MLB Fantasy News 2011

[HacheMan]

Minor Threat

Welcome to the 25th and final edition of Waiver Wired for the 2011 season. Has this year passed by in a flash or what? Anyway, like I said last week, if you are still reading this thing, that means you are likely still in the thick of things in your league. Good for you. I sincerely hope Rotoworld has made your season a little easier to navigate.

It has been a real privilege to write this column for a second straight season, but one of the best parts about this job is interacting with you, the reader. Please keep those e-mails and Tweets coming during the winter. I do my best to catch up on them throughout the week.

Just like I did last year, I'm handing out some Waiver Wired awards on the second page, so be sure to check those out after you take a gander at this week's recommendations. Farewell, good luck and most importantly, thanks for reading.

MIXED LEAGUES

Jason Bourgeois OF, Astros (Yahoo: 6 percent owned, ESPN: 13.9 percent)

Many assumed (your humble host included) that Bourgeois would get significant playing time following the trades of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. It hasn't exactly worked out that way due to the presence of J.D. Martinez, Jordan Schafer and Brian Bogusevic, but the 29-year-old outfielder continues to steal bases at a rapid rate. In fact, he has swiped seven bags in just 13 games this month. Be careful to watch Brad Mills' lineup card, but the speedy Bourgeois is legitimate weapon when given the opportunity.

Omar Infante 2B/3B/SS/OF, Marlins (Yahoo: 40 percent owned, ESPN: 47.9 percent)

Infante may not be tearing the cover off the ball like he did in late-July and August, but he does have three homers, five doubles, one triple, 10 RBI and 11 runs scored through 21 games this month. That's perfectly acceptable production for a second baseman or shortstop in deeper mixed leagues. Firmly entrenched as the primary No. 2 hitter in Jack McKeon's lineup, the impending free agent should have plenty of chances to deliver value the rest of the way.

Mike Aviles 2B/3B/SS, Red Sox (Yahoo: 20 percent owned, ESPN: 16.8 percent)

Kevin Youkilis continues to deal with a sports hernia and left hip soreness and while he hopes to hit before Friday's game against the Yankees, his status remains very much in doubt. Aviles, who was acquired from the Royals at the trade deadline, has at least stepped in admirably during his absence, hitting .375 (9-for-24) with two homers, three doubles and five runs scored over his last seven games. He even batted second in Thursday's loss to the Orioles. While his value may be fleeting, his multi-position eligibility should come in handy right now.

Mike Moustakas 3B, Royals (Yahoo: 19 percent owned, ESPN: 22.5 percent)

The late-season surge continues. After batting .283 last month, the rookie third baseman is hitting .318 (21-for-66) so far in September. He has homered three times in his last seven games after hitting just one home run over his first 73 games in the big leagues. The 23-year-old displayed immense power potential during his time in the minor leagues, so it's worth a shot in deeper leagues to see if he has finally figured things out.

Ben Revere OF, Twins (Yahoo: 9 percent owned, ESPN: 18.9 percent)

Revere is hitting .314 (22-for-70) this month, but that's not why I'm recommending him here. We're talking about someone whose fantasy value is directly tied to their speed. The rookie outfielder has 33 stolen bases in 42 attempts this season, including eight through 16 games this month. Denard Span returned to the lineup on Wednesday night, but Revere should see regular playing time in left field over the final week of the season. If you need steals, he is one of the best options available.

Santiago Casilla RP, Giants (Yahoo: 10 percent owned, ESPN: 11.7 percent)

Yes, Brian Wilson is back, but I'm not convinced that he'll handle a full workload the rest of the way. Casilla was the primary fill-in during his absence and would presumably get the nod if Bruce Bochy shies away from using him on back-to-back days. The Giants may even decide to shut Wilson down if or when they mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. With saves at a premium right now, I wouldn't give up on Casilla in deeper leagues.

Logan Morrison OF, Marlins (Yahoo: 29 percent owned, ESPN: 41.9 percent)

Morrison's sophomore campaign has been somewhat of a disappointment, but he has turned things on a bit in September. The 24-year-old is batting .291 (16-for-55) with four homers, eight RBI, a .945 OPS and an 8/9 K/BB ratio so far this month. Marlins manager Jack McKeon has batted him mostly fourth or fifth in recent days, so LoMo is in prime position to drive in some runs over the final week of the season.

Editor’s note: If you want to play Daily Salary Cap Fantasy Baseball for real money, check out SnapDraft here.

Suitable streamers:

Small sample size, but three out of our four streaming options from last week walked away with wins and all of them delivered quality starts. Not bad. Here are three options for this weekend. I don't want to leave you hanging for next week, but as you probably know, a lot of things are bound to change by then. With that in mind, look for two last-minute streaming options in Tuesday's edition of the Daily Dose.

Aaron Harang SP, Padres (Yahoo: 42 percent owned, ESPN: 26 percent)

vs. Dodgers on Saturday

Harang has four losses over his past six starts, but don't let that scare you away. The big right-hander has a nifty 2.92 ERA and 31/14 K/BB ratio over 37 innings during the same timespan. He has been one of my favorite spot-starters this season, especially at spacious PETCO Park, where he has a 3.29 ERA across 16 starts. The home run ball has hurt him a bit lately, but he's one of the better streaming options available this weekend.

Mike Minor SP, Braves (Yahoo: 21 percent owned, ESPN: 21 percent)

@ Washington on Sunday

Minor allowed four runs (including three home runs) over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Marlins on Monday, but the young left-hander has a 4.03 ERA and a terrific 46/13 ERA in 44 2/3 innings across eight starts since returning from the minors in early August. While he isn't pitching deep into games recently, completing six innings just once in his past five starts, he should continue to be an excellent source of strikeouts.

Cory Luebke RP/SP, Padres (Yahoo: 43 percent owned, ESPN: 43.8 percent)

vs. Dodgers on Sunday

It's stunning that Luebke is still so widely available, especially after he took a no-hitter into the bottom of the sixth inning in his last start Monday against the Rockies. The rookie left-hander has been a reliable fantasy option since moving to the starting rotation in late-June, posting a 3.23 ERA and 105/25 K/BB ratio over 94 2/3 innings. He'll face Clayton Kershaw on Sunday, which obviously isn't the easiest way to get a win, but I still like his chances of keeping the Dodgers' bats in check.

<!--RW-->AL ONLY

Francisco Liriano SP, Twins (Yahoo: 57 percent owned, ESPN: 40.2 percent)

First off, ignore the ownership numbers. At this point of the season, they are pretty worthless. The Twins floated the possibility of shutting Liriano down earlier this month, so there's at least a decent chance that he was dropped in most redraft leagues. Anyway, not only is Liriano back from the disabled list, but the Twins plan to give him a start during Saturday's doubleheader against the Indians. There's risk involved here, to be sure, but would six or seven solid innings really surprise you? Not me.

Chris Parmelee 1B, Twins (Yahoo: 1 percent owned, ESPN: 0.6 percent)

Since being called up from the minors on September 6, Parmelee is hitting .413 (19-for-46) with two homers, four doubles, nine RBI and a 6/7 K/BB ratio. This includes five straight multi-hit games. The 2006 first-round pick has coincidentally batted cleanup in each of his last five games, so he should continue to get plenty of chances to drive in runs. He could be a name to watch at first base next season if Justin Morneau continues to have difficulty with concussion issues and/or playing the field.

NL ONLY

Jerry Sands OF, Dodgers (Yahoo: 2 percent owned, ESPN: 3.2 percent)

Don't look now, but Sands is one of the hottest hitters in the majors at the moment. The 23-year-old scuffled in his first taste of the big leagues earlier this summer, but is batting .375 (18-for-48) with two homers, three doubles and nine RBI since returning on September. He's a no brainer add in NL-only leagues, but may also be worth a look in five-outfielder mixed formats.

Randall Delgado SP, Braves (Yahoo: 4 percent owned, ESPN: 4 percent)

Delgado continues to show plenty of promise. The 21-year-old right-hander has a 2.25 ERA over four starts in September and has allowed three earned runs or less in all of them. On the other hand, he has yet to go beyond five innings in a start and his 18/13 K/BB ratio over 30 innings this season is pretty underwhelming. I wouldn't touch him in mixed leagues quite yet, but he could make for a decent streaming option in NL-only leagues next Monday, especially if the Phillies field one of their B-lineups.

The 2011 Waiver Wired Awards:

A couple things before we get started. Last year I had each category named after an obscure Met from my lifetime. I didn't receive any complaints, so we're sticking with that this year.

Also, I admittedly whiffed on a few guys this season, so you won't see them below. This includes names like Emilio Bonifacio, Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera. But really, can you blame me? I did mention Brett Lawrie in a column earlier this season, but that was before he broke his left hand in early June. And yes, I did mention Desmond Jennings, but well before he was called up from the minors. Thanks Rays, for being so frustratingly unpredictable.

OK, let's get started.

The Phil Lombardi Award (best waiver wire catcher)

J.P. Arencibia is fourth among fantasy catchers in home runs and tied for third in RBI, but I'm going with Alex Avila since his strong season really came out of nowhere. After hitting .228 with seven homers and a .656 OPS last season, the 24-year-old backstop is batting .298/.390/.517 with 19 home runs, 77 RBI and a .907 OPS in 2011. He should be a top-five catcher on draft day next season.

The Roberto Petagine Award (best waiver wire first baseman)

Lance Berkman might be the biggest surprise among those who qualify at first base, but he was owned in most leagues even at the beginning of the season. That's why I'm giving this award to Mark Trumbo. The 25-year-old has filled in admirably for the injured Kendrys Morales, leading all major league rookies with 29 homers and 87 RBI.

The Jason Hardtke Award (best waiver wire second baseman)

Ryan Roberts was another one I missed out on, but I don't feel so bad since he's been pretty underwhelming in September. With that in mind, I'll give this award to Danny Espinosa. We knew he wouldn't post a high batting average, but the 24-year-old ranks fourth among fantasy second baseman with 21 homers and 10th with 64 RBI. He has also stolen 14 stolen bases and leads NL rookies in walks. Good enough for me. I think he'll be on the fringe of the top-10 options at second base on draft day next season.

The Al Pedrique Award (best waiver wire shortstop)

This was a pretty easy call. And no, I'm not talking about Asdrubal Cabrera, who was already owned in most leagues at the start of April. Two trips to the disabled list have limited him to just 123 games this season, but J.J. Hardy ranks second among major league shortstop with 28 homers and fourth with 75 RBI. He won't be able to shake the injure-prone tag, but should be in the 5-10 range among fantasy shortstops next season.

The Junior Noboa Award (best waiver wire third baseman)

We have seen awful production from third base this season, so I'll cheat here and use Alex Gordon. The 2005 first-round pick has enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, batting .303/.376/.502 with 23 homers, 45 doubles, 87 RBI, 17 stolen bases and an .879 OPS over 688 plate appearances. When people give examples of post-hype success stories from now on, Gordon's name should be mentioned prominently. He will lose his third base eligibility in 2012, which hurts somewhat, but he does enough to be a top 15-20 outfielder moving forward.

The Wayne Housie Award (best waiver wire outfielder)

Since I put Alex Gordon at third base, this was a pretty easy choice. Though he got off to a bit of a slow start, Mike Morse has been a revelation this season. After showing signs of a breakout in limited duty last year, the 29-year-old is batting .305/.362/.537 with 27 homers, 86 RBI and an .899 OPS. He'll likely play left field next season with Adam LaRoche slated to return from shoulder surgery, but he'll still have his eligibility at first base.

Some others that got my attention this season? Cameron Maybin (39 extra-base hits, 38 stolen bases, 80 runs scored), Josh Willingham (career-highs with 27 homers and 92 RBI), Dexter Fowler (34 extra-base hits, nine stolen bases and a .900 OPS since the All-Star break), Peter Bourjos (48 extra-base hits, 72 runs scored, 22 stolen bases) and Coco Crisp (third in majors with 42 stolen bases).

The Brett Hinchcliffe Award (best waiver wire SP)

Plenty to choose from here, but I'll give this one to Johnny Cueto. Though he only logged 156 innings this season, the 25-year-old right-hander posted a career-best 2.31 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He allowed more than three earned runs in just two of his 24 starts. That being said, if you rely on him as a fantasy ace in 2012, you will probably be disappointed.

Some others that were mentioned in this space (some of them more than once) include Doug Fister, John Danks, R.A. Dickey, Michael Pineda, Scott Baker and Brandon Beachy.

Javier Vazquez gets knocked down a few pegs due to a his poor first half, but he has posted a ridiculous 2.16 ERA and 87/16 K/BB ratio in 87 1/3 innings over 13 starts since I mentioned him here on July 14.

The Edwin Almonte Award (best waiver wire RP)

It wasn't too long ago that I thought I would have to choose between Sergio Santos and Fernando Salas, but it appears Jordan Walden is the last-man standing. The rookie right-hander took over the ninth-inning gig for the Angels in early-April and hasn't looked looked back, posting a 2.41 ERA, 31 saves and a 63/23 K/BB ratio over 56 innings.

 

[HacheMan]

Early 2012 starting pitcher ranks

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com


It was the "Year of the Pitcher, Part II."
Major League Baseball continued to gravitate toward pitching in 2011, more so, in fact, than ever before. The game's 3.93 ERA in 2011 (through the games of Sept. 21) was noticeably lower than its 4.08 ERA of 2010 -- that year also called the "Year of the Pitcher" -- and in fact is its lowest number since 1992 (3.75).

The ever-shifting baseball landscape has spawned countless debates about the worth of pitchers in fantasy. Are you among those who believe that, as the tides turn toward pitchers, you should follow suit and shift more of your investment to pitching? Or are you of the mind that increased richness in pitching means more bargain-bin candidates to bolster the patchwork-pitching strategy, thereby detracting from the overall value of the game's elite?
There are valid points on both sides, but one thing has become clear: Make sure you add more "fine teeth" to your comb, because success on the pitching side has become all the more critical in this "Era of the Pitcher," a time when workloads have come under careful scrutiny, and advanced statistics have given us an edge on evaluating pitchers that was never present before.
In this final 2011 edition of "60 Feet 6 Inches," what better topic than to help get you started on your 2012 planning? As with "Relief Efforts" and "Hit Parade" before it, today's edition provides preliminary rankings for next season and next season alone. Player value encompasses standard ESPN rules: rotisserie 5x5 scoring, traditional rosters.
In addition, let's make some early predictions on some expected 2012 trends, some of the same ones discussed in "Hit Parade," with a few new wrinkles:

Questions


Three pitchers who cracked my top 50 for 2012 finished this season prematurely -- or, in one case, at least appears done for the year -- due to injuries. In order of ranking, here are their prognoses:


Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves: While there is a chance he might return to the Braves in time to pitch in the postseason, you can be sure they won't risk anything if he experiences a flare-up of the shoulder injury that first landed him on the disabled list in June, then returned him there last month. His keeper-league -- and prospective 2012 -- owners would love to see him make a few October outings. He'll enter next season facing more questions if he doesn't, especially considering the risky long-term nature of shoulder issues. Hanson's upside when healthy, however, is immense. Consider this: Over a 33-start span between the 2010 and 2011 All-Star breaks, he had 22 quality starts, a 2.47 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 7.87 strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio. The Braves might be more cautious with him in 2012, considering he'll still be 25 years old and coming off a season of only 130 innings pitched, but his top-10 upside remains apparent.
TOP 75 STARTING PITCHERS FOR 2012

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rnk </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player, Team <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>2011
Player
Rater </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Verlander, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Halladay, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cliff Lee, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Lincecum, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Hernandez, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jered Weaver, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">CC Sabathia, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cole Hamels, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Price, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Haren, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Lester, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Cain, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zack Greinke, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yovani Gallardo, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kennedy, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Shields, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tommy Hanson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Madison Bumgarner, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Hudson, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Beckett, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Zimmermann, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Pineda, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Cueto, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mat Latos, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Wilson, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Hellickson, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Stephen Strasburg, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>150 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Marcum, MIL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Beachy, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hudson, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gio Gonzalez, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana, LAA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Garza, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Carpenter, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Max Scherzer, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Wainwright, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>-- </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Danks, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ubaldo Jimenez, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wandy Rodriguez, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhoulys Chacin, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Johnson, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Masterson, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cory Luebke, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Vogelsong, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Doug Fister, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hiroki Kuroda, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jaime Garcia, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Trevor Cahill, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Holland, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jair Jurrjens, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Oswalt, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Moore, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>231 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Billingsley, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexi Ogando, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Lewis, TEX </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Nolasco, FLA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ivan Nova, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd, CHW </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Morrow, TOR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Dempster, CHC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bud Norris, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vance Worley, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zach Britton, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Phil Hughes, NYY </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>252 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clay Buchholz, BOS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ted Lilly, LAD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Teheran, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>241 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeff Niemann, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edwin Jackson, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Baker, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Sanchez, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>140 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Pomeranz, COL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>170 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals: So far, nary a whisper of any problems with his rehabilitation from Feb. 28 Tommy John surgery. In fact, things have gone so well that all indications are that the Cardinals will pick up the two-year, $21 million option on his contract this winter, despite his not having thrown a single pitch in a competitive game this season. That decision might have a huge bearing on Wainwright's fantasy outlook; if the Cardinals are confident in him, then we should follow suit. The track record of pitchers returning from the surgery is also encouraging, as so many in the past have recaptured peak form, if not immediately thereafter then a few seasons down the road. But here's the primary reason Wainwright earned only a No. 39 ranking, quite a bit lower than his No. 2 ranking among starting pitchers on the 2010 Player Rater: Since the one-year anniversary of his surgery comes at the beginning of the 2012 exhibition season, Wainwright might be a candidate for a DL stint to open the regular season, and it's possible that he won't immediately return to must-start status once activated. This is a pitcher who might not be his true self until June 1, so understand that if you pick him, you'll need to exercise patience.
Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins: I'm much, much more concerned about Johnson's injury than either of the two pitchers mentioned above, but at the same time, if I knew all three of these pitchers would be 100 percent healthy for the entire 2012 season, there's no question I'd take Johnson first. Heck, he'd probably be a top-10 pitcher in these rankings, in that event. Consider this: Among pitchers with at least 400 innings pitched since the beginning of 2009, Johnson's 2.64 ERA ranks fourth and his 1.11 WHIP seventh, and the Marlins might very well open their wallets this winter to bolster their lineup as they move into their new digs. But Johnson has a Tommy John surgery on his résumé, plus this shoulder problem that cost him the final four-plus months of 2011. There might not be more of a boom-or-bust candidate in all of baseball entering next season.

