Fantasy Baseball Xtreme » Expert Analysis

1st Base Breakdown

KingLouieLouie76 — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:36:43 +0000

TOP 5 FBX RANKED 1B :

Albert Pujols: St. Louis Cardinals

“Albert” (all he has to be referred now his by his first name) finished statistically overall with 7 HR, 19 RBI, .345 BA, .655 SLG, 1.085 OPS, .430 OBP, 13BB/14K. That is actually higher in most categories, except that he K’ed at a higher ratio. Obviously, Albert compensates for that in being at such a “uber” level all across the board that his strike-out totals do not detract whatsoever. He of course is probably not available in any leagues and naturally would cost a 1B of somewhat lesser value along with a front-line starter to be enticed from any team. Again, as it has been well documented on here is that Albert is the most complete player in our generation and do not see him being rivaled any time soon.

Miguel Cabrera: Detroit Tigers

Cabrera during the month of April actually produced at a higher clip than Albert with 5 HR, 25 RBI, .344 BA, .615 SLG, 1.042 OPS, .427 OBP, 13BB/12K. Cabrera only exceed Albert in the RBI and B/KK ratio, but is just slightly eclipsed in the other categories. Cabrera produced on par with where he customarily ranks every April and he continues to peak as the season progresses. Again, he’s not available in any league and would take somewhat similar to the cost of Albert in attempting to lure Cabrera away. He’s even younger than Pujols, so for all intents and purposes might have to up the ante by a remote amount. Again, Cabrera will continue to carry your fantasy team to newer heights.

Prince Fielder: Milwaukee Brewers

Fielder in April dropped to around 20th place statistically overall, however, his 2 HR, 9 RBI, .244 BA, .360 SLG, .741 OPS, .381 OBP, 12BB/24K should not alarm anyone since April traditionally is his worst month. He elevates it a notch whenever the temps heat up, so those stats are a complete mirage. He again should not be available in any league, but either he can be bought low by someone who is losing patience in him and is not familiar with his typical April struggles. Do not sell him low because it will come back to haunt you, especially since he’s still extremely young (not within his prime) and has plenty of upside and can potentially equal Albert in the power stats, but not in terms of OPS, OBP, and BA.

Ryan Howard: Philadelphia Phillies

Howard ranked in the ballpark of 12th place statistically overall with 4 HR, 17 RBI, .274 BA, .484 SLG, .794 OPS, .310 OPB, 5BB/20K. Those stats do not necessarily warrant a 5-year, $125 Mil contract extension, however, Howard usually starts the season off in every category around average-above average, but generally gets completely into rhythm by the 2nd half of the season and hoists the weight of the Phillies upon his shoulders in which they complete each and every recent season on a strong note. That again shall be the case since similar to other aforementioned 1B, he is not available but could be sold or bought at a mid-range value. Meaning, he can actually be worth 3 mid-tier players at three different positions. Howard is actually older than Pujols and in fact contrary to the others is already within his prime. Best to use full caution with him and personally he’s the most likely come season’s end to be ousted out of the top-5 by 1B slightly ranked just below him.

Mark Teixeira : New York Yankees

Teixeria overwhelmingly was not even within the top-25 statistically ranked overall 1B with 2 HR, 9 RBI, .136 BA, .259 SLG, .559 OPS, .300 OBP, 17BB/18K. Does that horrid start signify that you must all panic and immediately give-up on Teixeria? Absolutely not, however, he can actually be bought low by a manager who is in absolute panic mode. To go inside the numbers, Teixeria has for his entire career has compiled a .237 BA (compared to his lifetime .287 BA), .345 OBP (compared to his lifetime .377 OBP), .414 SLG (compared to his lifetime .539 SLG), and .760 OPS (compared to his lifetime .916 OPS) in April which is historically his worth month of the season. Teixeria generally begins to catch on fire by the 2nd week of May and there is never any turning back. He plays with immense avengence. Again, do not attempt to sell him, however, try to sway him away from anyone in your league that is not familiar with his annual April swoon and how he picks-up as the year progresses.

