Yes folks, it's that time of year. The Phenom's NBA Fantasy All-Star Teams have been selected. Once again, you must understand that each player has been selected to represent their conference based on fantasy value, not overall points. These are players that might have been middle-round draft selections and some that went undrafted. You will also see some superstars in the mix.
A drum roll please.......................
Western Conference
Starters
F- Kevin Love/ MIN
F- Blake Griffin/ LAC
C- Lamarcus Aldridge/ POR
G- Monta Ellis/ GS
G- Russell Westbrook/ OKC
Reserves
F/C- Luis Scola/ HOU
F- Manu Ginobili/ SA
G- Deron Williams/ UTA
F- Lamar Odom/ LAL
F- Zach Randolph/ MEM
Eastern Conference
Starters
F- Amare Stoudemire/ NYK
F- Al Horford/ ATL
C- Brook Lopez/ NJ
G- Derrick Rose/ CHI
G- Raymond Felton/ NYK
Reserves
G- Jrue Holiday/ PHI
F- Josh Smith/ ATL
F- Wilson Chandler/ NYK
C- Andray Blatche/ WAS
F/G- Lebron James/ MIA
If you were expecting to see Kobe, Durant, Howard, Anthony, Nash, Pierce, Paul, Parker, Wade, and Duncan, you came to wrong place. These guys are expected to produce, but have not lived up to their pre-season rankings. There is a definite youth movement in full swing in NBA fantasy basketball. In fact, the #1-fantasy producing player is just 22 years old (Kevin Love). Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, and Derrick Rose, all reside in the top 5 overall at the mid-point of the season. Griffin is 21 years old and Rose is 22, but they, along with Love, are dominating the fantasy ranks.
If you truly believe that someone got snubbed by The Phenom, please feel free to let him know.
The Phenom
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Phenom's MLB 2011 Pre-Season Fantasy All-Stars by Position
MLB
2011 Pre-season Fantasy All-Stars by Position
C- Mauer/ MIN: .327, 9 hrs - 75 rbi, in 2010; when healthy, Mauer is good for .340, 20 hrs - 100 rbi
1B- Cabrera/ DET: .328, 38 hrs - 126 rbi in 2010; Cabrera is due an MVP, he's about as consistent and healthy as they come.
2B- Cano/ NYY: .319, 29 hrs - 109 rbi in 2010; Cano emerged as the top-producing 2B in the MLB and should repeat in 2011.
SS- Tulowitzki/ COL: .315, 27 hrs - 95 rbi in just 122 g's in 2010; Tulo could win an MVP in 2011 if healthy.
3B- Beltre/ TEX: .321, 28 hrs - 102 rbi in 2010; Beltre should be huge in 2011 while hitting in the same lineup as Hamilton.
OF- Hamilton/ TEX: .359, 32 hrs - 100 rbi in 133 g's in 2010; Hamilton is the closest thing we have to Ted Williams, yeah I said it!
OF- C. Gonzalez/ COL: .336, 34 hrs - 117 rbi, 26 sb's, 111 runs in 2010; Enough said! This guy is the real deal!
OF- Crawford/ BOS: .307, 19 hrs - 90 rbi, 47 sb's, 110 runs in 2010; This guy is a fantasy producing machine, and he won't stop!
SP- Halladay/ PHI: 21-10, 2.44 ERA, 219 k's in 2010; If the Phillies are healthier in 2011, Halladay could win 25, but at least 20.
RP- B. Wilson/ SF: 48 sv's, 1.81 ERA, 93 k's in just 74.2 Innings in 2010; Wilson should be good for another 40+ save season in 2011.
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
2011 Pre-season Fantasy All-Stars by Position
C- Mauer/ MIN: .327, 9 hrs - 75 rbi, in 2010; when healthy, Mauer is good for .340, 20 hrs - 100 rbi
1B- Cabrera/ DET: .328, 38 hrs - 126 rbi in 2010; Cabrera is due an MVP, he's about as consistent and healthy as they come.
2B- Cano/ NYY: .319, 29 hrs - 109 rbi in 2010; Cano emerged as the top-producing 2B in the MLB and should repeat in 2011.
