My Top Fantasy Baseball Picks

Are you ready for some baseball? In a few weeks baseball fans everywhere will begin their 2008 fantasy sports journey. For me it will be my 14th year participating in fantasy competition.

During this time I have compiled numerous stats.

My top 10 ranking players from the past 13 years are: Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Eric Bedard. I have selected Bedard six times and he has averaged 31.33 fantasy points per week.

When selecting a starting pitcher, remember to select the pitchers with two scheduled starts per week. Another trick is to look for the starter that has been moved to the bull pen. He may end up earning three or more saves in the week in addition to your selected closer.

Second on my overall list is Yankee superstar third baseman Alex Rodriguez. In 52 selections, Rodriguez is averaging 29.88 fantasy points per week.

Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte is third on my overall list. In 22 selections he has averaged 28.54 fantasy points per week. With the turmoil surrounding Pettitte, his fantasy value has decreased and he is affordable.

Fourth on my list is long time Atlanta Brave John Smoltz. In 65 selections Smoltz is averaging 28.11 fantasy points per week. I Look for Smoltz to push himself to the brink this year as he is reunited with long time buddy Tom Glavine.

I believe the pair will be striving for a championship as they both and fellow mate Chipper Jones begin to feel the affects of veteran status. Longtime mate Javy Lopez has rejoined the Braves as well. It could be the last time Braves fans see Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper and Javy as mates. I have my tickets, do you have yours?

Cardinal slugger Albert Pujols is fifth on my top -10 list. Pujols has been a member of my fantasy team 58 times and is averaging 27.43 fantasy points per week.

Seattle Mariner relief pitcher J.J. Putz joined my list last year finishing sixth overall. I selected him 19 times and he is averaging 27.1 fantasy points per week.

Milwaukee Brewer first baseman Prince Fielder slugged his way into my top-10 averaging 26.61 fantasy points per week in 26 selections to claim seventh on my list.

Coming in eighth on my list is Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Tom Gorzelanny, averaging 25.75 fantasy points per week in four selections.

Alfonso Soriano is a solid ninth on my list, averaging 25.64 fantasy points per week in 28 selections.
Finishing out my top -10, is pitcher Carlos Zambrano. He is averaging 25.48 fantasy points per week in 28 selections.

My top players by position are: 1B, Albert Pujols, Cardinals; 2B, Kelly Johnson, Braves; 3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees; C, Javy Lopez, Braves, however chances are Javy will not be a starter, Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers, is the next highest ranking catcher on my list. Alfonso Soriano, Barry Bonds, and Gary Sheffield are my three highest ranking outfielders from the past 13 years.

My top three ranking starting pitchers are Eric Bedard, Andy Pettitte and John Smoltz and J.J. Putz is my leading relief pitcher.

My top ranking players of 2008 were: Pedro Martinez. In one start he scored 38 fantasy points to become my top ranking player of the year.
Eric Bedard was second and Alex Rodriguez, third.

Coming in fourth was Phillies pitcher Brett Myers followed by Prince Fielder in fifth place.

Tom Gorzelanny was sixth followed by Braves third baseman Chipper Jones in seventh.

Miguel Batista snuck in to eighth place followed by Albert Pujols and Gary Sheffield.

Stay tuned to see what surprises and new players the 2008 fantasy season brings.