TOP 10 APRIL STATISTICALLY RANKED 1B :

Cabrera and Pujols were 1st and 2nd respectively and have already been covered. Here’s the eight remaining:

Paul Konkero: Chicago White Sox

Konerko picked-up exactly where he left off from his strong ‘09 finish with 11 HR, 21 RBI, .297 BA, .784 SLG, 1.197 OPS, .413 OBP, 15BB/6K. At 34 years-old, Konerko won’t outdistance any of the top-5 1B, but the savvy hitter usually thrives in April, then he dips in May, then from June-October he languishes. Konerko is very streaky and is ranked #18 among 1B by FBX, because it’s predictable what kind of stats he will generate each and every season. He’s one of those “Blue Chip” players, but never has been flashy, just will provide any fantasy team some stability. He’s currently available in roughly 25% of the leagues and again it’s..”you know what you’re going to get” label that applies to him. Although, some times it is refreshing to have some guaranteed decent output from 1B, but Konerko has never hit for high average, SLG, OPS, and OBP are generally not within the higher levels of his contemporaries at 1B. Again, he’s that reliable player, but about to go beyond his prime years and will soon be on a rapid decline.

Justin Morneau: Minnesota Twins

Does Morneau have what it takes to supersede any of the top-5 ranked? With 5 HR, 17 RBI, .347 BA, .640 SLG, 1.130 OPS, .490 OPB, 21BB/14K, some might respond with an empathic yes. Morneau is ranked #7 by FBX. It must not be overlooked that he averages 31 HR, 117 RBI, .282 BA, .505 SLG, .859 OPS, and .354 OBP, so he is somewhat playing over his head to start off ‘10. Do not buy, but perhaps sell high since Morneau is obviously fully capable, but more than likely should not keep up this staggering pace. At 29, he also will not outdistance any of the top-5, but should remain in the top-10 for at least the next 3-4 years and then potentially will go on the decline in his power numbers, but will keep his respectable BA. Again, he is not available in most leagues, but to reiterate could be a great trading tool, especially if there is a younger 1B with more of an upside waiting on your waiver wire.

Carlos Pena: Tampa Bay Rays

Pena has been all or nothing during his up/down 10-year career. He has carried that on with 5 HR, 22 RBI, .247 BA, .481 SLG, .859 OPS, .379 OBP, 17BB/21K. What has kept Pena afloat as the 5th statistically best 1B in April was his high RBI and SLG percentage. Otherwise, he would have been buried considerably lower. He’s available in around 7% of the leagues and is ranked now around #11 by FBX. Pena will remain around the top-15 and should not go any higher than #11 because he’s been prominently a dead pull hitter throughout his career with a career .247 BA and 512BB/997K ratio which is extremely unsettling. Perhaps its best to sell moderately low and buy low with caution. He can net some mid-tier younger position players and a top-3 tier starter at this time. Pena entered the ML touted as the next “Big Thing”, but it took awhile for him to blossom and he will never pose as a threat to continue at top-5 level and even his stats are inflated by 2 categories that factored in very heavily in his favor.

Kendry Morales: Los Angeles Angels

Morales can very well be the only statistically top-10 of April to surpass either Teixeria (but more than likely Howard) as the top-5 overall ranked 1B at FBX. FBX in fact currently ranks Morales who in April amassed 6 HR, 16 RBI, .295 BA, .523 SLG, .870 OPS, .347 OBP, 4BB/12K at #10, but he has the relative youth (26 years-old) and enormous upside to take a quantum leap over his peers. Morales just became a full-time 1B last year and seized the opportunity mighty well and he shall continue to flourish in that regard. He’s available in 5% of the leagues and could pay BIG dividends if someone is willing to trade him for a mid-upper tier starting pitcher. He is not one to be sold since again he has finally been given the chance to tap into his fullest potential and will not disappoint. He should average around 34 HR, 121 RBI, .301 BA and continue to generate solid all-around offensive stats. It is unfortunate he did not become a regular until last season because his stats could currently equal Prince Fielder and might be just as polished as Albert.

