RomoBall Fantasy Preview - Eight Edition (71-80)

Of all the statistical categories we are targeting on draft day, saves are usually the most attainable in-season. Our strategy is to rate closers lower because of the high injury risk at the position and the subsequent high number of save-getters that will emerge during the year. In head-to-head leagues, passing on relief pitchers opens up more picks to stockpile position players and starters who will win you more of the other categories more of the time. Even in rotisserie leagues we advise that a great bullpen can be built with with late-round picks and one or two shrewd April pickups.

71. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS – CLE. Asdrubal obliterated his previous career highs across the board, but at 26 we’re not ready to deem 2011 his career year. Even if he doesn’t surpass the production of his breakout campaign, expect his numbers to look a lot more like the .273/25/92/17 he put up last season than his totals from years previous.

72. Jhonny Peralta, SS – DET. In his first full year in Detroit, Jhonny realized the dreams that the Indians had for him since his breakthrough 2005. Maybe it was being in a better lineup. But with Sizemore, Hafner, V-Mart and Choo around for much of his Cleveland tenure that seems unlikely. Maybe it was being around Miguel Cabrera, a truly elite righty bat. Most of the offensive talent around Jhonny were predominantly left handed hitters, so watching Miguel’s routines and talking about approach may have made the difference. Whatever the reason, Jimmy Leyland will take .299/21/86 again this year, and is undoubtedly expecting even more from his shortstop.

73. Matt Moore, SP – TB. 2011 will be the year Matt Moore cements himself as THE Matt Moore in the state of Florida. Even though the Dolphins draft strategy may do that on its own, Matt is the early favorite for Rowengartner honors in the junior circuit. That Joe Maddon handed him the ball and that he responded with a 7-inning 2-hit gem at Texas in Game 1 last year shows how polished he already is.

74. Craig Kimbrel, RP – ATL. In 2010 Kimbrel’s first major league action, in which he posted a 0.44 ERA with 40 K in 20.2 innings, was enough to earn him the primary closer’s role in Atlanta heading into 2011. It seemed unfair to Kimbrel to project those numbers over a full season, but the southern fireballer actually made good on those projections. He owned the ninth, posting 46 saves and and striking out 127 in 77 IP with a 2.10 ERA. A couple of blown saves in September cost the Braves the playoffs, meaning it’s plausible Craig is entering 2012 with a chip on his shoulder.

75. Mariano Rivera, RP – NYY. It feels like 42 years since MLB retired Jackie Robinson’s number, when just Moes Rivera and Vaughn and Butch Huskey were permitted to continue wearing it. Now 42, number 42 was barely touchable again in 2011, posting a microscopic 1.91 ERA and notching 44 saves with a minute 8 free passes. The all-time saves leader has gotten better with age, sporting a sub-2 ERA in 8 of the last 9 years.

76. Jose Valverde, RP – DET. Even if news were to come out that Valverde’s real name is World B. Free, he’d still be Papa Grande. With one of the best seasons as a closer in history, Jose became the second-most popular JV in Tiger Town. It’s nearly impossible for him to repeat the perfect 49 saves in 49 opportunities, but the addition of Prince should ensure a plethora of chances again in 2012.

77. Jonathan Papelbon, RP – PHI. Papelbon’s move from Boston to Philly shouldn’t do much to one of the top closers in the game. If there’s any impact, it’s a plus that he’s faced far fewer NL hitters over his career, so he should have the advantage as they get used to facing him.

78. C.J. Wilson, SP – LAA. Wilson’s relocation from Texas to Anaheim earned him $77.5 million McChickens but it also earned him 4 or 5 starts against the Rangers every year. Replacing the Angels with the Rangers on the schedule may result in a slight bump in ERA, but he should get run support and will still get his full helping of starts against the A’s and M’s.

79. David Ortiz, DH – BOS. Big Papi joined Ellsbury, Gonzalez and Pedroia as non-culprits on offense for the Red Sox in 2011. Enjoying a nice resurgence over the past two seasons, David hit .309/29/96 including .329 vs. lefties. If Crawford and Youkilis can get it going for new skipper Bobby Valentine, Boston will have six top-flight bats in their lineup and Papi will have loads of chances to be big.

80. Brian McCann, C – ATL. We don’t know what happened to McCann in the second half in 2011. After mashing at a .310 clip with 15 HR in the first half, he tanked out with a .203/9 line after the break. Still, .274/24/71 is more than serviceable from the catcher’s spot, and to see him at his best is to witness one of the best hitters in the game, not one of the best hitting catchers in the game. It’s unfortunate that some of the best hitters will always have their offensive numbers limited by the physical nature of the position.