Fantasy All Stars.....

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen

With All Star Voting coming to a close we wanted to put together our take on MLB All Stars from a Fantasy perspective.  Our list contains many names you have seen on these types of lists many times over, but there are also some players listed who have burst onto the fantasy scene in 2012.  If you have 2 or more of these guys on your roster chances are you are at or near the top of your league.

Catcher - Carlos Ruiz - .356 average - 39 runs - 13 HRs - 46 RBI - 3 SB

Chooch as his teammates lovingly call him has been a great defensive catcher with a little bit of pop his whole career.  This season something has come over him though as he is lacing line drives all over the city of brotherly love.  While we don't necessarily think he will keep up these lofty numbers all season but he has slowed down yet so we won't bet against him.  We are are particularly impressed with his .356 average and 46 RBI.

First Base - Joey Votto - .352 average - 50 runs - 14 HRs - 47 RBI - 4 SB

Votto is leading the way at first as he has been for the past couple seasons now.  With only 14 homers we actually expect him to increase his power numbers as the weather gets warmer and the ball starts to carry in Cincy.

Second Base - Robinson Cano - .315 average - 55 runs - 20 HRs - 48 RBI - 1 SB

Well watta ya know Robby Cano.  The Yankee second baseman actually got off to somewhat of a slow start in 2012 but has been on an epic tear leading up to the All Star Break.  Cano's 20 HRs, and 48 RBI are ultra impressive when coming from the second base position.

Shortstop - Ian Desmond - .279 average - 43 runs - 14 HRs - 45 RBI - 8 SB

It's good to be Robbie

Desmond was most likely a mid to late round pick in most leagues and wow is that paying off now.  He has always had potential but never has put together a season like this prior to 2012.  In a lineup that boasts some nice pop Desmond has actually been one of the major contributors to the National's success.

Third Base - David Wright - .351 average - 54 runs - 10 HRs - 54 RBI - 8 SB

Probably the easiest selection of the bunch Wright has been absolutely on fire all season long.  This comes in a lineup that doesn't exactly give him all that much protection.  Just like Votto we actually expect a bit more in the HR department in the second half.

Outfield - Josh Hamilton - .316 average - 51 runs - 25 HRs - 73 RBI - 6 SB

Imagine what this guys numbers would be if he wasn't a china doll.  As it is he is our 2012 fantasy MVP.  The RBI totals are out of this world and his 51 runs and 25 HRs are nothing to sneeze at.

Outfield - Carlos Gonzalez - .338 average - 59 runs - 17 HRs - 58 RBI - 10 SB

Cargo is tearing the cover off the ball this summer.  A true 5 tooler and is contributing in all stat lines.  He is a favorite for NL MVP.  His 59 runs and 58 RBi are ridiculous.

Outfield - Andrew McCutchen - .360 average - 52 runs - 16 HRs - 54 RBI - 14 SB

Wait a second no Ryan Braun here?  Nope Cutch is having a once in a career year in the steel city.  A .360 average along with 52 runs, 16 bombs 54 RBI's AND 14 SBs..... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Nope Cutch has been that good this season.

Bet ya can't hit it.....

Starter - R.A. Dickey - 12 wins - 1 loss - 116 Ks - 2.15 ERA - 0.88 WHIP

ROBERT ALLEN FREAKING DICKEY..... The things he is doing this season have not yet ceased to amaze.  12 wins, 116 Ks, 2.15 ERA.   That Knuckler is dancing like a ballerina out there and it is so great to watch. 

Closer - Fernando Rodney - 24 saves - 38 Ks - 0.96 ERA - 0.72 WHIP

Rodney wouldn't even have a save most likely if Kyle Farnsworth hadn't gone down early with elbow problems.  Well this baller with a tilted cap has been lights out ever since.  He has been virtually un hittable in the 9th for the Rays

Ahhhh Real Opening Day

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen

Already mashing.........

FINALLY we hear the crack of the balls hitting the bats and the snap of fastballs hitting the catchers mits.  Was there anything more annoying than the almost week layover between the Mariner/A's series in Japan?   Ok I get opening things in Japan, in fact it was pretty cool to be getting up for work to see a live MLB game in progress.  The issue I have is why make me wait a full week before the rest of the league gets going?  I don't care if the A's and Mariners are jet lagged, it is their call to accept playing in those games. 

In league action today could this be the beginning of another year of the pitcher?  Roy Halladay, Justin Verlander, Stephen Strasburg, Justin Masterson and Kyle Lohse for christ's sake have already thrown gems.  I for one hope the bats wake quickly.  I love a pitchers duel just as much as the next guy but mashing is what gets the blood flowing.  Thank you Jose Bautista for getting it going early.  Keep it up will ya?

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.

MLB CHEAT SHEET.........SHORTSTOP

By Fantasy Boyz Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen

TULO wants you to want him

Today's Fantasy Boyz rankings focuses on Shortstops, another position that is low on high end talent.  There is a clear big three in Troy Tulowitzki, Jose Reyes, and Hanley Ramirez.  After those players the drop off is substantial.  The next grouping is filled with some young guns in Starlin Castro, and Elvis Andrus as well as some wily veterans in Jimmy Rollins and Captain Derek Jeter.  In the exact same situation as Second Base if you don't get one of the top tier guys we advocate waiting to the mid rounds and fill out the rest of your lineup.  You could do much worse than grabbing a guy like Jhonny Peralta and beefing up the rest of your lineup and staff.  Keep an eye on a guy like Asdrubal Cabrera.  He finally put together a breakout season after a couple years of waiting on that talent.  While he isn't on the same level as a Tulo or Ramirez he is of the same mold and can be plugged into any lineup on a daily basis with great production.  We expect him to put together a similar year to 2011.

For any direct questions please contact us directly on Twitter at @coreyb3p or @dbystrak

MLB CHEAT SHEET.......SECOND BASE

By FANTASY BOYZ Editor in Chief Corey Bugenhagen              

Cano is a top 5 option

When looking at your lineups after your yearly draft may owners scratch their head with what they are going to do at Second Base.  There is not a long line of guys that you plug into your lineup and not worry if they will produce or not.  Outside of Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia there are questions surrounding almost every option.  Brandon Phillips is mad about his contract.  Ian Kinsler has had ankle problems, which he has supposedly had fixed with some kind of blood platelet injection.  Rickie Weeks has had ankle problems of his own.  The list of questions goes on and on, which is why we feel the value of Cano and Pedroia is so high is this years draft.  Sure they will not produce like the big time sluggers at first base, third base or outfield but those positions are much deeper in talent.  We have no issue with Cano going in the top 5 or Pedroia in the top 10.  For example if you are to grab Cano at 2 or 3 and then come back around with Teixeira in round two you are much better off than with a combo of Adrian Gonzales and Rickie Weeks or Dan Uggla.  Again that is just my opinion and you know what they same about those.   The fact does remain though that getting a Second Baseman that will contribute consistent numbers in 2012 is not an easy task.