Fantasy Baseball Advice

In one article about Mike Stanton in The Miami Herald, a longtime season ticket holder, Fran, was asked if any player every matched Stanton’s sheer mollywhopping, pony sticking ability.  The gist is no.  Fran, at 85, had seen them all too.  About Randy Johnson, Fran was quoted as saying, “Wild as any turkey ever got to be.  He had that hair, and when he pitched and got sweaty, he had the nastiest head of hair you ever seen.”  Now if I worked as a reporter for The Miami Herald, I’d make sure I had at least one quote from Fran in every article.  If I could somehow find someone to match her quotey-ness, I’d say the quote was “frantastic.”  If another reporter asked me to read their piece and they lacked a Fran quote, I’d say it’s not franny enough.  Can we get a interview with Fran?  Or should I just call up any retirement home in Miami-Dade County and interview anyone I get on the phone about the Marlins prospects?  Mrs. Abramowitz, “Can Maybin turn it around?”  “I’ve seen potato pancakes bigger than him.  Put some apple sauce on his head and he’ll fall over.”  /Fran aside.

So, I have big love for Stanton (<–cable TV pun!), and I think he should be picked up in all leagues immediately.  Between Cody Ross, Coghlan and Maybin, the Marlins have no reason to keep Stanton down any longer.  He should be up in the next few weeks.  When he arrives, he’ll be good for power and maybe not much else.  He could be a drag on average.  Here’s what I said back in November, “In Single-A, he hit 39 homers while slashing .293/.381/.611.  There’s light tower power in his man-frame of 6’5″, 210 lbs. (for those in San Diego, that’s 3 and a half David Ecksteins, but only three-quarters of a Kyle Blanks.  Or Blanks sans afro.).  Last year, Stanton continued his assault on minor league pitching in High-A, then hit his first roadblock at Double-A.  Unable to make the necessary adjustments, he saw the one part of his game that was exploitable exploited.  He’s a hacker.  Even when he hit the 39 homers in 125 games in A, he struck out 153 times.  Last year, he K’d 99 times in 79 Double-A games, which led to .231/.311/.455.”  And that’s me quoting me!  Since then, i.e., this year, he’s hit the ball wilder than any turkey Fran’s ever saw.  When he gets called up in June, think a line of 15-20 homers and a .255 average.  The hype alone makes him rosterable.  If you have him, I believe his hype will make it worth trading him in non-keeper leagues.  Anyway, here’s some more players to buy or sell this week in fantasy baseball:

BUY

Scott Olsen – He gets the Rockies his next time out in Coors, which isn’t a start I’d want any part of, but then he gets the O’s, Giants and Astros, three clubs that punted hitting this year.

Derek Holland – I think he’ll be a matchups guy for certain stretches of the season.  Read:  When he’s at home.  Potatoes to chips, I’d still own him because he’s D-Nice with the Ks.

John Ely – Weird that this guy seems completely off everyone’s radar.  He has a 17:3 K:BB rate and he gets the Astros next time out.  That’s Lov-Ely.

Johnny Cueto – Sure, his name sounds like a bully from an 80′s movie and he treated you as such his first month, but he has a 33:12 K:BB and a 1.21 WHIP with three straight solid starts.  Cueto won’t hurt you… As long as you’re not a dork!

Randy Wells – I know it’s weird for you to go after a pitcher who hasn’t pitched that well so far.  This is a trust exercise.  Just fall back, Wells will catch you.

Troy Glaus – Hitting .400 over the last week with 2 homers.  He got so hot it was a Glaussian blur!  What?  Terrible?  Yeah, probably.

Luke Scott – ROTIOAOWAYSETWOASPAYOWTWH!

Travis Snider – Member why you drafted him in March?  Yeah, none of that has changed, he just started slow.  Still plenty of time for him to breakout.  Or not.  But it’s worth the chance on upside.

Michael Saunders – Maybe because his last name sounds like he likes to walk leisurely, but I’m finding it hard to build enthusiasm about Saunders.  Is he rosterable in deep leagues?  Yeppers.  Is he better than a poor man’s FraGu?  Not on your Mom Mom’s life.

