*(positions in brackets are possible other eligible spots)

First Base
Gaby Sanchez – Fla: Has been available all year by just over 50% percent of fantasy leagues. A solid .289 Avg, 16HRs, 60Rs and 70RBIs are his season line at this point, he has 4 bombs, 17 RBIs and a .300 Avg over the last 14 days.
Russell Branyan – Sea: There isn’t much to pick at the 1B position lately, but Branyan is a decent power play with 5 dingers, 6Rs and 9RBIs over the last two weeks. His BAvg is horrendous though. So only pick up if really desperate for power.
Todd Helton – Col: If you are looking from a slight bump in BAVG and a hint of pop in the bat, Helton is your man. Owned is less than 25% of leagues.

Second Base
Ryan Raburn – Det: The second baseman has batted .320 with 12Rs, 3HRs and 9 RBIs over the last 14 days. (1B,OF)
Eric Young – Col: Looking for a speed boost, EY2 has 6 steals in two weeks, but no power at all. (OF)
*If you solely need help in BAVG look at Freddy Sanchez, Ian Desmond and Alberto Callapso.

Third Base
Casey Blake – LAD: Has found his timing lately and has kept his BAVG over .300 for two weeks while knocking in 10 runs, with 2HRs and 8 Rs.
Wilson Betemit – KC: Has been hitting very well lately. Batted .289, 8Rs, 5HR, and 11RBIs over the last two weeks. The BAVG has dipped a bit for a month, but the power is still there.

Short Stop
Jhonny Peralta – Det: Has had a great half month batting .313, 7Rs, 4HRs, and 14RBIs. (3B)
Yuniesky Betancourt – KC: The SS has a two week line of 3Rs, 3HRs, 11RBIs and has batted .302 with no steals.
Ian Desmond – Was: A highly touted rookie who hasn’t provided eye-popping stats, but plays a scarce position and will provide some steals. a possible consideration for keeper in those formats. Batting almost .400 for two weeks. (2B)

Outfield
Coco Crisp- OAK: Very under-owned, 11Rs, 2HRs, 5RBIs, 6SBs, and .268 AVG over last two weeks. BAVG has been slowly dropping each week, but the steals keep on coming.
Jose Tabata – Pit: He makes the list again delivering a line of: 8Rs, 2HRs, 5RBIs, 2SBs while batting .444 for the last half month.
Roger Bernadina – Was: This is a new name out of Was. He has played well lately, two week line: 8Rs, 3HRs, 9RBIs, SBs, and BAVG .265.
*Hideki Matsui – LAA and Wil Venable – SD have also played worthy of your consideration lately.

Catcher
Rod Barajas – LAD: How does he make the list owned in less than a quarter of league, when he was a household name near the start of the season. Anyway, he has some nice power potential and has been batting .375 with 2HRs in his few at-bats so far with the Dodgers.
Other decent pickups at catcher are: A.J. Pierzynski, Jonathan Lucroy and Ramon Hernandez.

Now let’s switch to pitching:

Starters
Daniel Hudson – Ari: 4Ws, 42Ks, 1.85ERA and 0.87WHIP over last month. This guy is money!
Dallas Braden – Oak: 4Ws, 21Ks, 2.15ERA and 0.80 WHIP last 46 innings.
Brian Duensing – Min: Last months line looks like: 3Ws, 21Ks, 2.72ERA, 0.99 WHIP.
Brian Matusz: 3Ws, 20Ks, 2.32ERA, 1.06WHIP, not bad an barely owned, Bal offense always an issue though.
*I want to list Brandon Morrow, but reports have it, he hit his innings limit for the year. He is shut down for the season.

Closers
Brandon Lyon – Hou: Has been collecting saves when the team has been able to get a lead.
Koji Uehara – Bal: The latest closer on a very bad team.
Hisanori Takahashi – NYM: Has replaced K-Rod and looks to have the job for the rest of the year.
Hong-Chih Kuo – LAD: Joe Torre may go with both Kuo and Broxton in the ninth, but Kuo certainly hawking saves.
Evan Meek – Pit: Also has been given opportunities in the ninth inning.

