2010 Fantasy Baseball Top 50 Projections

#1 - Albert Pujols- No question about it, Albert Whinny the Pujols is the most dominate force in all of baseball today. When it comes to consistency Albert is your man. In his nine year career he is yet to fall below 32hr, 103rbi, 99runs, and a .314 batting average. I would love a player like that on my fantasy team any year, and those are the worst numbers he’s ever put up! Albert is entering the 2010 season 29 years of age and coming off a 47hr 135 rbi season. Right at the peak of his career there is no reason to doubt Albert will have a career year with the addition of Matt Holliday. It is going to be very exciting to see the first full year of the Pujols, Holliday duo. With Holliday protecting him, look for Albert’s ridiculous intentional and non-intentional walk numbers (around once every six times to the plate) to decrease giving him some more opportunities to show off that magical bat of his. Not only do I believe Albert will repeat his 2009 performance, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he has his first 50hr, 140rbi season.

2010 Projections:  132 runs, 54 hr, 148 rbi, .348 ba, 12 sb

#2 - Hanley Ramirez- This kid is a fantasy owner’s dream hitting for power, average, and is a speed demon. Entering 2010, this 26 year old is beginning the best years of his life. Statistics have shown 26-27 is the age a player really breaks out. With a few years under his belt, and a year of experience hitting out of the three hole, Hanley should produce the type of numbers expected from the second ranked player. Also with some of that new young talent in that the beginning of that Marlin lineup, Chris Coghlan, and Cameron Maybin, Hanley should be able to raise his rbi total this year. Who knows, if he can increase his home run numbers we very well maybe talking about this kid in front of Pujols pretty soon.

2010 Projections: 105 runs, 29 hr, 114 rbi, .338 ba, 32 sb

#3 - Alex Rodriguez- Entering the 2010 season at 34 years of age, A-Rod is still in great shape. Prior to this workhorse’s injury at the end of the 2008 season, A-Rod had only missed 20 games in his past 7 seasons, less than 3 games a season. Even missing 38 games last year, he still had a 30hr, 100rbi season. Those numbers should only increase from being healthier, more focused, and 38 more games to work with. 2010 marks an important season for A-Rod. After a year riddled with injury and steroid drama, look for A-Rod, who is 17 hr shy of the prestigious 600 club, to regain his fan base by putting up big numbers and solidifying his mark atop of the baseball world.

2010 Predictions: 109 runs, 40 hr, 135 rbi, .297 ba, 21 sb

#4 - Ryan Braun- Claiming the number one outfield ranking entering 2010, this 26 year old’s potential is through the roof. With three 30hr, 100rbi seasons on his resume, Braun has proven himself as one of the top players in the game today. There is no question in my mind that Braun will have another 30hr, 100rbi, .300ba year, but I believe 2010 will be the year to see if he can elevate his game. Braun’s upward trends, “sweet spot” in age, and three years of experience are all the perfect set-up for a potential career year. His proven consistency and potential upside land him at #4 on my list.

2010 Predictions: 110 runs, 36 hr, 110 rbi, .325 ba, 22 sb

#5 - Troy Tulowitzki- I foresee a big season for the 25 year old. After having a great bounce back season in 2009 and another year of experience added to his resume, Tulo is bound to put up great numbers with this improved Rockies team. One of the most exciting aspects to 2009 for fantasy owners was his sudden burst of speed. After only stealing a combined 11 bases in his first three seasons, Tulo swiped 20 bags in 2009. Not only does this show he has the speed, but I think it also gives him the confidence to attempt it more often resulting in even more stolen bases in 2010. Another bonus for fantasy owners is if Tulo took over as the #3 batter in that Rockies lineup, which means he should see some better pitches and raise his 2009 stats. Though the Rockies are still a very young team, and there are many options for Clint Hurdle, I predict the lineup will look something like this: Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, Tulo, Ian Stuart, Todd Helton, Brad Hawpe, Chris Iannetta, Clint Barmes. Add a sleeper pitching staff to that young talented lineup and the Rockies have a real chance to do some damage this year. This will only up Tulo’s drive to win a Championship, take over as the leader of this squad, and basically play better.

