Fantasy

There is some concern over Adam Lind and his ability to replicate his 2009 success.  It’s justified, considering he had seen time in the major leagues from 2006 on, compiling 22 HR in 676 AB.  He also had not shown the potential to hit for an excellent average (.238 in ‘07, .282 in ‘08).  The idea of him being a middle-of-the-order impact bat was almost laughable.

That all changed when he posted the following line in his first full major league season:

For all the nitty gritty, nuts-and-bolts of what to expect from shortstops and your upcoming fantasy baseball draft, you can check out our extensive shortstop composite and ADP rankings.

However, we know how valuable your time is. The significant other has a springtime honey-do list a mile long, and the MLB season is fast approaching. Don't worry, we have your back.

It happens every year.

An established veteran suffers from injuries or a heralded youngster isn't up to the task at hand. An overlooked rookie or a career benchwarmer gets some at-bats at the starter's expense and suddenly finds his groove.

A good game becomes two good games, and a few days later is labelled a bona fide hot streak. By the end of the week, he appears on fantasy rosters nationwide, and every baseball fan in the country knows the name "Ben Zobrist" or "Andrew Bailey."

There's no way to predict where the next big fantasy sleeper will come from.

BUSTER POSEY, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Posey has the tools, but it’s a matter of opportunity.

He did struggle with his brief taste of the bigs last year going 2-for-17 (.118). He did however, go a combined 137-for-422 (.325) for A+ San Jose and Triple-A Fresno last year.

So Battle of the Blogs Fantasy Baseball League had its draft last night. My team, Double G Sports , had the sixth pick in the first round—and each round after that was done in a snake format.

Before I started playing fantasy football back in 1998 — in a four-man league, nonetheless — I played fantasy baseball. I used to be a huge baseball fan as a kid, only to find my interest in the sport fade over time.

Probably has a little something to do with all the steroids, human growth hormone, All-Star Game determining home team for the World Series, no more Cal Ripken, Jr., etc.

Picking players in the first round is always a hot topic. And while your first round selections WILL NOT make your team, it is those players who are on the cusp of being first rounders that could significantly impact your team’s performance.

J.A. Happ is one of those players.

Last year Happ enjoyed a very promising season going 12-4 for "Dem Phightin Phils" while posting a 2.93 ERA.

Here’s a look at some relief pitchers who could take a step back in 2010.

David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners
Aardsma was brilliant last year, racking up 38 saves with a 2.52 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Seattle was his fifth team in five seasons. He pretty much struggled every other year. I want to see another good year out of him before I’ll say he’s turned the corner.

Anyone who has ever been to any single game at Yankee Stadium knows the scene: It’s a musty May night, and the game has been moving along swiftly, maybe a run here and there. Around the fifth inning, about the same time as the Great New York Subway Race and the YMCA, you start to here a metal pan being hit across the stadium. That pan belongs to the one and only.. Freddie Sez.

From season to season, players are faced with the task of repeating or increasing their previous season's statistics. However, fantasy baseball throws this same task at millions of fantasy owners.

Roaming through numerous mock drafts and expert opinions on draft day throws many players and stats in your face to try and decipher. When you are finally on the clock, the pressure is on.