Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings & Fantasy Baseball Player Projections

Never too Early for 2008 - by Evan Cohen.

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Now that the 2007 fantasy baseball season, and regular season, is over, it really is never too early to look ahead at 2008.  The past season was a great year for fantasy baseball stats with players posting monster numbers across the board.  Since the Major League Baseball season never seems to really have an end, much like the National Football League, we are going to take our first look ahead to the 2008 fantasy baseball player rankings and projections as I see them right now.  As usual, I will go by the standard fantasy baseball scoring system for pitchers and hitters.  For the hurlers, we will use Wins, ERA, WHIP, K’s and Saves.  For the sluggers, it’s HR’s, RBI’s, SB’s, Runs and Batting Average.  The fantasy baseball statistics will be listed in the corresponding order above for you’re reading pleasure.  Of course, there are many player moves in the off-season so that can altar the following 2008 free fantasy baseball rankings and projections, but noting will change that drastically.

Alex Rodriquez, 3B- New York Yankees/ Potential Free Agent 

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 54, 156, 24, 143, .314
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 1- 45, 125, 20, 115, .310

The likely AL MVP had the finest season of his career.  In what is not likely a coincidence, A-Rod has the option to get out of his gigantic contract and posted out of this world numbers.  Whether or not he does leave the New York Yankees is yet to be determined as of this writing, but he can’t possibly reproduce the same type of fantasy baseball stats.  While there are just a few teams that could afford the astronomical dollar figures Rodriquez and his agent, Scott Boras, will command he just simply can’t do that again.  If he does leave the Bronx, a team like the Chicago Cubs could be the front-runner for his services because of the cash flow and his relationship with Cubs Manager Lou Piniella.

Matt Holliday, OF- Colorado Rockies

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 36, 137, 11, 120, .340
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 2- 40, 130, 15, 115, .325

This young LF in the Mile High City busted out in 2007 for the Rockies as they have advanced to the National League Championship Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Holliday is the heart of a talented roster that should continue to develop into one of the best offenses in the NL for years to come.  As guys like SS Troy Tulowitzki, RF Brad Hawpe and 3B Garrett Atkins continue to produce, that will make it more difficult for pitchers to pitch around Holliday in the line up.  He could slide into the number one slot depending on where Alex Rodriquez lands.

Albert Pujols, 1B- St. Louis Cardinals

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 32, 103, 2, 99, .327
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 3- 40, 130, 3, 115, .330

The most feared hitter in the NL had an “off” year and still is worthy of a top three pick next season.  Pujols had very little consistent support in the line up all season long and still produced.  The Cardinals have vowed to retool the roster, although mostly in the pitching area, but I expect that the line up will get him some more protection so that he can help get the Cardinals back into the playoff race in the NL Central.  Regardless of whom the team goes out and signs, expect Pujols to post fantasy baseball numbers similar to those of his 2005 MVP season.

Hanley Ramirez, SS- Florida Marlins

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 29, 81, 51, 125, .332
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 4- 25, 85, 55, 120, .325

The dynamic SS for the team down in South Florida has continued to get better despite playing on a team that has finished out of the playoffs in his first two season in the.  The 23 year-old Dominican increased his power numbers and runs batted in and as long as 3B Miguel Cabrera is still in the line up, he’ll continue to be one of the top three shortstops in the game.  Ramirez also has some other players in the Marlins line up, like OF Josh Willingham, that will keep opposing teams trying to figure out which guy they want to beat them in 2008.

Jimmy Rollins, SS- Philadelphia Phillies

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 30, 94, 41, 139, .296
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 5- 30, 95, 40, 130, .290

We have our second SS in the top five with the catalyst for the NL East Champions.  While Rollins plays in a band box in Philly, who are we to hold that against him?  Sure, Jay Roll has 2B Chase Utley and 1B Ryan Howard in the line up behind him, but you can’t discount the things he did as a leadoff hitter in 2007.  One trend to watch with Rollins early in 2008 is that he is usually a slow starter and comes on around the All-Star Game.  Don’t panic early, he will still end up around the final fantasy baseball stats that he posted last season.

Jose Reyes, SS- New York Mets

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 12, 57, 78, 119, .280
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 6- 18, 75, 80, 125, .310

Reyes, much like the entire Mets squad, didn’t perform up to a top five-fantasy baseball pick in 2007.  Some fantasy baseball leagues even saw him go at number two.  It is my personal opinion that Reyes was bother by an injury for the last six weeks or so of the 2007 season.  All that being said, Reyes is at the top of one of baseball’s best line ups and should rebound to the guy who was on pace to swipe close to 100 bags this past season.  With guys like 3B David Wright and CF Carlos Beltran behind him at Shea Stadium, look for him to produce like the guy selected in the top three of five in 2007.