SS- Tulowitzki/ COL: .315, 27 hrs - 95 rbi in just 122 g's in 2010; Tulo could win an MVP in 2011 if healthy.
3B- Beltre/ TEX: .321, 28 hrs - 102 rbi in 2010; Beltre should be huge in 2011 while hitting in the same lineup as Hamilton.
OF- Hamilton/ TEX: .359, 32 hrs - 100 rbi in 133 g's in 2010; Hamilton is the closest thing we have to Ted Williams, yeah I said it!
OF- C. Gonzalez/ COL: .336, 34 hrs - 117 rbi, 26 sb's, 111 runs in 2010; Enough said! This guy is the real deal!
OF- Crawford/ BOS: .307, 19 hrs - 90 rbi, 47 sb's, 110 runs in 2010; This guy is a fantasy producing machine, and he won't stop!
SP- Halladay/ PHI: 21-10, 2.44 ERA, 219 k's in 2010; If the Phillies are healthier in 2011, Halladay could win 25, but at least 20.
RP- B. Wilson/ SF: 48 sv's, 1.81 ERA, 93 k's in just 74.2 Innings in 2010; Wilson should be good for another 40+ save season in 2011.
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Where's the Love...for Kevin Love?
Where is the love...for Kevin Love? Why aren't more people talking about this guy? Is it because he plays for a small market team in Minnesota? Is it because they have a record of 10-32 (as of 1/19/11)? Is it because they are a sure bet lottery team in the 2011 NBA draft?
I have many questions, but one thing is for sure. Kevin Love is the real deal. He's the real deal in the NBA, and he's the real deal in the fantasy realm.
As, by far, the best fantasy value player in the NBA, Love is currently the 2nd-best fantasy producer and only a mere 17 points behind Lebron James. In my opinion, Kevin Love is the best value fantasy player in any sport in recent years, but might also be the best value EVER! Let's look at the numbers.
Love is the top rebounder in the NBA with 659 rebounds, which is 141 more than the 2nd-best rebounder (Dwight Howard). If Howard is Superman, then what does that make Kevin Love? Love ranks 13th in the NBA in scoring with 892 points and well ahead of perennial all-stars like Carmelo Anthony (763), Paul Pierce (761), and Steve Nash (635).
Not only does Love dominate the key, he is also a tremendous scoring threat from the perimeter. Love is currently tied for 20th in the league with 59 three-pointers made. His ability to score from just about anywhere on the court and his domination of the paint clearly separates him from other power forwards like Blake Griffin (511 rebs., 4 three-pointers), Zach Randolph (484 rebs., 3 three-pointers), and Al Jefferson (360 rebs., 0 three-pointers). Love is just a different kind of power forward; one that we have not seen in the history of the NBA. Dirk Nowitzki is a great offensive weapon, can score from the perimeter, but is not in the same league as Love when it comes to controlling the boards. Charles Barkley controlled the boards his entire career and showed that he could score from the perimeter, but not at the pace that Love is on this season (Love has already made 59 three-pointers before the all-star break and Barkley eclipsed 59 three-pointers made in only two full seasons). Karl Malone, arguably the best power forward of all-time, very rarely shot three-pointers but could score from the perimeter. However, at the age of 22, Malone had 718 total rebounds in a full season while Love has 659 total rebounds at the half-way point of the season.
The best part about Love is that he is consistent. He started off the 2010-2011 season very strong and has produced at the most consistent pace among all NBA players thus far. In fact, Love is the 3rd-overall fantasy producer in the NBA over the past 30 days, and ahead of Kobe, Lebron, Wade, and Durant, during that stretch.
When you talk about fantasy value, you talk about what you had to give up in order to acquire a certain player. In Kevin Love's case, he was a 6th-8th round selection in most fantasy drafts in the fall of 2010. He wasn't even projected in the top 40 of most fantasy experts' pre-draft rankings. Well, look at him now. He is on pace to be the top-producing fantasy player in the NBA in 2010-2011. This makes him an automatic first round selection in the 2011 fantasy draft. This also makes him a front-runner for the Phenom's highly-coveted FSYA (Fantasy Stud of the Year) award for 2011.
