Kuzul

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Mike Stanton was widely regarded as the No. 3 prospect in baseball at this time last season, behind Stephen Strasburg and Jason Heyward. Baseball America has noted Stanton’s five-tool package and “light-tower power.”

Stanton has done nothing to suggest otherwise, as he’s produced prolific power numbers over the last three seasons:

• 2008 (A): 39 HRs, 97 RBI, .293 BA
• 2009 (A, AA): 28 HRs, 92 RBI, .255 BA
• 2010: (AA, MLB): 43 HRs, 111 RBI, .278

Twenty-two of Stanton’s home runs in 2010 came with the Marlins in just 359 at-bats, good for an impressive AB/HR of 16.3. To compare, Josh Hamilton (16.18), Ryan Howard (17.74), Prince Fielder (18.06) and Adrian Gonzalez (19.06) were less procifient in the same department last season.

Given a clean bill of health (Stanton has missed the last three weeks with a strained quad muscle), the 21-year-old has a legitimate shot to hit 30 to 35 HRs. He could return to action early this week, but there’s still no guarantee he’ll be ready by Opening Day.

The time missed this spring will likely drop Stanton from fourth in the Marlins’ lineup to fifth or sixth upon his return. An Adum Dunn-like batting average may ensue as he develops, but his prodigious power potential makes him a fantasy asset—especially in keeper and dynasty formats.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• Nos. 71-80: Young, McGehee or Ramirez?
• Nos. 81-90: Upton, Young or Werth?
• No. 91: Brian Wilson
• No. 92: Carlos Marmol
• No. 93: Pedro Alvarez
• No. 94: Ben Zobrist
• No. 95: Nick Markakis
• No. 96: Colby Rasums
• No. 97: Curtis Granderson

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Colby Rasmus soared through the St. Louis Cardinals’ system after being selected in the first round of the 2005 draft, touted as a toolsy prospect with major upside. He’s displayed his impressive skill set at the major league level, even showing improvements from his rookie to sophomore season:

• 2009: 520 at-bats, 16 HRs, three steals, 6.9 walk rate, .251/.307/.407
• 2010: 534 at-bats, 23 HRs, 12 steals, 11.8 walk rate, .276/.361/.498

Yet, despite these progressions, a few red flags leave me concerned.

Rasmus’ strikeout rate ballooned from a respectable 20.0 percent in ‘09, to a whopping 31.9 percent last season. Likewise, his contact rate dropped from 78.6 percent in his rookie year to just 75.7 percent in 2010 (MLB average: 80.7 percent).

Although his batting average did increase 25 points from his rookie campaign, it was likely aided by a generous .354 BABIP (.282 in ‘09). Unless Rasmus greatly improves his contact rate, a normalized BABIP will send his batting average back into the .250 range.

Rasmus’ fly-ball rate (45.7 percent in ‘09, 48.6 percent in ‘10) isn’t exactly conducive to a high average either, and his .277 batting clip in four minor league seasons (1,533 at-bats) suggests he’ll likely never hit for a high average.

While he did swipe 12 bases last year, he needed 20 attempts to do so, generating an embarrassing 60 percent success rate. Rasmus is projected to bat second in the Cardinals’ lineup this season, which will likely limit his stolen base opportunities. This will, however, increase the quality of pitches he sees, and he will certainly push for 90 runs with Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday hitting behind him.

The 24-year-old left-handed slugger has an outside shot at 30 HRs and 10 steals this year, but it will likely come with a .260’s batting average. If Rasmus can cut down on his strikeouts and improve his contact rate, his value will go through the roof.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• Nos. 71-80: Young, McGehee or Ramirez?
• Nos. 81-90: Upton, Young or Werth?
• No. 91: Brian Wilson
• No. 92: Carlos Marmol
• No. 93: Pedro Alvarez
• No. 94: Ben Zobrist
• No. 95: Nick Markakis

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Nick Markakis was perhaps the most disappointing fantasy player last year, totalling just 12 HRs and 60 RBI in a whopping 709 plate appearances.

Oddly enough, he still hit .297.

The former first-round pick has failed to fulfill expectations since his eye-popping sophomore season in 2007 that yielded: 97 runs, 23 HRs, 112 RBI, 18 steals and a .300 average.

