Sometimes fantasy logic is simple. The DH rule helps AL lineups turn over more than NL lineups over the course of the season. We’re not saying draft all Orioles, but the DH has allowed a few AL teams to create some 9-deep scenarios for opposing pitchers, resulting in more frequent 5 and 6 at-bat games. Texas is where it’s at, offering up 8 bats worth drafting and their primo studs won’t even cost you a first rounder. The Montero-for-Pineda swap leaves the Yankees at 8 bats worth owning; V-Mart out and Prince in keeps Detroit at 7 and the Red Sox have 6 fantasy bats. These are the teams where we advise doubling up and having more than one piece in your lineup. In the National League, only the Marlins, Reds, Braves and Nationals offer opportunities to double up in this way, but the chances to do so are fewer, and their monster games will be limited by pitcher’s slot at bats. With Albert and Prince now joining Miguel in the Junior Circuit, the 2012 All Star lineups are already lopsided on paper, so adjust your strategy accordingly.
41. Michael Bourn, CF – ATL. A man is Bourn! He’s a man with wheels. Then along comes you, take him on a contract-year…All extended 80′s TV theme song parodies aside, there’s a guy you take and a guy not taken; the choice is up to you, my friend. Makin’ your way in the league these days takes everything you’ve got. Wouldn’t you like to find a way? Move on up. Take Bourn and find your team’s identity, issue the ultimatum and hit the road to supremacy.
42. Carlos Santana, C/1B – CLE. Santana has the look of a real mauler at the plate. He’s a naturally gifted switch hitter with an advanced batting eye. He should take the next step offensively this season to sport a big batting average to go along with big production. And unlike the other Carlos Santana, he looks nothing like the late Moammar Ghadafi.
43. Pablo Sandoval, 3B – SF. Reports that Sandoval actually ate his hamate bone last season were grossly underreported. Despite that tragedy, Pablo rebounded from the broken hand in a big way, hitting .315/23/70 in just 426 at bats. When asked if he had resorted to krav maga to get his numbers up, the Kung Fu Panda replied, “I don’t know, I’m just smashing the balls.”
44. Brandon Phillips, 2B – CIN. Originally a Montreal farmhand, Brandon was dealt by Omar Minaya (along with Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee) to the Tribe for Bartolo Colon. Years later, an established Brandon is on a contract year, and while he may be able to get something done before the season, he’s preparing for this year like will hit the market after it.
45. Desmond Jennings, OF – TB. Being Tampa’s top prospect is kind of like being the best Simpsons episode. It means you’re damn good, you’re in loads of good company and not everyone is in agreement. The difference between Jennings and Homer vs. the 18th Amendment is there isn’t any pressure on Rex Banner to perform in 2012. His work is done. Desmond’s is just beginning, so let’s project his .259, 10 HR and 20 SB out to .259/20/40 for 2012, a conservative estimate given it’s double his output in 247 at bats, and a full season for a leadoff hitter would be more like 600.
46. Michael Morse, 1B/LF – WAS. M-I-C (see you real soon, baseball) K-E-Y (why? because you homered again) M-O-R-S-E. Membership in the Mickey Morse Club exploded in 2011. He made good on his .289/15/41 in half an ’09 by clobbering to the tune of .303/31/95 in his first full major league season at age 29. His pronounced crouch gives the 6’5″ slugger surprisingly good plate coverage, so it’s not unreasonable to expect that he hits a productive .290+ again this year.
47. Rickie Weeks, 2B – MIL. It came to a decision between Brandon and Rickie in ’11 and RomoBall bet on Brandon to be there all year. Weeks indeed missed significant time, playing in just 118 games and putting up a disappointing .269/20/49 line. This year, Weeks comes in with no Braun for the first 50 games and no Prince at all. Rickie’s aggressive approach reduces his reliance on protection in the order, but it can’t be denied that having Braun and Fielder behind you results in better pitches to hit. We’d love to see him bat leadoff for the Brew Crew this year, who will want to get the homer happy 2B as many at bats as they can.
48. Jay Bruce, RF – CIN. Bruce took a step forward in power and a step backward in batting average in 2011, finishing with a .256/32/97 line for the Reds. A repeat would make Jay a fine 5th round choice, and we expect him to exceed last year’s totals in his age-25 season. Good lineup. Great hitter’s park. Excellent pick.
49. Matt Holliday, LF – STL. Holliday actually seemed better without Pujols in 2011, and the Cards are hoping he continues that trend now that Albert is gone for good to Los Angeles…Anaheim. Wherever. The World Champs went from Old School to just old this offseason, bringing back Lance and adding Carlos Beltran to go with the 32 year-old Holliday who is inked long term. 33 comes after 32 and the numbers go up after that, so grab him this year and hope the Cards are out to prove they are more than Albert Inc. and not the Hangover Part II.
50. Jon Lester, SP – BOS. The Red Sox are betting that Bobby Valentine improves on their 90-72 record. More wins for the Red Sox will surely translate into more wins for their ace lefthander, who is coming off a 15-9 mark in a down year in the city of beans.
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