Getting ready for draft day can be tough. But with it being less than 3 weeks away, it's best to get started early.
The best way to prepare is by creating your own personal player rankings position by position. To help you with the process, I've created some baseline rankings from which you can start your own rankings. These rankings are a composite ranking from MLB.com, ESPN.com and FBLG player rankings from last season's points.
Use these rankings as a starting point, then over the course of the next 2 1/2 weeks, move players up or down, in or out of your rankings.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Position update: Relievers
SOLID CLOSERS
Francisco Cordero, Cin; Jose Valverde, Hou; Jonathan Broxton, LA; Trevor Hoffman, Mil; Francisco Rodriguez, NY; Brad Lidge, Phi; Matt Capps, Pit; Heath Bell, SD; Brian Wilson, SF; Joel Hanrahan, Was.
OPEN FOR COMPETITION
Atl: Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano
Chi: Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg
Col: Manny Corpas and Huston Street
Fla: Matt Lindstrom and Leo Nunez
StL: Jason Motte and Chris Perez
Francisco Cordero, Cin; Jose Valverde, Hou; Jonathan Broxton, LA; Trevor Hoffman, Mil; Francisco Rodriguez, NY; Brad Lidge, Phi; Matt Capps, Pit; Heath Bell, SD; Brian Wilson, SF; Joel Hanrahan, Was.
OPEN FOR COMPETITION
Atl: Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano
Chi: Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg
Col: Manny Corpas and Huston Street
Fla: Matt Lindstrom and Leo Nunez
StL: Jason Motte and Chris Perez
Position update: Starting pitchers
SOLID STARTERS
Atl: Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami, Jair Jurrjens, Jorge Campillo
Chi: Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden, Ted Lilly
Cin: Aaron Harang, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo
Col: Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis
Fla: Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller
Hou: Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez, Mike Hampton, Brandon Backe
LA: Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Wolf
Mil: Yovani Gallardo, Dave Bush, Jeff Suppan, Manny Parra
NY: Johan Santana, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey
Phi: Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton
Pit: Paul Maholm, Zack Duke, Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny
StL: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Kyle Lohse, Todd Wellemeyer, Joel Pineiro
SD: Jake Peavy, Chris Young
SF: Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito, Randy Johnson, Jonathan Sanchez
Was: John Lannan, Scott Olsen
BATTLING FOR SPOTS
Chi: Sean Marshall, Aaron Heilman (1 spot)
Cin: Micah Owings, Homer Bailey, Ramon Ramirez (1 spot)
Col: Greg Smith, Franklin Morales, Josh Fogg, Jorge De La Rosa (2 spots)
Fla: Anibal Sanchez, Burke Badenhop (1 spot)
Hou: Brian Moehler, Fernando Nieve (1 spot)
Mil: Seth McClung, Chris Capuano (1 spot)
LA: Jason Schmidt, Claudio Vargas (1 spot)
NY: Tim Redding, Freddy Garcia (1 spot)
Phi: Kyle Kendrick, Chan Ho Park (1 spot)
Pit: Jeff Karstens, Ross Ohlendorf (1 spot)
SD: Cha Seung Black, Wade LeBlanc, Josh Greer, Kevin Correia (3 spots)
Was: Collin Balester, Sharion Martis, Daniel Cabrera, Jason Bergmann, Shawn Hill (3 spots)
Atl: Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami, Jair Jurrjens, Jorge Campillo
Chi: Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden, Ted Lilly
Cin: Aaron Harang, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo
Col: Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis
Fla: Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller
Hou: Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez, Mike Hampton, Brandon Backe
LA: Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Wolf