David Wright, 3B- New York Mets

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 30, 107, 34, 113, .325
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 7- 35, 115, 35, 120, .320

Wright is the second member of the Mets team that blew a seven game lead with 17 left to play in September in the top 10.  It wasn’t due to his performance.  The Mets pitching is what ultimately let them down and caused them to miss the 2007 postseason.  I wrote in a September article titled 2007 Fantasy Baseball Picks for Season Ending Awards on Fantasy Baseball Starters.com that Wright had the best all around fantasy baseball season in 2007.  He hit for average, power, stole bases and drove in runs.  Oh, and he also played Gold Glove caliber defense, even though that doesn’t rank in fantasy baseball.  Like Reyes, Wright is in his middle 20’s and should only get better for the team in orange and blue.

Ichiro Suzuki, OF- Seattle Mariners

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 6, 68, 111, 37, .351
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 8- 7, 65, 110, 40, .345

Ichiro, like Reyes and Rollins, was the catalyst for the surprising Mariners in 2007.  The team letdown in September, but with some roster tinkering, the Mariners could be a playoff contender in 2008.  I realize that the power numbers are not there with guys like David Wright or Alex Rodriquez, but his ability to get on, steal a base and score runs make him just a notch below those guys in value.  Now that Ichiro is locked up long-term in the Northwest, you can expect him to produce similar numbers and be a high ranking 5 x 5-fantasy baseball player.

Ryan Howard, 1B- Philadelphia Phillies

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 47, 136, 1, 94, .268
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 9- 45, 140, 1, 100, .270

The defending 2006 NL MVP got off to a slow start in 2007 and many fantasy baseball owners, like myself, got nervous.  It wasn’t helped by a quad injury he suffered early in the season while the team was on a West Coast swing.  He went on the 15 day disabled list and when he returned went on a tear that would have put him on pace to exceed his award winning numbers from 2006.  With the speedy Rollins and all-around talent Chase Utley ahead of him, Howard will come close to his output of the last two seasons.

Magglio Ordonez, OF- Detroit Tigers

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 28, 139, 4, 117, .363
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 10- 25, 125, 3, 115, .330

With all due respect to Mags, I just don’t see him coming all that close to the 2007 fantasy baseball stats.  The Tigers will have some question marks in their offense as is for next season.  OF/ DH Gary Sheffield is a year older and coming off torn labrum surgery.  C Ivan “Pudge” Rodriquez is also getting older and his production is declining.  On the bright side, OF Curtis Granderson is emerging as a future fantasy baseball superstar.  SS/ 1B Carlos Guillen is one of the better all-around players no one knows of as well.  All that being said, if anyone in the top 10 falls, this is my choice.  Granted he is sitting at number 10 already, but he could slide closer to the 20’s depending on what happens in Motown.

Prince Fielder, 1B- Milwaukee Brewers

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 50, 119, 2, 109, .288
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 11- 48, 125, 1, 115, .285

The youngster emerged as the most dangerous hitter in the Brewers line up.  He got hot early and never really slowed down, single-handedly carrying the offense on his back at times.  The scary thing is that his fantasy baseball value could increase because 3B Ryan Braun will be in the line up everyday in 2008.  One thing to note, 2B Rickie Weeks had a brutal year and never was the lead-off guy Manager Ned Yost expected to be the table setter.  If he can rebound, look for Prince’s fantasy baseball numbers to increase, especially in the RBI category.

David Ortiz, DH- Boston Red Sox

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 35, 117, 3, 116, .332
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 12- 40, 130, 1, 120 .330

“Big Papi” had a tremendous season despite the fact that LF Manny Ramirez was ineffective and/or injured.  He missed most of September with an oblique injury.  In the meantime, Ortiz carried most of the Sox offensive-load along with 3B Mike Lowell.  Should Ramirez come even close to his usual fantasy baseball stats, Ortiz could end up producing numbers higher then I project him to do.  If the Red Sox do go out and sign a guy named Alex Rodriquez, the Red Sox would be downright frightening.

