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Here’s the first look at the 2015 Lester’s Legends designated hitter rankings.

1. Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays

Edwin Encarnacion has averaged 86 runs, 37.3 home runs and 104 RBI over the past three seasons. He’s a great bet for power, but as a .265 career hitter, he could hurt you in the batting-average category. Encarnacion also has first base eligibility.

2. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

David Ortiz just keeps raking. His averaged dipped to .263 in 2014, but Big Papi hit 35 home runs with 104 RBI. If he can match that home run total this year, he’ll reach the 500 mark.

3. Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

Victor Martinez turned in the finest season of his career in 2014 despite being 35. He set career highs by hitting .335 with 32 home runs. Martinez scored 87 runs and knocked in 103 RBI. It was the first time that V-Mart topped 25 home runs. V-Mart has first base eligibility as well, which helps his value.

4. Nelson Cruz, Seattle Mariners

Nelson Cruz hit .271 with 87 runs, 40 home runs, 108 RBI and four stolen bases in 2014. He will turn 35 this summer and has moved to Seattle, which should hurt his power numbers. Cruz has averaged 29.2 home runs over the past six seasons. Cruz has outfield eligibility as well.

5. Chris Carter, Houston Astros

Chris Carter will do some damage to your batting average. He hit .227 in 2014 to raise his career batting average to .222. Carter smacked 37 home runs and posted 88 RBI. His two-year averages for 2013 and 2014 are 33 home runs and 85 RBI. If you can offset Carter’s average, you’ll appreciate his power.

6. Shin-Soo Choo, Texas Rangers

Shin-Soo Choo hit .242 in 2014 with 58 runs, 13 home runs, 40 RBI and three stolen bases. From 2009-2013, he hit .288 while averaging 80 runs, 17.4 home runs, 66.6 RBI and 19.2 stolen bases. Choo also has outfielder eligibility.

7. Billy Butler, Oakland A’s

Billy Butler hit .271 in 2014 with 57 runs, nine home runs and 66 RBI. He has hit .295 in his eight-year career while averaging 62.8 runs, 15.9 home runs and 78.5 RBI. He doesn’t excel in any category, but Butler is pretty solid in four. He also has first base eligibility.

8. Carlos Beltran, New York Yankees

Carlos Beltran hit .233 in 2014 with 46 runs, 15 home runs and 49 RBI while dealing with elbow issues. He underwent surgery and should return to form. From 2011-2013, he averaged 80 runs, 26 home runs and 88.3 RBI. Beltran also has outfield eligibility, which helps his value.

9. Kennys Vargas, Minnesota Twins

Kennys Vargas hit .274 in 2014 with 26 runs, nine home runs and 38 RBI in 53 games. That put him on a pace for 79 runs, 28 home runs and 116 RBI. He likely won’t reach those numbers, but he should be able to put up solid power numbers.

10. Kendrys Morales, Kansas City Royals

Kendrys Morales was limited to 98 games in 2014 and finished with eight home runs and 42 RBI. He averaged 22.5 home runs and 76.5 RBI in 2012 and 2013.

This article first appeared on LestersLegends.com.

Also check out:

• 2015 Fantasy Baseball First Basemen Rankings
• 2015 Fantasy Baseball Second Basemen Rankings
• 2015 Fantasy Baseball Third Basemen Rankings
• 2015 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2015 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the first look at the 2015 Lester’s Legends third base rankings.

1. Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals

Anthony Rendon hit .287 with 111 runs, 21 home runs, 83 RBI and 17 stolen bases last year. Rendon’s main position is third base, but he played 28 games last year at second base to give himself positional eligibility and additional flexibility.

2. Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays

Josh Donaldson has averaged 91 runs, 26.5 home runs, 95.5 RBI and 6.5 stolen bases over the past two years. Those numbers were attained while playing in Oakland. Look for his power numbers to increase in Toronto. His .268 lifetime batting average keeps him just out of the top spot.

3. Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds

Todd Frazier hit .273 with 88 runs, 29 home runs, 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 2014. He has averaged 22.3 home runs over the past three seasons.

4. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

Adrian Beltre hit .324 last year with 79 runs, 19 home runs, 77 RBI and one stolen base. He’ll turn 36 in April, which makes him a little riskier than the top three choices. At what point does age catch up with him?

5. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Evan Longoria hit .253 with 83 runs, 22 home runs, 91 RBI and five stolen bases last season. In seven years, he has averaged 79.1 runs, 26.3 home runs, 90.7 RBI and six stolen bases while hitting .271.

6. Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners

Kyle Seager hit .268 with 71 runs, 25 home runs, 96 RBI and seven stolen bases in 2014. Over the past three years, he hit .262 while averaging 70.7 runs, 22.3 home runs, 83.7 RBI and 9.7 stolen bases.

7. Pablo Sandoval, Boston Red Sox

Pablo Sandoval hit .279 with 68 runs, 16 home runs and 73 RBI in 2014. The move to Fenway Park should pay dividends for the Kung Fu Panda.

8. Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

Nolan Arenado hit .287 with 58 runs, 18 home runs, 61 RBI and a pair of stolen bases last season. Already a two-time Gold Glove winner, look for him to take a step forward offensively.

9. Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Carlos Santana played 26 games at third base last year, giving him positional eligibility (along with first base). He hit .231 last year with 68 runs, 27 home runs, 85 RBI and five stolen bases. You’ll have to live with the .248 lifetime batting average, but he has averaged 23 home runs and 78.5 RBI over the past four seasons.

10.  David Wright, New York Mets

David Wright hit .269 last year with 54 runs, eight home runs, 63 RBI and eight stolen bases in 134 games. Staying healthy has been an issue the past few seasons, but when he is healthy, Wright is a five-category contributor.

This article first appeared on LestersLegends.com.

Also check out:

• 2015 Fantasy Baseball First Basemen Rankings
• 2015 Fantasy Baseball Second Basemen Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The second full week of the fantasy baseball season is in full swing. You’ll want to keep an eye on the prize and finish the weekend strong, but there is nothing wrong with a peek ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of the two-start pitchers for the week of April 14-20. I used ESPN to generate the list. Starts are subject to change due to weather and injuries. Check for updates according to your league settings to avoid any surprises.

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The first full week of the fantasy baseball season is in full swing. You’ll want to keep an eye on the prize and finish the weekend strong, but there is nothing wrong with a peak ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of the two-start pitchers for the week of April 7-13. I used ESPN to generate the list. Starts are subject to change due to weather and injuries. Check for updates according to your league settings to avoid any surprises.

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As we inch closer to Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, the excitement builds. You have likely already drafted or it’s in your immediate future. Every team in the league is tied for first.

It’s the perfect time to make predictions. Here’s the Lester’s Legends prediction for the statistical leader in each of the five-by-five-league fantasy baseball categories.

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Here’s a look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ closer rankings for AL-only fantasy baseball leagues.

1. Koji Uehara, Boston Red Sox

Koji Uehara was nearly flawless during the Red Sox’s World Series run. He racked up 21 saves, a 1.09 ERA, a 0.57 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 74.1 innings.

2. Greg Holland, Kansas City Royals

Greg Holland had 47 saves, a 1.21 ERA, a 0.87 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 67 innings. He had a ridiculous 0.56 ERA after the All-Star break.

3. Joe Nathan, Detroit Tigers

Joe Nathan had 43 saves, a 1.39 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. He has 341 saves and a 2.76 ERA throughout his career.

4. Glen Perkins, Minnesota Twins

Glen Perkins had 36 saves, a 2.30 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 62.2 innings. An improved rotation should work in his favor.

5. David Robertson, New York Yankees

David Robertson has huge shoes to fill, but he’s got the goods. Robertson had a 2.04 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 66.1 innings last year.

6. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s

Jim Johnson combined for 101 saves over the past two seasons with a 2.72 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP while pitching his home games in Camden Yards. Moving to Oakland should be a positive change.

