday in the bigs. It could be sooner than later, and Mesoraco is someone to have on your radar.

Salvador Perez, KC: Perez recently signed a five year extension, a deal that will keep him with the Royals until 2019. Not bad for a kid born in 1990. This youngster will begin the year as the Royals starting backstop, and is just one of many talented youngsters that have everybody in the Royals organization so excited. He should post solid statistics in his first full year in batting average, hits and potentially runs. Limit your lofty expectations for now until Perez shows he’s ready to handle big league pitching. In long-term keeper leagues, Perez should be considered in the top 10 for 2012-2015.

 Stay tuned for more, as we take a look at potential division winners, as well as Cy Young and MVP Award winners.

Dynasty League Draft Results

In an effort to provide the highest quality analysis, THE FANTASY DUGOUT would like to take a moment to share what’s been happening behind the scenes. As a member of an NJFFL three-year dynasty league, I had the unique pleasure of taking part in a three week, 12-team dynasty draft. This points based league features a 40-man roster with 25 offseason keepers and fifteen cuts. Obviously, a draft that requires 40 rounds, and three hours per pick, requires additional preparation, scouting, and prospect knowledge. Here’s how my team turned out, including player age, round selected and player notes.

For further analysis, please refer to the bottom of the draft results where I have highlighted my draft strategy, potential sleepers/busts, injury concerns, and strategy moving forward.

SEATTLE STORMTROOPERS

STARTING LINEUP               AGE          RD/PK                  NOTES

• C: Carlos Santana           25             4.4        Premier C should post 25+ HR
• 1B: Adrian Gonzalez       29              1.9       Post-Petco-Pleasure (aka Fenway)
• 2B: Ruben Tejada           22             29.9      Late round OBP flier
• SS: Starlin Castro            21             5.9        Gotta love age/potential at scarce pos.
• 3B: Alex Rodriguez         36             14.4       Does A-Rod have one more good yr left?
• INF: Justin Smoak           25             18.4      Former top-prospect has huge upside
• INF: Adam Dunn             32              23.9      Fingers crossed for a bounce back
• INF: Lonnie Chisenhall    23             31.9      Still green, but Lonnie should play a ton
• LF: Michael Brantley       24             27.9       Benefits from Sizemore’s injury
• CF: Adam Jones             26              9.9       O’s still laughing about Bedard trade
• RF: Corey Hart                29             11.9      Potential 1B eligibility very appealing
• OF: Nick Swisher            31             17.9      A lock for 22 HR/85 RBI
• OF: Chris B. Young         28             13.9      Power/speed threat is potential 30/30
• UTL: Billy Butler              25              10.4     Solid contact hitter and young

HITTING PROSPECTS

• Matt Adams                    23             36.4      Hefty Cards 1b of the future has power
• Jerry Sands                    24             32.4      Could have starting big league role soon
• Anthony Gose                 21             33.9      Plus defender stole 70 bases in ’11

PITCHERS

• SP: Justin Verlander        29            2.4        Cy MVP: ’nuff said
• SP: Tim Lincecum            27            3.9        This Freak got game
• SP: Zack Greinke            28            6.4         Hopefully will start season healthy
• SP: Matt Cain                   27            7.9        Wins are tough in SF but era/whip legit
• SP: Daniel Hudson          24             8.4        Young potential ace for the snakes
• SP: Brandon Morrow       27           15.9        Huge K #’s but BB always a concern
• SP: Justin Masterson       26           16.4        Could be Tribes best by years end
• SP: Jeremy Hellickson    24           12.4        Lefty will look to avoid soph slump
• SP: Edwin Jackson         28            21.9       Should benefit from new scenery/windup
• SP: Francisco Liriano      28            20.4       Drawing rave reviews from winter ball
• SP: Bud Norris                26            22.4       Good source of k’s – but no w’s
• SP: Jake Peavy               30            37.9       Banking on bounce back to former self
• SP: Juan Nicasio             25           30.4        Ready to roll with new neck
• SP: Henderson Alvarez   21            24.4       Power youngster should be 3rd starter
• SP: Chris Sale                 22            19.9       Lovin’ transition from pen to starter

