6 SPORTS March 22, 2007 FANTASY The Game Behind the Game Players of fantasy baseball follow the game on a whole new level while having some fun too. Here’s all the information you need to win your Fantasy Baseball league in 2007.

BY ADAM LEVY the fence, slap Baltimore chops to right Daily Titan Executive Editor The Statistics that Matter field and swipe the occasional bag or two [email protected] – and there’s nothing sweeter than an arm in Fantasy Baseball that can rattle off 20 wins and 200 strike- They call us “fantasy geeks,” and for Offense outs. good reason. Look to build a team around reli- To us, the ides of March are not defined Average (AVG) able veterans and upcoming young stars. by springing forward, filling out brackets Home Runs (HR) Health is a premium in this game. or getting sloshed on St. Patty’s. Runs Batted In (RBI) 2007 presents an even more challenging We lose sleep in May over caught steals, On-Base+(OBPS) field than years past – beyond Albert Pu- blown saves and stints on the 15-day DL. Stolen Bases jols, who might be the second coming of The fireworks on our fourth are defined the Babe, there are a myriad of questions to by grand slams and two- . Pitching be answered: Will repeat And the reward for the lucky few who upon his epic 40-40 campaign of yester- Win- Loss Record (W-L) are still in contention by the time the year now that he’s on the doomed titanic leaves brown? A gut-wretching month of Earned Average (ERA) of a franchise known as the Cubs? clicking the refresh button on the browser (K) Can A-Rod drown out the boos and re- for constant real-time updates of the league Walks + Hits / (WHIP) emerge as the alpha fantasy player under Fantasy standings. Saves (SV) the burning spotlight of the big apple? We are fantasy geeks – and wouldn’t How will Barry and Sammy fare with- have it any other way. out the regular trips to GNC? Baseball With that said, enjoy the Daily Titan’s that lasts from April to October. That and And which moptop offers more bang for first foray into the ever-popular realm of to talk as much trash as you can to your the fantasy buck? The spry Jered Weaver or fantasy sports, with our pullout baseball league mates the whole way through! the aging ? Champion guide. With the explosion of the Internet the These questions and more will be an- This guide is for you, the Titan, to help game is more popular that ever. swered by some of CSUF’s most talented aid your draft and keep you up to speed There are an infinite number of leagues sportswriters/baseball fanatics. So get with the ever-changing times. with different scoring systems, but the ready for your draft by thumbing the pages Your job as an owner is the best collec- name of the game is nearly the same across of our modest little publication. Illustration By Peter Spassov, tion of baseball players to go to war with the board. And don’t forget to thank us come Oc- Daily Titan Graphic Artist over the course of the 162-game gauntlet You want hitters that put the ball over tober!

Top Picks: – Compiled By Laurens Ong, Daily Titan Sports Editor 2

1.) , RBI. If he proves that 2006 wasn’t good bet as long as he gets the oc- 7. Michael Barrett, 9. Ramon Hernandez, a fluke season, then this left-handed casional day off. More Picks For MLB 2006 - .347 AVG. 13 HR hitter may be more valuable than Joe MLB 2006 - .307 AVG. 16 HR MLB 2006 - .275 AVG. 23 HR 53 RBI .368 OBP .517 SLG 91 RBI .343 OBP .479 SLG 84 RBI .426 OBP .507 SLG Mauer. 5. , Behind the Plate Johnny Estrada, A legitimate MLB 2006 - .291 AVG. 18 HR Despite playing in only 107 games Hernandez enjoyed career highs MLB 2006 - .302 AVG. 11 HR MVP candi- 3. Victor Martinez, 76 RBI .332 OBP .451 SLG in 2006, compared to 134 and 133 in runs, hits, doubles, home runs, date, Mauer games in 2004 and 2005, Barrett is RBIs, on-base percentage and slug- 71 RBI .328 OBP .444 SLG is the No. 1 MLB 2006 - .316 AVG. 16 HR The Japanese import had a banner one of the most underrated offensive ging percentage in 2006. He looks to Jason Kendall, Oakland A’s in fan- 93 RBI .391 OBP .465 SLG rookie season in 2006. He collected catchers in all of baseball. He re- be one of those catchers in his prime MLB 2006 - .295 AVG. 1 HR tasy. He won Despite having problems defen- 147 hits, including hitting 25 dou- corded career highs in batting aver- years – where it looks like a safe bet 50 RBI .367 OBP .342 SLG the American sively at catcher last season, Martinez bles, a and 18 home runs. He age, slugging percentage and on-base for him to post similar numbers as A.J. Pierzynski, League bat- continued to establish himself as an didn’t show much patience – only 20 percentage and should post similar long as he stays healthy. MLB 2006 - .295 AVG. 16 HR ting title in offensive force at the plate, collect- free passes in 506 at-bats – but he numbers in 2007 if he’s healthy. 64 RBI .333 OBP .436 SLG 2006 with a MAUER ing 181 hits and 37 doubles. He also played in 144 games and struck out 10. , , .347 batting only 46 while scoring 61 runs. maintained a good eye, walking 71 8. Ivan Rodriguez, MLB 2006 - .284 AVG. 19 HR MLB 2006 - .238 AVG. 12 HR average and had 36 doubles, which times against 78 strikeouts in 572 at- MLB 2006 - .300 AVG. 13 HR 57 RBI .319 OBP .467 SLG 55 RBI .325 OBP .400 SLG is a sign that he will soon be hitting bats. He remains a valuable fantasy 6. , , for power. As a bonus, he has 21 sto- 69 RBI .332 OBP .437 SLG commodity as long he is eligible for MLB 2006 - .282 AVG. 10 HR Don’t expect nary a steal from MLB 2006 - .255 AVG. 21 HR len bases over the past two seasons. catcher – which he does in 2007. 65 RBI .355 OBP .436 SLG Rodriguez continues to keep plug- this plodding masked man – Bengie 52 RBI .353 OBP .579 SLG Should be the first backstop to go in ging away, despite entering the age may not only be the slowest man in , any league. 4. Jorge Posada, Martin has always challenged where most catchers begin to fade. baseball, but the slowest man alive. MLB 2006 - .338 AVG. 9 HR himself and his 2006 rookie season He did a little of everything last year: Nonetheless, Molina makes hard MLB 2006 - .277 AVG. 23 HR 40 RBI .406 OBP .537 SLG 2. Brian McCann, Braves was indicative of his ability to be hit for average, some power and stole contact with the bat and should post , 93 RBI .374 OBP .492 SLG a leader on the field – and a force eight bases. And he did a damn good a respectable batting average. And MLB 2006 - .333 Avg. 24 HR MLB 2006 - .296 AVG. 7 HR at the plate. He enters 2007 as the job of quarterbacking behind the the guy has a knack for the clutch 93 RBI .388 0BP .572 SLG After seeing his numbers dip a 22 RBI .332 OBP .473 SLG Dodgers No. 1 catcher and don’t ex- little in 2005, Posada’s numbers en- dish, as he visited his second World hit, which will keep him in the line- , It remains to be seen if McCann pect a sophomore slump from this Series in three years. Pudge has the up as much as possible. He has also joyed a bounce back season where MLB 2006 - .228 AVG. 16 HR had his career year in 2006, at the future star, especially with Mike Li- discipline to maintain his health, but posted -digit totals his on-base percentage jumped by 42 RBI .360 OBP .455 SLG tender age of 22. In addition to his eberthal as a capable backup to give only if the wheels don’t fall off first. in the past four years and his .467 22 points and his slugging percent- , gaudy average, McCann collected age increased by 62 points. He isn’t him some rest. Take him and hope He’s a solid vet you should consider slugging percentage in 2006 repre- MLB 2006 - .256 AVG. 11 HR 34 doubles, 24 home runs and 93 getting any younger, but Posada is a he can build upon the breakout. drafting in the middle rounds. sented a career high. 41 RBI .298 OBP .410 SLG