Unranked value picks


Extending the rankings 75 starting pitchers deep greatly reduces the number of "sleeper" candidates, considering three of my favorites for 2012, Matt Moore, Julio Teheran and Drew Pomeranz, already made the cut. But among the pitchers who "just missed," here are three I'll be monitoring closely this winter:
James McDonald, Pittsburgh Pirates: He came close to the top 75; ultimately, the 1.48 WHIP was what kept him beneath the cut. That said, the Pirates demonstrated this season their potential to take another step forward in 2012, meaning the prospect of more run support for McDonald, who has made some advances during the second half of 2011 despite the team having crumbled around him. Since the All-Star break, McDonald's walk rate is 3.56 per nine, and he has averaged 5.69 innings per start despite the Pirates' having not allowed him to throw more than 99 pitches in a single outing. The problem is the home runs: He has allowed 24 this season, or 1.30 per nine innings. Lowering that homer rate is the key to McDonald's breaking out in 2012.
Mike Minor, Atlanta Braves: The Braves have a deep, rich rotation, and for that reason it's difficult to completely invest in Minor, though I'm confident he'll earn a rotation slot to begin the 2012 season. Since his recall in August, he has a 4.03 ERA and 9.27 K's-per-nine ratio, numbers that look better if you consider that the Braves have been conservative to McDonald-like levels with his pitch counts; Minor hasn't thrown more than 99 pitches in a single outing and has averaged 92.8 per start. That Minor has averaged only 2.62 walks per nine during that span is also a plus. Control has been the big question with him in the past, as that number tended to be closer to 3.0 in previous stages of his professional career. Now 23, Minor, Hanson and Teheran give the Braves three excellent, front-of-the-rotation arms for the next decade, with all three playing bigger roles in 2012.
Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals: It sure has taken awhile for this No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft to realize his potential, and looking at his lifetime 5.29 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, it's not difficult to imagine fantasy owners at large completely skipping him over in the spring. Hochevar's cumulative 4.68 ERA, plus the fact that he pitches for the Royals, a team that has long been ignored in fantasy, works against him, but look closer. The Royals have an up-and-coming offense, likely to finish in the top 10 in baseball in runs, and Hochevar himself has finished the year on a high note, winning six of 12 starts with a 3.52 ERA and 1.13 WHIP after the All-Star break, during a span in which his schedule was not the easiest. With continued progress in the spring, he might warrant a late-round pick, albeit more so in AL-only leagues than mixed. Regardless, Hochevar should not be ignored.

Hot stove impact


There's one pressing question when it comes to this winter's free-agent class, and it's whether the top name on the list, CC Sabathia, will opt out of the final four years and $92 million remaining of his contract with the New York Yankees. If he does, that puts a bona fide ace on the market, giving us two, depending upon your opinion of the No. 2 name on this list. Let's go pitcher-by-pitcher in order of Player Rater ranking, and take a look at potential free-agent ramifications:

CC Sabathia, Yankees: Even if he opts out, chances are he'll only do so in order to get more years at similar money to remain with the Yankees, perhaps another seven years at $161 million, a move not unlike Alex Rodriguez's following his 2007 MVP season. But what if there's another suitor? The advantages the Yankees provide a pitcher in fantasy are run support -- only one team has averaged more than their 5.34 runs per game this season -- and a bullpen headed by the most reliable closer in baseball history in Mariano Rivera. That makes Sabathia one of the few "safe" 20-win candidates, which he might not be with a lesser team, and it's not assured that his ratios would drop away from homer-happy Yankee Stadium. After all, he's 26-7 with a 3.08 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 0.65 homers allowed per nine innings in 47 career starts there, but 33-16 with a 3.27 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 0.75 homers per nine in 54 road starts as a Yankee. Chances are, if he leaves New York, the net result would be the same stats but two fewer wins, and that's still going to be a clear top-10 starting pitcher. www.rapsports.com
C.J. Wilson, Texas Rangers: If Sabathia stays put, Wilson moves to the head of the free-agent class, and in spite of his widely criticized 2010 workload, he has actually been more effective this year than last. He has a lower ERA (2.97 in 2011, 3.35 in 2010), WHIP (1.18, down from 1.25) and walk rate (2.93, down from 4.10), and a higher strikeout rate (8.38, up from 7.50) and innings-per-start average (6.71, up from 6.18). Wilson is going to command the big bucks, and if it's with another team, the ballpark factor, while irrelevant with Sabathia, does have an impact on Wilson. He has a 3.70 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 0.66 homers-per-nine ratio in 35 home starts since the beginning of last season, compared to 2.59-1.17-0.43 numbers in 31 starts on the road. Of course, the Rangers support him as well as anyone, so the net result, if he does leave, might be moot. Bottom line: Wilson should remain a top-20 starter.
Hiroki Kuroda, Los Angeles Dodgers: He'll he 37 by next Opening Day, so maybe annual one-year deals might be the norm for the remainder of his career. We'd sure love to see him remain in Los Angeles, however, and preferably in one of those three pitching-friendly venues in the National League West. He has a 3.28 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 69 combined starts at Dodger Stadium, AT&T Park and Petco Park, compared to 3.84 and 1.27 in 44 games everywhere else. Something else to consider: He has a 4.33 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 1.18 homers-per-nine ratio in 11 career starts against American League teams, compared to 3.39-1.20-0.77 against NL foes. Where he lands will impact his 2012 draft appeal.
Javier Vazquez, Florida Marlins: The question here is, which Javier Vazquez is an interested team getting: the one who had 11 quality starts in 44 tries, a 5.29 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and whose fastball averaged 88.9 mph from the beginning of 2010 through the 2011 All-Star break … or the one who has 12 quality starts in 13 tries, a 2.16 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and a fastball averaging 91.2 mph since the All-Star break? Though the numbers suggest otherwise, it's difficult to imagine Vazquez having found some sort of miracle cure for his lost velocity during a three-day break, not at the age of 35. Unless he's throwing exactly as hard next spring, and for a team in a pitching-friendly venue, he's due for a decline.
Bartolo Colon, New York Yankees: Talk about "miracle cures," Colon's elbow surgery, during which he had fat and bone marrow stem cells injected in his elbow and shoulder, has returned him to the realm of useful fantasy pitchers; his 2.9 WAR (wins above replacement) is his best number since his Cy Young award year of 2005. At the same time, let's not overlook that he's 38 years old, and he has a 4.52 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 14 starts since returning from his June hamstring injury. He might not be physically capable of handling much more of a workload than the one he has endured this year, and he's not going to get quite the run support if he doesn't return to the Yankees. Tread carefully.

Ah, but aren't you forgetting someone?



[+] Enlarge

<CITE>Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US Presswire</CITE>Yu Darvish has put up phenomenal numbers in Japan.



Why yes, yes I am. Expect a buzz to surround Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish, who, according to many reports, might be posted by his team, the Nippon Ham Fighters, this winter. Darvish is a name with whom many fantasy owners might be familiar; we've profiled him on ESPN as far back as 2008. His potential arrival in the States has been speculated upon for multiple years, and with word this summer that Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos traveled to Japan to scout the right-hander, expect such talk to only heat up in the coming weeks.
Heck, I'm on the Darvish bandwagon: I ranked him among my top 250 keepers in my midseason update, under the assumption that he would be pitching in the United States as early as the 2012 season.
Darvish's potential is immense, and his statistics in Japan show it: This season he's 16-5 with a 1.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 235 K's in 199 innings, and in the past five years he's a combined 74-27 with a 1.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 9.46 K's-per-nine ratio in 124 appearances. In four of those five years he has struck out more than 200 batters, four times his WHIP has been sub-0.90, and he has 14 shutouts combined. And remember, Japanese "aces" typically throw only 25 games, compared to the 33-35 that we've come to expect from U.S. aces. Conversely, that spawns the inevitable question about possible late-season fatigue in the U.S. game.
Darvish has generated countless comparisons to Daisuke Matsuzaka, and considering the direction in which Matsuzaka's career has headed the past three years, that might be regarded a black mark by many. But don't forget the impact "Dice-K" had in his first two seasons in the States: He won 15 games with 201 K's as a rookie in 2007, and he won 18 games with a 2.90 ERA as a sophomore in 2008. By many accounts, Darvish's potential exceeds even that of Matsuzaka's.
Plus, Darvish is only 25 years old, a year younger than Matsuzaka at the time he made the leap to the U.S.
You'll notice that Darvish didn't crack my initial top 75 for 2012, and the reason is that there has been no official word that he's headed here this winter. As most keeper leagues have rules that prevent teams from signing foreign talent before their arrival in the States, there's little purpose in ranking him yet. But if you're curious about his possible impact in the event he does arrive here before the spring: I'd rank him 30th, right behind Stephen Strasburg.

Who is 2012's "Jordan Zimmermann"?


This is both a positive and a negative, as while Zimmermann was on track to become one of 2011's greatest breakout stories entering the All-Star break -- at the time he ranked 14th in ERA (2.66) -- innings-cap concerns during his first full season back following Tommy John surgery quelled any excitement shortly thereafter. He had a 4.47 ERA in his next eight starts, pitched on more than five days' rest three times and was ultimately shut down for the season following his Aug. 28 turn, finishing with 161 1/3 innings.
With pitching usage as under-the-microscope as ever, here are my top three candidates to suffer the "Zimmerman treatment" in 2012, meaning careful management of their innings totals that might adversely impact their fantasy value:

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals: He's coming off the same surgery that Zimmermann did, he pitches for the same team as Zimmermann, he's younger than Zimmermann (23, compared to 25), and he has thrown fewer innings in his first year back than Zimmermann did (34 1/3, compared to 70 2/3). Oh, and the Nationals already showed us during his rookie season in 2010 that they're uber-cautious about his workload. Could there be a more obvious innings-cap concern -- in any year -- than Strasburg? He'll be one of the best on a per-innings basis in 2012, but he's not going to give you more than 160 frames.

Drew Pomeranz, Colorado Rockies: That he was able to make any starts for the Rockies this year is somewhat remarkable; remember that at the time of an emergency appendectomy in mid-August, he was deemed out for the season. That limited Pomeranz's minor league innings total to 101, and he has tacked on 10 2/3 innings for the Rockies at the age of 22. He has the kind of stuff that could succeed right away, even at Coors Field, but he might not be afforded more than 160 innings.
Manny Banuelos, New York Yankees: He might not break camp with the team, but considering the state of the back end of the Yankees' rotation, Banuelos will get a long look for a spot during spring training, and his wins/strikeouts potential -- remember, the Yankees offer run support -- will make him an attractive sleeper in many drafts. But here's the problem: Banuelos has thrown just 129 2/3 innings as a 20-year-old this season, has topped 100 innings only twice in four professional seasons and, due to his command issues, tends to throw a greater number of taxing pitches over a smaller number of innings. The Yankees were cautious with Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes before him. They'll be the same way with Banuelos.
Others to monitor: Matt Moore (159 1/3 innings pitched this season at the age of 22), Brad Peacock (153 at age 23), Julio Teheran (161 1/3 at age 20), Jacob Turner (140 2/3 at age 20) and Alex White (82 2/3 at age 23).

Are 2011 innings bumps really that troublesome?


The "Verducci Effect" has been discussed at great length in the fantasy baseball community during the past decade, and while innings-pitched bumps of 40 or more do bear watching when it comes to the pitcher's following-season outlook, the truth is that few of 2010's examples actually suffered statistically in 2011.
Last season, in the final edition of "60 Feet 6 Inches," I published a section entitled "Pitchers whose 2010 innings could signal trouble," and listed 15 pitchers who endured an innings increase of at least 40 from 2009 to 2010. The three who finished highest among starting pitchers on the Player Rater in 2010, Mat Latos (13th), Jaime Garcia (40th) and Phil Hughes (46th), all finished with a lower Player Rater score in 2011 than 2010. Garcia's, however, didn't decline by a substantial amount.
Interestingly enough, those were the three pitchers for whom the debate about innings workloads rung loudest. Their teams employed obvious strategies late in the season to keep their innings totals in check.
Eight of the 15, however, improved in terms of Player Rater value this season, and five of those did so by a substantial margin: Madison Bumgarner, Jeremy Hellickson, Ian Kennedy, Justin Masterson and Ivan Nova. Kennedy and Masterson both rank among the top 20 in baseball in terms of innings pitched, Bumgarner is a virtual lock to top 200 innings, and Masterson is the only one of the quintet to have a September ERA higher than 2.18, eliminating any argument that workload increases result in late-season fatigue the following year.
Couldn't it be argued, then, that the pendulum has now swung so far to the other side that teams who excessively maintain pitchers' workloads from one season to the next actually don't do them any greater service than the teams who abuse their young arms without care for future consequences? That might be an extreme opinion, but those 2010-11 examples don't exactly fuel the theory behind the "Verducci Effect."
As innings caps remain a factor in our game, however, I'd be remiss not to publish the list of "abused" arms heading into 2012. These are the notable pitchers whose 2011 innings totals exceeded their 2010 numbers by at least 40 frames, as well as set new professional highs in the category, among those aged 25 or younger:
(Ages are as of Sept. 22)
Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals (age: 25; 2011 innings: 161 1/3; 2010 innings: 70 2/3; difference: +90 2/3; previous pro high: 106 2/3)
Derek Holland, Texas Rangers (age: 24; 2011 innings: 193; 2010 innings: 123; difference: +70; previous pro high: 150 2/3)
Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals (age: 22; 2011 innings: 147 1/3; 2010 innings: 78; difference: +69 1/3; previous pro high: 126 2/3)
Here's who could reach an increase of 40:
Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds (age: 23; 2011 innings: 175; 2010 innings: 138 1/3; difference: +36 2/3; previous pro high: 138 1/3)
Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners (age: 22; 2011 innings: 171; 2010 innings: 139 1/3; difference: +31 2/3; previous pro high: 138 1/3)

 

[HacheMan]

David Freese worth late pick in 2012

Eric Karabell

• St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese hit a big three-run home run Wednesday night, his 10th of a truncated season, and knocked in five runs. Freese, hitting .293 with 54 RBIs in 90 games, hasn't been able to stay healthy as a big leaguer, but his bat looks legit. Think of Freese, a potential 20-homer option, in the late rounds next season.
• Chicago White Sox third baseman Brent Morel held promise for this year but has been a season-long bust; however, his home run Wednesday was his seventh of September, generally a harbinger of future full-season power. In the first five months, Morel hit two. Morel doesn't draw walks but he also appears to have enough power to matter.
• Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie should top Freese, Morel and most everyone at the hot corner in 2012. On Wednesday, Edwin Encarnacion handled the position, as Lawrie's season is over due to a broken finger. Lawrie hit nine home runs and stole seven bases -- with a .953 OPS -- in 150 at-bats as a rookie. Sounds like a top-10 third baseman to us, a future Ryan Braun type. Cut him in one-year leagues and look at Encarnacion for the final week, as he has 16 home runs.
• The terrific second half for Florida Marlins right-hander Javier Vazquez continued Wednesday with seven shutout innings against Atlanta. Vazquez has allowed one run in 29 September innings, and lowered his season ERA in 11 consecutive starts. Not only is he worth using in his final outing next week, but if he chooses to pitch again in 2012, he'll be draft-worthy.
• Cincinnati Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo tossed a six-hit shutout Wednesday against the Houston Astros, winning his ninth game and outdueling Wandy Rodriguez. Arroyo entered play with the second-worst ERA among 98 qualifiers in baseball, ahead of only John Lackey, yet is owned in 31.4 percent

 

[HacheMan]

Not Really Nunez

Rays left-hander Matt Moore dazzled in the first start of his major league career Thursday at Yankee Stadium, fanning 11 hitters and scattering four hits over five scoreless innings as Tampa Bay gained a half-game on the Red Sox in the American League Wild Card standings.

For those who have been tracking Moore’s career path, the outing likely came as no surprise.

Widely regarded as the top pitching prospect in baseball, Moore posted a 1.92 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 210/46 K/BB ratio across 155 innings between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham this season before earning a promotion to the major leagues 11 days ago. He has a high-90s fastball and superb control over his curve and change.

Moore is the American League’s version of Stephen Strasburg -- and that’s not hyperbole. The 22-year-old southpaw should open the 2012 season in the Rays’ starting rotation and needs to be considered a Top 25 overall option in keeper league rankings.

This is Friday's edition of the MLB Daily Dose...

* Here’s an odd story with implications that spread from the federal government to the fantasy baseball waiver wire. According to the Associated Press, Marlins closer Leo Nunez has been pitching under a fake identity since arriving in the United States back in 2001. His real name is Juan Carlos Oviedo, and his real age is 29 -- not 28.

Nunez was sent back to his native Dominican Republic on Thursday and placed on Major League Baseball’s restricted list. He won’t return this season, and there’s a chance he might never make it back. Steve Cishek and Edward Mujica are likely to see save opportunities in south Florida over the final handful of games remaining on the regular season schedule.

* The Astros announced Thursday that right-hander Bud Norris will not make another start this season due to biceps tendinitis in his throwing arm. It’s not a major injury, but the out-of-contention ‘Stros have no motivation to push the promising 26-year-old.

Norris took another major leap forward this year, posting a 3.77 ERA and 176/70 K/BB ratio in 186 innings for last-place Houston. If he continues to develop, he could be a reliable middle-of-the-rotation fantasy starter for many years to come. And because of his lowly win-loss record (6-11), he could be a sleeper in drafts next spring.

National Leauge Quick Hits: MVP candidate Matt Kemp told an L.A. radio station Thursday that he's hoping to sign a contract extension eventually with the Dodgers … Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth remains day-to-day with a bruised elbow … Matt Holliday (finger) took swings in an indoor batting cage Thursday and felt fine … Mets third baseman David Wright continued his recent run of offensive struggles Thursday, going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts … Stephen Strasburg will start the Nationals' season finale on Wednesday against the Marlins, giving him two more outings before the end of the year … The Cardinals signed outfielder Lance Berkman to a one-year, $12 million contract for 2012 … Chien-Ming Wang has been diagnosed with a mild case of the flu but fully expects to make his next scheduled start, Saturday against the Braves … Nationals rookie Brad Peacock held the Phillies to one hit over 5 2/3 innings Thursday in another terrific outing … Jason Motte walked three of the five batters he faced as the Cardinals blew a four-run ninth-inning lead against the Mets … Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright tossed a two-inning bullpen session Thursday as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

American League Quick Hits: The Yankees announced Thursday that CC Sabathia won't pitch again in the regular season … Asdrubal Cabrera (back) homered and drove in five runs Thursday in his return to the Indians’ starting lineup … The Mariners have shut down outfielder Casper Wells due to a mysterious head injury … Nelson Cruz (hamstring) believes he’s healthy enough to return to right field … Manny Ramirez said Thursday that he wants to continue playing baseball and is willing to serve his 100-game PED-related suspension … Kevin Gregg picked up his 21st save of the season Thursday in a victory over the Tigers … Rangers reliever Mark Lowe is likely to miss the postseason due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain … Jemile Weeks hit his first big-league homer and scored three of Oakland's runs in Thursday’s defeat of the Rangers … Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan (neck) is not expected to return to action until Monday … Tommy Hunter (groin) expects to make his next scheduled start, Monday against the Red Sox … A’s infielder Scott Sizemore is day-to-day with shoulder tendinitis … Jason Kubel (foot) has been shut down for the rest of the season … Vladimir Guerrero told Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun that he hopes to play two or three more seasons.

 

[HacheMan]

End Game

Another long baseball season is coming to a close, so this will be our final edition of The Week Ahead here in 2011. Games only run through Wednesday next week, so obviously there will be no two-start pitchers to sort out. Instead, since these waning days can be crucial for those who are wrapping up their fantasy playoffs, we'll list out and categorize every starter scheduled to take the mound Monday through Wednesday, while also serving up your usual match-up info and pinpointing hitters who might have an edge in the short week.

It's been a pleasure bringing you this column each Friday during the baseball season. I hope the information helped guide you along the way. Good luck to those who are still playing, and to everyone else: we'll see you next year!

Going Once...

