The Top 10 2010 Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidates

While fantasy baseball owners are always looking for the next player who will have a breakout career year, you also need to steer clear of potential problems. Here are the top ten bust candidates for the 2010 fantasy baseball season.

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate - Randy Wolf (Pitcher - Milwaukee)

In 2009, Wolf pitched a career high 214 innings while earning 11 wins and a 3.23 ERA with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wolf used this success to earn a three year deal with the Brewers.

While he may see modest success with them, Wolf will be turning 34 years old this year and is going to have a hard time maintaining the success he had last year. Fantasy baseball owners should expect to see a rise in his ERA and Whip.

Projected 2010 Stats 10 Wins 190 innings 4.10 ERA 150 strikeouts 1.30 Whip

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Javier Vasquez (Pitcher - New York)

Vasquez was a different pitcher with the Braves in 2009, recording 15 wins in 219.1 innings pitched with a 2.87 ERA and 2.38 strikeouts. Despite the success, he has the potential to be a bust this year when he returns to the American League and the Yankees.

Though fantasy baseball owners should expect a high win total with the Yanks, he will drop in the other categories, like ERA and Whip.

Projected 2010 Stats 16 wins 210 innings 3.63 ERA 210 strikeouts 1.13 Whip

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Raul Ibanez (Outfield - Philadelphia)

After arriving in Philadelphia in 2009, Ibanez exploded out of the gates and found his power stroke to the tune of 34 homeruns and 93 RI's in 134 games.

Just like some of the other hitters on this list, fantasy baseball owners would be wise to not over invested in Ibanez. Not only is he turning 37 this year, he saw a 20 point dipping in his batting average.

Projected 2010 Stats .275 avg 28 hr 99 RBI's 80 runs

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Brian Fuentes (Pitcher - Los Angeles)

After coming over from the Colorado Rockies, Fuentes had a career year in 2009. He led the American League with 48 saves in 55 innings of work.

Despite the success, Angels' management is concerned about the drop in his strikeouts and brought in free agent closer Fernando Rodney to keep the pressure on Fuentes.

Projected 2010 Stats 28 saves 3.85 ERA 56 innings

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Carlos Marmol (Pitcher - Chicago)

Last year, Marmol took over the closer role for the Chicago Cubs and will earn the nod again at the start of the 2010 season. While some owners are going to peg Marmol as a second tier closer, it is important to not that he had a major issue in 2009.

Marmol walked 65 batters in 79 innings of work. The Cubs are probably going to keep him on a short leash and if he shows the same lack of control at the beginning of the season, he could find himself out of the closer role. It is wise to find a safer choice.

Projected 2010 Stats 20 saves 3.97 ERA 65 innings

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Chone Figgins (Third Base - Seattle)

After having one of his better seasons in Los Angeles Angels, Figgins cashed in on free agency to play third base for the Seattle Mariners.

While Figgins will give you a solid batting average to go along with 30 or so stolen bases and 85 runs, he will never able to provide the power a normal third basemen offers. It would be best to steer clear of him if there are power hitting third basemen to choose from.

Projected 2010 Stats .280 avg 80 runs 35 stolen bases 60 RBI's 10 hr

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Brian Roberts (Second Base - Baltimore)

Every year, fantasy baseball owners can expect Roberts to help them in three offensive categories; runs, batting average, and stolen bases. The problem is the 32 year-old second baseman has seen a decline in his production in three straight years.

The time has come to make the move and drop Roberts on your draft boards. You can't expect things to turn around since Father Time is beginning to catch up to him.

Projected 2010 Stats .278 avg 102 runs 28 stolen bases 11 hr

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Mark Reynolds (Third Base - Arizona)

In 2009 Reynolds set career highs in every major offensive category, including the strikeout record he had set the previous year. While the 44 homeruns, 102 RBI's and 24 stolen bases are nice, you have to be weary of this record.

Something has to give and fantasy baseball owners should expect to see a dip in production during the coming year. If you are sold on Reynolds' talent, make sure to rate him correctly, especially if your league takes away points for strikeouts.

Projected 2010 Stats .270 avg 32 hr 90 RBI's 16 stolen bases

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Ryan Franklin (Pitcher - St. Louis)

He became the toast of St. Louis after he became the dominant closer in 2009 when he notched 38 saves with a 1.98 ERA. The problem with this unlikely success is that there is a slim chance he is going to be able to repeat it.

The 36 year-old had issues with control during the 2009 season when he walked around 3.5 batters every 9 innings. While Franklin may be able to the third closer on your team, make sure not to bet the farm on him.

Projected 2010 Stats 23 saves 72 innings 3.78 ERA

Fantasy Baseball Bust Candidate Lance Berkman (First Base - Houston)

Since hitting 45 homeruns, fantasy baseball owners have seen a decline in Berkman's production, which concluded with 25 homeruns 80 RBI's in 2009.

While Berkman may suffice as a third tier first baseman as best, it would be wise to look for your power elsewhere. Remember, he is going to turn 35 this year and will never be able to return to the top of the pecking order.

Projected 2010 Stats .285 avg 27 hr 95 RBI's 80 runs

Resources

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