7. Ernesto Frieri, Los Angeles Angels

Ernesto Frieri collected 37 saves last year while posting a 3.80 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 68.2 innings. He should provide a solid saves total and a tremendous K/9 ratio.

8. Casey Janssen, Toronto Blue Jays

Casey Janssen saved 34 games last year while posting a 2.56 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 52.2 innings. In 2012, he saved 22 with a 2.54 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP and 67 strikeouts in 63.2 innings.

9. Grant Balfour, Tampa Bay Rays

Grant Balfour has averaged 31 saves and 72 strikeouts the past two years while posting a 2.56 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He should do well in his return to Tampa.

10. Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners

Fernando Rodney has averaged 42.5 saves and 79 strikeouts the past two years while posting a 1.91 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. His move to Seattle should be favorable.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s a look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Starting Pitcher Rankings for NL-only fantasy baseball leagues:

1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw is 51-23 over the past three years with a 2.21 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. He has also averaged 236.3 strikeouts per season over that stretch. He’s the best pitcher in the game, period.

2. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

Adam Wainwright went 19-9 with a 2.94 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 219 strikeouts in 2013. Yep, he’s all the way back after his Tommy John surgery.

3. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals

Stephen Strasburg went 8-9 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 191 strikeouts in 183 innings last season. He’s still a bit of an injury risk, but he certainly has the goods if he can stay healthy.

4. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants

Madison Bumgarner has gone 42-33 over the past three years with a 3.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 193.7 strikeouts per season. I expect him to take the next step this year in the elite class.

5. Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

Cliff Lee is just 37-25 over the past three years with Philadelphia, but he has a 2.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and an average of 222.3 strikeouts per year.

6. Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins

Jose Fernandez went 12-6 as a rookie in 2013 with a 2.19 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 172.2 innings. He has worked hard on conditioning this offseason to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump.

7. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Cole Hamels had a rough season last year, going 8-14, but he still managed to post a 3.60 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 202 strikeouts. Over the past four seasons, he’s 51-40 with a 3.13 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and an average of 205.8 strikeouts per season.

8. Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers

Zack Greinke went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 148 strikeouts in 177.2 innings in 2013. Over the past three years, he’s 46-15 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and an average of 183 strikeouts per season.

9. Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals

Last year, Gio Gonzalez shook off the Biogenesis allegation, avoided suspension and posted a 11-8 record with a 3.36 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 192 strikeouts in 195.2 innings. Over the past three years, he’s gone 48-28 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 198.7 strikeouts per season.

10. Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals

Jordan Zimmermann has averaged just 146 strikeouts over the past three seasons, but he’s 39-28 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.

11. Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants

A down year (8-10, 4.00 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 158 K) for Cain is still a solid season, aside from the win total. Cain has a lifetime ERA of 3.35 and a WHIP of 1.17, so he should rebound in 2014.

12. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds

Homer Bailey went 11-12 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 199 strikeouts in 2013. In fact, he went 6-4 over his final 13 starts with a 3.02 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 78 strikeouts in 86.1 innings.

13. Mat Latos, Cincinnati Reds

In 2013, Mat Latos went 14-7 with a 3.16 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 187 strikeouts. Over the past four seasons, he’s gone 51-35 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.

14. Gerrit Cole, Pittsburgh Pirates

Gerrit Cole went 10-7 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 100 strikeouts in 117.1 innings as a rookie last season, which is quite impressive.

15. Mike Minor, Atlanta Braves

Mike Minor went 13-9 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 181 strikeouts in 2013. At just 26 years old, he should continue to improve.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s a look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ shortstop rankings for AL-only fantasy baseball leagues.

1. Jose Reyes, Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Reyes was limited to 96 games, but he hit .296 with 58 runs, 10 home runs, 37 RBI and 15 stolen bases. If he can stay healthy, he will give you a big boost in runs, average and stolen bases.

2. Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers

Elvis Andrus hit .271 with 91 runs, 67 RBI and 42 stolen bases. In five seasons, he’s averaging 86.4 runs and 33 stolen bases. The additions of Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder should keep the Rangers offense humming. Look for Andrus to set the table.

3. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians

Asdrubal Cabrera hit just .242 last year, but the .273 lifetime hitter is a solid bet to get on track. Over the past three years, he’s averaged .263 with 74.3 runs, 18.3 home runs, 74.7 RBI and 11.7 stolen bases.

4. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

Ben Zobrist is another guy with added versatility, as he is also eligible at second base and outfield. He posted a .275-77-12-71-11 line. He doesn’t excel in any one category, but he’s solid across the board.

5. J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles

J.J. Hardy is a solid option if you can sacrifice batting average for power. He has hit .256 over the past three seasons while averaging 75.7 runs, 25.7 home runs and 74.7 RBI.

6. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox

After averaging 17.3 home runs in his first four seasons, Alexei Ramirez has hit just 15 over the past two. While his power has waned, he has made up for it by averaging 25 stolen bases over the past two seasons. He should provide decent numbers across the board. His career average is a .277-71-14-68-16 line.

7. Alcides Escobar, Kansas City Royals

Alcides Escobar is pretty much a one-category performer. Over the past three years, he has hit .260 with an average of 64.7 runs, 4.3 HRs and 50 RBI. He gives you speed, though, as he averaged 27.7 stolen bases during that stretch.

8. Jed Lowrie, Oakland A’s

Jed Lowrie has eligibility at shortstop and second base, which helps his value. He had a .290-80-15-75-1 line last year. He’s a .264 career hitter, though, so regression in his batting average is likely.

9. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

Xander Bogaerts should have eligibility at both shortstop and third base, which gives him added value. He hit just .250 with seven runs, one home run, five RBI and one stolen base in 18 regular-season games but stepped up his game in the playoffs. Bogaerts hit .296 with nine runs in 12 games en route to a World Series title. In Boston’s potent lineup for a full year, Bogaerts should have a solid year.

10. Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels

Erick Aybar hit .271 with 68 runs, six home runs, 54 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He doesn’t offer much power, but over the past five seasons, he’s averaged a .280-69-7-49-20 line. He should give you a solid batting average and stolen base total.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s a look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ third base rankings for AL-only fantasy baseball leagues.

1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Although Miguel Cabrera is playing first base this year, he maintains eligibility at third base in most fantasy baseball leagues.

Regardless of whether you use him at first or third base, he’s the premier player at his position. 

Seriously, what more can be said about Cabrera after his second straight MVP-winning season? If it weren’t for Chris Davis (53 HR, 138 RBI) having a breakout season last year, we’d be talking about Cabrera as a back-to-back Triple Crown winner.

Cabrera’s career average looks like this: .321 BA, 33 HR, 115 RBI, 97 R, 3 SB. Playing first base could help Cabrera avoid nagging injuries and become even more effective.

2. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

Adrian Beltre is coming off a .315-88-30-92-1 line. Over the past four years, he’s hitting .314 with 87.3 runs, 31.5 home runs and 100.3 RBI.

The Rangers figure to have a potent offense with the addition of Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo. Beltre remains an elite option.

3. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Evan Longoria bounced back last year with a .269-91-32-88-1 line. He should be able to improve his batting average while providing ample runs, home runs and RBI.

He no longer offers you the added bonus of stolen bases, as he has six in the past three seasons combined, but he offers plenty elsewhere.

4. Josh Donaldson, Oakland Athletics

Josh Donaldson exploded on the scene with a .301-89-24-93-5 line. He’s not as established as the top three choices, but you can’t overlook last year’s success.

Donaldson is a little bit of a risk, but the potential is there.

5. Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

Manny Machado (knee) should be ready for Opening Day, which should help the phenom build on the solid .283-88-14-71-6 line he posted in his first full season. Obviously, his health is a concern, but at 21 years old, he’s loaded with potential. Machado is the poster boy for upside.

6. Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners

Kyle Seager posted his second consecutive season with at least 20 home runs. He hit .260 with 79 runs, 22 home runs, 69 RBI and nine stolen bases.

With an average of 21 home runs and 11 stolen bases over the past two years, he is sneaky power-speed combination player.

7. Brett Lawrie, Toronto Blue Jays

Brett Lawrie was a popular breakout candidate last year but finished with a .254-41-11-46-9 line. If he can get back to his production of 2011, when he hit .293 with nine home runs and seven stolen bases in a 43-game cup of coffee, he will be a stud.

He has the potential for 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases.

8. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

Xander Bogaerts should have eligibility at both third base and shortstop, which gives him added value. He hit just .250 with seven runs, one home run, five home runs and one stolen base in 18 regular-season games but stepped up his game in the playoffs.

Bogaerts hit .296 with nine runs in 12 games en route to a World Series title. In Boston’s potent lineup for a full year, Bogaerts should have a solid year.

9. Will Middlebrooks, Boston Red Sox

Will Middlebrooks saw his average dip big time from .288 as a rookie to .227 as a sophomore, but he still managed to hit 17 home runs in 94 games. He definitely packs power, as he has 32 home runs in 169 games and 615 at-bats.

He’s slated to be the everyday third baseman, which should lead to solid power numbers.

10. David Freese, Los Angeles Angels

David Freese saw a dip in production, hitting .262 with 53 runs, nine home runs and 60 RBI. He is a .286 career hitter who slugged 20 home runs in 2012. He should rebound in his first season in Anaheim.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ First Base Rankings for NL-only fantasy baseball leagues.

1. Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks

All Paul Goldschmidt did last year was hit .302 with 103 runs, 36 home runs, 125 RBI and 15 stolen bases. His success should come as no surprise, as he posted a .286-82-20-82-18 line in 2012. Goldschmidt was a highly touted prospect who has gradually become a star. At 26, he has solidified himself as the premiere first baseman in baseball.

2. Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds

Joey Votto was a little disappointing, posting a .305-101-24-73-6 line last year, but he managed to play a full season after managing just 111 games in 2012. He’s a .314 hitter and has scored at least 100 runs in three different years. He won’t overwhelm you with his power, but he’s steady.

3. Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves

Freddie Freeman posted a stellar .319-89-23-109-1 line. The Braves took care of him with a huge contract extension. He’s just 24, but he already has three seasons with at least 20 home runs. He should continue to grow.

4. Mark Trumbo, Arizona Diamondbacks 

Trumbo will transition to the outfield for the D’backs. He has averaged 31.7 home runs and 94 RBI over the past three seasons. His eligibility at outfield gives him added versatility.

5. Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Adrian Gonzalez’s power has dipped since leaving Boston, but he continues to provide a healthy batting average and plenty of RBI. Last year, he posted a .293-69-22-100-1 line. The Dodgers should have a potent lineup, which should put A-Gone in line for another stellar year.

6. Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals

Allen Craig hit .315 with 71 runs, 13 home runs and 97 RBI. He doesn’t provide much power for the position, but he’s hit .311 with 94.5 RBI per season over the past two years.

7. Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

Anthony Rizzo hit just .233, but he mashed 23 home runs with 80 RBI. He hit .285 in 337 at-bats in 2012, so he could turn things around—particularly if he can improve on his .258 BABIP.

8. Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants

Brandon Belt hit .289 with 76 runs, 17 home runs, 67 RBI and five stolen bases. He’ll give you a nice average and a little pop.

9. Justin Morneau, Colorado Rockies

Justin Morneau’s 152 games played were his most since 2008. He finished with 17 home runs and 77 RBI. He had 19 home runs and 77 RBI in 2012. Going to Colorado should help improve Morneau’s numbers.

10. Adam LaRoche, Washington Nationals

Adam LaRoche has quietly hit at had at least 20 home runs and 75 RBI in seven of the last nine seasons. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent.

This article can also be read at LestersLegends.com here. Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com