American League

Strong Plays

Josh Beckett: @BAL (Britton)
Jon Lester: @BAL (Simon)
Ubaldo Jimenez: @DET (Scherzer)
Justin Masterson: @DET (Porcello)
Mark Buehrle: TOR (Alvarez)
Doug Fister: CLE (Gomez)
Dan Haren: TEX (Wilson)
Jered Weaver: TEX (Harrison)
CC Sabathia: @TB (Shields)
Brandon McCarthy: @SEA (Vargas)
Gio Gonzalez: @SEA (Vasquez)
Jeremy Hellickson: NYY (Hughes)
David Price: NYY (Colon)
C.J. Wilson: @LAA (Haren)

Decent Plays

Zach Britton: BOS (Beckett)
Erik Bedard: @BAL (Hunter)
Jeanmar Gomez: @DET (Fister)
Philip Humber: TOR (Morrow)
Max Scherzer: CLE (Jimenez)
Rick Porcello: CLE (Masterson)
Felipe Paulino: @MIN (Slowey)
Bruce Chen: @MIN (Pavano)
Ervin Santana: TEX (Lewis)
Carl Pavano: KC (Chen)
Phil Hughes: @TB (Hellickson)
Bartolo Colon: @TB (Price)
Trevor Cahill: @SEA (Beavan)
Jason Vargas: OAK (McCarthy)
Blake Beavan: OAK (Cahill)
Colby Lewis: @LAA (Santana)
Matt Harrison: @LAA (Weaver)
Henderson Alvarez: @CWS (Buehrle)

At Your Own Risk

Tommy Hunter: BOS (Bedard)
Alfredo Simon: BOS (Lester)
Dylan Axelrod: TOR (McGowan)
Kevin Slowey: KC (Paulino)
Anthony Vasquez: OAK (Gonzalez)
Dustin McGowan: @CWS (Axelrod)
Brandon Morrow: @CWS (Humber)

National League

Strong Plays

Daniel Hudson: LAD (Eveland)
Josh Collmenter: LAD (Lilly)
Matt Garza: @SD (Stauffer)
Anibal Sanchez: WAS (Milone)
Javier Vazquez: @WAS (Lannan)
Wandy Rodriguez: STL (Garcia)
Ted Lilly: @ARI (Collmenter)
Shaun Marcum: PIT (Morton)
Yovani Gallardo: PIT (Locke)
R.A. Dickey: CIN (Volquez)
Cliff Lee: @ATL (Delgado)
Roy Oswalt: @ATL (Lowe)
Cole Hamels: @ATL (Hudson)
Mat Latos: CHC (Wells)
Ryan Vogelsong: COL (Millwood)
Madison Bumgarner: COL (White)
Kyle Lohse: @HOU (Myers)
Jaime Garcia: @HOU (Rodriguez)

Decent Plays

Wade Miley: LAD (Kuroda)
Randall Delgado: PHI (Lee)
Tim Hudson: PHI (Hamels)
Rodrigo Lopez: @SD (LeBlanc)
Homer Bailey: @NYM (Schwinden)
Kevin Millwood: @SF (Vogelsong)
Aaron Cook: @SF (Surkamp)
Chris Volstad: WAS (Peacock)
Brett Myers: STL (Lohse)
Dana Eveland: @ARI (Hudson)
Hiroki Kuroda: @ARI (Miley)
Randy Wolf: PIT (Ohlendorf)
Chris Capuano: CIN (Arroyo)
Charlie Morton: @MIL (Marcum)
Tim Stauffer: CHC (Garza)
Wade LeBlanc: CHC (Lopez)
Eric Surkamp: COL (Pomeranz)
Jake Westbrook: @HOU (Sosa)
Tommy Milone: @FLA (Sanchez)
John Lannan: @FLA (Vazquez)

At Your Own Risk

Derek Lowe: PHI (Oswalt)
Randy Wells: @SD (Latos)
Bronson Arroyo: @NYM (Capuano)
Edinson Volquez: @NYM (Dickey)
Alex White: @SF (Bumgarner)
Henry Sosa: STL (Westbrook)
Chris Schwinden: CIN (Bailey)
Ross Ohlendorf: @MIL (Wolf)
Jeff Locke: @MIL (Gallardo)
Brad Peacock: @FLA (Volstad)
Total Games

American League

3: BAL, BOS, CWS, CLE, DET, KC, LAA, MIN, NYY, OAK, SEA, TB, TEX, TOR

National League

3: ARI, ATL, CHC, CIN, COL, FLA, HOU, LAD, MIL, NYM, PHI, PIT, SD, SF, STL, WAS

Lefty/Righty Breakdown

American League

BAL: 1 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
BOS: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CWS: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
CLE: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
DET: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
KC: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
LAA: 1 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
MIN: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
NYY: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
OAK: 1 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
SEA: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TB: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
TEX: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
TOR: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP

RH hitters with good match-ups: Mark Trumbo, Howie Kendrick, Josh Willingham, Scott Sizemore

LH hitters with good match-ups: A.J. Pierzynski, Jim Thome, Alex Avila, Josh Hamilton, Mitch Moreland

National League

ARI: 1 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
ATL: 1 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
CHC: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
CIN: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
COL: 1 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
FLA: 1 vs. RHP, 2 vs. LHP
HOU: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
LAD: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
MIL: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
NYM: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
PHI: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
PIT: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
SD: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP
SF: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
STL: 2 vs. RHP, 1 vs. LHP
WAS: 3 vs. RHP, 0 vs. LHP

RH hitters with good match-ups: Ryan Roberts, Chris Young, Chris Iannetta, Gaby Sanchez, Omar Infante

LH hitters with good match-ups: Lucas Duda, Raul Ibanez, Will Venable, Laynce Nix

 

[HacheMan]

Right on the Money(ball)
On the “Money”

I was wrong! Yeah, that is what you want to read as the lead in a fantasy baseball advice and analysis column on which you have been relying all year (I hope). About what was I wrong? Well, I was asked a few weeks ago whether Moneyball has anything to do with fantasy baseball. My answer was “of course! Billy Beane is living the dream of fantasy players the world over.” It did not take long for me to see my error. Early in the screening of the movie I was privileged to attend earlier this week, Billy Beane (in the person of the incomparable Brad Pitt) said with both conviction and resignation: “It is an unfair game.” Smack! It hit me. It is not that Billy Beane is living out a fantasy leaguer’s dream, it is that fantasy leaguers are living out Billy’s dream. Unlike in the real thing where one team can spend 100+ Million while another is limited to one-third of that (a fact well emphasized both visually and through dialogue), fantasy general managers DO play on an even playing field. Each team is limited to a mythical $260 budget; no one gets a penny more or a penny less. That is Billy Beane/Brad Pitt’s dream -- equality -- a dream Billy/Brad knows is reserved for the millions of fantasy GMs out there.

Ok, I need to backtrack. I was not completely wrong. What a relief! There IS a lot that fantasy leaguers will recognize and with which they will identify while enjoying what is really a terrific film. Oh, and it is not the reliance on computers, newfangled statistics or fist pumping of the geek brotherhood. Then, what do I mean? Well, let’s start with one of Billy/Brad’s favorite sayings: “Because they are cheap!” Like the Beane character in the movie, many fantasy leaguers find themselves in situations where they have spent a majority of their budget but nevertheless must fill out their rosters. How to find the proverbial “diamond in the rough” or undervalued player to vault the team into contention is the annual conundrum that challenges fantasy leaguers and is the real joy of playing what is arguably America’s hobby. It is also what drives the Oakland GM throughout Moneyball. Neither Billy nor true fantasy baseball players take pride in being smart enough to draft Albert Pujols after 10 or so seasons of almost superhuman performance. There is no secret there. What fantasy leaguers thrive on and what makes them successful is getting the undervalued Melky or Asdrubal Cabrera cheap in the spring BEFORE their breakout.

There are of course other familiar realizations that will come to fantasy leaguers while they revel in the movie. Specifically, there is no attention paid to starting pitching. Many fantasy leaguers believe pitching is inherently too unpredictable and therefore scarce resources are better spent on hitting. The venerated League of Alternative Baseball Reality known as LABR provides a case in point this year. Doug Dennis spent his scarce resources on offense, offense, and more offense and, barring an unprecedented collapse, will take home the gold when the season ends next week. [Note that because it is a movie, the filmmakers had poetic license to ignore completely the reality thatOaklandhad three of the best young hurlers in the game in 2002 – Mark Mulder, Tim Hudson and Barry Zito but I digress]

The bottom line here is that Moneyball is a must see for any fantasy baseball player. There will be many moments of “oh yeah” or “been there” or “tried that” moments which will just be plain old fun for you.

“I Hope I Die Before I Get Old”

Sticking with entertainment for a moment because, well it is my column. You all should know the line quoted above. Of course, it is from the Who’s My Generation”. I saw Roger Daltrey belt that out last night at an unbelievable concert in which he performed Tommy soup to nuts. Of course, it is easy for Roger to say as at 67, he has the energy and power of a man half his age. He seems like he can just keep on doing this forever. It is just flat out awesome. If Roger can sing in 2011 the way he did when the song first came out 45 years ago, then maybe Mariano Rivera can do as he says and pitch until he is 50. You never know.

Back to the Fantasy Analysis

Ok, here we go – back to the nuts and bolts of why you click on this column -- a few tidbits for those still in the hunt for fantasy nirvana

Chris Parmelee: The Minnesota 1B has 3 dingers and 9 RBI in the last 7 days and gets KC pitching over the last three days of the season. He has never been a huge power hitter but if you need pop this year, it is not crazy to think a hot streak can last three more days.

James Loney: Though I have always liked the LA lefty, he has disappointed me once too often. 2011 has proven to be another bad year, with only 11 HR and 63 RBI – woeful numbers for a roto first sacker. That said, Loney is on fire now. He has 14 hits and 11 RBI over the last 7 days and gets to hit in AZ over the last three days of the season. Why not?

Rafael Soriano: He saved over 40 games last year, so he can do it. Mariano is unlikely to pitch in more than one game over the last three inTampa. Thus, if you are looking for a key save in the last three games, Sori could easily get it for you.

Chris Davis: TheBaltimore slugger has not hit for power recently, but the O’s are hot,Davis is playing everyday and therefore, there is a real chance for finding late, cheap value here. Buy.

Wade Leblanc: The SD lefty mowed down 10 last night and gets one more start Wednesday. He is not that good and it is a come down game. Be very careful.

And, not to be forgotten, Schultz says “Ever since The Week That Was starting synopsizing the week's events in Major League Baseball and prognosticating upon what it means for the week ahead, its been a tradition to end the season with the All-Schultz Awards. It is an event looked forward to by thousands of baseball fans across the country (read: my Dad). If we do a column next week, the All-Schultz lists of goats, surprise and MVPs will have its 2011 showcase. However, if this is to be the last Schultz Says for 2011, I'll simply give the All-Schultz MVP Award to Glenn Colton. (Everybody in unison - awwwww). By my estimate, this column has been around for more than a decade and over that time Glenn has given me free reign to write whatever I want in this little space, rarely exerting editorial control over its content and, to my chagrin, never fixing my spelling or grammar. (Although he did once keep me from calling Josh Hamilton, Joey Hamilton). Despite two of the major networks booting me from this column (it may only be one - I'm relatively certain NBC has no clue who I am), the long standing belief that I am Leo Nunez to his Juan Oviedo and the distinct possibility that I am chattel that may be bequeathed to Bobby if he ever turns the column over to him, Glenn has always made sure I've been a part of The Week That Was. If I ever appear ungrateful in this column, it's pretty much just an act. Thanks, my friend.”

Unless we are in ‘print next week’: See you in 2012.”

Response: Thank you! Well, I was not sure if there was going to be a post-season wrap-up, awards, “lessons learned from 2011,” column but now I know there will be and I look forward to it. In all seriousness, I have a couple of things I have to say. First, there really is a Schultz. Many of you out there tell me that I have contradicted myself when Schultz and I do not agree only to learn that I am just me and Schultz is just Schultz. In other words we are not one and the same so lets put that to bed shall we? Second, I have to do a right back at ya buddy. Schultz has been adding his unique brand of wisdom and wit to this space with little fanfare. Thank you sir! Mr. and Mrs. Schultz, you should be very proud!

Next week, a season wrap up and a column to be kept and re-read in March as you prepare for draft day 2011.

 

[HacheMan]

Ellsbury Powered Up

This late in the season, it's difficult to recap the day's baseball news in a way that is meaningful to fantasy baseball players. None of the starting pitchers will even start again without the help of extra regular season baseball.

Sure, it's nice to know that Jacoby Ellsbury hit his 29th, 30th, and 31st home runs on Sunday, and that the third powered the Red Sox to an all-important split of the double-header with the Yankees… but Ellsbury was already owned in your league. Clayton Kershaw won his 21st and Roy Halladay won his 19th -- don't check your waiver wire for either of them.

That doesn't mean there aren't any big-name players that didn't make fantasy news Sunday. Jose Bautista is a fairly famous dude and he crashed into the wall in the first inning Sunday. He played five more innings, but his knee swelled and stiffened. He's day-to-day but wants to play again. Justin Upton was hit in the head by Tim Lincecum but passed all the tests and should only miss Monday at worst. Miguel Cabrera has been dizzy, but thinks he'll be in the lineup Monday. Cole Hamels will not start Wednesday, and will only get an inning or two in relief at most. The Phils have to save their bullets for the postseason. Kevin Youkilis is going to continue trying to play this season but is still hurting. Carlos Gonzalez is likely done with wrist soreness, as he's supposed to sleep with the brace and still has discomfort. He's still a keeper.

* A few pitchers deserve mention because they might be borderline keepers. Like Derek Holland, who had a bad first half but has come on lately. He struck out seven in five innings and held the Mariners to three runs. He's an excellent late-round pickup in redrafts, but you'll want to be in a deeper dynasty league in order to keep him. Hiroki Kuroda has 13 wins and a 3.17 ERA, but he might end up in Japan. He says it's 50/50 right now and makes his last start of the season on Tuesday against Arizona. Kuroda is old, but he's good and makes a decent deep dynasty keeper. Mike Minor has been up and down all year, literally and figuratively. Sunday he gave up one run in 4 2/3 with five strikeouts, which would sound better if his manager didn't pull him as soon as he got into trouble in the fifth. His strikeout upside makes him an intriguing dynasty keeper.

Josh Collmenter is young, but he might still slump next year. He's survived on a funky delivery. Sunday against the Giants he gave up two home runs, but they were solo jobs. He struck out four in seven and held the Giants to two runs… but it was the Giants. Cory Luebke gave up three earned in six against the Dodgers and looks like a good keeper, but it's worth mentioning that he's only pitched half the year as a starter and we might not know exactly how good he is yet. Edwin Jackson pitched seven strong against the Cubs (two runs), but only struck out two. He's way too inconsistent to keep. Ross Detwiler held the Braves scoreless in six, and even struck out six. Normally, though, he doesn't get the strikeouts or the ground balls to make his improved control meaningful.

* At the plate, at the plate, who do pitchers hate at the plate? Jesus Montero had two hits and two walks, and one was intentional. He's absolutely a play at catcher in most leagues. Kevin Kouzmanoff had two home runs Sunday as the Rockies absolutely destroyed the Astros. He's still a risky play at any time. Ryan Braun singled and hit a home run… could he be the MVP? Hunter Pence returned from his knee injury and went hitless Saturday, but he had three hits Sunday and looked fine. Johnny Damon had three hits Saturday (one a home run) and put together a mixed-league worthy year this season, did you notice?

* Jordan Walden heads up the bullpen paragraph, but not for a good reason. Walden blew his tenth save Sunday, when the Angels needed a save most. He gave up a home run to Willingham and then threw a ball away. Him and Carlos Marmol have blown the most in the major leagues, and even if Walden's peripherals have been better than Marmol's, you have to dock him some points for those blown saves. Greg Holland is closing for Joakim Soria, who is out for the rest of the year with a hamstring injury, and he's been great. He got his fourth save Sunday. Kyle Farnsworth returned from his elbow injury Saturday, but then Joel Peralta got the save Sunday. That's still a collaborative work it seems. The Rockies might shop Huston Street this offseason, what with Rafael Betancourt playing so well.

If you want to talk to me about any of this, hit me up on the twitter. I've enjoyed the year, and I hope I've helped you win your league. Don't hesitate to email me about keeper questions in the offseason.

National League Quick Hits: Stephen Strasburg is still a keeper, but he'll be pitching under an innings limit in 2012 … Yovani Gallardo may or may not make his scheduled start Wednesday, with the Brewers locked into the postseason but battling for the second-best record in the NL … Adam Wainwright will throw his fourth rehab bullpen Monday and has been recovering well so far … There's a chance Jair Jurrjens returns this week, but it's not a great one … Jarrod Parker will make his major league debut Tuesday against the Dodgers and is absolutely a good spot start in deeper leagues … Aubrey Huff is done for the year, as his manager wants to try out Brandon Belt and Brett Pill (finally) … Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) should be ready for opening day, huzzah … Anthony Bass will pitch against the Cubs Tuesday and there are worst deep-league spot-starts out there … Chris Iannetta got his final start of the season Sunday, and Chris Nelson left the team to be with his ailing mother … Brad Peacock will not make another start this season … Kyle Lohse would be the Cardinals' starter if there's a one-game playoff.

American League Quick Hits: J.D. Drew (finger) returned to action … Aramis Ramirez (quad) should be back Tuesday … Clay Buchholz 9back) may rejoin the Red Sox bullpen Wednesday … Justin Masterson will sit for Zach McAllister for the season finale in Cleveland … Alex Rios left sunday's game after running into the wall but appeared fine … Nolan Reimold hit a three-run home run Sunday and is a power play in most leagues over a short stretch like this … Grady Sizemore is done for the season, even though he feels healthy … Colby Rasmus missed Sunday's game with the flu … Mike Trout is very exciting, but his manager is already hinting that he might begin 2012 in the minors … The Royals have already shut down Alex Gordon and Jeff Francoeur to see what Lorenzo Cain and Jarrod Dyson can do, so it looks like Melky Cabrera is next … Adam Lind is with his wife as she gives birth … David DeJesus left Sunday's game with a right hip contusion and Michael Taylor may just play out the string for him … Jim Thome is leaning towards coming back again next year … Trevor Crowe (shoulder) is done for the season.

 

[HacheMan]

Ellsbury first 30-30 in Red Sox history

• Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury smacked three home runs Sunday, giving him 31 on the season to go with 103 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. He's the first 30-30 player in Red Sox history, and ranks second on ESPN's Player Rater, behind only Matt Kemp. Look for both Ellsbury and Kemp in the top 10 for 2012 drafts.


<OFFER>• Baltimore Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz struggled again Sunday, allowing six runs over five innings at Detroit. Matusz, a 20th-round pick in ESPN average live drafts (No. 52 starting pitcher), finished his season with an atrocious 10.69 ERA and 2.11 WHIP in 12 starts. My advice: Ignore his injury filled 2011 season, because a healthy Matusz is a 2012 sleeper.

• Colorado Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta homered and knocked in five runs Sunday, participating in a 19-run outburst. The other Rockies with big performances -- Kevin Kouzmanoff, Ty Wigginton, Thomas Field -- aren't brimming with bright fantasy futures, but Iannetta is a catcher with power and on-base skills (.370 OBP) and is solid for deep leagues.


• Nice work by Washington Nationals left-hander Ross Detwiler, as he held the Braves to four hits in six shutout innings Sunday. Earlier in the week, Detwiler held the Phillies scoreless in 7 1/3 innings. Detwiler made his big league debut in 2007, at 21, but he's finally breaking out now. He'll be a late bargain in 2012 drafts, as fantasy owners flock to his harder-throwing rotation colleagues.


• Kansas City Royals right-hander Luis Mendoza beat the Chicago White Sox Sunday, his second win of the week since being called up from the minors. Mendoza allowed one earned run in each outing. A 27-year-old journeyman, Mendoza posed a 2.18 ERA at Triple-A Omaha, and it's possible, though not likely, he could be a late bloomer.


• Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks had three hits in four at-bats Sunday, scoring his first runs in two weeks. Weeks, hitting .208 in September since returning from a severely sprained ankle in July, should be safe for those in MLB postseason leagues, and he's a top-100 option for 2012 drafts.

 

[HacheMan]

Big Game for James

Remember when it looked like there wouldn't be any real drama in late-September? Funny what a couple of crazy weeks can do.

After the Red Sox lost to the Orioles on Monday and the Rays topped the Yankees, we officially have a tie in the American League Wild Card race with just two games left on the calendar.

