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As a fantasy writer, I get paid to have opinions. Sometimes, though, it`s hard to get all of those opinions out there because it`d be difficult to write a full-length article on them. So, before the start of every season, I like to take a few of those opinions/thoughts and group them together for a single article that I call: Geoff`s Baseball Thoughts -- a clever and original title, I know.
I think the second base position is really underrated when it comes to fantasy depth. Of course everyone knows that Brandon Phillips, B.J. Upton and Chase Utley are the cream of the crop, and that Robinson Cano, Ian Kinsler and Brian Roberts will be productive players. Throw in Howie Kendrick, Dan Uggla and Rickie Weeks and there is a quality starter at second for three-quarters of a 12-team league. No need to cry for the other three teams, though, because after that, there are plenty of viable options: Mark Ellis, Aaron Hill, Kelly Johnson, Jeff Kent and Ty Wigginton all topped 15 homers last season; Dustin Pedroia and Placido Polanco both have the ability to hit .320-plus and score 100-plus runs; Luis Castillo, Kaz Matsui and Ryan Theriot have the speed to swipe 30 bases; and Orlando Hudson and Tadahito Iguchi have the skill set to reach double-digit homers and steals. That`s 21 second basemen without mentioning promising youngster Asdrubal Cabrera and annual producer Freddy Sanchez....
My official prediction for the first closer to lose his job this year: Brandon Lyon of the Arizona Diamondbacks. For that reason, I am picking up Tony Pena at the end of all my drafts....
He`s only had 24 exhibition at-bats this spring, but it`s worth noting that Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner is hitting .333. It`s hard not to think that "Pronk" is being undervalued this drafting season -- there aren`t many fourth- or fifth-round selections that offer his upside. Remember, Hafner hit .308-42-117 as recently as 2006....
Despite today, March 20, being the first day of spring, I can`t believe that the baseball season starts in five days. Even more unbelievable: they will be playing outside games in some cold locations in 11 days. It`s been an extremely cold winter in the Midwest and unfortunately, it`s carried over to springtime. Looking over the extended weather forecast for Detroit, the highest temperature for any of the next 10 days is 46 degrees, not exactly prime baseball conditions. The same holds true for Chicago, where the Cubs open the season on March 30. Those in head-to-head leagues should take note of the early weather patterns, as the chilly conditions will undoubtedly favor pitchers -- such as Gil Meche and Carlos Zambrano -- and hurt sluggers -- such as Prince Fielder and Magglio Ordonez....
And finally, thanks to all the mock drafters who have made this the most successful preseason for any sport here at Mock Draft Central. It`s awesome to have a user-base that cares about the site as much as the hard-working staff that put their lives on hold from February to April each and every year. We look forward to having you around as we continue to expand and improve MDC. ... Don`t forget, fantasy football mock drafts are available!
Best of luck to everyone drafting this weekend.
I think the second base position is really underrated when it comes to fantasy depth. Of course everyone knows that Brandon Phillips, B.J. Upton and Chase Utley are the cream of the crop, and that Robinson Cano, Ian Kinsler and Brian Roberts will be productive players. Throw in Howie Kendrick, Dan Uggla and Rickie Weeks and there is a quality starter at second for three-quarters of a 12-team league. No need to cry for the other three teams, though, because after that, there are plenty of viable options: Mark Ellis, Aaron Hill, Kelly Johnson, Jeff Kent and Ty Wigginton all topped 15 homers last season; Dustin Pedroia and Placido Polanco both have the ability to hit .320-plus and score 100-plus runs; Luis Castillo, Kaz Matsui and Ryan Theriot have the speed to swipe 30 bases; and Orlando Hudson and Tadahito Iguchi have the skill set to reach double-digit homers and steals. That`s 21 second basemen without mentioning promising youngster Asdrubal Cabrera and annual producer Freddy Sanchez....
My official prediction for the first closer to lose his job this year: Brandon Lyon of the Arizona Diamondbacks. For that reason, I am picking up Tony Pena at the end of all my drafts....
He`s only had 24 exhibition at-bats this spring, but it`s worth noting that Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner is hitting .333. It`s hard not to think that "Pronk" is being undervalued this drafting season -- there aren`t many fourth- or fifth-round selections that offer his upside. Remember, Hafner hit .308-42-117 as recently as 2006....
Despite today, March 20, being the first day of spring, I can`t believe that the baseball season starts in five days. Even more unbelievable: they will be playing outside games in some cold locations in 11 days. It`s been an extremely cold winter in the Midwest and unfortunately, it`s carried over to springtime. Looking over the extended weather forecast for Detroit, the highest temperature for any of the next 10 days is 46 degrees, not exactly prime baseball conditions. The same holds true for Chicago, where the Cubs open the season on March 30. Those in head-to-head leagues should take note of the early weather patterns, as the chilly conditions will undoubtedly favor pitchers -- such as Gil Meche and Carlos Zambrano -- and hurt sluggers -- such as Prince Fielder and Magglio Ordonez....
And finally, thanks to all the mock drafters who have made this the most successful preseason for any sport here at Mock Draft Central. It`s awesome to have a user-base that cares about the site as much as the hard-working staff that put their lives on hold from February to April each and every year. We look forward to having you around as we continue to expand and improve MDC. ... Don`t forget, fantasy football mock drafts are available!
Best of luck to everyone drafting this weekend.
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