Adrian Gonzalez: San Diego Padres

Gonzalez currently ranked by FBX at #8 produced to the tune of 6 HR, 16 RBI, .288 BA, .563 SLG, .971 OPS, .408 OBP, 16BB/14K. Within 1-week from this being posted, Gonzalez, will be turning 28 years-old and despite that he will not advance into the top-5, he makes a case for leaping up to #6. Compared to those ahead of him, Gonzalez does everything balanced, but does not standout. Although, that is typically because the Padres have not surrounded him with adequate talent, but finally he is seeing better hitter’s pitches because of the emergence of several younger players in the their line-up. His power stats should drastically improve and he can continue to prove some detractors wrong. It has been rumored for quite some time that Gonzalez will soon be traded to a contender. If that happens, he is more than guaranteed to completely elevate himself into newer territories if/when the talent he is surrounded with can sustain consistent/solid production for a longer period of time.

Kevin Youkilis: Boston Red Sox

Youkilis is ranked #9 by FBX and similar to Gonzalez is produced in April right around where projected with 3 HR, 12 RBI, .270 BA, .472 SLG, .831 OPS, .359 OPB, 11BB/18K. Youkilis is available in around 2% of the leagues and should maintain #9 without advancing, but could somewhat drop since he (similar to Konerko and Pena) can be scripted to the extent that it is etched in stone he will hit around 25 HR, 96 RBI, .303 BA, .488 SLG, .880 OPS, .390 OBP. That is respectable, but will not garnish top-billing either. At 31, Youkilis has essentially entered his prime years, but don not expect him to all of a sudden surge and double his yearly output. Try to sell high for him now since another impatient owner who wants to rid a currently struggling 1B (or any other position player) and would jump at Youkilis overlooking his primed to be on the down-slope of his career.

Adam LaRoche: Arizona Diamondbacks

LaRoche is another, “you know what you’re going to get” type player who by FBX is ranked at #20. In fact, his 4 HR, 17 RBI, .296 BA, .563 SLG, .954 OPS, .390 OBP, 11BB/19K far exceeds his usual April stats. LaRoche rejected a long-term contract with the San Francisco Giants and settled for a 1-year deal w/the Dbacks this past offseason because he believed that could be a motivational tool in him to cash in on even a more lucrative contract. Would that ultimately pay off for him? His power stats are lower at the more pitching friendly, Chase Field, but he’s seeing more pitches with the likes of Mark Reynolds and Justin Upton surrounding him in the line-up. Will he keep this pace up? Honestly, he very well could prove those who doubted him, but also anticipate him to be dealt at the trade deadline or sooner when the Dbacks plan on recalling highly regarded Brandon Allen to become their every day 1B. He can be sold/bought relatively cheaply since LaRoche similar to Youkilis has never stood-out in any particular category, just is averagely rounded.

Joey Votto: Cincinnati Reds

Votto on FBX is currently sitting at #6 and paced himself in April with 4 HR, 12 RBI, .275 BA, .500 SLG, .904 OPS, .404 OBP, 18BB/22K. Quite frankly, see Kendry Morales since Votto at 26 (will be 27 on 9/10) is also a late bloomer and also has the distinct chance of breaking into the top-5. It is purely based on who does better, Morales or Votto? Only time can answer that question since both are extremely close, but yet in many different ways. Votto projects out to be the next Morneau as a 1B who hits for high average and puts up decent power stats, but again won’t completely break-out and suddenly lead the leagues in any major offensive category. Although, Votto can gradually add more bulk and begin to drive the ball… Votto is available in 3% of the leagues and should average 30 HRs, 98 RBI, .320 BA, and be evenly distributed across the board in other categories. He can be also moderately bought, but wouldn’t sell him since he can only continue to elevate his game further.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN :

James Loney: Los Angeles Dodgers (FBX #16) Available in 34%

Aubrey Huff: San Francisco Giants (FBX #27) Available in 91%

Billy Butler: Kansas City Royals (FBX #17) Available in 10%

Adam Dunn: Washington Nationals (FBX #?) Available in 8%

Derrek Lee: Chicago Cubs (FBX #21) Available in 6%

KEEP TRACK OF :

Brandon Allen: Arizona Diamondbacks

Ike Davis: New York Mets

Daric Barton: Oakland Athletics

Justin Smoak: Texas Rangers

Matt LaPorta: Cleveland Indians

Tomorrow, 2B will be covered.

