I've played fantasy baseball for about 7 years now, and if there's one important thing I've learned, it's this: If you paid for a preseason fantasy cheat sheet or draft kit, you're a moron. So many sites out there put together these draft kit packages with rankings, projections, auction values, etc., and then sell it for around $15 to $20. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the folks that do this spend a lot of time and hard work on them. But for the average fantasy manager, for every draft kit/cheat sheet/whatever you dropped your hard-earned cash on, there was probably something just as useful for you out there for the great low price of free.
So to further help the frugal fantasy manager, I have decided to publish my 2007 positional rankings for you to peruse this preseason. I will update this post as the rankings change, so be sure and bookmark it. I'll also create a sidebar link to it for easy access from the front page.
A couple notes:
- Multi-positional players are ranked at every position they're most likely eligible at for your league. There may be some discrepancies based on different league formats. I hate it when you look at rankings and you see someone like Lance Berkman ranked amongst the 1B, but they don't bother ranking him at OF as well. Having said that, I realize there are several players that are eligible at certain positions on Yahoo that I do not have ranked. I may add them eventually, but for right now I'm going with what I've got.
- I don't have an overall ranking list, and I do not plan on publishing one any time soon.
- You can assume a basic 5x5 scoring system for these rankings. If your league is some wacky points league that's counting sacrifice hits during day games played on odd-number dates, or you have one of those iditotic leagues that is 12x12, you probably should be making your own rankings. If you just joined a public league for the first time and you have no idea what the hell 5x5 means, these rankings will work fine.
- Feel free to post comments, giving your own thoughts. Don't be a dick though, and don't just post some crap like "Matsui is waaaay too low and Abreu is waaaay too high", without actually giving your input or reasoning as to why.
CATCHER
Mike Piazza has dipped a little in the catcher ranks in recent years. But this season he's seeing a little boost to his value. Slated as the main DH for Oakland, Piazza should produce pretty solid numbers without being hampered with catching duties. We just hope he gets the minimum amount of starts behind the plate, so we remains eligible here for 2008.
| 1. | Joe Mauer, MIN |
| 2. | Brian McCann, ATL |
| 3. | Victor Martinez, CLE |
| 4. | Kenji Johjima, SEA |
| 5. | Ramon Hernandez, BAL |
| 6. | Mike Piazza, OAK |
| 7. | Jorge Posada, NYY |
| 8. | Ivan Rodriguez, DET |
| 9. | Michael Barrett, CHC |
| 10. | Russell Martin, LAD |
| 11. | A.J. Pierzynski, CHW |
| 12. | Jason Varitek, BOS |
| 13. | Paul Lo Duca, NYM |
| 14. | Johnny Estrada, MIL |
| 15. | Jason Kendall, OAK |
| 16. | Bengie Molina, SF |
| 17. | Gerald Laird, TEX |
| 18. | Miguel Olivo, FLA |
| 19. | Ronny Paulino, PIT |
| 20. | David Ross, CIN |
| 21. | Josh Bard, SD |
| 22. | Gregg Zaun, TOR |
| 23. | Chris Iannetta, COL |
| 24. | Mike Napoli, LAA |
| 25. | Rod Barajas, PHI |
| 26. | Dioner Navarro, TB |
| 27. | Miguel Montero, ARI |
| 28. | Yadier Molina, STL |
| 29. | Brian Schneider, WAS |
| 30. | Chris Snyder, ARI |
FIRST BASE
While they don't have eligibility here, and may not even get it this season, I hate having a DH ranking separate from everything else. Most leagues don't have a set DH slot, and the utility/flex slot can be used for anyone, so essentially you would need rank all the batters together then. So instead I am ranking the sole DH players at the position they would most likely play.
| 1. | Albert Pujols, STL |
| 2. | Ryan Howard, PHI |
| 3. | David Ortiz, BOS |
| 4. | Lance Berkman, HOU |
| 5. | Travis Hafner, CLE |
| 6. | Mark Teixeira, TEX |
| 7. | Justin Morneau, MIN |
| 8. | Derrek Lee, CHC |
| 9. | Paul Konerko, CHW |
| 10. | Jim Thome, CHW |
| 11. | Carlos Delgado, NYM |
| 12. | Prince Fielder, MIL |
| 13. | Richie Sexson, SEA |
| 14. | Jason Giambi, NYY |
| 15. | Victor Martinez, CLE |
| 16. | Nick Swisher, OAK |
| 17. | Todd Helton, COL |
| 18. | Adam LaRoche, PIT |
| 19. | Lyle Overbay, TOR |
| 20. | Adrian Gonzalez, SD |
| 21. | Frank Thomas, TOR |
| 22. | Howie Kendrick, LAA |
| 23. | Nomar Garciaparra, LAD |
| 24. | Conor Jackson, ARI |
| 25. | Nick Johnson, WAS |
| 26. | Kevin Youkilis, BOS |
| 27. | Mike Jacobs, FLA |
| 28. | Aubrey Huff, BAL |
| 29. | Ryan Shealy, KC |
| 30. | Shea Hillenbrand, LAA |
SECOND BASE
I know what you're thinking, no Neifi? Blasphemy! Also I realize that Felipe Lopez doesn't currently have 2B eligibility, but sources I've read have Lopez starting at 2B for 2007 with Cristian (how the hell do I still have a job) Guzman is at SS for the Nats. Update: I have added Ryan Freel to the list.
