My list of the 12 most valuable fantasy baseball players wouldn’t be of any use to me if it stayed constant. So I admit this list will change between now and draft day, as we get health updates. Currently, here’s my list:
1. Hanley Ramirez, SS
2. Albert Pujols, 1B
3. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
4. Jose Reyes, SS
5. David Wright, 3B
6. Grady Sizemore, OF
7. Chase Utley, 2B
8. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
9. Ryan Braun, OF
10. Ryan Howard, 1B
11. Jimmy Rollins, SS
12. Ian Kinsler, 2B
The first round is generally the simplest to map out, and I’d say the main difference between my list and others I’ve seen is that I have more confidence than most in Utley. What do you think?
In general, I like your ranking…. I feel a little uncomfortable taking Utley in the first round given his injury risk. I personally clump Utley in the same camp as Soriano and other high-value injury-risk players.
Here is my order:
1. Hanley Ramirez, SS
2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Jose Reyes, SS
5. David Wright, 3B
6. Grady Sizemore, OF
7. Ryan Braun, OF
8. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
9. Mark Teixeira
10. Jimmy Rollins, SS
11. Ian Kinsler, 2B
12. Ryan Howard, 1B
Honestly I don’t see any problems with the list you proposed. You know the saying ‘you can’t win your league in the first round, but you can lose it’? I don’t think you’ll lose your league for drafting one of the 12 players you listed.