3 Top Picks: First Base – Compiled By Jaime Cardenas, Daily Titan Columnist

1. , St. Louis 3. , Philadelphia does. He actually had a better bat- he belted 42 homers and drove in hit 42 home runs and drove in 128 ting average, on-base, slugging and More Picks For MLB 2006: .313 Avg. 58 HR 145 runs. He has managed to hit at runs. Playing first base allows him to MLB 2006: .331 Avg. 49 HR on-base plus slugging percentages 137 RBI .431 OBP .671 SLG 149 RBI .425 OBP .659 SLG least 30 home runs and 90 RBI in avoid the injuries that plagued him First Base and more hits and doubles than the every season since 1997. He’s about in 2005. I don’t know if he will re- Adrián González, San Diego The best Howard followed his Rookie of two seasons prior. He didn’t get to as close to a safe bet as they come. peat his performance, but I would player in fan- the Year season with an MVP season. 40 home runs, but did bat 30 points expect him to match or better his MLB 2006: .304 Avg. 24 HR tasy baseball. That’s progression. It’s hard to imag- higher. A good tradeoff. 8. Derek Lee, Chicago Cubs career averages (.305 BA, 28 HR, 94 82 RBI .362 OBP .500 SLG Pujols has long ine that Howard will top last year’s RBI and .983 OPS) , N.Y. Yankees been regarded numbers but he just might. Barring 6. , Texas MLB 2006: .286 Avg. 8 HR MLB 2006: .253 Avg. 37 HR 30 RBI .368 OBP .474 SLG 113 RBI .413 OBP .558 SLG a throwback an injury (knock on wood), he will MLB 2006: .282 Avg. 33 HR 10. , Oakland , Milwaukee type player, in hit somewhere around .300, 47 HR 110 RBI .371 OBP .514 SLG Perhaps the biggest boom-or- mold of guys and 135 RBI. bust-pick of the draft. If you draft MLB 2006: .254 Avg. 35 HR MLB 2006: .271 Avg. 28 HR like Ted Wil- Big Tex would have been in the Lee, you better cross your fingers 95 RBI .372 OBP .493 SLG 81 RBI .347 OBP .483 SLG Top 5 had it not been for last year’s , L.A. Dodgers liams, Mickey PUJOLS 4. , Minnesota and hope he stays healthy. You’ll Nick “Money ball” Swisher wasn’t letdown. Teixeria was one of the big- 2006: .303 Avg. 20 HR Mantle, Wil- get an uneasy feeling drafting a guy that money last year. He was very MLB 2006: .321 Avg. 34 HR gest disappointments in 2006. But 93 RBI .367 OBP .505 SLG lie Mays. A constant Triple Crown coming back from a serious injury, streaky. The cocky, furry-headed 130 RBI .375 OBP .559 SLG there are reasons to expect that 2007 threat, Pujols has been fantasy plati- which is why Lee is so low on the slugger started off cold, then began Richie Sexson, Seattle Mariners is going to be better. For starters, no num since his 2001 rookie season. Not sure how he won the AL MVP list. The former Marlin made a run to hit bombs like they were free in MLB 2006: .264 Avg. 34 HR World Baseball Classic. And also, award. He is not flashy like Ortiz, at the Triple Crown in 2005 (46 late April and May – but by Father’s 107 RBI .338 OBP .504 SLG he was extremely productive in the 2. , Boston but he is consistent with his produc- HR, 107 RBI, .335 Avg.) and is pre- Day the hot streak was over. His Adam Laroche, Pittsurgh Pirates second half of the season (24 home tion. He started off slow but got into sumably healthy again. Cross your numbers, however, were still a vast MLB 2006: 285 Avg. 32 HR MLB 2006: 284 Avg. 54 HR runs, 61 RBI, .998 OPS). 90 RBI .354 OBP .561 SLG 137 RBI .413 OBP .636 SLG a groove after July 13, batting .337 fingers that he stays that way if you improvement over his impressive thereafter. Drove in 41 runs in Au- draft him. rookie season. Plus, he can play , Big Papi is a big producer – espe- gust and September combined. 7. , N.Y. Mets too. He’s got the skill set, MLB 2006: .312 Avg. 22 HR cially in the late innings. The Ameri- 9. , patience and swagger to do some 92 RBI .372 OBP .508 SLG can Leagues’ reigning Home Run 5. , Chi. White Sox MLB 2006: .265 Avg. 38 HR , Rockies MLB 2006: .315 Avg. 45 HR big things as he heads into his third King had career high numbers in 114 RBI .361 OBP .548 SLG MLB 2006: .302 Avg. 15 HR MLB 2006: .313 Avg. 35 HR 136 RBI .420 OBP .621 SLG season, which is traditionally when walks, on-base percentage, slugging, 81 RBI .404 OBP .476 SLG 113 RBI .381 OBP .496 SLG. As Rich Eisen would use to say, talented young hitters really come and on-base plus slugging percent- “Delgado … Delgotit!” And the Houston’s new “killer B” had a out swinging. He’s a nice pick in any , age. He missed getting to .300 last Pauley didn’t have a down year in Puerto Rican still has it. Last season career year last season. It was his best format in 2007. Get on the train and MLB 2006: .291 Avg. 15 HR year, but should rebound. 06, it just feels like he did – it always was his best year since 2002, when since his 2002 season, in which he you won’t be disappointed. 79 RBI .368 OBP .441 SLG March 22, 2007 FANTASY BASEBALL 7

