1. Evan Longoria (24) – 60 HR and 198 RBI in first 2 seasons. Off to a great start in 2010 and should add an MVP to his collection soon.

2. Justin Upton (22) – 20 HR-20 SB guy last year. Arguably the best athlete in baseball who should reach 30 HR-30 SB in the near future.

3. Pablo Sandoval (23) – .300 hitter with 25-30 HR and 90-100 RBI ability. “Kung Fu Panda” is already a fan favorite and feared hitter.

4. Jason Heyward (20) – 2010 No. 1 prospect has gotten off to a .302, 3 HR, 15 RBI start in 43 big league at-bats at the age of 20. Looks to be the leader of the newest crop of talent from the minor leagues.

5. Matt Wieters (23) – The most-hyped prospect of 2009 has uncanny power and hitting ability from both sides of the plate. Look for Wieters to make huge strides this season and become one of the premier catchers in the near future.

6. Billy Butler (24) – .301 AVG, 21 HR, and 93 RBI in first full season. Set to become a premier slugger with 30 HR-100 RBI not out of the question.

7. Carlos Gonzalez (24) – 5-tool talent that started to showcase those tools last season. Should be a mainstay in the Rockies outfield and top of the order for years to come.

8. Adam Jones (24) – One of the best athletes on this list. Great arm and 20 HR-20 SB talent.

9. Andrew McCutchen (23) – Another 5-tool talent from the leadoff spot. Outstanding speed and developing power. Set to become premier leadoff hitter in the majors.

10. Gordon Beckham (23) – Future All-Star 2B. Made the leap from Double-A to the majors last season and displayed a good hitting prowess. The future of the White Sox.

11. Jay Bruce (23) – Has struggled to hit consistently at the big league level. The former No. 1 overall prospect has arguably the most upside of any hitter on this list and has the potential to become a big run-producer.

12. Delmon Young (24) – Like Bruce, has failed to hit consistently enough to live up to his enormous potential. Still a great talent with good upside who has hit a solid .289 for his career. Entering a make or break year in the big leagues.

13. Chris Coghlan (24) – 2009 NL Rookie of the Year is a scrappy top of the order hitter. Shows good plate discipline and should hit for a high average in his career.

14. Colby Rasmus (23) – Has above-average power and speed from the left side who hit 16 HR for the Cardinals in his rookie campaign last season. Solid defender who should be a premier center fielder within the next few years.

15. Elvis Andrus (21) – Biggest assets are his speed and defense. A future Gold Glover who projects as a leadoff hitter and threat on the basepaths.

16. Cameron Maybin (23) – One of the most talented players on this list. Currently hitting near the top of the Marlins lineup with his great speed, but has the ability to become a middle of the order hitter as he continues to grow into his frame. Looking to put it together in his first full season this year.

17. Dexter Fowler (24) – Had an up and down season at the plate last season with the Rockies as he needs to hit for a higher average. An elite defender and base-stealer (27 SB in ’09) who should be a top of the order threat with Gonzalez in the Rockies outfield.

18. Kyle Blanks (23) – After hitting 10 HR in only 148 AB last season for the Padres, the 6-6/285 lb big man projects as a huge power threat in the near future. Despite his large frame, reminiscent of the “Big Hurt” Frank Thomas, he is athletic enough to play in the outfield, though his natural position is at first base.

19. Austin Jackson (23) – The newest Tiger has gotten off to a solid start (.333 AVG, 5 RBI, 2 SB from the leadoff spot) in his first big league season. Jackson ironically projects similarly to the man he was traded for in Curtis Granderson. Look for him to rise up this list next season.

20. Alcides Escobar (23) – In his first season as the Brewers everyday shortstop. A potential game-changer with both his glove and speed.  Hit .304 in 125 AB with the Brewers last year.

21. Ike Davis (23) – The Mets top prospect made his major league debut last night against the Cubs and didn’t disappoint by going 2 for 4 with an RBI. The 18th overall selection in the 2008 draft hit 20 HR in the minors last year along with a .298 AVG. He projects as a middle of the order threat from the left side of the plate.

22. Ian Desmond (24) – The former 3rd round pick of the Nationals in 2004 is finally starting to put it together. Desmond is a late-bloomer who is starting to hit for contact consistently. He earned the starting nod at short over Cristian Guzman and looks to be the Nationals shortstop of the future.

23. Tyler Colvin (24) – After hitting .468 with 2 HR and 18 RBI in 25 Spring Training games this year, Colvin earned a spot on the Cubs 25 man roster. Currently a part of a 5 man outfield rotation in Chicago, Colvin doesn’t project to provide off the chart numbers this year. However, the former first round pick can swing the bat and also provides above average speed. Look for his name in the coming years.

