The Phenom's Top 15 Fantasy Outfielders for 2011

The Phenom's Top 15 Fantasy Outfielders for 2011

1. Carlos Gonzalez/ COL: Ok, you're surprised that this spot wasn't taken by Carl Crawford...aren't you? Cargo is projected to out-produce Crawford in 4 of the 5 fantasy categories. Therefore, he's my #1 OF for 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .326 avg., 36 hr's, 118 rbi, 115 runs, 31 sb's

2. Carl Crawford/ BOS: Crawford, along with Carlos Gonzalez, is a definite 1st-round fantasy pick. He does it all really well, and he is very durable.

Projected 2011 Stats: .311 avg., 17 hr's, 82 rbi, 112 runs, 48 sb's

3. Josh Hamilton/ TEX: If Hamilton stays healthy, he could hit 40+ hr's, 120+ rbi. However, that's only if he's healthy.

Projected 2011 Stats: .330 avg., 33 hr's, 108 rbi, 96 runs, 7 sb's

4. Ryan Braun/ MIL: Braun is always good for .300, close to 30 hr's, and more than 100 rbi.

Projected 2011 Stats: .305 avg., 28 hr's, 107 rbi, 106 runs, 18 sb's

5. Matt Holliday/ STL: Same as Braun, Holliday is as solid as they come and WILL produce as he does every year.

Projected 2011 Stats: .316 avg., 27 hr's, 102 rbi, 94 runs, 13 sb's

6. Nelson Cruz/ TEX: if this guy could ever complete a full, non-injury plagued, season...he could be something special.

Projected 2011 Stats: .290 avg., 31 hr's, 95 rbi, 85 runs, 18 sb's

7. Matt Kemp/ LAD: Many of us were surprised by Kemp's lack of effort and production in 2010. Frankly, I am a little surprised at his projected stats for 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: ..282 avg., 26 hr's, 94 rbi, 93 runs, 26 sb's

8. Shin-Soo Choo/ CLE: Choo has been nothing but consistent over the last few years. He should come up big again in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .298 avg., 23 hr's, 88 rbi, 85 runs, 20 sb's

9. Justin Upton/ ARI: Last year, everyone thought the Upton brothers would come up big in fantasy. In 2011, they'll at least be half-right.

Projected 2011 Stats: .276 avg., 21 hr's, 90 rbi, 83 runs, 22 sb's

10. Ichiro Suzuki/ SEA: Suzuki is still the best hitter in MLB, but his fantasy value has dropped over the years.

Projected 2011 Stats: .312 avg., 7 hr's, 45 rbi, 92 runs, 38 sb's

11. Jason Heyward/ ATL: Heyward has all the tools to become a top 5 fantasy OF.

Projected 2011 Stats: .281 avg., 23 hr's, 88 rbi, 92 runs, 15 sb's

12. Alex Rios/ CWS: Rios is another consistent producer.

Projected 2011 Stats: .293 avg., 24 hr's, 94 rbi, 93 runs, 36 sb's

13. Andre Ethier/ LAD: Ethier has shown us what he is capable of producing, but when will he get back to doing it?

Projected 2011 Stats: .289 avg., 27 hr's, 92 rbi, 84 runs, 3 sb's

14. Andrew McCutchen/ PIT: McCutchen plays on a horrible team, but he has serious speed and a solid bat.

Projected 2011 Stats: .288 avg., 15 hr's, 62 rbi, 88 runs, 35 sb's

15. Jose Bautista/ TOR: Yes, I know he hit 54 hr's in 2010, but he's never had more than 16 in previous seasons and he is a sub-.250 career hitter. I am being cautious here.

