After the 1971 season was completed, Steve Carlton was having contract issues in St. Louis.  Meanwhile, the Phillies were having the same issues with Rick Wise, and on February 25th, the two teams traded for each other’s baggage.

During the 1972 season, Steve Carlton won his first Cy Young award for a horrible Phillies team that won only 59 games all season. In fact, Lefty won 45.8% of the teams games and finished with a 27-10 record.

But what can Steve Carlton teach us about Fantasy Baseball?

During that memorable 1972 season, Carton led the league in Strikeouts (310) and innings pitched (346). On the surface, 310 strikeouts is a huge number. Image Justin Verlander heading into the 2012 Fantasy Baseball season with that many strikeouts the previous year.

Underneath the surface of Steve Carlton’s 1972 league leading 310 strikeouts is the number 8.06. That number represents the number of strikeouts that Lefty struck out on average per 9 inning game, or otherwise known as K/9.

A quick explanation of K/9

K/9 attempts to quantify the rate of strikeouts for a pitcher if he pitched nine innings during every appearance. If a pitcher has a K/9 of 9.00, it indicates that he strikes out 1 batter for every inning pitched. This stat attempts to measure pitcher dominance and establishes a baseline that both starters and relievers can be measured against.

Here are the two top ranked pitchers from the 2011 season:

• 2011 Justin Verlander – 250 Ks, 251 innings, 8.96 K/9
• 2011 Craig Kimbrel – 127 Ks, 77 innings, 14.84 K/9

Both pitchers has fantastic seasons in 2011, but the K/9 stat indicates Kimbrel was the more dominate when it comes to strike outs. Let’s image the Craig Kimbrel pitched 250 innings last year and maintained his 14.84 K/9 rate:

• Craig Kimbrel – 250 innings, 14.84 K/9 = 412 strikeouts

Wow! Don’t worry; I am not going to advise you to draft Craig Kimbrel during the first round of the draft.

Please keep in mind that K/9 will fluctuate from year to year.  While Carlton’s 8.06 K/9 in 1972 was a solid rate, he posted pedestrian numbers the previous two seasons (6.85 in 1970 and 5.66 in 1971). In fact Lefty did not reach the 8.0 K/9 plateau again until 1980. Most pitchers do not fluctuate that much unless injuries are involved.

What can Steve Carlton teach us about the 2012 Fantasy Baseball season?

The 1972 Phillies were a horrible team, and yet Lefty managed to dominate hitters all season long. Quite often, the best Fantasy pitchers are not on the best teams. Seriously, just because Ivan Nova (5.33 K/9) pitches for the Yankees does not mean he should be drafted this season. Teams like the Pirates and Padres present far better #4 and #5 options for Fantasy Baseball pitching staffs in 2012.

During the 2011 season, 37 starting pitchers posted a K/9 above 8.00 with a minimum of 100 innings pitched. Here are some of the more intriguing names that I found on the list:

• Brandon Beachy – 10.74 K/9
• Jonathan Sanchez – 9.06 K/9
• Erik Bedard – 8.70 K/9
• Edinson Volquez – 8.61 K/9
• Bud Norris – 8.52 K/9
• Scott Baker – 8.20 K/9
• A.J. Burnett – 8.19 K/9
• Chris Capuano – 8.17 K/9
• Max Scherzer – 8.03 K/9

With the exception of Max Scherzer (considered to be a disappointment in 2011) and Brandon Beachy (led the league in K/9), all of these pitchers play for weaker teams and Fantasy Baseball players have written off most of them.  Here is the ADP for all of them as well as the round selected in a 12-team league:

• Brandon Beachy – 133.70 – 12^th round
• Jonathan Sanchez – 302.10 – 26^th round
• Erik Bedard – 338.10 – 29^th round
• Edinson Volquez – 350.40 – 30^th round
• Bud Norris – 267.50 – 23^rd round
• Scott Baker – 257.70 – 22^nd round
• A.J. Burnett – 400.00 – undrafted
• Chris Capuano – 394.00 – 33^rd round
• Max Scherzer – 153.70 – 13^th round

OF the pitchers listed, Brandon Beachy has the best chance to be the “Steve Carlton” for 2012, and I also really like Max Scherzer’s draft value.  However, despite the K/9 rates I would avoid Jonathan Sanchez and Edinson Volquez due to their walk rates. The rest of the pitchers are worth a late draft pick to see how everything pans out early in the season.  Yes, that even applies to A.J. Burnett.