2010 Predictions: 110 runs, 34 hr, 98 rbi, .304 ba, 28 sb

#6 - Price Fielder- Prince is one of the most fun players to watch and my personal favorite player going into the 2010 season. This 5-11, 270 lbs monster, just as his partner in crime Braun, has a huge potential upside this season. After a regression in 2008, (if you want to call 34hr and 102rbi a down year) Prince had a huge bounce back smashing 46 hr with 141 rbi in 2009. If these Howard like numbers weren’t impressive already, Prince managed to boost his batting average up to .299, a feat Howard has yet to repeat since 2006. Prince is the second and only other play I foresee reaching the elusive 50 hr plateau this season. I see the big fella having a career year and joining Albert Pujols in the top tier first basemen.

2010 Projections: 114 runs, 50 hr, 156 rbi, .305 ba, 3 sb

#7 Matt Kemp – Enter 2010, Kemp has a huge upside with a 30hr, 40sb potential season. The upward trends over the last two seasons are only an indication that Kemp will continue to improve in 2010. With a healthy and unsuspended Manny Ramirez this season, it will be interesting to see where Kemp is placed in the batting order. With his versatility, Torre can opt to have him bat in any of the first six spots and with any player, his statistics will differ depending on which spot he hits out of. In my opinion, I would place Kemp in the two hole to maintain the righty-lefty-righty-lefty (Kemp, Ethier, Manny, Loney) middle of the lineup. If this is the case look for his batting average, total runs, and stolen bases to increase, and for his rbi total to decrease. Regardless of his position, look for this kid to have another impressive season.

2010 Projections: 112 runs, 24 hr, 82 rbi, .308 ba, 40 sb

#8 Matt Holliday- Resigning with the Cards was not only the best move for Matt, but fantasy owners alike, will benefit greatly from this. Possibly part of the best 3-4 punch in the game today, Holliday adjusted superbly to his home behind Pujols in 2009. In his 235ab as a Red Bird last season, Holliday hit 13 hr, had 55 rbi, 83 runs, and posted a .353 batting average. After an embarrassing 2007 World Series appearance losing to the Red Sox in four straight games, Holliday finally finds himself on a Cardinal team more than capable of winning it all. Look for Holliday to put up huge numbers this season.

2010 Projections: 105 runs, 30 hr, 140 rbi, .335, 14 sb

#9 David Wright- After coming off a disappointing 2009 season, Wright has proven he has the tools to be one of the best in the game, and there is no reason the 27 year old shouldn’t be able to have a bounce back 2010 season. After an unsurmounted amount of bad luck, injury, NYC pressure, and sheer embarrassment, Wright and the Mets are looking healthy and determined to redeem themselves in the 2010 season. With Reyes and Beltran (will return in May) back in the lineup, and some key off season acquisitions including Jason Bay and Mike Jacobs, look for Wright’s numbers to bounce back up to where they should be. For now Wright should be batting in the three hole in front of Bay, but look for the batting order to be changed around according to manager Jerry Manuel. He has made it clear this offseason he may move Reyes around, which means Reyes, Wright, and Beltran may all fluctuate between the two, three, and five spots in the order. This shouldn’t affect Wright’s numbers too much, but it is something to watch out for.

2010 Predictions: 98 runs, 23 hr, 96 rbi, .316, 30 sb

#10 Mark Teixeria- After a terrible start to the season in 2009 (always slumps in April) and a vicious NY crowd to tame, Tex bounced back big time. Finishing the season with a .292 batting average, 39 hr, and 122 rbi, Tex was able to earn the respect of the infamously brutal NY fans. With A-Rod hitting behind him to start the season and with the acquisition of Granderson, look for Tex to have another big season.

2010 Predictions: 106 runs, 42hr, 128 rbi, .290 ba, 2 sb

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#11 Ryan Howard- You know a position is deep when the 11th overall is 4th at his position. Howard has passed his prime, but should still but up monster numbers in the middle of that Phillies lineup. He also wants to get that bitter taste of losing to the Yankees in the WS last year out of his mouth.

2010 Predictions: 98 runs, 44 hr, 136 rbi, .276 ba, 3 sb

#12 Tim Lincecum- “The Freak” is no doubt the most dominate pitcher in the game today. Finally getting the money he deserves this offseason, look for him to put up some more monster numbers. With three years under his belt, I foresee the 25 year old posting career strikeout numbers.

