Top 5 Overall Philadelphia Phillies - 2009 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide

You can't argue with the results the Phillies put up in 2008, bringing home the city's first World Series championship since 1980. A team stocked up with young talent with a penchant for hitting the ball hard, what's not to like from a fantasy perspective? They will be right in the thick of things again in 2009.

#1 Overall Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Howard (1B) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .251 BA, 48 HR, 26 2B, 146 RBI, 1 SB, 105 RS

I played with the idea of putting Utley in this spot instead of Howard because of his all-around game, but in the end, I just couldn't deny a man that has hit 177 home runs in just over three and a half seasons. Howard is perhaps the most feared power hitter in the game today, able to turn any pitch around at will. Yes, he's prone to striking out though, as evidenced by his 199 K's each of the last two seasons. Regardless of the wind though, grab him early and sit on his .260, 48 home runs, and 140 RBI magic.

#2 Overall Philadelphia Phillies: Chase Utley (2B) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .292 BA, 33 HR, 41 2B, 104 RBI, 14 SB, 113 RS

Utley outdid himself in 2008 and was a strong MVP candidate until he slowed down in the latter half of the season. With each passing year, he keeps making fans wonder why he didn't get his opportunity earlier. A second baseman that knocks out 33 home runs and drives in 100 RBI will be in high demand on draft day, so you'll need to get him in the early part of the second round if you want him. Look for a repeat of 2008.

#3 Overall Philadelphia Phillies: Jimmy Rollins (SS) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .277 BA, 11 HR, 38 2B, 59 RBI, 47 SB, 76 RS

It was a down year in most offensive departments in for the defending National League MVP in 2008, but he still put up respectable numbers for a shortstop and will still be considered a second or third round pick in most fantasy drafts. He's likely to rebound a bit in 2009, but I wouldn't go selling the farm hoping for a repeat of 2007. Instead, plan for a season near .285, 18 home runs, 65 RBI, and 42 stolen bases.

#4 Overall Philadelphia Phillies: Cole Hamels (SP) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 stats: 14 Wins and 10 Losses, 3.09 ERA, 1.082 WHIP, 196 SO

How many teams can boast that they have a pitcher capable of striking out 200 batters in a season and have him rank fourth in terms of fantasy value? Not many. Hamels is a fantastic starter, capable of being anyone's number one guy. The wins didn't come through in 2008, but that shouldn't dampen expectations for 2009. At 25, his best years are ahead of him. Expect him to continue to break through in 2009, with a season of 18 wins, 2.80 ERA, and 220 strikeouts on the horizon.

#5 Overall Philadelphia Phillies: Brad Lidge (RP) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 stats: 2 Wins and 0 Losses, 41 Saves, 1.95 ERA, 1.226 WHIP, 92 SO

I really wanted to list Raul Ibanez here, as I really like that move, but I couldn't discount just how much Brad Lidge meant to the Phillies and just how much his turnaround meant to fantasy owners in 2008. A change of scenery was just what the doctor ordered for Lidge as he returned to his untouchable self again, notching 40 saves and striking out close to 100 with his devastating slider. Lock him in for another 40 saves and 95 strikeouts in 2009.

Sources

MLB Standings, MLB.com

MLB Team Stats, Hitting, MLB.com

MLB Team Stats, Pitching, MLB.com

Ryan Howard, Baseball-Reference.com

Chase Utley, Baseball-Reference.com

Jimmy Rollins, Baseball-Reference.com

Cole Hamels, Baseball-Reference.com

Brad Lidge, Baseball-Reference.com