I am planning on targeting Beachy, Scherzer, Bedard, Norris, and Baker from this list.  Which starting pitchers are you targeting in 2012 fantasy baseball?

The second mock draft for our readers took place on Thursday, February 16^th.  It was a 12 team mixed with a fairly standard roster (C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF(5), CI, MI, U, SP(2), RP(2), P(4), B(2)) and we had one no-show and one computer pick.  It is always best to have a full slate of active drafters, but we make do as best we can.  The results of the draft are posted on GoogleDocs as per usual, here.

As I normally do, I will analyze the draft, and comment on picks I see as values, picks that maybe were reaches and the picks that make me go "Hmm."  I will break the draft up into 3 substantially equal chunks, rounds 1-7, 8-15 and 16-23.

Just as a point of reference, I tried out a new technique in this draft, something totally alien to me.  I have an anathema for drafting pitchers early, so this mock I tested out a draft scenario where I took a SP in the second round, and then continued to take one pitcher every 3 picks thereafter.  I didn't love my team when the draft was finished, but it wasn't horrible.  The offense that I ended up with was adequate, but certainly I could have done better.  No more early pitcher drafts for me.

Rounds 1-7

Aside from my pick of Kershaw in the second round (What? Not Verlander?  No, he's being overvalued in the early mocks I have witnessed; despite his Cy Young 2011, I prefer the runner up or Doc Halladay), and yackmann's selection of Granderson at the end of the second, all went as expected in the first two rounds.  Kinda surprised to see Halladay last until the third, and the selection of Hosmer and Lawrie strike me as slight reaches as their values are unproven, but based on ADPs, they went as necessary.

I like the Desmond Jennings pick, despite the fact that he, too, is essentially unproven.  I see him as a power/speed combination that should be targeted as an OF2.  ARod in the mid fifth is a pick of faith-you have to believe he's gonna be healthy to make this selection, but then again, you have the same risk with Youklis who went 2 picks later to me. 

I am not sold on either Alex Gordon or Choo, who went in the 6^th.  Again, acts of faith, or gambles that either the success continues or there is a return to form.  Josh Johnson in the 7^th is also a huge risk/reward pick.

Ian Kennedy, Michael Cuddyer and Adam Jones in the 7^th strike me a good values.  I couldn't let Ryan Howard pass me by at the end of the 7^th (I got him in the 16^th round recently, but with a computer picking here, I knew he wouldn't last that long).

Rounds 8-15

Now we get into the interesting section of the draft.  My draft was skewed because of my experiment, but the rest of the picks will reveal interesting trends, if we examine the selection process.

The 8^th round revealed how much depth exists in starting pitching.  Gallardo, Cain, Shields, Bumgarner, Kimbrel, Daniel Hudson and Wainwright are all high value pitchers.  The 9^th round, alternatively, revealed that there was still hitting depth available.

C.J. Wilson and Beachy lasting until the 10^th gives me hope for future drafts, assuring me that I can rely on my usual preferences to take pitchers later in drafts.  Closers don't start to go en masse until the 11^th round, and this trend continues through the 14^th round. 

There is plenty of offense to populate the draft through the first 14 rounds.  It is only when we get to the 15^th round that some choices become dicer.  I believe  Francoeur, Trumbo, Cespedes and Carlos Lee all have potential to shine, but also could crash and burn.

Rounds 16-23

Now we see who is valued late and what players are available to fill those final roster slots.

I don't think Tim Hudson should be a 16^th round pick, but I do think Dunn belongs down here.   