Miguel Cabrera, 3B- Florida Marlins

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 34, 119, 2, 91, .320
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 13- 35, 120, 2, 95, .320

When I look at Cabrera, I see a fantasy baseball player that will likely put up just about the same exact fantasy baseball stats from 2007 in 2008 with little variation.  Miggy is just the type of player that goes out and is consistent from year to year.  He doesn’t steal bases but he is able to do everything else well when it comes to fantasy baseball.  One thing to keep an eye on is his weight.  He is listed at 210 lbs., but he looked more like 225-230 by the end of the season.  This could cause him to have to change position and end up at first, but that move could be a year or two away.

Johan Santana, SP- Minnesota Twins

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 15 W, 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 235 K, and 0 S
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 14- 18, 2.75, 1.10, 245, 0

The first pitcher to make the list.  Santana was a top 10 guy last season and didn’t pitch up to what we have come to expect of him.  Granted, the Twins didn’t have a good number two guy in the rotation and many of their stars like 2006 AL MVP Justin Mourneau struggled, but he will be better in 2008.  Fellow lefty, Francisco Liriano, is expected back in 2008 after having Tommy John surgery late in 2006.  Santana is too good of a pitcher to see his fantasy baseball stats resemble this season.  Look for him to be a serious Cy Young Award contender for 2008 and beyond.

Alfonso Soriano, OF- Chicago Cubs

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 33, 70, 19, 97, .299
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 15- 38, 80, 30, 110, .285

Soriano was a top five guy in most fantasy baseball leagues last season and failed to live up to the expectations.  He really hit two rough patches during the season.  In April, he was non-existent at the top of the Cubs line up.  In May, he exploded.  He then hurt his quad and it really hampered his running ability.  While not a top 10 pick next season in all honesty, he should slot in right about this area.  The injury should be all healed and in the talented Cubs line up, he could easily get back to a 30-30 guy.  Perhaps 40-40 if he can avoid a prolonged power outage.

Chase Utley, 2B- Philadelphia Phillies

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 22, 103, 9, 104, .332
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 16- 30, 112, 15, 112, .330

Utley missed time with a broken hand and would likely have posted the numbers projected for next season.  In the loaded Phillies line up with Howard and Rollins, he will be productive for years.  The thing that boosts his fantasy baseball value from year to year is he plays a position, 2B, that have generally not had a bunch of depth at the position.  Utley can do it all at the plate and don’t be surprised if he gets the green light to run a little bit more in 2008 and have the SB total hit or surpass 20.

Vladimir Guerrero, OF- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 27, 125, 2, 89, .324
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 17- 30, 130, 3, 100, .325

For a guy who had very little protection in the Angels everyday line up, Vlad had MVP-caliber numbers.  If the Angels are active in the off-season, which I hear they will be to find another bat to help him out, his numbers could soar past where I project him at for the 2008 season.  Don’t expect him to run like he did a few years back because his knees are deteriorating before our eyes.  He can still hit and swings at everything thrown at him most of the time.  He’ll be fine, but watch for more time as the DH in Anaheim if his knees don’t get better in the off-season.

Jake Peavy, SP- San Diego Padres

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 19, 2.54, 1.06, 240, 0
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 18- 20, 2.50, 1.15, 240, 0

The front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award in 2007 is well equipped to put up similar numbers in San Diego.  He’ll probably have a healthy Chris Young in the rotation, which will take the pressure off him to carry the team’s staff.  Peavy has emerged as an ace for any team, fantasy or not, and will continue to baffle hitters with his nasty pitching repertoire.  If the Padres could manage to score a few more runs, his win total could push 22-23, but he’ll need those runs to win a few more games.

Ryan Braun, 3B- Milwaukee Brewers

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 34, 97, 15, 91, .324
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 19- 40, 110, 25, 110, 3.15

Braun burst onto the scene with the Brew-Crew in 2007 and posted the above numbers in limited time.  He was called up in May.  There are rumors that he could make the move to LF, in part because his defense was sub-par to say the least.  If that move does happen, he will join a crowded position in fantasy baseball because there are so many players that post similar statistics.  However, Braun is in a Brewers line up that should score more runs and rumors say that the team could join the race to acquire a top notch CF like an Andruw Jones, Aaron Rowand or Torii Hunter.  If that is the case, Fielder and Braun will see a spike in their fantasy baseball production.

Carlos Beltran, OF- New York Mets

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 33, 112, 23, 93, 276
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 20- 30, 110, 20, 100, .270

Beltran had a so-so season in 2007.  In fairness to him, he was troubled by injury and an offense that was constantly playing catch up because the pitching staff fell apart in September.  If healthy, Beltran could benefit from a refreshed offense in the Big Apple.  While he might not be the player he was in 2006, I think he will rebound and be one of the feared hitters on the Mets squad.  If the Mets make any offensive additions, which is a good possibility due to their colossal collapse, he could see an increase in his overall production.