*(positions in brackets are possible other eligible spots)

First Base

Russell Branyan - Sea: There isn’t much to pick at the 1B position lately, but Branyan is a decent power play with 5 bombs, 8Rs and 9RBIs over the last two weeks. His BAvg is horrendous though. So only pick up if really desperate for power.

Gaby Sanchez – Fla, Casey Kotchman – Sea or Mark Teahan – CWS might be more stable options available, but no eye-popping stats.

Second Base

Ryan Raburn - Det: The second baseman has batted .320 with 9Rs, 4HRs and 8 RBIs over the last 14 days. (1B,OF)
Jerry Hairston Jr. - SD: Has been hitting close to .280 for weeks and also delivered decent stats in all categories. (SS,3B,OF)

Third Base

Bill Hall- Bos: Hall is known for bursts of production over his career. He has been hot lately, see if you can ride him to the end on a hot bat.(2B,OF)
Wilson Betemit - KC: Has been hitting very well lately.  Batted .341, 7Rs, 3HR, 1SB, and 8RBIs over the last two weeks.

Short Stop

 Yuniesky Betancourt - KC: Royals players are really hot recently. The SS has a two week line of 6Rs, 5HRs, 15RBIs and has batted .378 with no steals.
Ian Desmond - Was: A highly touted rookie who hasn’t provided eye-popping stats, but plays a scarce position and will provide some steals. a possible consideration for keeper in those formats. (2B)
Jed Lowrie - Bos: Has stayed hot his two week line reads 6Rs , 3HRs, 5RBIs, 1SB, and a .389 Avg.

Outfield

Coco Crisp- OAK: Very under-owned, 10Rs, 6RBIs, 7SBs, and .351 AVG over last two weeks.
Pat Burrell - SF: An absolute source of power lately with 5 HRs and 13RBIs over 14 days.

Catcher

Ramon Hernandez - Cin: Has really come alive, this former star has 12Rs, 3HRs, 16RBIs and is batting .407 for the last month.

Now let’s switch to pitching:

Starters

Anibal Sanchez – Fla: Has 2Ws, 19Ks, 0.92ERA and 0.86WHIP over his last 3 starts.
Brian Duensing – Min: Last two weeks line looks like: 3Ws, 13Ks, 1.48ERA, 0.86 WHIP.

Closers

Hisanori Takahashi - NYM: Has replaced K-Rod and looks to have the job for the rest of the year.
Brandon Lyon - Hou: Has been collecting saves when the team has been able to get a lead.

2010 Consensus Fantasy Team Defense Rankings

1. New York Jets
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. San Francisco 49ers
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. San Diego Chargers
11. New York Giants
12. Chicago Bears
13. Miami Dolphins
14. New England Patriots
15. Cincinnati Bengals
16. Arizona Cardinals
17. Indianapolis Colts
18. Houston Texans
19. Carolina Panthers
20. Buffalo Bills
21. Denver Broncos
22. Tennessee Titans
23. Atlanta Falcons
24. Washington Redskins
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Oakland Raiders
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Kansas City Chiefs
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
30. Detroit Lions
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Now let’s take a look at a mock draft I was involved in and see how managers selected when under a little pressure and 13 other managers are hawking after the same players. This is a 14-team league and 15 rounds.

2010 Team Defense Rankings from Mock Draft Results

Round 6
12. New York Jets

Round 8
1. Philadelphia Eagles
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Green Bay Packers
5. Pittsburg Steelers
8. Baltimore Ravens
13. San Francisco 49ers

Round  9
4. New York Giants
6. Dallas Cowboys

Round 11
1. Tennessee Titans

Round 12
4. San Diego

Round 13
5. New England Patriots
8. Miami Dolphins
13. New Orleans Saints

Round 14
5. Indianapolis Colts

Round 15
12. Cincinnati Bengals

The rest of the fantasy team defenses went undrafted, as many will in your draft. In the mock draft, you’ll see someone jumped at the NY Jets Defense in the 6th round. I think that was reaching a bit much as most of the elite defense will be picked in the 8th rounds normally. If someone wants to jump early let them, don’t let that influence you. There will be plenty of picks in rounds 8-10. I’ll be looking for a defense in that late 8th or early ninth round, looking for Bal, NYG, Phi or Dal. Although, if you miss out on any of those the Mia, and Cin team defenses should be adequate.