24. Everth Cabrera (23) – A Rule 5 pick of the Padres last season, Cabrera took the shortstop position as his own by displaying great work with the glove and providing 25 SB in 103 games. Cabrera must hit for a higher average to become an even bigger threat on the basepaths.

25. Asdrubal Cabrera (24) – Has proven to be a solid major league infielder as his bat as caught up to his great defense. In 2009, he hit .308 and provided 68 RBI and 17 SB for the Indians. While he might not reach star status, he should have a long and productive big league career.

Honorable Mention: Julio Borbon (24), Sean Rodriguez (24), Chris Davis (24), Reid Brignac (24)

Minnesota Twins: The Twinkees are always competitive. They have a very regimented process to move their minor leaguers up to the majors, requiring them to complete specific tasks and to do them consistently. Their owner, James Pohlad, is actually the second richest owner in the majors with a net worth of $3.6 billion. It will also be interesting to see how the staff deals with having to pitch outside in early spring and late fall now that they don’t have the comforts of the Metrodome. This new stadium could save them a lot of hits that use to skip through the infield on the AstroTurf.  The Twins rotation has a potential price tag of $12.6 dollars for 2010.

• Scott Baker: Baker doesn’t have overpowering stuff but is extremely accurate. At the beginning of the ’09 season he struggled but he turned things around to compile his best overall season yet. He is 28 years old and entering the prime of his career. He threw for a 4.37 ERA, 162 K’s, 200 IP and 48 walks. He will earn $3 million in 2010.
• Kevin Slowey: Slowey is another solid middle of the rotation guy that the Twins seem to put out on the field every year. He lost some time due to wrist surgery last season but is expected to be fully healthy to start the year. He posted a 4.86 ERA, 75 K’s, 90.2 IP and 15 walks last year. He will earn near near the minimum in 2010.
• Carl Pavano: Pavano has solid stuff and he made a killing at the Yankees expense in 2005. He then proceeded to rarely pitch the next three seasons while raking in the dough. His numbers have never been stellar but there is a ton of potential there. He threw for a 5.10 ERA, 147 K’s, 199.1 IP and 39 BB. He will make $7 million this season.
• Nick Blackburn: Blackburn is a solid back of the rotation starter. He will eat innings for you and will keep you in the game. He isn’t flashy and will never have good strikeout numbers. He pitched for a 4.03 ERA, 98 K’s, 205.2 IP and 41 walks. He will earn near the minimum.
• Brian Duensing: Duensing will be in competition for the 5th starter position this season in spring training. He posted good numbers over the 9 games he started last year. He threw for a 3.64 ERA, 53 K’s, 84 IP and 31 walks. He will earn the minimum this season.
• Francisco Liriano: Liriano has been a source of many headaches in the Twin Cities over the past few seasons. He burst on to the scene in 2006 with Cy Young numbers only to have injury issues and then control problems in subsequent seasons. He needs to prove to Ron Gardenhire that he can consistently throw strikes to earn the fifth starter position this year. He will make $1.6 million in 2010.

Detroit Tigers: I personally believe the Tigers are in a transition phase this season. They seem to be spending money this year to compete but a lot of other money and dead weight will be coming off the books this fall. The Tigers do have a lot of young talent going for them which is a definite plus. Injuries as always will be a key factor with Tigers and staying competitive in 2010. The Tigers have a potential rotation cost of anywhere between $20.75 million to $41.75 million depending on who earns spots at the back end of the rotation. I think they will end up being closer to the $20 million mark then $40 million.

• Justin Verlander: The Tigers just resigned Verlander to a 5-year $80 million deal. He is one of the best and brightest pitchers around. He will be the anchor of the Tigers staff for years to come. He threw for a 3.45 ERA, 269 K’s, 240 IP and 63 BB. He will earn $6.75 million in 2010.
• Rick Porcello: Porcello turn in a great year last season and made a very strong push for rookie of the year. He didn’t display much strike out potential but he has plenty of room to grow in the future. At the young age of 21 the Tigers need to make sure they don’t over work this promising arm. He threw for a 3.96 ERA, 89 K’s, 170.2 IP and 52 BB. He will earn near the minimum.
• Max Scherzer: Scherzer is another very talented young arm in the Tigers’ rotation. He came over in a trade this offseason so we will have to see how he adjusts to the American League. His pitching motion can make you nervous at the potential for injury but if he stays healthy he has the potential to be a star in the future. He threw for a 4.12 ERA, 174 K’s, 170.1 IP and 63 BB. He will earn near the minimum.
• Jeremy Bonderman: Bonderman has provided the Tigers’ faithful with a lot of disappointment. He has good stuff but it has never seemed to translate into really good major league success. He has battled a lot of injuries over this career and has yet to post an ERA under 4.08. He will need to prove himself worthy this year as his contract is expiring at the end of the season. He missed a majority of the 2009 season and threw for a 8.71 ERA, 5 K’s, 10.1 IP and 8 walks. He will make $12.5 million in 2010.
• Armando Galarraga: After a strong rookie season Galarraga had himself a sophomore slump last season. He deserves the benefit of the doubt and will most likely contend for a rotation spot after losing his spot at the end of the 2009 season. He threw for a 5.64 ERA, 95 K’s, 143.2 IP and 67 walks. He will earn near the minimum.
• Nate Robertson: Robertson is another contract that the Tigers will be glad to take off the books at the end of the season. He showed potential and was a great innings eater but has since been competing for the 5th spot in the rotation for the past 2 years. He posted a 5.44 ERA, 35 K’s, 49.2 IP, 28 walks and only started 6 games. He makes $10 million in 2010.
• Dontrelle Willis: Uh… yeah well most of you know the disaster Willis has been for the Tigers. He can not seem to throw a strike to save his life. I doubt he will earn the 5th starter spot but he will be in consideration during spring training. In 7 starts he threw for a 7.49 ERA, 17 K’s, 33.2 IP and 28 BB. He will make $12 million in 2010.