4 Top Picks: Second Base – Compiled By Steven Walters, Daily Titan Staff Writer

1. , Philadelphia Phillies 3. , Baltimore Orioles but while he was healthy he was Padres and . His num- baseman with power potential. He among the leaders in runs scored bers improved playing in a better will definitely benefit from hitting in More Top Picks MLB 2006 - .309 AVG 32 HR MLB 2006 - .286 AVG 10 HR and stolen bases. Because of his in- ballpark, better lineup and better front of and David For Second Base 102 RBI 15 SB .379 OBP .527 SLG 55 RBI 36 SB .347 OBP .410 SLG hitters’ league. His production in the Ortiz in the Red Sox loaded lineup. jury from last year he should come Tadahito Iguchi, Chicago White Sox relatively cheap – and because of his second-half last year suggest a pros- Lugo should match his No second At the age of 29, the shaggy Ori- MLB 2006 - .281 AVG 18 HR baseman is ole is in his prime. While his offen- age he is worth the risk. perous 2007 in store. Go get him. total and improve on his home run numbers playing in the shadow of 67 RBI 11 SB .352 OBP .422 SLG close to match- sive numbers dipped after his 2005 , Los Angeles Dodgers ing Utley’s of- season, Roberts set a career high in 6. , 8. , Cincinnati Reds the monstah. If you have a morals clause on your team, be wary – the MLB 2006 -.292 AVG. 14 HR fensive produc- stolen bases with 36. MLB 2006 - .276 AVG 17 HR MLB 2006 - .344 AVG 6 HR fiery was allegedly hitting 68 RBI 1 SB .385 OBP .477 SLG tion. He led all 85 RBI 3 SB .378 OBP .473 SLG 75 RBI 25 SB .324 OBP .427 SLG Jorge Cantu, Tampa Bay Devil Rays second base- 4. , Los Angeles Angels more than grounders five years ago man in home Like Lugo, Sanchez has better While Phillips 2006 numbers are when he was arrested on domestic MLB 2006 - .249 AVG. 14 HR MLB 2006 ������������������- .285 AVG 4 HR 30 runs, RBIs, value because he will qualify for all impressive, question marks surround violence charges. 62 RBI 1 SB .295 OBP .404 SLG RBI 6 SB .314 OBP .416 SLG , Texas Rangers runs scored, UTLEY of the positions. While his av- him. Playing his first full season last hits, and OBP. Kendrick could be the steal of the erage and RBI total are impressive, year, Phillips saw a dramatic de- 10. , Florida Marlins MLB 2006 - .286 AVG. 14 HR 55 crease in production in the second RBI 11 SB .347 OBP .454 SLG Utley should go high in the draft, draft. A pure hitter, Kendrick can hit his home runs and stolen bases are MLB 2006 - .282 AVG 27 HR half, leading us to believe his scorch- Ryan Freel, Cincinnati Reds most likely first round. for average, some power, and can run a concern. Not to mention he plays 90 RBI 6 SB .339 OBP .480 SLG the bases – a true five-tool prospect for the Pirates. Even with that, you ing first-half was a mirage. Still, the MLB 2006 - .271 AVG. 8 HR 27 2. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees who should only improve as he gets won’t find many second basemen youth and upside are there, and The Rudy Ruettiger of the major RBI 37 SB .363 OBP .399 SLG Ray Durham, San Francisco Giants more comfortable in the majors. that will be able to touch his aver- with not many good hitting second leagues. Lingering doubts remain MLB 2006 - .342 AVG 15 HR age. basemen to choose from, Phillips is about if he will able to repeat what MLB 2006 -.293 AVG. 26 HR 93 78 RBI 5 SB .365 OBP .525 SLG 5. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers worth the risk. he did last year. He had an impres- RBI 7 SB .360 OBP .583 SLG Cano’s stock continues to rise as 7. Josh Barfield, Cleveland Indians sive rookie year, but to count on him Luis Castillo, Minnesota Twins MLB 2006 - .279 AVG. 8 HR 34 9. Julio Lugo, Boston Red Sox MLB 2006 - .296 AVG 3 HR 49 he is quickly becoming one of the MLB 2006 - .280 AVG 13 HR to hit 27 home runs and 90 RBI is more feared hitters in baseball. Hit- RBI 19 SB .363 OBP .404 SLG unwise – he’s not that good. And his RBI 25 SB .358 OBP .370 SLG 58 RBI 21 SB .318 OBP .423 SLG MLB 2006 - .278 AVG 12 HR Orlando Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks ting in the Yankees lineup gives him Don’t be fooled by the lack of of- 37 RBI 24 SB .341 OBP .421 123 strikeouts are a little high for plenty of opportunities to improve fensive production in 2006. A torn The second-generation ballplayer our tastes. Bid cautiously – his sea- MLB 2006 -.287 AVG. 15 HR 67 on his runs and RBI total. wrist tendon ended his season early, came into his own once he left the Lugo is another speedy second son could get uggla in a hurry. RBI 9 SB .354 OBP .454 SLG

