MLB CHEATSHEET..........STARTERS

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen                   

Verlander will do it again in 2012

Today the Fantasy Boyz are focusing on starting pitching.  In many leagues the pitching position is neglected.  The Fantasy Boyz want to make sure that our readers don't make this same mistake.  We feel the best rosters are ones that are well rounded.  While most leagues do favor hitting overall a team that forgets to add quality arms is not one that will succeed.  The Starters are much like Outfielders in the sense that there is so much quality out there.  Our rankings slate how we will pick in our upcoming drafts. 

The top ten is easy lead by Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw and Roy Halladay but you make your money in the middle rounds.  Guys like Tommy Hanson, Josh Johnson, and Adam Wainwright will carry your pitching categories and won't cost you a top 2 selection.  Yes we know Johnson and Wainwright are coming off major injury.  Well the Fantasy Boyz are risk takers and we aren't afraid to add talent to our roster.  We hope you follow suit

Sleepers:
Ian Kennedy - Possibility of putting up Cy Young #s

Derek Holland - High Velocity and will get more innings with the loss of CJ Wilson

Andy Pettitte  - Mark our words Pettitte will be an important member of the Yankees rotation in 2012

Steer Clear:
Ubaldo Jimenez - Hasn't been the same since first half of 2010

Michael Pineda - Will he be able to handle the Bronx pressure?  Let someone else find out

Jordan Zimmerman - We want production before we add him to our team

MLB CHEATSHEET.......OUTFIELD

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen

Kemp is set to EXPLODE in 2012

While many of the infield positions are low on top level talent the Outfield position is chalk full of studs.  Matt Kemp and Ryan Braun lead this group.  You could make a case for either player as the #1 overall player selected in your draft.  As you continue to scan the list you will see players such as Curtis Granderson, Jose Bautista, Justin Upton, and Jacoby Ellsbury.  Any one of which has a chance to carry a fantasy baseball roster.  It is also filled with young guns like Giancarlo Stanton, and Desmond Jennings.  Our strategy in most drafts is to hold off on the Outfield position as you can grab difference makers like Matt Holliday, and Shane Victorino in the mid rounds. 

Sleeper Candidates:
Desmond Jennings- This youngster has all the tools to be a 5 tool stud.  In a small sample size last season he was dominant.

Shin-Soo Choo- With DWI and injuries in the rear view mirror we expect Choo to produce #s similar to years past

Steer Cleer:
Josh Hamilton- Back on the sauce and is always injured.  Let someone else grab him early

Jason Heyward- Sure to be drafted way too high.  Hasn't shown us why yet on the field

Nelson Cruz- Another china doll.  Don't let him sit on your DL.

MLB CHEATSHEET..........THIRD BASE

LONGO will be dominant in 2012

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen


Unlike our past two rankings the Third Base position is chalk full of solid players.  We feel the position is ten deep with difference making players.  We have no issue whatsoever with waiting on a third baseman while gobbling up other weaker positions.  The cream of the third base crop is Evan Longoria, followed closely by Mega Masher Jose Bautista.  Either player would look great in your everyday lineup, but we like Longo just a bit better as he has it all.  Barring injury he is a possible top 5 guy overall.


SLEEPER CANDIDATES:
Brett Lawrie -  This young gun is full of talent and was lights out in his stint with the Jays last season.


Pablo Sandoval - He has Lasik in the off season and was already coming off a fine season.

Mike Moustakas - Lit it up at the end of last season and is unquestioned starting third baseman in KC.

STEER CLEAR:
Mark Reynolds - Is an all or nothing guy.  Kills you in strikeouts and average but doesn't even drive in all that many runs.


Chase Headley - Weak hitter and injury prone.