Projected 2011 Stats: .252 avg., 36 hr's, 96 rbi, 93 runs, 5 sb's

2011 OF Draft Strategy: I would not waste a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round selection on any OF outside of my top 5: Carlos Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Braun, and Matt Holliday. You need to be strong at the corners (1B/3B), get a top 2B (because that is a very shallow position, once again), and try to get a top 5 OF. Once the top 5 OF's have been selected in your draft, you can focus on other positions. You will have plenty of opportunities to pick up a fast OF with power later in the draft. The OF position is fairly deep with fast, yet strong players. However, if you get a shot at a top 5 OF, you better take it. The difference between Carlos Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, in comparison to Hunter Pence, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Delmon Young is huge. The first three will be taken in the first round or early second round, while the latter three can be taken in the middle to late rounds of the draft. Stay focused on value!

The Phenom
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Thirdbasemen for 2011

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Thirdbasemen for 2011

1. David Wright/ NYM: Ok, Wright had one bad year a few years ago. Besides that, he's been as consistent as anyone at 3B. He IS the top fantasy 3B for 2011!

Projected 2011 Stats: .309 avg., 28 hr's, 105 rbi, 93 runs, 25 sb's

2. Evan Longoria/ TB: Longoria is not far behind Wright. In fact, he could become the #1 fantasy 3B with another outstanding season in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .292 avg., 27 hr's, 107 rbi, 97 runs, 13 sb's

3. Alex Rodriguez/ NYY: A-Rod is...A-Rod. When he is healthy, he's still the #1 3B in the fantasy ranks. However, he hasn't been healthy for an entire season for a few years now.

Projected 2011 Stats: .284 avg., 33 hr's, 108 rbi, 89 runs, 12 sb's

4. Ryan Zimmerman/ WAS: Zimmerman could be the next Wright/ Longoria-type 3B. This could be a break-out year.

Projected 2011 Stats: .290 avg., 28 hr's, 95 rbi, 95 runs, 3 sb's

5. Casey McGehee/ MIL: McGehee had a solid season in 2010, and I expect more of the same in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .291 avg., 25 hr's, 92 rbi, 78 runs, 2 sb's

2011 3B Draft Strategy: Yes, you may spend a first-round pick on a 3B. However, it may only be used for David Wright or Evan Longoria. 3B is not a deep position, but it has become deeper over the last few years. A-Rod is a risk due to the injuries over the last few years. Adrian Beltre is a high-risk pick due to his inconsistency throughout his career. Mark Reynolds is a strikeout machine and should only be used as a back-up 3B/UTIL/DH on your roster. Aramis Ramirez needs to be healthy in 2011 to provide any sort of value. Pablo Sandoval should bounce back after a disappointing 2010 season. Jose Bautista hit 54 hr's in 2010, but that was his first season with more than 16 hr's. Bautista's career avg. is .244. Be careful with Bautista, and do not spend an early pick on him. I think you can spend an early pick (3rd-5th round) on guys like Zimmerman, McGehee, and A-Rod. If you are dead-set on getting a Tier 1 thirdbasemen, then you better get Wright or Longoria in the first round. Beyond those two guys, there are no guarantees at 3B in 2011. Here's another little piece of advice regarding 3B. If you wait too long and miss out on any of the guys I mentioned above, you better get two 3B's that can play other positions as well. For example, Ian Stewart (3B/2B), Neil Walker (2B/3B), Miguel Tejada (SS/3B), Martin Prado (3B/2B), Michael Cuddyer (1B/3B/OF), Juan Uribe (2B,3B, SS) and Omar Infante (2B,SS,3B,OF), are guys that can play several positions. Get two of these guys if you miss out on the top 3B's available, but wait until the end of the draft to do so. These multi-position players will be around in the later rounds...trust me!

The Phenom

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Shortstops for 2011

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Shortstops for 2011

1. Troy Tulowitzki/ COL: Tulo did more than all other MLB shortstops and played in just 122 games in 2010. I expect big things from Tulo in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .311 avg., 36 hr's, 108 rbi, 107 runs, 21 sb's

2. Hanley Ramirez/ FLA: Ramirez is a five-tool player and a definite first round selection in all formats.

Projected 2011 Stats: .315 avg., 26 hr's, 79 rbi, 110 runs, 34 sb's

3. Jose Reyes/ NYM: Reyes' strength comes in the form of speed, which results in more runs scored, more infield singles, and more stolen bases.

