MLB Tickets - Fantasy: Old Friends
March 1, 2010 by BrentWarnken
Here are some names you'll surely recognize that could be easy to forget on the day of your fantasy baseball draft. These players can likely be had much later in drafts than in years past, and could really bolster your team with a resurgent season.
Derek Lee, First Base, Chicago Cubs: Lee had a big bounce-back season in 2009, hitting .306 with 35 home runs and 111 RBI, but I'm not sure how many people took notice. He might not quite reach those numbers again, but he's a great option to consider if you miss out on the elite crop of first basemen this year.
Nick Johnson, First Base, New York Yankees: Johnson is back for a second stint with the Yanks and he could end up being very productive. He's likely to get first base eligibility, despite that fact that he'll predominately play DH. He's a good contact hitter and will have plenty opportunities to drive in runs.
Rickie Weeks, Second Base, Milwaukee Brewers: Weeks has always had all the talent in the world, and last season it looked as though he was finally realizing it before going down with a season-ending injury. He's worth taking one more chance on in 2010.
Josh Hamilton, Outfield, Texas Rangers: Hamilton's 2009 season was derailed by injuries, and it's no guarantee that he holds up this season, but his upside is huge. You can probably get him relatively late, as the comeback/homerun derby hype is all but gone.
Alex Rios, Outfield, Chicago White Sox: Rios is another guy that has flashed incredible talent but has never quite delivered at the level expected of him. You can surely get him very late in your draft, though, and his upside from a power/speed perspective is probably higher than anyone else that will be available at that point.
Magglio Ordonez, Outfield, Detroit Tigers: Guess who led the American League in batting average over the course of the second half of last season? That's right, Ordonez. It may be hard to believe, but he was solid in the second half of 2009 thanks to his great average. Just don't expect his power stats of old.
Brandon Webb, Starting Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks: Webb could be a huge steal if he returns to form. He was a top-tier pitcher in his prime and could return to being one of the top hurlers in the National League this season.
Jake Peavy, Starting Pitcher, Chicago White Sox: I wouldn't expect a fantastic ERA, but if you're looking for strikeouts in the mid-to-late rounds, then Peavy is a guy to scoop up.
Roy Oswalt, Starting Pitcher, Houston Rockets: He's got to bounce back from last season and I bet most people have given up on him.
Tim Hudson, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves: Once a legit ace, Hudson could be in for a bounce-back season in 2010. He looked solid in limited action toward the end of 2009 and could give you great value late in your draft.
Rich Harden, Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers: This time you won't have to spend an early pick to take a chance on his overwhelming talent, so why not take a shot?
Scott Kazmir, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels: Kazmir looked really good in his time with the Halos last season and I could definitely see that success carrying over.
Ben Sheets, Starting Pitcher, Oakland Athletics: Sheets is back after a full year off and the A's were convinced enough to give him $10 million this season. You can spare a late-round pick.
Erik Bedard, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners: Another guy who isn't likely to return to form, but is worth a shot if you can spare the roster spot.
Carlos Zambrano, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs: He's in decline and his fastball has lost some zip, but he's worth a gamble late.
Francisco Liriano, Starting Pitcher, Minnesota Twins: Just a couple of years removed from being a guy that everyone wanted to get MLB tickets to see pitch, I've been hearing glowing reports on Liriano this offseason. The upside is so enticing.