Josh Beckett came up small in Monday's loss, allowing six runs over six innings, the big blow of which was a three-run inside-the-park home run by Robert Andino. The Red Sox had their chances to catch up, loading the bases in the eighth inning and bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth, but failed to close the gap. With the loss, Boston dropped to 6-19 in September.

As for the Rays, they got yet another huge performance from "Big Game" James Shields. While he got off to a shaky start, the 29-year-old right-hander limited the first-place Yankees two runs over 8 2/3 innings in the victory, falling just one out short of his 12th complete game of the season. After posting a 5.18 ERA last season, Shields will finish the regular season with a shiny 2.84 ERA and 1.04 WHIP.

The Red Sox will send Erik Bedard to the hill Tuesday night against Zach Britton while Jeremy Hellickson will go for the Rays against Bartolo Colon. Jon Lester is expected to pitch Wednesday's game, but if there's a tie-breaker on Thursday, it would likely be all hands on deck for Boston. Though at this point, the Red Sox would probably be thrilled if they were even still alive on Thursday.

While the Red Sox continue to make history with their stunning September collapse, here are some more news and notes from a busy Monday around the baseball world.

* It appears the Marlins are finally close to getting their man.

The White Sox announced following Monday's game that manager Ozzie Guillen was released from his contract in order to pursue other opportunities. The outspoken skipper had one year left on his contract, but made it clear on a number of occasions that he wanted an extension. This may not officially go down as a trade, as reported in various outlets Monday night, but the White Sox will receive compensation if Guillen manages elsewhere in 2012.

While there's nothing official yet, Guillen is widely expected to be named as the Marlins' new manager as they prepare to open a new ballpark next season at the site of the former Orange Bowl. It's probably no coincidence that interim manager Jack McKeon announced Monday that he intended to retire while the Marlins held interviews with multiple candidates, including Nationals third base coach Bo Porter.

Editor’s note: If you want to play Daily Salary Cap Fantasy Baseball for real money, check out SnapDraft here.

* I would be remiss if I didn't give the National League Wild Card its just due in this space, as the race between the Braves and Cardinals has been plenty exciting.

The Cardinals actually had a chance to grab a share of the Wild Card lead after the Braves fell to the Phillies on Monday night, but they failed to take advantage against the last-place Astros. After tying the game with two runs in the top of the eighth inning, they ultimately lost on a squeeze bunt by Angel Sanchez in the bottom of the 10th inning.

The Braves remain one game in front of the Cardinals with two games left to play. They'll send Derek Lowe to the mound Tuesday night against Roy Oswalt while Jake Westbrook will pitch for St. Louis against Henry Sosa. It's certainly no lock since Lowe is 0-for-4 with an 8.24 ERA over four starts this month, but if the Braves win Tuesday and the Cardinals lose, this race is over.

* In my final "Waiver Wired" column of the season last Thursday, I promised a couple of streaming options for Tuesday's Daily Dose. In truth, there aren't many quality options still widely available, but here are a pair of under-the-radar names to consider.

Bruce Chen

Wednesday @ Twins

What better way to finish the season than a start against the light-hitting Twins? The matchup is favorable enough, but Chen has actually been pretty decent on his own this season, posting a 3.98 ERA and 93/48 K/BB ratio over 147 innings. In case you are having any doubts, remember that the veteran left-hander allowed just two hits over eight innings of shutout ball against these very same Twins back on September 13.

Drew Pomeranz

Wednesday @ Giants

Yes, Pomeranz was roughed up in a start against the Astros on Friday night, but he was solid in his first two outings in the big leagues, including a start against the Giants back on September 17. It's a bit of a gamble, to be sure, but the 22-year-old southpaw has three quality pitches in his arsenal and I consider him an early sleeper for 2012.

NL Quick Hits: NL MVP candidate Matt Kemp hit his 38th home run of the season in Monday's win over the Diamondbacks … Carlos Gonzalez (wrist) has been shut down for the rest of the season while Troy Tulowitzki (hip) is only available in an emergency … Jose Reyes went 3-for-4 with a double in Monday's loss to the Reds, taking a slim lead over Ryan Braun for the NL batting crown … Justin Upton was held out of Monday's lineup for precautionary reasons after being hit in the bill of the helmet by Tim Lincecum on Sunday … Mike Morse slugged a go-ahead three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning in Monday's win over the Marlins … Andrew McCutchen was scratched from Monday's lineup after being hit in the lower abdomen during batting practice, but expects to play Tuesday … The Brewers have scratched Yovani Gallardo from his scheduled start Wednesday … The Giants have shut down Brian Wilson (elbow) for the rest of the season … Aramis Ramirez (quad) is expected to return to the Cubs' starting lineup Tuesday … Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Monday that Pablo Sandoval will likely be able to avoid surgery on his strained left shoulder ... Francisco Cordero told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Monday that he is optimistic about returning to the Reds next season … Shaun Marcum was knocked around for seven runs over 4 2/3 innings Monday against the Pirates … Mat Latos tossed seven scoreless inning in Monday's win over the Cubs … Rafael Furcal left Monday's game with a left hamstring injury … According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Marlins might look to trade Ricky Nolasco this offseason … Jair Jurrjens (knee) is scheduled to make another instructional league appearance Thursday and hasn't been ruled out for the NLDS … According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Marlins and Omar Infante have agreed to a two-year contract extension … Angel Pagan (head) is likely done for the season … Chris Heisey homered and drove in three runs in Monday's win over the Mets … Tommy Hanson (shoulder) did not throw his scheduled bullpen session Sunday due to lingering soreness and is doubtful to return during the postseason … Peter Moylan will undergo surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff …

AL Quick Hits: Robinson Cano hit his 28th home run of the season in Monday's loss to the Rays … Jose Bautista (knee) went 0-for-2 with three walks in his return to the lineup Monday … Doug Fister struck out nine over eight innings of shutout ball in Monday's win over the Indians … Dan Haren allowed four runs (three earned) over innings in Monday's loss to the Rangers, officially eliminating the Angels from playoff contention … Though Kevin Youkilis (hip, hernia) is "doubtful" to play against the Orioles this week, the Red Sox aren't ready to shut him down … Mark Trumbo has been shut down for the rest of the season due to a stress fracture in his right foot … Asdrubal Cabrera (elbow) went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his return to the lineup Monday … Mike Moustakas continued his late-season surge with a home run and a double in Monday's win over the Twins… Ubaldo Jimenez was knocked around for six runs over five innings in his final start of the season Monday against the Tigers … Jason Vargas struck out a career-high 10 over eight innings of one-run ball Monday in a win over the Athletics … Delmon Young went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI in Monday's win over the Indians ... Clay Buchholz (back) threw 18 pitches Monday during an instructional league appearance … Jarrod Saltalamacchia exited Monday's game after taking a foul tip below his right collarbone, but X-rays came back negative … Carlos Guillen will likely miss the ALDS due to a right calf strain … Dylan Axelrod tossed six shutout innings in Monday's win over the Blue Jays … Jason Varitek (knee) was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Orioles … Francisco Cervelli (concussion) could soon be ready to catch a bullpen session … Ryan Sweeney (quad) isn't expected to play again this season …

 

[HacheMan]

Doug Fister finishes impressive September

Eric Karabell


• Detroit Tigers right-hander Doug Fister continued his amazing September, finishing with eight shutout innings of three-hit ball and his 11th win Monday night. Fister allowed two earned runs in 34 September innings, a cool 0.53 ERA. Look for him among the top-30 starting pitchers on draft day next season.


<OFFER>• Meanwhile, Fister topped beleaguered Ubaldo Jimenez, who allowed six runs and nine hits in five messy innings. He concludes his season with a 4.68 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, numbers worse for the Indians after the trade from Colorado. Jimenez is a big strikeout guy, but the peripheral damage isn't fun. He's a risky top-30 pitcher.

• Cincinnati Reds outfielder Chris Heisey had three hits Monday, including his 18th home run, and stole his sixth base. Despite slugging close to .500 this season, Heisey couldn't earn 300 at-bats, and there's no guarantee it changes in 2012. Still, Heisey is only 26 and if he gets opportunity somewhere, he'll be draftable.


• Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas smacked his fifth home run Monday, four of them coming in the past two weeks. Moustakas, a rookie who made his debut in June and struggled until September, brings major power potential. He should be available after the top 10 third basemen in 2012 drafts.


• Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Shaun Marcum was tagged for seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings Monday, closing his regular season with poor outings in three of four starts. Still, Marcum's 3.54 ERA and 1.16 WHIP mirror his 2010 stats, and he fanned 158 hitters in 200 2/3 innings. The No. 29 starting pitcher in ESPN average live drafts should go in a similar spot next season.


• Washington Nationals first baseman/outfielder Mike Morse slugged his 30th home run Monday. Morse, 29, entered 2011 with 21 home runs over parts of six seasons. Fantasy owners who sold high on Morse at the All-Star break shouldn't have; he has 15 home runs and a .300-plus batting average in each half. Don't bet against a repeat in 2012.

 

[HacheMan]

Weaver Won't Start, Who Will?

With Wednesday being the last scheduled day of the regular season, there’s no sense in wasting words. We all know that the Braves and Cardinals and Red Sox and Rays are tied for the final playoff spots in each league, but what fantasy owners need to know above all else is who’s playing, who’s not playing and who’s uncertain for Wednesday’s season finale:

NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY:

With the Angels eliminated, Jered Weaver has been scratched from his final regular season start. Garrett Richards will take the mound instead … Also not making his scheduled Wednesday start: Matt Cain, as the Giants plan to give Eric Surkamp another oppportunity … Matt Holliday was pulled from Tuesday’s game after aggravating his finger injury, meaning that he won’t start Wednesday and could be in doubt for the postseason if the Cardinals make it … Also not expected to play Wednesday: Asdrubal Cabrera (elbow), Yunel Escobar (elbow), Jason Kubel (foot), Rafael Furcal (hamstring), Alex Gonzalez (calf) and Cliff Pennington (oblique).

MAYBE PLAYING, MAYBE NOT:

In his return to the lineup after being hit in the helmet, Justin Upton was hit in the face by a fly ball in the 10<SUP>th</SUP> inning, leaving his status for Wednesday in question … Casey Kotchman (tightness in chest) was released from the hospital after tests and has a chance to be back in the lineup Wednesday … Other players who are iffy for the season finale: Howie Kendrick (wrist), Ryan Zimmerman (hamstring), Edwin Encarnacion (shoulder), Nyjer Morgan (bruised shin), Jesus Guzman (neck), J.D. Martinez (ankle), Jason Bay (illness) and Mark Melancon (birth of daughter).

EXPECTED TO PLAY:

An MRI on Chipper Jones’ knee reportedly revealed a bone bruise, but the third baseman has stated his intention to play through it … Jon Lester and Tim Hudson will both be starting with playoff berths on the line, and therefore should be facing no innings limitations … Zack Greinke is slated to start Wednesday’s season finale, but will likely only throw an inning or two, according to beat writer Tom Haudricourt … Joe Blanton will start against the Braves, his first start since May 14.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Pitcher Injury Notes: Clay Buchholz (back) will make another start in the instructional league on Wednesday … Adam Wainwright (elbow) threw another successful bullpen on Monday as he continues to aim to be ready at the beginning of next season … Peter Moylan (torn rotator cuff) will undergo surgery on Monday.

Position Player Injury Notes: Ryan Howard told MLB.com that his heel and big toe are still giving him trouble, which is evident when watching him try to run … Grady Sizemore will have his knee examined by Dr. Richard Steadman on Monday … Michael Brantley (wrist) is expected to be ready for spring training … It remains TBD whether or not Travis Hafner (foot) will undergo offseason surgery.

Miscellaneous Notes: With Elvis Andrus getting a night off, Michael Young started at shortstop for the first time since 2008 … The Nationals and Laynce Nix have reportedly begun discussing a new contract … The A’s acquired Kila Ka'aihue from the Royals for RHP Phillip Hollingsworth … The Mets exercised their 2013 option on Terry Collins … In other (and more unconventional) manager news, the White Sox acquired SS Osvaldo Martinez and RHP Jhan Marinez from the Marlins for Ozzie Guillen … Leo Nunez is not expected to face criminal charges for falsifying his name, though it remains to be seen what discipline U.S. authorities or MLB will pursue … The Marlins signed Omar Infante to a new two-year deal reportedly worth around $8 million ... The Braves are calling up shortstop prospect Tyler Pastornicky for the season's final day, but odds are that Jack Wilson will get the start with Alex Gonzalez (calf) sidelined.

Notable Pitching: 2007 first-round pick Jarrod Parker threw 5 2/3 shutout innings in his big league debut … Madison Bumgarner recorded his 13<SUP>th</SUP> win with seven scoreless innings (two hits, no walks, nine K’s) against Colorado … Chris Sale picked up his eighth save … Roy Oswalt threw six scoreless innings against the reeling Braves … Javier Vazquez struck out nine in a complete-game, 3-2 win over Washington and reportedly plans to decide by December whether or not he’s retiring … Pitching a third straight day (and therefore likely making his final appearance of the season), Javy Guerra gave up a walk and a grand slam (though only two of the runs were his) … Trevor Cahill finished out his inconsistent 2011 with seven scoreless innings against Seattle to lower his season-ending ERA/WHIP to 4.16/1.43.

Editor’s note: Want to draft a new fantasy team? Check out SnapDraft here.

Notable Hitting: Prince Fielder recorded the first three-homer game of his career … Ryan Lavarnway homered twice in his first career start behind the plate in an 8-7 Red Sox win … Matt Joyce hit a three-run homer in a 5-3 Rays win … Jose Reyes hit two solo homers and stole his 39<SUP>th</SUP> base … Ryan Roberts’ 19<SUP>th</SUP> homer was a walk-off grand slam … Ian Kinsler (3-for-5 with a homer and a steal) joined the 30-30 club for the second time in his career … Aramis Ramirez (quad) hit his 26<SUP>th</SUP> homer in his return to the lineup … Matt Wieters hit his seventh homer of September … Miguel Cabrera hit No. 30 … Rickie Weeks homered for the first time since July 19.

 

[HacheMan]

Keeper Closer Rankings

One more game and that's all she wrote. One more game and the season is over. One more game and your fantasy league standings will be final. Hopefully you won some of those leagues with our help here at Saves and Steals (and RotoWorld).

But for many of you the season is not going to be completely over tomorrow, either. Many of you are in keeper leagues, and you'll be trying to decide wether or not your closers are worth rostering into next season. Most of the time, it comes down to a comparison with a position player or starting pitcher. And most of the time, the closer should come up short. There's just so much variability from year to year. So much volatility in the position means you should take the player that will most likely still have his job next year, even if he isn't as good at it.

In order to help you make these keeper decisions, we'll name these tiers after players that are comparable keepers. That should help provide the context for this list, which is ranked not by how the closers did last season, but how likely they are to repeat their seasons next year (and the year after).

Because a true keeper closer is about as rare as Mariano Rivera.



Tier 1: Elite (5) (AKA: The "Pablo Sandoval" Tier.)

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers

Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates

• Pablo Sandoval had a good year at a position that took some serious injury hits. But he only hit 23 home runs, and he has a bad year on his resume as well. It probably still makes sense to keep the Panda over one of these closers, but it should make for a decent discussion.
• Jonathan Papelbon's only demerit is the fact that he doesn't have a contract next year. There's very little chance that he doesn't end up a closer with that next contract in hand, but it's worth moving him down past a player who was excellent this year and is under contract next year with the same team. Otherwise Papelbon seems to be in his prime and is working on all cylinders.
• The guy that moves past him? Only Craig Kimbrel and his rookie record saves total. And fifteen strikeouts per nine. And his blazing fastball. Yeah, that guy.
• John Axford has now held his walk rate in check for two years in a row, and is back with the Brewers next year. He should be fine for at least the first half -- if they are terrible, it's worth mentioning that they might trade him at any moment. And Joel Hanrahan suffers under the same fate. He's also young enough, under control, and excellent enough to keep, but the Pirates might get a nice offer for him at some point.

Tier 2: Rock Steady (6) (AKA: The "Shane Victorino" Tier.)

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
Ryan Madson, Philadelphia Phillies
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
Jordan Walden, Anaheim Angels

• The flying' Hawaiian has had a strong year and his real-life team is not complaining about having him at the top of their lineup. Fantasy teams even liked his near 20-20 season. But he didn't give a ton of steals, plays in the outfield, and ended up about the 20th-best outfielder. That's about where you should consider this group of closers. (But only if you don't have a tier one closer. It should take a little more for you to keep two closers.)
• Yes, Mariano Rivera showed signs of his age this year. They weren't the most glaring signs -- he still had another sub-two-ERA, sub-one WHIP season -- but Mo had the worst ground-ball rate of his career this year. And he also has had his three worst swinging strike rates of his career in the past three years. And two of his three lowest innings totals have occurred since 2009. He's 42 and he could retire at any moment. Or he could string off another three years of awesomeness. That could happen too.
• Drew Storen improved his game over the course of the season. Even if it was by dropping a pitch (he no longer uses a curveball), it's worked for him. Every peripheral stat was above average for Storen -- maybe not elite -- but above-average everywhere works. And he's under Nationals control for a long time.
• Ryan Madson has been excellent this year but is a free agent. That's why Jose Valverde, who's getting older (34 next season) and had a control problem all year, is right with him. Valverde will be back with the Tigers next year.
• So will Joakim Soria and Jordan Walden, the tier's riskiest pitchers. If Soria hadn't finished the season well (minus the hamstring blip at the very end), he might be more of a question mark. And if Mike Scioscia hadn't stuck with Jordan Walden through all those blown saves, then he might be a question mark. But both made it through the year with strong peripherals and should have the same place on next year's teams.

Tier 3: OK options (7) (AKA: The "J.J. Hardy" Tier.)

J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics

Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Sergio Santos, Chicago White Sox
Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

• J.J. Hardy is a shortstop who hit 29 home runs this year. That alone makes him a valuable player. But he also hit 17 in 2009 and 2010 combined, so you can't consider him a lock to put up a repeat performance. And his batting average and frailty are also negatives. Still, with the risky closers in this tier, he might make for a safer keeper.
• J.J. Putz is a closer who was dominant for large stretches of 2011. That alone makes him a valuable player. But he also missed huge chunks of previous seasons and doesn't seem like the most durable fellow. He'll be an underpriced late-inning option on the Diamondbacks next year, but the question is how many innings he'll put together.
• Rinse and repeat for Andrew Bailey and Brian Wilson, making the beginning of this tier the M.A.S.H unit. Beard boy did make it back from his injuries, but his extreme wildness, paired with his missed time, seems to paint a risky picture. Andrew Bailey has pitched 89 and 2/3 innings over the past two years. He's a perennial injury concern.
• Further down on the list come two players with different sorts of risk. Sergio Santos used to be wild, but it's Carlos Marmol that may find walks ending his run as a closer. He already gave up the role twice this year, and his outerworldly strikeout rate has become more worldly in the past year. Santos might actually be fine -- Ozzie Guillen is out of town -- but without an extensive track record (and no minor league stats to speak of), we can't be sure.
• Heath Bell doesn't have a contract next year and was not traded somewhere to assume the closer role. He's coming off a year with reduced peripherals and it doesn't sound like the Padres will retain him any more. Still, he's been around longer than Jason Motte and doesn't have as crazy of a manager -- at least until he signs with a new team.

Tier 4: Question marks (7) (AKA: The "Adam Lind" Tier.)