2010 Consensus Fantasy Tight End Rankings

1. Dallas Clark
2. Antonio Gates
3. Vernon Davis
4. Brent Celek
5. Jason Witten
6. Jermichael Finley
7. Tony Gonzalez
8. Owen Daniels
9. Kellen Winslow
10. Visanthe Shiancoe
11. Chris Cooley
12. Zach Miller
13. Heath Miller
14. John Carlson
15. Greg Olsen
16. Jeremy Shockey
17. Dustin Keller
18. Kevin Boss
19. Todd Heap
20. Tony Scheffler
21. Benjamin Watson
22. Fred Davis
23. Bo Scaife
24. Brandon Pettigrew
25. Jermaine Gresham
26. Marcedes Lewis
27. Aaron Hernandez
28. Jared Cook
29. Anthony Fasano
30. Tony Moeaki

These rankings are pretty solid, but there are some great value picks to be had in the later rounds. As well as some upside talent that will either make a great late round flyer or an intelligent waiver wire add later on.

Now let’s take a look at a mock draft I was involved in and see how managers selected when under a little pressure and 13 other managers are hawking after the same guys. This is a 14-team league and 15 rounds so lots of picks.

2010 Tight End Rankings from Mock Draft Results

Round 4
1. Dallas Clark – Ind
3. Vernon Davis – SF
8. Jermichael Finley – GB
Round 5
3. Jason Witten – Dal
5. Brent Celek – Phi
10. Tony Gonzalez – Atl
11. Visanthe Shiancoe – Min
Round 6
2. Owen Daniels – Hou
Round 7
1. John Carlson – Sea
2. Kellen Winslow – TB
4. Zach Miller – Oak
6. Chris Cooley – Was
Round 13
1. Greg Olsen – Chi
4. Dustin Keller – NYJ
6. Mercedes Lewis – Jac
7. Todd Heap – Bal
9. Benjamin Watson – Buf
12. Brandon Pettigrew – Det
Round 14
4. Kevin Boss – NYG
6. Desmond Clark – Chi
7. Heath Miller – Pit
12. Jeremy Shockey – NO
13. Anthony Fasano – Mia
Round 15
9. Martellus Bennet – Dal
13. Jermaine Gresham – Cin

So no tight ends were taken until round 4, and that makes sense as everyone is sr5ambling for top RB, QB and WRs who usually deliver a lot more fantasy production. I read that the average weekly score for TE’s for last season was just over 7 points. That total being the lowest of all positions. Does that mean you need to have the best TE on your team to win a championship? Not really, and in fact most of the top TE spots are very over-valued compared to who you can pick up at other positions at the same point in the draft. Regarding the mock draft results, nothing too crazy although I was surprised to see Tony Gonzalez go as the 6th overall TE taken since he had almost 30 red zone looks last season. And why is anyone still drafting Todd Heap?

OK, now I’ll show you which fantasy tight ends I am targeting this year and who I am not, and why of course.

