Movement in the ranks!
Hey, for you lucky son of a guns out there that get to draft THIS weekend, instead of watching a guy you were high on get hurt before the games even start! (I’m not bitter Jurickson…..I know no one feels worse than you, ugh!)
As our Meeting at the Mound post previously said, I’m looking at movements in the rankings from 5th-20th to assist you in making a solid draft worthy of pre-season favorite status. THIS is the year! I’m hoping you destroy your league with offers coming at you mid season with subject heading: Dude, you are loaded, trade me some ballers! (As how many of the guys I play with would say. Haha)
Shortstops:
This position is probably the most volitale action come draft time. From Bradley Miller fans, to Xander bandwagoners. This position is the most interesting to keep an eye on.
J.J. Hardy – I have him moving up the rankings because the closer I get to the season starting, the more I look for consistentcy. Potential is running dry at SS for this season and with Andrus visiting a doctor really early in the season and cold weather about to bring back reality to a lot of players, I’m looking at Hardy as a pick mid draft. He will play. And by that I mean, he will be on the field and produce solid HR and RBI totals. Give him a look a little sooner than you would have hoped to if you weren’t able to grab Hanley or Tulo.
Alexei Ramirez – Another example of a consistent play at SS that will NOT disappoint you. He will not wow you but trust me, he has been a key cog on several of my championship teams. He is almost a lock to hit .275 with decent pop for a SS, as well as some key SB’s if you are light in that category. If another owner grabs Hardy, jump on Ramirez.
Andrelton Simmons – Catching on to the theme. I’d take all 3 before Starlin and Profar’s of the world. He has to make strides on the offensive end and his lineup may not have many runners in scoring position too often for him since the Braves strikeout like they can win a trophy for it. He will play and games played MEANS something when games get fired up. Quite a few SS’s in the minors just waiting for the call up but until then, get a regular lineup presence in your lineup and chip away at several categories!
Third Basemen:
Nick Castellanos – “Nick the Stick” is my pre-season shocker! I have him on each team I have and I can’t stress this enough…..GET HIM! He could easily be top 10 in doubles by year end and with the lineup hitting in front of him, the RBI opportunities will be there consistently. He is listed as OF in most formats but after 5-10 games, he will give you 3B position eligibility. Double bonus! His spring has been outstanding and I’m all in. I’ve seen him climb up the draft boards as fast as anyone out there. He and Kole Calhoun are trendy picks that make you want to watch your other managers rosters as they fill out there 3B and OF positions. I’d rather reach and get him, than let him go because you don’t think it’s a good value. Don’t over analyze value. A fellow manager took Chris Davis in the fourth round last year in a league I play and I can’t tell you how much of a grilling he took. But who got the last laugh. Don’t over analyze. Get your guys and WIN this year!
Nolan Arenado – When in doubt or desperate, grab a Colorado Rockies player! Haha. Talk about a good theory. Nolan has enjoyed a big spring and we can’t act like the thin air won’t help. Has enjoyed solid, but not great, numbers during his Rockies tenure but this is shaping up to be his break out campaign. Watch closely as his spot in the lineup isn’t set in stone just yet. He will give you above average totals across the board. Great value late in the draft but as stated above, if you need to reach to fill a spot, you could do worse. Guys with names Nolan tend to pan out in the bigs. Just saying!
Chris Johnson – With word he will be hitting cleanup, I’m warming up to the idea of getting him on a roster of mine. He won’t hit for .320+ as he did last year but hitting 4 and swinging at a .285-.300 clip will be just fine to help your championship quality team. Braves are always in the thick of it and his playing time will be there, as he has the ability to play multiple positions pending any injuries. Poor man’s Martin Prado but quite honestly, he could end the season higher on fantasy player rater.
Look for OF, SP, and RP later this week. The last week of spring really shows a team’s plan in regards to batting orders and rotations so stay tuned to Legion Report for our last Movement in the Ranks article before the season starts. Let us know what you think in the comments below and if you have any surprises, let it be known. Baseball is a long season so stay loyal to Legion Report, as I would enjoy helping you WIN your league. THIS is the year! Say it with me……THIS is the year!