Brandon League, Seattle Mariners

Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies
Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers
Mark Melancon, Houston Astros

Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins

• Okay, if you're considering keeping a first-baseman-slash-designated-hitter that hit .253 this year and didn't manage 30 home runs, then you can maybe consider keeping a rookie closer that's only been on the job three months. Or a 37-year-old closer that has only recently looked like a shell of his former self. Yeah, that's about the same.
• This is a tough tier to be in. You're hovering above the closers that are obviously not keepers, but you also have some flaws keeping you from being reliable year-in and year-out.
• Brandon League doesn't have the strikeout rate of a traditional closer. He had the second-worst strikeout rate among the top thirty pitchers in saves this year and was more than two batters per nine worse than your average closer. He also has a returning closer on his team in David Aardsma. But he was really good this year, and you never know what might happen. It's still a risky decision.
• Rafael Betancourt has been excellent this year, and really his whole career. But he's going to be 37 before next season starts, and he's never made it through a season as the closer. That might be as strange as continually handing the closer job to Neftali Feliz, but that seems to be what the Rangers are doing. Both pitchers are probably better than Mark Melancon, but M&M had a decent season and is on a team that needs a cheap closer. Joe Nathan is 37 years old and is a free agent coming off a mediocre season in which he never quite showed the old stuff he once had. Hopefully you are in a deeper or dynasty league if you are considering keeping these less-than-insipiring options.

Tier 5: Rollercoaster rides (5) (AKA: The "Probably Not a Keeper in Any Format" Tier.)
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays

Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles

Javy Guerra, Los Angeles Dodgers

Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds

Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays

Juan Carlos Oviedo, Florida Marlins

Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Manny Acosta, New York Mets

• Nope, it's just not a good idea. None of these guys has any semblance of job security going into next year. This is a flawed, flawed group of pitchers.
• Maybe Kyle Farnsworth performed well enough this year to consider him a keeper for next year… but then there's still the issue of his tender elbow. And can we really forget his career 4.25 ERA and 1.36 WHIP when it comes in almost 900 innings? Sure, his last two years have been okay. And he's shown better control, but believe the last 900 innings before you believe the last 90.
• Jim Johnson is interesting. He has a ton of ground balls and finally took the job away from a terrible Kevin Gregg. But the team has talked about using him as a starter, and they still have to pay Gregg next year. Those two facts alone make him a late-round draft pick next year rather than a keeper.
• Javy Guerra had a good year. And he'll be back with the Dodgers next year. But his control, which was good at the beginning of the year, began to move towards his career rates as the season went on. He ended up with slightly-worse-than-average walk rate -- and his minor league walk rates were terrible. So there's your range for his control. And don't forget that Kenley Jansen has wicked stuff and strikes out twice as many batters per nine innings. Jansen is the dark horse for saves next year in that pen, and both are late-round picks at best.
• Francisco Cordero is declining. Co-Co is going to be 37 before the season next year, and his peripherals are in a free-fall. His strikeout rate took a four-year decline into a career-worst number this year. His walk rate was good, but he's no known for his control. And his team has Aroldis Chapman chomping at the bit behind him. Pass.
• Frank Francisco didn't have a great year, probably won't be back with the Blue Jays, and is therefore an arm without a home. The artist formerly known as Leo Nunez, Juan Carlos Oviedo, is a man without a name. Maybe one of these guys will close next year. Maybe.
• Chris Perez. Looks like Jesus but pitches like… never mind. Seriously, his strikeout rate was worst among closers, and instead of making up for that with a good ground-ball rate, he has the worst ground-ball rate among closers. That leaves control, where he was mediocre and has never shown a good walk rate. Yeah, leave Perez out there. Remember Joe Borowski.
• Manny Acosta? Is he even the closer right now?

<CENTER></CENTER><CENTER>* * * * * * * * * *</CENTER>

The Deposed:
Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles Angels
Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals
Brandon Lyon, Houston Astros
Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox
Vicente Padilla, Los Angeles Dodgers
Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers
David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners
Jason Isringhausen, New York Mets
Jon Rauch, Toronto Blue Jays
Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kevin Gregg, Baltimore Orioles

• Could any of these come back from the dead? You never know if Matt Thornton ends up getting traded -- he's been up and down but has a wicked fastball and is left-handed. Francisco Rodriguez should probably close next year, but it also seems like folly to keep a guy that doesn't have a job yet. David Aardmsa may also reclaim his job in Seattle, but Brandon League did pretty well. Jonathan Broxton may have to prove to a team that he's healthy before he gets a closer jacket.

 

[HacheMan]

Ryan Lavarnway a potential sleeper for '12

Eric Karabell

• Boston Red Sox rookie catcher Ryan Lavarnway smacked the first two home runs of his career Tuesday, knocking in four runs. Lavarnway, hitting .233 in his first 30 at-bats in the big leagues, had hit .290 with 32 home runs in the minors this season, and he could be Boston's 2012 starting catcher and a sleeper fantasy option.

• Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Jarrod Parker shined in his big league debut, permitting four hits and no runs in 5 2/3 scoreless innings Tuesday. Parker, a 2007 first-round pick and Tommy John surgery survivor, posted a 3.79 ERA at Double-A Mobile this season, and he could open 2012 in the Arizona rotation. He has the upside of a potential ace.


• Philadelphia Phillies middle infielders Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley combined for five hits, three RBIs and three runs Tuesday. Rollins also stole his 30th base, while Utley hit his 11th home run. Rollins will finish as a top-10 shortstop on the Player Rater and should be drafted that way in 2012. Utley's future is less certain thanks to dubious health, but call him a top-10 second baseman based on potential.


• Florida Marlins right-hander Javier Vazquez finished his season with a complete game win Tuesday, allowing five hits and two runs. Vazquez, unownable prior to the All-Star break with a 5.23 ERA and pedestrian strikeout rate, went 8-3 with a 2.14 ERA and a strikeout per inning after that. Watch where he lands in 2012, because clearly he can still pitch effectively.


• Speaking of older folks still helping fantasy owners, Chicago White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle got his 13th win Tuesday, tossing seven shutout innings. Buehrle struggled badly earlier in September but closed strong, finishing with his lowest ERA (3.59) since 2005. Buehrle always makes for a reasonable late-round pick.


• And finally, congrats to Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder for clocking three home runs Tuesday, giving him 38. Fielder isn't likely to be a Brewer next season, but his fantasy value shouldn't suffer. With first base so deep for fantasy, Fielder is likely a second-round pick in drafts, not a first-rounder.

 

[HacheMan]

Early 2012 fantasy baseball Top 250

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com



<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Ovr.
Rank</CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player</TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Age</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Elig.
Pos.</CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>2011
Player
Rater</CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Braun</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Albert Pujols</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miguel Cabrera</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Gonzalez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Troy Tulowitzki</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Col</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Kemp</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Upton</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Verlander</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Bautista</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robinson Cano</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Halladay</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joey Votto</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacoby Ellsbury</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Prince Fielder</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Evan Longoria</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>125</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cliff Lee</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hanley Ramirez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Fla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>247</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Gonzalez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Col</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Pedroia</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Lincecum</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Hernandez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Wright</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYM</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>207</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andrew McCutchen</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Teixeira</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Hamilton</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jered Weaver</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kinsler</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Elvis Andrus</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">CC Sabathia</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Howard</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Stanton</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Fla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Reyes</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYM</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cole Hamels</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Curtis Granderson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Beltre</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Price</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jay Bruce</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Haren</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Zimmerman</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>248</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Lester</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Santana</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C/1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>143</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hunter Pence</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Paul Konerko</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CWS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Holliday</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carl Crawford</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>190</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Craig Kimbrel</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Uggla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>138</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Gordon</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Starlin Castro</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ChC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Cain</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Martinez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Rodriguez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>189</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zack Greinke</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>115</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yovani Gallardo</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bourn</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nelson Cruz</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Hosmer</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rickie Weeks</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>146</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kennedy</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shane Victorino</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Desmond Jennings</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>270</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Young</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Napoli</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C/1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chase Utley</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>261</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Storen</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Youkilis</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>193</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aramis Ramirez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ChC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shin-Soo Choo</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>355</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Phillips</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Jones</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Shields</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian McCann</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>163</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Stubbs</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tommy Hanson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>166</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Madison Bumgarner</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Corey Hart</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Gardner</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Asdrubal Cabrera</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mariano Rivera</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">B.J. Upton</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Hudson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jayson Werth</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>175</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Rollins</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cameron Maybin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Wilson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>145</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Ortiz</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DH</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Billy Butler</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DH</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Beckett</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pablo Sandoval</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Axford</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Zimmermann</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>160</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ichiro Suzuki</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Swisher</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>128</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Pineda</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>136</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Howard Kendrick</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Freddie Freeman</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>111</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Ackley</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>383</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Markakis</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jose Valverde</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Mauer</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>490</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Cueto</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>102</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mat Latos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>130</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>105</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Zobrist</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Papelbon</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Heyward</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>386</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Morse</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>109</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Wilson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>110</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miguel Montero</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>137</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>111</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Lind</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>172</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Hellickson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>104</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Buster Posey</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>629</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>114</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Heath Bell</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>115</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Stephen Strasburg</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>548</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>116</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Berkman</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Marcum</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>108</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Neil Walker</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>134</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>119</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Wieters</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>169</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>120</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Beachy</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>209</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>121</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Reynolds</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>122</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>122</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.J. Hardy</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>113</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>123</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Hanrahan</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Fla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>181</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>125</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Erick Aybar</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>126</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Jeter</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>127</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Neftali Feliz</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>152</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>128</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Trumbo</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>103</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>129</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hudson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>130</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gio Gonzalez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>127</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>131</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Joyce</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>132</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Cuddyer</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>133</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>120</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>134</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jesus Montero</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DH</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>790</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>135</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Young</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>105</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>136</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhonny Peralta</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>137</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Garza</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ChC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>133</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>138</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Danny Espinosa</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>156</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>139</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peter Bourjos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>131</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>140</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Austin Jackson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>161</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>141</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.J. Putz</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>142</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Juan Pierre</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CWS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>106</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>143</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Paul Goldschmidt</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>547</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>144</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Carpenter</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>171</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>145</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexei Ramirez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CWS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>151</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>146</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Max Scherzer</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>243</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>147</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Torii Hunter</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>117</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>148</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordan Walden</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>123</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>149</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Wainwright</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>150</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Coco Crisp</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>151</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brett Lawrie</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>419</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>152</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Danks</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CWS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>364</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>153</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Beltran</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>154</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Avila</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>109</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>155</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Logan Morrison</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Fla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>228</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>156</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ubaldo Jimenez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>374</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>157</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Lee</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>112</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>158</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Marmol</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ChC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>173</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>159</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joakim Soria</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>199</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>160</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Angel Pagan</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYM</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>114</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>161</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Kipnis</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>565</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>162</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wandy Rodriguez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>184</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>163</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yunel Escobar</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>183</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>164</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Damon</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DH</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>101</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>165</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jhoulys Chacin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Col</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>215</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>166</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Melky Cabrera</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>167</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Madson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>118</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>168</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Martin Prado</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>254</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>169</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jemile Weeks</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>179</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>170</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Belt</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>721</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>171</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andrew Bailey</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>265</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>172</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Johnson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Fla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>263</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>173</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chase Headley</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>257</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>174</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Willingham</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>116</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>175</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Nathan</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>385</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>176</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Rasmus</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>326</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>177</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Justin Masterson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>139</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>178</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Quentin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CWS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>204</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>179</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gaby Sanchez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Fla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>159</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>180</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Perez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>140</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>181</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Vogelsong</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>107</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>182</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Doug Fister</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>183</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Roberts</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B/3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>110</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>184</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">J.P. Arencibia</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>308</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>185</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Rodriguez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>155</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>186</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Seth Smith</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Col</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>141</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>187</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hiroki Kuroda</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>188</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Ethier</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>200</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>189</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jaime Garcia</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>180</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>190</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Trevor Cahill</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>328</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>191</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Stephen Drew</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>447</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>192</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sergio Santos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CWS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>126</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>193</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Derek Holland</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>201</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>194</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Yadier Molina</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>142</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>195</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Huston Street</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Col</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>222</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>196</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Hill</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>221</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>197</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jair Jurrjens</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>158</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>198</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Oswalt</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>317</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>199</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carlos Pena</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ChC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>210</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>200</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Moore</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>656</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>201</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dee Gordon</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>321</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>202</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Francisco Cordero</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>203</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Moustakas</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>616</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>204</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Billingsley</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>367</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>205</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alexi Ogando</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>135</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>206</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Edwin Encarnacion</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>164</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>207</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brennan Boesch</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>162</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>208</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colby Lewis</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>182</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>209</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Nolasco</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Fla</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>422</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>210</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Revere</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>192</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>211</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ivan Nova</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>225</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>212</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Trout</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>814</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>213</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lonnie Chisenhall</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>635</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>214</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Farnsworth</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>124</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>215</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CWS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>194</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>216</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Morrow</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>255</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>217</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wilson Ramos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>296</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>218</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Desmond</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>186</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>219</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon League</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>121</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>220</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Loney</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>202</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>221</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kelly Johnson</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>218</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>222</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Dempster</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ChC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>372</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>223</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bud Norris</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>262</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>224</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Russell Martin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>C</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>249</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>225</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alcides Escobar</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SS</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>195</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>226</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vance Worley</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>168</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>227</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zach Britton</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>488</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>228</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeff Francoeur</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>229</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Melancon</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>148</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>230</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vladimir Guerrero</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DH</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>167</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>231</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Phil Hughes</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>916</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>232</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chipper Jones</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>185</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>233</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mitch Moreland</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B/OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>273</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>234</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clay Buchholz</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>393</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>235</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Delmon Young</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>267</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>236</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pedro Alvarez</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1104</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>237</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Adams</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tex</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>147</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>238</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aroldis Chapman</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>425</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>239</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nyjer Morgan</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mil</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>208</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>240</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alfonso Soriano</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ChC</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>196</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>241</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ted Lilly</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAD</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>188</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>242</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bobby Abreu</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>211</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>243</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Todd Helton</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Col</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>165</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>244</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Teheran</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>804</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>245</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Bard</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bos</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>304</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>246</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dexter Fowler</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Col</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>235</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>247</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeff Niemann</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>260</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>248</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rajai Davis</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Tor</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OF</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>266</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>249</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonny Venters</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RP</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>149</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>250</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Freese</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3B</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>293</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Postseason fantasy baseball top 100

Eric Karabell


Well, I certainly enjoyed the final night of the 2011 baseball regular season! How about you? Of course, while our fantasy baseball leagues are over for the year, the playoffs are starting Friday and you can still have a blast with postseason pools as well. Below you will find my annual rankings of the top 100 choices for those pools, and as you can see, it's heavily weighted to ace pitchers. They always score the most points.
It's important to note that, while Albert Pujols might be the best offensive player and someone you love, if you don't think the St. Louis Cardinals are going to win their first-round series against the 102-win Philadelphia Phillies, then picking him is problematic. We said this a year ago with NL MVP Joey Votto. He played in three quick games. So view these rankings for what they are; Pujols is a better fantasy choice in 2012 than all of these pitchers, but in a postseason pool, not so much.
In order to win a playoff pool, it stands to reason you have to make some choices in predicting team winners. For the record, I think the first-round winners will be the Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, but I see the AL series as potential five-game series that could go either way. Regardless, if you think the New York Yankees are gonna win it all, by all means choose their ace first and their power options early as well. Picking two players from each of the eight teams probably won't result in you winning the postseason pool.

As always, thanks to trusted colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft for sharing his thoughts on the list below, as well as running our office pool. The scoring rules we use: 1 point for a single, 2 for a double, 3 for a triple, 4 for a home run, 1 for an RBI, 1 for a run scored, 1 for a walk, 1 for a hit-by-pitch (batter), 2 for a stolen base, 4 for a win, 8 for a save, 1 per pitching out (so 3 per inning), -1 for each hit allowed, -1 for each walk allowed, -1 for a hit by pitch (pitcher), -3 for an earned run, 2 for a pitcher strikeout. Got all that? Here we go!<OFFER> 1. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies: Pitchers do the best. This guy is starting Game 1, potentially in three series.
2. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies: And this guy was the leading scorer in this pool last season, with 150 points.
3. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers: I think he wins Game 1 against the Yankees, potentially Game 4 as well.
4. C.J. Wilson, SP, Rangers: Ace for the team I think represents the AL in the World Series.
5. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies: Certainly has a track record. But note he might not pitch as much as Halladay and Lee.
6. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers: Two games against the Diamondbacks would be nice. Big strikeout guy.
7. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers: My top hitter, I expect he gets 10 games or so. Last season the top hitter was Nelson Cruz, followed by Josh Hamilton tied with & Cody Ross. Yeah, really. And they had half the points Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum had.
8. Hunter Pence, OF, Phillies: The best Phillie hitter these days, easily.
9. Ryan Madson, RP, Phillies: Closers do very well; Brian Wilson saved six games last playoffs and finished as the No. 3 overall scorer.
10. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
11. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers: Terrific September once he was healthy and happy.
12. Neftali Feliz, RP, Rangers
13. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies: Should knock in runs batting fifth.
14. Jose Valverde, RP, Tigers: He's perfect, remember!
15. John Axford, RP, Brewers
16. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers: Philly's Nos. 2 and 3 starters are lefties. Arizona's are not.
17. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
18. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
19. Michael Young, 1B/2B/3B, Rangers: Underrated option that can play three positions, though I'd use him at shallow second base. And he gets a lot of hits and RBIs.
20. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
21. Derek Holland, SP, Rangers
22. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees: I know this seems low, but in theory if he doesn't win Friday night in Game 1, he might not get another start.
23. Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks: Like Sabathia, concern is that he gets only one chance to pitch.
24. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers: Played very well in the postseason last year.
25. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
26. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers: I'm loading up on Rangers, by the way.
27. Mike Napoli, C/1B, Rangers: Look at his numbers. Finished a close second as fantasy's top catcher!
28. Roy Oswalt, SP, Phillies: Only one outing in each round, but they should be decent.
29. Alexi Ogando, SP, Rangers
30. Doug Fister, SP, Tigers: Perhaps he fashioned his monster Detroit numbers off of an easy schedule, and he won't get that now, but he's still good. Could start Games 2 and 5 against the Yankees, potentially.
31. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
32. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees: Still the best. But might not pitch enough.
33. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
34. J.J. Putz, RP, Diamondbacks
35. Matt Harrison, SP, Rangers
36. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
37. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers: Still not sure he's 100 percent, but not a lot of second basemen sitting there to pick.
38. Mike Adams, RP, Rangers: Middle relievers do well in this pool if they go far. Madson was the No. 4 reliever in last year's postseason, and he didn't have any saves. He will now.
39. Raul Ibanez, OF, Phillies: Underrated option here will play against right-handed pitching, and he can still hit a home run.
40. Delmon Young, OF, Tigers: Hitting third ahead of Cabrera is nice.
41. Jeff Niemann, SP, Rays
42. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
43. James Shields, SP, Rays: I'd like him more if I knew he was starting Game 1.
44. Jeremy Hellickson, SP, Rays
45. Nick Swisher, OF, Yankees
46. Ivan Nova, SP, Yankees: Could pitch in Game 2 and 5, but is he a lock to pitch effectively?
47. Victor Martinez, C, Tigers
48. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
49. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees: Laboring at this point.
50. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays: Won't get to face Scott Proctor this weekend.
51. Antonio Bastardo, RP, Phillies
52. Alex Avila, C, Tigers: Pick him earlier if you want position scarcity.
53. Joel Peralta, RP, Rays: I think he's closing, but only Joe Maddon knows for sure.
54. Daniel Hudson, SP, Diamondback
s 55. David Robertson, RP, Yankees
56. Jason Motte, RP, Cardinals
57. Shaun Marcum, SP, Brewers
58. Zack Greinke, SP, Brewers
59. Ryan Roberts, 2B/3B, Diamondbacks
60. Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees
61. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals: Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I had Freddie Freeman penciled in for this spot until the other day.
62. Lance Berkman, 1B/OF, Cardinals: I just don't think they win the series. That's all.
63. Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, Rays
64. Max Scherzer, SP, Tigers
65. David Price, SP, Rays: Would be more valuable pitching Game 1, because he could get another first-round outing.
66. B.J. Upton, OF, Rays
67. Kyle Farnsworth, RP, Rays
68. Austin Jackson, OF, Tigers
69. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
70. Joaquin Benoit, RP, Tigers
71. Josh Collmenter, SP, Diamondbacks
72. Freddy Garcia, SP, Yankees: Starts Game 3, but will it go well? I don't think so.
73. Corey Hart, OF, Brewers
74. Jhonny Peralta, SS, Tigers: Had a better year than you might think.
75. Placido Polanco, 3B, Phillies: Not looking healthy at all, and he's batting seventh.
76. Russell Martin, C, Yankees
77. Randy Wolf, SP, Brewers
78. Matt Moore, SP, Rays: Remains to be seen how he is used.
79. Johnny Damon, OF, Rays
80. Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks
81. Mitch Moreland, 1B/OF, Rangers
82. Jaime Garcia, SP, Cardinals: Seemed like the Astros just lit him up.
83. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays: Awful September slump.
84. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals: One and done.
85. Magglio Ordonez, OF, Tigers
86. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks
87. Kyle Lohse, SP, Cardinals
88. Vance Worley, SP, Phillies
89. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
90. Carlos Ruiz, C, Phillies
91. Koji Uehara, RP, Rangers
92. Wade Davis, SP, Rays
93. Matt Joyce, OF, Rays
94. David Murphy, OF, Rangers
95. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
96. Yorvit Torrealba, C, Rangers
97. John Mayberry Jr., 1B/OF, Phillies
98. Casey Kotchman, 1B, Rays
99. David Hernandez, RP, Diamondbacks
100. Ryan Raburn, 2B/OF, Tigers
Best of the rest: Francisco Rodriguez, RP, Brewers; Rafael Soriano, RP, Yankees; Jesus Montero, C, Yankees; David Freese, 3B, Cardinals; John Jay, OF, Cardinals; Yuniesky Betancourt, SS, Brewers

 

[HacheMan]

2011: The Need to be SMART-er

I want to be SMART-er! Don’t’ we all, you ask? Well, I hope so. Of course, loyal readers get the reference to the SMART system Rick Wolf and I employ in our expert leagues. Don’t get me wrong, we did pretty well – 2<SUP>nd</SUP>, 3<SUP>rd</SUP>, 3<SUP>rd</SUP> and 5<SUP>th</SUP> in 12 and 13 team leagues filled with the best players in the world. However, had we been SMART-er, there results could have been special. [Yes, my home league team was more rancid than cheese left out for a month but I played that without Rick so what would you expect?]. Without further adieu, here are some lessons to be learned from my mistakes that may help when it comes time for draft prep 2012.

