Let’s take a look at the defending AL Champs tonight. They were a surprise last year, but they won’t be this year. The addition of Sheffield should get them more offense to go along with arguably the best pitching staff. That is if they can field ground balls properly. If your league has a stat for errors, like one of mine does, this is one team you want to avoid.

Top 3 players:

1. Gary Sheffield, OF - Even though he is an old man, he can hit with the best of them. Add in his attitude to prove the Yankees wrong, and you have a great combination to start the year. I would draft him, let him give you great stats over the first two months, and then trade him before he gets hurt.
2. Jeremy Bonderman, SP - Personally I think he is the best value in pitching since he can normally be drafted in the 8th or 9th round in most 12-team leagues. Is a solid performer with a great opportunity to get over 200 strikeouts. If the defense was better, his ERA would look a lot better. Personally, I love pitchers that can get 200 Ks and an ERA under 3.50.
3. Justin Verlander, SP - I want to put Ordonez or Guillen in this spot, but they are both too old and injury prone. Verlander is a great young pitcher with outstanding stats last year. Who can argue with 17 wins, 6.00 K/9, 2.07 K/BB and a .266 batting average against. His age and ability gives great keeper value as well.

Top Prospect:

Cameron Maybin, OF - I would have had Humberto Sanchez here, but he was dealt to the Yankees in the Sheffield deal. So now I have a 20 year-old that was the 10th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Why? At age 19 he hit .304 with 9 homeruns and 27 stolen bases in Single-A last year. Maggs and Sheff are aging, and he should have a home in the near future.

Breakout Player:

Curtis Granderson, OF - He will turn 26 this year, and has good potential to have the combination of power and some speed. If he gets his AVE up from .260, he could be a great pickup this year.

Player to Avoid in your Draft:

Kenny Rogers, SP - I personally do not like old pitchers that do not dominate in any categories. He may give you 15 wins, but that is not enough to convince me to take him. As I said before, I like pitchers who strike out people at a clip better than Rogers 4.37 K/9.

Not on everyones list, but should be:

Joel Zumaya, RP - I know that this is a pick that most people already have on their list, but I am suggesting that you take him before many established closers. I think he should be taken in the same rounds as Chris Ray and Brad “my pitches are flying out of the park” Lidge. He will be 22 and can throw 100 MPH, and an aging Todd Jones is the only thing standing in his way. Oh, and a 10.48 K/9 is ridiculous!

High Risk / High Reward:

Todd Jones, RP - As I have pointed out, Zumaya is itching to get into the closer spot, and Jones’ age may leave that door open. As with Tom Gordon, if Jones stays healthy he will be a good closer for any team.