The fantasy draft is very important. It is now you get your cornerstone players and your trade bait when a player goes down. It is important to know that bad years come and go and the some are a sign of things to come. It is important to recognize a rising star as well as a falling star. But just remember one thing, the falling star sometimes brings the most heat. And now here are my 2004 Fantasy Rankings.

Catchers

1. Jorge Posada – New York Yankees
Last year Posada posted great numbers from the catcher position. He hit .281 with 30 HR’s and 101 RBI’s. Outstanding for a catcher and I expect bigger things for him this year with Yankees revamped lineup. You can almost expect a career year for him has the players around him continue to get better.

2. Ivan Rodriguez – Detroit Tigers
We all know what Pudge is capable of doing. Last season Pudge lead his team to a world championship, while hitting .297 with 16 HR’s, 85 RBI’s and 10 stolen bases. Although Pudge is known for being one of the games elite catchers do not be surprised if being in Motown hurts him. Pudge is a very consistent player but do not be surprised if playing on the worst team in baseball has an affect on his numbers.

3. Javy Lopez – Baltimore Orioles
What can you say about Javy other than probably the best offensive catcher baseball last year. Lopez hit .328, while hitting 43 HR’s and driving in 109 RBI’s. Amazing for a catcher. Javy’s history of injuries makes him a risk, but his upside is well worth the risk. He will be facing many pitchers for the first time now that he is in the American League, and I think if he stays healthy he will definitely have the advantage.

4. Mike Piazza – New York Mets
Last year Piazza really struggled with injuries. Although his injuries maybe carrying him towards the downside of his career, there is no argument he might be the most powerful hitting catcher in baseball. If he plays the whole year you can expect 30+ HR’s and 90+ RBI’s.

5. Jason Varitek – Boston Red Sox
After a breakout season last year, which earned him an all-star appearance, a lot is expected of Varitek. Last year Jason posted a .273 avg. while hitting 25 HR’s and knocking in 85 runs. You can expect similar numbers this year.

First Basemen

1. Albert Pujols – St. Louis Cardinals
At 24 years old, Pujols is already one of the top 3 players in the game. The kid is scary good. A franchise player. Last season he hit .334 with 43 HR’s and 124 RBI’s. Draft this kid, and enjoy!

2. Jason Giambi – New York Yankees
Giambi had an off year last season and still hit 41 HR’s and drove in 107 runs. The former MVP will now have Lofton, Jeter and A-Rod ahead of him and Williams, Shefield and Posada behind him in the lineup. I can only see a monster year for him. Draft Giambi with confidence.

3. Todd Helton – Colorado Rockies
Last year his power numbers seemed to be down, and he still had 33 HR’s and 117 RBI’s. Do not ever worry about his power numbers as long as he in Coors Field. Oh yeah, the man can hit, had .358 batting avg. Helton is another player you can draft high and know he will produce for you.

4. Carlos Delgado – Toronto Blue Jays
Last year Delgado hit .302 with 42 HR’s and posted 145 RBI’s. Delgado’s numbers will rest in the success of the young kids around him. We all know Delgado can hit and hit with power. If he gets production from the top of line up his numbers will be close to the same. If production is down, expect the avg and RBI’s to slip, but Delgado is almost always good for a 40+ HR season.

5. Jim Thome – Philadelphia Phillies
Although Thome hasn’t posted the greatest avg., .266, he still hit 47 HR’s and drove in 131 runs. Thome is a run producing machine. If you are looking for HR’s and RBI’s, nobody does it better than Big Jim Thome.

Second Basemen

1. Alfonso Soriano – Texas Rangers
Soriano is one of the most complete players in all of baseball. Last season Soriano hit .290, scored 114 runs, hit 38 HR’s, drove in 91 RBI’s and stole 35 bases. Soriano is one of the most complete packages in fantasy baseball.

2. Brett Boone – Seattle Mariners
The only difference between Soriano and Boone is 20 stolen bases and 25 RBI’s. With Soriano being traded to Texas, this could be Boone’s year to prove he is the best second baseman in baseball. Last year Boone hit .294 with, 111 runs scored, 35 HR’s, 117 RBI’s and 16 stolen bases. Draft Boone high and draft him with confidence. Do not be surprised if he becomes the best second baseman in baseball.

3. Jeff Kent – Houston Astros
Kent has become one of the games most solid players. Last season in new surroundings, Kent hit .297 with 22 HR’s and 93 RBI’s. Look for Kent to have another solid year as the Astros make another run for the Central Division title.

4. Luis Castillo – Florida Marlins
Castillo is more of the classic second baseman. He is one of the more exciting players in baseball with his ability to hit for average and steal bases. Castillo’s ability to steal bases will make him a commodity; just do not expect many HR’s or RBI’s.

5. Jose Vidro – Montreal Expos
There is no doubt that Vidro can play, but can he do it for a full season? I like Vidro, but injuries and losing his best player around him could affect his numbers. At the second base position is still worth the risk, last season’s .310 avg, 15 HR's and 65 RBI's should be close to last year's numbers. Though I expect to see the HR’s jump if he plays all year.