Carl Crawford: Relying heavily on Crawford was a mistake and a big one. Yes, he had a great track record and yes he is firmly in his prime. However, I should have seen the grave risk that he could wilt under the pressure of his new HUGE contract and fail to adapt to the bright lights ofBoston after playing in baseball backwater inTampa (those inTampa should not be offended as there is no argument that the stadium is a joke). I failed to follow my own advice – avoid risk with big money auction bids or early round picks. Spending $38 bucks on Crawford in Tout Wars was just inexcusable. There is almost no way to win when you spend that kind of money and get .255, 11 HR and 18 SB. Lesson learned. [Note, of course there are players who have big years in their first year with a new team. However, more often than not, there is a sharp drop-off as they adjust. So, feel free to carp about how Adrian Gonzalez had a good first year inBoston if you want, but you have been warned].

Mark Teixeira: Ok, you know I loveTex and would want him on any real world team as he is just magic with the glove, switch hits, plays hard and puts up the power numbers year after year. However, another key rule of roto success is to protect batting average. As good asTex is, I should have seen the possibility of a sub .250 average and bid accordingly. Tex’s average went from .308 in 2008 to .292 in 2009 to .256 in 2010. So, was it a surprise that he hit .248 in 2011? Of course it wasn’t. Yes,Tex hit for great HR and RBI numbers again. However, $30 bucks at a deep position for production in three categories plus and major damage to a fourth is not smart spending. Lesson learned.

B.J. Upton: Hope is not a management strategy. I cannot take credit for this truism as it is one Rick constantly (and quite rightly) hammers. However, that is the mistake we made with B.J. Upton. Yes, the 29 year old stole 36 bases and jacked 23 dingers. However, he hit a sorry and category killing .243. Having hit .241 and .237 in the two previous years, expecting anything above .250 was hope, not strategy and certainly not SMART. The lesson here is simple. Feel free to play a hunch for a comeback from players you get toward the end of the draft or who you can roster for a deep discount. However, paying full $29 value based on hope will just lead to disappointment.

Matt Garza/Ricky Nolasco: I know Garza had a good year. However, the T in SMART stands for team. There is no excuse for drafting two keystone starters who would toe the rubber for bad major league teams. It really should have come as no surprise that they won only 10 games each (or in other words, one game less than CC Sabathia alone). It is ok to pick one cornerstone pitcher from a weak team when you are confident the ratios and ks will be there. Not two. Bottom line, pay a bit less for starters on bad teams.

As much fun as it is to beat myself up, there are also lessons to be learned from things one did right. Here are a few (plus this will help my roto self esteem):

Aaron Harang: Some ballparks are just nice to pitchers. And then there is Petco (aka “pitcher’s paradise”). Hurlers with less stuff and far less grit than Harang have gone toSouthern California and resurrected their careers. Stated another way,San Diego is a good place to gamble cheap on pitching (not to spend big bucks because wins will be hard to find). We paid $4 for Harang in LABR NL and got a 3.77 ERA and 14 wins for our investment. Again, great pitchers’ parks are good places to place small bids – especially if you have hurlers on good teams anchoring your staff.

Hunter Pence: Entering his age 28 season, Pence had averaged 25 HR, 83 RBI and 14 SB over the previous three seasons. Thus, here was a very safe place to invest. Would he explode inHouston and become Joey Votto? Nope, didn’t think so. Again, I repeat, when investing big auction money, do it on safe predictable players. Pence was that guy. And, not surprisingly, he delivered the stats we counted upon: 22 HR, 97 RBI and while he stole only 8 bags, he hit a strong .314 to make up for the drop in steals. Lesson: invest in safe, prime of career, established track record players when investing big at the auction table.

Mark Trumbo: We picked up the Angels slugger in early March in LABR-AL for just a buck and boy did he pay off – 29 HR, 87 RBI and 9 SB to boot. The lesson here is look for opportunity. The news was already out that Kendrys Morales would not be able to start the season (and there was real question about being able to play 1b). Add in the fact that Trumbo hit 36 jacks and knocked in 122 in AAA in 2010 and you had power + probable opportunity. Bottom line lesson here – look for opportunity and huge upside when filling in the back end of your roster.

Yunel Escobar: Sometimes things just go wrong. Sometimes good players have bad seasons. When you see a player with an established track record of performance in his prime take an inexplicable dive in performance without injury, you should see opportunity. Yunel entered his age 28 season after stinking up the joint in 2010 with a .256 avg and just 4 HR. However, in the three seasons leading up to 2010, Escobar hit .299; .288 and .326. So, was it such a surprise that he rebounded to hit .290 playing every day inToronto? No. Those who saw the opportunity got a very productive undervalued player at a scarce MI position. Look for those same inexplicable drop offs when studying for 2012.

And now, what I am sure his parents have been waiting for, Schultz says (for the final time in 2011):

It seemed like the entire season was a prelude for the last three hours of the final day. It also was a 162 game set up for The Week That Was' longest running feature: THE ALL-SCHULTZ AWARDS.


THE GOOGLE/FACEBOOK ALL-STARS: Sometimes a simple idea turns into a multi-million dollar cash cow. This team is made up of those players that were selected to play modest roles on everyone's team and, more likely than not, helped lead your team to a championship. They didn't cost much but paid huge dividends.

C Alex Avila (DET) - In just one season, Avila nearly equaled his stats from the previous two. Showing patience and a power stroke he's never demonstrated he possessed, Avila hit 19 HR, drove in 82 and flirted with .300

1B Mark Trumbo (ANA) - Supposed to be a place holder for Kendrys Morales; flirted with Rookie of the Year status once Morales was shelved for 2011. Can't sneeze at 29 home runs.

2B Ben Zobrist (TB) - Very few surprises at 2B this year. Zobrist regaining his 2009 swing was one of them.

SS Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE) - People forgot about his 2009 breakout season due to his injury plagued 2010. With 25 HR, 92 RBI and a legitimate MVP candidacy for the first half of the season, the heart of the Tribe made those who remembered him quite happy.

3B Emilio Bonifacio (FLA) - Very few pleasant surprises at 3B this year. Stepping up after the Hanley Ramirez implosion, Bonifacio batted an impressive .296 with 78 runs and 40 steals. His 5 homers and 36 RBIs were just icing on the cake.

OF Curtis Granderson (NYY) - In raising his average up to .267 from the sub .250s of the past two seasons, Granderson nearly doubled his output in every relevant roto-category. No one expected this roto-MVP season.

OF Melky Cabrera (KC) - Shuffled to the Royals after a disappointing year in Atlanta, Cabrera blossomed. Perennially a $1 filler, Cabrera raked at a .305 pace with 18 HR, 87 RBI and swiped 20 bases.

OF Lance Berkman (STL) - Left for dead on the side of the Major Deegan after an unimpressive stint with the Yankees, Berkman not only failed to injure himself in the outfield (as projected), he found the fountain of youth - his .301 31 HR, 94 RBI an echo of his Astros heyday.

SP James Shields (TB) - Even the Rays didn't seem to want Shields on their team this year. Shields didn't seem to care posting a 2.82 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 225 strikeouts, 16 wins and 11 complete games. Clayton Kershaw numbers at a fraction of the cost.

RP Drew Storen (WASH) - At the start of the season, Jim Riggelman wouldn't commit to the rookie as his closer; by its end, Davey Johnson had no problems with it. Braving idiotic trade rumors concerning the Twins, the Nats hurler finished with 43 saves and a neat 1.02 WHIP.

DH Travis Hafner (CLE) - When healthy, Hafner seemed like the clutch hitting Pronk of old. Sadly, he was only around for half the season. Nonetheless, he provided better numbers that his cost. Homing for the Tribe aside - you could fill Mike Morse in here - who saw that season coming?


THE 5-TIMERS TEAM: Remember Steve Martin, Elliot Gould and Paul Simon welcoming Tom Hanks to the 5-Timers club? Yes, we here at The Week That Was remember 20 year old SNL skits. This team is made up of players who made the leap from savvy investments to legitimate roto-stars that will unlikely come cheap ever again.

C Mike Napoli (TOR) - Freed from his platoon with Jeff Mathis, the unleashed Napoli mashed 30 homers while hitting .325. Don't look up Mathis' numbers, they make Mike Scioscia look terrible.

1B Paul Konerko (CHI) - Less a rise to a new level but more of an apology for thinking he's slipped. After a couple dreadful season, Konerko regains his standing as one of the most dependable first basemen in the AL.

2B Neil Walker (PIT) - As noted above, an uneventful year at 2B. At a position where your are either a Pedroia or a Schumaker, Walker showed that he will be reliably consistent .275 with 15 HR, 80 RBIs going forward. As the Pirates improve, so will Walker's numbers.

SS J.J. Hardy (BALT) - Playing his first (mostly) healthy season in 4 years, Hardy showed the power stroke that made him one of the Brewers better prospects. With 2011, he proved that when healthy, homers will happen.

3B Pablo Sandoval (SF) - It's amazing what dieting can do. Even while battling a broken hand and sore shoulder that made him abandon switch hitting, Kung Fu Panda still went for 23 HR, 70 RBI and .315 while playing for an anemic offense. He's one of the elite 3Bs moving forward.

OF Matt Kemp (LA) - This is the leap we've all been waiting for. After showing flashes and glimpses of his superstar potential, Kemp unloaded for 39 HRs, 126 RBIs, hitting .324, scoring 115 runs and stealing 40 bases for a terrible team. Albert who? Kemp may now be the most coveted asset in roto-ball.

OF Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS) - Singlehandedly, he nearly saved the Red Sox disappointing season. Always a speedster, he matched his 39 steals with an amazing 32 HR, 105 RBI, .321. Good luck getting him cheap ever again.

OF Justin Upton (ARZ) - Since debuting as a teenager, the other Upton brother has slowly been emerging as one of the more dependable OF options. In 2011, he put together his most complete season to date with 31 HR, 88 RBI, 21 SB, 105 R and .289. He will no longer fly under the radar.

SP The Texas Rangers staff - Without a single name to salivate over, CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando may not be roto-gold but they are far from roto-Kryptonite. In the same way that you can take a Cardinals pitcher safe in the knowledge that Dave Duncan is helming the ship, you can cherry pick Rangers starters.

RP John Axford (MIL) - In mid August, Axford looked to be on shaky ground. However, 46 saves later, Axford may be one of the more dependable closers in baseball. K Rod surely isn't taking his job over the winter.

DH Jose Bautista (TOR) - Just wanted to hold a little support group here. Yes, no one saw him coming in 2010 and none of us thought it would happen again in 2011. It doesn't make us bad people.


THE ALL DOPPELGANGER TEAM: When you look at this team, they seem a championship squad, full of talent and gaudy statistics. Upon closer examination, you realize that they only give off such an appearance and that there's something evil inside. These players killed teams this year. It wasn't pretty.

C Joe Mauer (MIN)/Jorge Posada (NYY) - Hard to choose between the two. Mauer, a former batting champion, battled mysterious bilateral leg weakness and when he returned couldn't really hit for power or average. Posada? He just stunk.

1B Justin Morneau (MIN) - Even when you discount the injuries, Morneau's half season of .227 with 4 HRs crippled some teams expecting more. Begs the question of whether roto-owners would have better off if he pulled a Kendrys and skipped the season all together.

2B Gordon Beckham (CWS) - Remember when he finished 2010 with a flourish? Well, you would have better off not knowing as he followed it up with a .230, 10 HR, 44 RBI. Beckham becomes the guy that will likely become a superstar on someone else's team - likely the guy who doesn't pay attention and recalls good things being said Beckham.

SS Hanley Ramirez (FLA) - Even before the injury, Ramirez was terrible. Drafted/acquired in roto-land with dreams of Jose Reyes numbers with more power, Han Ram fizzled, hitting .243 with 10 HRs before opting out of 2011 with shoulder surgery.

3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY) - This one is the Schadenfreude special. Who doesn't like watching ARod fail? Injuries slowed down the Yankees 3B this year as he produced numbers well below his norm. New York fans can rest easy though, he was 7 more years on his contract to get better.

OF Carl Crawford (BOS) - .255, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 65 R and 18 SB. If you don't think these numbers scare the living daylights out of every Red Sox fan, you're crazy. If you don't think the roto-owner who picked him in the first round or spent $35 at auction on him feels the same way, you probably should be reading a different site. May I suggest Slate.

OF Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) - At 37, one of the game's all-time best contact hitters may be starting to fade. .272 with 40 steals and 47 RBIs may be serviceable from a lead off hitter, more is always expected from Ichiro and this is the first season he really didn't deliver.

OF Jason Bay (NYY) - The former slugger's time in Flushing has not gone well. Once again , Bay failed to remain healthy and when he did, failed to capitalize on hitting amidst Carlos Beltran, David Wright and Jose Reyes. A horribly disappointing year.

SP Francisco Liriano (MIN) - The improvement shown in 2010 was illusory. Liriano seems unlikely to ever regain the skills he showed in his rookie year. Even his no-hitter this year was painful to watch as he walked the ball park to make it happen. He's destroyed the hopes of any who believe(d) in him.

RP Carlos Marmol (CHC) - With his 10 blown saves, Marmol did damage to every Cubs starter - costing them win after win - while doing nothing to help himself. Some relievers just aren't cut out to be closers - Marmol is one of them.

DH Adam Dunn (CWS) - If Ozzie Guillen requested that Dunn be given a full body scan to see if aliens had taken possession of him, the Sox would have at least thought about it before realizing Ozzie's insane, wouldn't they? .159 with 11 HRs. Yikes. If the Comic Book Guy worked here, he would give it a "Worst. Season. Ever."


THE 2012 TEAM. Get excited about these guys for next year.

C Jesus Montero (NYY)
1B Paul Goldschmidt (ARZ)
2B Jason Kipnis (CLE)
SS Dee Gordon (LA)
3B Lonnie Chisenhall (CLE)
OF Brandon Belt (SF)
OF Desmond Jennings (TB)
OF John Mayberry (PHI)
SP Matt Moore (TB
RP Jake McGee (TB)
DH Ryan Lavarnway (BOS)

Thanks to everyone for reading throughout the season. See you all in 2012.

Response: Love the teams, the humor and the analysis. Picking Pronk over Papi (who was undervalued in many leagues) is more than a little homer-ism, but who am I to talk?

Final thoughts: It has been a privilege to write for Rotoworld and for all the loyal readers out there. Thank you all for visiting this column week after week.

My final piece of advice for 2011 is to sit back, enjoy the playoffs and the game for the special pastime it is. See you in March in a hopefully SMART-er version of myself.

 

[HacheMan]

AFL preview: Rosters filled with potential

Jason Grey


If history is any indication, approximately 60 percent of those players on the rosters for the 20th-anniversary season of the Arizona Fall League, which starts Tuesday, will eventually make the big leagues.

Before players such as Freddie Freeman, Eric Hosmer, Dustin Ackley, Ben Revere and Jason Kipnis emerged in the majors this season, they served notice that they were just about ready in the AFL last year. Similarly, players such as Mike Stanton, Buster Posey and Jason Heyward used AFL time as a springboard to the majors a year earlier. AFL alumni have won 20 Rookie of the Year awards. That makes the seven-week season a must-follow for prospect hounds.

The AFL has historically been a hitters' league, and last year was no exception. The league hit .283 and slugged .431 as a whole, and the league ERA was over 5.00, so any statistical output needs to be looked at not just in terms of sample size, but context. This league is more about the scouting, not the numbers that are posted, and I'll try to provide that over the course of the next seven weeks.
As such, here are 25 players I'm going to be focusing on. This isn't an exhaustive list, mind you, just some players I'm going be following and getting fresh looks at. I'll be providing at least a weekly blog entry (video or otherwise) from the AFL, with lots of activity on my twitter feed (@Jason_Grey) to keep you updated.