Chicago White Sox: The White Sox made an effort to change organizational direction this season. They shifted from an offensive-based team to a more well rounded defense and speed-based team. While the majority of their starters are the same, the key addition of Jake Peavy has set the White Sox up with a bonafide ace which they seemed to be lacking. Kenny Williams has had great success in building their rotation threw trading away prospects and gaining quality players in return. On paper they seem to be the best and most well rounded rotation in the division. However are they being thrifty enough to win the best rotation in the AL Central? They are currently shelling out $37.2 million for their hurlers in 2010.

• Mark Buehrle: There are not many sure things when it comes to baseball but Buehrle is a close as it gets. He is a finesse pitcher through and through. He has thrown over 200 innings in each of his 9 seasons as a full time starter. Last season he threw for a 3.84 ERA, 105 K’s, 213.1 IP and 45 BB. He will earn $14 million in 2010.
• Jake Peavy: Peavy is top tier starter no matter what league he is pitching in. He has electric stuff and would be the ace on anyone’s staff. He does have an injury history but nothing too serious so far. Last season he threw for a 3.45 ERA, 110 K’s, 101.2 and 34 walks. He earns $15 million in 2010.
• Gavin Floyd: After struggling with control problems for a long time Floyd righted the ship in the 2008 season with the White Sox and seem to continue this trend last season. He isn’t the ace people originally thought he would be when first drafted but he is a strong starter and is a great option to have in the middle to back of your rotation. He threw for a 4.06 ERA, 163 K’s, 193 IP and 59 BB. He earns $2.75 million.
• John Danks: Danks is a solid middle of the rotation option. While he isn’t a flame thrower he gets his fair share of strike outs. He is young and looks to improve on his numbers from last season. He pitched for a 3.77 ERA, 149 K’s, 200.1 IP, 73 walks. He will earn $3.45 million in 2010.
• Freddy Garcia: Garcia is a big question mark. He performed well at the end of last season but has suffered from a shoulder injury for the past two years. He will be competing for the 5th spot in the rotation. He threw for a 4.34 ERA, 37 K’s, 56 IP and 12 walks. He will make up to $2 million next season if he hits all his performance bonuses.
• Daniel Hudson: Hudson rocketed up through the White Sox minor league system last season pitching at every single level within the organization. He also had success at every single level. He will give Freddy Garcia some stiff competition in spring training for the 5th starter spot. Hudson threw for a 3.38 ERA, 14 K’s, 18.2 IP and 9 walks. He will make the minimum.

Kansas City Royals: The Royals have been in the cellar of the AL Central for quite a while. However, there is a bright future ahead of them if all their stars play to their potential and if they can hold on to them for a decent amount of time before their contracts become too expensive for them to sustain. The rotation is very promising and is finally able to keep the Royals semi competitive with their more talented competitors. The two biggest questions they have are how effective will the back end of their rotation be and can Gil Meche return to form? They are spending $25.11 million for their starters in 2010.