One final note about Kevin Love....HE'S ONLY 22! Love is going to be around for a very long time in the NBA. He will most likely pull down a handful of rebounding titles, remain a top 10 fantasy selection in all formats, be a perennial all-star, and if he might get lucky by being traded to a title contender.
But, all of that being said...where is the love...for Kevin Love?
The Phenom
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
I have many questions, but one thing is for sure. Kevin Love is the real deal. He's the real deal in the NBA, and he's the real deal in the fantasy realm.
As, by far, the best fantasy value player in the NBA, Love is currently the 2nd-best fantasy producer and only a mere 17 points behind Lebron James. In my opinion, Kevin Love is the best value fantasy player in any sport in recent years, but might also be the best value EVER! Let's look at the numbers.
Love is the top rebounder in the NBA with 659 rebounds, which is 141 more than the 2nd-best rebounder (Dwight Howard). If Howard is Superman, then what does that make Kevin Love? Love ranks 13th in the NBA in scoring with 892 points and well ahead of perennial all-stars like Carmelo Anthony (763), Paul Pierce (761), and Steve Nash (635).
Not only does Love dominate the key, he is also a tremendous scoring threat from the perimeter. Love is currently tied for 20th in the league with 59 three-pointers made. His ability to score from just about anywhere on the court and his domination of the paint clearly separates him from other power forwards like Blake Griffin (511 rebs., 4 three-pointers), Zach Randolph (484 rebs., 3 three-pointers), and Al Jefferson (360 rebs., 0 three-pointers). Love is just a different kind of power forward; one that we have not seen in the history of the NBA. Dirk Nowitzki is a great offensive weapon, can score from the perimeter, but is not in the same league as Love when it comes to controlling the boards. Charles Barkley controlled the boards his entire career and showed that he could score from the perimeter, but not at the pace that Love is on this season (Love has already made 59 three-pointers before the all-star break and Barkley eclipsed 59 three-pointers made in only two full seasons). Karl Malone, arguably the best power forward of all-time, very rarely shot three-pointers but could score from the perimeter. However, at the age of 22, Malone had 718 total rebounds in a full season while Love has 659 total rebounds at the half-way point of the season.
The best part about Love is that he is consistent. He started off the 2010-2011 season very strong and has produced at the most consistent pace among all NBA players thus far. In fact, Love is the 3rd-overall fantasy producer in the NBA over the past 30 days, and ahead of Kobe, Lebron, Wade, and Durant, during that stretch.
When you talk about fantasy value, you talk about what you had to give up in order to acquire a certain player. In Kevin Love's case, he was a 6th-8th round selection in most fantasy drafts in the fall of 2010. He wasn't even projected in the top 40 of most fantasy experts' pre-draft rankings. Well, look at him now. He is on pace to be the top-producing fantasy player in the NBA in 2010-2011. This makes him an automatic first round selection in the 2011 fantasy draft. This also makes him a front-runner for the Phenom's highly-coveted FSYA (Fantasy Stud of the Year) award for 2011.
One final note about Kevin Love....HE'S ONLY 22! Love is going to be around for a very long time in the NBA. He will most likely pull down a handful of rebounding titles, remain a top 10 fantasy selection in all formats, be a perennial all-star, and if he might get lucky by being traded to a title contender.
But, all of that being said...where is the love...for Kevin Love?
The Phenom
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Phenom Presents Fantasy Year 2011!
NFL 2011 (1/15/11)
The Usual Suspects
1. Aaron Rodgers/ GB- Rodgers missed a few games with a concussion in 2010 and still ranked 3rd overall, just barely behind Vick and Foster. In a full season, Rodgers is the top-producing fantasy player in the NFL.
2. Arian Foster/ HOU- Foster had his break-out season in 2010, but I think he's good for another great one in 2011. He plays in a division that cannot defend the run and he can also catch the ball with the best of them.
3. Michael Vick/ PHI- Vick exploded in 2010, but it wasn't a fluke by any means. Vick should be a top 5 pick in most 2011 fantasy drafts.
4. Adrian Peterson/ MIN- Yes, the Vikings were horrible and Peterson had a quiet year...or did he? Peterson finished as the 2nd best producing RB (behind Foster) in the NFL, and it was an off-year for him. He'll be back, and should be a top 5 pick in 2011.
