Rankings/List

In anticipation of the draft for The Hazean’s 2009 fantasy baseball challenge, I decided to dabble in some preseason projections.

The problem with that thought, though, is that I really do not spend as much time working on my fantasy baseball knowledge as I do football. So I brought in some fantasy baseball muscle to compile these projections.

Aaron McCoy, fantasy baseball connoisseur and a co-worker of mine, offered his fantasy baseball expertise for these rankings. I have to say they are pretty impressive, and I might even use them to draft my team this weekend.

Ben Ice takes the crystal ball down from the shelf and dusts off new predictions for the upcoming fantasy season.

1. The Return of Yovani Gallardo

Who knows where the Brewers would have ended up in 2008 in Gallardo had been healthy. However, Gallardo missed most of the season with a torn ACL and did not return until late September.

In 2009, the Brewers will be depending on Gallardo to put up big numbers. The team no longer has the dynamic duo of CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets and the Brewers need Gallardo to show that he is indeed fit to become the Brewers new ace.

2. Prince Fielder

This week, I am going to look at five outfielders, at least 36-years old at the start of the season, who have the potential to make an impact on fantasy rosters this season. 

The most obvious to be included is Manny Ramirez, but having recently discussed his signing (click here to read), we aren’t going to include him here.  Instead, let’s look at a few other potential options.

Raul Ibanez - Philadelphia Phillies - 36-years old

Round 11

Nelson Cruz broke out in a big way in AAA last year with 37 homers, and then hit seven more after coming to the big leagues. There are a few concerns about him however. One is that he is 29 years old, if he was this good why did it take so long for him to get to the majors. 

Two, the Pacific Coast League is known to inflate hitting stats.  Three, he had a few good seasons in the minors before, but nothing that approached his 2008 season.  He is a popular sleeper, just don’t stretch too far for him.