• Zack Greinke: Greinke is arguably the best pitcher in the AL Central. He won the AL Cy Young award last season by posting a 2.16 ERA, 242 K’s, 229.1 IP and 51 walks. He will be the force to contend with in KC for years to come and the Royals fans are excited. He will earn $7.25 million in 2010.
• Gil Meche: Meche was a surprise signing a few years ago by the Royals coming over from the Mariners and he has anchored their rotation well. Last season his numbers slipped but he is still the solid number 2 in their rotation. He threw for a 5.09 ERA 95 K’s, 129 IP and 58 walks. He will earn $12 million in 2010.
• Luke Hochevar: Hochevar is the definition of diamond in the rough. He has great potential as the top pick in the 2008 draft and looks to improve upon his performance last season. It was feast or famine last season for Hochevar, who permitted at least six earned runs in nine starts and also held the opposition to two earned runs or fewer in eight outings. He threw for a 6.55 ERA, 106 K’s, 143 IP and 46 walks. He makes $1.76 million in 2010.
• Kyle Davies: Davies saved his best for last in 2009, going 4-0 with a 1.57 ERA over his final four starts of the campaign. The problem is he also enjoyed a strong finish to ’08 by going 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA after the start of September, and he hasn’t been able to capture that form in the other five months of the season. He threw for a 5.27 ERA, 86 K’s, 123 IP and 66 BB. He earns $1.8 million.
• Brian Bannister: Bannister is a decent option at the end of the Royals rotation. He doesn’t have great stuff but what he does have he makes good use of. He kept the Royals in games when he pitched and has a tendency to get on a roll. He posted a 4.73 ERA, 98 K’s, 154 IP and 50 walks. He earns $2.3 million in 2010.
• Robinson Tejeda: Tejeda worked the majority of last season out of the bullpen but was given the chance to start in September and never looked back going 3-1 with a 1.99 ERA and 9.09 K/9 ratio in six outings. He will probably be given a long look in spring training but we are not sure how the Royals plan on utilizing him. He threw for 3.54 ERA, 87 K’s, 73.2 IP and 50 BB. He earns $950 thousand in 2010.

Cleveland Indians: The Indians look to be in a rough spot coming into the 2010 season. There doesn’t seem to be any super strong pitchers in their rotation and there are a ton of question marks toward the back end. They traded away several of their aces in Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia over last few seasons and they will be looking to see if anyone can step up into that open role. Manny Acta will have his work cut out for him this spring training as he tries to piece together a lot of raw young pitchers into a working, viable rotation. They are paying $17.4 million for their starting pitchers in 2010.

• Jake Westbrook: Westbrook last pitched for the Indians in June of 2008 before having Tommy John surgery. He will be the defacto ace of the staff in 2009. In his last full season (2007) he posted a 4.32 ERA, 93 K’s, 152 IP and 55 walks. He will make $11 million in 2010.
• Fausto Carmona: Carmona is displayed his potential in 2007 winning 19 games but he imploded and has not been able to find that success again so far. He has struggled mightily with his control. He is young and still has time to right the ship but he can’t be counted on to be a steady contributor. He threw for a 6.32 ERA, 79 K’s, 125.1 IP and 70 walks. He will make $4.9 million.
• Justin Masterson: Masterson has spent the majority of his career in the bullpen. He is predominately a two pitch pitcher which could limit his effectiveness in the future but he has good velocity and good bite on his slider. He will look to solidify a position in the rotation this year. He threw for a 4.52 era, 119 K’s, 129.1 IP and 60 walks. He will earn near the minimum.
• David Huff: Huff struggled last season but left a positive impression at the end going 4-1 over his last 5 starts. He will look to improve on his rookie performance and has had a good track record at every level he has played. Huff threw for a 5.61 ERA, 65 K’s, 128.1 IP and 41 BB. He earns the minimum.
• Aaron Laffey: Laffey is a finesse pitcher who tops out around 87 mph on his fastball. He has proven that he can get guys out but needs to be very consistent. He is young like most of his fellow starters and looks to carve a niche for himself. He threw for 4.44 ERA, 59 K’s, 121.2 IP and 57 walks. He will earn the minimum.
• Jeremy Sowers: Sowers is also a soft tosser who doesn’t seem to be able to get outs as consistently as his teammate Laffey. He threw for 5.25 ERA, 51 K’s, 123.1 IP and 52 walks. He earns near the minimum.
• Carlos Carrasco: Carrasco was the key player in the Cliff Lee deal from the Phillies. He is armed with a lively mid-90s fastball, a changeup and a curve, the key for him has been consistency, and he’s generally taken a little time to adapt to each level. He threw for a 8.87 ERA, 11 K’s, 22.1 IP and 11 BB. He will earn the minimum.

There is a wide range of talent being offered in the starting rotations for the AL Central. The Chicago White Sox have the best overall talent on their roster and seem to have the most solidified rotation coming into spring training. However, they have the highest price tag associated with their talent. That is why I have to give my vote to the Twins. They may not have the best talent on their team, but for what they are paying them, they have the most potential and the best cost efficiency.

We had previously posted about Damon’s value this off season. His numbers definitely will not improve this year playing at Comerica Park.  Damon’s defense is already not much to write home about and he will be moving to a larger park. Damon’s home run totals are bound to go down as well without being able to take advantage of the short porch in right field that the new Yankee Stadium provides.

I see this as a fan friendly move and as nothing beyond one season.  The Tigers are in a transitional phase at the moment. They don’t have a very well rounded team and they potentially have many bloated contracts that they will be shedding next year with the likes of Nate Robertson, Magglio Ordonez and Jeremy Bonderman to name a couple.  I think Damon is just looking to make the most money and then try to catch on with another team next year.