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“Preface: A Synopsis….Preview”

KingLouieLouie76 — Sun, 02 May 2010 22:03:32 +0000

The next series of blogs will be regarding a break down at each position comparing the top-10 statistically ranked for the month of April at every respective position, comparing them to the top-5 individually ranked by our staff at FBX, along with who to expect to be on the rise between May and June. Expect these to be completed between 5/2-5/4, but in fact (time permitting) can be all finished by later on 5/2.

Also, expect some spotlights regarding FBX pick for AL Hitter/Pitcher & NL Hitter/Pitcher of the Month honors that should be done within the next couple of days as well.

Anticipate revamped overall rankings. I have completed some incrementally, but these will more than likely include some drastic adjustments. Please feel free to voice your comments, questions, or concerns you may have regarding any of the rankings, especially since the forum should include more civil/constructive debates (especially because our opinions tend not to be either right or wrong since all of us have our own standards and school of thought).

Speaking of “school of thought”, I’m heavily influenced by “Sabermetrics”…. “Money Ball” line of thinking. I do not claim to be an advanced expert on the matter, but have been gradually grasping most of the meaning. I plan on writing an article pertaining to Sabermetrics to explain it to those who might be a complete novice regarding it.

Lastly, there will be several more “Player Spotlights” that I will attempt to post on a daily basis, so please pay attention and give me feedback on those. Please feel free to contribute more content as well since ideally it would be brilliant to have several articles/blogs from different view points and provide original ideas that several have not thought of. That would help us expand the site further to where our aim is. We are starting to get there and I hope all of you continue to ask questions, provide insight/opinions/updates/feedback…etc…. All of us can make this into the best “One-Stop Fantasy Baseball Site” on the internet.

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“Faces of Baseball”

KingLouieLouie76 — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:36:16 +0000

One common reoccurring question for anyone associated with baseball is that which current player would you first choose to start your franchise? The consensus now would be Albert Pujols since he at 30 years-old has amassed 372 HRs, 1128 RBIs, .333 BA, an amazing 821/584 BB/K ratio, a scintillating .627 SLG, and an astronomical 1.054 OPS. What is more than unfathomable is that he has not even entered his prime and has at least 5-7 peak years remaining. No player at 30 has generated this phenomenal all around offensive display since the likes of Hank Aaron and even far back as Jimmie Fox have eclipsed to those levels. That is why Albert Pujols has ascended in this past decade as the “Face” of Baseball and definitely will be a 1st time ballot inductee into the Hall of Fame, to be enshrined with all the other baseball luminaries.

There was recent debate on the forums regarding if Hanley Ramirez will eventually overtake Pujols as the top overall player in baseball. Several are inclined to believe that Ramirez potentially can, however, in order for that to happen, he must hit 30+ HRs, 100+ RBI, at least 40 SBs, .350 BA, .920 OPS and sustain that lofty level for three consecutive years. What makes it even more remarkable is that Ramirez plays at a position in which it is extremely rare to produce at that rate, whereas Pujols plays at a position traditionally known for sheer power numbers. Ramirez should be a sure fire inductee into the Hall of Fame since he is currently a trailblazer at his position and is setting new standards.

The reason why Ramirez might be drafted ahead in some instances ahead of Pujols is that there is a tremendous drop-off at SS compared to 1B, however, no one again has rivaled Pujols in quite some time to be such a threat at every facet of the game and during such a long-term period. The main concern about Ramirez is that he’s produced at albeit a small sample size and there are an abundance of players who excelled to start their careers and then they hit a wall and never reverted back to their initial success. Obviously only time can tell what will ultimately materialize. Take into consideration that Ramirez at 26 has been compared to either Derek Jeter and/or Nomar Garciaparra and that is definitely intriguing in itself. Garciaparra (similar to HanRam) was drafted by the Red Sox and was primed to be a perennial MVP candidate and a guaranteed Hall of Famer, but a rash of injuries immediately put all those discussions aside. Jeter took the torch from Cal Ripken Jr. to become the uber elite at SS and started to set standards in which Ramirez is expanding on now. Ramirez at SS is more susceptible is injuries compared to Pujols at 1B and already has had some lingering ailments that has sat him out on a few occasions. Pujols has been virtually injury free for 10-years…true..he did encounter an ailing back during Spring Training, however, that obviously has not slowed him down to the slightest.

