Chase Utley (PHI) - We've been waiting for this guy for two years, and when Placido Polanco was FINALLY traded we finally got a chance to see what Utley could do, and the results were awesome with Utley contributing in all five categories. It's not by a huge margin, but Utley gets my nod at #1 at second this year.
Jeff Kent (LA) - Is he the most likable man in the universe??? Not exactly. But even in his late 30's, Kent remains a solid consistent player, and is still good for at least 25 jacks and went over 100 in both runs and RBI last year.
Jorge Cantu (TB) - If someone drives in 117 runs for Tampa, does it make a sound??? In fact this may be the highest I've ever ranked a Devil Rays player at any position. Cantu's breakout was somewhat unexpected since he had a measly 2 HR/17 RBI in 50 games the year before. In real life, Cantu figures to see the most time at third base and is eligible there as well as second.
Chone Figgins (ANG) - 113 runs, and more importantly, 62 steals, is one way to be considered highly on draft day, eligibility at second, third, and the outfield is another.
Alfonso Soriano (WSH) - Falls off the #1 perch he has held for the past several seasons for a number of reasons. After benefiting leading off a solid Yankees lineup and an offensively favorable Rangers outfit, Soriano takes a serious hit moving from one of the best to perhaps the worst hitters park in the majors. Soriano also isn't endearing himself to management by refusing to move to the outfield - I can easily see Soriano clashing with disciplinarian Frank Robinson at some point during the season. Let someone else pick Soriano in the second round this year.
Marcus Giles (ATL) - Last year was a mild disappointment for Giles, so I say this is a good year to jump on him while people are down on him. Will still be good for a .300 average, 100+ runs, some stolen bases with some home runs thrown in, that translates into a solid four-category performer.
Rickie Weeks (MIL) - This year's Jorge Cantu. The good news from a fantasy perspective is that Weeks did not set the world on fire in the half-year plus in which he got his feet wet last year. Weeks only hit .239, but had 13 HR and 15 stolen bases. But take into consideration that Weeks gutted through a torn thumb injury that would had shelved most other players. With the thumb repaired, look for Weeks to make a quantum-leap in 2006, highly recommended.
Craig Biggio (HOU) - While Weeks is the new wave, Biggio is still going strong as part of the old guard, and was once again a fantasy force moving back to the infield last year. Biggio's two best home run seasons (24 and 26) have been the last two), and although Biggio is no longer a stolen base threat, he's still good for crossing the plate 100 times. Batting average has slacked a bit, but even at age 40 Biggio is still a solid fantasy starter.
Brian Roberts (BAL) - Carried many a fantasy team though April and May last year before cooling off somewhat. Might not be ready for Opening Day after his 2005 season ended with a severe elbow injury in September. You may be better letting someone else draft Roberts in a spot that will probably be too early.
Bill Hall (MIL) - Value takes somewhat of a hit with the recent addition of Corey Koskie, but as has been the case with Chone Figgins, Hall will find his way on the lineup card one way or another. Look for Hall to split time with Koskie and also spell J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks in the infield. And if all else fails, I don't think Hall would be beyond grabbing and outfielders glove. If you still doubt his credentials, note that he's also been named to the preliminary U.S. squad for the World Baseball Classic. Eligibility at three infield positions plus 20 home run/20 steal potential is a good combination.
Mark Loretta (BOS) - Will be off many radars after missing two months due to injury and only hitting three home runs. But remember the year before when Loretta hit .335 with 16 home runs in one of the majors toughest hitters parks. Fly balls that reach the warehouse in San Diego end up on Lansdown St. in Boston. Playing in an always loaded Red Sox lineup will result in a tremendous rebound for Loretta in 2006.
Ryan Freel (CIN) - Has quietly stolen 35 bases in each of the last two seasons and is also eligible in the outfield. However if the steals fall off, Freel doesn't really contribute in any other category.
