We’re plowing through the rest of the Depth Chart Discussions (<– excellent link to them all on one page!) this week as we continue our preparation for the numerous drafts we have in the coming weeks. And with that, it’s now time to bust out your AARP card and make sure your Blue Shield policy is up to date, because we’re talking Phillies infield now. The average age is 34, considered prehistoric in relative terms, and the total number of trips to the DL can only be rivaled by the number of gray hairs you find once you wash all the Pomade out from Chase Utley’s hair. Sure you’ve got some quality players but risk/reward is the game you’re playing here. Read the rest of this entry »

Natstown had to suffer through some reliever identity issues early in 2012, but that doesn’t appear it will be the case in 2013. After getting guys healthy and a high-profile signing to shore up the end of games, Washington appears to have one of the more dynamic set of late inning pitchers in the majors. Stephen Strasburg owners must be be pleased.

Read the rest of this entry »

There are probably six players on this depth chart that are more important than Evan Gattis. But it’s fine if you want to read about Evan Gattis, I won’t be bitter. I promise.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nearly every member of the Washington Nationals’ infield produced at least 4 WAR last season. Well, aside from catcher, where Wilson Ramos missed most of the year with a knee injury. Ramos is healthy now, and the rest of the strong infield from last season is back. Both Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche emerged as breakout fantasy options last season, while Ryan Zimmerman regained his form in the second half and Danny Espinosa nearly went 20-20. With the infield only getting stronger now that Ramos is back, every National will remain a valuable asset in most leagues.

Read the rest of this entry »

On Monday, I started identifying which players at each position my ranking differed most from the RotoGraphs consensus. I began with catchers, and now it’s time to move around the diamond to first base. Once again, I will only look at those expected to earn value in standard 12-team mixed leagues. With the first base, corner and utility slots, I will assume 20 first base will earn at least a buck of value. The bullish picks will only include players I ranked in the top 20, while the bearish will include only those included in the top 20 by the consensus.

Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone loves a feel good story. I’m feeling good, and that is my story.

Today’s agenda:
1. The Oakland A’s Infield Debate
2. David Price: Fantasy Ace and Opening Day Starter
3. Alex Cobb Sleeper Pick
Read the rest of this entry »

The Royals infield is generally set going into 2013 with each position’s starter, besides 2B, determined before camp even began. While the battle seem cut and dry, some playing time issues will show up.

First Base – Eric Hosmer will get the starts when at an American League park instead of a 2012 All-Star, Billy Butler. While Hosmer’s glove is not great, Butler’s is worse. No one else is really in the 1B equation. If both Hosmer and Butler are hurt, catcher George Kottaras may move to 1B.

Read the rest of this entry »

After the complete teardown that happened in Miami this winter, fantasy players might be forgiven for looking at the club as merely “Giancarlo Stanton and 24 guys who aren’t Giancarlo Stanton.” It’s not quite going to be Houston-level bad in South Florida as many expect, but it might be a tough team to watch — if, of course, anyone even shows up at the park to do so. Read the rest of this entry »

The Rays had one of the best bullpen’s in baseball last year, posting the lowest ERA (2.88) and highest K/9 (9.33) in the American League. Joe Maddon’s group wasn’t called on much thanks to the amount of innings the rotation was able to bear. With the loss of workhorse James Shields the ‘pen will likely be tasked with more work in 2013. Luckily for the Rays nearly all of the key components return this season.

Closer:
Fernando Rodney

Read the rest of this entry »

Like El Guapo with his many piñatas, the Nationals certainly do not want for starting pitching. Given how good the top of their rotation looks to be, it would be tempting to call them top-heavy, but that does a serious disservice to Jordan Zimmermann and Ross Detwiler, who would be much higher ranked in a rotation that didn’t boast arguably the best pair in baseball with Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez. Whether this rotation challenges the Reds and others for the title of best in baseball may depend on Dan Haren’s ability to recover from a disastrous 2012 season. Read the rest of this entry »