Tag: Fantasy

Fantasy Baseball Rankings: The Top 25 NL-Only Starting Pitchers

It does not feel like baseball season outside here in the Midwest, but Opening Day is now under a month away. 

If you have not already, it is time to start researching for the upcoming fantasy baseball season. Pitching wins championships in both real and fantasy baseball. 

A popular strategy used to be picking up different starting pitchers every week to win both wins and strikeouts. However, this strategy has been taken away by max pickup rules. 

Now you need to research starting pitchers to win your league. 

This ranking is focused on NL-only leagues. It will look at the top 25 pitchers to target for the 2014 season. The rankings take into consideration both past success and potential. 

These rankings are based off the standard fantasy stats used for starting pitchers: wins, ERA, WHIP and Ks. 

 

**All stats from baseball-reference.com and rankings are NL-based unless noted otherwise. 

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Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2014: Young Hitters Poised for Breakout Seasons

While everyone wants Mike Trout or Miguel Cabrera on their team, the best way to win in fantasy baseball is by grabbing a sleeper on the brink of a big year.

Those who grabbed Chris Davis last season with a late-round draft pick or for minimal auction cost were certainly happy with his production. Adding a player like this to a roster full of big-time talent can make your squad almost unbeatable.

Although it is tough to predict anyone to come out of nowhere to lead the majors in home runs and RBI like Davis did last season, there are still a number of young players set for big seasons.

These hitters should be available in the later rounds and could end up giving you a lot of production.

 

Devin Mesoraco, C, Cincinnati Reds

Sometimes it takes a few years for a top prospect to truly reach his potential in the majors. Other times, all that is needed is an opportunity.

Devin Mesoraco has been waiting to take over the full-time job as the Reds catcher since making his debut in 2011. Unfortunately, Ryan Hanigan has kept the role, preventing the young player from getting regular playing time.

That will all end in 2014 as Mesoraco is slated to be the Opening Day starter. He discussed the opportunity with Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:

I was obviously sad to see Hani go, because we’ve been pretty close as a catching unit as far as sharing information and picking each other’s brain. At the same time, it’s a good opportunity for me. It’s a vote of confidence for me. They’ve seen me improving over the years and getting better. I’m getting to be the player I’m supposed to be and can be. It definitely pumps me up a bit to come into camp in shape and 100 percent prepared to be an everyday catcher.

Jim Bowden of ESPN sees this as a golden opportunity for Mesoraco to shine:

With his power, the catcher can easily hit over 20 home runs in his first full season behind the plate, giving fantasy owners the type of offensive production not often found in catchers.

Although it might not be smart to make him your No. 1 catcher, he is worth the roster spot to see if he can reach his potential.

 

Jurickson Profar, 2B, Texas Rangers

It was not too long ago we were talking about Jurickson Profar being the next big thing in baseball. After the 2012 season, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com listed the shortstop as the No. 1 prospect in the league.

A poor 2013 campaign certainly tempered expectations as he was only able to hit .234 with six home runs and two stolen bases in 286 at-bats.

However, baseball is a sport that requires rhythm and consistency, especially for younger players. Profar was asked to play only a few times per week, and that caused him to struggle at the plate and in the field.

A spot finally opened up when the Rangers sent Ian Kinsler in a trade to the Detroit Tigers for Prince Fielder. Cliff Corcoran of Sports Illustrated argues that Profar is the most important player of that trade due to the boom-or-bust ability:

As he continues to mature both physically and in his baseball abilities, Profar has the potential to grow into a 20-homer player who regularly flirts with .300 batting averages. Of course, there’s also the very real possibility that Profar will continue to struggle in 2014 despite his more consistent playing time and role. He will, after all, be just 21, and not every 21-year-old can be Mike Trout or Manny Machado. Still, the consensus around the game is that Profar’s total package, even if it lacks a singular elite skill, is that of a similarly elite talent.

Between these two options, the chances are greater that he finds success. He can easily become a 20-20 player who also hits for a high average with an even better on-base percentage. This is hard to come by for a middle infielder.

If he can reach his potential this season, he could be a huge help to your fantasy team. 

 

Khris Davis, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Khris Davis hopes there is some magic in his name as he will try to replicate the success of the Baltimore Orioles star.

The 26-year-old outfielder got only 153 plate appearances last season, but he made them count with 10 doubles and 11 home runs. His slugging percentage of .596 would have ranked third in the majors last season if he had enough at-bats to qualify, trailing only Miguel Cabrera and Chris Davis.