Rounds 4 and 5
Dallas Clark – Ind: I will be passing on Mr. Clark, simply because I really find it highly unlikely to duplicate his huge season last year. Which this draft position is clearly based on. Plus Manning has so many great targets to spread the ball to. It just makes it hard to justify a pick here.
Jermichael Finley – GB: Had a breakout season last year, and while this player is a beast I try not to pay for breakout seasons.
Vernon Davis – SF: Same reason as Finley, but also a very gifted player. I am not saying these guys are not going to do well. I am just saying I rather have them in round 5, which I am sure they will not be available at.
Jason Witten – Dal: If he falls to round 5 I really consider him, he had 94 catches and I think he should garner at least 5-6 TDs this year.
Tony Gonzalez – Atl: Matt Ryan’s second favorite target after Roddy White. I see another great season for Gonzalez and in fact he might outperform most all other TE’s.
Brent Celek – Phi: He had a great season last year and I don’t see a drop in production. A very good pick for TE in round 5.
Visanthe Shiancoe – Min: Brett Favre loves his TEs so I see a nice number of RZ production from Shiancoe this year.
Rounds 7-8
Owen Daniels – Hou: Still coming back from injury, I will pass on him unless he falls very, very late, say round 9…and again that’s in a 14-team league.
John Carlson – Sea: A lot are picking him as a sleeper, but that means you have to trust Hasselbeck. And I do not, but I do like the future for Charlie Whitehurst as QB.
Zach Miller – Oak: Another sleeper of sorts. Campbell is an upgrade over any previous QB they had last season. He could easily have a very solid season and outperform his draft position.
Kellen Winslow – TB: If Freeman can solidify his play, Winslow may again become fantasy relevant. That’s a big maybe though.
Chris Cooley – Was: Injuries and the play of Fred Davis have hurt his value. But McNabb did reward Celek a lot last year. Perhaps Was TE’s this year will get those kinds of looks.
Remaining Rounds
I’ll just list who I might target at this point either as added depth at tight end or I just completely missed the boat and will pursue upside.
Kevin Boss – NYG: He can be grabbed very late and did get a decent number of TDs from Eli. He is battling an injury right now, but should be back soon. Not a bad late round pickup.
Jermaine Gresham – Cin: Rookie with lots of upside, we’ll see if he gets any targets though with a wide selection of WRs for Palmer to throw to.
That’s really all I have to say about tight ends right now. Next time we’ll look at Team Defenses.

Round 1

Andre Johnson – Hou: A beast who should be considered as a first round choice if all the top RB’s are off the board.

Round 2 – Many of the best and most reliable wide receivers will be claimed in this round. It might be a good idea for you to target a couple here in this round to get a work-horse who can deliver you fantasy gold week in and week out.

Brandon Marshall – Mia: I really like the move to Miami. He was unhappy in Denver, Henne is a very good QB, an upgrade to Kyle Orton, and there is a very good rushing attack opening up the pass. This is a player I hope to score.
Calvin Johnson – Det: This is my next target for WR. Detroit isn’t exactly the epitome of a stellar offense, but Johnson just has a knack for being awesome.
DeSean Jackson – Phi: A playmaker who doesn’t need to catch balls in full stride to score. Even with a rookie QB he will have a great season.
Greg Jennings – GB: Possibly the last wide out I will target in the 2^nd round. Jennings just doesn’t get as much respect as he deserves, but the man is money.

There are a lot of other WR’s I will take if they are the best player in round 2 and they are: Larry Fitzgerald – Ari, Reggie Wayne – Ind, Roddy White – Atl, and if he is available at the end of the 2^nd maybe Randy Moss – NE.

The rest of the wide receivers you will likely see go off the boards are Miles Austin – Dal and Sidney Rice – Min. I just don’t see myself over paying for these guys and that likely goes for Randy Moss too.

Round 3 – There are a couple of great players available in round 3 who may perform like 2^nd rounders. I like all receivers here and they are definitely on my list.

Anquan Boldin – Bal: He has a great supporting cast of receivers to eliminate double coverage on every play, and let’s face it…he is a receiver in a line backers body. He will not make you sorry as long as he stays healthy.
Steve Smith – NYG: As a Giants fan, I watch and follow this guy a lot. He has incredible hands, runs near perfect routes and has the trust of the QB. Had over 100 catches last year, I easily see a repeat.
Marques Colston – NO: Another player much like Boldin, the only downside here is Drew Brees likes to spread the ball A LOT. So Colston can have down games when that happens too much.
Percey Harvin – Min: If the kid can shake the whole migraine headache thing and be available for every game, I don’t see why he can’t improve on last years numbers. And with Favre back, they had a rapport last year…look for that to grow.

Round 4 – Here is a round I will probably focus on another position or make reach for a pick I might not get to in round 5. Not that these are bad players, just slightly over-valued.