6 Top Picks: – Compiled By Steven Walters, Daily Titan Staff Writer

1. Jose Reyes, as there is no sophomore slump, ex- impressive, and if he is traded to is a good chance he will be able to 9. , Los Angeles Dodgers pect to see .300 AVG 25 HR 80 RBI a team with a better lineup those get his home run total back to 20+. MLB 2006 - .300 AVG 19 HR 60 SB. This guy has the potential to numbers will only improve. MLB 2006 -.300 AVG 15 HR 81 RBI 64 SB .354 OBP .487 SLG More Top Picks be the best at his position. 7. Carlos Guillen, Detroit Tigers 63 RBI 37 SB .369 OBP .445 SLG Reyes has 5. , Philadelphia Phillies MLB 2006 - .320 AVG 19 HR Furcal has been one of the more For Shortstop 3. , New York Yankees consistent shortstops over the past the most po- MLB 2006 - .277 AVG 25 HR 85 RBI 20 SB .400 OBP .519 SLG Felipe Lopez, few seasons. While his stolen base tential of any MLB 2006 -.343 AVG 14 HR 83 RBI 36 SB .334 OBP .478 SLG MLB 2006 - .274 AVG 11 HR 52 shortstop. He As long as he can stay healthy, total dipped, expect to see them go 97 RBI 34 SB .417 OBP .483 SLG Guillen should produce again like RBI 44 SB .358 OBP .381 SLG set career highs If it weren’t for his dip in aver- up again in 2007. His .300 average , Los Angeles Angels Jeter is one of the more clutch hit- age he would be No. 2 on this list. he did in 2006. The one stat that was his highest of his career, and his in average, MLB 2006 - .282 AVG 9 HR 72 home runs, ters in baseball. He is the centerpiece His speed and power make him one stands out is the 20 stolen bases, a 15 home runs tied a career high. career high. RBI 27 SB .335 OBP .404 SLG RBI’s and sto- of a monster lineup, and he saw an of the more feared shortstops. The , Arizona Diamondbacks len bases. He increase in his stolen base total from Phillies lineup should give him a 10. Edgar Renteria, 8. Bill Hall, Milwaukee Brewers MLB 2006 - .316 AVG 5 HR 23 should go ear- 14 in 2005 to 34 in 2006. As long a chance to improve his home run and MLB 2006 - .293 AVG 14 HR REYES he stays healthy, he has a shot at 20 RBI total. RBI 2 SB .357 OBP .517 SLG ly in the first MLB 2006 - .270 AVG 35 HR 70 RBI 17 SB .361 OBP .436 SLG , Cleveland Indians round because of his speed and pow- home runs and 100 RBI. Expect the 85 RBI 8 SB .345 OBP .553 SLG MLB 2006 - .257 AVG. 13 HR er potential. rest of his numbers to stay the same. 6. , Texas Rangers After a dismal 2005 season in Although he is expected to play Boston, Renteria bounced back in 68 RBI 0 SB .323 OBP .385 SLG MLB 2006 - .314 AVG 14 HR , San Francisco Giants 2. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins 4. Miguel Tejada, Balitmore Orioles center field in 2007, Hall will qualify his first year in Atlanta. He had an 103 RBI 7 SB .356 OBP .459 SLG as a shortstop. While his home run increase in home runs and stolen MLB 2006 - .295 AVG. 4 HR 58 MLB 2006- .292 AVG 17 HR MLB 2006 - .330 AVG 24 HR While his home run total dipped and RBI total got him to No. 8 on bases. He also saw his average go RBI 24 SB .361 OBP .389 SLG 59 RBI 51 SB .353 OBP .480 SLG 100 RBI 6 SB .379 OBP .498 SLG from last season, Young still showed the list, his strikeouts (162) are cause up by 17 points. While he isn’t the , Oakland A’s The reigning NL Rookie of the Durability is key in any fantasy he can hit with his average and RBI for concern. Not to mention his player he used to be, he is be a reli- MLB 2006 - .229 AVG 9 HR 40 year has already shown some pop and league, and no player is more du- total. Playing in Ranger Stadium .270 average. Still, he’s worth a high able veteran worthy of a mid to late RBI 8 SB .298 OBP .338 SLG he can fly on the basepaths. As long rable than Tejada. His numbers are makes his stock go higher, and there pick on the upstart Brew Crew. round pick.

9OUCOULD TELLTHEMONALIBRARYCARD

/RYOUCOULDTELLTHEMON 4ITAN9EARBOOKCOM INSTEAD

3IGNUP,OGIN'ET#ONNECTED 8 FANTASY BASEBALL March 22, 2007

5 Top Picks: Third Base – Compiled By Adam Levy and James Thompson, Daily Titan Staff

1. , New York Yankees 2. New York Mets 4. Garret Atkins, 6. Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs 7. Bill Hall, Milwaukee Brewers 9. , Oakland A’s MLB 2006 – .290 Avg 35 HR MLB 2006 – .311 Avg. 26 HR MLB 2006 – 329 Avg. 29 HR MLB 2006 – .291 Avg. 38 HR MLB 2006 – .270 Avg. 35 HR MLB 2006- .241 Avg. 22 HR 121 RBI .392 OBP .523 SLG 116 RBI .381 OBP .531 SLG 120 RBI .409 OBP .556 SLG 119 RBI .352 OBP .561 SLG 85 RBI .345 OBP .553 SLG 72 RBI .351 OBP .435 SLG Despite be- This guy can play. He’s got it all. -in-the-humidor didn’t A solid value pick even if you have With the Brewers getting their act Oh how the mighty have fallen. ing under a He can hit for average or power and affect this Rockies’ slugger in 2006. to overpay a little. With the addition together, Hall should have a strong Once a surefire top-3 pick, a few perpetual mi- has a great glove. He also had 20 He is just getting started what looks of Alfonso Soriano to the Cubbie surrounding cast to help him repli- down years mean you get a nice croscope in the stolen bases. In 2007, you can’t go to be a very productive offensive ca- lineup things should help his RBI cate his 2005-06 stats. value on a player who is serviceable Big Apple, A- wrong picking Wright – aren’t we reer in the mile-high “confines” of chances. with sky-high upside. Rod still man- clever? . 8. , Washington Nationals aged to pro- 7. , Toronto Blue Jays 10. , St. Louis Cardinals MLB 2006- .287 Avg. 20 HR duce. Any third 3. , Florida Marlins 5. , Los Angeles Angeles MLB 2006 – .252 Avg. 38 HR 110 RBI .351 OBP .471 SLG MLB 2006- .296 Avg. 22 HR baseman in the MLB 2006 – .339 Avg. 26 HR MLB 2006 – .267 Avg. 9 HR 104 RBI .355 OBP .513 SLG 95 RBI .369 OBP .518 SLG MLB would be RODRIGUEZ 114 RBI 430 OBP .568 SLG 62 RBI .336 OBP .376 SLG Zimmerman had a break out year overjoyed to Glaus has been healthy for two last season. Losing Soriano might Rolen is another one of those ol’ put up numbers like A-rod did last The young buck is a great hitter Figgy can play just about any- straight seasons, and produced ac- hurt his numbers a bit, as he is now faithfuls. He’s past his prime but can year – arguably the second-best pick and can hit the long bomb – and where. He’s one of those rare players cordingly. A good power hitter expected to be the Nationals’ offen- still perform at a respectable level. of the draft. Current rumors abound he’s still years away from reaching that you can plug into multiple po- though not much in the way of av- sive anchor. We have a hunch he will He managed to stay healthy most of that he might be heading for the Big his prime. He’s poised to have a great sitions, which makes him valuable. erage. We’re confident he’ll turn in live up to the challenge as he has in last season and got a shiny ring on a A as soon as . year barring a major injury. Did we mention 52 stolen bases? another .260-30-100 campaign. the past. cold and windy night in October.