At this point, all he needs is more playing time to put up even bigger numbers. Fortunately, the Brewers are doing everything in their power to make this happen. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel notes the lineup switch for the upcoming season:

Logan Schafer and Caleb Gindl will both provide tough challenges in spring training, but it appears to be Davis’ job to lose. Assuming he gets the starting spot, he has loads of potential for the upcoming season. 

The hitter has enough pure power to hit close to 30 home runs in his first full season in the majors and carry fantasy teams in the process.

 

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2014 Fantasy Baseball AL-Only Third Base Rankings

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.

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2014 Fantasy Baseball NL-Only First Base Rankings

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.

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MLB’s Riskiest Players for 2014 Season

To understand the ratings here and why these specific players are risky, first you must understand risk. This is not a general term, but a very specific term of art most closely related to the insurance industry. While we all know Flo and the Geico gecko, few of us have learned how insurance works or why it’s so profitable. If you want to know why Matt Kemp, Derek Jeter and Joe Mauer—three of the biggest names in baseball with contracts to match—are risky, please let me explain before you blow up in the comments.

The Risk Ratings are based on a system that I have been developing for the last 14 years. I was lucky enough to be given access to the actuarial tables created by baseball back then from their actual injury data. Those “Red Books” stopped being published a while back, but the data continue to be developed. Much like you have a rating when you go to insure your house or car, players have the same type of rating. 

If you drive a Corvette, your insurance base will be higher than if you drive a Camry. If you’re a teenager, your rates will be higher than that little old lady from Pasadena. The same is true for baseball players. Age, position, injury history and several other factors go into the ratings. They begin with an actuarial base and then are adjusted up or down by the various factors.

The ratings are then simplified into bands. While there is an underlying number from 0-110, I collect them into three bandsred for high risk, yellow for medium risk and green for low risk. It’s simple and while people often ask for more specific numerical ratings, I don’t feel that it adds significantly to the value of the Risk Ratings.

(Also, I’m admittedly paranoid about people trying to reverse engineer the system! It’s been tried.)

I’ll have the full ratings for you on Friday, in plenty of time for your fantasy drafts, but for now, here are 10 top players whose risk is such that you’ll need to really think about them before putting them at the heart of your team. Of course, the managers and general managers of these teams have real concerns as well. 

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Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2014: Rankings, Stat Predictions for Late-Round Gems

Finding sleepers in the late rounds of fantasy baseball drafts can be one of the most rewarding parts about being a fantasy baseball owner.

It’s always nice to snag a guy in the 20th round and watch him blossom into a legit everyday player. Now that the 2014 spring training season is about to get started with games this week, it’s a good time to get studied up on some sleepers for the upcoming year.

Here’s a position-by-position list of some of the top sleepers for 2014, followed by a closer look at three players on the rise who are poised to become legit fantasy contributors throughout the regular season.

*Average draft info via RotoWire.

 

2B Jurickson Profar, Rangers

Average draft position: 214

ADP 8-team league: 27th round

ADP 10-team league: 22nd round

ADP 12-team league: 18th round

The Texas Rangers have assembled a deadly lineup in Arlington, and Jurickson Profar figures to benefit big time from the new look.

When the Rangers acquired slugging first baseman Prince Fielder from the Detroit Tigers this offseason, they also opened up a spot for Profar at second base by dealing away Ian Kinsler. Profar showed good power during his minor league career, but he could never find a rhythm as a bench player for Texas in 2013.

With an everyday playing opportunity in this robust batting order, I expect Profar to put up some big numbers in 2014. He’ll likely be a nice hitter near the bottom of the lineup and should have plenty of opportunities to contribute while hitting in front of table-setters Shin-Soo Choo and Elvis Andrus.

There’s certainly risk involved whenever you’re drafting a prospect, but Profar has all the tools and a great lineup to produce in 2014.

 

OF Oscar Taveras, Cardinals

Average draft position: 225

ADP 8-team league: 29th round

ADP 10-team league: 23rd round

ADP 12-team league: 19th round

As it stands now, the St. Louis Cardinals are expected to have a starting outfield of Matt Holliday in left, Peter Bourjos in center and Allen Craig in right. But with a big spring training, Oscar Taveras could earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.

According to a recent report from Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, Taveras is ramping up his physical activity in spring training:

Taveras, who had right ankle surgery in August, estimated that he pushed himself at an “80 percent” effort level during Monday’s conditioning work. He likely won’t be included in the Cardinals’ lineup for their Grapefruit League opener on Friday, but his spring debut should not come that much later.