In five major league seasons, Markakis has yet to tap into the 30-HR power that scouts once expected him to have. Instead, he’s hit just 20, 18 and 12 bombs in each of the last three seasons, while both his ISO power and HR/FB rate have dropped to below-average totals. 

ISO Power:

• 2008: .185
• 2009: .160
• 2010: .138

To put this into perspective, Jhonny Peralta (.143), Cody Ross (.145), Jose Reyes (.146) and Yuniesky Betancourt (.146) all topped Markakis’ 2010 ISO power. 

HR/FB Rate:

• 2008: 12.6 percent
• 2009: 8.0 percent
• 2010: 6.1 percent

Yet despite this head-scratching power decline in his age-24, 25 and 26 seasons, Markakis has managed to remain fantasy-relevant.

Among qualified batters since 2007, Markakis ranks 18th in runs (94 per season), 19th in batting average (.299) and 24th in RBI (90 per season).

Markakis has also improved his already impressive plate discipline stats.

Strikeout Rate:

• 2008: 19.0 percent
• 2009: 15.3 percent
• 2010: 14.8 percent
• MLB average: 20.7 percent

Contact Rate:

• 2008: 84.6 percent
• 2009: 86.6 percent
• 2010: 89.9 percent
• MLB average: 80.7 percent

Swinging Strike Rate:

• 2008: 6.2 percent
• 2009: 5.4 percent
• 2010: 4.1 percent
• MLB average: 8.5 percent

So, what does this all mean?

Well, despite his power outage, Markakis is still an excellent hitter who is projected to bat second in a loaded Orioles lineup this season.

While it’s obvious he isn’t the 30-HR threat we once thought he was, it’s important to remember he’s just entering his age-27 season—the beginning of his prime years.

I used this example in my profile on Billy Butler, and it applies here as well. Robinson Cano, an excellent contact hitter with relatively low fly-ball rates (just like Markakis) hit for below-average power (14, 15, 19, 14 HRs) in his age-22 through 25 seasons before busting out with 25 and 29 bombs as a 26 and 27-year-old.

Markakis is unlikely to double his 2010 home run total in 2011, but it’s definitely worth mentioning that he’s just now entering his prime.

Even if he only whacks 20 over the fence this year (career average: 18 HRs per year), Markakis will likely push for 100 runs, 100 RBI and a .300 batting average.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• Nos. 71-80: Young, McGehee or Ramirez?
• Nos. 81-90: Upton, Young or Werth?
• No. 91: Brian Wilson
• No. 92: Carlos Marmol
• No. 93: Pedro Alvarez
• No. 94: Ben Zobrist

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

After exploding onto the fantasy scene in 2009 with 91 runs, 27 HRs, 91 RBI, 17 steals and a .297 batting average, I declared Ben Zobrist to be a legitimate, multi-position stud.

My claim didn’t come without warrant.

Zobrist has always displayed excellent plate discipline and on-base ability, posting a 15.7 percent walk rate and .429 on-base percentage in five minor league seasons. His 2009 breakout campaign (15.2 BB/9, .405 OBP) was foreshadowed with his 2008 second-half splits: nine home runs, .264/.361/.521 in 144 at-bats.

However, my man-crush on Zobrist backfired last season, as he hit just .238 with 10 HRs.

He did swipe 24 bases, though.

Yet despite this, Zobrist’s batting eye remained in tact.

• 2009: 95 walks, 104 strikeouts in 501 at-bats
• 2010: 93 walks, 107 strikeouts in 541 at-bats

Zobrist even increased his contact rate, from an already above-average 81.9 percent in ‘09 to 84.4 percent last season.

Even his fly-ball rate remained nearly the same.

• 2009: 38.5 percent
• 2010: 38.1 percent

The biggest difference was in his HR/FB rate and BABIP. 

HR/FB Rate:

• 2009: 17.5 percent
• 2010: 6.0 percent

BABIP:

• 2009: .326
• 2010: .273

Zobrist actually hit .285 with a .385 OBP in the first half of last season, but his BABIP plummeted in the second half:

• July: .219
• August: .185
• September/October: .195

This unfortunate turn of luck destroyed Zobrist’s batting average and thus, his run-scoring and run-producing totals.