| 1. | Chase Utley, PHI |
| 2. | Brian Roberts, BAL |
| 3. | Robinson Cano, NYY |
| 4. | Felipe Lopez, WAS |
| 5. | Julio Lugo, BOS |
| 6. | Rickie Weeks, MIL |
| 7. | Dan Uggla, FLA |
| 8. | Josh Barfield, CLE |
| 9. | Tadahito Iguchi, CHW |
| 10. | Ian Kinsler, TEX |
| 11. | Jeff Kent, LAD |
| 12. | Brandon Phillips, CIN |
| 13. | Howie Kendrick, LAA |
| 14. | Ray Durham, SF |
| 15. | Freddy Sanchez, PIT |
| 16. | Ryan Freel, CIN |
| 17. | Orlando Hudson, ARI |
| 18. | Marcus Giles, SD |
| 19. | Jorge Cantu, TB |
| 20. | Luis Castillo, MIN |
| 21. | Jose Lopez, SEA |
| 22. | Chris Burke, HOU |
| 23. | Placido Polanco, DET |
| 24. | Mark DeRosa, CHC |
| 25. | Craig Biggio, HOU |
| 26. | Ty Wigginton, TB |
| 27. | Jose Castillo, PIT |
| 28. | Jose Vidro, SEA |
| 29. | Aaron Hill, TOR |
| 30. | Adam Kennedy, STL |
THIRD BASE
Remember when third base was a cesspool for fantasy talent? You either drafted Rolen or Chipper right away, or else you were stuck with Joe frickin' Randa at the hot corner. Not the case any more. Hell, David Wright is an absolute stud and he's the third best option at his position. Also Alex Gordon looks to be the run away favorite for the preseason "young player every manager is freaking out about" award. If he is as good as he appears, how many years will it be before he's in Yankee pinstripes as A-Rod's replacement?
| 1. | Alex Rodriguez, NYY |
| 2. | Miguel Cabrera, FLA |
| 3. | David Wright, NYM |
| 4. | Aramis Ramirez, CHC |
| 5. | Garrett Atkins, COL |
| 6. | Ryan Zimmerman, WAS |
| 7. | Chone Figgins, LAA |
| 8. | Scott Rolen, STL |
| 9. | Chipper Jones, ATL |
| 10. | Troy Glaus, TOR |
| 11. | Chad Tracy, ARI |
| 12. | Adrian Beltre, SEA |
| 13. | Eric Chavez, OAK |
| 14. | Mark Teahen, KC |
| 15. | Joe Crede, CHW |
| 16. | Melvin Mora, BAL |
| 17. | Edwin Encarnacion, CIN |
| 18. | Hank Blalock, TEX |
| 19. | Freddy Sanchez, PIT |
| 20. | Alex Gordon, KC |
| 21. | Morgan Ensberg, HOU |
| 22. | Aubrey Huff, BAL |
| 23. | Brandon Inge, DET |
| 24. | Akinori Iwamura, TB |
| 25. | Mike Lowell, BOS |
| 26. | B.J. Upton, TB |
| 27. | Rich Aurilia, SF |
| 28. | Kevin Kouzmanoff, SD |
| 29. | Pedro Feliz, SF |
| 30. | Shea Hillenbrand, LAA |
SHORTSTOP
Nothing shocking here really. You may notice that last year's preseason MVP favorite and ESPN mancrush Bobby Crosby doesn't even crack the Top 20 this year.