Steve Smith – Car: Great talent, question is can the QB get the ball into his hands, and can he avoid injury and/or suspension?
Chad OchoCinco – Cin: I haven’t liked him in years. I think him and T.O. have more interest as a circus act than reliable fantasy options.
Hakeem Nicks – NYG: A wonderful young player who made a lot of DB’s look bad last year on yards after the catch. If Eli is allowed to air it out like last year, then Hicks is a nice investment.
Michael Crabtree – SF: I’m not biting until I see some consistency.

Round 5

Mike Sims-Walker- Jac: He is a great athlete, too bad he has Garrard throwing to him or else he might be a much higher pick.
Dwayne Bowe – KC: Some say he is a big sleeper, I won’t buy that unless he is absolutely the best player available at that pick.
Jeremy Maclin – Phi: 2^nd season, I see D-Jax ball hawking, although with Westbrook gone, there are that many more looks available…this could be the real sleeper of round 5.
Donald Driver – GB: Old faithful. I’m sure he’ll post respectable numbers and if he is the best pick I might just grab him, otherwise I look for upside elsewhere.
Derrick Mason – Bal: Another old faithful, but with Boldin in town, I see a loss in production.

Round 6 and 7 – Ok, I’ll start just listing the wide receivers I will be targeting two rounds at a time.

Pierre Garcon – Ind: I think his production is real. Unless they hand the job back to Anthony Gonzalez, Garcon is the #3 receiver behind Wayne and Dallas Clark in this passing attack.
Mike Wallace – Pit: Him and Ward will be poised for big seasons with Holmes gone.

The only other few I will consider in these two rounds are:

T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Sea: Because he is such a big red zone target.
Dez Bryant – Dal: If and only if that high ankle sprain will not keep him out long.
Steve Breaston – Ari: If Matt Leinart looks like he is making plays, and so far he isn’t.

Round 8 and 9

Jacoby Jones – Hou: A great sleeper pick in the late 8^th or early 9^th round.
Golden Tate – Sea: Might be a good pick if the QB is healthy and making plays.
Mohammed Massapuoi – Cle: Because he is the #1 target there, plain and simple.

Round 10 and 11

Austin Collie – Ind: Round 11 if possible, don’t reach. He should get the ball a lot as the slot receiver again.
Eddie Royal – Den: OK, I said I would avoid all Denver WR’s, but if you can get him in round 11 late, maybe gamble.
Kenny Britt – Ten: Could be the #1 guy in town, just not sure if that means anything.
Mario Manningham – NYG: Needs work on holding onto catchable balls and may get competition from Victor Cruz who caught 3 TDs in pre-season opener.

Remaining Rounds

Arrelious Benn – TB: A nice sleeper option.
Chaz Schilens – Oak: Came on at the end last year and could profit from a more stable QB in Campell.
Dexter McCluster – KC: Could have dual position eligibility and is a great talent.

That’s it for normal leagues. Now if you are in a PPR league, then some players will get a bump in value simply because they get possession receptions, but not big yards and scores. Also, some of the star players will have their rankings improved as they also double as the team’s leading receiver. I’ll simple list three categories, players who get a huge boost for PPR, a very good boost and notable good boost. These boosts mean they should be considered no more than a few positions or at most a round ahead of their respected current projections. Remember though running backs also usually receive the PPR bonus so do not place a WR ahead of an RB that also gets a decent share of receptions, that number being 35 – 50+.

Huge
Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Roddy White, Steve Smith (NYG)

Very Good
Percey Harvin, Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Wallace, Mohamed Massaquoi

Good
Donnie Avery

Everyone else is either already very highly ranked or the PPR just doesn’t separate them from others get as well. OK, that’s it for Wide Receivers. Next time we’ll discuss Tight Ends.