Third Basemen

1. Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees
Oh good lord, the best player in baseball now has an all star cast around him. If I have to be the one to tell you to draft him #1, you really do not know baseball.

2. Mike Lowell – Florida Marlins
Lowell is truly one of sports best stories. He is also one of baseball’s best hitters. Last year Lowell hit 32 HR’s and drove in 105 RBI’s and missed a couple weeks of action. Expect Lowell to have a career year, has he leads the Marlins in defending their championship.

3. Troy Glaus – Anaheim Angels
Glaus struggled last year. Injuries and seeing the ball was a problem for him. But with the help, recovery and addition of Vlad, I only see a great year for him. I think we can see Glaus hitting 40+ HR’s this year and driving in 100+ RBI’s.

4. Eric Chavez – Oakland A’s
One of the best young talents in baseball, Chavez should be on his way to great career. Last season he hit .282 with 28 HR’s and 101 RBI’s, with those numbers you can easily argue that he is the second best third baseman around.

5. Aramis Ramirez – Chicago Cubs
Ramirez has been streaky but I believe that he has finally found a home in Chicago. After being traded from Pittsburgh his #’s went up and he finished the season with 27 homers and 106 RBI’s. With Sosa in the line up Ramirez should get some nice pitches to hit, which could make him the sleeper of this year’s draft.

Shortstop

1. Nomar Garciaparra – Boston Red Sox
Assuming Nomar will not be affected by the off season trade talks, he should be able to become the games best shortstop. Last season Nomar hit .301, scored 120 runs, hit 28 HR’s, drove in 105 RBI’s and stole 19 bases. Know what Yankee fans, Jeter cannot do that!

2. Miguel Tejada – Baltimore Orioles
Tejada falls in line of Oakland MVP’s who like to run away to the east coast. Though Tejada’s numbers slipped a bit last year, .278 avg, 27 HR’s, 106 RBI’s, there is no telling what he can do with some people to protect him in the line up. Expect Tejada to have better numbers than last year now that he is in a friendly park and has more offensive talent around him.

3. Derek Jeter – New York Yankees
Since Jeter is still surrounded by the best line up in baseball, he should be able to produce. Jeter can hit very well (.324 last year) but power numbers are usually down. Jeter has the potential to steal 20+ bases. The players around him make me believe he can knock in and score a lot runs.

4. Edgar Renteria – St. Louis Cardinals
Did you know that Edgar hit .330, scored 96 runs, drove in 100 runs and stole 34 bases last year? I like his game better than Jeter’s, but Jeter has been more consistent. This could be the year that the whole world learns who Edgar Renteria is.

5. Rafael Furcal – Atlanta Braves
Furcal had a breakout season last year. His numbers are only a sign of things to come, unless he pulls a Soriano and ages 2 years overnight. Last season’s .292 avg, 130 runs scored and 25 stolen bases just begin to show you what he is capable of. In the same class as Luis Castillo.

Outfielders

1. Vladimir Guerreo – Anaheim Angels
This man is my hero. On a below average team in Montreal this is what he has done, lifetime average of .323, them he averages near or better than 30+ HR’s, 100+ RBI’s, 100+ runs scored and (not last year) 30+ stolen bases. Take him right after A-Rod and before Pujols.

2. Barry Bonds – San Francisco Giants
This man’s numbers compare with the greatest to ever play the game. This is a man who’s on base percentage is over .500. Last year Barry’s avg was .341, he scored 111 runs, hit 45 HR’s

3. Manny Ramirez – Boston Red Sox
The “Baby Bull” hits the ball as well as anybody in the game. Many question his heart and wonders if even cares about playing baseball. I know what you cannot question. Once again the “Baby Bull” hit .325, score 117 runs, hit 37 Runs and rove in 104 runs. The man is a hitting machine.

4. Carlos Beltran – Kansas City Royals
Carlos is the best player you do not know about. Hitting .307, scoring 102 runs, hitting 26 HR’s, driving in 100 runs and stealing 41 bases you should know him. If he played on the Yankees he would be bigger than Jeter. Guess what, K.C. added Juan Gonzalez to their line up, so do not be surprised if Beltran becomes a household name by the end of the season.

5. Vernon Wells – Toronto Blue Jays
Vernon is the second best player that you do not know. Wells hit .307, scored 118 runs hit 33 HR’s and drove in 117 runs. I give him credit for bringing Delgado back into the spotlight. His name isn’t as sexy as Sammy Sosa, but he is a much better player.

6. Sammy Sosa – Chicago Cubs
Is it possible to not like Sammy Sosa? NO! Everyone loves this man. Sammy if you read this, ditch the windy city and come to Cleveland! Though Sammy’s average goes back and forth there is no denying his power. Cork or no cork, the man can hit. Expect 40+ HR’s and 100+ RBI’s and ride Sammy and the Cubs to the World Series (unless he comes to Cleveland).