| 1. | Jose Reyes, NYM |
| 2. | Derek Jeter, NYY |
| 3. | Jimmy Rollins, PHI |
| 4. | Hanley Ramirez, FLA |
| 5. | Miguel Tejada, BAL |
| 6. | Rafael Furcal, LAD |
| 7. | Michael Young, TEX |
| 8. | Carlos Guillen, DET |
| 9. | Bill Hall, MIL |
| 10. | Felipe Lopez, WAS |
| 11. | Julio Lugo, BOS |
| 12. | Edgar Renteria, ATL |
| 13. | Orlando Cabrera, LAA |
| 14. | Freddy Sanchez, PIT |
| 15. | Stephen Drew, ARI |
| 16. | Jhonny Peralta, CLE |
| 17. | Omar Vizquel, SF |
| 18. | Khalil Greene, SD |
| 19. | Troy Tulowitzki, COL |
| 20. | Rich Aurilia, CIN |
| 21. | Jason Bartlett, MIN |
| 22. | Yuniesky Betancourt, SEA |
| 23. | David Eckstein, STL |
| 24. | Aaron Hill, TOR |
| 25. | Bobby Crosby, OAK |
| 26. | Juan Uribe, CHW |
| 27. | J.J. Hardy, MIL |
| 28. | Alex Gonzalez, CIN |
| 29. | Jack Wilson, PIT |
| 30. | Nick Punto, MIN |
OUTFIELD
A couple guys here aren't technically eligible at OF, yet. Bill Hall and Mark Teahen both are slated to play outfield this season. If that's the case, they should have OF eligibility within the first week or so. Hall may seem a little high, but his possible dual-eligibility at SS and OF bumps up his value a bit.
| 1. | Alfonso Soriano, CHC |
| 2. | Carl Crawford, TB |
| 3. | Vladimir Guerrero, LAA |
| 4. | Carlos Beltran, NYM |
| 5. | Lance Berkman, HOU |
| 6. | Grady Sizemore, CLE |
| 7. | Matt Holliday, COL |
| 8. | Manny Ramirez, BOS |
| 9. | Jason Bay, PIT |
| 10. | Carlos Lee, CHW |
| 11. | Ichiro Suzuki, SEA |
| 12. | Vernon Wells, TOR |
| 13. | Bobby Abreu, NYY |
| 14. | Andruw Jones, ATL |
| 15. | Jermaine Dye, CHW |
| 16. | Johnny Damon, NYY |
| 17. | Chone Figgins, LAA |
| 18. | Adam Dunn, CIN |
| 19. | Juan Pierre, LAD |
| 20. | Hideki Matsui, NYY |
| 21. | Gary Sheffield, DET |
| 22. | Bill Hall, MIL |
| 23. | Torii Hunter, MIN |
| 24. | Delmon Young, TB |
| 25. | Alex Rios, TOR |
| 26. | Nick Swisher, OAK |
| 27. | Raul Ibanez, SEA |
| 28. | Magglio Ordonez, DET |
| 29. | Rocco Baldelli, TB |
| 30. | Jeff Francoeur, ATL |
| 31. | Michael Cuddyer, MIN |
| 32. | Mike Cameron, SD |
| 33. | Corey Patterson, BAL |
| 34. | J.D. Drew, BOS |
| 35. | Mark Teahen, KC |
| 36. | Coco Crisp, BOS |
| 37. | Willy Taveras, COL |
| 38. | Pat Burrell, PHI |
| 39. | Nick Markakis, BAL |
| 40. | Eric Byrnes, ARI |
| 41. | Barry Bonds, SF |
| 42. | Dave Roberts, SF |
| 43. | Josh Willingham, FLA |
| 44. | Gary Matthews Jr., LAA |
| 45. | Aubrey Huff, BAL |
| 46. | Ryan Freel, CIN |
| 47. | Brad Hawpe, COL |
| 48. | Carlos Quentin, ARI |
| 49. | Brian Giles, SD |
| 50. | Chris Young, ARI |
| 51. | Curtis Granderson, DET |
| 52. | Craig Monroe, DET |
| 53. | Jacque Jones, CHC |
| 54. | Austin Kearns, CIN |
| 55. | Ken Griffey Jr., CIN |
| 56. | Scott Podsednik, CHW |
| 57. | Aaron Rowand, PHI |
| 58. | Chris Duncan, STL |
| 59. | Moises Alou, NYM |
| 60. | David DeJesus, KC |
STARTING PITCHER
Starting pitching is usually the most disputed position as far as fantasy rankings go. Everyone has their own personal opinion. Some highly rate the up and coming youngsters, while others like the proven record of a seasoned vet. I try to find the happy medium here.