SP PROSPECTS

• Jarrod Parker                  23           25.9        Could start season in A’s rotation
• Mike Montgomery            22           38.4        Big lefty still has much to refine
• Dellin Betances                23          39.9         Top SP prospect could see MLB in ’12
• Hector Noesi                   25           40.4         Figures to slot as M’s fifth starter
• Danny Hultzen                 22           26.4         #2 overall pick epitomizes crafty LHP
• Jordan Lyles                    21           35.9         Got feet wet in ’11 and should be back
• Wily Peralta                      22          28.4         Potential for top of rotation workhorse
• Martin Perez                    20           34.4         Power-arm could get bullpen time in ’12

Starting lineup AVG age:          26.8

Starting rotation AVG age:        26.13

Hitting pros. AVG age:              22

Pitching pros. AVG age:           22.25

Draft Strategy: In order to assemble a balanced team, and a squad ready to compete now as well as in the future, I focused on building my team around pitching, young hitters, and top prospects. After selecting a cornerstone first basemen in Adrian Gonzalez, I turned my attention to pitching and selected the best pitcher I could each round. I filled positional needs throughout the draft with quality pieces at a discounted rate, such as a-rod in the 14th round, Michael Brantley in the 27th, and Nick Swisher in the 17th. These are all players who, for one reason or another be it age, injury or decreasing skill set, fell until later rounds and allowed me to capitalize early on acquiring a wealth of ace starting pitchers. I purposely ignored relievers, instead grabbing starting pitchers with reliever eligibility to give my team high wins potential (40 points/win) and plenty of trade bait.

Potential Sleepers: Ruben Tejada – With Jose Reyes gone to Miami, Tejada figures to become the Mets opening day shortstop and should prove his ability to reach base…Lonnie Chisenhall – Still extremely young, but 20+ bombs is not out of the question…Chris Sale – This big power arm should provide huge upside in strikeouts, and also retains RP eligibility…Brandon Morrow – Ex-Mariner could take the next step in his progression towards becoming on of the AL East premier arms.

Potential Busts: Adam Dunn – Could Dunn concievably return to his annual 35+ hr production? Not likely, but I’ll take a chance….Jake Peavy – Another aging veteran who has seen his best years pass. Obviously, if he can return to his Cy Young form he could be a steal in the later rounds….Jeremy Hellickson – I’m seriously, like really, worried hes going to encounter a sophmore slump. He doesn’t strike out enought batters and his era in ’11 was unrealistically low…Francisco Liriano – This dude just continues to baffle me. Good or bad, up or down, Liriano has shown flashes of greatness but also continues to walk to many batters.

Injury Risks: Alex Rodriguez – Injuries have limited a-rod’s recent production, however, if he can return to previous form this pick represents phenomenal value from the fourteenth round. Who else do you think could be an injury concern this year?

Strategy Moving Forward: Obviously this team still has holes. I have questions at 2B, I’m relying on bounce-back years from aging veteran White Sox players, and I have absolutely no relievers. Im going to need to make some trade, and lucky for me I have plenty of trade bait. This is where I want to hear from YOU, the reader! Who do you think I should trade, who do you think I should acquire, and who do you think I should drop? This is your chance to have your voice heard in shaping the Seattle Stromtroopers dynasty team, lets see what you got broooooo…………

WHERE THE %&#* HAVE WE BEEN?

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, fantasy fanatics and fastball freaks…we are truly sorry for the delay at such a critical juncture in the rapidly approaching fantasy baseball season. Please pardon the interruption. After an extended hiatus, and with much apology, THE FANTASY DUGOUT is back in action, and just in time to help you prepare for rapidly approaching drafts! From now until the regular season kicks off (Mariners vs. Oakland in Japan March 27), we will continue to provide the best in-depth analysis, positional breakdowns, rankings, sleepers, bust, injury analysis, bounce-back-bats…and everybody’s favorite: Draft Day Gems. Please continue to check back often as we strive to provide the very best fantasy baseball draft preparation!

In addition, THE FANTASY DUGOUT will be updated with live coverage from Cactus league Spring Training from March 8-13! During this period we will provide detailed scouting reports, positional battle analysis, depth-chart and injury updates from the desert.

