Hey, my name is Timothy King and I'll be doing a fantasy baseball column a few times a week for RedSoxandBruins.com. I have been and will continue to be an avid fantasy baseball enthusiest. In my first article I wanted to give you all a very brief rundown of my top 10 "safe" projections for the 2011 season. In future posts you can be sure to read about anything and everything in the world of fantasy baseball.
The "safe" top 10:
1. Albert Pujols - As long as he's healthy and remains hungry, Pujols will continue to be the most coveted player in fantasy.
2. Hanley Ramirez - Will he put up bigger numbers than say Joey Votto? No, he won't; but positional scarcity keeps Hanley just below Pujols in my rankings. Expect Hanley to continue to be the cream of the shortstop crop.
3. Miguel Cabrera - After an absolutely monsterous 2010 season, the Tigers added Victor Marinez to give Cabrera some proection in the order. Can you say stud?
4. Carl Crawford - Yes, I have Crawford at number 4. His mix of speed, smarts and pop keep him among the elite in the game. That short porch in right field at Fenway park won't hurt either, will it? Expect Crawford to be at the top of the league in runs and steals by season's end in a rebuilt Red Sox offense.
5. Evan Longoria - Yes the Rays lost Pena, but Longoria will continue to be a force in the middle of a not so bad Tampa lineup. Longoria will continue to be a top 10 player for as long as he's healthy. He is truely one of the best young players in all of baseball.
6. Robinson Cano - Cano was the number 1 overall 2B option in 2010. Look for him to continue that trend in a Yankees offense that will require his bat more than ever.
7. Carlos Gonzalez - You have CarGo ahead of Ryan Braun?! Yes. CarGo may be a little lucky (or a lot) but the raw talent is there and you can expect this guy to turn beast mode back on this season in a potent Rockies starting 9. The power and speed combination make him a rare 5 tool stud. Gonzalez is one of the only legitimate 30/30 threats in the game.
8. Joey Votto - Umm, NL MVP. Enough said. Expect another solid year out of the slugger, although maybe not as big as 2010. A very safe pick at number 8.
9. Ryan Braun - A slight decline in Prince Fielder's value is the only reason I have Braun here at number 9. Braun looks to rebound from a slight down year in 2010, while still maintaining elite status in fantasy baseball. That tells you something. Look for Braun to put up another solid year on a newly revamped Brewers squad.
10. Roy Halladay - Doc Halladay. The best overall SP in fantasy baseball. Best thing of all about Roy, he never gets injured! *Knock on wood.* Halladay will dominate the National League once again and continue on to be a top 3 contender for the Cy Young. If you have the chance to draft him as the ace of your staff...DO IT!
Just missing the cut:
1. Josh Hamilton - American League MVP, that is. Injuries hampered his 2010 season even though he still managed to be one of the games most elite players. If healthy, expect this guy to be one of, if not the best fantasy player in the league.
2. Felix Hernandez - He should be the second SP off of the board in all formats. I just ran out of real estate in my top 10. Expect HUGE things from him once again in 2011.
3. Troy Tulowitzki - See "Hanley Ramirez." Tulo is a stud, if he stays healthy he is a sure fire top 15 fantasy player.
4. David Wright - If not for Longoria, Wright would be among my top 10. The power and speed combo make him dangerous. David Wright is the complete package.
5. Cliff Lee - Another freak of nature, Lee can make opposing teams look silly in a hurry. Keep him on your radar, he's value in the 2nd round.
Questions? Comments? Feedback? Follow me on Twitter @ TKing978 or Facebook @ Facebook.com/TKing978!
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