Mil: Yovani Gallardo, Dave Bush, Jeff Suppan, Manny Parra
NY: Johan Santana, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey
Phi: Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton
Pit: Paul Maholm, Zack Duke, Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny
StL: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Kyle Lohse, Todd Wellemeyer, Joel Pineiro
SD: Jake Peavy, Chris Young
SF: Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito, Randy Johnson, Jonathan Sanchez
Was: John Lannan, Scott Olsen
BATTLING FOR SPOTS
Chi: Sean Marshall, Aaron Heilman (1 spot)
Cin: Micah Owings, Homer Bailey, Ramon Ramirez (1 spot)
Col: Greg Smith, Franklin Morales, Josh Fogg, Jorge De La Rosa (2 spots)
Fla: Anibal Sanchez, Burke Badenhop (1 spot)
Hou: Brian Moehler, Fernando Nieve (1 spot)
Mil: Seth McClung, Chris Capuano (1 spot)
LA: Jason Schmidt, Claudio Vargas (1 spot)
NY: Tim Redding, Freddy Garcia (1 spot)
Phi: Kyle Kendrick, Chan Ho Park (1 spot)
Pit: Jeff Karstens, Ross Ohlendorf (1 spot)
SD: Cha Seung Black, Wade LeBlanc, Josh Greer, Kevin Correia (3 spots)
Was: Collin Balester, Sharion Martis, Daniel Cabrera, Jason Bergmann, Shawn Hill (3 spots)
Position update: Outfielders
SOLID STARTERS
Arz: Chris Young, Justin Upton
Atl: Garret Anderson, Jeff Franceour
Cin: Willy Taveras, Jay Bruce
Chi: Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley
Col: Brad Hawpe
Fla: Jeremy Hermida, Cody Ross
Hou: Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn
LA: Manny Ramirez, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp
Mil: Ryan Braun, Mike Cameron, Corey Hart
NY: Carlos Beltran
Phi: Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth
Pit: Nate McLouthStL: Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick
SD: Brian Giles, Chase Headley
SF: Fred Lewis, Aaron Rowand, Randy Winn
Was: Adam Dunn
BATTLING FOR SPOTS
Arz: Eric Byrnes & Conor Jackson. Jackson starts in LF if Byrnes is not healthy enough to start.
Atl: Josh Anderson & Gregor Blanco. Battle out for starting CF job.
Cin: Chris Dickerson & Jerry Hairston. Dickerson is the front-runner, but Hairston is there ready to steal starts away.
Chi: Kosuke Fukudome & Reed Johnson. Battle for ABs in center field.
Col: Ryan Spilborghs, Seth Smith, Ian Stewart, Carlos Gonzalez: All battling for the other two OF spots.
Fla: Cameron Maybin, Brett Carroll, Alfredo Amezaga. Maybin will be evaluated to see if he's ready to start. If not, others step in.
NY: Ryan Church, Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis. Three players battling for playing time in two OF spots.
Pit: Brandon Moss, Steve Pearce, Nyjer Morgan, Eric Hinske: Battling for two OF spots. Moss is the front-runner.
StL: Colby Rasmus, Brian Barton, Chris Duncan, Skip Schumaker: Schumaker is trying to convert to 2B, leaving the other three to battle for remaining OF spot.
SD: Jody Gerut & Scott Hairston: Gerut likely to gain more ABs.
Was: Josh Willingham, Lastings Milledge, Austin Kearns, Willy Mo Pena, Elijah Dukes. It's an OF logjam in DC and there others not mentioned hear.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Position update: Catchers
SOLID STARTERS
Brian McCann, Atl; Ramon Hernandez, Cin; Geovany Soto, Chi; Russell Martin, LA; Jason Kendall, Mil; Brian Schneider, NY; Ryan Doumit, Pit; Carlos Ruiz, Phi; Yadier Molina, StL; Bengie Molina, SF.
UNPROVEN ROOKIE
Nick Hundley, SD
PLATOON CANDIDATES
Chris Snyder/Miguel Montrero, Arz; Chris Iannetta/Yorvit Torrealba, Col; John Baker/Mike Rabelo, Fla; Humberto Quintero/J.R. Towles, Hou; Jesus Flores/Wil Nieves, Was
Brian McCann, Atl; Ramon Hernandez, Cin; Geovany Soto, Chi; Russell Martin, LA; Jason Kendall, Mil; Brian Schneider, NY; Ryan Doumit, Pit; Carlos Ruiz, Phi; Yadier Molina, StL; Bengie Molina, SF.