| 1. | Johan Santana, MIN |
| 2. | Chris Carpenter, STL |
| 3. | Roy Oswalt, HOU |
| 4. | Brandon Webb, ARI |
| 5. | Roy Halladay, TOR |
| 6. | Jake Peavy, SD |
| 7. | Carlos Zambrano, CHC |
| 8. | John Smoltz, ATL |
| 9. | C.C. Sabathia, CLE |
| 10. | John Lackey, LAA |
| 11. | Ben Sheets, MIL |
| 12. | Felix Hernandez, SEA |
| 13. | Jeremy Bonderman, DET |
| 14. | Aaron Harang, CIN |
| 15. | Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS |
| 16. | Scott Kazmir, TB |
| 17. | Brett Myers, PHI |
| 18. | Dan Haren, OAK |
| 19. | Chris Young, SD |
| 20. | Curt Schilling, BOS |
| 21. | Jason Schmidt, LAD |
| 22. | Dontrelle Willis, FLA |
| 23. | Jered Weaver, LAA |
| 24. | Bronson Arroyo, CIN |
| 25. | Matt Cain, SF |
| 26. | Rich Harden, OAK |
| 27. | Mike Mussina, NYY |
| 28. | Erik Bedard, BAL |
| 29. | Cole Hamels, PHI |
| 30. | Barry Zito, SF |
| 31. | Justin Verlander, DET |
| 32. | Randy Johnson, ARI |
| 33. | Chris Capuano, MIL |
| 34. | Jonathan Papelbon, BOS |
| 35. | A.J. Burnett, TOR |
| 36. | Dave Bush, MIL |
| 37. | Andy Pettitte, NYY |
| 38. | Ervin Santana, LAA |
| 39. | Josh Beckett, BOS |
| 40. | Freddy Garcia, PHI |
| 41. | Derek Lowe, LAD |
| 42. | Kelvim Escobar, LAA |
| 43. | Rich Hill, CHC |
| 44. | Scott Olsen, FLA |
| 45. | Kevin Millwood, TEX |
| 46. | Javier Vazquez, CHW |
| 47. | Brad Penny, LAD |
| 48. | John Patterson, WAS |
| 49. | Ian Snell, PIT |
| 50. | Anibal Sanchez, FLA |
| 51. | Greg Maddux, SD |
| 52. | Chuck James, ATL |
| 53. | Josh Johnson, FLA |
| 54. | Chien-Ming Wang, NYY |
| 55. | Tim Hudson, ATL |
| 56. | Cliff Lee, CLE |
| 57. | Jose Contreras, CHW |
| 58. | Ted Lilly, CHC |
| 59. | Jon Garland, CHW |
| 60. | Adam Wainwright, STL |
RELIEF PITCHER
This is such a volatile position that keeping a decent ranking for it becomes tough. While the top 15-20 is remains fairly steady, the fringe guys are tough to gauge. Since they're not reflected in my rankings here's a quick note of closer situations around the league to keep in mind.
BOSTON - Looks like the Papelboner is in fact closing now.
TAMPA BAY - Seth McClung has looked like shit. Al Reyes or Chad Orvella could takeover.
CHICAGO (AL) - Bobby Jenks has been miserable this Spring. Keep Mike MacDougal on standby.
FLORIDA - Avoid this situation like the plague for now. Tankersley is not a decent option and probably shouldn't be ranked right now. Matt Lindstrom may become the Marlins closer.
CINCINNATI - The Stanton/Weathers combo is vomit-inducing. But the possible re-emergence of Dustin Hermanson is worth keeping an eye on.
PITTSBURGH - Torres appears to have the job for now, but if you're in a keeper league, consider grabbing Matt Capps.
| 1. | Joe Nathan, MIN |
| 2. | Francisco Rodriguez, LAA |
| 3. | Mariano Rivera, NYY |
| 4. | B.J. Ryan, TOR |
| 5. | Billy Wagner, NYM |
| 6. | J.J. Putz, SEA |
| 7. | Huston Street, OAK |
| 8. | Trevor Hoffman, SD |
| 9. | Takashi Saito, LAD |
| 10. | Bobby Jenks, CHW |
| 11. | Chad Cordero, WAS |
| 12. | Francisco Cordero, MIL |
| 13. | Chris Ray, BAL |
| 14. | Tom Gordon, PHI |
| 15. | Brad Lidge. HOU |
| 16. | Brian Fuentes, COL |
| 17. | Eric Gagne, TEX |
| 18. | Bob Wickman, ATL |
| 19. | Jason Isringhausen, STL |
| 20. | Jose Valverde, ARI |
| 21. | Todd Jones, DET |
| 22. | Salomon Torres, PIT |
| 23. | Joel Zumaya, DET |
| 24. | Octavio Dotel, KC |
| 25. | Joe Borowski, CLE |
| 26. | Ryan Dempster, CHC |
| 27. | Scot Shields, LAA |
| 28. | Armando Benitez, SF |
| 29. | David Weathers, CIN |
| 30. | Taylor Tankersley, FLA |
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