5. Chris Johnson/ TEN- See Peterson. CJ will be back in 2011!
Honorable Mentions: Andre Johnson/ HOU, Calvin Johnson/ DET, Michael Turner/ ATL, Maurice Jones-Drew/ JAX, Philip Rivers/ SD, Roddy White/ ATL, Tom Brady/ NE, Drew Brees/ NO, Reggie Wayne/ IND, Antonio Gates/ SD
Sleepers
1. Peyton Hillis/ CLE- Although Hillis had a great 2010, he's still a sleeper until he puts together back-to-back big years. I think he'll do it. He should be a 2nd round pick in most 2011 fantasy drafts.
2. Jamaal Charles/ KC- Charles came within inches of breaking Jim Brown's seasonal yard per carry average record in 2010. Charles is the real-deal, but he must steal more touches away from Thomas Jones. Charles is a great 3rd round choice in 2011.
3. LeSean McCoy/ PHI- McCoy should be a great early round choice in 2011 based on what he produced in 2010. McCoy can do it all, but Vick does take some opportunities away. Either way, he should produce great results.
4. Steve Johnson/ BUF- Johnson showed what he could do in 2010, for about a 4-5 week stretch, but he should be more consistent in 2011. I'd pick him as my #2 WR, which might come in the 5th through 7th rounds of the 2011 draft.
5. Mike Wallace/ PIT- Wallace led the NFL in most 100-yard receiving games in 2010. He is a speedster, young, and is due for a monster season in 2011.
Long Shots
1. Tim Tebow/ DEN- I think Tebow is more of a sleeper, but since he only had 3 games to show us his stuff in 2010, he'll remain a long shot until further notice. You should pick him as your #2 QB just to be safe, unless you can get him as your #1 in the late rounds of the 2011 draft.
2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis/ NE- BGE is tough and put up some nice numbers in 2010. He plays in a system that does not allow for a ton of touches, but he made the most of them. He's a good #2 RB in your lineup and will score TD's.
3. LaGarrette Blount/ TB- Blount took us by surprise in 2010, but he should be good in 2011 as well. He's a great #2 RB and should be available in the 6th or 7th round.
4. Michael Crabtree/ SF- It was only a matter of time before Crabtree started producing and he did late in 2010. He should be a solid #2 WR in your lineup in 2011.
5. Dez Bryant/ DAL- Bryant is more of a sleeper than a long shot, but since he did not complete a full season in 2010, we are staying cautiously optimistic with him. On the other hand, this guy could emerge as a top-producing WR in the NFL very soon. He's a great #2 WR option in 2011.
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
The Usual Suspects
1. Aaron Rodgers/ GB- Rodgers missed a few games with a concussion in 2010 and still ranked 3rd overall, just barely behind Vick and Foster. In a full season, Rodgers is the top-producing fantasy player in the NFL.
2. Arian Foster/ HOU- Foster had his break-out season in 2010, but I think he's good for another great one in 2011. He plays in a division that cannot defend the run and he can also catch the ball with the best of them.
3. Michael Vick/ PHI- Vick exploded in 2010, but it wasn't a fluke by any means. Vick should be a top 5 pick in most 2011 fantasy drafts.
4. Adrian Peterson/ MIN- Yes, the Vikings were horrible and Peterson had a quiet year...or did he? Peterson finished as the 2nd best producing RB (behind Foster) in the NFL, and it was an off-year for him. He'll be back, and should be a top 5 pick in 2011.
5. Chris Johnson/ TEN- See Peterson. CJ will be back in 2011!
Honorable Mentions: Andre Johnson/ HOU, Calvin Johnson/ DET, Michael Turner/ ATL, Maurice Jones-Drew/ JAX, Philip Rivers/ SD, Roddy White/ ATL, Tom Brady/ NE, Drew Brees/ NO, Reggie Wayne/ IND, Antonio Gates/ SD
Sleepers
1. Peyton Hillis/ CLE- Although Hillis had a great 2010, he's still a sleeper until he puts together back-to-back big years. I think he'll do it. He should be a 2nd round pick in most 2011 fantasy drafts.