Wade is in his 34th season in professional baseball. Prior to his stint with the Astros, he served as the Philadelphia Phillies GM from 1998-2005 and then spent two seasons (2006-07) as a scout for the San Diego Padres.

Owner Drayton McLane had a glowing review of Wade’s tenure so far:

“Ed is an outstanding baseball man. He’s organized and has surrounded himself with a good, solid staff. Much of the work Ed did in Philadelphia had a lot to do with them becoming a champion. We feel he has us moving in the right direction to be a champion as well.”

Houston finished the season last year with a 74-88 record and has found little success since making the World Series in 2005 versus the Chicago White Sox.

• Daisuke Matsuzaka (RHP) Boston Red Sox – Last season was a miserable season for the former Japanese ace. Matsuzaka revealed this off season that he hid a groin injury, that he sustained in the World Baseball Classic, from the Red Sox last season. To compensate for his groin injury, Matsuzaka’s mechanics were altered which led to a shoulder injury that limited him to only 12 starts last season. He would finish the season with a miserable 4-6 record, along with a 5.76 ERA and 30 BB in only 59.1 IP. However, Matsuzaka showed some promise in 4 September starts when he went 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA. This off season, Matsuzaka is committed to reaffirming the Red Sox’s trust in him and hopes to become the pitcher he was in 2008 when he went 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 29 starts. He is an ideal bounceback candidate in the AL this season and could be a middle to late round steal in fantasy drafts.

Bill James Projection: 12-10, 4.02 ERA, 195 IP, 184 K (8.49 K/9), 1.37 WHIP

MLB.com Projection: 12-8, 3.79 ERA, 191 IP, 181 K (8.53 K/9), 1.31 WHIP

• Jake Peavy (RHP) Chicago White Sox – 2009 was a whirlwind season for Peavy as he dealt with persistent trade rumors as a member of the San Diego Padres and dealt with an ankle injury that limited him to 16 starts. After initially declining a trade to the White Sox earlier in the season, Peavy eventually accepted a trade to the White Sox before the trade deadline last July. Peavy made only 3 starts with the Sox last season as he spent most of his tenure with the team rehabbing his ankle injury. In those 3 starts, Peavy showed glimpses of a return to Cy Young form as he went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 18 K in 20 IP. Critics of Peavy feel he is a beneficiary of pitching in a pitcher’s ballpark in San Diego and that his numbers will decline pitching in a more hitter-friendly ballpark in U.S. Cellular Field, along with the more potent AL lineups. However, Peavy has some of the best stuff in the game and has Cy Young credentials to go along with a bulldog mentality. Look for Peavy to rebound in a big way and re-establish himself as the ace of the White Sox and one of the elite starters in baseball.

Bill James Projection: 16-8, 3.18 ERA, 215 IP, 217 K (9.08 K/9), 1.16 WHIP

MLB.com Projection: 16-10, 3.66 ERA, 203 IP, 211 K (9.35 K/9), 1.27 WHIP

• Grady Sizemore (OF) Cleveland Indians – Sizemore went into last season as one of the top fantasy outfielders in the game as he was coming off his first 30-30 season in 2008 ( 33 HR-38 SB). However, fantasy owners were disappointed last season as Sizemore was a victim of playing through some nagging injuries that cost him 56 games and hurt his production. Last September, Sizemore had surgeries on both his elbow and lower abdomen with the hope of a healthy and productive 2010 campaign. However, Sizemore’s off season got off to a rough start as some risque’ photos of himself made their way on the Internet. Sizemore is reportedly ready for Spring Training and eager to put the incident and his disappointing 2009 season to rest this season. Sizemore is still only 27 years old and has a chip on his shoulder to prove he is a star-in-the-making. Look  for him to rebound and put together at least a 20 HR-20 SB campaign. While he won’t be taken in the first round this year, he won’t last much longer after that as he excites fantasy owners with his rare combination of power and speed.

Bill James Projection: .272 AVG, 25 HR, 78 RBI, 101 Runs, 21 SB, .853 OPS

MLB.com Projection: .271 AVG, 26 HR, 78 RBI, 98 Runs, 25 SB, .851 OPS

• Ben Sheets (RHP) Oakland Athletics – Sheets has arguably the most to prove of any player on this list. After missing the entire 2009 season to a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, Sheets is looking to prove that he can put together a healthy campaign and return to his All-Star form. After holding a throwing session for multiple MLB scouts last month, Sheets impressed enough to receive a one-year deal worth $10 million plus incentives with the A’s. Sheets now finds himself pitching in one of best pitchers’ park in all of baseball in Oakland and will be counted on to be the ace of the staff. When healthy, Sheets provides great strikeout totals and a solid ERA for fantasy owners. His numbers should be solid pitching in Oakland and he could see a spike in fantasy value as a possible mid-season pickup for a contender at the trade deadline. However, many fantasy owners are wary of Sheets injury history,as they should be, and will be skeptical to use a top pick on the pitcher. However, Sheets should be rested after missing a full season and is expected to go full steam in Spring Training. Sheets has the potential to be an excellent value in the middle rounds as a No. 3 fantasy starter.