If we assume a normal BABIP in 2011, a batting average in the .270 range should be expected. That leaves his HR/FB rate as the only unknown.

Perhaps his 17.5 percent mark in ‘09 was too lofty, but his 6.0 percent clip last season isn’t realistic either. If we project a rate similar to his career average of 11.2 percent, Zobrist should push for 20 HRs this season.

Thanks to his versatility, Zobrist will receive plenty of at-bats this year. He’ll likely see time in both the outfield and infield, and should maintain first and second base eligibility.

His spot in the Rays’ new-look lineup is not quite as clear, but he could bat first, second, fifth or sixth. His run-scoring and run-producing totals will be directly affected by this.

Either way, the switch-hitting Zobrist appears likely to bounce back in his age-30 season.

With 20/20 potential at three different positions, Zobrist offers one of the most flexible and dynamic packages in fantasy baseball.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• Nos. 71-80: Young, McGehee or Ramirez?
• Nos. 81-90: Upton, Young or Werth?
• No. 91: Brian Wilson
• No. 92: Carlos Marmol
• No. 93: Pedro Alvarez

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Pittsburgh Pirates’ third baseman Pedro Alvarez displayed impressive power in his rookie season, whacking 16 HRs in just 347 at-bats.

He also showed the willingness to walk (9.6 percent walk rate), but whiffed on strike three a whopping 34.3 percent of the time.

Alvarez’s contact rate (69.7 percent) is perhaps most concerning, but the 24-year-old should improve as he gains more big league experience.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has been tight-lipped on his plans for the team’s lineup, but Alvarez is expected to bat cleanup behind Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata and Neil Walker.

Either way, it’s important for Hurdle to find a winning combination and stick with it.

In 258 at-bats in the five hole last year, Alvarez hit .295 with 15 HRs and 56 RBI; in his other 89 at-bats, he was juggled between second, fourth, sixth and ninth in the Pirates’ lineup, and hit just .146 with one HR and eight RBI.

There were reports earlier this spring that Alvarez had added 15 pounds over the offseason, tipping the scale at a hefty 240. While the Pirates have disputed this, they have expressed concern regarding his conditioning.

Alvarez will remain at third base for the foreseeable future, but first base is his likely future destination—a move that would put a dent in his fantasy value.

For now, though, the left-handed slugger checks in as the 11th ranked third baseman on my 2011 big board, No. 93 overall.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• Nos. 71-80: Young, McGehee or Ramirez?
• Nos. 81-90: Upton, Young or Werth?
• No. 91: Brian Wilson
• No. 92: Carlos Marmol

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Carlos Marmol had one of the most mind-boggling seasons in 2010, among any position.

His strikeout total of 138 was higher than that of 10 starters who logged at least 200 innings. His strikeout rate (15.99) was the highest among both starters and relievers in at least 40 years (I called off the search after 1970).

Having said that, Marmol’s contact rate (61.3 percent) was by far the best among pitchers who logged at least 60 innings last season.

He also boasted the best slider in the majors, checking in at 19.0 runs above average.

Marmol ranked eighth in saves with 38 and his FIP (2.01) actually suggests he was better than his 2.55 ERA indicates.

Yet, despite these mind-blowing numbers, Marmol doesn’t come without risk.

He walked a whopping 6.03 batters per nine last season, the worst among relief pitchers.

While he did save 15 games in 2009, last year was Marmol’s first full season as the Cubs’ closer. Given the ridiculous turnover rate at the position each season, I tend to warn against drafting inexperienced closers so highly.

There’s no denying Marmol’s talent, but a regression in strikeouts (and perhaps batting average against, .147 in ‘10) are likely to occur.

While a sub-3.00 ERA is realistic, his obscene walk totals will prevent him from posting an elite WHIP.

Given that Mariano Rivera and Brian Wilson come with much less risk attached, Marmol checks in as the third-ranked closer on my 2011 big board, No. 92 overall.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• Nos. 71-80: Young, McGehee or Ramirez?
• Nos. 81-90: Upton, Young or Werth?
• No. 91: Brian Wilson

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

On the surface, it appears as though Yovani Gallardo experienced a setback last season. His 2009 ERA (3.73) climbed slightly to 3.84 in 2010, while his already despicable WHIP (1.31 in ‘09) ballooned to 1.38.

