Blogs

Here we are in 2010, a new decade is here and finally, the baseball season has begun. It's time for me to lay it all down here and making my fearless predictions and fantasy insight for the upcoming season.

By now, you've probably drafted your team and are eagerly excited the start of the season. With some top pitchers getting lit up, and some players underperforming, don't panic! The season is long and grueling, and you need to be ready for anything.

Here is my list of must have and must have-nots for the 2010 season.

Best of the Best

These are my top 5 players of 2010. They will far exceed their rivals at their position and are deserving of an early first round pick.

1. Albert Pujols, 1B
2. Hanley Ramirez, SS
3. Roy Halladay, SP
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Chase Utley, 2B

I really hate Albert Pujols. Only because I never get him on my fantasy team. This guy is ready for another 47HR, 135RBI, .320 AVG season. He is a triple-crown candidate, and easily the best hitter in baseball. Hanley is a close second, only because there are so few quality shortstops around. By the time it gets back to you in the draft, there could be no shortstops left.

Roy Halladay -- going to the National League, and playing for a team that can hit, and win? Wow! Playing for the Jays all these years, the Doc has been hiding and his true form will shine. Look for him to win 20 games by August and be a real fantasy gem this season.

Holy Position, Batman

Guys with multi-positional eligiblity can help your team beyond anything you can imagine. Get an injury, doens't matter...get these guys, they are invaluable!

1. Chone Figgins, 2B/3B
2. Ben Zobrist, 2B/SS/OF
3. Victor Martinez C/1B
4. Jose Lopez, 1B/2B/3B
5. Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B

Chone Figgins is only eligible at 3B right now, but he'll be also eligible at 2B soon. He'll be a great stolen base guy to have and at two thin positions, it's a rocking mid-draft pick. Same with Jose Lopez...this guy goes late in drafts - steal him, and play him whereever you want.

Break-out the Champagne

These are my picks for huge breakout seasons...the guys next year you'll be talking first or second round (ie the Matt Kemps of 2009).

1. Nelson Cruz, OF
2. Carlos Gonzalez, OF
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. Ryan Zimmerman, OF
5. Ricky Nolasco, OF

I'm a massive Nelson Cruz fan. He has 33 dingers and 20 SBs and missed over 30 games. I'm thinking 40HR, 115, 25 SBs this year and that shouldn't be too tough in that Texas lineup. Robinson Cano gets a little better every year....and now batting 5th for the Yankees...his numbers will continue to climb!

Ryan Zimmerman equalled Evan Longoria's numbers last season and is finally coming of age to take his spot amongst the elite of third baseman. Next year, people will forget who he plays for and will be in the top 10 overall.

Be afraid, be very afraid

Do yourself a favour, don't draft these guys...let someone else find out.

1. Chipper Jones, 3B
2. Lance Berkman, 1B/OF
3. Carlos Zambrano, SP
4. Joe Mauer, C
5. David Ortiz, 1B

It's just common sense to stay away from injury prone players. Chipper and Lance are going to give you too many headaches this year, and your best to plan around it. If you need a 3B in the mid to late rounds, try Jose Lopez or Gordon Beckham. Same for Berkman, give Billy Butler or Michael Cuddyer a shot.

Now I do have Joe Mauer in this list...and it's because you get these eager fantasy guys who love pouncing on the all-star catcher in the first round. His numbers were insane last year...yes...but is he really going to repeat that power stroke? There will be a decline, don't get suckered. Wait a round or two and get Victor Martinez...a full season at Fenway, and he's your #1 catcher!

Revenge is served best cold

These are the guys who others might be afraid of, but you shouldn't! Rank them higher before it's too late!

1. David Wright, 3B
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. John Lackey, SP
4. Grady Sizemore, OF
5. Manny Ramirez, OF

David Wright had one bad year, but now that I don't have him in my fantasy team, look for him to shine. Jimmy Rollins is one year removed from one of the greatest fantasy seasons ever. He bats leadoff for the best hitting team in the NL...why is he lasting so long? Manny Ramirez..yes, he's getting old, but he's on yet another contract year and he's a good steal in the mid to late rounds for a 30HR, 100RBI, .300 AVG player.

Finally, my fearless predictions for 2010. Take these to the bank!

American League Winners - NY Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox (WC)
National League Winners - Philadelphia, St. Louis, LA Dodgers, Colorado Rockies (WC)

World Series - Philadelphia over NY Yankees

MVP - Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols
CY Young - Felix Hernandez, Roy Halladay
Rookie - Neftali Felix, Jason Heyward
HR King - Nelson Cruz, Prince Fielder
RBI King - Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Howard
SB King - Jacoby Ellisbury, Nyjer Morgan
Batting Title - Ichiro Suzuki, Pablo Sanodval
Wins - CC Sabathia, Roy Halladay
ERA Title - Felix Hernandez, Roy Halladay
Strikouts - Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum
Manager - Ron Washington, Bruce Bochy
Comeback - Grady Sizemore, Jose Reyes