CHONE Projection: 7-6, 4.11 ERA, 114 IP, 81 K ( 6.39 K/9), 1.30 WHIP

MLB.com Projection: 10-9, 3.52 ERA, 166 IP, 121 K (6.56 K/9), 1.26 WHIP

• B.J. Upton (OF) Tampa Bay Rays – After hitting 8 postseason HR in the Rays’ 2008 run to the World Series, fantasy owners were drooling at the thought of Upton becoming the next 30-30 man in baseball. However, Upton underwent off season surgery on his shoulder which caused him to develop some bad habits at the plate and altered his mechanics. Despite helping fantasy owners with 42 SB last season, Upton disappointed fantasy owners in every other major category as he finished with a .241 AVG, 11 HR, and 55 RBI in 144 games. According to Peter Gammons of MLB.com, Upton has been working hard this off season with Rays’ hitting coach Derek Shelton on getting comfortable at the plate and staying consistent in his approach. Upton is an ideal bounceback candidate in the AL as he is still only 25 years old and should be fully healed from his shoulder issues. A return to his 20 HR form in 2007 and 40 plus SB shouldn’t be far off. Fantasy owners might finally be pleased with what they see in B.J. Upton this season.

Bill James Projection: .266 AVG, 13 HR, 59 RBI, 81 Runs, 39 SB, .768 OPS

MLB.com Projection: .268 AVG, 14 HR, 71 RBI, 88 Runs, 40 SB, .789 OPS

• Josh Hamilton (OF) Texas Rangers – After bursting on the scene in 2008 with MVP-like numbers with a .304 AVG, 32 HR, and 130 RBI, Hamilton found the injury-bug  last season as he had two stints on the DL that limited him to 336 AB. The Rangers are looking to alleviate the strain on Hamilton’s body by moving him to left field this season with the hopes he can regain his form from 2008. Hamilton also has the luxury of hitting in a hitters’ park especially friendly on left-handed hitters. He will find himself in the middle of a potent lineup with Vladimir Guerrero as his protection, which should increase the number of quality pitches he will see. Hamilton is entering the prime of his career at 28 years old and should provide good power numbers for fantasy owners. While he might not reach his totals from 2008, Hamilton should provide 20-25 HR and 90-100 RBI in the Rangers lineup. He is a perfect buy-low candidate and should have a better season for fantasy owners this season.

Bill James Projection: .293 AVG, 23 HR, 91 RBI, 75 Runs, .860 OPS

MLB.com Projection: .291 AVG, 25 HR, 92 RBI, 77 Runs, .860 OPS

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Up Next: NL Bounceback Candidates

]]> http://www.amateurgm.com/fantasy-previewal-bounceback-candidates/feed 5 http://www.amateurgm.com/fantasy-preview-al-breakout-candidates http://www.amateurgm.com/fantasy-preview-al-breakout-candidates#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:09:05 +0000 Ryan Oleniczak http://www.amateurgm.com/?p=997 With the football season now in completion, the sports world is starting to turn its attention back to the great game of baseball. This week has seen the return of fantasy baseball as many sites are rolling out leagues for the 2010 campaign. Now is a great time to start getting prepared for your drafts and trying to get that extra edge on your fellow league members. In the first part of our fantasy preview, I want to take a look at some potential breakout candidates from the American League. Last season had its fair share of breakout performances in the AL with such names as Zack Greinke, Kendry Morales, Aaron Hill, Adam Lind, and Ben Zobrist making great strides in their careers. Who are some potential breakout candidates this season?

• Matt Wieters (C) Baltimore Orioles – Wieters came into the league last season as a hyped can’t-miss prospect. While he didn’t display the numbers many hoped for last season, he has fantasy owners encouraged by his second half line of a .301 AVG, 6 HR, and 33 RBI along with a .362 AVG last September. He will be handed the everyday job this season and has power that is still developing. Wieters has arguably the most upside of any young hitter and is an All-Star in the making.

Bill James Projection: .311 AVG, 20 HR, 92 RBI, 75 Runs, .865 OPS

MLB.com Projection: .304 AVG, 19 HR, 90 RBI, 81 Runs, .856 OPS

• Adam Jones (OF) Baltimore Orioles – Another Orioles youngster has the chance to reach his great potential this season. The former Seattle Mariners prospect played his second season in the Orioles outfield last season and put up some respectable numbers for fantasy owners. While he has battled some nagging foot injuries the past two seasons which included missing all of September last season, his power numbers took a step up as he increased his HR from 9 in 2008 to 19 last season. Jones also possesses good speed, but has yet to translate that into SB so far in his career which could be due to his foot injuries. He has the talent to be a consistent 20 HR-20 SB player in this league and the possibility exists that he could reach those numbers this season. I predict a Justin Upton-like performance from Jones this season.