UNPROVEN ROOKIE
Nick Hundley, SD
PLATOON CANDIDATES
Chris Snyder/Miguel Montrero, Arz; Chris Iannetta/Yorvit Torrealba, Col; John Baker/Mike Rabelo, Fla; Humberto Quintero/J.R. Towles, Hou; Jesus Flores/Wil Nieves, Was
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Position update: Third basemen
SOLID STARTERS
Mark Reynolds, Arz; Chipper Jones, Atl; Edwin Encarnacion, Cin; Aramis Ramirez, Chi; Garrett Atkins, Col; Casey Blake, LA; David Wright, NY; Kevin Kouzmanoff, SD; Ryan Zimmerman, Was.
SOME QUESTIONS
Jorge Cantu, Fla: He'll start, but he may start at 1B if Fish feel that's the best place for him. That would open spot for West Helms or Dallas McPherson.
Bill Hall, Mil: The Brewers want to give Hall another shot at being a full-time starter, but a preseason injury will slow his progress. Plus the Brewers have a hot prospect in Mat Gamel. Of course, if Gamel started at 3B he might have to change his name to GamEEEEEEEEEEl.
Andy LaRoche, Pit: He's slated to be the starter, but the Bucs added veteran Eric Hinske just in case.
Pedro Feliz, Phi: He's recovering from offseason back surgery. Greg Dobbs will get starts if he's not ready to open season.
Troy Glaus, StL: Had offseason shoulder surgery; not expected to open season until late April or early May. David Freese to open season at 3B.
Pablo Sandoval, SF: All signs point to him starting at 3B. But could see time at 1B.
PLATOONING
Geoff Blum & Aaron Boone, Hou: Sure to create excitement among fantasy owners.
Mark Reynolds, Arz; Chipper Jones, Atl; Edwin Encarnacion, Cin; Aramis Ramirez, Chi; Garrett Atkins, Col; Casey Blake, LA; David Wright, NY; Kevin Kouzmanoff, SD; Ryan Zimmerman, Was.
SOME QUESTIONS
Jorge Cantu, Fla: He'll start, but he may start at 1B if Fish feel that's the best place for him. That would open spot for West Helms or Dallas McPherson.
Bill Hall, Mil: The Brewers want to give Hall another shot at being a full-time starter, but a preseason injury will slow his progress. Plus the Brewers have a hot prospect in Mat Gamel. Of course, if Gamel started at 3B he might have to change his name to GamEEEEEEEEEEl.
Andy LaRoche, Pit: He's slated to be the starter, but the Bucs added veteran Eric Hinske just in case.
Pedro Feliz, Phi: He's recovering from offseason back surgery. Greg Dobbs will get starts if he's not ready to open season.
Troy Glaus, StL: Had offseason shoulder surgery; not expected to open season until late April or early May. David Freese to open season at 3B.
Pablo Sandoval, SF: All signs point to him starting at 3B. But could see time at 1B.
PLATOONING
Geoff Blum & Aaron Boone, Hou: Sure to create excitement among fantasy owners.
Position update: Shortstops
SOLID STARTERS
Stephen Drew, Arz; Yunel Escobar, Atl; Ryan Theriot, Chi; Troy Tulowitzki, Col; Hanley Ramirez, Fla; Miguel Tejada, Hou; Rafael Furcal, LA; J.J. Hardy, Mil; Jose Reyes, NY; Jack Wilson, Pit; Jimmy Rollins, Phi; Khalil Greene, StL; Edgar Renteria, SF; Cristian Guzman, Was
SOME QUESTIONS
Alex Gonzalez, Cin: Battling back from injury. Jeff Keppinger waiting in reserve.