8 7 9 Top Picks: – Compiled By Nolan Andre, Daily Titan Staff Writer

1. Carlos Beltran, New York Mets will be awful, but expect him to be but missed more than 30 games for a .348 OBP and .482 SLG. If he more like the player he was in Texas; the first time since 2002. For the played for the Yankees or Red Sox, 11. , Colorado Rockies MLB 2006 - .275 AVG. 41 HR he’d be a household name by now. More Picks For good but not great. He’ll be drafted first time in a decade, he may be go- MLB 2006 – .326 AVG 34 HR 116 RBI .388 OBP .594 SLG within the top five picks but end ing into fantasy drafts as underval- 114 RBI .387 OBP .586 SLG the Outfield 7. Lance Berkman, He may up putting numbers you can get in ued player because of his reputation The Colorado went have ended the the middle rounds. Plus he’s on the for Manny Being Manny. MLB 2006 - .315 AVG 45 HR Bill Hall, Milwaukee Brewers from breakout candidate to All- Mets’ season Cubs – and everything goes wrong 136 RBI .420 OBP .621 SLG MLB 2006 - .270 AVG 35 HR by striking out for the Cubs. 5. , Cleveland Indians Star selection in 2006. Holliday 85 RBI .345 OBP .553 SLG with the bases Berkman helped the Astros al- was an extra-base machine, hitting , New York Yankees 3. , Los Angeles Angels MLB 2006 - .290 AVG 28 HR most sneak into the playoffs by hav- 34 homeruns, 45 doubles and 5 loaded, but 76 RBI .375 OBP .533 SLG MLB 2006 - .285 AVG 24 HR ing another fantastic season. Over triples. He probably won’t improve 80 RBI .359 OBP .482 SLG Beltran leaps MLB 2006 - .329 AVG. 33 HR Grady Sizemore had quite a season the past five seasons, Berkman has his RBIs or runs but look for him to Nick Swisher, Oakland A’s back into the 116 RBI .382 OBP .552 SLG upper class in 2006 joining (1930) averaged a .306 batting average, 33 hit 35 to 40 homeruns with a rocky MLB 2006 - .254 AVG 35 HR homeruns, 125 RBIs and 100 runs. mountain high batting average. In- of outfield- BELTRAN Big Daddy Vladdy continued his as the only players to hit 50 doubles, 95 RBI .372 OBP .493 SLG ers with his free swinging ways and almost car- 10 triples, 20 homeruns and 20 sto- With slated to bat behind terestingly, he was the only National Hideki Matsui, NY Yankees him, expect more big things him. At League to hit .300 for the MVP caliber season in 2006. Bel- ried the Angels to a third consecutive len bases in one season. He led the 2006 - .302 AVG 8 HR 31 years old, Berkman is still in the season. tran dropped considerably in fantasy division title. He was his best after Majors with 92 extra base hits. He 29 RBI .393 OBP .494 SLG prime of his career and he’s also eli- drafts last year after batting .266 and the All Star Break batting .368 with has increased his hits, homeruns, , NY Yankees hitting only 16 homeruns in 2005. 15 homeruns and 54 RBIs. Guerrero doubles, walks, on-base percentage gible to play first base. 12. Jason Bay, Pittsburgh Pirates 2006 - .297 AVG 15 HR He rebounded by increasing his had 200 hits for the fourth time in and slugging percentage in each of MLB 2006 - .286 AVG 35 HR 8., Toronto Blue Jays 107 RBI .424 OBP .462 SLG homeruns to 41, knocked in 116 his career, hit 30 or more homeruns his three first seasons – and he’s only 109 RBI .396 OBP .532 SLG Alex Rios, Toronto Blue Jays and scored 127 runs. for the eighth time and had double 24. MLB 2006- .303 32 HR The 2004 Rook- 2006 - .302 AVG 17 HR digit stolen bases for the seventh 106 RBI .357 OBP .542 SLG 82 RBI .349 OBP .516 SLG 2. Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs time. Expect more of the same. 6. , Tampa Bay Devil Rays ie of the Year continued his im- Wells lived up to expectations in pressive climb into the upper tiers Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers 2006 - .298 AVG 24 HR MLB 2006 - .277 AVG. 46 HR 4. Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox MLB 2006 - .305 AVG 18 HR 2006, and was rewarded with a sev- of big league outfielders, hitting 30 95 RBI .351 OBP .560 SLG 77 RBI .348 OBP .482 SLG en year $126 million contract. He homeruns and driving in 100 runs 104 RBI .350 OBP .477 SLG MLB 2006 - .321 AVG 35 HR Raul Ibanez, Seattle Mariners America may not know Carl added base stealing to his repertoire for the second consecutive season. Remember last season when So- 102 RBI .439 OBP .619 SLG 2006 - .289 AVG 33 HR riano was listed on many bust-lists Crawford’s name, but fantasy own- after swiping a career-high 17 bases. There’s nothing to dislike about this He benefits from hitting in a great young slugger who should hit 40 123 RBI .353 OBP .516 SLG only to become the fourth player Manny put up massive numbers ers know him for his speed and his , Detroit Tigers for the Red Sox again, but became a ability to the lead the Majors in Toronto lineup and playing half his homeruns for the first time in his in Major League history to hit 40 2006 - .298 AVG 6 HR flake when his team needed him the stolen bases and triples each season. games in a hitter’s ballpark. Wells career this season. homeruns and steal 40 bases? Well 25 RBI .355 OBP .450 SLG most. Manny’s OPS was over 1.000 Crawford had career highs with 18 shouldn’t experience another regres- don’t bet on lightning striking twice. , TB Devil Rays I don’t think the $136 million man for the seventh time in eight years homeruns, a .305 batting average, sion like he did after his 2004 break- 13. , Chicago White Sox out season – bid with confidence on 2006 - .317 AVG 3 HR him as a number one fantasy out- MLB 2006 - .315 AVG 44 HR 10 RBI .336 OBP .476 SLG fielder. 120 RBI .385 OBP .622 SLG Chone Figgins, Los Angeles Angels Baseball’s answer to Fred Tay- 2006 - .267 AVG 9 HR 9. , Seattle Mariners lor avoided the injury bug in 2006 62 RBI .336 OBP .376 SLG MLB 2006 – .322 AVG 9 HR and posted the best season of his ca- , Minnesota Twins 49 RBI .370 OBP .416 SLG reer. After winning the 2005 World 2006 - .278 AVG 31 HR Series MVP, Dye hit a career high 98 RBI .336 OBP .490 SLG All Ichiro has done since arriv- 44 homeruns, drove in 100 RBIs for , Los Angeles Dodgers ing stateside in 2001 is average 226 the first time since 2000 and posted 2006 - .292 AVG 3 HR hits, 119 runs, a .331 batting aver- his first 1.000 OPS season. Expect a 40 RBI .330 OBP .388 SLG age, 39 stolen bases and 160 games decline, injury or both from Dye, so Rocco Baldelli, TB Devil Rays played. He is one of the most reli- take him with caution. 2006 - .302 AVG 16 HR able players in baseball and probably 57 RBI .339 OBP .533 SLG the safest pick for any owner to help 14. , Cincinnati Reds , San Diego Padres bolster your team average and steals. 2006 – .268 AVG 22 HR He may be motivated even more this MLB 2006 - .234 AVG 40 HR 92 RBI .365 OBP .490 SLG 83 RBI .355 OBP .482 SLG season because he is eligible for free , Arizona Diamondbacks agency after the . The big red windmill will always 2006 - .243 AVG 2 HR