Neil Walker and Edwin Encarnacion are both good IF options late.  Belt, Harper, Trout, Lorenzo Cain and Morales are all worthwhile longshots here in the late rounds.  Jaime Garcia, Fister and Colby Lewis are all pitchers with significant upside late-another reason I don't take pitchers early.

I'd take Gaby Sanchez over Carlos Pena in the last few rounds any day.  Quentin's move to Petco has really hurt his value.  Rios, Vernon Wells and Dexter Fowler have fallen because of recent slumps, but could be great values this late.  I wanted Minor in the 20^th, but was not disappointed to get Wandy there, either.  Grady Sizemore may prove to be a late round gem, but I'm not betting on that outcome.  We began to see middle relievers go in the 20^th round, as all the named closers had gone off the board (except for James Johnson of the Orioles, and I don't want to roster him at all), and I fully embrace this trend. 

Denard Span if he's healthy is a steal in the 22^nd round.  Brad Peacock intrigues me and I will be targeting him in deeper drafts.  Delmon Young, Angel Pagan and Dayan Viciedo are three OF options I plan to explore late in drafts, as I believe they can give decent stats for a minimal investment.

Next week I plan on holding another mock draft on Thursday, February 23^rd.   8:30 PM EST seems to be a good time so far, but if you have differing needs, let me know via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The link to the 3^rd draft on CouchManagers is here, do make plans to join us for the fun.

As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training and begin their workouts, I am reminded about the spring like optimism I had five years ago. It was during the start of Spring Training in 2007 when I published my first article on Fantasy Gameday.

Wow! Can you believe we have been doing this for five years?

While many Fantasy Sports sites have come and gone, we still plug away.  However, I will freely admit that I cannot compete with the larger sites out there and their financial backing.  I will also admit that there are times when content does not arrive at a consistent pace.

Fantasy Gameday has a dedicated writing staff that is extremely knowledgeable in baseball and football and write for the enjoyment of helping others.

So where do we go from here?

Well, that is a complicated answer.  Over the past year we have added Fantasy Football to our lineup and have a great group of followers on Twitter and Facebook. I have numerous additional ideas to add value to Fantasy Gameday.  However, I also have a third child on the way this summer, and a possible relocation as well.

Don’t worry, we are NOT closing down.

I simply need to focus on adding a few items from my list and not everything.  Here are a few of my ideas:

• Weekly waiver wire article to be posted every Sunday including FAAB strategies
• Weekly Roundtable discussion around topics you will choose
• Establish a newsletter that will have unique content for subscribers
• News updates in Video format
• Expanded Football coverage

Those are my top five items that I want to add this season.  Don’t worry; the writing staff will be doing their normal weekly articles as well. I also have some ideas regarding in season strategies and a 30-day series of articles.

Finally I want to take the time to thank the wonderful group of guys that offer their time and expertise here at Fantasy Gameday.

First, I want to send a special thank you to Dan Leason who took over the Fantasy Football section of the site and did a fantastic job. I wish everyone could have seen all the work Dan was doing behind the scenes.

Second, I want to thank the Big 3 who helped to put FGD on the map. Chuck Anderson (now with fantasypros911) was the first writer to join me.  Shortly there after, Ivar Anderson (now with Fantasy Alarm) and Jordan Simon joined in.  These three guys have stuck around since the early days of the site, and I consider them all as friends.

Finally I want to thank the rest of the wonderful writing staff:

• Jeremy Tiermini, our Injury Expert
• Chris Spencer, our stat guru
• Randall Dean, our dedicated columnist for both baseball and football
• Matt Tavormina, who has returned to the team
• Matt Vandenbrand, our hockey guy
• Michael Noland, our behind the scenes statistician
• Austin Brass, or dedicated football writer

I cannot express my gratitude enough for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. My hope is that we can provide valuable information and opinions to help you win this season.  Don’t forget to email us anytime with questions or call me on Skype.  Seriously, who offers direct one-on-one fantasy advice via Skype?  Try it out.