The next question are who along with Pujols and Ramirez are within the top-5 best current day players? The harsh reality is that they are far removed from the pedestals that both Pujols and Ramirez are currently hoisted on. Chase Utley is the class of current 2B, however, he is already in his 8th season (is actually younger than Pujols) and has less than 1000 career hits, less than 170 HRs and 600 RBIs, and a career .295 BA. That is not exactly redefining his position like Ramirez has or a solid dominance at an upper echelon level that Pujols has generated. Next is Alex Rodriguez who obviously there has been a shadow of doubt that has engulfed him since it was revealed of his extensive use of Performance Enhancing Drugs, so essentially there is an asterik next to all of his stats. There is then a debate whether or not that Ryan Braun and Mike Kemp are deserving to be within in the top-5, however, regardless both respectively have only produced at a high level for 2-3 seasons. Obviously not enough to warrant top billing at this time.

Who within the next ten years will be the “Face of Baseball” once Pujols’ and Ramirez’s careers will be both winding down and at an end? The names should include Justin Upton, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard, Evan Longoria, Troy Tulowitzki, and Joe Mauer. Will they eclipse the brilliance of Pujols and define their position as Ramirez has? Probably not, but they will collectively account for most of the post season hitting awards/titles for years to come and shall also end up as Hall of Famers before it is over, said, and done with.

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Hitter’s and Pitcher’s Parks

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:27:42 +0000

Looking for a list of Hitter’s Parks and PItcher’s Parks? Look no further. Fantasy Baseball Xtreme moderator and contributor Dolemite put this list together… This kind of info will help you as you navigate through the early part of the 2010 fantasy baseball season. Trading for the right player in the right park could make that difference come season’s end. Here we go!

By Dolmite

Hitter’s/Pitcher’s Parks

AL Hitter’s Parks NL Hitter’s Parks

Cleveland Houston

Chicago White Sox Chicago Cubs

Texas Milwaukee

Boston Pittsburgh

NY Yankees Cincinnati

Baltimore Philadelphia

Toronto Colorado

Tampa Bay

AL Pitcher’s Parks NL Pitcher’s Parks

KC Royals San Diego

Detroit San Francisco

Seattle LA Dodgers

Minnesota NY Mets

Oakland Florida

Los Angeles (Angels) St. Louis

Arizona

Atlanta

Washington

Hitter’s Side

Many of these parks had at least 4 or more players hit 20+ home runs (Texas had six). Colorado, Texas, and the new Yankee stadium are the ones that jump out at me the most. Many Texas players can be had cheap, (e.g. Chris Davis assuming he can keep the strikeouts down) the same with Colorado. Ian Stewart is a 3b you can get in the later rounds that might produce similar to the middle tiers of third baseman. Carlos Gonzalez is a OF I wouldn’t mind reaching on since he bats half his games at Coors field, Dexter Fowler too. Keep in mind I’m not saying draft these people over proven studs who can hit anywhere. That being said, Jason Bay is one guy I would be wary of drafting due to his age and new home. Curtis Granderson may benefit from his new ballpark and lineup, but don’t take him too early as his averages throughout his career indicate it may not be that much of a difference. A #2 OF is where I still have him.