2. Jamaal Charles/ KC- Charles came within inches of breaking Jim Brown's seasonal yard per carry average record in 2010. Charles is the real-deal, but he must steal more touches away from Thomas Jones. Charles is a great 3rd round choice in 2011.
3. LeSean McCoy/ PHI- McCoy should be a great early round choice in 2011 based on what he produced in 2010. McCoy can do it all, but Vick does take some opportunities away. Either way, he should produce great results.
4. Steve Johnson/ BUF- Johnson showed what he could do in 2010, for about a 4-5 week stretch, but he should be more consistent in 2011. I'd pick him as my #2 WR, which might come in the 5th through 7th rounds of the 2011 draft.
5. Mike Wallace/ PIT- Wallace led the NFL in most 100-yard receiving games in 2010. He is a speedster, young, and is due for a monster season in 2011.
Long Shots
1. Tim Tebow/ DEN- I think Tebow is more of a sleeper, but since he only had 3 games to show us his stuff in 2010, he'll remain a long shot until further notice. You should pick him as your #2 QB just to be safe, unless you can get him as your #1 in the late rounds of the 2011 draft.
2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis/ NE- BGE is tough and put up some nice numbers in 2010. He plays in a system that does not allow for a ton of touches, but he made the most of them. He's a good #2 RB in your lineup and will score TD's.
3. LaGarrette Blount/ TB- Blount took us by surprise in 2010, but he should be good in 2011 as well. He's a great #2 RB and should be available in the 6th or 7th round.
4. Michael Crabtree/ SF- It was only a matter of time before Crabtree started producing and he did late in 2010. He should be a solid #2 WR in your lineup in 2011.
5. Dez Bryant/ DAL- Bryant is more of a sleeper than a long shot, but since he did not complete a full season in 2010, we are staying cautiously optimistic with him. On the other hand, this guy could emerge as a top-producing WR in the NFL very soon. He's a great #2 WR option in 2011.
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Phenom Presents Fantasy Year 2011!
NHL 2011 (1/9/11)
The Usual Suspects
1. Sidney Crosby/ PIT- As the winner of the highly-coveted Phenom Fantasy Stud of the Year Award (FSYA) for 2010, Crosby is showing no signs of slowing down.
2. Alex Ovechkin/ WAS- Ovechkin should be a top 3 pick in all formats; he's as sure a bet as you can make in fantasy hockey.
3. Steven Stamkos/ TB- Stamkos has solidified himself as a top 3 player in fantasy hockey and continues to have a tremendously-productive 2010-2011 season.
4. Henrik Sedin/ VAN- H. Sedin is currently the top assist guy in the NHL, not a big goal-scorer, but has great fantasy value.
5. Daniel Sedin/ VAN- D. Sedin is currently the 3rd-best goal-scorer in the league and one of the top assist producers as well.
Honorable Mention: Nicklas Backstrom/ WAS, Ilya Kovalchuk/ NJ, Zach Parise/ NJ, Henrik Zetterberg/ DET, Patrick Marleau/ SJ
Sleepers
1. Ryan Kesler/ VAN- Kesler has produced 23 goals and 17 assists thus far in the 2010-2011 season and was a middle round selection in the 2010 draft.
2. Ryan Smyth/ LA- Smyth has produced 17 goals and 11 assists in 2010-2011 and was mostly undrafted or a late-round selection.
3. Shane Doan/ PHO- Mostly a very late-round pick and undrafted free agent, Doan has put together a pretty solid season with 10 goals and 18 assists.
4. Dustin Byfuglien/ ATL- Drafted in the middle-to-late rounds, Byfuglien has been huge this season, producing 16 goals and 25 assists.
5. Patrick Sharp/ CHI- 24 goals and 18 assists is pretty stellar for a middle round selection in most fantasy drafts. Sharp is a phenomenal fantasy value player.
Long Shots
1. John-Michael Liles/ COL- Liles is mostly a late-round draft selection, but has very quietly put together a nice season with a 25-assist and 5-goal effort.
2. Claude Giroux/ PHI- Giroux has put up 16 goals and 20 assists in 2010-2011 as a middle-round draft selection.
3. Joe Pavelski/ SJ- Pavelski was taken in the late rounds, but has produced 9 goals and 18 assists thus far in 2010-2011.