Now on to…. Spring Training!

With the conclusion of the football season, I decided that it was the perfect time to start running our weekly mock drafts.  This past Thursday, we held our first such event, and had a full slate of participants.  For the initial mock, I set it up as a 10 team mixed league with 25 roster slots (C 1B 2B 3B SS OF OF OF P P P P P P P P P and 7 Bench spots).  The large bench gave each drafter a chance to craft his own team as he saw fit, drafting a CI/MI combo, having an 11 man pitching staff, etc. 

The results are posted on GoogleDocs here.

As I have done the past couple of years, I will write a review of the proceedings on the weekend following the draft, putting forth my commentary on picks that I love, those that I am not enamored of and those that make me go “Huh?”  Feel free to comment, as that is the value of mock drafting, getting a sense of what to expect when our actual drafts roll around.  For convenience sake (mine, mainly), I will break up the draft into 3 sections, Rounds 1-6, 7-15 and 16-25.FGD Readers

Rounds 1-6

Nothing real surprising the first two rounds.  I did like Scott Gilroy’s back to back of Cano and HanRam.  Kind of surprised Cano lasted that long.

Braun goes early 3^rd round and that’s what I’ve been seeing.  If something happens to his suspension in a positive way, expect him to bounce up into the top of the first round.

Pedroia also lasted longer than I would have expected.  Personally, I like Kinsler more, but if you factor in the injury factor, I can make a case for Pedroia going as the 2^nd 2B.

Granderson and Napoli I believe are being overvalued currently.  My love for Granderson is well publicized, but even so, I’ve backed off picking him as my first OF.

Verlander seems to be everyone’s favorite #1 SP, but at least he went in the 3^rd round here.  Not a strategy I promote, as I prefer to get offense first, and I believe even snagging an ace in the third hurts you down the road in the draft.

Howie Kendrick going as the 2^nd pick in the 6^th was a bit of a surprise.  Perhaps last season we all saw the light snap on for him?

Jordan’s selection of Lawrie highlights the need to mock draft on your league’s software prior to your actual draft.  I took just before him, but if I had scrolled a bit, Lawrie would have been on my team, not Jordan’s.  Familiarize yourself with the draft board so you don’t suffer any nasty surprises of undiscovered gems.

Rounds 7-15

Now we get into the meat of the draft, where many leagues are won or lost.  Developing a strong pitching staff and depth at hitter are essential to compete.  Trading and waiver wire/FAAB pickups will only patch so many holes if you stumble here.

Ryan Howard, assuming he comes back in May (or earlier) is a steal in the mid 7^th round.

I feel Shane Victorino hangs around too long in most drafts.  Steady performance, nothing to knock your socks off, but good production overall.

Round 8 is where the first closer was taken, and while I like Kimbrel, I never take closers early.  Saves come into the league all season long, and with Kimbrel’s work load last season, I am being cautious.  Plus, I don’t start drafting pitchers, and SPs only, until round 10 or so (here I acted in the 9^th to assure myself of getting Ian Kennedy).  But that’s just me; YMMV.

I worry about Josh Johnson,  Drew Stubbs, Jayson Werth and Mat Latos to take them for my teams, at least until I can gather some spring training info on them.

I worry about Bonifacio, too, but Olin seems to have no such concerns, as evidenced here and in other drafts.  I do think both Cuddyer and Logan Morrison are great values here in the 11^th round.

I was hoping to take Beachy in the 13^th, but Olin beat me to him.  Love the K/9 ratio he posted last season.

Ike Davis is a nice value pick at the end of the 14^th round.  Mark Trumbo, however, worries me as that DH/1B situation is a bit crowded with Morales coming back (or so we’ve been led to believe).

Once again, I liked what Scott did at the turn, grabbing Leubke and Duda, both of whom I have as moderate sleepers. 