Luis Rodriguez, SD: Slotted to be starter, but his versatility and the presence of Eckstein throws this into question
Stephen Drew, Arz; Yunel Escobar, Atl; Ryan Theriot, Chi; Troy Tulowitzki, Col; Hanley Ramirez, Fla; Miguel Tejada, Hou; Rafael Furcal, LA; J.J. Hardy, Mil; Jose Reyes, NY; Jack Wilson, Pit; Jimmy Rollins, Phi; Khalil Greene, StL; Edgar Renteria, SF; Cristian Guzman, Was
SOME QUESTIONS
Alex Gonzalez, Cin: Battling back from injury. Jeff Keppinger waiting in reserve.
Luis Rodriguez, SD: Slotted to be starter, but his versatility and the presence of Eckstein throws this into question
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Top 50 players from 2008 stats
1. Tim Lincecum, sp, SF 527
2. Carlos Beltran, of, NY 493
3. David Wright, 3b, NY 485
4. Jose Reyes, ss, NY 483
5. Lance Berkman, 1b, Hou 480
6. Manny Ramirez, of, LA 478
7. Albert Pujols, 1b, StL 476
8. Ryan Braun, of, Mil 472
9. Nate McLouth, of, Pit 470
10. Chase Utley, 2b, Phi 462
11. Ryan Ludwick, of, StL 455
12. Adrian Gonzalez, 1b, SD 452
13. Ryan Howard, 1b, Phi 448
14. Johan Santana, sp, NY 447
15. Brandon Webb, sp, Arz 443
16. Raul Ibanez, of, Phi 441
17. Dan Haren, sp, Arz 435
18. Carlos Delgado, 1b, NY 429
18. Matt Kemp, of, LA 429
20. Hanley Ramirez, ss, Fla 423
21. Derrek Lee, 1b, Chi 419
22. Corey Hart, of, Mil 414
23. Ryan Dempster, sp, Chi 411
24. Cole Hamels, sp, Phi 410
25. Edinson Volquez, sp, Cin 409
26. Shane Victorino, of, Phi 408
27. Chris Young, of, Arz 406
28. Aramis Ramirez, 3b, Chi 405
29. Randy Winn, of, SF 400
30. Stephen Drew, ss, Arz 395
31. Andre Ethier, of, LA 394
32. Chad Billingsley, sp, LA 392
33. Jorge Cantu, 3b, Fla 391
34. Garrett Atkins, 3b, Col 389
35. Hunter Pence, of, Hou 387
36. Jimmy Rollins, ss, Phi 386
37. Prince Fielder, 1b, Mil 385
38. Ricky Nolasco, sp, Fla 383
39. Ted Lilly, sp, Chi 374
40. Conor Jackson, 1b, Arz 373
41. Dan Uggla, 2b, Fla 372
41. Miguel Tejada, ss, Hou 372
43. Roy Oswalt, sp, Hou 370
44. James Loney, 1b, LA 365
45. Garret Anderson, of, Atl 364
46. Brandon Phillips, 2b, Cin 362
46. Troy Glaus, 3b, StL 362
46. Brian McCann, c, Atl 362
49. Brian Giles, of, SD 361
50. Carlos Lee, of, Hou 354
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Position update: Second baseman
SOLID STARTERS
Kelly Johnson, Atl; Brandon Phillips Cin; Dan Uggla, Fla; Kaz Matsui, Hou; Orlando Hudson, LA; Rickie Weeks, Mil; Luis Castillo, NY; Freddy Sanchez, Pit; David Eckstein, SD.
SOME QUESTIONS
Chase Utley, Phi: Utley had offseason hip surgery that originally was thought to keep him out until possibly June. But Utley is already taking BP and expects to be ready for opening day.
BATTLING FOR JOBS
Mike Fontenot vs. Aaron Miles, Chi: Fontenot looked ready to inherit this job, but veteran Miles was brought into push youngster.
Clint Barmes vs. Jeff Baker, Col: Barmes is the favorite, but Baker could see playing time.
Brendan Ryan vs. Skip Schumaker: When Adam Kennedy was released, Ryan figured to get the job. But the Cards are trying to move OF Schumaker to 2B, which certainly would boost his fantasy value.