25 players to watch


Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals: Harper's season ended early because of a strained right hamstring, but he'll be back for his second tour of duty in the AFL. He didn't do anything to disappoint in his first pro season, especially considering he still has yet to turn 19.
Mike Trout, OF, Angels: It was thought that, given the playing time he received down the stretch for the big league club, Trout might be shut down instead of heading to Arizona, but one of the best prospects in baseball will indeed be there to get a few more at-bats heading into the offseason.
rapsports.com
Gerrit Cole, SP, Pirates: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft will take his $8 million signing bonus right to the AFL for his first official innings as a pro. Cole hit triple digits at times as an amateur with a plus changeup to go with it.
Danny Hultzen, SP, Mariners: After throwing a few innings in instructional-league play, where he touched 93 mph and showed off a solid changeup, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 draft will be making his professional debut at the AFL, a scenario that has been taking place more and more in the Valley of the Sun.
Matt Adams, 1B, Cardinals: The big (6-foot-3) first baseman hit .300 with 32 homers in the Texas League this season while striking out less than 100 times. Given the possible departure of Albert Pujols, there will be some focus on the 23-year-old Adams, who has done nothing but hit since turning pro.
Michael Choice, OF, Athletics: Choice was taken 10th overall in the 2010 draft and is coming off a season in which he hit 30 homers. Granted, they came in a hitter-friendly Cal League, but his power potential will play anywhere.
Mikie Mahtook, OF, Rays: Mahtook was one of the Rays' many early picks in this past draft, and the first-rounder will also be making his pro debut at the Fall League. His tools allow him to do a bit of everything on the field, and he projects to have above-average power and speed.
Wil Myers, OF, Royals: Myers hit just .254 with eight homers in 99 games in the Texas League this season, but we shouldn't worry too much about this highly touted prospect. Knee problems early in the year affected his swing a little, but the bat speed was still present, and I expect better health will lead to better results.
Tim Beckham, SS, Rays: Signs of life? The former first overall pick in 2008 made it all the way to Triple-A this past season, although the numbers continue to be relatively disappointing (.271, 12 homers, 17 steals in 2011) for such a lofty draft position. He'll turn 22 in January, so if he's going to take a step up and turn his tools into even more performance on the field, a big AFL campaign would be a start.
Sean Gilmartin, SP, Braves: The 28th overall pick in the 2011 draft will have six pro starts under his belt prior to his AFL experience but has drawn comparisons to another Braves lefty, Mike Minor, for his relative polish and reliance on the command of his secondary stuff.
Jean Segura, SS, Angels: Segura will just be looking to get at-bats in after a season marred by a major hamstring issue. He can hit for average, run and play solid defense, at least when he plays. The 2011 season marked the third year of four that he was sidelined by a significant injury.
Tyson Gillies, OF, Phillies: Speaking of missing time due to injury, the ultra-fast Gillies missed the whole season because of a lingering hamstring issue and then a foot strain. He has had just 120 at-bats the past two seasons because of the hamstring injury and needs to show that it hasn't sapped his speed too much.
Yasmani Grandal, C, Reds: The Reds don't just have Devin Mesoraco as a catcher prospect, as Grandal, the 12th overall selection in the 2010 draft, put up a combined .305/.401/.500 stat line across three levels of the minors this season.
Tim Wheeler, OF, Rockies: Wheeler is looking to continue the big campaign he put up at Double-A this season (.287 average, 33 homers, 21 steals). The 2009 first-rounder was disappointing over his first two pro seasons prior to this year, and still must show he's not going to be just a platoon hitter.
Tyler Thornburg, SP, Brewers: Thornburg had 160 strikeouts in 136 2/3 innings and a 2.57 ERA in 24 starts at the Class A level. A third-round pick in the 2010 draft, Thornburg takes the place of the 15th overall pick in 2011, Jed Bradley, who was pulled from making his pro debut at the AFL because of a groin injury.
Nick Franklin, SS, Mariners: Franklin, a 2009 first-rounder, had a breakout season in 2010 but had his 2011 season cut short by a concussion and an illness. The 20-year-old switch hitter is still an intriguing prospect, though.
Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies: The 21-year-old Arendado was a second-round pick in the 2009 draft because of his potential with the bat and hasn't disappointed, hitting .298 with 20 homers in the Cal League while striking out just 53 times in 517 at-bats.
Miguel De Los Santos, SP, Rangers: The 23-year-old had an ERA over five this season, but he also averaged 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings between high Class A and Double-A ball after averaging more than 14 per nine at Low A and short-season ball in 2010. The command doesn't match the raw stuff, and his future may be in the bullpen; still, his raw ability is intriguing.

Gary Brown, OF, Giants: Brown hit .336 and stole 53 bases in the Cal League this season, with plus defense in center field. He projects as a future big league starter.
Michael Olt, 3B, Rangers: Olt was a supplemental first-rounder in the 2010 draft and was limited to 254 at-bats this season because of a broken collarbone. He's a solid defender at the hot corner whose power potential is his biggest asset.
Joe Panik, SS, Giants: The 29th overall pick in this past draft, Panik hit .341 in 69 games in his pro debut in short-season ball while walking more than he struck out, and appears to be on the fast track to the majors.
Neil Ramirez, SP, Rangers: Ramirez was limited to 98 innings this season between Double-A and Triple-A due to recurring shoulder issues and averaging less than four innings per start. However, he did fan 119 in those 98 frames with a good fastball/curve combination and could be in the big leagues next year if his health allows.
Anthony Gose, OF, Blue Jays: Gose was acquired in the deal that sent Brett Wallace to Houston. He is a fantastic athlete who must answer questions about his bat, as he never has hit above .262 in four years in the minors. However, he also has posted two seasons of 70 or more stolen bases, including this year, and he also hit 16 homers. Will the bat continue to develop?
Aaron Hicks, OF, Twins: The former first-round pick in 2008 (14th overall) has all the tools you could want, but it really hasn't led to big production on the field yet. He turned 22 on Saturday but hasn't progressed beyond Class A ball in four pro seasons.
Oscar Taveras, OF, Cardinals: The 19-year-old put up a .386/.444/.584 stat line in 303 at-bats in the Class A Midwest League this season, and will get a more stern test against more advanced pitching at the AFL.

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy MVPs & LVPs


- Here are my MVP, Cy Young and ROY ballots for 2011:
AL MVP
1. Justin Verlander
2. Jose Bautista
3. Jacoby Ellsbury
4. Dustin Pedroia
5. Miguel Cabrera
6. Alex Avila
7. Curtis Granderson
8. Evan Longoria
9. Ian Kinsler
10. Adrian Gonzalez

The fan in me wants to give Ellsbury the nod for doing everything he could to carry the Red Sox to the postseason with one of the most spectacular breakout seasons in memory. The analyst, though, has to note that he still wasn't quite as exceptional as either Verlander or Bautista this season.

I hope the writers realize Avila deserves a down-ballot vote and don't ignore him because it would mean three Tigers on the ballot. Avila played in 141 games and his .895 OPS was 120 points better than that of the AL's next-best full-time catcher (Matt Wieters at .778).

AL Cy Young
1. Justin Verlander
2. Jered Weaver
3. CC Sabathia
4. James Shields
5. Ricky Romero

It's not so clear cut after Verlander. If you go by ERA, then Weaver is No. 2. Advanced statistics, on the other hand, suggest that Sabathia is No. 2. Then there's Shields, who was third in ERA and second in innings, but whom likely got more help from his defense than the other contenders. I don't think there's a whole lot separating then, and I wouldn't argue against any of them coming in second.

I went with Romero fifth in part because of his difficult schedule; he faced the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays in 13 of his 32 starts, plus his interleague starts came against the Phillies, Cardinals and Braves.

AL Rookie of the Year
1. Jeremy Hellickson
2. Ivan Nova
3. Mark Trumbo
4. Dustin Ackley
5. Desmond Jennings

Hellickson's peripherals didn't match up with his 2.95 ERA, but one would have a hard time convincing me that he owed all that much to luck. Nova's spectacular 16-4 record doesn't make him the better pitcher in my opinion.

As for the hitters, I still give the edge to Trumbo and his full-season of solid production (even with the ugly .291 OBP). Ackley, Jennings and Brett Lawrie were certainly better players, but not for long enough.

NL MVP
1. Matt Kemp
2. Ryan Braun
3. Roy Halladay
4. Clayton Kershaw
5. Cliff Lee
6. Joey Votto
7. Troy Tulowitzki
8. Prince Fielder
9. Albert Pujols
10. Justin Upton

Jose Reyes and Ian Kennedy were the last cuts.

Kemp is an easy call for me. He was just as good of a hitter as Braun, he was more valuable defensively and he played in an extra 11 games. It's not his fault his teammates weren't as good as Braun's.

NL Cy Young
1. Roy Halladay
2. Clayton Kershaw
3. Cliff Lee
4. Ian Kennedy
5. Tim Lincecum

It is awfully close, and Kershaw did win the pitching Triple Crown. Still, after adjusting for ballparks, I think Halladay rates an edge. Really, one can't go wrong with any of the top three. Halladay allowed 65 runs in 233 2/3 innings, Kershaw allowed 66 runs in 233 1/3 innings and Lee allowed 66 runs in 232 2/3 innings. It doesn't get any closer than that.

NL Rookie of the Year
1. Craig Kimbrel
2. Wilson Ramos
3. Vance Worley
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Josh Collmenter

Kimbrel could very well win the award unanimously, but Ramos shouldn't be overlooked; a .267/.334/.445 line from a pretty good defensive catcher is worthy of note.

Worley and Collmenter edged Brandon Beachy and Cory Luebke for spots. All threw between 130-155 innings and had ERAs between 3.00 and 3.70. Beachy and Luebke are the better bets going forward, but I thought the other two were a bit more valuable this year.

Previous selections

AL MVP
2000: Pedro Martinez
2001: Jason Giambi
2002: Alex Rodriguez
2003: Alex Rodriguez
2004: Vladimir Guerrero
2005: Alex Rodriguez
2006: Derek Jeter
2007: Alex Rodriguez
2008: Dustin Pedroia
2009: Joe Mauer
2010: Josh Hamilton

AL Cy Young
2000: Pedro Martinez
2001: Mark Mulder
2002: Pedro Martinez
2003: Pedro Martinez
2004: Johan Santana
2005: Johan Santana
2006: Johan Santana
2007: CC Sabathia
2008: Roy Halladay
2009: Zack Greinke
2010: Felix Hernandez

AL Rookie of the Year
2000: Terrence Long
2001: Ichiro Suzuki
2002: Eric Hinske
2003: Angel Berroa
2004: Bobby Crosby
2005: Huston Street
2006: Justin Verlander
2007: Dustin Pedroia
2008: Evan Longoria
2009: Andrew Bailey
2010: Neftali Feliz

NL MVP
2000: Barry Bonds
2001: Barry Bonds
2002: Barry Bonds
2003: Barry Bonds
2004: Barry Bonds
2005: Derrek Lee
2006: Albert Pujols
2007: Jake Peavy
2008: Albert Pujols
2009: Albert Pujols
2010: Joey Votto

NL Cy Young
2000: Randy Johnson
2001: Randy Johnson
2002: Randy Johnson
2003: Mark Prior
2004: Randy Johnson
2005: Roger Clemens
2006: Brandon Webb
2007: Jake Peavy
2008: Tim Lincecum
2009: Adam Wainwright
2010: Roy Halladay

NL Rookie of the Year
2000: Rick Ankiel
2001: Albert Pujols
2002: Austin Kearns
2003: Brandon Webb
2004: Khalil Greene
2005: Ryan Howard
2006: Hanley Ramirez
2007: Troy Tulowitzki
2008: Geovany Soto
2009: J.A. Happ
2010: Jason Heyward

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy MVPs & LVPs

As always, the first end-of-season column focuses on the fantasy MVPs and LVPs. Awards are given to players that most over- or underperformed according to my preseason projections. I tend to give injured players a break when it comes to LVPs
I also have my real MVP/Cy Young/ROY choices below.
The Fantasy Most Valuable Players

Catchers

MVP - Alex Avila
Projection: .257/.338/.405, 11 HR, 41 R, 43 RBI, 2 SB in 358 AB
2011 stats: .295/.389/.506, 19 HR, 63 R, 82 RBI, 3 SB in 464 AB

More was expected of Avila after he hit just .228/.316/.340 in his first full season in 2010, but a .900 OPS? I had him projected as an above average offensive catcher, but I never thought he'd hit for so much power. He had as many homers in August alone this year that he did in all of 2010 (seven). All in all, he was the game's most productive full-time catcher this year, and it's well worth noting that he's just 24 years old.

Honorable Mention - Mike Napoli, Miguel Montero, Wilson Ramos
2010 Winner - Buster Posey
2009 Winner - Joe Mauer
2008 Winner - Ryan Doumit
2007 Winner - Russell Martin
2006 Winner - Brian McCann
2005 Winner - Brandon Inge
2004 Winner - Craig Wilson
2003 Winner - Javy Lopez
2002 Winner - Eli Marrero
2001 Winner - Paul Lo Duca
2000 Winner - Charles Johnson
1999 Winner - Mike Sweeney

LVP - Joe Mauer
Projection: .323/.411/.483, 14 HR, 91 R, 82 RBI, 3 SB in 520 AB
2011 stats: .287/.360/.368, 3 HR, 38 R, 30 RBI, 0 SB in 296 AB

I am forgiving when it comes to injuries, but Mauer just didn't do his fantasy owners much good even when he was in the lineup. He hit .243 with no homers and nine RBI in 111 at-bats during the first half of the season. He did play a whole lot better in the second half, but the power wasn't there and the struggles of his teammates led to subpar run and RBI totals.

Dishonorable Mention - Jorge Posada, Kurt Suzuki, Geovany Soto
2010 Loser - Matt Wieters
2009 Loser - Russell Martin
2008 Loser - Kenji Johjima
2007 Loser - Ramon Hernandez
2006 Loser - Javy Lopez
2005 Loser - Jason Kendall
2004 Loser - Mike Piazza
2003 Loser - Paul Lo Duca
2002 Loser - Charles Johnson
2001 Loser - Jason Kendall
2000 Loser - Michael Barrett
1999 Loser - Todd Hundley

First Basemen/Designated Hitters

MVP - Mark Trumbo
Projection: .236/.292/.409, 8 HR, 26 R, 30 RBI, 1 SB in 203 AB
2011 stats: .254/.291/.477, 29 HR, 65 R, 87 RBI, 9 SB in 539 AB

Expected to fill in for the injured Kendrys Morales for the first month, Trumbo was instead needed all season long and put together a strong bid for Rookie of the Year honors. The 30-homer power is legitimate, but he always figures to have big problems getting on base, and I'm skeptical that he'll be able to top his 2011 performance going forward. Still, he made a big difference in some fantasy leagues this year.

Honorable Mention - Lance Berkman, David Ortiz, Eric Hosmer
2010 Winner - Joey Votto
2009 Winner - Kendrys Morales
2008 Winner - Aubrey Huff
2007 Winner - Carlos Pena
2006 Winner - Ryan Howard
2005 Winner - Derrek Lee
2004 Winner - Travis Hafner
2003 Winner - Carlos Delgado
2002 Winner - Derrek Lee
2001 Winner - Ryan Klesko
2000 Winner - Frank Thomas
1999 Winner - John Jaha

LVP - Adam Dunn
Projection: .247/.357/.516, 40 HR, 94 R, 111 RBI, 1 SB in 562 AB
2011 stats: .159/.292/.277, 11 HR, 36 R, 42 RBI, 0 SB in 415 AB

What's left to write about Dunn's 2011 season? I expected a slow start as he adjusted to playing in the AL for the first time, but nothing like this. How someone as strong as him could finish with just 11 homers in 415 at-bats is baffling. I think he'll battle back from this and resume showing his usual power this year, though I probably won't project him to hit much better than .230. Fortunately, Dunn can still be something of an asset while hitting .230.

Dishonorable Mention - Aubrey Huff, Vladimir Guerrero, Justin Morneau, Daric Barton
2010 Loser - Lance Berkman
2009 Loser - David Ortiz
2008 Loser - Travis Hafner
2007 Loser - Richie Sexson
2006 Loser - Todd Helton
2005 Loser - Todd Helton
2004 Loser - Jason Giambi
2003 Loser - Paul Konerko
2002 Loser - Tony Clark
2001 Loser - Mark McGwire
2000 Loser - Sean Casey
1999 Loser - Darin Erstad

Second Basemen

MVP - Ben Zobrist
Projection: .251/.353/.399, 15 HR, 87 R, 64 RBI, 22 SB in 562 AB
2011 stats: .269/.353/.469, 20 HR, 99 R, 91 RBI, 19 SB in 588 AB

There were no big surprises at second base this year, so I'll give the nod to Zobrist, who exceeded his projection a little more than Dustin Pedroia and Ian Kinsler did theirs. Zobrist basically hit right at the midpoint of his exceptional 2009 season and his very disappointing 2010 campaign. His batting average was .269, about midway between his .297 and .238 marks the previous two years. His .822 OPS was also nearly equidistant from his previous .948 and .699 marks.

Honorable Mention - Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kinsler, Jemile Weeks
2010 Winner - Rickie Weeks
2009 Winner - Aaron Hill
2008 Winner - Dustin Pedroia
2007 Winner - Brandon Phillips
2006 Winner - Dan Uggla
2005 Winner - Chone Figgins
2004 Winner - Mark Loretta
2003 Winner - Marcus Giles
2002 Winner - Alfonso Soriano
2001 Winner - Bret Boone
2000 Winner - Jose Vidro
1999 Winner - Roberto Alomar

LVP - Chone Figgins
Projection: .270/.356/.332, 2 HR, 82 R, 37 RBI, 37 SB in 566 AB
2011 stats: .188/.241/.243, 1 HR, 24 R, 15 RBI, 11 SB in 288 AB

I was higher on Kelly Johnson and Aaron Hill going in, so one of them probably would have been the choice if not for the fact that both broke out of season-long slumps after being traded for one another in August. Figgins was obviously a big disappointment in his first year in Seattle too, but even then, he did hit .259 with 42 steals. How bad was he in 2011? He finished with the same exact OPS as Jeff Mathis.

Dishonorable Mention - Kelly Johnson, Aaron Hill, Bill Hall
2010 Loser - Aaron Hill
2009 Loser - Kelly Johnson
2008 Loser - Robinson Cano
2007 Loser - Josh Barfield
2006 Loser - Jorge Cantu
2005 Loser - Bret Boone
2004 Loser - Alfonso Soriano
2003 Loser - Roberto Alomar
2002 Loser - Roberto Alomar
2001 Loser - Edgardo Alfonzo
2000 Loser - Jose Offerman
1999 Loser - Delino DeShields

Third Basemen

MVP - Jose Bautista
Projection: .265/.372/.533, 37 HR, 95 R, 103 RBI, 6 SB in 563 AB
2011 stats: .302/.447/.608, 43 HR, 105 R, 103 RBI, 9 SB in 513 AB

Emilio Bonifacio and Ryan Roberts were big surprises at third base this year and Michael Young set new career highs in average and RBI at age 34, but there wasn't any passing over Bautista here. Those who gambled that Bautista was anything but a one-year wonder were rewarded handsomely, as he raised his average from .260 in 2010 to .302 this year and again led the majors in homers. I'll probably project an average in the .280-.285 range, another 40 homers and a higher RBI total next year.

Honorable Mention - Emilio Bonifacio, Michael Young, Ryan Roberts
2010 Winner - Jose Bautista
2009 Winner - Mark Reynolds
2008 Winner - Jorge Cantu
2007 Winner - Ryan Braun
2006 Winner - Michael Cuddyer
2005 Winner - Morgan Ensberg
2004 Winner - Adrian Beltre
2003 Winner - Bill Mueller
2002 Winner - Aaron Boone
2001 Winner - Albert Pujols
2000 Winner - Troy Glaus
1999 Winner - Fernando Tatis

LVP - Pedro Alvarez
Projection: .252/.331/.482, 30 HR, 81 R, 96 RBI, 3 SB in 548 AB
2011 stats: .191/.272/.289, 4 HR, 18 R, 19 RBI, 1 SB in 235 AB

Third base was also full of disappointments this year, as Evan Longoria, Alex Rodriguez, David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman all battled injuries and fell short of expectations while healthy. Still, Alvarez's complete bust of a year probably tops them all. I wasn't all that confident that Alvarez would maintain or improve on his .256 average from his rookie season, but I thought he was a good bet to hit around 30 homers. Instead, he came in at four, leaving his immediate future in serious doubt. The Pirates should have him open 2012 back in Triple-A.