Curtis Granderson, OF- Detroit Tigers

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 23, 74, 26, 122, .302
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 21- 25, 80, 35, 130, .305

This young speedster in Motown is one more fantasy baseball season away from being in the top 15 or higher.  He was a big part of the Tigers run-scoring machine at times.  As long as he can cut down on K’s and find ways to get on base, he should increase his run total and SB’s.  He will also benefit if guys like Gary Sheffield can be healthy and if the team adds more punch to its offense.  Even still, expect big things for years to come from Granderson.

Carl Crawford, OF- Tampa Bay Devils Rays

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 11, 80, 50, 93, .315
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 22- 15, 90, 45, 100, .315

Another speedster here from Florida.  Crawford had a little bit of a down season in 2007.  He didn’t have the same power numbers, but he is still a dangerous player.  The D’Rays have one of the better young up and coming offenses in baseball and with Crawford as a centerpiece to what they are trying to do to get better, he could be the benefactor of more production from the others in the line up.  Another thing that might affect his fantasy baseball value is if he is traded.  Depending on where he ends up, his potential could skyrocket and get him back into the top 15.

Carlos Lee, OF- Houston Astros

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 32, 119, 10, 93, .303
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 23- 35, 125, 10, 100, .300

Lee had a brilliant 2007.  The Astros did not.  He was everything that the team hoped he would be.  1B Lance Berkman struggled at times and the team was hurt by the obligation to play franchise-hero Craig Biggio since it was his final season after being with the team his whole career.  Lee will once again benefit by playing in Minute Maid Park, which has a short porch in left field.  Look for Lee to be just as good offensively, but I am thinking that 10 steals would be the ceiling for him, as he is not known as a base stealer.

Brandon Phillips, 2B- Cincinnati Reds

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 30, 94, 107, 32, .288
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 24- 32, 100, 35, .290

Phillips finally lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he played in the Cleveland Indian organization.  If not for all the free swingers with the Reds, Phillips may have scored more runs and stolen a few more bases.  You might be seeing wholesale changes with the team, but don’t expect his production to be affected.  Also, watch to see where he hits in the Reds line up in 2008, as this could increase/decrease some of his fantasy baseball statistics.

Carlos Pena, 1B- Tampa Bay Devil Rays

2007 Fantasy Baseball Stats: 46, 121, 1, 99, .282
2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections: Number 25- 40, 115, 1, 95, .270

I am still not certain that this is the real Carlos Pena or not.  Pena has always had the potential to bust out like this in the past but never did after numerous stops in Texas, Oakland, Detroit and New York.  As we mentioned with Carl Crawford, the Devil Rays have the tools in place to be a prolific offense, but Pena would have to put up similar numbers to convince me he can do it again.  While the numbers should be down, he is still a power-hitting corner infielder and must be considered in the top three rounds.

Some Who Missed the Cut

Eric Byrnes, OF Arizona Diamonbacks
Josh Beckett, SP Boston Red Sox
C.C. Sabathia, SP Cleveland Indians
Brandon Webb, SP Arizona Diamondbacks
Nick Markakis, OF Baltimore Orioles
Grady Sizemore, OF Cleveland Indians

The above players could change positions for the 2008 season, but it will depend on what the teams do.  I didn’t place too many pitchers on the Top 25 list of 2008 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings and Projections 2008 because as we have seen this season, the hitters have produced so much that you have to get the best hitters available early because they play everyday.  Also, pitchers can be hit or miss as far as how they perform from one year to the next.  No matter what your fantasy baseball draft strategy is, always make sure to do your homework.  Read as many updates in the off-season as you can, watch player transactions and check out as many fantasy baseball web sites as possible to ensure you get off on the right foot for your 2008 fantasy baseball season.

Atlanta Braves- For a team that was very active at the trade deadline, the Braves were a team that has had solid fantasy baseball line up. With Andruw Jones struggling and Chipper Jones being his usual consistent self, the guy playing the shortstop spot that has been the best. Edgar Renteria has quietly had a nice season. Although he is injured right now with a sprained ankle, he is contributing all around with 11 HR’s, 11 SB’s, 74 runs, a .336 avg. and 53 RBI’s

Runner Up- Tim Hudson has also been solid this year for fantasy baseball purposes. Although John Smoltz has been their best pitcher, the numbers on Hudson say otherwise with 12 wins with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He has also whiffed 98 hitters.

