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Arizona Diamondbacks Mark Reynolds (Projected Value: $20) Reynolds batted .260 with 44 home runs, 102 RBI, and 24 stolen bases for Arizona last year. You can expect a lot of home runs from him again this year, but since he strikes out so much (223 Ks in '09), expect to see his average and power stats slide a bit in 2010. Atlanta Braves Martin Prado (Projected Value: $27) Prado (26) batted .307 with 11 home runs and 49 RBI over 128 games for the Braves in the '09 regular season. His .307 average seems legitimate, and he qualifies at multiple positions. Consider him a solid back-end mixed-league option at 2B/3B/1B. Troy Glaus (Projected Value: $13) Glaus (33) signed with Atlanta to be the first baseman in 2010. He played in only 14 games in 2009 because of shoulder and back issues. He did hit .270/.372/.483 with 27 home runs and 99 RBI over 151 games in 2008. Glaus can make a rebound back to that level – if he stays healthy. Chipper Jones (Projected Value: $2) Jones hit .264 with 18 home runs and 71 RBI during an "Off" season, one limited by injury. His on-base percentage (.388) also dropped nearly 100 points from 2008. You can expect a return to a .300 batting average in 2009, but not a dramatic return of his power numbers – not at age 37. Baltimore Orioles Miguel Tejada (Projected Value: $10) Tejada (35) finished 2009 with a .313 batting average, 14 home runs, and 86 RBI. He cannot hit for power like he used to. He does remain a threat to hit for average and to drive in runs. Ty Wigginton (Projected Value: $9) Wigginton (32) ended his three-year run of hitting 20-plus home runs by hitting only 11 in 2009. Expect a return of power in 2010 - if he gets 400+ at-bats in Baltimore. Jake Fox (Projected Value: $0) Fox (27) hit .257 with 11 homers and 44 RBI in 216 at-bats for the Cubs in 2009. He has some pop and will challenge Jack Cust for at-bats at DH and might spell Eric Chavez at 3B. Josh Bell (Projected Value: $0) Bell (23) projects to be the Orioles’ third baseman soon. He had a great AFL season after a solid season in the minor leagues. Look for the switch-hitter in late 2010, with a shot at taking over the everyday job in 2011. Boston Red Sox Adrian Beltre (Projected Value: $34) Beltre (31) did not impress fantasy owners last year with eight home runs and a .265/.304/.379 batting line. He has a new home now - Fenway Park - a domain much more favorable to hitters than his former home at Safeco. He might come through offensively. Kevin Youkilis (Projected Value: $25) Youkilis (31) batted .305 with 27 home runs, 94 RBI, and a .413 on-base percentage in 2009. If he did not suffer an oblique strain that necessitated a trip to the DL, he might have outdone his stellar stats from 2008. You have to expect him to put up solid numbers across the board again in 2010. He remains a top drawer. Bill Hall (Projected Value: $7) Hall (30) batted.201/.258/.338 with 8 home runs and 36 RBI for Milwaukee and Seattle last season. Now he is playing for the Boston Red Sox, who will put him in a utility role. He does hit lefties well: 810 career OPS. Mike Lowell (Projected Value: $0) Lowell had thumb surgery right after Christmas and his rehab should be complete by Spring Training - when the Red Sox will again attempt to unload him. What has he done to deserve this? The 35-year-old corner infielder and 2007 WS MVP hit .290/.337/.474 last season to go along with 17 home runs and 75 RBI. Chicago Cubs Aramis Ramirez (Projected Value: $3) Ramirez (31) missed two months of the 2009 season because of shoulder injury, but he still hit .317 with 15 homers and 65 RBI in 82 games. Consider him a reasonably high health risk and an exceptionally high potential reward. He can double his power output if he stays healthy. Jeff Baker (Projected Value: $0) Baker has found a home with the Cubs – probably at second base. Once his sprained left hand was healthy, he batted .305 with an .810 OPS over 69 games for Chicago. He finished the year with a .288 average, four homers, 24 RBI, and 27 runs in 226 at-bats between the Rockies and Cubs. Mike Fontenot (Projected Value: $0) Mike Fontenot is more than willing to take a few grounders at shortstop. Whether or not he can handle the position could determine who will make up the Cubs' bench. The Cubs' starting eight is set, with the exception of second base. Fontenot and Jeff Baker are competing for regular playing time there. Piniella also said if shortstop Ryan Theriot was out for a significant amount of time, 19-year-old Starlin Castro would get the call. Mike Fontenot (Projected Value: $0) Fontenot earned the starting second base job with the Cubs last year, but lost it to Jeff Baker. Fontenot (29) had shown promise the prior year, and he still has time to show that he can hit .300 and provide some pop. Chicago White Sox Gordon Beckham (Projected Value: $5) Beckham had a great 2009 rookie season, batting .271 with 14 homers, 63 RBI, and seven steals in 378 at-bats. He will shift his position to second base in 2010, which will qualify him for second base and third base (his position in 2009) in some leagues. He might hit close to 20 HR this year. Mark Teahen (Projected Value: $0) Teahen (28) hit .271 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI in 144 games for the Royals as an outfielder and third baseman last year. He will man third base for the White Sox in 2010 at U.S. Cellular where he might hit more home runs. Cincinnati Reds Scott Rolen (Projected Value: $27) Rolen (34) showed that he can hit for average - when he's healthy (he has shoulder issues). In 128 combined games with the Reds and Blue Jays in ‘09, Rolen batted .305 with 11 home runs and 67 RBI. He might get a few more home runs at the Great American in '10. Colorado Rockies Ian Stewart (Projected Value: $14) Because Garret Atkins struggled at 3B for Colorado in 2009, Stewart (25) got regular AB. He displayed the power (25 HR) that scouts expected of him when he was a prospect. Consider Stewart a sleeper at second or third base who can hit for power (but not for average). Melvin Mora (Projected Value: $0) Mora (37) finished the 2009 season with a .260 average, eight homers, and 48 RBI over 450 at-bats. He might not get regular at-bats next year. Detroit Tigers Brandon Inge (Projected Value: $7) Inge (32) batted .230 with 27 homers and 84 RBI this past season. He produced enough in the first half to get selected for the All-Star team. After the ASG, he played through a knee injury and his stats suffered. He does not hit for average, but he can put the ball over the fence. Jhonny Peralta (Projected Value: $6) Peralta (27) hit .254 with 11 home runs and 83 RBI last year for the Indians. Except for RBI, which dropped off slightly, Peralta’s stats dropped off noticeably. He had more value as a power-hitting shortstop than he has as a third baseman. Florida Marlins Jorge Cantu (Projected Value: $9) Cantu (28) hit .289 with 16 home runs and 100 RBI for the Marlins in 2009. He had hit 29 HR in 2008. His contact rate is improving - but his home run production is falling. Emilio Bonifacio (Projected Value: $0) Bonifacio (24) stole 21 bases last year and batted .252. He stole far fewer bases and batted much lower after the ASG, so he did not play regularly in the second half of the season. You can take a flier on him because of his speed. He does not offer power. Houston Astros Pedro Feliz (Projected Value: $0) Feliz (34) joins the Astros after playing the past two seasons for the Phillies. He hit .266 with 12 homers and 82 RBI in 158 games last season. Teammates will respect him for his defense; you can draft him for his offense after the top tiers of third basemen are off the board. Geoff Blum (Projected Value: $0) Blum (36) batted .247 with 10 home runs and 49 RBI in 381 AB during 2009. He has marginal offensive skills, but he makes the most of what he has. You have to admire that. Kansas City Royals Josh Fields (Projected Value: $0) Fields (27), a former top prospect, has disappointed his fantasy owners since clubbing 23 home runs for the White Sox in 2007. Between getting shuttled back and forth to the minor leagues, injuries, and not performing when he's been given limited at-bats, he couldn't win. He's moved on to Kansas