Here’s a look at we have on tap:

March 1: Breakdown of Seattle Stormtroopers dynasty league draft picks

March 2: Position Preview: Catcher

March 5: Preseason Predictions: Division winners and major fantasy awards

March 6: Position Preview: Outfield

March 7: Big Board UPDATE: 1-100

March 8: Arrive in Arizona / Position Preview: Shortstop

March 9: Cactus League coverage – news from the desert

March 10: Scouting Report: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies @ Salt River Field

March 11: Scouting Report: Seattle Mariners vs. San Francisco Giants @ Scottsdale Stadium

March 12: Scouting Report: Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners @ Peoria Sports Complex

March 13: Cactus League coverage / Position Preview: Relief Pitchers

March 16: Top fantasy prospects for 2012: Youngster to know

AND MUCH MORE!

 

HE GONNNNE: Chicago White Sox Offseason Outlook

One of last season’s most disappointing teams enters 2012 with no expectations. Seriously. None whatsoever.

By Jon Krusen

Key Acquisitions: None, I’m serious. Really. RHP Simon Castro, 1B/Pinch Hit Hero Dan Johnson

Key Departures: LHP Mark Buehrle, OF Carlos Quentin, RHP Sergio Santos, OF Juan Pierre, IF Omar Vizquel, RHP Jason Frasor

Projected Lineup:  CF Aleandro de Aza,  SS Alexei Ramirez, 1B Paul Konerko,  DH Adam Dunn,  RF Dayan Viciedo,  C  AJ Pierzynski, 3B Brent Morel,  LF Alex Rios,  2B Gordon Beckham

Projected Rotation: LHP John Danks,  RHP Gavin Floyd, RHP Jake Peavy, LHP Chris Sale, RHP Philip Humber

 

Closer/Setup:  LHP Matt Thornton, RHP Jesse Crain, RHP Addison Crain

After finishing 79-83 in 2011 (when many thought they would challenge for the AL Central title), expectations are all but non-existent for the White Sox under new manager Robin Ventura. Busts such as Adam Dunn, Alex Rios, and Jake Peavy have all caused fans more headaches than high-fives since arriving on the South Side and were a focal point in the Sox extremely disappointing 2011. These three players could be the difference in 2012 between the Sox playing somewhat respectable, or… being a bottom feeder in a division that was all but locked up by Detroit this offseason.

In terms of offseason activity, the Sox have done relatively nothing. Dunn said it best at this year’s Soxfest, when he proclaimed that if Rios, as well as himself, could regain their all-star form it would be the Sox biggest offseason acquisitions. This not only explains how bad these former stars played in 2011, but also acknowledges the fact that the Sox didn’t acquire anyone in the offseason guaranteed to make the 25-man roster. After being a monster for his entire career, Dunn had a historically bad season in 2011, hitting .159 with 11 home runs and 177 strikeouts. That’s right, his strikeout total was 18 higher than his batting average. Please tell me Adam Dunn, the former National League home run machine, didn’t really hint at retiring last season. Did he? I’m starting to have my doubts as to just how bad he actually was, as I cling to the hope that surely Dunn and Rios can’t be as bad as they were, right? Right? C’mon Man!

The rest of the lineup is also very hard to predict, as it combines a group of inconsistent youngsters and overachieving veterans. Gordon Beckham, after a great rookie season, has struggled offensively the past two seasons despite becoming one of the best defensive second baseman in baseball. Paul Konerko and AJ Pierzynski have continued to be extremely reliable veterans, producing better than most expected at this stage in their career. Konerko has carried this lineup the past seasons and its natural to wonder if this could eventually wear him down. Meanwhile AJ has caught over 1,000 innings – almost as many years as he’s been baseball’s most hated player. Alejandro de Aza, Dayan Viciedo, and Brent Morel have all shown glimpses of stardom in small doses but nobody expects them to be able to put together a whole season of greatness. It should be fun, frustrating, yet interesting to watch as these young players develop playing every day in the major leagues.

Then there’s Alexei Ramirez.  Although he was the 2011 Silver Slugger award winner at shortstop, his slow starts and inconsistency have hampered his ability to solidify himself as a premiere player. At age 30, 2012 may be a make or break season for the Cuban defector, as he appears to be on the cusp of becoming a perennial all-star. It’s time for Ramirez to take the next step forward towards becoming an elite shortstop; a group that has grown surprisingly thin.