Bill James Projection: .284 AVG, 22 HR, 83 RBI, 95 Runs, 13 SB, .804 OPS

MLB.com Projection:  .283 AVG, 21 HR, 86 RBI, 90 Runs, 14 SB, .807 OPS

• Gordon Beckham (2B) Chicago White Sox – The 2008 first round draft pick of the White Sox needed only 233 AB in the minors to reach the big league club last season and he did not disappoint in his time in the majors. Some would argue that Beckham was snubbed for the Rookie of the Year Award last season as he finished fifth in the voting despite finished with a solid .270 AVG, 14 HR, and 63 RBI in only 378 AB. Beckham will be a solid choice for fantasy owners this season as he should display more power with more AB and also brings the added luxury of multiple position eligibility as he will shift from third to second base this season.

Bill James Projection: .307 AVG, 17 HR, 81 RBI, 67 Runs, .837 OPS

MLB.com Projection: .307 AVG, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 86 Runs, .875 OPS

• Franklin Gutierrez (OF) Seattle Mariners – Gutierrez saw time as an everyday center fielder for the first time in his career last season with the Mariners. He rewarded the Mariners with a solid season in which he had a .283 AVG, 18 HR, 70 RBI, and 16 SB. I expect Gutierrez to take the next step in his career with a new contract in tow and an improved lineup around him in Seattle. He is entering the prime of his career as he will turn 27 this season and a 20 HR-20 SB season isn’t unrealistic for this season. Gutierrez could be quite a pickup for fantasy owners this season.

Bill James Projection: .277 AVG, 17 HR, 67 RBI, 88 Runs, 14 SB, .773 OPS

MLB.com Projection: .278 AVG, 16 HR, 74 RBI, 87 Runs, 18 SB, .758 OPS

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Up Next: NL Breakout Candidates

]]> http://www.amateurgm.com/fantasy-preview-al-breakout-candidates/feed 6 http://www.amateurgm.com/reds-sign-orlando-cabrera-for-3-million http://www.amateurgm.com/reds-sign-orlando-cabrera-for-3-million#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:41:03 +0000 Andrew Swanson http://www.amateurgm.com/?p=932 The Cincinatti Reds have signed journeyman shortstop Orlando Cabrera to a one year deal worth $3 million with an option for the 2011 season. This signing is a great improvement for the Reds who have had trouble having a consistent offensive attack. Cabrera will be an excellent table setter for the Red legs this season. The consensus seems to be that Cabrera will hit second. The Reds will enjoy having his consistant .280 average in place for Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen to drive in. This does regulate Paul Janish who is known for his glove to the bench but Cabrera’s glove is nothing to worry about and his offense is easily better. Janish will be an excellent back up defensively.

Cabrera has bounced around a lot as of late playing for the Expos, Red Sox, Angels, A’s, White Sox and Twins which makes you wonder if there isn’t a slight attitude problem with him because his numbers are good. He had a run in with the White Sox managerial staff when he allegedly called the official scorer during a game to have an error he committed changed to a hit.  That doesn’t sound like much of a team player but he will be playing for Dusty Baker who is one of the best known players managers in the game. Baker definitely know how to stroke a players ego and douse fires when the erupt in the clubhouse having dealt with Barry Bonds all those years in San Francisco.

This signing is another positive step in the right direction for the Reds. Walt Jockety is putting together a very competitive team in the Queen City and I would not be surprised to see the Reds stick with pack in the National League Central this season. Cabrera by no mean puts them over the top but he does add an upgrade to the offensive without hurting the defense up the middle.

Ben Sheets – The former Milwaukee Brewers right-hander signed a one-year deal worth $10 million plus incentives with the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday. Sheets is looking to prove to the A’s that he is fully recovered from elbow surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2009 season. The A’s were in attendance for Sheets throwing session last week and came away impressed enough to offer a large base salary for this season. Sheets is expected to be the Opening Day starter for the A’s and is a great mid-season trade candidate for a contender, if healthy, as he could net some quality prospects that A’s GM Billy Beane is notorious for looking to find.

Miguel Tejada – The former 2002 AL MVP recently signed a one-year deal worth $6 million with the Baltimore Orioles, a team in which he previously played for from 2004-2007. During his first stint with the Orioles, Tejada was one of the premier hitting shortstops in the game, but now is expected to shift over to third base in his second go-round with the team. While not the power hitter he once was, Tejada is still an above average hitter as his 2009 season of 14 HR, 83 RBI, and a .313 AVG with the Houston Astros shows. The Orioles hope Tejada can provide veteran leadership and play to a lineup filled with some exciting young hitters in Matt Wieters (C), Adam Jones (CF), Nick Markakis (RF), and Nolan Reimold (LF).