be an overrated player based on his 10 RBI .308 OBP .386 SLG 10. , Atlanta Braves prodigious power. Fantasy owners Pat Burrell, Philadelphia Phillies tend to ignore his low batting av- MLB 2006 – .262 AVG 41 HR 2006 - .258 AVG 29 HR erage (he’s a .245 career hitter) and 129 RBI .363 OBP .531 SLG 95 RBI .388 OBP .502 SLG his massive totals. He’s the , Atlanta Braves Jones will be a free agent after this anti-Ichiro. 2006 – .260 AVG 29 HR season and he’s a client 103 RBI .293 OBP .449 SLG – bling bling. 15. Carlos Lee, Houston Astros Expect an MVP season like past Brad Hawpe, Colorado Rockies MLB 2006 – .300 AVG 37 HR 2006 - .293 AVG 22 HR free agent Boras clients (see Car- 116 RBI .355 OBP .540 SLG los Beltran, Adrian Beltre and Alex 84 RBI .383 OBP .515 SLG Rodriguez). Jones hit 40 or more The $100-million man will move , Minnesota Twins homeruns for the second year in a back to the National League after 2006 – .284 AVG 24 HR row and even became more selective spending the second half of 2006 109 RBI .362 OBP .504 SLG at the plate, walking a career high 82 with the Texas Rangers. The slug- , Baltimore Orioles times. Definitely amongst the class ger posted his fourth consecutive 30 2006 - .291 AVG 19 HR of fantasy outfielders and a strong homerun season, earning his stripes 62 RBI .351 OBP .448 SLG pick for your squad in 2007. as a man of consistency. March 22, 2007 SPORTS 9 FANTASY BASEBALL

