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 being placed on waivers by the Blue Jays in August of 2009, Alex Rios hit just .199 in 146 at-bats for the White Sox, who claimed his seven-year, $70 million contract. The player who was once thought to be a 30/30 threat was hardly fantasy relevant entering the 2010 season.
But despite coming off arguably his worst season as a pro, Rios bounced back in 2010, hitting 21 home runs while swiping 34 bases and batting .284 as the White Sox’s No. 3 hitter. He was especially effective in the first-half (as usual), posting 15 homers, 23 steals and a .305 average before the All-Star Break.
Despite his woeful 2009 campaign and injury concerns that troubled him early in his career, Rios has posted no less than 567 at-bats in four consecutive seasons. His dynamic three-year averages (see below) suggest Rios should be drafted as a top second-tier outfielder. His current ADP on Mock Draft Central, however, is just 61.16, well below the likes of Ichiro, Andre Ethier, Jose Bautista and Jayson Werth.
Given another 575 at-bats in the White Sox’s loaded lineup, Rios should approach another 90/20/90/30 line. Draft him with confidence.
| PA | R | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | |
| 2010 stats | 617 | 89 | 21 | 88 | 34 | .284 |
| 3-year average | 646 | 81 | 18 | 79 | 30 | .275 |
| 2011 FBI Forecast | 625 | 95 | 22 | 95 | 30 | .281 |
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS
The latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:
Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:
- Nos. 1-10: Is Pujols Still The Top Pick?
- Nos. 11-20: Where Do Votto, A-Rod and Halladay Fit In?
- Nos. 21-30: Hernandez, Lincecum or Wainwright?
- Nos. 31-40: Heyward, Upton or McCutchen?
- No. 41: Clayton Kershaw
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
- Adrian Beltre Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
Previous articles from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:
- The Sub-2.50 ERA Curse: Why Five Elite Starting Pitchers May Regress in 2011
- 2010 Batting Average on Balls in Play Leaders: What to Expect in 2011?
- 2011 Closer’s Corner: Papelbon, Cordero & Rivera Are the Only Reliable Options
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com