The organization is merely taking its time building Taveras up to full speed. Running the bases and changing directions while sprinting are some of the last hurdles Taveras still has to clear.

Hopefully Taveras can stay healthy, because he has “future star” written all over him. While Carlos Beltran will certainly be missed by the Cardinals, I suspect Taveras will be able to impress during spring training and be an instant contributor to this team from Day 1.

His 2013 was derailed by the balky ankle, but his stellar minor league career and St Louis’ reputation of cultivating homegrown talent bodes well for his future. I expect Taveras to win the National League Rookie of the Year race in 2014 while putting up solid numbers for fantasy owners in the process.

 

RHP Danny Salazar, Indians

Average draft position: 205

ADP 8-team league: 26th round

ADP 10-team league: 21st round

ADP 12-team league: 18th round 

Danny Salazar made quite the impression during his 2013 major league debut with the Cleveland Indians.

Still, fantasy owners seem to be overlooking the 24-year-old righty, who posted an 11.3 K/9 ratio in 52 innings pitched last year. Over the course of those 10 starts, Salazar went 2-3 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and had 65 strikeouts against 15 walks.

As Jordan Bastian of MLB.com detailed, Salazar is expected to play a big role for the franchise in 2014:

Salazar’s right arm provides hope that losing key starters such as Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir will not be as devastating to the Tribe’s quest to build on last season as it appears on the surface. The kid’s poise on the mound provides promise and has the Indians daydreaming about an ace in the making.

When Cleveland clinched a spot in the American League Wild Card Game last fall, Salazar was announced as the starting pitcher while the champagne was still flowing. The fact that he was young on years and experience did not matter. The Indians believed in Salazar then, and the organization is pinning a great deal of hope on him now.

“It’s going to be exciting to see what he can do,” Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said. “He can probably be one of the better pitchers in baseball.”

Salazar was dominant from 2011 to 2013 as a minor leaguer, and he showed he could hang with the big leaguers down the stretch last year. While he often drives his pitch count up too fast, his high strikeout totals make him a savvy sleeper draft option.

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2014 Fantasy Baseball Designated Hitter Rankings

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Designated Hitter Rankings.

1. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Big Papi just keeps delivering. He hit .309 with 84 runs, 30 home runs and 103 RBI. He hit .688 with two home runs and six RBI during the World Series.


2. Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Carlos Santana has eligibility at catcher and first base, but he will serve as Cleveland’s primary DH. He has averaged 77 runs, 21.7 home runs and 76.3 RBI over the past three seasons.


3. Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals

Billy Butler hit .289 with 62 runs, 15 home runs and 82 RBI. It was a little disappointing after hitting .313 with 29 home runs and 107 RBI in 2012, but he’s been solid for the past five years averaging .302 with 72.66 runs, 19.8 home runs and 91 RBI.


4. Alfonso Soriano, New York Yankees

The additions of Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran moves Soriano to DH. He hit .255 last year, but he scored 84 runs with 34 home runs, 101 RBI and 18 stolen bases. Soriano has outfield eligibility, which adds to his value.


5. Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

Victor Martinez hit .301 with 68 runs, 14 home runs and 83 RBI. The Tigers will use him at catcher more this season (via Tom Gage of The Detroit News), which would add to his appeal.


6. Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays

Adam Lind hit .288 last year with 67 runs, 23 home runs and 67 RBI. He has averaged 23.6 home runs and 77 RBI over the past five seasons.


7. Chris Carter, Houston Astros

You’ll have to live with his .223 average, but Carter slugged 29 home runs with 82 RBI.


8. Mitch Moreland, Texas Rangers

Mitch Moreland has averaged 18 home runs over the past three seasons. He offers some pop, but he is a .253 hitter.


9. Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox

Dunn is a career .238 hitter but has 11 seasons with at least 26 home runs. He’ll yield some at-bats to Paul Konerko, which hurts his value.


10. Matt Joyce, Tampa Bay Rays

Matt Joyce is a .249 career hitter but has averaged 18 home runs over the past three years. He can add some pop to your lineup.

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2014 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Closer Rankings.

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Craig Kimbrel has a 1.48 ERA, a 0.57 WHIP, 138 saves and 341 strikeouts in 206.2 innings over the past three seasons. He’s as dominant as they come.


2. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Aroldis Chapman can throw heat like nobody else. He had 38 saves, a 2.54 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 112 strikeouts in 63.2 innings lasts year.


3. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kenley Jansen had 28 saves, a 1.88 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. He throws gas and has a great rotation to give him leads to protect.


4. 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.


5. 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.


6. Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis Cardinals

Trevor Rosenthal had a 2.63 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, 108 strikeouts and three saves in 75.1 innings. He did not allow a run in 11.2 innings during the playoffs while racking up 18 strikeouts and four saves.


7. 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.


8. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants

Sergio Romo had 38 saves, a 2.54 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and 58 strikeouts. He also has a quality rotation in front of him.


9. 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.


10. 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.

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2014 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Catcher Rankings.

1. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

Buster Posey hit .294 with 61 runs, 15 home runs and 72 RBI. He’ll be 27 and is a year removed from a .336-78-24-103-1 line.


2. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

Joe Mauer has catcher eligibility, but moving away from the position should keep him fresher. Mauer hit .324 last year with 62 runs, 11 home runs and 47 RBI. He doesn’t offer much pop in his bat, but he’s a lifetime .323 hitter.


3. Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Over the past three years, Carlos Santana has averaged .253 with 77 runs, 21.7 home runs and 76.3 RBI. His power is enough to compensate for the batting average.


4. Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

Yadier Molina is best known for his defensive ability, but over the past three years he has hit .313 while averaging 62.7 runs, 16 home runs, 73.7 RBI and 6.3 stolen bases.


5. Brian McCann, New York Yankees

I think the movie to Yankee Stadium will pay big dividends for Brian McCann. His average has slumped a bit in recent years, but the power is there. McCann has averaged 21.4 home runs and 79.8 RBI. He’ll have the luxury of playing DH from time to time.


6. Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies

Wilin Rosario has averaged 24.5 home runs and 75 RBI over the past two seasons. He narrowed the gap of his home-away splits last year as he posted a .817 OPS at home and a .785 mark on the road.


7. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

Salvador Perez posted a .292-48-13-79-0 line last year. He won’t provide big-time power, but he’ll deliver a quality average.


8. Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers

Jonathan Lucroy has hit .285 over the past three years while averaging 50 runs, 14 home runs, 66.3 RBI and five stolen bases. He doesn’t excel in any category, but he’s solid across the board.


9. Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles

Matt Wieters was once called “Mauer with Power”. With three straight years with at least 20 home runs, the power part is true. You’ll have to deal with a lifetime .255 hitter though. During that three-year stretch he’s averaging 66 runs 22.3 home runs and 76.7 RBI.


10. Evan Gattis, Atlanta Braves

Evan Gattis slugged 21 home runs with 65 RBI last year. He’s a solid source of power at a reasonable value.



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2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Shortstop Rankings.

1. Hanley Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Hanley Ramirez was limited to 86 games, but he hit .345 with 62 runs, 20 home runs, 57 RBI and 10 stolen bases. If he can stay healthy and motivated, he should return to his spot as the premier player at his position.


2. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Troy Tulowitzki has averaged 109.5 games over the past four seasons. When he stays healthy, he’s a rock. Despite the limited workload during that stretch he averaged .307 with 68.8 runs, 22.5 home runs, 77.3 RBI and 5.8 stolen bases per year.


3. 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.


4. Ian Desmond, Washington Nationals

Ian Desmond has developed into a quality power-speed combination player. He has back-to-back 20-20 (HRs-SBs) seasons. Over that stretch he’s averaging .286 with 74.5 runs, 22.5 home runs, 76.5 RBI and 21 stolen bases.


5. 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 SBs. The additions of Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder should keep the Rangers’ offense humming. Look for Andrus to set the table.


6. Jean Segura, Milwaukee Brewers

Jean Segura led all shortstops with 44 stolen bases. He also hit .294 with 74 runs, 12 home runs and 49 RBI. He’ll give you a leg up in the stolen base category.


7. Andrelton Simmons, Atlanta Braves

Andrelton Simmons hit just .248 in his first full season, but he managed 76 runs, 17 home runs, 59 RBI and six stolen bases. His power numbers may come down, but he should improve in the other categories.


8. Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs

Starlin Castro was a major disappointment with a .245-59-10-44-9 line, but he’ll turn 24 in March. In his first three years he averaged .297 with 74 runs, nine home runs, 61.7 RBI and 19 stolen bases. A major rebound should be in order.


9. Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres

Everth Cabrera is another speed option. He doesn’t bring much else to the table, but he has averaged 40.5 stolen bases over the past two years.


10. 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.

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