– Compiled By Dave Bruemmer, Daily Titan Columnist 1 Top Picks: Starters

1. , Minnesota Twins his prime with even better numbers a $20 bid should yield profit. Will be undervalued in most leagues son. There may still be doubters in The world is and bid with confidence. – go an extra buck on him, there is Harang’s ability out there, meaning More Picks For Santana’s right 11. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners little downside there. you should capitalize on that at the now and he’s 6. , San Diego Padres King Felix’s first draft table. Starting MLB 2006: 16. Erik Bedard, Baltimore Orioles as close to a The only concern season was pretty , Boston Red Sox I have had with MLB 2006: decent and he W- 12 We’ve been wait- 21. Javier Vazquez, Chicago White Sox vintage Randy MLB 2006: W- 16 ERA- 5.01 Peavy is the high W- 11 showed glimpses ERA- 4.52 ing for Bedard and MLB 2006: We had very Johnson or Pe- Whip- 1.29 K’s- 158 number of innings ERA-4.09 of his enormous Whip- 1.34 his teammate Dan- W- 15 high hopes on MLB 2006: dro Martinez , Los Angeles Angels as there is. He’s pitched for such a Whip- 1.23 potential, but most K’s- 176 iel Cabrera to break ERA- 3.76 Vazquez last year W- 11 MLB 2006: W- 11 ERA- 3.61 #1 and there young . But K’s- 215 consider it a let- through and start Whip- 1.35 and he let us down. ERA- 4.84 Whip- 1.28 K’s- 147 isn’t a close his skill is without down based on his realizing their con- K’s- 171 The overall num- Whip- 1.29 SANTANA A.J. Burnett, Toronto Blue Jays second. Don’t question. Some 2005 debut. Remember that he’s siderable talents. bers were not very K’s- 184 hesitate to pay the owners will be concerned about his only 21 and should steadily improve. In 2006 Cabrera good. However, he MLB 2006: W- 10 ERA- 3.98 price for a guaran- MLB 2006: stat line from last year and his los- Expect Seattle to play it smart and regressed, but Bedard arrived. It still has sick abil- Whip- 1.30 K’s- 118 teed contributor W-19 ing record, but you will know better. keep his innings under 200 again. should be smooth sailing for Bedard ity and I would not hesitate to roll , San Francisco Giants at a position choc ERA-2.77 Expect a solid rebound season and as he enters his prime. the dice on him again for the right MLB 2006: W- 13 ERA- 4.15 full of uncertainty. Whip-1.00 hope for a discount based on 2006. 12. C.C. Sabathia, Cleveland Indians price. Whip- 1.28 K’s- 179 Believe me, the K’s-245 Sabathia is one 17. , Philadelphia Phillies Jon Papelbon, Boston Red Sox thought of step- 7. , Chicago Cubs of the more under- MLB 2006: Myers is a case 22. , Philadelphia Phillies MLB 2006: W- 4 ERA- 0.92 ping into the box against Santana Here’s another rated starting pitch- W- 12 study on young MLB 2006: Went through Whip- .078 K’s- 75 causes more diarrhea per capita than guy with a lot of MLB 2006: ers. He should be ERA- 3.22 phenom pitchers W- 12 an adjustment pe- MLB 2006: Chris Young, San Diego Padres Hometown buffet on a Saturday innings under his W- 16 healthy and will Whip- 1.17 – the “post-hype ERA- 3.91 riod – but once W- 9 MLB 2006: W- 11 ERA- 3.46 night. belt at a young age, ERA- 3.41 give you a solid K’s- 172 sleepers.” Whip- 1.30 he adjusted he was ERA- 4.08 Whip- 1.13 K’s- 164 but he has been Whip- 1.29 ERA and Whip. Once in a while, K’s- 189 very good. Hamels Whip- 1.25 , Los Angeles Dodgers 2. , Toronto Blue Jays able to handle it K’s- 210 He deserves to win a will is keeper platinum K’s- 145 MLB 2006: W- 11 ERA- 3.59 Declining strike- for the most part. more often than he has in the past, arrive and have im- because he will one Whip- 1.26 K’s- 180 outs are the only He is a bit wild, but don’t let that stop you. It is not mediate success. Others come up day be an , but Rich Harden, MLB 2006: real caveat here. and that keeps him out of the top a good idea to bid based on specula- with great anticipation and promptly temper your expectations for this MLB 2006: W- 4 ERA- 4.24 W-16 Halladay has been 5. Other than that, I expect him tion of wins and losses because there proceed to crap the bed, sometimes year because young pitchers are of- Whip- 1.22 K’s- 49 ERA- 3.19 hurt the past cou- to make a run at 20 wins with that are too many factors beyond the getting sent back down. Many own- ten inconsistent. Still, make sure David Bush, Milwaukee Brewers Whip-1.10 ple of seasons, but loaded Cubs offense. pitcher’s control. Instead, focus on ers write them off, but you shouldn’t you aren’t in the bathroom when the MLB 2006: W- 12 ERA- 4.41 K’s-132 the injuries were ERA, WHIP, K’s and walks. Check, because two years later they are back bidding on him begins, because he’s Whip- 1.14 K’s- 166 flukes and do not 8. Jeremy Bonderman, Detroit Tigers check, check, check! with a vengeance. a super-sleeper. , Detroit Tigers constitute a chronic condition. Bid It is almost time MLB 2006: W- 17 ERA- 3.62 confidently as others might mistake for Bonderman MLB 2006: 13. , Milwaukee Brewers 18. , Boston Red Sox 23. Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels Whip- 1.33 K’s- 124 him for an injury risk. to start building a W- 14 It’s all or nothing Schilling told Expect his ERA , Texas Rangers trophy case for the ERA- 4.08 if you decide to roll MLB 2006: Father Time to piss MLB 2006: and WHIP to go MLB 2006: MLB 2006: W- 16 ERA- 4.52 3. , St. Louis Cardinals multiple Cy Youngs Whip- 1.30 with Sheets. He W- 6 off and he’s contin- W- 15 up, and there’s no W- 11 Whip- 1.31 K’s- 157 Carpenter has that he is capable K’s- 202 has the best control ERA- 3.82 ued to post solid ERA- 3.97 way Weaver will go ERA- 2.56 , Los Angeles Dodgers Whip- 1.22 Whip- 1.03 been a consistent MLB 2006: of winning over his in the league and Whip- 1.09 seasons. He is get- 22-4 this year. He MLB 2006: W- 16 ERA- 4.33 K’s- 183 K’s- 105 performer for the W-15 career. He had a his ability could K’s- 116 ting long in the is going to be great, Whip- 1.38 K’s- 148 last three seasons. ERA- 3.09 pretty good 2006 season with a few put him on par tooth to be sure, but he will be over- , Washington Nationals His high strikeouts Whip- 1.07 ups and downs. Trust me, he will with Santana. You but he should be priced after he 2006 MLB 2006: W- 1 ERA- 4.43 and low walk rate K’s- 184 only get better and more consistent. will either get double the value that good for one or two more seasons debut. Everybody wants to bid on Whip- 1.11 K’s- 42 has been the recipe Bonderman should be a good value you paid for with him, or he will get that although won’t be vintage, most the next great pitcher. It might be , New York Yankees for success. De- for what you will have to pay for him hurt again and you will get nothing. pitchers would call it a career year if better to allocate your funds else- MLB 2006: W- 14 ERA- 4.20 stroying right-handed hitters doesn’t in the average fantasy league. Are you feeling lucky this year? they posted the same numbers. The where in season leagues due to Whip- 1.44 K’s- 178 tank is getting low, but there is still hype-driven inflation. hurt either. A definite staff ace and , Los Angeles Angels some gas in there – take the ride. anchor to your fantasy rotation. 9. , Los Angeles Angels 14. , Tampa Bay Devil Rays MLB 2006: W- 16 ERA- 4.28 24. , Cincinnati Reds Lackey is in the Kazmir was Whip- 1.23 K’s- 141 MLB 2006: 19. , New York Yankees Rediscovering 4. , Houston Astros same boat as Zam- mowing hitters MLB 2006: Freddy Garcia, Philadelphia Phillies brano in that he W- 13 down until the in- Most people had the ability to strike MLB 2006: Oswalt has im- W- 10 MLB 2006: W- 17 ERA- 4.54 walks too many hit- ERA- 3.56 jury bug struck. written Mussina MLB 2006: out batters was the W- 14 peccable control, MLB 2006: ERA- 3.24 Whip- 1.28 K’s- 135 ters. His numbers Whip- 1.26 He is so good that Whip- 1.27 off last year and he W- 15 key to Arroyo’s suc- ERA- 3.29 which is a must if W- 15 Jose Contreras, Chicago White Sox one is to be a domi- were much better K’s- 190 nobody cares that K’s- 163 showed everyone. ERA- 3.51 cess as he came out Whip- 1.19 ERA- 2.98 MLB 2006: W- 13 ERA- 4.27 nant pitcher. His until he faltered he pitches for the Keeping the walks Whip- 1.11 like gangbusters. K’s- 184 Whip- 1.17 Whip- 1.27 K’s- 134 strikeouts have been the last month of Devil Rays any- down is the key K’s- 172 He regressed after K’s- 166 Ian Snell, Pittsburgh Pirates on the downslide the season. If he can harness his more. Try to gauge what your league for him to have an- the All-Star break, in recent years, but control, he will break through into mates think of him, because he does other stellar season. but still should bring a good value MLB 2006: W- 14 ERA- 4.74 this hasn’t slowed him down one bit. the elite status. come with some injury risk. Jim Just remember that it is not wise to since he isn’t really a sexy pick – un- Whip- 1.46 K’s- 169 Expect at least the same production Duquette should be taken behind overbid on an old pitcher with a lot less you dig the dreadlocks look. Vicente Padilla, Texas Rangers as his past two seasons. 10. , Boston Red Sox the woodshed with a shotgun after of mileage. MLB 2006: W- 15 ERA- 4.50 All indications trading Kazmir for Victor Zambra- 25. , Atlanta Braves Whip- 1.38 K’s- 156 5. Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks are that Matsuzaka JAPAN 2006: no, and he’d probably be the first to 20. Aaron Harang Boy he was phe- , Chicago Cubs He served up is the real deal. W- 17 agree. Anybody can nomenal last year, MLB 2006: MLB 2006: W- 6 ERA- 4.17 a smorgasbord of MLB 2006: Don’t expect to get ERA- 2.13 throw their money MLB 2006: and we never saw W- 16 Whip- 1.23 K’s- 90 ground balls all W- 16 him cheap, consid- Whip- .093 15. , Oakland Athletics at guys like San- W- 16 it coming. But ERA- 3.49 , Los Angeles Dodgers the way to the Cy ERA- 3.10 ering he plays on K’s- 213 Haren had a tana and Halladay, ERA- 3.76 we are betting Whip- 1.19 MLB 2006: W- 16 ERA- 3.63 Young in 2006. Whip- 1.13 Boston and has all better season than MLB 2006: but sometimes Whip- 1.27 against a repeat at K’s- 211 Whip- 1.27 K’s- 123 He strikes out just K’s- 178 the hype following more people real- W- 14 what really makes a K’s- 216 his advanced age Anthony Reyes, St. Louis Cardinals enough guys, but him. But it will be interesting to ized last year. He ERA- 4.12 champion is pick- and given that the MLB 2006: W- 5 ERA- 5.06 lives on his sharp see how much people will be willing doesn’t walk many Whip- 1.21 ing up someone Braves are not the stellar team that Whip- 1.38 K’s- 72 control and driving the ball into the to bid. If there’s a chowderhead in and he should con- K’s- 176 like Harang – an underrated arm was playing to half-empty parks in ground. Think of in your league, forget him. Otherwise, tinue to improve. who breaks through with a solid sea- the playoffs not so long ago.