Yet despite this, Gallardo made a significant improvement in his walk rate last season. After posting the worst walk rate (4.56) among pitchers with 180 innings in ‘09, Gallardo issued just 3.65 walks per nine last season.

Gallardo’s 2010 BABIP (.324) and LOB rate (69.8 percent) likely held him back. Even his FIP (3.02) and xFIP (3.42) in comparison to his season ERA (3.84) suggest he actually was, and will continue to be much better than 2010 totals indicate.

Looking forward to 2011, Gallardo appears primed to take one big step forward. Since returning from a knee injury that cut his 2008 season short, Gallardo has the third-highest strikeout rate among pitchers with at least 300 innings (9.81). He’s worth a pick based on his elite strikeout rate alone.

Fortunately, he has much more to offer. Although he generally doesn’t work deep into games (he averaged less than six innings per start in 2010), Gallardo is the No. 2 starter (when Zack Greinke is healthy) on a potent N.L. Central team.

Given that he reaches 200 innings for the first time in his career, Gallardo could set himself up for 15-16 wins, a mid-threes ERA and a much more respectable WHIP.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• Nos. 71-80: Young, McGehee or Ramirez?

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays; Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve announced the top 80 players on our 2011 big board. Click on each player’s name for a more in-depth analysis, including 2011 projections!

Check out our 2011 Big Board Top 50 here.

Check out our 2011 Big Board Nos. 51-60 here.

Check out our 2011 Big Board Nos. 61-70 here.

71. Francisco Liriano (SP—Min)

Returned to near-2006 form last year: 9.44 K/9, 2.72 BB/9, 2.66 FIP, 53.6 GB%, with elite plate discipline stats: 34.4 percent o-swing rate, 73.4 percent contact rate, 12.4 percent swinging strike rate. However, injury concerns still linger.

72. Tommy Hanson (SP—Atl)

Despite increase in ERA (2.89 in ‘09, 3.33 in ‘10) and decrease in strikeout rate (8.18 to 7.68); marked improvement in walk rate (3.24 to 2.49) is reason for optimism. At age 24, he’s only going to get better.

73. Brian Roberts (2B—Bal)

Average season of: 598 at-bats, 99 runs, 13 HRs, 64 RBI, 37 steals, .294 batting average from 2005 to 2009 before being limited to just 59 games due to neck and back injuries last season.

Appeared to be 100 percent healthy until back spasms resurfaced Friday, foreshadowing a possibly season-long problem.

74. Shane Victorino (OF—Phi)

Low BABIP (.273) in 2010 resulted in career-low .259 batting average. Eighteen HRs and 34 steals, however, remained valuable to fantasy teams.

Given an average amount of luck, 15 HRs and 30 steals, he’s a top-75 player. His run-scoring and run-producing totals will fluctuate based on where he hits.

75. Michael Young (3B—Tex)

Versatility should allow him enough playing time to obtain 650 plate appearances in 2011. Assuming he stays in Texas, 100 runs, 20 HRs, .290 batting average is within reach batting between Ian Kinsler and Josh Hamilton.

76. Casey McGehee (3B—Mil)

2010 totals (23 HRs, 104 RBI, .285 BA) were nearly identical to that of Evan Longoria. Age (28), lineup position (fifth behind Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder), and advanced stats suggest a repeat performance in 2011.

77. Aramis Ramirez (3B—ChC)

Has averaged 28 HRs, 96 RBI, .295 batting average per since 2004, despite missing 118 games over the last two seasons.

Low BABIP (.245) in 2010 was likely the effect of a league-high 56.8 percent fly-ball rate, which led to career-worst .241 batting average. Expect a bounce-back performance in 2011.

78. Matt Cain (SP—SF)

Second-highest fly-ball rate, in conjunction with lowest HR/FB rate since 2005, has led to whacky ERA/FIP/xFIP totals. Apparent fluke has become trend, coupled with improving walk rate and WHIP. Consider me a believer!

79. Roy Oswalt (SP—Phi)

Twelve starts with Phillies last year: 1.74 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 7.95 K/9 and 2.29 BB/9. 2010 FIP (3.27) and xFIP (3.45), suggest slight regression in 2011, though he clearly isn’t as bad as 2009 (4.12 ERA, 3.13 career) indicated.

