It's never too early to start thinking about next season!  So here is the Top 25 for 2012, with subsequent postings of 26-50, 51-75, and 76-100 coming soon.  I will add a blurb or two off the top of my head, but be looking for player spotlights throughout the off-season.  Without further ado:

1. Ryan Braun, OF He is consistent, he is a 5 category stud, and he enters his prime baseball years at age 28.  Sign me up.

2. Albert Pujols, 1B May move based on where he plays, but the ultimate in consistency.   Few SB's knocks him down one here.

3. M. Kemp, 1B 2011's #1 fantasy star; just cautious because he had a great season once before and bombed the next year.

4. J. Bautista, OF No question 2010's HR production was no fluke.  You won't get him at pick #35 this year.

5. A. Gonzalez, 1B A year in Boston under his belt, great numbers, and the desire to make up for last year's collapse.

6. M. Cabrera, 1B Big power numbers AND a .344 average to boot.  Maybe he should be higher?

7. T. Tulowitzki, SS Huge numbers for a shallow position have him high on the board.

8. P. Fielder, 1B Another 1B with great power numbers; but will they be affected by where he signs to play?

9. J. Votto, 1B Apparently on the trading block, but it's not because he doesn't produce.

10. J. Verlander, SP 2011's fantasy Cy Young winner shouldn't slow down and will give you excellent numbers in 4 categories.

11. J. Ellsbury, OF We told you about him last spring.  We believe his power will prove to be no fluke; this year's Juan Bautista.

12. C. Kershaw, SP This kid has multiple Cy Young's ahead of him, and is only 24 next year.

13. R. Halladay, SP Should continue to produce and get wins with that Phillies line-up.

14. D. Pedroia, 2B Another high ranking based on a shallow position.  Love that he gets you SB's too.

15. R. Cano, 2B Many will take him ahead of Pedroia for the power.  You don't lose either way.

16. M. Teixera, 1B You miss out on the top 5 1B, you aren't going to be that disappointed with Tex here.

17. C. Gonzalez, OF Put up 5 category stats in an injury riddled year to finish #25 overall.  If he's healthy, he could finish Top 10 again.

18. M. Stanton, OF Smitty brought you A. Foster in football last year; here's our surprise riser for 2012.  34 HR's at age 22 w/an injury!

19. H. Ramirez, SS Some teams may get the ultimate bounce-back prize in next year's draft.

20. J. Upton, OF Smitty gave you Derek Rose in basketball last year; here's our second surprise riser for 2012.  Multi-category good!

21. A. Beltre, 3B I'm assuming he re-signs with the Rangers and keeps knocking HR's in that stacked line-up.

22. I. Kinsler, 2B Finished ranked #22 this year, and would be more valuable with an uptick in average.

23. J. Reyes, SS My most questionable pick personally speaking.  I like the speed, but not the hamstring issues.  Could fall.

24. C. Granderson, OF Yes, the numbers don't lie, but I still can't get on board.  Call it a hunch that I have him this low.

25. T. Lincecum, SP I believe 'The Freak' will be back next year after a full off-season off, and the return of hitters to the line-up.

Comments, agreements, and disagreements welcome!

What do you think of Braun now?  50 game suspension (if upheld) would definitely drop him in the rankings…especially for a redraft league.  I'd still take him fairly high in a dynasty, if I were in a dynasty startup draft.

I'm with you guys on Granderson…I'm not a true believer – yet.  I think someone will take him fairly high…but I'm not sure it would be me.