City. Maybe with the Royals he can put things back together again. Alex Gordon (Projected Value: $0) Gordon (26) has yet to florish offensively as the third baseman for the Royals. He stumbled to a .232 average with six home runs and 22 RBI in an injury-shortened '09 campaign with a visit to AAA Omaha. He has the talent but the clock is ticking. Los Angeles Angels Brandon Wood (Projected Value: $0) Wood’s time has come – Chone Figgins is no longer blocking him at third base - besides Wood (25) has no options left. He has long-term potential for .270-35-100, but he needs regular playing time to prove that he can do it. Los Angeles Dodgers Casey Blake (Projected Value: $0) Blake (36) has hit at least 17 HR in each of the last seven years. He finished 2009 by batting .280 with 18 home runs and 79 RBI. Consider him a second-tier hitter with power and a decent average. Milwaukee Brewers Casey McGehee (Projected Value: $18) McGehee (27) made the most of his opportunity in Milwaukee after the Brewers picked him up off waivers. He hit 16 home runs with 66 RBI and batted .301 in only 355 at-bats. He might have maxed out; if you draft him expect him to repeat same offensive output if he has 500 plate appearances. He had minor knee surgery in the Off Season. Mat Gamel (Projected Value: $0) Gamel (24) has plus power and can drive the ball to all fields. If he can improve his glove work, he can turn into a terrific third baseman who can hit in the middle of a lineup. His bat can also play at other positions. Craig Counsell (Projected Value: $0) Counsell (39) made 90 starts at three different positions in 2009. He started at second base (44 games), third base (27 games), and shortstop (19 games). He batted .285 with four home runs and 39 RBI over 130 games - totally unexpected good production. He does not plan to retire yet. Minnesota Twins Michael Cuddyer (Projected Value: $15) Cuddyer (31) had a career year in '09 with 32 HR (10 HR after August) and 94 RBI. He probably cannot exceed last year's output, but if he stay's healthy he can hit 25 HR - and he qualifies at first base and in the outfield. Nick Punto (Projected Value: $2) Punto (32) posted a .228 average with one homer, 16 steals, and 56 runs scored in 2009. You do not know what to expect from him at the plate - because he can hit .290 or .210. You know that he plays good defense at many positions - so he will get time on the field (position flexibility) - and he will steal a few bases. Brendan Harris (Projected Value: $0) Harris (29) split time between shortstop and third base in 2009. He batted .261 with six homers, 37 RBI, and 44 runs scored over 414 at-bats – decent stats – primarily for a utility middle infielder. New York Mets David Wright (Projected Value: $42) Wright (27) averaged 29 homers, 112 RBI and 106 runs scored during his first four years in the league, but he hit only 10 homers in 2009. You can expect a rebound of sorts from the struggling third baseman in 2010, but will he return to elite home run hitter status? New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez (Projected Value: $26) A-Rod played in only 124 games (hip) last year, but hit .286 with 30 HR and 100 RBI; and he produced in the playoffs. With a full season of good health to look forward to, expect A-Rod to put up typical A-Rod (i.e., Big) numbers in 2010. None Joe Crede (Projected Value: $0) Limited by back problems, Joe Crede finished '09 with a .225 average, 15 homers, and 48 RBI in 90 games. He last got 500+ Abs in 2006, and has gotten that many at-bats only one other time in his career (2003) – usually not because of a lack of ability. Oakland Athletics Kevin Kouzmanoff (Projected Value: $13) Kouzmanoff (28) batted .255 in 2009 with 18 homers and 88 RBI. His batting average has dropped over the past couple years; he can go through streaks but he has produced – averaging 20 HR and 82 RBI over the last three years. Eric Chavez (Projected Value: $0) Chavez (32) plans to return to the A's at Spring Training after reporting that he is experiencing no pain in his twice-surgically repaired back. He last got to play full-time in 2005. Since then he has