By Will Lannon
Here is a list of the players that will put a team over the edge. The ten players on this list will be the picks that can put a team over the top. All of the players on this list will be found later in draft rounds, some will even be out there in free agency.
Rich Hill, SP, Chicago Cubs
The 26 year old lefty will be needed to step up if the Cubs expect to get into the playoffs. Hill has only a 123 innings of big league ball, however Hill's second half make him look like he is the real deal. In thirteen games after the All-Star break Hill had very impressive numbers. Hill went 6-3 with a 2.93 era to go along with a 1.05 WHIP. With impressive left and right handed splits, Hill should be able to continue his dominate numbers in 07.
What To Expect: 18 Wins, 3.30 ERA to go with a 1.05 WHIP
Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
The very young and gifted third baseman for the Reds is poised for a breakout year. Encarnacion was able to post three months of baseball with a OPS over .990. That type of power is very hard to find in baseball, let alone as a third baseman. Edwin also gets the luxury of playing at the Great American Ballpark.
What To Expect: .285 avg, 30 HR's, 90 RBI
Ryan Shealy, 1B Kansas City Royals
The 6'5" Royals first baseman will finally get to play a full season. Shealy has some serious raw power and is one of the future power hitters of Major League Baseball. This maybe a year too early for Shealy, but he is worth a late round pick. Remember to stay patient with Shealy and make sure to hang onto him in keeper leagues.
What To Expect: .275 avg, 20 HR's, 80 RBI
Julio Lugo, SS, Boston Red Sox
Tito Francona has penciled Julio Lugo at the top of the very dangerous Boston Red Sox lineup. Lugo will get over looked because of his bad season in 06. Lugo was hurt and it really affected his play. If drafters can look past 06 and look at Lugo?s previous season they will be happy they made him a selection. Lugo has a career .373 OBP as a lead off hitter. With Ortiz, Ramirez, and Drew as the meat of the Boston order, Lugo will score plenty of runs. Another great value for Lugo is his eligibility as a 2B, SS, and 3B.
What To Expect: .285 avg, 15 HR's, 75 RBI, 20 Stolen Bases
Howie Kendrick, 2B, Los Angeles Angels
This will be the first year for Kendrick to play everyday in the big leagues. Kendrick has some pop in his bat and speed to burn. Not to mention that Kendrick plays one of the hardest position to fill in fantasy baseball. Kendrick was a .303 hitter after the All-Star break and he has the ability to be a .300 hitter for the whole '07 season.
What To Expect: .305 avg, 15 HR's, 70 RBI, 25 Stolen Bases
Chris Burke, CF, Houston Astros
Chris Burke gets a chance to play everyday this season. Good news for fantasy owners is that Burke is slated to be the second hitter for the Astros as well. This should allow Burke to get plenty of runs hitting in front of Lance Berkman and the newly acquired Carlos Lee. Burke actually has more pop than many people expect, hitting nine home runs last season in 330 at bats. That number is sure to rise, plus Burke can provide a source of some stolen bases. However the best news for the fantasy owner is that Burke is also eligible to play second base in most fantasy leagues. With second base so thin, Burke can be a late round steal that can help you seal the win.
What To Expect: .280 avg, 14 HR's 65 RBI, 18 Stolen Bases
Brandon McCarthy, SP, Texas Rangers
McCarthy finally gets a chance to go to the hill every five days. Now obviously pitching in Texas is not an easy thing to do. But in a small sample McCarthy has had success pitching at Ameriquest Field (1-1 with a 3.86 era in 14.2 innings pitched). Another good sign for McCarthy will be the Texas Rangers offense, which could be very good.
What to Expect: 14+ Wins, 4.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
Chuck James, SP, Atlanta Braves
James turned out to be a very good pickup at the end of last season for fantasy owners. James went 11-4 with a 3.68 era in 06. James also pitches very well at Turner Field. If the Braves can stay healthy this season they should be right back in the thick of things in the NL East. This of course will only help out James and will improve his win totals.
What to Expect: 16 Wins, 3.85 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
Nook Logan, CF, Washington Nationals
Now as many baseball fans know, Nook Logan should not be an everyday center fielder. The problem with that is the Washington Nationals do not agree. Logan is in place to be the teams everyday center fielder. Logan is a one trick pony there is no doubt about that. But stolen bases can be very hard to find in fantasy baseball and Logan sure does have speed to burn.
What to Expect: .260 avg, 3 HR's, 40 RBI, 35 Stolen Bases
Good luck fantasy owners.
RealGM Analysis
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