4. James Neal/ DAL- Neal was another late-round draft selection that has provided great fantasy value.
5. Brent Seabrook/ CHI- As a defenseman, Seabrook doesn't get many shots on goal, but he has produced 19 assists as a mostly undrafted free agent player in the fantasy ranks.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Eaves/ DET
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
The Usual Suspects
1. Sidney Crosby/ PIT- As the winner of the highly-coveted Phenom Fantasy Stud of the Year Award (FSYA) for 2010, Crosby is showing no signs of slowing down.
2. Alex Ovechkin/ WAS- Ovechkin should be a top 3 pick in all formats; he's as sure a bet as you can make in fantasy hockey.
3. Steven Stamkos/ TB- Stamkos has solidified himself as a top 3 player in fantasy hockey and continues to have a tremendously-productive 2010-2011 season.
4. Henrik Sedin/ VAN- H. Sedin is currently the top assist guy in the NHL, not a big goal-scorer, but has great fantasy value.
5. Daniel Sedin/ VAN- D. Sedin is currently the 3rd-best goal-scorer in the league and one of the top assist producers as well.
Honorable Mention: Nicklas Backstrom/ WAS, Ilya Kovalchuk/ NJ, Zach Parise/ NJ, Henrik Zetterberg/ DET, Patrick Marleau/ SJ
Sleepers
1. Ryan Kesler/ VAN- Kesler has produced 23 goals and 17 assists thus far in the 2010-2011 season and was a middle round selection in the 2010 draft.
2. Ryan Smyth/ LA- Smyth has produced 17 goals and 11 assists in 2010-2011 and was mostly undrafted or a late-round selection.
3. Shane Doan/ PHO- Mostly a very late-round pick and undrafted free agent, Doan has put together a pretty solid season with 10 goals and 18 assists.
4. Dustin Byfuglien/ ATL- Drafted in the middle-to-late rounds, Byfuglien has been huge this season, producing 16 goals and 25 assists.
5. Patrick Sharp/ CHI- 24 goals and 18 assists is pretty stellar for a middle round selection in most fantasy drafts. Sharp is a phenomenal fantasy value player.
Long Shots
1. John-Michael Liles/ COL- Liles is mostly a late-round draft selection, but has very quietly put together a nice season with a 25-assist and 5-goal effort.
2. Claude Giroux/ PHI- Giroux has put up 16 goals and 20 assists in 2010-2011 as a middle-round draft selection.
3. Joe Pavelski/ SJ- Pavelski was taken in the late rounds, but has produced 9 goals and 18 assists thus far in 2010-2011.
4. James Neal/ DAL- Neal was another late-round draft selection that has provided great fantasy value.
5. Brent Seabrook/ CHI- As a defenseman, Seabrook doesn't get many shots on goal, but he has produced 19 assists as a mostly undrafted free agent player in the fantasy ranks.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Eaves/ DET
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Phenom Presents Fantasy Year 2011!
MLB 2011 (1/7/11)
The Usual Suspects
1. Carlos Gonzalez/ COL- Cargo put together an MVP-like season in his break-out 2010 season; he is my #1 pick for the 2011 draft simply because he can do it all.
2. Josh Hamilton/ TEX- if Hamilton puts together a healthy season, his numbers could be off the charts; that being said, he's good for .300+, 30+ HR's, and 120 rbi.
3. Albert Pujols/ STL- simply the greatest hitter of his era; Pujols will be hungry enough to make up for his down year in 2010.
4. Carl Crawford/ BOS- Crawford has been one of the best fantasy producers for the past few years and he is now going to a team that can light up the scoreboard; he's good for another big year.
5. Miguel Cabrera/ DET- Cabrera has to be a top 5 pick with the types of numbers he puts up every year.
Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki/ COL, Robinson Cano/ NYY, Joey Votto/ CIN, Roy Halladay/ PHI, Adam Wainwright/ STL, Joe Mauer/ MIN, Matt Holliday/ STL, Chase Utley/ PHI
Sleepers
1. Jason Heyward/ ATL- Heyward is a lot like Carlos Gonzalez in that he has power and speed; look for Heyward to produce in 2011.
2. Ian Kinsler/ TEX- I think many people have forgotten about Kinsler since 2010 was an injury-plagued season; if he's healthy, he's one of the best 2B's in the MLB.
3. Delmon Young/ MIN- Young is real good but not many people know about him; well, they're about to find out in 2011.
4. Dan Uggla/ ATL- Uggla has been flying under the radar for quite a while now; he should put up some decent numbers once again in 2011.
5. Hunter Pence/ HOU- Pence had a great 2010 season, but we think he can do more...and he will in 2011.
Honorable Mention: Mat Latos/ SD, David Price/ TB, Alex Rios/ CHW, Shin-Soo Choo/ CLE, Jose Bautista/ TOR
Long Shots
1. Casey McGehee/ MIL- McGehee had a solid year in 2010 but some people seem to think that he could be even bigger in 2011.
2. Will Venable/ SD- Venable has all the tools and talent to be a great player, but he'll need to improve on his batting average in order to be an effective fantasy player in 2011.
3. Garrett Jones/ PIT- Jones got off to a nice start in 2010 but he faded towards the end of the season; he might be big this season.
4. Ian Stewart/ COL- if Stewart can stay healthy and get more AB's, he should put up 30+ HR's, 100 rbi; the only concern is the batting average and he doesn't have much speed either.
5. Max Scherzer/ DET- Scherzer looked real good at times in 2010, and he might put together a 15-win season in 2011.
Honorable Mention: Drew Stubbs/ CIN
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
The Usual Suspects
1. Carlos Gonzalez/ COL- Cargo put together an MVP-like season in his break-out 2010 season; he is my #1 pick for the 2011 draft simply because he can do it all.
2. Josh Hamilton/ TEX- if Hamilton puts together a healthy season, his numbers could be off the charts; that being said, he's good for .300+, 30+ HR's, and 120 rbi.
3. Albert Pujols/ STL- simply the greatest hitter of his era; Pujols will be hungry enough to make up for his down year in 2010.
4. Carl Crawford/ BOS- Crawford has been one of the best fantasy producers for the past few years and he is now going to a team that can light up the scoreboard; he's good for another big year.
5. Miguel Cabrera/ DET- Cabrera has to be a top 5 pick with the types of numbers he puts up every year.
Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki/ COL, Robinson Cano/ NYY, Joey Votto/ CIN, Roy Halladay/ PHI, Adam Wainwright/ STL, Joe Mauer/ MIN, Matt Holliday/ STL, Chase Utley/ PHI
Sleepers
1. Jason Heyward/ ATL- Heyward is a lot like Carlos Gonzalez in that he has power and speed; look for Heyward to produce in 2011.
2. Ian Kinsler/ TEX- I think many people have forgotten about Kinsler since 2010 was an injury-plagued season; if he's healthy, he's one of the best 2B's in the MLB.
3. Delmon Young/ MIN- Young is real good but not many people know about him; well, they're about to find out in 2011.
4. Dan Uggla/ ATL- Uggla has been flying under the radar for quite a while now; he should put up some decent numbers once again in 2011.
5. Hunter Pence/ HOU- Pence had a great 2010 season, but we think he can do more...and he will in 2011.
Honorable Mention: Mat Latos/ SD, David Price/ TB, Alex Rios/ CHW, Shin-Soo Choo/ CLE, Jose Bautista/ TOR
Long Shots
1. Casey McGehee/ MIL- McGehee had a solid year in 2010 but some people seem to think that he could be even bigger in 2011.
2. Will Venable/ SD- Venable has all the tools and talent to be a great player, but he'll need to improve on his batting average in order to be an effective fantasy player in 2011.
3. Garrett Jones/ PIT- Jones got off to a nice start in 2010 but he faded towards the end of the season; he might be big this season.
4. Ian Stewart/ COL- if Stewart can stay healthy and get more AB's, he should put up 30+ HR's, 100 rbi; the only concern is the batting average and he doesn't have much speed either.
5. Max Scherzer/ DET- Scherzer looked real good at times in 2010, and he might put together a 15-win season in 2011.
Honorable Mention: Drew Stubbs/ CIN
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Phenom Presents Fantasy Year 2011!