Rounds 16-25

I, as is my wont, took Adam Dunn.  I must be delusional, but there is NO WAY his 2012 could be as disastrous as 2011.  When we drafted in a 15 team/50 player league in Phoenix at FirstPitch this past November, I initially believed I reached when I took him in the 9^th round, but in a draft that deep, you need to take some chances.

Kenley Jansen, taken by Scott at the end of the 17^th round, is getting serious love in expert drafts.  Not that the experts don’t make mistakes, but this makes me want to wait on closers even more.

Francoeur lasting until the end of 18^th seems to say that not everyone is buying in on his career resurgence that we witnessed last season.

I hate to keep talking up Scott’s draft, but the back to back of Neil Walker and Colby Rasmus could pay huge dividends this season.  I know Rasmus stunk up the joint when he went to Toronto last year, but I feel he has too much talent to simply fall off the table again.

Albert Lang’s back to back selection of Capps and James Johnson could be brilliant, getting value at closer, or it could blow up badly. I like Capps better than Johnson to last the majority of the season at closer, I have to confess.

Some middle relievers/set-up men were selected in the 21^st-23^rd rounds.  Venters, Abreu, Adams, Reed, Melancon and Balfour all speak to the value of non-closers that give you good counting and percentage stats, with more IP than a 9^th inning guy.  I know a lot of fantasy players rail against the Hold stat, and won’t consider it as a category, but my feeling is by using Holds in a 6x6 league, you are opening up a huge source of pitching riches that are not available in a standard 5x5 or 4x4 league.  Holds are especially nice in an AL or NL-only league.

Rios is a nice risk here at the end of the draft.  Like Dunn, he has the talent to provide adequate stats for your team.

Bourjos, who Jordan took in the 24^th round, is another late value who could be considered a sleeper.

All in all, a great way to spend a February evening.  Remember, we hold these mocks for you, our readers.  I will be accommodating when it comes to scheduling the drafts (they have to be held during the evening Monday through Friday, but if we get a call for a weekend draft soon, I can arrange that, too) as well as the draft format (number of roster spots, mixed/AL-only/NL-only, positions-just don’t ask for a 2 C league, but a no C league is fine).  You just have to let me know what you would like to see and I will attempt to make it so.

I will be using Couch Managers primarily this year, although we could have a draft on Mock Draft Central, as well, if the demand is there.  Although you need to register on either site to participate, I will make certain all the drafts are free for the drafters, as a pre-season gift to you for joining in on the fun.

Info on the next draft:

Next week’s draft is up and ready to go over at Couch Managers Password is FGD2. I set it up as a 23 round mixed draft with CI/MI, 5 OF, 2 SP, 2 RP and 4 P slots. No set time yet, so let me know when you can draft if you are interested.

I check here for comments during the week, but the best way to reach me is via e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on Twitter @johnwhorfin.

Do not laugh at the title.  I realize the 2012 Fantasy Baseball season has not even started. Yet we are going to talk about 2013 already?

A very loyal reader asked about whom the top 3 picks for the 2013 draft will be.  While at first glance you might scoff at the question, his reasoning is extremely valid. If players like Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols, and Jose Bautista are indeed top 3 picks for next season, then he should target them at the top of the draft.  However, if other players like Matt Kemp or Justin Upton will be valued as a top 3 selection then he should target them.

His reason for asking the question will go a long way to determining his draft position in a league.  Selecting within the top two spots in the draft will allow you to choose whomever you want.  Average Draft Position dictates that selecting Albert Pujols at that slot is “wise”.  However, by doing so, players such as Kemp or Upton will be taken before he gets the chance to pick again.

I posed the question to the entire writing staff, and the challenge was greeted with enthusiasm. Below you will find everyone’s responses, including mine at the end.

Ivar Anderson:

1. Miguel Cabrera – The addition of 3B eligibility pushes him to the top of the pile in 2013.  Besides, playing with Prince Fielder (and Victor Martinez next year) is just sauce for the goose.
2. Troy Tulowitzki – Position scarcity is the key here for me, but I have been a Tulo supporter since he burst onto the scene.
3. Albert Pujols – He is slowing down a bit, but still a top-tier producer no matter where he plays.

