Fantasy Baseball 2008 Middle Round Values: Catchers and First Basemen

Everyone knows that you can select a pretty good player in the first and second round of your fantasy baseball draft. Everyone also knows that you can select your sleepers as early as Round 9 or 10 as well. However, the players you select in Rounds 3-10 could have an overwhelming impact on the outcome of your fantasy baseball draft, and ultimately, your standing in the league as well. Here are names of catchers and first basemen: middle round players you should target to reap the most value out of each of your picks.

Catcher: Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

It is certainly hard to justify selecting a catcher not named Russell Martin or Victor Martinez in the early rounds of your draft, but if you feel the urge to take a catcher in the middle rounds, look no further than Brian McCann. Okay, so there really aren't that many standout catchers after the top two, but I'd rather have McCann than Mauer and Posada, who are similarly ranked. McCann is a budding young catcher playing for an exciting Atlanta Braves lineup. He is placed in the heart of the lineup, with decent protection before and after him to ensure good run and RBI numbers. McCann can offer your team a solid .300 batting average and 20 home runs, which are numbers worth buying into, especially at a catcher position that drops off so quickly after the first six or seven.

Round Projection: 7th or 8th Round
Other Catchers To Consider: Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins / Kenji Johjima, Seattle Mariners

First Base: Derrek Lee, Chicago Cubs

Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Prince Fielder dominate the first base category this season, and Lee is one of the most overlooked assets available in fantasy drafts this season. Not only does the powerful Lee play for a great Chicago Cubs lineup, he also has rare base-stealing ability for a first baseman. In 2005, Lee hit a stunning 46 home runs, and despite battling wrist problems, he still managed 22 home runs last year. Look for a bounceback for the power numbers from Lee, as well as 10 stolen bases and a rock solid .300 batting average. The thing about it: he'll help you out in runs and RBIs too. The guy can do it all.

Round Projection: 4th, 5th, 6th Round
Other First Basemen To Consider: Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres / Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays