So, we just missed the start of the season, but our first player rankings of the year still carry the same value, which is, uh, not much. That’s no knock on our opinions, just our own stance on rankings, in general. They’re fun to scan, but the at the end of the day, how exactly can they be applied to real life?

Well, we can answer that question. Scan these rankings, see who’s where, but pay closer attention to the one-line notes next to each player. They are much more telling than the rankings themselves because they do offer some kind of insight into a player’s past, present and/or future. They also serve as explanation to why players are listed where they are. Read more »

We all manage a fantasy baseball team because a.) we’re big fans of the game, and b.) we’d like to control our own franchise and compete. In the latter sense, fantasy owners are not entirely different from real-life general managers. We have to build a franchise from the ground up and manage it for a grueling 162-game schedule.

But, what people don’t seem to fully grasp is that an actual GM deals with so many more variables when it comes to decision-making. It’s not as straightforward as saying, “I just don’t get why the Yankees don’t trade a young pitcher for a young outfielder.” Even the simplest of deals are complex with finances, finding trade partners, defining long-term plans, dealing with ownership groups, etc. Read more »

After the Baltimore Orioles traded Ramon Hernandez to the Cincinnati Reds, prospect Matt Wieters got a more clear path to the Major Leagues, which is excellent news in fantasy. And, in an offseason filled with some big name signings, both present and future, it may be the most fantasy-relevant storyline out there.

But, relevance has nothing to do with clarity, and we may not have a good answer as to when Wieters will be wearing a major league uniform. We’ve learned from stud rookies in years past, though, that they can succeed in seasons shortened by minor league service time. If Wieters does start the year at Triple-A Norfolk, he can still be a big factor during the fantasy season. Read more »

Every season it happens. At least one player goes on such a tear through the postseason, gets so much attention that his fantasy stock soars the following season. That kind of buzz, of course, factors into a player’s value on draft day, but does a breakout playoff performance really change who that player is? The answer, in my opinion, is: sometimes.

Two types of players can grow from playoff experience to the point where a career season will immediately follow. Others can use good postseason play to cash in via free agency — Carlos Beltran, then with Houston, and Jeff Suppan, then with St. Louis, are recent examples — but they fool fantasy owners into thinking their games have changed. Read more »

At season’s beginning, quality rookie position players were tough to find. Cubs catcher Geovany Soto and Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury comprised the list, and of course Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was a near lock for eventual fantasy success. But, as the season has progressed, a number of rookies, both heralded and unheralded, have emerged to add some outstanding depth to the 2008 rookie class.

Soto and Ellsbury burst onto the scene and got fantasy teams started on strong notes. Longoria wasn’t far from behind, earning an early promotion when injuries bombarded Tampa Bay’s infield. Kosuke Fukudome was also a nice early surprise, but made more of a splash in reality than he did in fantasy. Read more »

It didn’t take long for reigning National League Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun to turn an early season slump into an extended hot streak. And as he has, he’s skyrocketed back into the elite of third base eligible players with position-leading totals of 13 home runs and 37 RBIs. Ten of those 13 homers have come in the month of May, tying Braun with Florida’s Dan Uggla for tops in the majors.

Anyone could have looked at Braun’s breakout rookie season and projected him to be successful as a sophomore in 2008. But, when he began the year by hitting .222 over his first 18 games, one couldn’t help but wonder if Braun would have a down year as he made the switch from the hot corner to left field. He quickly put those concerns to rest with 13 RBIs in his next 11 games, in spite of the fact that his power hadn’t yet arrived. Read more »

Monday’s games began early with a couple of doubleheaders in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Both doubleheaders featured shutouts in Game 1, as three Pirates combined to blank the Atlanta Braves 5-0 and the Tribe beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 on a five-hitter by right-hander Fausto Carmona. 

The night ended with a couple of American League West shootouts and yet another three-hit effort from world’s hottest hitter Lance Berkman. In between, the Cubs smacked the Padres, Rays pitcher Matt Garza shut down the Yankees, and the following stories unfolded. Read more »