Jason Giambi – Another former AL MVP found a one-year deal to his liking, as Jason Giambi (1B) will return to the Colorado Rockies this season as a power bat off the bench. Giambi struggled last season as a member of the Oakland A’s as he hit only .193 in 83 games as he battled knee injuries before eventually being released. However, Giambi had success in limited duty with the Rockies as he was a solid contributor in the Rockies playoff run last season. In 19 games with the team, he hit .292 with 2 HR and 11 RBI. In 2010, Giambi will be regulated mostly to pinch-hitting duties and part-time work at first base as his days of being an everyday player are done.

Jim Thome – After his brief flirtation with a return to the South Side of Chicago for 2010 fell through, the future Hall-of-Famer signed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million with the Sox’ division rival, the Minnesota Twins, on Tuesday. Like many other sluggers on the market, Thome had a hard time finding a deal to his liking before finding the Twins to be his best option for 2010. Thome is expected to get roughly 250-300 at-bats this season as a part-time DH and occasional first base option for the Twins. The Twins potential lineup against right-handed pitchers is arguably the most dangerous in all of baseball with reigning AL MVP Joe Mauer (C), Justin Morneau (1B), Jason Kubel (DH/OF), Michael Cuddyer (RF), Thome, and Denard Span (CF).

Xavier Nady - The Chicago Cubs have added some much-needed power and depth to their outfield with the signing of Xavier Nady to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Nady only played in seven games with the New York Yankees last season as he had to undergo the second Tommy John surgery of his career last July. The surgery is typically done on pitchers and has an estimated recovery time of anywhere from 10-12 months. However, Nady is reportedly ahead of schedule and is looking to make a big contribution in 2010. In 2008, Nady had the best season of his career as he had a .305 AVG, 25 HR, and 97 RBI, all career highs. The Cubs are hoping Nady is healthy as they expect him to be the right-handed form of a platoon in right field with current outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. If healthy, Nady should provided solid numbers as a fourth outfielder.

Jon Garland – The San Diego Padres added another arm to their rotation with the signing of Jon Garland to a one-year deal worth $4.75 million with a mutual option worth $6.75 million for 2011. While not a top-of-the-rotation starter, Garland is a reliable work-horse who has pitched at least 191 innings a season since 2002. Last season, Garland was 11-13 with a 4.01 ERA with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres are ecstatic to add a pitcher of Garland’s caliber to their host of young arms as he is expected to ease some of the load off of the young pitchers and give them some more seasoning. If nothing else, the Padres are getting a guy that will provide quality starts and eat up some innings.

Jim Thome will be 38 this season and has been limited to exclusively playing designated hitter due to his bad back. However he has been productive at the plate and affords protection to all those around him in the lineup. Thome is a career .277 hitter with 564 home runs and 1565 RBI.

Jermaine Dye who is 36 has been rumored to be in consideration for the fourth outfielder spot on the Chicago Cubs roster. Even though Dye had a horrendous second half last season he isn’t completely washed up and I doubt his talent just shut off completely. Dye is a career .274 hitter with 325 homers and 1072 RBI.

Carlos Delgado at 37 is also having issues finding a job. Delgado was injured last season and has been showing some signs of lingering issues while he has been playing in the Puerto Rican Winter league. It looks as though Delgado will be a DH candidate only. He has hit .280 with 473 homers and 1512 RBI for his career.

Gary Sheffield is also on the market. Though not putting up near the number the previous three candidates have in recent years. The 41 year old Sheffield has and is still a feared hitter when ever he steps to the plate. For his career he has hit .292, 509 homers and 1676 RBI.

There is no question that each one of these men could contribute to any team in baseball but they also pose a great risk to which even team does sign them. Most of them are strictly DH candidates or serious liabilities in the field. Should they consider hanging up their spikes? Will they find a place to contribute regularly or will they be signed to tip the caps to the crowd and pinch for the pitcher on a regular basis? Would you want any of these guys as an intricate part of your team at this stage in their careers?

Despite having an awful second half with the Chicago White Sox last season, Dye finished the 2009 campaign with .250 AVG, 27 HR, and 81 RBI. However, Dye’s defense is average at best at this point in his career and his skills are best suited as a DH or backup outfielder. For the Cubs, it would be a decent gamble as Dye would provide a power bat off the bench and give the team a solid alternative in right and left field should Alfonso Soriano or Kosuke Fukudome get injured or struggle. The Cubs are also rumored to be interested in free agent outfielder Xavier Nady as well as a possible fourth outfielder.

What do you think? Can Dye rebound from his miserable second half and still be a solid contributor or should the Cubs look elsewhere?