Top 5 Texas Rangers Keepers - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide for 2009

1. Josh Hamilton - CF

2. Ian Kinsler - 2B

3. Chris Davis - 1B

4. Neftali Feliz - RHP

5. Elvis Andrus - SS

Player Projections and Details

1. Josh Hamilton - CF

Josh Hamilton burst onto the scene last year in stunning fashion by amassing 130 RBIs while hitting more than 30 home runs and batting over .300 for the Rangers. Still just 27, Hamilton is now entering the prime of his career and should be one of the most feared hitters in the league over the next few years. His only weakness in fantasy is his lack of steals, but his offensive output more than makes up that relatively minor shortcoming. The only real question mark with Hamilton is whether or not his well-known history of drug abuse has put more mileage on his body than is typical with a player his age. On the flip side, he is about to enter only his second full season in the majors so his best may still be yet to come. Be confidant in grabbing him in the first round and you will surely reap the benefits.

2. Ian Kinsler - 2B

If Ian Kinsler had not gotten hurt in the middle of August, he likely would have hit 25 home runs and stolen over 30 bases. This year he may just end up with the rarity that is a 30-30-.300 season. Those are MVP caliber numbers, folks. There are very few second basemen you should take over Kinsler, who at 26 is also about to enter the prime of his career. Over the next few seasons Kinsler should be among the league leaders in runs scored, batting average, and should contribute quite a few homers and stolen bases as well. Hitting at the top of the order, his only real weakness should be a lack of RBI opportunities.

3. Chris Davis - 1B

Chris "Crush" Davis made a name for himself in the second half of last season when he was called up to sub at first base for the injured Hank Blalock. In just under 300 at-bats, Davis hit 17 home runs and drove in 55. Pro-rated over a full season that comes out to about 35 homers and 115 RBIs. With a full season in the friendly confines of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and under the full-time tutelage of hitting guru Rudy Jaramillo, you can expect similar numbers from him this year and in the years to come. The man turns 23 in March. The only problem facing Davis comes in the form of super prospect Justin Smoak, who is plays excellent defense at first base to go along with great offensive ability. Davis may be forced to move to DH, or he could be traded, but wherever he ends up he will hit, and he should keep hitting for years to come.

4. Neftali Feliz - RHP

Neftali Feliz was recently named by Baseball America as the Rangers' number one prospect. Baseball writer Keith Law ranks only lefty David Price above Feliz when it comes to the best pitching prospects. And here's why: Feliz throws an effortless 100 MPH fastball. He touched 102 in his first start at Double-A Frisco last summer. His fastball is such a good pitch he could potentially dominate out of the bullpen right now. But the Rangers will be patient with the young 20 year-old flamethrower, as he still needs to work on his secondary pitches. In time he could be a dominant starter in the majors, and if his secondary offerings don't come through he could still be a dominant closer. For 2009 expect to see him in the Rangers' bullpen sometime this summer, where the Rangers can limit his innings and he can rack up the strikeouts. He still has some work to do to reach his ceiling, but it's definitely worth taking a flier on this kid.

5. Elvis Andrus - SS

Rangers management believes so much in Elvis Andrus that they moved one of this decade's best hitters, Michael Young, to third base so as to make room for him at short. His defense is what makes scouts drool, but it should be the comparisons to such players as Orlando Cabrera and Edgar Renteria that make him a good fantasy baseball player. Still only 20 years old, Elvis has a lot of work to do offensively, and he should benefit from hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo In that regard, but he already has fantasy value in the steals department. He is the type of player who could eventually lead the league in the category, but he needs first to consistently reach base. He has done that recently in the minors, but he has yet to play above Double-A. He will need time for his bat to adjust to the majors, but even if he's hitting in the .230 range to start the season, he should still gather steals at a fair pace. Elvis is the type of player that could eventually grow into a very good fantasy shortstop, but right now you just need to keep an eye on his development and grab him if you're short on stolen bases.

Don't Bother With: Michael Young - 3B; Young's offensive production has been in decline the past few seasons, and now that he is at third base there are several better options for now and in the future.