Can’t get enough sleepers? Yeah, neither can we. And from our experience, the more names you can see, the better job you can do evaluating all the choices on draft day. We’ve already done a little sleeper roundtable, but our next move is to roll out the 2010 All-Sleeper Team, which consists of players we feel will greatly out-perform their current draft stock.

That’s the essence of a sleeper anyway, right? It’s not just about using a valuable draft choice on some player no other manager has ever heard of. It’s about getting the most bang for your buck, from the start of your draft all the way until the end.

For this exercise, we’re starting with the five infield positions, including catcher, then adding separate posts for outfielders, starting pitchers and relievers over the course of the next week. Read more »

We were surprised to see the results of a Yahoo! Sports poll, in which fantasy owners had to choose: Chicago White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham or Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen. Surprisingly, 56 percent of the 2,975 voters went with McCutchen over Beckham.

The results are particularly stunning in the aftermath of ESPN.com fantasy columnist Jason Grey’s statement that Beckham will be fantasy’s “next big thing.” SB Nation goes a step further with a comparison of Beckham to Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley. Read more »

The new generation of third basemen is making its mark on baseball, with possibly more young superstars than any other position in the game. Evan Longoria and David Wright are perennial All-Stars, and youngsters Gordon Beckham (who will play second base this season for the White Sox), Mark Reynolds and Ryan Zimmerman are well on their way.

The top 10 at the position is pretty sound, but anything after that and you’re wishing on a star with nearly no breakout prospects. Read more »

The standard for excellence at second base can be summed up in one sentence. Chase Utley, and then everybody else. This year’s crop is much stronger than in years past, but there remains a steep drop between Utley and No. 2 second sacker Ian Kinsler. Kinsler is a quality second-round choice in standard fantasy drafts, but still has question marks about health and that .253 average from last season.

The prototypical fantasy second baseman hits for high average, scores runs and puts up competitive numbers across the board. Beyond Utley, who provides big-time production in all these areas, the second tier of second basemen goes seven deep. In order, Utley, Kinsler, Brandon Phillips, Dustin Pedroia, Brian Roberts, Aaron Hill and Robinson Cano all will produce at a very solid level. Read more »

The Chicago White Sox are redefining themselves this season after sluggers Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye left town. Manager Ozzie Guillen has transformed his lineup into one with an emphasis on speed, versatility and fundamentals. Enter second-year second baseman Gordon Beckham, who has all the skills to perfectly set the table and make the offense go.

Beckham, a college and minor league shortstop, is making his second defensive transition in as many seasons. All of his Major League action came at third base last season, when he hit .270 with 14 HRs, 63 RBIs and 7 SBs in 103 games. The move to the middle infield is perfect for his fantasy game, which is heavy on contact and run production and light on power. Read more »

We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, draft kit information, rankings, sleepers, busts, etc. as Spring Training approaches.

Gordon Beckham, 3B, Chicago White Sox
Overview: Second-year player drawing favorable comparisons for the way he plays the game and goes about his business … a 2008 first-round pick, played in just 59 minor league games before reaching the big leagues … is penciled in as the White Sox’ starting second baseman, a good fit for his fantasy game.
2009 numbers: .270 avg., 14 HRs, 63 RBIs, 58 runs, 7 SBs in 103 games
Key splits and trends: Compiled 43 extra-base hits and a .460 slugging percentage in 378 at-bats … showed he had the chops to be a big-time RBI guy, hitting .323 with runners in scoring position and .348 with RISP and 2 outs … was streaky, starting the year in a 10-for-58 slump and ending it by going 15-for-69.
Strengths: Is a big league hitter, through and through … hits with runners in scoring position and can hit for both power and average … steals enough bases to make a sound contribution … calls hitter friendly U.S. Cellular Field home.
Weaknesses: Fact he has no glaring strength is a weakness … would ideally develop 25-home run power, but that’s a season (or more) away.
Bold prediction for 2010: Beckham has a successful sophomore campaign, but fails to break the 20 HR mark.

Little was made of Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds this winter. He came off a season in which he hit just .239 and struck out 204 times and entered a situation where playing time was no guarantee in the Arizona infield. Too many variables and not enough certainty justified fantasy owners who passed him over, on average, 200-plus times in preseason drafts.

But, what Reynolds has done is helped turn the third base position in fantasy on its ear. He has led a new wave of young talent at the hot corner while familiar names Alex Rodriguez and David Wright, for their own reasons, have drifted back to the pack. The power structure and dynamic at the position have changed as names like Reynolds, Evan Longoria, Pablo Sandoval and Ryan Zimmerman have made it one of the most talent-rich in the game. Read more »

Status: Heating up after a cold start
Basics: .263 AVG, 3 HRs, 16 RBIs in 28 games
Key Stats: Hitting .343 (23-for-67) with 15 RBIs in last 20 games
What to Watch For: Power development
Other Notes: Has the look and demeanor of a star; hasn’t been overwhelmed by Major League pitching, even with just 59 Minor League games under his belt … good numbers to note are his .429 average with runners in scoring position and his .556 average with runners in scoring position and 2 outs … it’s a tiny sample size, but those numbers reveal a guy who gets better in tough situations
Verdict: Is hitting now and has a high ceiling; add immediately, especially in keeper leagues

Wednesday was an eventful day for prospect watchers, with three more of the game’s most talented, major league-ready products being called up by their parent clubs.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson was the most anticipated of the group, but Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen and Chicago White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham could also have an immediate impact on their respective teams. Read more »