Tadahito Iguchi (CWS) - In his first American season, Iguchi didn't hurt himself in any category, .280 average - check, 15 home runs - check, 15 stolen bases - check, 70 runs - check, 70 ribbies ' check. If you like quiet across the board production Tadahito's your guy.
Ronnie Belliard (CLE) - Has slowly become a power force, hitting 17 HR and 71 RBI last year, and also hits in the .280 range.
Placido Polanco (DET) - Hit .331 splitting time between Philly and Detroit last year, so he can hit anywhere. Although he's capable of playing a number of positions he's currently only eligible at second.
Robinson Cano (NYY) - The Yankees aren't known for relying on home-grown talent, but Cano had a solid rookie year hitting .297 with 14 home runs, at age 23 there's plenty of room for improvement.
Adam Kennedy (ANG) - Coming off knee surgery, Kennedy proved that he still has speed (19 steals) despite missing the first month of the season, and also hit .300.
Mark Ellis (OAK) - Hit a very impressive .344/12/38 after the All-Star break last year, so 20+ home runs is very possible.
Luis Castillo (MN) - Still hits in the .300 range, but has only stolen 51 bases the last three years, which used to be a season for him. The hope here is that he starts stealing again playing in a new venue.
Ray Durham (SF) - Veteran will get you a steady .280/.290 average, but only modest contributions in the other four categories.
Jose Vidro (WSH) - Has been hobbled by an assortment of injuries the last few years, so don't expect the modest .300/15 HR/70 RBI totals of just a few years back.
Jose Castillo (PIT) - 11 HR/53 RBI in four months work of work before suffering season-ending knee injury. Did not need surgery and will be good to go this year.
Rich Aurilia (CIN) - Recently re-signed with Reds, and should collect at least 400 at-bats and hit 15+ home runs.
Ian Kinsler (TX) - If everything goes right, Kinsler could be a Michael Young in training. Hit 23 home runs and 94 RBI in the minors last year with 19 stolen bases. Has the inside track on the second base job with Alfonso Soriano gone and could be a bargain in salary-cap type games.
Orlando Hudson (AZ) - Has a solid baseline, although not necessarily a good one for fantasy owners. The switch-hitter has gone .270 with about ten home runs and a handful of steals the last three years. The hope here is that a change of scenery will result in Hudson turning up the wick.
Rob Mackowiak (CWS) - The good news is that Mackowiak is eligible at second, third, and the outfield. The bad news is that his numbers took a major hit in the second half last year. Figures to fill in at a number of positionson the South Side.
Todd Walker (CHC) - Still hits some home runs, but is fighting for playing time so don't expect his production to 2003 Boston levels anytime soon.
Aaron Hill (TOR) - Former first round pick saw his first action last year, but wasn?t much of a factor in either home runs or steals.
Luis Gonzalez (COL) - Just playing for the Rockies alone gives Gonzalez consideration, in fact by the end of the year he could be more valuable than the other Luis Gonzalez.
Kaz Matsui (NYM) - Has not quite worked out like the other Matsui in New York. The best hope is that he starts, improves his BA, and steals 15-20 bases.
Josh Barfield (SD) - Mark Loretta was dealt in the off-season to give this prospect a shot. Not projected for big-time power, but did steal 20 bases last year. Is the son of long-time Toronto Blue Jay Jesse Barfield.
Omar Infante (DET) - Lost starting job when Placido Palanco arrived last year, but still saw plenty of action in a utility role. Hit 16 home runs with 13 SB a couple years back.
Chris Burke (HOU) - Will see time at both second base and the outfield filling in for Craig Biggio and Preston Wilson, who will need rest. Turns 26 this year and his best contributions will probably be with stolen bases.
Nick Punto (MN) - Qualifies and second and short and could be good for as many as 20 SB's if things fall right.
Bret Boone (NYM) - Thinks he's still got something left, worked out like crazy during the off-season, also died his hair blonde and had quite a day at the casino according to the Vegas tabloids. At best he's an insurance policy to Kaz Matsui, at worst he gets cut during Spring Training and quietly calls it a career.