The Phenom would like to formally welcome you to Fantasy Year 2011. The Phenom will unveil the major players who will have a tremendous impact on the fantasy world in 2011. You will notice many of the usual suspects, some sleepers, and a few long-shots that could very well help you to win a fantasy league championship in 2011. As a fantasy team owner, you must be able to rely on the usual suspects, invest in the sleepers, and to do enough research on the long-shots to determine who might be able to put together a solid supporting role on your team.
NBA 2011 (1/3/11)
The Usual Suspects
1. LeBron James/ MIA- James was the top-producing fantasy player in 2010 and will repeat that feat once again in 2011. He should be the #1 pick in all formats and should never leave your starting lineup.
2. Kevin Durant/ OKC- Durant was second only to James in fantasy production for the 2009-2010 season and currently resides in the top 10 for the 2010-2011 season. He is a top 3 pick.
3. Deron Williams/ UTA- Williams was the 12th overall producer in 2010-2011 and ranks 5th in the current season. He is a 1st round pick for sure.
4. Dwyane Wade/ MIA- Wade has been Mr. Consistency over the past few years as he ranked 3rd overall in 2009-2010 and remains in the top 10 in the current season. He won’t produce James and Durant-type numbers, but he is a top 10 selection in every format.
5. Kobe Bryant/ LAL- Bryant finished the 2009-2010 season as the #7 overall fantasy producer and currently resides in the top 10. However, I would not spend a 1st round pick on Bryant in your 2011-2012 draft. If you can get him in the 2nd round, then do it!
Sleepers
1. Kevin Love/ MIN- Love is the 2nd-best fantasy producer in the NBA and a mere 70 points behind LeBron. Love could have been taken in the 4th-6th rounds and has provided fantasy owners with tremendous value thus far. Love is a definite 1st round pick going forward.
2. Russell Westbrook/ OKC- Westbrook shot out of the gates in 2010-2011 and is currently ranked 5th overall. He is a late 1st round to early 2nd round selection and is considered a great stat-sheet stuffer.
3. Blake Griffin/ LAC- Griffin was selected high and isn’t much of a sleeper, but since this is his rookie season he came into the season as an unknown. Griffin should be a top 5 pick in the future.
4. Monta Ellis/ GS- Ellis has definitely benefited from the loss of Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson over the past few years and has taken advantage of it. As the #1 option for the Warriors, Ellis has vaulted into the top 10 and has equal value to Kobe Bryant at the present time. With an incredible upside, Ellis should be a 1st round pick in 2011-2012.
5. Derrick Rose/ CHI- Rose is considered to be one of the best point guards in the NBA as he finds himself on the doorstep of the overall top 10. Rose should be a late 1st round or early 2nd round pick and will soon be among the usual suspects in the NBA fantasy ranks.
Honorable Mention Sleepers: Josh Smith/ ATL, Al Horford/ ATL, Raymond Felton/ NYK, Eric Gordon/ LAC, LaMarcus Aldridge/ POR, Paul Millsap/ UTA, Dorell Wright/ GS, and Wilson Chandler/ NYK
Long-shots
1. Wesley Matthews/ GS- Matthews could find himself as a top sleeper as we approach the 2011-2012 draft. He has been a top 30 producer of late and his stock has risen dramatically enough to be considered a good middle-round selection.
2. Michael Beasley/ MIN- Beasley has been a top 20 producer over the past month, but not yet a top round selection. Beasley is risky but it wouldn’t hurt you to take him in the middle rounds.
3. DeMarcus Cousins/ SAC- Cousins has all the skills to become a great fantasy option and has resided in the top 50 overall over the past month. He could be a nice sleeper pick in 2011-2012 in the middle rounds.
4. Jrue Holiday/ PHI- Holiday has produced way more than he was projected to and finds himself as nice sleeper in 2010-2011. Holiday is a top 50 overall producer, and should be available in the middle rounds in 2011-2012.
5. Nick Young/ WAS- Young has the ability to put up big numbers, but is also very risky. Young should be a late-round pick in 2011-2012, but he might surprise people by becoming one of the top sleepers in the next year.
The Phenom
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