1 Top Picks: Relievers – Compiled By Jason Kornfeld, Daily Titan Staff Writer

1. Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels Torii Hunter, and AL batting champ He had some struggles last year but, 8. J.J. Putz, Seattle Mariners semi-regular duty for the Dodgers in 13. , Philadelphia Phillies The combi- Joe Mauer won’t hurt either. with arguably the best offense in the Putz benefit in 2006. In full-time duty, Saito’s de- Some may won- nation of age NL, Wagner will be licking his chops his second season MLB 2006 ceptive delivery could enable him to der if Flash Gordon MLB 2006 durability and 3. B.J. Ryan, Toronto Blue Jays at his opportunities. from the develop- - REC 4-1 hover around the 30-save mark. is really still pitch- - REC 3-4 p r o d u c t i o n Ryan remains ment of his split- SV 36 ing. He proved in SV 34 places Rodri- one of the best clos- MLB 2006 6. , San Diego Padres finger . He ERA 2.30 11. , Chicago White Sox 2006 that the an- ERA 3.34 guez at the ers for fantasy base- - REC 2-2 Hoffman is base- should be a top-10 WHIP 0.92 Jenks followed up an impressive swer is clearly yes. WHIP 1.26 top of this list. ball and is a must- SV 38 ball’s all-time saves MLB 2006 for 2007 af- 2005 campaign The move to the Pitching for start for all leagues. ERA 1.37 leader and showed - REC 0-2 ter posting an im- with good save MLB 2006 National League the Angels will He is typically a WHIP 0.86 no signs of slow- SV 46 pressive 36 saves and 2.30 ERA in numbers in 2006. - REC 3-4 helped Gordon last year, even though enable K-Rod RODRIGUEZ n elite strikeout ing down in 2006. ERA 2.14 2006. Take caution that Putz might His ERA is cause SV 41 he was slowed by shoulder problems to have his fair pitcher who should He had an impres- WHIP 0.97 have limited safe opportunities as for concern, but ERA 4.00 down the stretch. share of save op- rack up more than the 86 strikeouts sive 46 save season, long as he’s with Seattle. expect him to lower WHIP 1.39 portunities and he MLB 2006 he had last year. Toronto has con- and should hover his ERA and come 14. , Milwaukee Brewers his WHIP should - REC 2-3 tending potential and should hand around 40 saves again in 2007, 9. , Washington Nationals back with 40-plus Getting traded be near 1.00 with SV 47 Ryan plenty of oppritunities. which would be four straight cam- Cordero is a top- saves in 2007. The White Sox again to the National MLB 2006 the potential to ERA 1.73 paigns with at least 40 saves. Even 10 fantasy closer MLB 2006 have a strong starting rotation and League last year - REC 10-5 have 100-strike- WHIP 1.10 4. , New York Yankees at the age of 39, Hoffman could sur- - when he is able - REC 7-4 a potent offense to provide a good definitely did won- SV 22 outs. Rodriguez Injuries were a pass the 500 all-time save mark by to pitch. His main SV 29 amount of opportunities for Jenks, ders for Francisco ERA 3.70 only progressed in concern for Rivera MLB 2006 June. problem remains ERA 3.19 who could end up being a steal. who converted 16 WHIP 1.34 the second half of last season, as he who missed some - REC 5-5 that the Nationals WHIP 1.10 saves and posted posted 26 saves and a 0.50 ERA in time down the SV 34 7. , Oakland A’s aren’t competitive 12. , Baltimore Orioles a 1.69 ERA in 28 35 appearances. stretch for the Yan- ERA 1.80 Street had an up enough for him to Ray established games for the Brewers. Look for kees. He is in the WHIP 0.96 and down 2006 MLB 2006 get opportunities. If Boston is able himself as an effec- MLB 2006 Cordero to build on his late season 2. , Minnesota Twins last year of his con- campaign, but still - REC 4-4 to steal Cordero from the Nationals, tive mid-tier closer - REC 4-4 play and possibly eclipse the 30 save Nathan’s history tract and he should managed to post re- SV 37 he could be near the 47 saves that led in 2006. His num- SV 33 mark for the Brewers. of shoulder prob- MLB 2006 stay motivated and continue to be spectable numbers. ERA 3.31 the majors in 2005. In the mean- bers aren’t good ERA 2.73 lems appears to be - REC 7-0 the dominant closer that he has been. The fireballer is not WHIP 1.09 time though, Cordero’s owners will enough for him to WHIP 1.09 15. Eric Gagne, Texas Rangers just that, history, SV 36 New York could add short on natural have to hope the Nationals can give be a number one Some might not as he has posted ERA 1.58 which would only provide Rivera talent but has had him more save opportunities. closer, and the in- even want to touch MLB 2006 123 saves and a WHIP 0.79 with more save opportunities. health issues to be wary about. Oak- ability of Baltimore to win will keep Gagne. He hasn’t - REC 0-0 .92 WHIP the land’s staff expects Street to rebound 10. Takashi Saito, Los Angeles Dodgers Ray’s saves around 30 for 2007. On really pitched since SV 1 past three seasons. 5. , New York Mets in 2007 and there is no reason to be- For 2007, Saito a better team, this guy would be 2004, is now in the ERA .00 2007 should be no different for Na- Look for Wag- lieve why he won’t have around 40 owners will find MLB 2006 higher up the list, but that’s the way WHIP 0.50 than, who will have plenty of save ner to eclipse the MLB 2006 saves with a lower ERA. Look for out whether he - REC 6-2 the cookie crumbles. Ray was only and will pitch in opportunities with the Twins strong 100-strikeout mark - REC 3-2 Street to make his 11 blown-saves will sink or swim. SV 24 able to have seven saves in the Ori- Texas. At the end . Having Johan Santana take and have upwards SV 40 and second-worst save percentage in He will be 37 ERA 2.07 oles’ last 59 games but he is definitely of the day, Gagne is still Gagne and the hill every five starts combined of 40 saves again ERA 2.24 the AL of 2006 a distant memory in come opening day, WHIP 0.91 a safe number two option. So what if as long as he still has his with the offense of MVP Justin pitching for a tal- WHIP 1.11 2007 – and bid with confidence. A but was able to he has two first names, this guy can swagger. Mark him down as a 2007 Morneau, Gold glove center-fielder ented Mets team. guy that will be on this list for years. manage 24 saves in end a ball game like few others. injury-risk sleeper.