After losing the heart and soul of their rotation, Mark Buehrle, the White Sox made their biggest, and arguably only positive, move of the offseason by extending John Danks with a 5-year, $65 million deal. Danks will now be looked upon as the ace of the rotation and will need to avoid the catastrophic start to the season he encountered in the 2011 campaign. Assuming Danks continues to pitch the way he did in the second half of 2011, he could emerge as a reliable ace.

While Danks becoming a bona fide ace is a question mark, it may be the least of this rotation’s worries. After a 17-8 season in 2008, Gavin Floyd has not finished above .500 with an ERA under 4 since. Jake Peavy has not had over 20 starts since 2008. Philip Humber, the most pleasant surprise on the 2011 squad, quickly faded down the stretch while pitching just 163 innings (he pitched a total of 51 in the majors between 2006-2010). Rounding out the Sox unassuming rotation is Chris Sale, a young player with high potential, and someone who completely bypassed the minor league system.  Sale could be the best closer candidate on the team; however, the Sox will instead move him to the rotation for a chance to be the team’s fifth starter.

Sadly enough, Sox fans are less worried about their rotation than their bullpen, which returns only three members of an unreliable squad from a year ago. After trading closer Sergio Santos in an effort to rebuild a depleted farm system, and moving Sale into the rotation, the closer spot is up for grabs heading into Spring Training. Matt Thornton has the best shot at landing the job, a similar situation to last season before Thornton was removed from the role before May. The dark horse, and one possible bright spot, is youngster Addison Reed. After being drafted in 2010, Reed has flown through the minors and has even impressed several people after a brief September call-up. If Reed, along with other unproven prospects can’t provide the necessary late inning relief, it may not matter who fills the closer role, as the Sox are unlike to have many 9^th inning leads.

While some may be critical of the hiring of Robin Ventura, not even Connie Mack or Sparky Anderson could feel confident going into 2012 with the current White Sox roster. Due to an awful farm system and overpaid, underachieving veterans, this franchise embarks on an awkward “in-between” stage: not able to go for it all and not able to completely rebuild simultaneously. There’s always hope the current roster will click , with young guns breaking out and struggling veterans regaining their mojo. However, with Detroit featuring the three best players in the division, even that perfect combination may not be enough. October baseball is highly unlikely on the South Side of Chicago this season, leaving a bitter taste with Sox fans, a raising the question if there will even be meaningful baseball come July and August? 2011 win-loss: 79-83. 2012 win- loss projection: 76-86

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jon Krusen is a Chicago sports and baseball fanatic. He rants, raves, rumbles and grumbles all about sports and other topics on his blog. Read more from Jon here.

 

Position Preview: THIRD BASE

Check out the NEWEST VIDEO, POSITION PREVIEW: Third Base

Complete rankings, injury analysis and bounce-back-bats, sleepers, busts….and everyones favorties: DRAFT DAY GEMS!

By Sam Milne & Michael Briggs

 

 

I LIKE MIKE: Stanton for 2012 Fantasy MVP

Although the lights may be off at the old Sun Life Stadium, there’s no lack of power from young Marlin’s outfielder Mike Stanton.

By Sam Milne

With the 2012 fantasy baseball season rapidly approaching, now is the time for diligent managers to begin updating their positional rankings in preparation for draft day. With countless rising young stars, there’s little doubt about who could break out in 2012 with MVP-type production. In similar fashion to Matt Kemp in 2011, young players like Nelson Cruz, Starlin Castro, Andrew McCutchen, Carlos Gonzalez and Justin Upton should all take the necessary steps towards becoming fantasy superstars. However, in terms of youth, pure talent and overall potential to provide an elite breakout campaign, Miami Marlins right fielder Mike Stanton is strides above the competition.

After delivering upon lofty expectations through his first full big league season, could 2012 be the year Stanton finally rises to fantasy superstardom? We think so. Based on age, current skill progression, proven consistency and raw strength, there’s little reason to believe Stanton won’t blossom into the games next premier young superstar…..Continue reading at Dear Mr. FantasyBaseball