In 35 innings last year, he managed 33 strikeouts against just eight walks in compiling a 2.83 ERA. In seven innings this spring, Parnell has racked up six strikeouts while working on a slider to complement his mid-90s heat. A lot can happen in the next two-to-three months and owning Parnell early in 2011 — in what will likely be K-Rod’s final year in New York — could turn into a very solid move.
2011 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Deep Sleepers Read Post »
There’s really nothing Braun can’t do on a baseball field. He can hit for average (.307 lifetime BA) and power (he’s smacked at least 25 dingers in all four seasons he’s been in the bigs), he has speed (at least 14 swipes every year), has turned himself into a solid outfielder and has a strong arm. Last year, plenty of his home runs turned into doubles, but he cut his strikeout rate, and given that he’s right in his power prime, it wouldn’t shock me if he made a run at 40 long bombs this year. With relatively little fanfare, Braun is in the early stages of compiling a simply tremendous career, perhaps Hall of Fame worthy in time.
2011 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Outfield Rankings Read Post »
However, Ortiz didn’t exactly blaze down the stretch as we had hoped; in fact, if not for a strong September, Big Papi’s post-break numbers would have looked pretty bleak. He remained healthy again, but the Sox are giving him a bit more rest each season, it seems, so you can expect a larger sprinkling of days off against lefties. And while it was nice to see his power bounce back, Ortiz struck out more than ever last season, so it looks like his days as a .300 hitter are over.
2011 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Designated Hitter Rankings Read Post »
Wright’s power returned last year after mysteriously disappearing in 2009 (his road performance suggested that you couldn’t blame it all on Citi Field). While the pop didn’t come all the way back to his 2008 levels, it was a relief to his owners. Wright’s overall numbers would have been even better had he not struggled so badly in August, but as the No. 3 hitter in the Mets’ lineup, he should be in line for another big year in 2011.
2011 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Third Base Rankings Read Post »
Even in a down year, Ramirez still posted a .300-21-76 line with 32 stolen bases, which included a strong showing over the final two months. The 27-year-old is just entering his physical prime, and playing at a relatively thin position only enhances his value. There aren’t many legitimate five-category performers in Fantasy baseball, but Ramirez is one of them. He’s a top-five talent and should be selected accordingly.
2011 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Shortstop Rankings Read Post »
For a middle infielder, Cano’s been very durable for the past few years, and not only has he racked up back-to-back 200-hit seasons, but last year he improved his walk rate and power to career best levels. A near-30 homer player that hits for average and can now get on base with the best of them (.381 OBP last year)? The only thing Cano can’t do is steal many bases, but his monster 2010 vaults him to the top of the keystone corner rankings.
2011 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Second Base Rankings Read Post »
King Albert is an absolute machine. He has been for the last 10 years and 2011 should be no different. His stats compare favourably to anyone that has ever played the game, and the fact that negotiations on a long-term deal have been put on hold meaning Pujols will be playing in a contract year should only add more fuel to his fire. Look for the three-time MVP to top not only this position, but the entire NL with another outstanding campaign with his reward being a fat ass cheque.
2011 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: First Base Rankings Read Post »
