Alex Rodriguez (NYY) - If and when Barry Bonds finally manages to hit his 756th home run, one gets the feeling now that he will only be renting the career home run record. If A-Rod averages 'only' 35 home runs in the next ten years he would have 779 career bombs by the age of 40. Barring major injuries or labor stoppages, Alex appears to be a major threat to the home run record eventually. Last year A-rod improved in four categories (.321/124/48/130/21) with only a slight decline in stolen bases. The relative position scarcity at third base states A-Rods case as the #1 overall pick, and could qualify at shortstop as well should anything ever happen to Derek Jeter.
Miguel Cabrera (FL) - Became eligible at third by playing 29 games last season, and will play third fulltime this season with Mike Lowell departed. Has slowly ascended to superstar level over his first three years, now Cabrera works on getting that big-money contract down the road, most likely with another team. Look at him as a poor mans Albert Pujols without the lineup protection.
Aramis Ramirez (CHC) - Was on pace for a 40 HR/120 RBI season before aggravating an injury and being shut down for the season. Is especially deadly v. left-handers, hitting at a .355 clip last year.
David Wright (NYM) - Ranks as high as #2 at the position on some draft boards, since Wright is emerging into a five category force who also steals bases, along with 100 runs/100 RBI/30 HR and a .300 average. Will go early second-round in most drafts.
Jorege Cantu (TB) - Also eligible at second and probably even more valuable to fantasy teams there, likened to a young Manny Ramirez.
Chone Figgins (ANG) - Dallas McPherson's rehab is likely to spill over into the season, ensuring Figgins will remain eligible at third, and is ensured of again finding a place on the diamond all season.
Morgan Ensberg (HOU) - A complete bust in 2004, Ensberg blossomed to the tune of 36 HR/103 RBI last year. What you may not know is that Ensberg is already 30 years old, so he could actually start to regress this season.
Hank Blalock (TX) - While teammate Mark Texieria has blossomed, Blalock has regressed somewhat. Hank is money at home and against right-handers, but hit only .230 on the road and under .200 against lefties. Could find himself in a platoon situation if he's not careful.
Chipper Jones (ATL) - Became a fantasy factor again last year by moving back to third base, and also bounced back average wise to his usual .300 level. Throw two months missed due to injury and Chipper would had been at his usual 30 HR/100 RBI as well.
Troy Glaus (TOR) - I was expecting him do be shut down at any point during the second half of last season, and finished with 37 HR/97 RBI. Also on the plus side he proved that his shoulder could last through the entire campaign. Move back to the AL helps since DH?ing becomes an option again. If healthy, the 6'5" 240 lb'er will contend for the home run title, but is usually a liability average wise.
Scott Rolen (STL) - The company line is that Rolen?s rehab from August shoulder surgery is going fine, and that he expects to be ready opening day. If he looks good during spring training, feel free to knock Rolen a few spots up on this list. Remember it was just two years ago that Rolen looked like an MVP candidate for the first half of the season.
Eric Chavez (OAK) - We've been waiting for Chavez to turn up the wick for the last few years, but his numbers remain essentially the same, an average in the .270's with 90 runs, 30 HR, and 100 RBI. You know what you're going to get, which makes Chavez a nice, safe conservative pick.
Adrian Beltre (SEA) - As safe a pick as Chavez is, Beltre is the ultimate gamble. Still allegedly only 26, Beltre could bounce back to his MVP caliber 2004 #'s (.334/48/121) or flop again. Don't blame Seattle's home park for his 2005 woes as he was just as anemic on the road. However if Beltre is available in the middle rounds he's definitely worth a roll of the dice.
Melvin Mora (BAL) - Mora's value has dropped some in the last couple years for two reasons, for one he no longer plays several positions, and is now only eligible at third. Also his monster 2004 season (.340/111/27/104) appears to be his peak, especially since he's now 34. However injuries factored as well last year, which leaves hope for some sort of rebound this time around.
Garrett Atkins (COL) - At the very worst Atkins is worth playing at home, where he hit .340 with 50 RBI in his rookie season. I also like to think that he can improve his home runs dramatically. A great sleeper pick to circle with a ton of upside.