2010 Consensus Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings

1. Andre Johnson
2. Randy Moss
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Roddy White
6. Calvin Johnson
7. Brandon Marshall
8. Miles Austin
9. DeSean Jackson
10. Greg Jennings
11. Sidney Rice
12. Marques Colston
13. Steve Smith(Car)
14. Steve Smith(NYG)
15. Anquan Boldin
16. ChadOcho Cinco
17. Hines Ward
18. Michael Crabtree
19. Hakeem Nicks
20. Percy Harvin
21. Mike-Sims Walker
22. Dwayne Bowe
23. Pierre Garcon
24. Jeremy Maclin
25. Donald Driver
26. Santana Moss
27. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
28. Wes Welker
29. Vincent Jackson
30. Mike Wallace
31. Derrick Mason
32. Robert Meachem
33. Braylon Edwards
34. Dez Bryant
35. Steve Breaston
36. Devin Aromashodu
37. Malcom Floyd
38. Kenny Britt
39. Lee Evans
40. Santonio Holmes
41. Jerricho Cotchery
42. Antonio Bryant
43. Terrell Owens
44. Devin Hester
45. Johnny Knox
46. Eddie Royal
47. Donnie Avery
48. Austin Collie
49. Jacoby Jones
50. Mohamed Massaquoi
51. Nate Burleson
52. Chris Chambers
53. Jabar Gaffney
54. Golden Tate
55. Chaz Schilens
56. Kevin Walter
57. Bernard Berrian
58. Mario Manningham
59. Mike Williams(TB)
60. Lance Moore
61. Laurent Robinson
62. Anthony Gonzalez

I tend to have the notion that Randy Moss and Sidney Rice are over-valued in the top 10 group. Moss will not have a completely health Wes Welker to draw coverage. And Rice had a break-out season in a sub-par career that warrants caution. A rule I usually follow is to never pay for a break-out season, and I will certainly not make an exception for Rice. I also do not like Matt Leinart as Larry Fitzgerald’s passer, but Fitz is such a beat he makes plays on the ball and doesn’t really require a perfectly thrown pass. Still I tread lightly there as well. Steve Smith in Carolina doesn’t excite me either, seems to be over-valued with Matt Moore at the helm. How does Michael Crabtree get vaulted ahead of Percy Harvin, Hakeem Nicks and Mike-Sims Walker, three guys I like very much?

Now let’s take a look at a mock draft I was involved in and see how managers selected when under a little pressure and 13 other managers are hawking after the same guys. This is a 14-team league and 15 rounds so lots of picks.