Alfredo Simon – You know the douche that updates his Facebook page whenever he has something to brag about?  Yeah, well, I’m going to post about how I picked Alfredo Simon up in a fantasy league.  Take that, douche who just got a new job!

Jose Contreras – Yes, it’s saves.  I’m just worried that after you’re done with him you’re going to have a screwvenir of an unsightly ERA and WHIP.

Manny Corpas – No better than Contreras, only 47 years younger.

John Buck – One catcher I’m mentioning this week.  McCann + V-Mart + Mauer is less than Buck’s power so far.  Ain’t that a kick in the pants?

SELL

Gordon Beckham – Every time I watch him at the plate, I feel like some depressing David Gray song should be playing in the background.  It’s like every lemming in the world has Beckham on their team.  Even if he rights the ship, what are you going to get? 14/10?  I just popped a zit and it gave me more satisfaction.  Lose him, it’s time to move on.

Kyle Blanks – It’s time to start making some tough choices.  Blanks seems like a good guy.  It’s well documented that he can carry around 17 cookie elves in the palm of his hand.  But his strikeouts right now?  A taco diarrhea mess.  You get power off waivers elsewhere.  That’s a command, Lieutenant.

Jason Kubel – We’re cleaning house today, huh?  In the rankings, I said, “Kubel had value when he was a last round draft pick.  There’s no value when you have to draft him like he’s actually going to stay on your team.  Trust me, he won’t.”  And that’s me anticipating you dropping Kubel!

Starlin Castro – Whatchu talkin’ about, Grey?!  You just told us to pick him up!  Yeah, and now I’m telling you like Yoda would that the hype is too strong in him.  Now don’t trade him for a set of gold fronts, but I’d definitely see what I could get.  Say Asdrubal and a donkeycorn?  You’re coming out on top of that.  And tell’m Grey sent ya!  Though that might just confuse them.

I’m bitter.  I dropped Brennan Boesch in one league on Wednesday night for Russell Branyan.  Branyan DNP yesterday.  Boesch hit a homer off CC.  All my ex-classmates at the College of Fantasy Baseball at Charleston are going get on my case.  That’s Waiver Wire 101, man!  I’m chagrined. The problem is someone like Branyan will continue to play after Carlos Guillen comes back.  For one, they don’t play on the same team.  I can’t say the same about Boesch.  I mean, I can, but it would be a lie.  Boesch can hit; I like the little meister.  If Guillen has a setback, I’ll want to own Boesch from H-to-T.  Or if the Tigers make Guillen the backup, I’m all in on Boesch, but I’m going on the assumption that he won’t have everyday playing time when Guillen returns.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Justin Verlander – 6 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 8 baserunners, 4 Ks.  Imagine if he ever got his April act together.  But then maybe his September pitching would be a holy eff bomb.  Not sure.  Something to think about while your significant other is talking about their day.

Scott Sizemore – 0-for-3, Lost in the haze of Gordon Beckham’s awfulness is this guy.  Who knew a meth’d out Tom Sizemore would be the most reliable Sizemore this year?

Felix Hernandez – 7 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners, 7 Ks as he got Greinke’d.  The next sentence will be typed with my tears.  I can’t buy a Win.

Michael Saunders – 2-for-4 with a home run.  He’ll be in this afternoon’s Buy/Sell.  Now go to the Razzball homepage and don’t blink for five hours.

Chone Figgins – 0-for-3, batting .185 on the year.  The good news is it’ll be easy to go back to hating this schmohawk next year.

Zack Greinke – 6 IP, 3 ER, 10 baserunners, 8 Ks as he finally got his first win.  Just like the Royals to fire their manager after a Win.  How dare you raise our fan’s expectations!

Alfredo Simon – Recorded his 5th save yesterday.  Now has more saves than Broxton.  Zoinks!

Corey Patterson – 2-for-4 with a homer from the leadoff spot.  He was hitting in the minors when he was called up and he’s capable of getting hot for a week or two at a time.  In the big picture, Patterson is not a good hitter, so if you want in, you get in now.  You’ll need to get out soon though.  To put it in New Jersey terms, you pass through Patterson, you don’t stay there.