80. David Price (SP—TB)

Ninth-best fastball in 2010, but secondary pitches lagged behind. FIP (3.42) and xFIP (3.99) stand out in comparison to his 2.72 ERA, while .270 BABIP supports luck argument. Regression is due in 2011.

The top 90 on our 2011 Big Board will be announced in the coming days as we continue our journey to rank the top 100 players!

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays; Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Brewers’ third baseman Casey McGehee proved his 2009 rookie campaign was no fluke last season, blasting 23 HRs with 104 RBI and a .285 batting average.

But nobody seemed to notice.

Prepare yourself for an incredibly tricky, mind-blowing example:

• Player A, 2010: 22 HRs, 104 RBI, .294 BA
• Player B, 2010: 23 HRs, 104 RBI, .285 BA

Of course, we already know Player B is McGehee, but who is player A?

Wait for it…

…Evan Longoria. BOOM. (Longoria also inexplicably stole 15 bases last year, but that’s besides the point.)

Yet, despite similar production, McGehee’s current ADP on Mock Draft Central is just 107, while Yahoo! compositeranks him outside the top 100 as well. Of course I’m not suggesting McGehee be drafted among the top 10 picks such as Longoria, but the guy deserves some love.

At a position as thin as third base, any player who can keep a .285 average and knock in 100 runs should be considered a valuable asset. In fact, only Alex Rodriguez and Jose Bautista had more RBI than McGehee from the hot corner in 2010.

Now before you flood the comment box with your “RBI is a fluke category” comment, know that I completely agree. But consider this: McGehee hit .324 with runners in scoring position last season. And oh, he also hit .371 under the same circumstances in 2009. The guy has a knack for big hits at opportune times.

Of course, it’s also worth mentioning that McGehee bats fifth in the Brewers’ lineup behind Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, giving him plenty of chances to drive runs in.

Looking forward to 2011, there’s no reason to believe the 28-year-old won’t continue to produce. McGehee’s walk (7.5 percent) and strikeout rates (16.7 percent) are respectable, and his contact rate (83.9 percent) is well-above average. It’s time to start believing, folks! Draft McGehee as the eighth third basemen, ahead of the now injury-prone Aramis Ramirez, batting average-challenged Mark Reynolds and the out-of-shape Pedro Alvarez, whose current lineup protection includes Matt Diaz and Garret Jones.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• No. 71: Francisco Liriano
• No. 72: Tommy Hanson
• No. 73: Brian Roberts
• No. 74: Shane Victorino
• No. 75: Michael Young

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

While the trade rumors have dissolved and Michael Young’s trade request has gone unfulfilled, there remains a lot of uncertainty in Texas this season.

After handing Adrian Beltre a fat contract and dealing for Mike Napoli this offseason, the Rangers created a logjam of five players (Mitch Moreland, Yorvit Torrealba, Young, Beltre and Napoli) competing for at-bats at four positions (catcher, first base, third base and designated hitter).

Fortunately, Young’s versatility will allow him to spell Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Beltre if needed. Otherwise, he’ll be the DH most days and should get plenty of at-bats, presumably batting second behind Andrus and in front of Josh Hamilton.

This should work in Young’s favor, as there’s nothing in his advanced stats to suggest a setback in 2011.

In fact, Young’s 2010 BABIP (.311) was 24 points below his career average, and his line-drive rate (18.5 percent) was under 22.0 for the first time since batted ball stats were first recorded in 2002.

His fly-ball rate (34.1 percent) was slightly elevated (by his standards), so it’s possible Young has adjusted his swing to hit for more power. Even so, nearly 20 HRs and a .280-.290 batting average with the run-scoring and run-producing totals that come with the No. 2 hole in that lineup are sure to make Michael Young worth a shot at a thin third base position.

Although it’s unlikely, there’s always the possibility of Young gaining second-base eligibility when Kinsler hits the DL at some point, making him even more valuable. Draft him as the seventh third baseman, 75th overall.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Projections
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• Nos. 61-70: Weaver, Haren or Latos?
• No. 71: Francisco Liriano
• No. 72: Tommy Hanson
• No. 73: Brian Roberts
• No. 74: Shane Victorino

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com