2010 Wide Receiver Rankings From Mock Draft Results

Round 1

8. Andre Johnson – Hou

Round 2

17. Randy Moss – NE

18. Brandon Marshall – Mia

19. Larry Fitzgerald – Ari

20. Miles Austin – Dal

22. Reggie Wayne – Ind

23. Calvin Johnson – Det

24. Roddy White – Ari

25. DeSean Jackson – Phi

26. Sidney Rice – Min

28. Greg Jennings – GB

Round 3

32. Steve Smith – NYG

37. Anquan Boldin – Bal

39. Percy Harvin – Min

41. Marques Colston – NO

Round 4

44. Steve Smith – Car

46. Chad OchoCinco – Cin

52. Hakeen Nicks – NYG

55. Michael Crabtree – SF

Round 5

57. Mike Sims-Walker  – Jac

58. Dwayne Bowe – KC

62. Jeremy Maclin – Phi

69. Donald Driver – GB

70. Derrick Mason – Bal

Round 6

73. Santana Moss – Was

75. Pierre Garcon – Ind

77. Vincent Jackson – SD

78. Mike Wallace – Pit

79. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Sea

81. Dez Bryant – Dal

83. Robert Meacham – NO

84. Wes Welker – NE

Round 7

87. Steve Breaston – Ari

91. Devin Aromashodu – Chi

94. Braylon Edwards – NYJ

96. Malcom Floyd – SD

98. Santonio Holmes – NYJ

Round 8

105. Devin Hester – Chi

108. Mohamed Massaquoi – Cle

110. Terrell Owens – Cin

112. Golden Tate – Sea

Round 9

117. Jacoby Jones – Hou

121. Johnny Knox – Chi

123.Torry Holt – NE

126. Chris Chambers – KC

Round 10

130. Bernard Berrian – Min

133. Eddie Royal – Chi

Round 11

142. Kenny Britt – Ten

143. Austin Collie – Ind

145. Anthony Gonzalez – Ind

147. Lee Evans – Buf

149. Roy Williams – Det

150. Antonio Bryant – Cin

152. Julian Edelman – NE

153. Demaryius Thomas – Den

154. Mario Manningham – NYG

Round 12

156. Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ

159. Joshua Cribbs – Cle

160. Devin Thomas – Was

161. Donnie Avery – StL

163. Arrelious Benn – TB

165. Chaz Schilens – Oak

Rounds 13 – 15

Nate Washington – Ten

Dexter McCluster – KC

Demetrius Williams – Bal

Damian Williams – Ten

Sam Hurd – Dal

Nate Burleson – Det

Rounds 1-4 went pretty much as I would expect. Again I think Moss, Rice and Crabtree are a little over-valued, but you never know. Hine Ward could be in for a return for big numbers with Holmes gone and a continued commitment to a passing offense. Garcon I think should have been drafted earlier than Maclin, Mason and Moss. He has such a talent for getting open and making plays. Massequoi could be a steal id grabbed as late as this draft had him and Golden Tate could prosper like Austin collie did last year with Houshmandzadeh getting a lot of the attention. I like Jacoby Jones as a late sleeper. I think Chris Chambers in KC will be a solid pick late in the draft if you are weak at WR. Same goes for Berrian with Favre back.

That’s it for Part 1 of 2010 Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings. Part 2 will go over some common strategies and who I plan to target this year for the wideout position.

*(positions in brackets are possible other eligible spots)

First Base

Mike Lowell - Bos: Mike Lowell returns from fantasy purgatory, and with a vengeance. 7Rs, 2HRs, 7RBIs and .324Avg line over the last two weeks. (3B)
Todd Helton – Col: Helton has also returned from absence and has put up very solid numbers. Pick him up while he is still surging.

Second Base

Ryan Raburn - Det: The second baseman has batted .318 with 7Rs, 3HRs and 8 RBIs over the last 14 days. (1B,OF)
Jerry Hairston Jr. - SD: Has been hitting close to .300 for weeks and also deliverin even stats in all categories. (SS,3B,OF)

Third Base

Bill Hall- Hou: Hall is known for bursts of production over his career. He has been hot lately, see if you can ride him to the end on a hot bat. Plus .300 avg and 4 HRs over 2 weeks. (2B,OF)
Pedro Alvarez- Pit: Still owned by only a small percentage!  Batted .326, 5Rs, 3HR, and 11RBIs last two weeks.

Short Stop

Ian Desmond - Was: A highly touted rookie who hasn’t provided eye-popping stats, but plays a scarce position and will provide some steals. a possible consideration for keeper in those formats. (2B)
Jed Lowrie - Bos: Has been very hot since coming back from the DL. Will provide a steal or two every week.

Outfield

Coco Crisp- OAK: Very under-owned, 5Rs, 6RBIs, 3SBs, and .341 AVG over last two weeks.
Mike Stanton- Fla: An absolute source of power lately with 5 HRs over 14 days.

Catcher

Yorvit Torrealba - SD: Won’t provide much but a nice batting average..

Now let’s switch to pitching:

Starters

Gio Gonzalez - Oak: Last months line looks like: 3Ws, 25Ks, 2.65ERA, 1.12 WHIP.
Vincente Padilla- LAD: Still available for the stretch run. He is very likely available in your league and has provided a line of 2 Ws, 27 Ks, .79 ERA and .74 WHIP in his last 34 innings.
Jeremy Guthrie- Bal: Not going to be much runs support,  but over the last month he has 2 Ws, 17 Ks, 1.95 ERA and .94 WHIP.
Keep an eye on Josh Tomlin – Cle, Jake Westbrook – StL and Joe Saunders – Ari. These guys might have new life after trade or promotion.

Closers

Alfredo Simon - Bal: Has pitched with good stuff and solid command, might share closer duty with Mike Gonzalez, but that hasn’t been the case yet.
Brandon Lyon - Hou: Has been collecting saves when the team has been able to get a lead.
Aaron Heilman - Ari: Nothing sexy but handling the job nicely.

Relievers

Sean Marshall, Brandon lyon, Hong-Chih Kuo,  Luke Gregerson, Johnny Venters and Scott Downs. All are maintaining a healthy ERA, WHIP and will get the occasional win/save.