Ryan Zimmerman – 3-for-5, 6 RBIs and 2 homers.  Now has 8 homers in only 27 games since he missed just over a week with injuries.  “If he stays healthy, he appears to be headed for a huge season,” Mr. Obvious says.

Jhoulys Chacin – 5 IP, 6 ER, 7 baserunners, 3 Ks.  I blame the weather.  No, I blame Coors.  No, I blame Ryan Zimmerman.  Actually, I blame Chacin and the fact he’s a rookie.  Inconsistency is to be expected when you play with rookie fire.  And Jhoulys is Aztec for fire.  No, that’s not true.  I don’t know what a Jhoulys is.  Could mean pants.

Huston Street – Supposed to be a week away from returning, but Huston Street is paved with a lot of injury setbacks, so keep your excitement in check.

Hank Blalock – Scott Boras is telling anyone that will listen that Blalock can still play in the majors and he wants in now.  Though, it’s probably Boras’s assistant; can’t imagine S.B. has time to worry about Blalock.  Put Teixeira on hold, Blalock is on the line!  Riiiiight.  Blalock did hit last year and should be capable of producing in the majors, but he needs an everyday job.  I’m not adding him anywhere.  If you’re in a very deep league, I could see it.  Like an 18 team league that only uses Scott Boras clients.

Bud Norris – 8 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 8 Ks.  Wait, was he pitching against the Astros?  Norris has upside, but he’s far too inconsistent to trust in mixed leagues at this point.

Hunter Pence – 1-for-4, as he hit his 5th homer and his third in four games. Your time to buy low is 4 PM, three days ago.

Jorge Cantu – 0-for-4 as he bats .146 in May.  Member when I told you to sell him at the end of April?  Member all of the people who commented that Cantu can keep this up?  Wha’ happened?

Jake Fox – 3-for-5 as he got his 2nd straight start after only getting one start in the previous two weeks.  I realize Landon Powell is awesome and all on the Real World/Road Rules Challenge and Josh Donaldson is related to Colby, but can’t someone figure out how to play Jake Fox every day?  He has catcher eligibility!

Mat Latos – 9 IP, 1 hit, zero walks, 6 Ks.  The only player to get a hit was Eli Whiteside, who I would think looks like Hyman Roth if I didn’t know any better.  The good news on Latos, he’s cut his walks dramatically so far this year, which was a bugaboo last year.  It’still early, but he has a 0.97 WHIP on the year.  A very nice sign.  BTW, the “s” I saved in “It’still,” I’m passing that on to you.  You’re welcome.

Jonathan Sanchez – 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 5 Ks and now has a 2.66 ERA and 1.07 WHIP on the year.  I’d be thrilled if he stays on this course all year.  Okay, a Win would be nice, but if I wanted Wins I’d own Tyler Clippard.

Mark DeRosa – Could be headed to the DL.  If it happens, John Bowker will get his third chance to fail in three years.  If only the very forgiving Giants had Jake Fox…

Brad Lidge – The MRI showed no problems with his right elbow.  After the test, Lidge said he felt so good he could go for another three MRIs.

Dallas Braden threw a perfect game yesterday as every single Rays hitter chickened out and didn’t step on the mound.  If you know something gets in a guy’s head, don’t you exploit that?  I say you send a pinch hitter, say, Pat Burrell out there JUST to step on the mound.  So Braden’s still not someone I’d be excited to own in mixed leagues.  His K-rate is poor, though he has, obviously, found some success with his changeup.  In his game after his perfect game, Buehrle gave up 5 earned in 6 1/3 innings.  So perfect is nice, but it means little.  If you happen to own Braden, I’d see what he could get in a trade.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw this weekend in fantasy baseball:

Tim Stauffer – 5 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 1 K.  Stauffer filled in for Correia, who missed the start with a family emergency.  I’ve owned Stauffer in one NL-Only league for the last couple of weeks, hoping that he would work his way into the rotation.  This probably isn’t that opening, but at some point it’ll come for Stauffer.  Either way, he’s been great in middle relief, sporting a 0.39 ERA and 0.94 WHIP, with just over 8 Ks per 9.  Worth owning for MR ratio help.

