More 2008 MLB Fantasy Rankings–Rise to Stardom (Batters)
These are the guys who had very solid campaigns in 2007, who will take the next step and join the elite during 2008. You won’t have to draft these guys in the first two rounds of your draft, but you should expect 1st to 2nd round performance from them.
BJ Upton, 2B/CF—TB—Upton will be playing centerfield for the Rays, but in many of your leagues he will still qualify at 2B, based on the 48 games he played there last season. He struggled when given his first chance in the big leagues in 2006, but last year he started to realize all that potential we have been reading about for years. Although he played only 129 games, Upton went 20-20 and even hit .300. Still only 23, this is the year Upton will take his numbers even higher. Expect Upton to remain close to his same average and his power numbers to increase to near 30. It is his stolen base numbers that are going to rise sharply. In the minors Upton stole 40+ bases on two separate occasions, both while playing less than a full season. Realistic expectations for BJ this season are .285/27/90/55 steals, but he still needs to cut down on the strikeouts.
Curtis Granderson, CF—DET—Granderson was one of the most improved players in the league, when he joined exclusive company in 2007, the 20 double, 20 triple, 20 HR, 20 steal club, which has only four members. Granderson is another young hitter who can take his numbers to the stratosphere if he can improve his eye at the plate some. He has struck out over 300 times in the past two seasons, however, you still can’t ignore his other impressive numbers. Based on his minor league numbers and the way his numbers have progressed, you can expect another huge years from the Tigers centerfielder. He will help you in every single fantasy category, scoring 100+ runs, 200 hits, 25-30 HRs, 85 RBI, and 30-35 steals in a potent Tigers offense.
Nick Markakis, RF—BAL—After struggling in the first half of his rookie year, Markakis has turned himself into one of the best young outfielders in the game. After the Orioles complete their fire sale with the imminent trade of Brian Roberts, Markakis will be the centerpiece of the Orioles offense. He even added a new dimension to his game, as he stole 18 bags in ’07, after never thieving more than 13 in his minor league career. If Markakis can get over the 20 steal mark, he will cement himself as one of the league’s elite. Look for a .310 average with 30 HRs, 120 RBI and over 100 runs from the third year outfielder.
Delmon Young, CF—MIN—One of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, Young’s skyrocket to stardom was put on hold temporarily by an unfortunate bat throwing incident. When he finally reached the majors in 2006 he struggled to live up to all the hype. With a full time job in 2007, he showed flashes of his potential, but still didn’t come close to what was expected. Young is getting a fresh start in Minnesota in ’08, and it could be exactly what the doctor ordered. He was projected to be a possible member of the 40/40 club, and although it is fairly sure he won’t reach those levels this season, a dramatic increase in his power and speed numbers are expected. Young should be good for a .315 average with 33 HRs, 110 RBI, and 27 steals.
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B—WAS—Zimmerman didn’t spend much time in the minors after he was drafted out of college, and he didn’t disappoint in his rookie year. 2007 was a little bit of a different story, as most of his numbers decreased. The Nationals are finally moving out of spacious RFK stadium (which killed power numbers for all who played there), and into the new Nationals Park, which has normal dimensions. This should help Zimmerman’s power numbers increase further. Zimmerman should break .300 for the first time in his major league career, as well as 30+ HRs and back to the 110 RBI from his rookie season.
Evan Longoria, 3B—TB—Someone from the rookie class will most likely propel himself into the elite of fantasy players(a la Ryan Braun), and the best chance comes from Longoria. Last season in two levels of the minors Longoria hit 26 HRs and 95 RBI in just 136 games. He doesn’t have much competition to take the starting 3B gig in Tampa, and when it is officially his, pitchers in the AL should be placed on warning. Expect Longoria to take home the AL Rookie of the Year, and hit .290 with 25 HRs and 90 RBI, as Tampa Bay has its best season in franchise history this year.
As always, your questions (adds, drops, trades, draft questions, etc) and comments are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.