*(positions in brackets are possible other eligible spots)

First Base

Todd Helton - Col: Back from the DL, Helton had a productive week. There is not much power but he will contribute to Avg, Runs and RBIs.
Dan Johnson – TB: Taking over for an injured Carlos Pena. Johnson hit 30 Hrs with 95 RBIs while batting .303 in triple A. Definitely worth a look. Might even see DH time when Pena comes back.

Second Base

Neil Walker - Pit: Has been hitting near .300 all season long and a decent run producer. (3B)
Brendan Ryan - StL: Has been hitting close to .400 for a month now. Will get the occasional steal and provide modest values in the other stat categories. (SS)
Sean Rodriguez - TB: Getting playing time and delivering again modest results from a middle infielder position. (OF)

Third Base

Chris Johnson- Hou: Still available in most leagues. Batted .391, 4Rs, 1HR, and 8 RBIs last week. He won’t be available much longer people!
Pedro Alvarez- Pit: Huge week! 4Rs, 3HRs, 8RBIs and .348. He did have a minor slump a few weeks back, but this kid seems to be legit.
Edwin Encarnacion - Tor: Has been hot over that last few weeks, and a decent starter over a month now. Take a look if nothing better is out there.

Short Stop

Ian Desmond - Was: A highly touted rookie who hasn’t provided eye-popping stats, but plays a scarce position and will provide some steals. a possible consideration for keeper in those formats. (2B)
Starlin Castro - Chi: Still hitting for Avg and SBs!
Angel Sanchez - Hou: .342 Avg, Rs and 14RBIs over the last month.

Outfield

Coco Crisp- OAK: Owned in less than half the leagues, Crisp has been a menace on the base paths with 9SBs over the last month. Batting Avg. is killing us though.
Dexter Fowler- COL: Leadoff man for the Rox, that’s always a plus for Run and Stolen Base production. 10R, 1HR, 6RBI, 2SBs and .341 Avg. last two weeks.
Jose Tabata- Pit: 19Rs, 1HR, 10RBIs, 4Sbs and .388 Avg for the month. Barely owned, roster him!
Felix Pie - Bal: 3Rs, 4RBIs, 2SBs and .348 in 23 at bats this week. He is always streaky. Ride it while he is hot.

Catcher

Yorvit Torrealba - SD: Batting over .440 for a month now.
Carlos Ruiz – Phi: Has maintained a tear with a line of 7Rs, 3HR, 14RBIs and batting .377 over the last two weeks now.
J.P. Arencibia - Tor: OK, we only have one game to look at, but he belted 2HRs in it, after almost hitting 30 in triple A this year. Definitely worth a look, especially in keeper formats.

Now let’s switch to pitching:

Starters

Gio Gonzalez - Oak: Last months line looks like: 3Ws, 25Ks, 2.65ERA, 1.12 WHIP.
Vincente Padilla- LAD: Still available for the stretch run. He is very likely available in your league and has provided a line of 2 Ws, 27 Ks, .79 ERA and .74 WHIP in his last 34 innings.
Jeremy Guthrie- Bal: Not going to be much runs support,  but over the last month he has 2 Ws, 17 Ks, 1.95 ERA and .94 WHIP.
Keep an eye on Josh Tomlin – Cle, Jake Westbrook – StL and Joe Saunders – Ari. These guys might have new life after trade or promotion.

Closers

Alfredo Simon - Bal: Has pitched with good stuff and solid command, might share closer duty with Mike Gonzalez, but that hasn’t been the case yet.
Michael Weurtz - Oak: With Andrew Bailey out he has been lights out filling in.
Joel Hanrahan - Pit: Did record a save this week, but also blew another. Keep a close eye on.
Aaron Heilman - Ari: Nothing sexy but handling the job nicely.
Drew Storen -  Was: Recorded his first save as the new closer this week.

Relievers

Sean Marshall, Brandon lyon, Hong-Chih Kuo,  Luke Gregerson, Johnny Venters and Scott Downs. All are maintaining a healthy ERA, WHIP and will get the occasional win/save.