had forearm, shoulder, and back problems. Consider him an injury risk. Pittsburgh Pirates Andy LaRoche (Projected Value: $0) Andy LaRoche (26) batted .258 with 12 homers, 64 RBI, and 64 runs scored last year for the Pirates. He probably gets the first shot at manning third base again for the Pirates this year. If you want to draft him, you will have time to do that at the end of your draft. He still has time to develop. Pedro Alvarez (Projected Value: $0) Alvarez started the season slowly at Single-A, then worked his way to being named the Double-A Eastern League Player of the Month for August. His defense might hold him back, but nevertheless expect him in Pittsburgh this summer. San Diego Padres Chase Headley (Projected Value: $12) Headley (25) ended 2009 with a .262 batting average, 12 home runs, and 64 RBI. He did bat .293 after the ASG, and he is entering his prime years, so do not give up the ship. San Francisco Giants Juan Uribe (Projected Value: $16) Uribe (31) hit .289/.329/.495 last year with 16 home runs and 55 RBI. He will probably serve in a super-utility role with the Giants this year, getting plenty of action all around the infield. Pablo Sandoval (Projected Value: $4) Sandoval (23) emerged as one of the game's top breakthrough players of 2009. He batted .330 with 25 homers, 90 RBI, and five steals. He can play first or third base, and can even catch. He is probably going to get better. Mark DeRosa (Projected Value: $0) DeRosa (35) offers the Giants versatility and a power stroke. He will probably repeat his power performance of '09 hitting in the middle of a solid lineup. Note his average has been dropping. Target him for a mid-to-late round pick in mixed formats. Seattle Mariners Chone Figgins (Projected Value: $9) Figgins (31) batted .291 with 54 RBI and 42 stolen bases last year with the Angels. He will take over at third base for the Mariners in 2010 and along with Ichiro Suzuki, he will cause havoc along the basepaths at Safeco. Watch for a marginal decline in stolen bases. He is getting older. Jose Lopez (Projected Value: $3) Lopez (25) has increased his production in each of his past four seasons, an encouraging sign for the second baseman who is entering his prime. He ended 2009 with a .272 average, 25 home runs, and 96 RBI. Why expect any less in 2010? St. Louis Cardinals David Freese (Projected Value: $3) Freese (26) had a car accident that affected his performance last year. However, he recovered well enough to hit .300/.369/.525 with 10 homers and 37 RBI at Triple-A Memphis. Consider him a sleeper for both average and power. Tampa Bay Rays Evan Longoria (Projected Value: $34) You can categorize Longoria (24) as a top-five third baseman. He ended 2009 by hitting .281 with 33 homers, 113 RBI, nine stolen bases, and 100 runs scored. If he reduces his 140 strikeout total, he might become fantasy's top third baseman – Look out ARod. Texas Rangers Michael Young (Projected Value: $30) Even though he was sidelined in September with a hamstring injury, Young (33) finished 2009 with a .322 average, 22 home runs, and 68 RBI. Consider him a quality hitter and a solid starting option at third base – as long as he is healthy. Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista (Projected Value: $27) Bautista (29) ended 2009 with a .235 batting average, 13 homers, 40 RBI, 54 runs, and 4 stolen bases. He hit ten home runs between September and October. Consider him a late-round pick in AL-only leagues. He might get a lot of starts in the Toronto outfield. Edwin Encarnacion (Projected Value: $6) Encarnacion (27) hit .225 with 13 HR and 39 RBI in 85 games between Cincinnati and Toronto in 2009. (He took a step back in his development after hitting 26 home runs in 2008.) When will he truly bust out? He hasn’t yet, and you will be taking a risk if you draft him. Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman (Projected Value: $28) Zimmerman (25) had a great 2009 season. He hit .292 with 33 home runs and 106 RBI. Injuries had derailed him in 2008, and he rebounded in a big way with his best all-around production to date. Consider him an elite third baseman. |