Remember where we left off in the first article where I offered the tips to build a great fantasy team cheap? You don’t? Terrific. If not then please refer to my previous article titled “Don’t Panic, Be Relieved!” to get the low down on pitching.
The purpose of this part two is to make sure you win the hitting categories 3-2 and 4-1 every week. Like I said before, and what has become common knowledge in the fantasy baseball world specifically…it’s a marathon to win these leagues and here is how to pull it off.
Since you went back and read “Don’t Panic, Be Relieved!” you know that your bullpen is completely stacked. You’re going to win saves, WHIP, ERA and possibly K’s week in and week out. Now it’s your job to make sure you do the same with your position players.
We used your first, second and third round picks on relievers so now it is time to go ahead and look at the bats you need to scoop up, like so much cat little I had to this morning.
Here is a short breakdown of who will be available for you to draft at crucial positions with picks four and five.
J.D. Drew – Much like his namesake, J.D. is a bold and tasty whisky with a rich brown texture. And by that I mean he will certainly put up numbers warranting a 4th round selection. The reason I say that with such confidence is because he showed us he has the ability to stay healthy for an entire season. Drew will slip to this round because so many owners out there will be gun-shy to draft a player with an injury prone background. However, Drew is great because he will provide you with 27-32 HR’s, 90+ RBI’s and can steal 20 bases for you. Yes, I realize he is now playing in Chavez Ravine, a cavernous pitchers park, but with the addition of Jeff Kent and Hee Seop Choi, Drew will have some protection. Chipper Jones hitting .248 last year, couldn’t have helped Drew much and for a long time he had to carry that lineup. And remember that last year Drew was a better hitter on the road than at home so he will always produce.
Michael Young – Because of his ability to hit for high average and drive in over 100 runs from the shortstop position, Young might be one of the most underrated players in the draft. Playing in Arlington he can simply put the ball over the fence and his OBP his increased rapidly each year he has been in the league. With A-rod relegated to third base and Nomar manning the South side, the door is opening for Young to join Tejada as the most valuable American league fantasy shortstop. While Young doesn’t hit for Tejada power or drive in as many runs, it’s still a good swipe to get shortstop numbers like his in the fourth round.
Carlos Lee – Don’t let the team fool you for this slugger was a steal for the Crew and could be for you as well. For the price of a glorified pinch runner, the Brewers got a 30- homer and 100 RBI guy. He’ll slip to you in the fifth because people seem to forget about the Brewers come draft time. I’ve done nine baseball drafts so far this season and in every one Lee was taken sixth round or lower. He is known for putting the ball in play and does well with runners in scoring position (.300). For a bat in the middle rounds, don’t forget about Carlos Lee.
Lance Berkman – Don’t ask me why I’m putting him on this list. Ok, please ask me. Seriously. Ok fine I’ll tell you anyway. For some reason that I can’t explain logically, people are shying away from him this season. In my last draft I got him in the seventh round two days ago, and in my winners league I selected him in the sixth. In 2003 his numbers slipped and concerns started to rise about his health and whether pitchers had figured him out. Then last year, Lance got swallowed up by the Cy Young success of Roger Clemens followed by Carlos Beltran in the playoffs. Berkman is a legit sixth rounder who hits for average and power. I realize this profile lacks in depth, but I’m putting it here to remind you not to forget about him.
Don’t Forget About These Guys:
Aaron Rowand – Ozzie Guillen giving him the green light on the base paths more often this year which increased his value because of his high average and solid power.
Casey Blake – Almost assured 30 HR’s this year and 100 RBI’s is not out of the question. Most of the Indians offensive success was attributed to the rise of Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner last year, but don’t forget about the guy manning the hot corner.
Craig Wilson – Extremely valuable because of his ability to play first base and outfield. It’s important to grab those multiple position players ESPECIALLY in National league or American league only leagues. The pirates aren’t on a lot of people’s radar when fantasy season rolls around so you might be able to snag Wilson and his curly blond hair late.
These are just a few examples on how you can get Gary Sheffield numbers at a Vinny Castilla price. Remember that with your bullpen you are already going to win pitching most weeks and most of these guys will get you pedestrian stolen bases and those will add up.
It’s tough to hold off hitting that “draft” button when you see someone like Sammy Sosa or Jeff Bagwell who has produced in years past but remember players only help you in they play so draft young and draft healthy.
Except for Drew…he’ll be healthy again…I’m just sure of it…right?