Pitcher’s Side

Remembering my statement about studs being able to pitch regardless of locale, here are some pitchers that may be helped or hindered by their parks. Jake Peavy is a guy that I think benefited from his home park (San Diego), and I don’t think moving to Chicago will help his numbers. K’s are what he’ll be good for. Brett Anderson is one of my sleepers this year due to his talent. Pitching in Oakland just sweetens the pot for him and Ben Sheets (going around pick 212 last I checked) this year. Clayton Kershaw is one guy I’d target for this year and going forward. John Lackey moved to a hitter’s park and a tougher division; don’t project his ceiling too high. The wins may come easy and K’s stay the same, but his averages could see a spike. Wandy Rodriguez pitches in Houston but his averages are actually worse AWAY from home. Don’t be scared off of Ubaldo Jimenez either just because of where he pitches, he could be a cheap ace for your team.

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“Up In Arms”

KingLouieLouie76 — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:33:59 +0000

It’s either the top or bottom of the 9th inning, either Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, Dropkick Murphy’s “I’m Shipping Up to Boston”, and/or Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” are blaring over the sound systems, you know that Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon, and Jonathan Broxton are out there to save the day for their respective team, however, there is a considerable drop-off beyond that lethal trio of closers.

On Draft Day, those three were the highest ranked on every draft board, so it had to take a considerable amount of due diligence on every owner’s part to find out to see who will provide stability to their team’s bullpen. Several might have played it safe and drafted other proven closers such as a Trevor Hoffman or a Jose Valverde, selected those who have shown some promise in that role which would consists of the likes of Andrew Bailey, Joakim Soria, and a Chad Qualls, or in the other category targeted who could be classified as flavors of the year, Jon Rauch, Ryan Madson, and Franklin Morales. Those pitchers in most drafts went anywhere between the 5th-14 rounds and quite honestly they could have been drafted in any order since there’s not a major difference between them.

One of the most reoccurring themes of the first couple weeks of the 2010 seasons is that several closers have continued to sustain severe injuries at a staggering rate, have lost their closer role due to immense struggles, or on the verge of relinquishing their spot.

So far, we have witnessed Neftali Feliz oust Frank Francisco out as the Rangers closer, Chad Qualls blowing 2-saves for the Diamondbacks last week and now is among the closer-by-committee in Arizona that it seems no one wants to take the lead in, and then the Angels Fernando Rodney and Orioles Jim Johnson inheriting the closer job due to recent injuries.

Currently there is a relatively huge crop of closers who are available in 30%+ of any league and should be immediately claimed:

Chris Perez: Cleveland Indians

Matt Capps: Washington Nationals

Jason Frasor: Toronto Blue Jays

Octavio Dotel: Pittsburgh Pirates

Kevin Gregg: Toronto Blue Jays

Bobby Jenks: Chicago White Sox

Matt Lindstrom: Houston Astros

Franklin Morales: Colorado Rockies

Morales, Jenks, and Perez should be the three most highly sought since they are all playing for contending ball clubs, so they will reap high reward. The others are decent complementary closers if you already have 1-2 upper level ones on your roster.

Currently, the newer wave of elite closers that will provide stability are Carlos Mármol, Brian Wilson, Heath Bell, Rafael Soriano, Ryan Franklin, and Francisco Cordero. Then, the 2nd ranked class are David Aardsma and Leo Núñez who are new to their roles and still have a lot to prove before counting on them for guaranteed saves on a consistent basis, but no one can go wrong with them since they have such an amazing upside.

The question is that does your team need a Rivera, Papelbon, and/or Broxton to capture the save categories on weekly basis? Not necessarily…If you can combine closers in each tier category you do have shot to dominate in that area even if your closer’s entry song is “Wild Thing” Ricky Vaughn style.

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SportsNotion Introduces Fantasy Baseball Xtreme!

admin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:46:56 +0000

SportsNotion is proud to announce that Fantasy Baseball Xtreme is finally here! That’s right, after four successful seasons of cranking out year-round fantasy football information, SportsNotion has decided to take its hardcore fantasy approach and recreate it in the world of fantasy baseball. Just like on Fantasy Football Xtreme, our baseball format provides:

Our goal in creating Fantasy Football Xtreme was to create almost too much fantasy football content. That same goal is at work here at Fantasy Baseball Xtreme. Thanks to everyone of you who have patiently waited the arrival of this new fantasy venture : Now go get on our FBX Forums and cause some fantasy baseball havoc!

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