Dishonorable Mention - Evan Longoria, Ian Stewart, David Wright
2010 Loser - Pablo Sandoval
2009 Loser - Garrett Atkins
2008 Loser - Chone Figgins
2007 Loser - Eric Chavez
2006 Loser - Hank Blalock
2005 Loser - Adrian Beltre
2004 Loser - Eric Hinske
2003 Loser - Edgardo Alfonzo
2002 Loser - Jeff Cirillo
2001 Loser - Tony Batista
2000 Loser - Vinny Castilla
1999 Loser - Ken Caminiti

Shortstops

MVP - Asdrubal Cabrera
Projection: .293/.354/.415, 9 HR, 83 R, 63 RBI, 11 SB in 557 AB
2011 stats: .273/.332/.460, 25 HR, 87 R, 92 RBI, 17 SB in 604 AB

It was a very different kind of comeback season for Cabrera, who saw his OPS drop from .799 in 2009 to .673 during an injury-plagued 2010. Cabrera was a career .284 hitter with 18 homers in 1,415 at-bats entering 2011. There was always the suspicion that he'd add some power with age, but to go from three homers to 25 in one year was quite a feat. He also matched his career high for steals.

Honorable Mention - J.J. Hardy, Jose Reyes, Starlin Castro, Jhonny Peralta
2010 Winner - Omar Infante
2009 Winner - Ben Zobrist
2008 Winner - Mike Aviles
2007 Winner - Hanley Ramirez
2006 Winner - Hanley Ramirez
2005 Winner - Felipe Lopez
2004 Winner - Carlos Guillen
2003 Winner - Edgar Renteria
2002 Winner - David Eckstein
2001 Winner - Rich Aurilia
2000 Winner - Jose Valentin
1999 Winner - Jay Bell

LVP - Hanley Ramirez
Projection: .317/.398/.533, 27 HR, 104 R, 93 RBI, 30 SB in 559 AB
2011 stats: .243/.333/.379, 10 HR, 55 R, 45 RBI, 20 SB in 338 AB

It looked like Ramirez might salvage his season when he rebounded to hit .293 with five homers and 21 RBI in July, but he played just two games afterwards because of a shoulder injury. Now, I'm pretty forgiving when it comes to injuries, but Ramirez's awful first three months take precedence here. He hit .221 with five homers and 24 RBI in 231 at-bats through the end of June.

Dishonorable Mention - Reid Brignac, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Rafael Furcal
2010 Loser - Yunel Escobar
2009 Loser - Jimmy Rollins
2008 Loser - Troy Tulowitzki
2007 Loser - Bill Hall
2006 Loser - Clint Barmes
2005 Loser - Kaz Matsui
2004 Loser - Angel Berroa
2003 Loser - Jose Hernandez
2002 Loser - Rich Aurilia
2001 Loser - Tony Womack
2000 Loser - Royce Clayton
1999 Loser - Royce Clayton

<!--RW-->Outfielders

MVPs - Jacoby Ellsbury, Matt Kemp, Melky Cabrera

Ellsbury's Projection: .294/.351/.418, 11 HR, 96 R, 56 RBI, 51 SB in 574 AB
Ellsbury's 2011 stats: .321/.376/.552, 32 HR, 119 R, 105 RBI, 39 SB in 660 AB

Kemp's Projection: .290/.349/.512, 31 HR, 96 R, 99 RBI, 27 SB in 607 AB
Kemp's 2011 stats: .324/.399/.586, 39 HR, 115 R, 126 RBI, 40 SB in 602 AB

Cabrera's Projection: .272/.326/.389, 7 HR, 50 R, 51 RBI, 9 SB in 404 AB
Cabrera's 2011 stats: .305/.339/.470, 18 HR, 102 R, 87 RBI, 20 SB in 658 AB

This was the toughest call of the MVPs, as there were seven outfielders worth rewarding. I had Kemp fourth and Ellsbury sixth among outfielders going in, but they simply blew away my projections, and since they were top-five overall players, I had to give them the nod. That left just one spot for the trio of Royals outfielders, Curtis Granderson and Michael Morse. I went with Cabrera over Granderson for the last spot, largely because I had Cabrera listed as a $3 player going in (he was my No. 88 outfielder, while Alex Gordon was No. 66 and Jeff Francoeur was No. 84).

Honorable Mention - Curtis Granderson, Michael Morse, Alex Gordon, Jeff Francoeur
2010 Winners - Carlos Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton, Angel Pagan
2009 Winners - Adam Lind, Jacoby Ellsbury, Matt Kemp
2008 Winners - Ryan Ludwick, Josh Hamilton, Nate McLouth
2007 Winners - Magglio Ordonez, Curtis Granderson, Eric Byrnes
2006 Winners - Jermaine Dye, Gary Matthews Jr., Matt Holliday
2005 Winners - Grady Sizemore, Jason Bay, Andruw Jones
2004 Winners - Jim Edmonds, J.D. Drew, Aaron Rowand, Jeromy Burnitz
2003 Winners - Gary Sheffield, Scott Podsednik, Vernon Wells
2002 Winners - Torii Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero, Garret Anderson
2001 Winners - Ichiro Suzuki, Barry Bonds, Cliff Floyd
2000 Winners - Darin Erstad, Richard Hidalgo, John Vander Wal
1999 Winners - Brian Giles, Luis Gonzalez, Roger Cedeno

LVPs - Carl Crawford, Alex Rios, Jason Heyward

Crawford's Projection: .309/.360/.474, 16 HR, 108 R, 82 RBI, 38 SB in 593 AB
Crawford's 2011 stats: .255/.289/.405, 11 HR, 65 R, 56 RBI, 18 SB in 506 AB

Rios' Projection: .282/.335/.462, 22 HR, 78 R, 83 RBI, 26 SB in 571 AB
Rios' 2011 stats: .227/.265/.348, 13 HR, 64 R, 44 RBI, 11 SB in 537 AB

Heyward's Projection: .287/.395/.519, 27 HR, 87 R, 91 RBI, 14 SB in 540 AB
Heyward's 2011 stats: .227/.319/.389, 14 HR, 50 R, 42 RBI, 9 SB in 396 AB

There were two no-brainers here. I gave Heyward the last spot over Vernon Wells, Delmon Young, Jayson Werth and Jason Bay because I was quite a bit higher on him than the others. Shin-Soo Choo is another who rates a mention, though injuries did play a role there. And I would be remiss not to throw Manny Ramirez's name into the ring, just because.

Crawford probably rates as the overall LVP for the year. He wasn't the worst player or really even close to it, but guys like Dunn, Rios and Wells weren't first-round picks in fantasy leagues.

Dishonorable Mention - Delmon Young, Ichiro Suzuki, Vernon Wells, Jayson Werth
2010 Losers - Matt Kemp, Adam Lind, Carlos Lee
2009 Losers - Manny Ramirez, B.J. Upton, Alfonso Soriano
2008 Losers - Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur, Carl Crawford
2007 Losers - Jason Bay, Andruw Jones, Jermaine Dye
2006 Losers - Jason Lane, Randy Winn, Scott Podsednik
2005 Losers - Carlos Beltran, Sammy Sosa, Corey Patterson
2004 Losers - Sammy Sosa, Marlon Byrd, Brian Giles
2003 Losers - Pat Burrell, Shawn Green, Larry Walker
2002 Losers - Ken Griffey Jr., Juan Pierre, Richard Hidalgo
2001 Losers - Richard Hidalgo, Darin Erstad, Carl Everett
2000 Losers - Ken Griffey Jr., Juan Gonzalez, Carlos Beltran
1999 Losers - Jose Cruz Jr., Kenny Lofton, Ray Lankford

Starting Pitchers

MVPs - Justin Verlander, Ian Kennedy, James Shields, Clayton Kershaw, Doug Fister

Verlander's Projection: 16-8, 3.51 ERA, 1.224 WHIP, 202 K in 210 IP
Verlander's 2011 stats: 24-5, 2.40 ERA, 0.920 WHIP, 250 K in 251 IP

Kennedy's Projection: 11-11, 4.09 ERA, 1.265 WHIP, 167 K in 196 IP
Kennedy's 2011 stats: 21-4, 2.88 ERA, 1.086 WHIP, 198 K in 222 IP

Shields' Projection: 13-12, 4.12 ERA, 1.273 WHIP, 172 K in 209 2/3 IP
Shields' 2011 stats: 16-12, 2.82 ERA, 1.042 WHIP, 225 K in 249 1/3 IP

Kershaw's Projection: 15-8, 2.97 ERA, 1.212 WHIP, 205 K in 199 2/3 IP
Kershaw's 2011 stats: 21-5, 2.28 ERA, 0.977 WHIP, 248 K in 233 1/3 IP

Fister's Projection: 8-10, 4.38 ERA, 1.325 WHIP, 99 K in 176 2/3 IP
Fister's 2011 stats: 11-13, 2.83 ERA, 1.063 WHIP, 146 K in 216 1/3 IP

The Cy Youngs for Verlander and Kershaw will be well deserved, though one can make an argument for Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee in the NL. I didn't think Kennedy had this kind of season in him, though I liked him for his WHIP and strikeout rate. Shields' WHIP had gone from 1.11 to 1.15 to 1.32 to 1.46. It seemed clear that his poor 2010 -- he had a 5.18 ERA -- was partially the function of bad luck, but he had never been nearly this good before.
Fister, though, was the biggest surprise of them all. After his strong start in 2010, he had a 5.09 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP in 86 2/3 innings in the second half. I thought he was all Safeco, and if he had been traded to Detroit in the spring rather than the summer, even that modest projection would have taken a hit. That he went 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA after joining the Tigers baffles me as much as anything else that happened this season.

Honorable Mention - Ryan Vogelsong, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Ricky Romero, Kyle Lohse
2010 Winners - Mat Latos, Trevor Cahill, David Price, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jered Weaver
2009 Winners - Zack Greinke, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Wandy Rodriguez, Joel Pineiro
2008 Winners - Clff Lee, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Dempster, Ervin Santana, Roy Halladay
2007 Winners - Fausto Carmona, Josh Beckett, Aaron Harang, James Shields, Erik Bedard
2006 Winners - Bronson Arroyo, Brandon Webb, Francisco Liriano, Aaron Harang, Justin Verlander
2005 Winners - Chris Carpenter, Dontrelle Willis, Andy Pettitte, Cliff Lee, John Patterson
2004 Winners - Johan Santana, Ben Sheets, Carl Pavano, Oliver Perez, Chris Carpenter
2003 Winners - Esteban Loaiza, Jason Schmidt, Livan Hernandez, Brandon Webb, Roy Halladay
2002 Winners - Odalis Perez, Derek Lowe, Matt Clement, Tim Wakefield, Roy Halladay
2001 Winners - Mark Mulder, Joe Mays, John Burkett, Mark Buehrle, Roy Oswalt
2000 Winners - Ryan Dempster, Jeff D’Amico, Glendon Rusch, Darryl Kile, Chan Ho Park
1999 Winners - Mike Hampton, Todd Ritchie, Tim Hudson, Kevin Millwood, Jose Lima

LVPs - Brian Matusz, Ubaldo Jimenez, Francisco Liriano, Ricky Nolasco, Chad Billingsley

Matusz's Projection: 12-11, 3.96 ERA, 1.257 WHIP, 169 K in 195 2/3 IP
Matusz's 2011 stats: 1-9, 10.69 ERA, 2.114 WHIP, 38 K in 49 2/3 IP

Jimenez's Projection: 16-8, 3.53 ERA, 1.241 WHIP, 185 K in 206 1/3 IP
Jimenez's 2011 stats: 10-13, 4.68 ERA, 1.402 WHIP, 180 K in 188 1/3 IP

Liriano's Projection: 15-7, 3.36 ERA, 1.244 WHIP, 190 K in 187 1/3 IP
Liriano's 2011 stats: 9-10, 5.09 ERA, 1.489 WHIP, 112 K in 134 1/3 IP

Nolasco's Projection: 13-9, 3.81 ERA, 1.203 WHIP, 180 K in 198 2/3 IP
Nolasco's 2011 stats: 10-12, 4.67 ERA, 1.398 WHIP, 148 K in 206 IP

Billingsley's Projection: 14-10, 3.46 ERA, 1.296 WHIP, 179 K in 203 IP
Billingsley's 2011 stats: 11-11, 4.21 ERA, 1.452 WHIP, 152 K in 188 IP

None of my top 15 pitchers had hugely disappointing performances, but Nos. 16 (Jimenez), 19 (Liriano), 26 (Billingsley), 27 (Liriano) and 46 (Matusz) all fell well short of expectations. I think Jimenez is the best bet of the group to bounce back next year. It's just a hunch, but I see his fastball coming back a bit and I suspect he'll post an ERA in the mid-3.00s for Cleveland next year. I'm truly worried about Matusz. He rates a $0 pitcher for 2012 right now.

Dishonorable Mention - Max Scherzer, Mat Latos, Felix Hernandez, Phil Hughes, John Lackey
2010 Losers - Zack Greinke, Josh Beckett, Tim Lincecum, Javier Vazquez, A.J. Burnett
2009 Losers - Francisco Liriano, Cole Hamels, Joba Chamberlain, Derek Lowe, Daisuke Matsuzaka
2008 Losers - Justin Verlander, Fausto Carmona, Pedro Martinez, Ian Snell, Rich Hill
2007 Losers - Jeremy Bonderman, Mike Mussina, Dontrelle Willis, Jose Contreras, Scott Olsen
2006 Losers - Mark Buehrle, Tim Hudson, Felix Hernandez, Dontrelle Willis, Odalis Perez
2005 Losers - Oliver Perez, Curt Schilling, Tim Hudson, Zack Greinke, Eric Milton
2004 Losers - Esteban Loaiza, Barry Zito, Jose Contreras, Jamie Moyer, Javier Vazquez
2003 Losers - Tom Glavine, Randy Johnson, Ramon Ortiz, Freddy Garcia, Derek Lowe
2002 Losers - Chan Ho Park, Freddy Garcia, Bud Smith, Brad Penny, Javier Vazquez
2001 Losers - Scott Elarton, Livan Hernandez, Kevin Millwood, Bartolo Colon, Dave Burba
2000 Losers - Jose Lima, Ramon Martinez, David Cone, Omar Daal, Kevin Millwood
1999 Losers - Roger Clemens, Jeff Fassero, Chan Ho Park, Tom Glavine, Brett Tomko

Relief Pitchers

MVPs - Craig Kimbrel, Fernando Salas, Brandon League, Jordan Walden

Kimbrel's Projection: 3-3, 17 Sv, 3.50 ERA, 1.290 WHIP, 83 K in 64 1/3 IP
Kimbrel's 2011 stats: 4-3, 46 Sv, 2.10 ERA, 1.039 WHIP, 127 K in 77 IP

Salas' Projection: 2-2, 0 Sv, 4.08 ERA, 1.317 WHIP, 41 K in 46 1/3 IP
Salas' 2011 stats: 5-6, 24 Sv, 2.28 ERA, 0.947 WHIP, 75 K in 75 IP

League's Projection: 6-5, 8 Sv, 3.44 ERA, 1.231 WHIP, 60 K in 70 2/3 IP
League's 2011 stats: 1-5, 37 Sv, 2.79 ERA, 1.076 WHIP, 45 K in 61 1/3 IP

Walden's Projection: 4-2, 9 Sv, 3.48 ERA, 1.307 WHIP, 65 K in 67 1/3 IP
Walden's 2011 stats: 5-5, 32 Sv, 2.98 ERA, 1.243 WHIP, 67 K in 60 1/3 IP

My thought was that Jonny Venters would likely start the season getting most of the save chances in Atlanta, with Kimbrel eventually taking over in the second half. Of course, Kimbrel owned the role from day one and the rest is history.

Honorable Mention - Ryan Madson, John Axford, Joel Hanrahan, Sergio Santos, Javy Guerra
2010 Winners - Neftali Feliz, John Axford, Rafael Soriano, Chris Perez
2009 Winners - Andrew Bailey, David Aardsma, Ryan Franklin, Rafael Soriano
2008 Winners - Brad Lidge, Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, Francisco Rodriguez
2007 Winners - Jeremy Accardo, Takashi Saito, Kevin Gregg, Manuel Corpas
2006 Winners - J.J. Putz, Jonathan Papelbon, Takashi Saito, Akinori Otsuka
2005 Winners - Chad Cordero, Derrick Turnbow, Huston Street, Todd Jones, Bob Wickman
2004 Winners - Brad Lidge, Joe Nathan, Jose Mesa, Shingo Takatsu
2003 Winners - Eric Gagne, Tim Worrell, Joe Borowski, Guillermo Mota
2002 Winners - Eric Gagne, Juan Acevedo, Byung-Hyun Kim, Octavio Dotel
2001 Winners - Byung-Hyun Kim, Jeff Zimmerman, Octavio Dotel, Jose Mesa
2000 Winners - Keith Foulke, Robb Nen, Gabe White
1999 Winners - Scott Williamson, Billy Koch, John Rocker

LVPs - Matt Thornton, Joakim Soria, Ryan Franklin, Neftali Feliz

Thornton's Projection: 3-3, 28 Sv, 2.92 ERA, 1.113 WHIP, 73 K in 64 2/3 IP
Thornton's 2011 stats: 2-5, 3 Sv, 3.32 ERA, 1.358 WHIP, 63 K in 59 2/3 IP

Soria's Projection: 3-3, 37 Sv, 2.57 ERA, 1.035 WHIP, 72 K in 66 2/3 IP
Soria's 2011 stats: 5-5, 28 Sv, 4.03 ERA, 1.276 WHIP, 60 K in 60 1/3 IP

Franklin's Projection: 4-3, 30 Sv, 3.82 ERA, 1.257 WHIP, 40 K in 63 2/3 IP
Franklin's 2011 stats: 1-4, 1 Sv, 8.46 ERA, 1.843 WHIP, 17 K in 27 2/3 IP

Feliz's Projection: 4-4,. 38 Sv, 2.75 ERA, 0.990 WHIP, 77 K in 68 2/3 IP
Feliz's 2011 stats: 2-3, 32 Sv, 2.74 ERA, 1.155 WHIP, 54 K in 62 1/3 IP

The LVPs were a tougher call than usual this year, as it was injuries, rather than poor performance, that led to closing jobs opening up. Obviously, Franklin is one notable exception there, but then, I had him projected for the highest ERA of any closer besides Brad Lidge and Kevin Gregg. Francisco Rodriguez is another exception, but I'm not including him; it's not his fault the Mets wanted to dump his salary.
Soria was the biggest disappointment of the top closers. I was probably expecting too much too soon from Feliz, who ended up having a perfectly fine season. The main reason he shows up here is that I had him ranked as the No. 1 closer.

Dishonorable Mention - Carlos Marmol, Joe Nathan, Leo Nunez
2010 Losers - Chad Qualls, Jonathan Broxton, Trevor Hoffman, Bobby Jenks
2009 Losers - B.J. Ryan, Brad Lidge, Brandon Morrow, Matt Capps
2008 Losers - Jason Isringhausen, Manuel Corpas, J.J. Putz, Huston Street
2007 Losers - Tom Gordon, Salomon Torres, Jorge Julio, Bob Wickman
2006 Losers - Derrick Turnbow, Brad Lidge, Ryan Dempster, Armando Benitez
2005 Losers - Danny Kolb, Danny Graves, Guillermo Mota, Keith Foulke
2004 Losers - Arthur Rhodes, Joe Borowski, Shawn Chacon, David Riske
2003 Losers - Billy Koch, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Armando Benitez, Jose Mesa
2002 Losers - Keith Foulke, Scott Strickland, Armando Benitez, Antonio Alfonseca
2001 Losers - Todd Jones, John Rocker, Billy Koch, Dave Veres
2000 Losers - Bob Howry, Scott Williamson, John Rocker, Billy Wagner
1999 Losers - Rod Beck, Jeff Montgomery, Rick Aguilera, Gregg Olson