Carlos Lee – Now has 2 homers in the last week.  He told the media, “I don’t know if I’m going to play after this contract.  I’m ready to go home.  The Astros just suck the life out of you.”  I added the last sentence, but it was implied.

Hunter Pence – 3-for-5 with a homer.  Someone had to step up because the Astros’ best hitter so far was out of the lineup.  You know, Geoff Blum.  Actually, that’s a lie.  The top three average hitters on the Astros so far are Wandy Rodriguez batting .364, Felipe Paulino batting .333 and Geoff Blum’s third at .327, but I’m not counting pitchers.  Though maybe the Astros might want to.

Jose Reyes – 2-for-4 yesterday as he stole his 7th and 8th base.  Currently batting .237.  He’ll be batting .255 with 17 steals by the end of the month.  So says 1-800-My-Brain.

Bobby Jenks – Gave up 3 earned runs as he blew the save yesterday.  After the game, Ozzie said they have lots of other options.  Thornton’s the first pickup.  Sergio Santos has also been terrific, but I don’t think he gets the job.  Linebrink’s at least three chiefs (I almost spelled that chieves.  My name is Grey Albright and I’m dumb.)  down the totem.  In some leagues, I grabbed Putz.  In other leagues, I simply grabbed my putz.

Alex Rios – 4-for-4, batting .324 with 6 homers and 9 steals.  I wouldn’t sell him short, I think the 20/20 season could finally be coming.

Troy Tulowitzski – Left the game after aggravating his quad.  That’s the last time he says he likes his hamstring better.  He’s day-to-dayski.

Tyler Clippard – He has a 0.76 ERA and 6 wins.  Cust shaking my head.

Livan Hernandez – 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 3 Ks.  His ERA jumped from 0.99 to 1.04.  See, I told you a correction was coming!

Starlin Castro – 1-for-3 yesterday.  Like 19-for-19 and 200 RBIs.  It’s Cubkakke!

Mike Leake – 7 IP, 3 ER, 5 baserunners, 6 Ks.  Ever since his 2nd start of the year, walks haven’t been an issue.  Little reason why you shouldn’t take a chance on Leake.  Even in 8 team leagues where you own all 8 teams under different aliases.

Cameron Maybin – Got into the game as the pinch hitter and only has 6 ABs in the last 4 games.  Here’s Maybin, here’s you punting Maybin.

Ian Kennedy – 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 5 Ks was outpitched by Chris Narveson, whose name sounds like it would be The Noid’s Christian name if The Noid wasn’t just a fictional advertising character.  No shame in it for Kennedy.  For what it’s Wuertz, I’d take Kennedy over Braden.  As for Narveson, Avoid The Noid.

Clayton Kershaw – 8 IP, 5 baserunners (3 BBs) and 9 Ks.  As I said last week when he shat the bed then invited you for a sleepover, Kershaw wasn’t good beginning of last year either and you still drafted him this year, so he must’ve been okay the rest of the year, right?

Matt Kemp – Now has 7 caught stealings.  Doode, loaf in center.  No loaf on the basepaths.  Loaf, no loaf.  Loaf, no loaf.  Are we clear?

Ervin Santana – 6 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 13 baserunners, 5 Ks.  See, these are the most frustrating starters.  Throws well against the Sawx, then the M’s treat him like a gingie.

Michael Saunders – 2-for-4 with a homer yesterday.  You’ll need to platoon him because he’s sitting vs. lefties.  Or you can just ignore him altogether.

Mike Aviles – 3-for-4 and a homer as he bats .417 since his return.  Well, he’s no Yuniesky Betancourt.  Thankfully.

Brian Matusz – 3 2/3 IP, 6 ER as he roofied his owners.

Brad Lidge – Got his first save of the year as everyone at Citizens Flank exhaled.

Kerry Wood – Pitched in the seventh inning yesterday as Chris Perez mullet’d down the Tigers in the 9th for his 5th save.  Wood should be closing on Tuesday.  Here’s hoping he doesn’t get injured before that.