7. Gary Shefield – New York Yankees
Is Shef on roids? Who cares!!! If he hits .330, scores 126 runs, hits 39 HR’s, drives in 132 runs and steals 18 bases again, he can do whatever he wants! I personally think he is NOT on roids and I think he is capable of doing the same thing again in a Yankee uniform. With the talent around, the sky is the limit. Again if he wears a Yankee jersey, he is probably worth a draft pick.

8. Magglio Ordonez – Chicago White Sox
Although he is unhappy in Chicago, the man can play. Last year Mags hit .317 scored 95 runs, hit 29 HR’s and drove in 99 RBI’s. Not bad for an unhappy man. I like the chances of Mags being traded and putting up better numbers on a better team.

9. Garret Anderson – Anaheim Angels
Garret is one of baseball’s best hitters. He can hit for average and power. Plus he will score a lot of runs. Things only look brighter for him as he begins to take turn towards becoming one of the games best and has Vlad hitting near him. Expect Garret to hit around .320, hit 30+ HR’s and easily knock in over 100 runs.

10. Preston Wilson – Colorado Rockies
Last season Preston amazed the fantasy world with his breakout season. Preston hit .282, scored 92 runs, hit 36 HR’s, drove in 141 RBI’s and stole 14 bases. God bless Coor’s Field and Preston Wilson.

Starting Pitchers

1. Pedro Martinez – Boston Red Sox
The baddest 170 pound alive. Although Pedro seems to always miss a couple starts due to injuries, there is no denying what he can do when he is on the mound. Expect Pedro to be around 200 K’s, 20 wins and carry an ERA around 2.50.

2. Mark Prior – Chicago Cubs
Get ready to hear this kids name for a long time. Prior last year won 18 games, struck out 245 batters and had an ERA of 2.43. I expect numbers like this for years to come.

3. Kerry Wood – Chicago Cubs
With Kerry you get the same stuff has Prior. Wood last year struck out 266 batters, won 14 games a while posting a 3.20 ERA. Just like Prior, expect numbers like this for years to come.

4. Roy Halladay – Toronto Blue Jays
Last year all Roy did was win a Cy Young award. Halladay won 22 games struck out 204 batters and posted a 3.25 ERA. Remember he struggling out the gate last year, if pitches well all year he could very easily be on his way to collecting another Cy Young.

5. Curt Schilling – Boston Red Sox
I expect big things from Schilling this year. In 24 starts last year he struck almost 200 batters and had an ERA under 3. Now that is on a contender, involved in an heated rivalry, expect Schilling to shine.

6. Barry Zito – Oakland A’s
Last year was a bit of from his Cy Young year, but none the less Barry was very effective. What is scary about this guy is that I expect that his numbers will be better than last years (14 wins, 3.30 ERA and 146 K’s).

7. Mark Mulder – Oakland A’s
MMM. Mark Mulder is the Man. If the A’s can score some runs this year, he will be unbelievable. Won one more game than Zito and he had an ERA of 3.13. ERA’s like that you should be closer to 20 wins. If the A’s score runs, Mulder will collect the wins.

8. Randy Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
The Big Unit missed a lot last season due to injuries. But if he can stay healthy, regardless of the talent around him, expect 300 K’s, 15-20 wins and his ERA to be under 3.

9. Bartolo Colon – Anaheim Angels
Colon last year won 15 games, posted a 3.87 ERA and struck out 173 batters. If complete games and shutouts are stats in your league, Colon will be even more valuable. Colon seems to have a rubber arm and never tires. And just years ago he won 20 games.

10. Any Starter in the Yankees Rotation
With Yankees line up every starter should easily win around 15 games. Amazing what money can buy. Watch for Jon Lieber, could be the pitching sleeper in this year’s draft.

Closers

1. Eric Gagne – Los Angeles Dodgers
Gagne has become the premier closer in baseball. He is striking out around 1.5 batter an inning, keeps an ERA around 1 (1.2 last year) and last season saved 55 games. Lastly, he rarely blows an save opportunity.

2. John Smoltz – Atlanta Braves
Last season Smoltz saved 45 games, carried an ERA of 1.12 and struck more than 1 batter an inning. Smoltz has made the transformation from an elite starter to an elite closer look easy.

3. Marino Rivera – New York Yankee
Keep on with my theory of taking any Yankee pitcher. With Rivera however you will get one of the best closers in the history of baseball. You will also get a closer on the best team in baseball. Hi only downfall is that his team might be too good. If Yankees score a lot, which is expected, he might lose some save opportunities.

4. Billy Wagner – Houston Astros
Wagner is a solid closer and last season proved his worth again. More than a strikeout an inning, while posting a 1.78 ERA and saving 44 games. With Astros additions of Clemens and Petite, expect Wagner if have the opportunity to have an amazing season.

5. Keith Foulke – Boston Red Sox
Last year Foulke had 43 saves while posting a 2.08 ERA. Now he plays for an even better team. Look for Foulke to easily save 40+ games.

If you agree, disagree or have any questions about drafts, trades, or just want to talk baseball, feel free to email me a cappa_j_bird@yahoo.com.