Fantasy 40/40: Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: TOP 30 Overall (21-30)
I’ve already posted my TOP 10 and 11-20. Here are 21-30. Once again, these are my early rankings as I see them now. I’ve already made changes to my 1-20 and I’m sure this list will see tweaking at some point as well. Here’s an early look at my rankings – subject to change.
- 19. Mark Teixeira 1B NYY
- 20. Prince Fielder 1B MIL
- 21. Felix Hernandez SEA
- 22. Ryan Howard 1B PHI
- 23. Matt Kemp OF LAD
- 24. Kevin Youkilis 1B BOS
- 25. Nelson Cruz OF TEX
- 26. Tim Lincecum SP SF
- 27. Shin-Soo Choo OF CLE
- 28. Dustin Pedroia 2B BOS
- 29. Justin Upton OF ARI
- 30. Adam Dunn 1B CHW
I have Mark Teixiera listed at #19 because I’ve changed my list thirty-seven times already and he’s now #19. I like his power and run production consistency.
I know first base is deep this year, but I see a huge year from Prince Fielder as he attempts to chase a significant pay increase on his new contract.
Ryan Howard had a down fantasy year, yes, I know. He is also getting a little older, yes, I know. But, he is capable of 45 HR and 130 RBI. And once the big boys are taken, are you really going to bank on Morneau’s head, Kendry’s knee, Konerko to repeat, or Butler to finally hit 30? Lock up one of the studs if you can, then wait for a CI.
Kemp’s batting average dipped a bit to .249 in ‘10, but had years of .297 and .290 the previous two seasons. His SB also dipped a bit to 19 in ‘10, but stole 34 and 35 the previous two seasons. He got a big contract last off-season. He had some fun, cut the kid a break. I think he returns to form under new manager Don Mattingly.
Cruz is a threat to go 30/30 with enough ABs. He did go 33/20 in ‘09. Plays in a great hitter’s park and in a pretty good lineup with Hamilton, Beltre, Kinsler and Young.
Choo is automatic. In his last two seasons, he’s batted .300 while going at least 20/20. He ranked the 13th best OF in ‘09 and was 10th last season.
Pedroia is my #3 second baseman behind Cano and Utley. He should be healthy and help contribute to all five categories.
I like Upton’s potential. Like Kemp, he was the sexy pick last season, there’s no reason why he can’t put it together in 2011.
And Adam Dunn moves his beastly power into a homer-friendly park, but has to learn new pitchers. I’d bet he hits at least 38 HR again with a potential of 42.