Grady Sizemore – Hit his first homer of the year on Friday, until the weather washed it away.  Chief Wahoo sheepishly apologized, “When Sizemore homered, I got so excited I started dancing and, well, it was the rain dance.”

Scott Olsen went 7 1/3 innings, giving up 1 ER and registering 8 Ks, while taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning.  Olsen, “Hello, Corner, I think I’m going to turn you.”  Corner, “Go for it.”  Looks like Olsen has been able to use his changeup more effectively this year and rely less on the fastball.  Olsen, “Fastball, you’re my woobie, I think I need to move on.”  Fastball, “But where were they going without ever knowing the way?”  Olsen, “Sorry, think I dialed the wrong Fastball.”  I get worried about putting faith in Nationals pitchers not named, That Kid In Triple-A, but I could see taking a flier on Olsen in 12 team mixed leagues and deeper.  At one time, Olsen wasn’t just some random Nats pitcher, he was a top Marlin prospect.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Lance Berkman – Fat Elvis says he’d leave the building if the Astros wanted him to.  He’d agree to leave the Astros?  That’s just crazy.  Cray-zee.

Wandy Rodriguez – 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 10 baserunners, 4 Ks.  And the Wandwagon is back off the tracks.  Hopefully, it’s not back spasms.  He had three okay starts prior to this, so you gotta wait it out.  Well, you don’t have to, but that’s my suggestion.

Kelly Johnson – 2-for-4 as he hit his 10th homer.  Nothing says I love you like a Johnson going deep.  Hmm… Could’ve reworded that.

Dan Haren – 9 IP, 2 ER, 8 baserunners, 9 Ks.  I just thought of the perfect trade.  You trade Haren in July for Teixeira.  Am I right?  Or am I right-right?

Kila Ka’aihue – 1-for-1 with an RBI.  I know, you’re thinking he got 5 ABs and shot four BBs.  No, he pinch hit.  Here’s an idea, put Guillen in the outfield and sit the .118 batting, Dishonorable Willie Bloomquist, not that I’m judging.

Vladimir Guerrero – 2 HRs, 4 RBIs. I’m enjoying owning Vlad this season.  That is all.

Justin Smoak – 1-for-4, and his third homer.  Ignore the .196 average.  He has 8 walks and 9 Ks.  The Smoak will rise.

Julio Borbon – 0-for-4 as the Rangers scored 13.  Ticker tease!  Wait, actually, ticker season.

Randy Wells – 2 IP, 6 ER, 8 baserunners, 1 K.  After the game, the Fangraphs Database had this to say, “That’s payback for having a FIP higher than your ERA last year.  Muahahahaha…”  What an evil database.

Nate Schierholtz – 3-for-3, homer and a steal.  He won’t kill you on average, but he’s also not going to wow your socks off with his power or speed.  Decent roster filler for NL-Only leagues, but that’s about it as of right now.

Edgar Renteria – Headed to the 15-day DL.  Member the first week of the season when you wanted to add this schmohawk?  Ah, yeah, those were the days.

John Ely – 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 7 Ks.  Solid command and groundball stuff, though nothing really overpowering.  I’d look at him in NL-Only leagues for now.

Mike Napoli – Hit his first homer of the year.  After the game, Scioscia said, “Mathis would’ve hit two.”

Roy Halladay – 7 IP, 1 ER, 10 baserunners, 9 Ks and now has a 1.45 ERA and a 6-1 record.  But can he give birth to kittens?  Well?  Didn’t think so.

Raul Ibanez – Hit a homer and now has hits in 7 of 8 games.  Sure, he’s only had one hit in most of those games, but the glass half full here, c’mon.

Cameron Maybin – Sat yesterday and may not be long for everyday at-bats.  On high alert:  Mike Stanton.

Dana Eveland – 7 IP, 6 baserunners, 3 Ks.  Dana has 16 Ks and 17 walks on the year.  Ignore him (her?).

Gordon Beckham – 0-for-4 as he looks more like Gordon Shumway.

Alfredo Simon – Third save without allowing an earned run.  ‘fredo can handle things!  He’s smart!