Washington Nationals- This has been a surprise team on the field. For fantasy baseball purposes it is hard to find two guys worthy of consideration here. 1B Dmitri Young gets the MVP here with a .339 avg. He also has 10 HR’s and 62 RBI’s. Young has zero steals and has scored 48 runs.

Runner up- 3B Ryan Zimmerman gets the nod here. While his numbers are a little better then Young’s, consider Young was a long shot to make the roster as a non-invitee before the season. Zimmerman has scored 65 runs with 17 HR’s and 61 RBI’s. Throw in four steals and a .272 avg. and you get the next best guy.

New York Mets- This team is loaded with fantasy baseball studs. It makes it tough to pick, but let’s go with another SS. Jose Reyes does so many good things to help the Mets and your team. Reyes has .303 batting average along with eight homers and 45 RBI’s. The most telling fantasy baseball stats are his league leading 53 SB’s. Plus he has scored 79 runs.

Runner up- Pitcher John Maine has emerged as an ace on a staff with 300 game winner, Tom Glavine, and future Hall of Famer, Pedro Martinez. Since Martinez has yet to throw a pitch this year, Maine is the easy choice. 12 wins, a 1.16 WHIP and 3.27 ERA along with 114 K’s round out the numbers.

Philadelphia Phillies- This is another team loaded with fantasy baseball all-stars. Any number of players could make the list, but yet another SS makes the grade. Jimmy Rollins is hitting for power, average and is running the bases. Rollins has 21 HR’s, 66 RBI’s and has scored 93 runs. Rollins is also hitting a respectable .291.

Runner up- OF Shane Victorino has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy baseball owners. He is hitting .284 on the season. He has also belted 11 HR’s with 42 RBI’s and has scored 72 times. Victorino has stolen 32 bases as well. One thing to note is that Victorino is currently injured but should return shortly and be just as productive.

Florida Marlins- This was a no-brainer here. In case you were wondering if it would be anyone other then a SS, you were wrong. Hanley Ramirez has been outstanding this year so far. Like Rollins, he is hitting for power, running and stealing bases. A .341 avg., 19 HR’s, 32 SB’s, 54 RBI’s and 84 runs are his fantasy baseball stats.

Runner up- A little bit of a tough pick here. 3B Miguel Cabrera could be an easy selection, but one guy who has come out of no where to save games for the Marlins. Closer Kevin Gregg has been solid in the back of the bullpen. He has 23 saves after taking over for an army of other closers. He 59 K’s in 62 innings. He also has a 3.19 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Chicago Cubs- Derrick Lee, 1B, has been solid and has begun to hit more home runs as of late. He has 12 so far. Lee has also driven in 58 with 65 runs scored, five steals and a .326 avg. Pitcher Carlos Zambrano has also been worthy of consideration but has not been as consistent as Lee this season.

Runner up- 3B Aramis Ramirez has been great for the Cubs all year despite missing some time with an injury. ARam has a .317 avg. with 16 HR’s and 69 RBI’s. He has scored 45 runs and hasn’t stolen a base. Don’t expect many there.

Cincinnati Reds- We have our first pitcher for the NL MVP list here. Aaron Harang has some how won 10 games for this miserable bunch. He has a 1.19 WHIP and 3.54 ERA to go along with 138 K’s.

Runner up- On a team that is loaded with power hitter, 2B Brandon Phillips has emerged as a solid all around threat in the Reds line up. He has already posted a 20/20 season for HR’s and SB’s with 20 and 21 respectively. Phillips has hit .276, scored 70 times and driven in 64.

Houston Astros- Free agent signee, Carlos Lee, has been everything the team has hoped for. He is batting .300 with 24 HR’s and 91 RBI’s. Lee has stolen eight bags and scored 66 runs. Lee has added a legitimate threat to the Astros outfield in a down year.

Runner up- Rookie Hunter Pence, another Astros OF, was the front runner for NL Rookie of the Year until he was injured. The youngster was hitting .330 with 12 HR’s and 45 RBI’s. Pence also has eight steals and scored 42 runs.

Milwaukee Brewers- The Brew Crew has surprised many and has had some solid fantasy baseball players. All- Star 1B Prince Fielder gets the slight nod over closer, Francisco Cordero. Prince has already belted a career high 33 homers. He has also driven in 84 runs while scoring74 times. He has a .287 avg. and zero steals.