2010 Predictions: 230 ip, 20-4, 282 k, 2.18 era, .94 whip

#13 Chase Utley- Though possibly the best offensive 2nd basemen entering the 2010 season, there is too much firepower at the other positions to propel Utley above 13th overall on my list. With downward trends the past few years, it seems this 31 year old has already hit the peak of his offensive numbers and is on the decline. No doubt Utley will still produce some great numbers, especially for a 2nd baseman, but I do not see him putting up better numbers then he did last year.

2010 Predictions: 106 runs, 27 hr, 90 rbi, .278 ba, 22 sb

#14 Even Longoria- Entering his 3rd MLB season, this kid has not only proven himself but has a ton of upside. As the newly founded leader of this young Rays team, look for a big year from the 24 year old.

2010 Predictions: 106 runs, 35 hr, 110 rbi, .290 ba, 14 sb

#15 Carl Crawford- Possibly the most underrated OF this year. With more the 50 sb in five of the past seven years, (one 46 sb year) this 28 year old is in an exclusive tier with Jacoby Ellsbury as the best base stealers in the game. With one of the most impressive off season workout programs I’ve seen, and with a very high possibility of being traded to a team in the pennant race at the trading deadline (not that the rays are bad, but too much firepower in the AL east for them to contend this year) look for a good year from Crawford.

2010 Predictions: 100 runs, 18 hr, 70 rbi, .310 ba, 68 sb,

#16 Joe Mauer- My top fantasy bust of 2010. Prior to the 2009 season, Mauer had only one year with more than 10 hr in four seasons. On top of what I think was a power surge fluke in 2009, Mauer will now be playing his home games outside in the Twins new stadium. Out of the warmth of the dome, for three months, he will be playing in an extremely cold Minnesota. For all those doubters who say he’s a native and is use to it, playing baseball in the freezing cold, no matter how adapt you are, will reduce power. Add the fact he is extremely injury prone with serious catcher related issues such as the knees and back. He is huge injury risk, and even if he does stay healthy, I don’t see Mauer breaking 15 hr this year. He still will keep his average and rbi totals up making him one of the premier catchers in the game, just not first round material.

2010 Predictions: 95 runs, 15 hr, 98 rbi, .330 ba, 2 sb

#17 Miguel Cabrera- Feels like he’s been the league forever, yet he’s still only 26. A sure bet to hit 30-40 hr, with over 100 rbi, and maintain a high batting average.

2010 Predictions: 94 runs, 39 hr, 112 rbi, .314 ba, 6 sb

#18 Justin Upton- One of the best young outfielders in the game. With a ton of upside for this 22 year old he will only continue to get better. All the tools to become the next superstar look for Upton to put up big numbers in his second full season.

2010 Predictions: 96 runs, 30 hr, 99rbi, .304 ba, 20 sb

#19 Ryan Zimmerman- After a nice breakout season in 2009, look for Zimmerman to continue to put up great numbers entering 2010, 25 years of age. This young Nationals leader will only get better, especially with this slightly improved Nationals team that will not lose 100 games again this year.

2010 Predictions: 115 runs, 36 hr, 110 rbi, .300 ba, 3 sb

#20 Pablo Sandoval- The Kung Foo Panda is one of my favorite young players in the game. Extremely entertaining and has a ton of potential entering the 2010 season. Only 23 years only, think kid has yet to prove himself as an all star, but he has all the tools and the energy to become one very soon. I see him improving in 2010.

2010 Predictions: 90 runs, 28 hr, 98 rbi, .316 ba, 3 sb

#21 Ian Kinsler

#22 Roy Halladay

#23 Jacoby Ellsbury

#24 Adrian Gonzalez

#25 Kevin Youkilis

#26 Joey Votto

#27 Felix Hernandez

#28 Dustin Pedroia

#29 Victor Martinez

#30 Adam Lind

#31 Zach Greinke

#32 Ichiro Suzuki

#33 Robinson Cano

#34 Shin-Soo Choo

#35 Jimmy Rollins

#36 CC Sabathia

#37 Johan Santana

#38 Kendry Morales

#39 Brian McCann

#40 Derek Jeter

#41 Aaron Hill

#42 Jose Reyes

#43 Jason Werth

#44 Grady Sizemore

#45 Brandon Phillips

#46 Justin Verlander

#47 Jason Bay

#48 Andrew McCutchen

#49 Aramis Ramirez

#50 Derek Lee