Ty Wigginton – 2-for-4, and his 10th homer.  Can we get Adam Jones to use Wigginton’s bat?

Koji Uehara – He’ll be in this afternoon’s Buy/Sell.  How will I ever do without my Koji Uehara news?! Was that sarcastic, random italicized voice?  Yup.

Michael Saunders – In the wake of Milton Bradley’s case of the Mondays, Saunders was recalled.  He’s a poor man’s Big FraGu.  Some power, some speed, some AL-Only league fodder.

Eric Byrnes – Decided to hang up his dignity and join a recreational softball league.  I figured if anyone were to retire to a sport with beer in the dugout it would’ve been Miguel Cabrera.

I know most of you are champing/chomping at the bit for me to finish these facacta 2010 fantasy baseball rankings.  Well, the pitchers are right around the corner.  Some of these top 80 outfielders for 2010 fantasy baseball are long shots to make the club, but they might give you value if they do.  Or they might just give you value when they’re called up in the summer.  As Kanye West said, I’ll show you how I cook up summer in the win-turr.  As with the other rankings, where I see tiers start and stop are mentioned with my projections.  Anyway, here’s the top 80 outfielders for 2010 fantasy baseball:

61. Krispie Young – This is the first tier.  This tier goes from here until Francoeur.  I call this tier, “The few veteran outfielders I’d take a flier on late, and even these guys leave a lot to be desired.”  If Krispie hits a third of his infield pop-ups for homers next year, he’ll hit 40.  And if I were 30 years old in 1760, I’d think Martha Washington was hot.  2010 Projections:  60/20/75/.245/15

62. Nick Swisher – Swisher reminds me of a just-post-roided Giambi.  25+ homers and a poor average.  What I sorta like about him?  I feel like he can hit 35 homers.  Hard to find that late.  2010 Projections:  80/30/90/.255

63. Delmon Young – The fact that he’s only 24 and he ended up in the veteran outfielders that are kind eh category is both the good and bad.  The good, his tools can still develop.  The bad, what’s taking so effin’ long?  2010 Projections:  55/17/75/.290/7

64. Lastings Milledge – Three short years ago Mets fans were debating if the organization should unretire number 41 in case Milledge wanted to wear it.  Now, the Pirates are debating between Milledge and Brandon Moss in the outfield.  Milledge will only be 25 in 2010 so you shouldn’t write him off… Just don’t write him in with ink.  2010 Projections:  60/12/70/.265/12

65. Jeff Francoeur – It’s only fair that you know that I placed Frenchy in the below tier of guys I don’t want at all then moved him up to this tier… Then down… Then up.  Just don’t want you to feel flimflammed on my Frenchy flip-floppery.  (<–Alliteration in lieu of wit.)  2010 Projections:  75/20/85/.275/5

66. Juan Rivera – This is a new tier.  This tier goes from here until Willingham.  I call this tier, “Guys that you draft that you shouldn’t.”  What I mean with this tier, you’re better off just taking a flier on upside.  Willingham, Ross, Rivera, et al are guys that are always on waivers.  Maybe not them per se, but guys that do exactly the same thing.  If you don’t get Willingham in a draft, so what?  You can get ten other guys off of waivers that do the same thing.  2010 Projections:  65/24/75/.280

67. Cody Ross – Something about a player with two first names that always translates to boring.  If you’re able to draft Ross and hold him for longer than a week of the season, you have more patience than me.  His 25 homers and 5 steals and .270 average look okay on draft day, but there’s always someone who breaks out the first week of the season and Ross is the first one to go.  2010 Projections:  65/22/75/.265/5

68. David DeJesus – Someone save us from this tier.  2010 Projections:  80/12/60/.280/7

69. Jermaine Dye – Just when you thought this tier couldn’t get yawnstipating-er.  2010 Projections:  70/22/85/.260

70. Josh Willingham -  The best thing I can say about Willingham is that he’s the last name in this tier.  2010 Projections:  60/24/70/.255/3