Projected 2011 Stats: .286 avg., 13 hr's, 63 rbi, 111 runs, 58 sb's

4. Alexei Ramirez/ CWS: Alexei is a very balanced, tier 2 shortstop. He may have a break-out season in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .284 avg., 20 hr's, 75 rbi, 82 runs, 15 sb's

5. Elvis Andrus/ TEX: Andrus is a great, young, star-in-the-making, but I need to see more. I believe he will have a solid season in '11.

Projected 2011 Stats: .277 avg., 4 hr's, 47 rbi, 94 runs, 36 sb's

2011 Shortstop Draft Strategy: It is very clear that there are two top fantasy players at the shortstop position, Troy Tulowitzki and Hanley Ramirez. These guys should be first round selections in all formats. If you have the opportunity to get one of these two phenoms, you must take advantage of it. The difference between these two and the rest of the shortstops is a very wide gap. Tulo and Hanley are tier 1 shortstops and tier 2 is comprised of Reyes, Andrus, Alexei Ramirez, Jimmy Rollins, Derek Jeter, and Stephen Drew. Your draft strategy for the shortstop position is very simple based on the lack of depth at the position. You either get Tulo or Hanley in the first round; select Reyes, Andrus, or Alexei Ramirez in the 4th-6th round range; or acquire Rollins, Jeter, or Drew, in the middle rounds. Once you get past those 8, there's not much left for you to choose from. If you miss out on Tulo or Hanley Ramirez, go ahead and forget about your shortstop position until the middle rounds.

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Secondbasemen for 2011

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Secondbasemen for 2011

1. Robinson Cano/ NYY: Cano started off like a house on fire in 2010 and then cooled down towards the end of the season. However, he is pretty steady from year to year.

Projected 2011 Stats: .315 avg., 26 hr's, 101 rbi, 102 runs, 4 sb's

2. Chase Utley/ PHI: Utley spent most of the 2010 season injured, but he's still one of the best fantasy options at 2B.

Projected 2011 Stats: .289 avg., 27 hr's, 96 rbi, 109 runs, 16 sb's

3. Rickie Weeks/ MIL: Weeks produced 29 hr's, 89 rbi, and scored 112 runs in 2010. I think he'll do most of the same in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .280 avg., 24 hr's, 82 rbi, 105 runs, 17 sb's

4. Dan Uggla/ ATL: What a great pick up by the Braves. Uggla has averaged 31 hr's per season throughout his 5-year career.

Projected 2011 Stats: .273 avg., 32 hr's, 97 rbi, 98 runs, 3 sb's

5. Brandon Phillips/ CIN: I think Phillips has all the tools to become a top fantasy producer at 2B, but I need to see more consistency year over year.

Projected 2011 Stats: .275 avg., 21 hr's, 84 rbi, 93 runs, 24 sb's

2011 Secondbase Draft Strategy: The safe bets at 2B are obviously Cano and Utley. You really can't go wrong there, unless they get injured, which happened to Utley in 2010. You will notice that Ian Kinsler and Dustin Pedroia did not make the top list. First of all, Kinsler can never finish an entire season. If he does, he could be a top 5 fantasy option at 2B. Secondly, Pedroia is probably the best all-around 2B in the MLB. However, his prowess at the position does not translate well in the fantasy ranks. Pedroia is a solid pick, but I would not waste a high pick on him. In fact, even the top few 2B prospects like Cano and Utley should not be selected too early. I know that it isn't a very deep position, but you also have to take into account that none of these guys will eclipse 30+ hr's and 100 rbi. You don't really have any speedsters in this group either. Weeks and Phillips could steal 20+ bases, but that isn't enough to justify a higher selection in the draft. Be very cautious when selecting your 2B. On one hand, you do not want to miss out on any of the top 7 or so players because there isn't much more after that. On the other hand, you don't want to use a top pick on any 2B in 2011. If you miss out on Cano or Utley, go ahead and try for Weeks, Uggla, Phillips, Pedroia, or Kinsler in the middle rounds if you can wait that long. If there is a run on 2B's during your draft, you better make sure you get one of the top 7 players at this position. Otherwise, you'll end up with limited options at the position.