Runner up- Closer Francisco Cordero slightly gets the edge here over rookie phenom 3B Ryan Braun. If Braun were up all season, he would the TEAM MVP. In the meantime, Cordero has saved 34 games. He has a 1.16 WHIP and 3.28 ERA. Cordero has K’ed 61 hitters in 46.2 IP.

Pittsburgh Pirates- Much like the Nationals, this was a tough choice to make. Even though OF Jason Bay has not played up to his potential, he still is the man here because the rest of the team isn’t as good. Bay has a .260 avg. with 17 HR’s and 71 RBI’s. He has scored 56 runs and just three steals.

Runner up- Pitcher Tom Gorzelanny is the choice by default. He has the team lead in wins with nine. He has 87 K’s and a 3.55 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP.

St. Louis Cardinals- 1B Albert Pujols is the obvious choice here. The 2005 NL MVP is hitting .318 with 24 HR’s and 73 RBI’s. Pujols has also scored 70 runs and stolen two bases. All these fantasy baseball stats despite very little protection in the Cards line up.

Runner up- OF Chris Duncan gets the honor of runner up because no one on the Cardinals pitching staff is worth the choice here. Duncan has 20 HR’s and 44 RBI’s with just two steals. He has scored 47 runs and is batting .285.

Arizona Diamondbacks- The D’backs don’t throw out anything special for fantasy baseball purposes. However, one guy has used a career season to earn a brand new contract extension with the team. OF Eric Byrnes, fresh of a new reported three year, 30 million dollar deal to stay in the Valley, leads the team in every major offensive category. Byrnes is hitting .303 with 17 HR’s and 64 RBI’s. He has 66 runs and 28 SB’s.

Runner up- Closer Jose Valverde has been just as solid as the rest of the bullpen with few exceptions this season. Valverde has 33 saves with 54 K’s in 45 IP. Papa Grande has a 2.92 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. OF Chris Young could also make the list, but his .240 batting average hurts him.

Colorado Rockies- If no one knew about OF Matt Holliday before this season, they do now. Holliday has arrived as an elite fantasy baseball player. He is batting .340 with 21 HR’s and 90 RBI’s. Holliday has crossed the plate 75 times and stolen seven bags.

Runner up- Another OF gets the call here. Brad Hawpe is batting .291 this season and has scored 55 times. He has left the yard 19 times and knocked in 72 Rockies. Hawpe has yet to steal a base.

Los Angeles Dodgers- Here is a new position to the list for the NL Fantasy Baseball MVP list. C Russell Martin is the top guy for the Dodgers. He is hitting .296. Martin has also scored 60 runs with 12 homers and 68 RBI’s. The one fantasy baseball stat that jumps out of you is the number of steals Martin has so far for a catcher. That number is 18.

Runner up- The Dodgers closer, Takashi Saito, has been perhaps the most consistent closer in the NL this year. He has saved 27 games and a miniscule WHIP of 0.75. Saito has a 1.48 and managed to win one game for LA. He has also recorded 49 K’s in 42.2 IP. Starter Brad Penny also gets consideration for this honor.

San Diego Padres- The Padres would not be where they are without their starting pitching. Two guys could be the choice here, but when you look at the big picture, Jake Peavy is the winner. He has 11 wins with 154 K’s in 145 IP. Peavy has posted a 1.07 WHIP and 2.30 ERA.

Runner up- Chris Young, currently on the 15 day DL, has been just as solid as Peavy. Young has nine wins and a 1.82 ERA. He also has a 0.99 WHIP. He has punched out 114 batters in 118.2 IP.

San Francisco Giants- This whole season has been about OF Barry Bonds getting the all-time home run record. Bonds, as of the writing of this article, is tied with Hank Aaron for first with 755 HR’s. Despite the constant circus around him, Bonds has been the team’s best fantasy baseball player. Bonds has 21 HR’s and 50 RBI’s. He has also managed to steal five bases on a couple of bad legs, and scored 57 runs while batting .272. Much like Albert Pujols with the St. Louis Cardinals, he doesn’t have much protection around him.

Runner up- Tim Lincecum, a rookie pitcher for the Giants, is the choice as runner up because the rest of the Giants offense hasn’t been consistent and the pitching has been below par. The righty, often compared to the Houston Astros Roy Oswalt, has won just six games. He has 113 K's in 105.1 IP. His ERA is 3.59 and the WHIP is 1.21.

There is your look at the National League Fantasy Baseball MVPs up until this point in the season. Check back for more fantasy baseball articles on Fantasy Baseball Starters.com throughout the rest of the season for more information and stories on the 2007 season.

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