71. Cameron Maybin – This is a new tier.  This tier goes from here until the end.  I call this tier, “These guys may not even have a starting job.  So?”  When you’re this deep into a position, you’re better off taking a flier on upside.  I’ll give you an example to explain my point.  Jason Heyward starts the season hot.  Hits 5 homers and steals 4 bases in April.  You can trade him for someone that far exceeds his value.  Juan Rivera starts the season hot.  He hits 7 homers in April.  You know who you can trade him to?  His Moms.  That’s about it.  Do I want an outfield of Heyward, Maybin and Stanton?  Maybe in 2012.  No way for this year.  re: Maybin; If you’ve been reading the site for longer than a minute — not an Urban Dictionary minute which is actually a long time — you’ll know I was crushing hard on Maybin last year.  Nothing’s changed except his shoulder’s healed and he’s a year more seasoned like that beef stew in the back of your fridge.  I’m everywhere!  2010 Projections:  85/14/50/.285/20

72. Jake Fox – His projections are over at the top 20 3rd basemen for 2010 fantasy baseball.

73. Jason Heyward – Went over my Jason Heyward fantasy there.  2010 Projections:  65/12/70/.290/20

74. Desmond Jennings – Went over Desmond Jennings fantasy there.  2010 Projections:  75/7/45/.285/25

75. Austin Jackson – Jackson is supposedly going to be the starting center fielder for the Tigers.  He’s shown a lot more speed than power in the minor leagues and that shouldn’t disappear in the majors.  His .300 average in Triple-A looks like an aberration.  He’s liable to get exploited on breaking stuff.  A .250-.260 average wouldn’t surprise me.  Watching Leyland run Clete Thomas and Raburn out there in 2009 without much to show for it makes methinks Jackson will not only be the starting center fielder but he’ll probably lead off.  2010 Projections:  85/5/50/.275/22

76. Michael Taylor – Went over my Michael Taylor fantasy already.  2010 Projections:  85/12/60/.280/15

77. Kyle Blanks – Blanks, the love child of Fabulous Moolah and Kamala, the Ugandan Giant, naturally has some power in his ginourmous frame.  He should get to 25 homers easily and the average probably won’t be as bad as you might think for an all-or-nothing-type.  2010 Projections:  60/30/85/.270/3

78. Matt LaPorta – I’m real worried about the hip surgery he had in October.  He’s much younger than most guys who have this surgery — by about 50 years — but still any time you go messing with a guy’s hip I think there has to be some residual soreness or so I saw on House.  Have to watch in Spring Training to see how he’s coping.  2010 Projections:  65/17/80/.275

79. Gerardo Parra – For Parra to get near 25 steals, he’d probably get thrown out 30 times.  Cust kayin’.  2010 Projections:  75/10/60/.295/10

80. Ryan Raburn – With Fowler and CarGo, the Rockies are the fantasy sleeper outfield of 2010.  With Austin Jackson and Raburn, the Tigers want that title.  In 2006 and 2007, Raburn put up numbers in Triple-A (averaged 18 homers and 14 steals) that put him on the map.  Then, in 261 ABs last year, he had 16 homers and 5 steals.  Even though Ryan Raburn sounds like someone that should be dating Angela Lansbury, he has some upside and Leyland seems committed to giving him a chance. 2010 Projections: 65/22/75/.265/10 <–  crazy optimistic, but whatever.

After the top 80 outfielders for 2010 fantasy baseball, there’s really not that many guys, but here’s two to look at:

Michael Saunders – Probably won’t play unless Bradley’s hurt… Oh, wait a minute, Bradley’s always hurt.  Saunders looks like a poor man’s FraGu.  Slight power, Slight speed.  Best case scenario, 15/15.  One thought, if Saunders was a solid prospect, why wasn’t he traded to the Orioles?  2010 Projections:  55/12/65/.275/15

Seth Smith – Man, I got it bad for the Rockies outfield this year (except Hawpe. Hmm… Guess that means I only like 2 out of 3.  Nevertheless!).  If Smith can somehow corral 450 ABs, he could get to 20+ homers and 10+ steals.  It’s a longshot that is predicated on playing time. Predicated-schedicated…  Get rid of Hawpe!  2010 Projections:  60/15/75/.290/10 with plenty of upside from there, but he needs a starting job.