The Phenom
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Firstbasemen for 2011

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Firstbasemen for 2011

1. Albert Pujols/ STL: This might be Pujols' last season as a Cardinal and he may want to go out with a bang. The indecisive nature of the Cardinals' management tells us that they have doubts about Pujols' future. Well, I don't! Pujols will be huge in 2011!

Projected 2011 Stats: .331 avg., 42 hr's, 123 rbi, 113 runs, 12 sb's

2. Ryan Howard/ PHI: Howard played through some injuries in 2010 and missed more games than ever before. When he's healthy, he's one of the top fantasy players in the MLB.

Projected 2011 Stats: .278 avg., 43 hr's, 125 rbi, 96 runs, 3 sb's

3. Miguel Cabrera/ DET: Cabrera is about as consistent as any player in the MLB. More importantly, he stays healthy and rarely misses any games.

Projected 2011 Stats: .325 avg., 36 hr's, 118 rbi, 104 runs, 3 sb's

4. Mark Teixeira/ NYY: Fully-capable of being an overall top 5 fantasy player, Teixeira has not produced at the level he has in the past. That being said, he's good for 30+ hr's and 100+ rbi.

Projected 2011 Stats: .284 avg., 35 hr's, 108 rbi, 106 runs, 2 sb's

5. Joey Votto/ CIN: Votto just might move up this list in 2011, but I need to see more of what he did in 2010.

Projected 2011 Stats: .318 avg., 32 hr's, 104 rbi, 102 runs, 12 sb's

2011 Firstbase Draft Strategy: Firstbase is, by far, the deepest individual position in fantasy baseball. It would be great to get one of the aforementioned top 5 firstbasemen, but it won't kill your season if you don't. In fact, there is great value in the second tier of 1B's, which would include guys like Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Kevin Youkilis, Adam Dunn, Kendry Morales, and Justin Morneau. What's even better is that these guys can be had in the early to middle rounds. However, if you have the chance to get Pujols...you absolutely take him. That means that if you have the #1 overall pick, you MUST take Pujols. Howard and Cabrera are absolute first round picks, along with Pujols. Teixeira and Votto could be late first round picks, but might slip to the second round. You will get a shot at a good 1B and there's not much of a difference between Teixeira/ Votto and Fielder/ A. Gonzalez. Therefore, I suggest that you get a good 1B in the first few rounds. Otherwise, your opponents might stock up on 1B's with intentions of using the extras as UTIL or DH, in which case you would miss out on a guaranteed 30+ hr, 100+ rbi fantasy player.

The Phenom
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/

The Phenom's Top 10 Fantasy MLB Starting Pitchers for 2011

The Phenom's Top 10 Fantasy Starting Pitchers for 2011

1. Roy Halladay/ PHI: Halladay won 20 games, pitched a perfect game during the season, and pitched a no-hitter in the playoffs in 2010. He did all of this with an oft-injured lineup behind him. If the Phillies stay relateively injury-free in 2011, he could potentially win 23-24 games and win yet another Cy Young Award.

Projected 2011 Stats: 21-7, 205 k's, 2.85 ERA, 1.14 WHIP

2. Adam Wainwright/ STL: Wainwright's last two seasons were almost identical in every way. He's been in the top 3 of the NL CY Young voting two years in a row, and he just might win it in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: 20-9, 208 k's, 2.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP

3. Tim Lincecum/ SF: Lincy's strikeout ability puts him in the top three, for sure.

Projected 2011 Stats: 17-8, 245 k's, 2.90 ERA, 1.18 WHIP

4. Ubaldo Jimenez/ COL: Jimenez should compete for the NL Cy Young with Wainwright, Lincy, and Halladay.

Projected 2011 Stats: 20-8, 204 k's, 2.78 ERA, 1.23 WHIP

5. Felix Hernandez/ SEA: This guy would be a 20-game winner for several other teams...but he pitches for one of the worst hitting teams in the MLB. That being said, he should win at least 15 in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: 15-9, 220 k's, 2.55 ERA, 1.20 WHIP

6. C.C. Sabathia/ NYY: Sabathia has shown up at camp in much better shape than in recent years.

Projected 2011 Stats: 20-7, 188 k's, 3.20 ERA, 1.19 WHIP

7. Josh Johnson/ FLA: Johnson has had a record of 33-12 over the last three years, with a low ERA, and high strikeout number. He's a top pitcher when he's healthy.