Full disclosure… I really wanted to go with Curtis Granderson as the third selection, but that would have been just crazy talk.  Sorry that my selections are so pedestrian, but the top players usually are safe picks unless injury or stupidity strikes.

Jeremy Tiermini:

1. Miguel Cabrera – A full season in front of Prince Fielder made Ryan Braun an MVP.  Even though he will mix time at DH and first base, 3B eligibility pushes him over the top.
2. Hanley Ramirez – With Jose Reyes and Ozzie Guillen in the mix, Han-Ram will no longer be the center of controversy in Miami.  I think he will return to pre-2011 form.
3. Matt Kemp – After finishing second in the MVP voting again in 2012 (to Hanley Ramirez), Kemp will cement his spot as a top 3 fantasy baseball option.

Jordan Simon:

Alright, I'm really going out on a limb. Though I'd be more comfortable with my #s 2 and 3 for 2014, all I see "in their way" is aging veterans who may maintain their elite numbers or start showing skill set slippage.

1. Miguel Cabrera - Still young, in the middle of a potent lineup (assuming   VMart returns from his gruesome injury), and presumably will add 3B   eligibility---though the grand experiment should not be seen as a given, since   Leyland and his pitching staff may cringe at this butchers' infield.
2. Justin Upton. Although his walk rate decreased, his K% declined far more dramatically, while his improved aggressiveness at the plate has already   significantly reduced the gap in both lefty/righty and home/away splits. At  25-6 he'll be entering his true prime.
3. Brett Lawrie - I'll throw in a real wild card. Honestly I don't expect him to reach his full potential until 2014. But when was the last time we saw a Genuine 30/30 threat at the hot corner?

Here's part of my rationale for both Upton and Lawrie (who has genuine 30/30 potential as a 3B): Studies are beginning to show that the true power peak isn't 27-8 but 25-6, at least for players who graduate early to the majors. Look at all the options and you see they're hitting 29, 30, and 31 in 2013. Another reason I didn't include Kemp is that he's really only put up spectacular numbers one season, his plate discipline remains somewhat suspect, and the surrounding cast is marginal.

Chris Spencer:

Guess it is my turn to chime in…

1. Ryan Braun – Until the possible suspension, he was in the discussion as the #1 pick for this season.  He’s a beast and you all know it.  He’ll come back with a vengeance after 50 games.
2. Troy Tulowitzki – 30 homeruns from the shortstop position is the next best thing after finding money in your jeans.
3. Joey Votto – He has hit 29 or more homeruns and 103 or more RBIs while batting on the positive side of .300 over the past two years.  He is in a great ballpark and the Reds lineup is coming together. Look for the entire Reds’ team to take a big step forward with Joey Votto the horse leading that carriage.

By the way, I am not buying into all the Miguel Cabrera love. Everyone... I mean EVERYONE is predicting that he will easily shift over to the hot corner and elevate his already high fantasy value. I'm not buying it. Is he worth 1st round pick this year? Yes. Will he dominate this year? No. It wouldn't surprise me if his value dropped due re-learning new position (name the last person to move from 1st to 3rd and increase their value) or off field issues (not too long ago this was the case) or injury (just a few years ago he was labeled fat & lazy).

Randall Dean:

1. Miguel Cabrera – I would have slotted him at #2 or #3 before the addition of Prince Fielder.  Adding third base eligibility to an elite hitter turns him into Fantasy Baseball gold.
2. Matt Kemp – He had a ridiculous season in 2011 and should have been the MVP.  This is one star that is just beginning to shine.
3. Justin Upton – He is just entering his prime and has ALL the tools to be a top tier Fantasy Baseball stud for years to come.

Matt Vandenbrand:

I think my selections will take a different route than the rest of the staff.  I would like to pick Justin Upton, but he falls just short for me. The ballsy pick of Brett Lawrie at 3^rd seems ridiculous, but I watched the kid a lot after he was called up and he is the real deal. Picking Brett Lawrie that high is probably the boldest pick you’ll see anywhere and I love it!