Bill Hall (MIL) - Contributes across the board in all five categories. Don't fret the arrival of Crey Koskie too much, Hall will see plenty of time between second, third, and short.
Shea Hillenbrand (TOR) - Also eligible at first, Hillenbrand has a nice average with decent, but not great power.
Mike Lowell (BOS) - How can you explain hitting only .236 with eight home runs in 500 AB's last year. Lowell is a good player to keep an eye on in Spring Training, if he does well there then he's worth a flyer hitting in a great lineup playing at Fenway. By round 10 he should be a solid selection.
Tony Batista (MN) - Returns to the states after a one-year hiatus. Had his typical season even in Japan, hitting 30 HR's, but not for a great average. Had 32 HR's, 110 RBI, and even 14 steals playing with the Expos in '04.
Nomar Garciaparra (LA) - Is already eligible at third and short, and is slated to play at first this year. Finishing last year at .283 was very impressive considering Nomar didn't hit a thing in April before getting hurt. I'd probably stay away due to the injury factor.
Aaron Boone (CLE) - Returning after missing an entire year with a knee injury, Boone was only a shell of his former self and hit just .243 with 16 HR/9 SB, as opposed to 24 HR/23 SB back in 2003.
Ryan Zimmerman (WSH) - Basically won the third base job hitting .397 in the month of September. Doesn't offer a lot of power, but does have modest stolen base potential.
Pedro Feliz (SF) - I'm guessing this was the player that sent radio talk show host Larry Krueger over the edge last year. He is eligible at third and in the outfield and will hit 20 HR/80 RBI, but will hurt you in the average department.
Edwin Encarnacion (CIN) - Was basically handed the third base job when Joe Randa was dealt late in the season. I see him as a great late round sleeper especially considering he plays in a plus-hitters park.
Joe Crede (CWS) - Perennial disappointment, especially average wise - but still manages to hit around 20 HR. Still only 27, perhaps this is the year Crede gets to the next level.
Brandon Inge (DET) - Is non longer eligible behind the plate, which hurts his fantasy value. Only offers modest average and power.
Bill Mueller (LA) - Former batting champ helps with the average but not as much in the power categories.
Dallas McPherson (ANG) - Latest report is that his recovery from hip surgery has gone well. That said, McPherson is still going to be fighting for playing time since Chone Figgins is slated for third as opposed to the outfield. Still keep an eye out for McPherson, who still has too much potential to stay on the bench.
Vinny Castilla (SD) - The good news for Castilla is at least he gets to play nine games at Coors Field this year. Hit 35 HR with 131 RBI with the Rockies two years ago, that was a complete fraud, his 2005 #'s .253/12/66 much more emphasizes the expectations at this point.
Joe Randa (PIT) - Actually had a productive year hitting a career high 17 home runs. Returns to the NL Central after spending the end of last season in San Diego.
Rob Mackowiak (CWS) - Gets some value just based on being eligible at second, third, and the outfield.
Mark Taehan (KC) - Typical Royal, not a lot of power, not a lot of speed, but at least KC management can afford him.
Ty Wigginton (TB) - Former hot prospect who fell so far that he was actually shipped to the minors last year. Had 17 HR/66 RBI as recently as 2004.
Edgardo Alfonzo (ANG) - How the mighty have fallen, once deemed the 'next Ryne Sandberg', Alfonzo managed all of two home runs in 109 games last year. Alfonzo?' career may be headed to a premature end, as he will be fighting for scraps in Anaheim.
Kevin Youkilis (BOS) - Missed most of last season, is expected to see the majority of time at first this season, and offers modest power.
David Bell (PHI) - Is ten home runs over an entire year in a hitter's park really worth consideration??
Sean Burroughs (TB) - Considered a premiere prospect just three years ago, the Padres have already given up on Burroughs, who will now be fighting for playing time in Tampa. Burroughs has never developed power wise and his average went south last year as well.
Andy Marte (CLE) - Hit 20 home runs and slugged over .500 in the minors last year, will start the year in the minors since Cleveland is still invested with Aaron Boone. Will get his shot very soon however.
Alex Cintron (AZ) - Actually developed some decent power in part-time duty last year, and qualifies at second, short, and third.
Jeff Baker (COL) - A threat to potentially battle Garrett Atkins for playing time.