Kevin Frandsen, Emmanuel Burriss, Eugenio Velez vs. Juan Uribe: It's a second base free-for-all in Frisco.
Ronnie Belliard vs. Anderson Hernandez: Hernandez was thought to have the inside track, but veteran Belliard is going to battle for job.
Kelly Johnson, Atl; Brandon Phillips Cin; Dan Uggla, Fla; Kaz Matsui, Hou; Orlando Hudson, LA; Rickie Weeks, Mil; Luis Castillo, NY; Freddy Sanchez, Pit; David Eckstein, SD.
SOME QUESTIONS
Chase Utley, Phi: Utley had offseason hip surgery that originally was thought to keep him out until possibly June. But Utley is already taking BP and expects to be ready for opening day.
BATTLING FOR JOBS
Mike Fontenot vs. Aaron Miles, Chi: Fontenot looked ready to inherit this job, but veteran Miles was brought into push youngster.
Clint Barmes vs. Jeff Baker, Col: Barmes is the favorite, but Baker could see playing time.
Brendan Ryan vs. Skip Schumaker: When Adam Kennedy was released, Ryan figured to get the job. But the Cards are trying to move OF Schumaker to 2B, which certainly would boost his fantasy value.
Kevin Frandsen, Emmanuel Burriss, Eugenio Velez vs. Juan Uribe: It's a second base free-for-all in Frisco.
Ronnie Belliard vs. Anderson Hernandez: Hernandez was thought to have the inside track, but veteran Belliard is going to battle for job.
Position update: First basemen
SOLID STARTERS
Casey Kotchman, Atl; Joey Votto Cin; Derrek Lee, Chi; Lance Berkman, Hou; James Loney, LA; Prince Fielder, Mil; Carlos Delgado, NY; Ryan Howard, Phi; Adam LaRoche, Pit; Albert Pujols, StL; Adrian Gonzalez, SD.
SOME QUESTIONS
Conor Jackson, Arz: Jackson should be an everyday player, but could see time in the OF if Eric Byrnes is not healthy enough to play every day. Then Chad Tracy could see time at 1B.
Todd Helton, Col: Helton is recovering from offseason surgery. If he doesn't bounce back, Joe Koshansky or Garrett Atkins could play at 1B.
Nick Johnson, Was: Johnson is working his way back from wrist surgery. If he has a relapse, Adam Dunn could play at 1B.
BATTLING FOR JOBS
Travis Ishikawa, SF: Ishikawa is the frontrunner heading into spring. But Rich Aurilia could see starts against lefties. John Bowker and Pablo Sandoval also figure in the mix.
Gaby Sanchez, Fla: Marlins appear ready to go with the rookie. But if he's not ready, Jorge Cantu can swing over from 3B to play 1B.
Casey Kotchman, Atl; Joey Votto Cin; Derrek Lee, Chi; Lance Berkman, Hou; James Loney, LA; Prince Fielder, Mil; Carlos Delgado, NY; Ryan Howard, Phi; Adam LaRoche, Pit; Albert Pujols, StL; Adrian Gonzalez, SD.
SOME QUESTIONS
Conor Jackson, Arz: Jackson should be an everyday player, but could see time in the OF if Eric Byrnes is not healthy enough to play every day. Then Chad Tracy could see time at 1B.
Todd Helton, Col: Helton is recovering from offseason surgery. If he doesn't bounce back, Joe Koshansky or Garrett Atkins could play at 1B.
Nick Johnson, Was: Johnson is working his way back from wrist surgery. If he has a relapse, Adam Dunn could play at 1B.
BATTLING FOR JOBS
Travis Ishikawa, SF: Ishikawa is the frontrunner heading into spring. But Rich Aurilia could see starts against lefties. John Bowker and Pablo Sandoval also figure in the mix.
Gaby Sanchez, Fla: Marlins appear ready to go with the rookie. But if he's not ready, Jorge Cantu can swing over from 3B to play 1B.
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