1. Matt Kemp – Anyone with legit 40/40 talent has to be the number one pick.  We have most likely seen his ceiling, but a repeat of 2011 is entirely possible.
2. Troy Tulowitzki – Shortstop is so thin each season.  Though his projections (90 runs, 30 HR, 110 RBI, .310 AVE) are not elite, position scarcity makes him a must have selection.
3. Miguel Cabrera – He is a top 3 pick even if the addition of third base eligibility does not happen. We all know he most likely will gain it, and his elite numbers will likely improve with Prince Fielder in the lineup.

Matt Tavormina:

1. Albert Pujols - I have no reason to worry about Pujols.  In fact, I have rarely worried less about one player.
2. Hanley Ramirez - He's young, incredibly talented, and will have 3B and SS eligibility this year. Ramirez may have a slightly poor attitude, but he's no Milton Bradley.  I think he is undervalued this season due to people overracting to the numbers he posted in 2011. The guy was a top 3 selection very recently, and will return to that status in 2013.
3. Ryan Braun - He would be there this year, and as long as he doesn't let his situation get to his head, he will be the #1 outfielder during the second half of 2012.

Michael Noland:

1. Troy Tulowitzki - I believe that Tulo is a great foundation for a team and is just beginning to hit his peak. Tulo should be a no brainer in 2013 as a top overall pick with his solid speed and power capabilities.
2. Matt Kemp - A close second to Tulowitzki. The recent contract extension means he is going to be in the same ballpark for a while. I really like that Matt Kemp will be under 30 years-old, and has put together three solid fantasy baseball seasons to this point. I feel he is the best outfielder available.
3. Adrian Gonzalez - Everyone knows he has the AVG, HRs, and RBIs to justify a top 3 selection. Being in Boston for 2 more years will cement him as the go to guy offensively on that team.  This will not only help his overall numbers, but also give him the lineup protection to thrive.

Chuck Anderson:

1. Miguel Cabrera - Due to interleague play, adding 3B eligibility is a foregone conclusion and come 2013 he will have Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez hitting around him.
2. Albert Pujols - Look for a mild bounceback year in 2012 keeping him among Fantasy Baseball's most prized assets.
3. Troy Tuliwtzki - I worry more about Reyes' hamstrings and Ramirez' shoulder than the nicks that Tulo seems to accumulate.  When he is on the fieldhe is by far the most desirable shortstop and a great foundation for a Fantasy Baseball team.

Kelly Pfleiger:

Wow! Fantasy Baseball experts are certainly a fickle bunch. Allow my to be the voice of reason within this entire discussion.

1. Ryan Braun – While I can understand that the possible 50-game suspension will impact this season, I think everyone is being too nearsighted regarding the fantasy goodness that is Ryan Braun in 2013.  If he was being selected #1 overall before the suspension news, why wouldn’t he be draft #1 overall in 2013?  I don’t think the skills are going away.
2. Joey Votto – Even though Albert Pujols might deserve to be placed here, Votto has progressed in each of the past three seasons.  Since 2008, his walk rate has increased by 5.3%, and Votto lowered his strikeout rate last season to a career low 17%.
3. Justin Upton – I really like the recent improvements with his approach at the plate, and the power is going to develop a bit more this season.  As much as I love Matt Kemp I think we saw his ceiling in 2011 (never mind the plate discipline issue and lack of lineup protection).  However, I believe we have only seen the start of what Justin Upton can do.

Over the past few years, I would have been far more conservative with which players I would have selected.  As Jordan pointed out, the peak ages for players starting in the major leagues before the age of 24 is earlier than the traditional “magic 27 year” philosophy indicates. 

In addition, my research is beginning to reveal that the vast majority of the top players each season are actually under the age of 30 with at least 3 years of professional experience.

Tell us who you think will be the top 3 selections in 2013.  Trust me, it is not as easy as you might think!