Projected 2011 Stats: 14-6, 184 k's, 2.77 ERA, 1.16 WHIP

8. Jon Lester/ BOS: Lester is about as consistent and reliable as they come. Pencil him in for his projected stats below.

Projected 2011 Stats: 18-7, 208 k's, 3.30 ERA, 1.25 WHIP

9. David Price/ TB: Price is a very promising fantasy prospect, but I need to see more before I put him in the top 5.

Projected 2011 Stats: 17-9, 182 k's, 3.28 ERA, 1.25 WHIP

10. Chris Carpenter/ STL: Carpenter is one of the best pitchers in the game and is good for at least 16 wins in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: 16-8, 170 k's, 2.85 ERA, 1.18 WHIP

The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
thephenom@fantasysportsphenom.com

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Catchers for 2011

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Catchers for 2011

1. Victor Martinez/ DET: Martinez is my #1 fantasy catcher based on his consistent power numbers over the last two seasons.

Projected 2011 Stats: .302 avg., 21 hr's, 93 rbi, 76 runs, 1 sb

2. Brian McCann/ ATL: McCann is my #2 catcher for the same reason as Martinez; McCann produces great power numbers year after year.

Projected 2011 Stats: .277 avg., 21 hr's, 85 rbi, 64 runs, 4 sb's

3. Joe Mauer/ MIN: Mauer is the best-hitting catcher in the MLB and candidate for another AL batting title. However, he only hit 1 hr at home last season and his power numbers are fairly inconsistent from year to year.

Projected 2011 Stats: .334 avg., 12 hr's, 80 rbi, 90 runs, 2 sb's

4. Geovany Soto/ CHC: Soto has shown that he can hit for a high average and produce solid power numbers as well. The only problem is that he has also shown us that he can hit .218 as he did in '09.

Projected 2011 Stats: .273 avg., 24 hr's, 78 rbi, 56 runs, 0 sb

5. Buster Posey/ SF: Posey could very well be the next great hitting catcher in the MLB, but he has only done it a little more than half of a season. I am being somewhat cautious here because deep-down I think he could be a top 3 fantasy catcher. I just need to see more. Remember what happened to Soto in his second season, after a great rookie season?

Projected 2011 Stats: .284 avg., 22 hr's, 75 rbi, 66 runs, 2 sb's

2011 Catcher Draft Strategy: Drafting a catcher early is like drafting a kicker early in fantasy football...just don't do it! Let the other people in your league take a catcher early, while you take someone who can actually hit 30 hr's and produce 100 rbi in a given season. None of The Phenom's Top 5 catchers have hit 30+ hr's in a given season over the last three years. Victor Martinez is the only one to produce 100+ rbi in a season over the last three years. Let's face it, there's no Mike Piazza or Ivan Rodriguez to choose from these days. Therefore, please take my advice and do not waste an early pick on a catcher. Besides, if you are in a competitive fantasy league, you'll get a shot at one of these top 5 catchers in the middle to late rounds. Here is one more piece of advice in regards to acquiring catchers for your fantasy team. Do not draft two catchers! In fact, you shouldn't even carry more than one catcher on your roster throughout the season (unless, of course, you have one of the top 5 catchers and he goes down with a minor injury and you need to fill their spot temporarily). Otherwise, draft one catcher and never carry more than one on your roster.

I challenge you to "Beat the Phenom"! Join my fantasy baseball leagues: http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/index.php?p=1_11_The-Phenom-s-Fantasy-Leagues

The Phenom