Ok, so now that the WizWit team has guided you to a top pitching staff, it's time to tackle the hitters. Anyone can figure out who to take #1 (it's Albert Pujols folks) but what do you do after the top 10? Or worse, after the top 50?Well, we're here to help you yet again. Below you'll find our Top 100 hitters, everything you should need to build a kick-ass offense. Remember, try to come out of the first three rounds with at least 75 HRs, 75 SBs and a .290 average. Get at least two 100 RBI guys and two 100 runs guys (obviously guys that do both would be great). Think something like Kemp, Howard, Zimmerman or Fielder, Crawford, Sizemore.
Anyway, what follows in our composite rankings. First, however, let's talk about some of the guys we differed on (big time).
Brad Hawpe (Chris's ranking: 56, Dave's ranking: 83)
Chris's Take: Hawpe's a very streaky, hot/cold hitter so make sure you pay attention and don't leave him in your lineup when a cold streak hits. But Hawpe is a player a lot of fantasy owners seem to forget about, and the 25 homers, 85 RBI, and .285 average he provides are solid enough for your second or third outfielder. Other overlooked statistical nuggets are some of Hawpe's impressive peripherals - a high walk rate coupled with a .900 OPS.
Dave's Take: Brad Hawpe is friggin' boring. He pretty much taps out at .285-25-80-80. Those are useful numbers, certainly, but only if he falls to you late. Don't reach for this guy, because he doesn't offer much upside. I also hate outfielders who don't offer ANY speed. They are like girls who only give bj's, they're fun for awhile but ultimately unfulfilling.
B.J. Upton (Chris's ranking: 69, Dave's ranking: 43)
Dave's Take: Yes, I know, B.J. Upton was incredibly disappointing last year. There is downside here, I can't tell you otherwise. But I really think he'll rebound and if he does a .270-13-60 with 45+ steals is possible. That would make him a top 15 outfielder, where I think he should be drafted. Could he repeat last year? Sure, but at least you're getting elite speed, so all won't be lost.
Chris's Take: I feel like I've been burned too many times by Upton over the past couple years. I'll give him a pass for 2008. You can't really hold a shoulder injury against the guy. Injuries happen and they take time to heal. But last year, he continued to regress and underachieve. His batting average dropped to only .251 and his power numbers continued to slide. His only value was in his steals, and you can find those way later in the draft. The potential for him to be a great all-around player is still there, but I'm not willing to draft him any higher than this spot to find out. If Upton doesn't turn things up a notch this year, he will begin to be labeled with the "BUST" tag. Maybe the fact that his little brother signed a monster contract will motivate him, but I don't really care to find out.
Aaron Hill (Chris's ranking: 38, Dave's ranking: 55)
Chris's Take: Second base is one of the weakest positions in fantasy baseball. Having Hill will give you a decided advantage at the position over most owners in your league. While he may not blast 36 dingers again this year, he should end up with close to 30. Hill is also an extremely consistent hitter. Throughout last seasons’ career year, Hill had a level of consistency month-to-month where he never once hit a rough patch. Consistent hitting like that is a good indicator that last year was no fluke and Hill should be able to maintain his level of success.
Dave's Take: If Aaron Hill hits more than 25 homers this year, I'll be suprised. He had such a pronouced increase in HR/FB% that I think he evens out a little bit this year. That will lead to a small drop in HRs. Is he still a player I'd draft? Absolutely, but not till round 7. Plus, I hate middle infielders without speed too. (Basically I hate all players that don't have speed outside of 1st and 3rd baseman and catchers).
Carlos Gonzalez (Chris's ranking: 94, Dave's ranking: 72)
Dave's Take: Take it from a Phillies fan, the Phils couldn't get Carlos Gonzalez out in last year's division round series with the Rockies. He won't be elite at anything, but he should give you 15+ HRs and 20+ steals. Throw in a good average (.280ish) and some runs (80+ should be doable) and he's value as a 3rd outfielder. Plus he's a great get for keeper leagues, he's only 24.
Chris's Take: Gonzalez is a player I like quite a bit actually. He could be a steal, and enters the year as a popular sleeper pick. He has a somewhat high strikeout rate, but I don't think that should deter you too much. My only disagreement here is that I think you can snag him a tad later in the draft. Depending on the quality of the people you're drafting with, you may have to take him a higher. If that happens, that’s alright, but I wouldn't jump the gun and reach too fast. I also wouldn't be surprised to see his batting average dip into the .270's with a full seasons worth of at bats.
Top 100 Hitters:
1. Albert Pujols - 1B
2. Hanley Ramirez - SS
3. Ryan Braun - OF
4. Alex Rodriguez - 3B
5. Chase Utley - 2B
6. Mark Teixeira - 1B
7. Matt Kemp - OF
8. Miguel Cabrera - 1B
9. Prince Fielder - 1B
10. Ryan Howard - 1B
11. Evan Longoria - 3B
12. David Wright - 3B
13. Matt Holliday - OF
14. Carl Crawford - OF
15. Joe Mauer - C
16. Ian Kinsler - 2B
17. Troy Tulowitzki - SS
18. Justin Upton - OF
19. Jose Reyes - SS
20. Grady Sizemore - OF
21. Jacoby Ellsbury - OF
22. Adrian Gonzalez - 1B
23. Dustin Pedroia - 2B
24. Kevin Youkilis - 3B
25. Mark Reynolds - 3B
26. Brandon Phillips - 2B
27. Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
28. Joey Votto - 3B
29. Jimmy Rollins - SS
30. Derek Jeter - SS
31. Pablo Sandoval - 3B
32. Justin Morneau - 1B
33. Victor Martinez - C
34. Jayson Werth - OF
35. Ichiro Suzuki - OF
36. Jason Bay - OF
37. Brian Roberts - 2B
38. Robinson Cano - 2B
39. Adam Lind - OF
40. Nick Markakis - OF
41. Andre Ethier - OF
42. Aramis Ramirez - 3B
43. Bobby Abreu - OF
44. Aaron Hill - 2B
45. Kendry Morales - 1B
46. Carlos Lee - OF
47. Ben Zobrist - OF
48. Lance Berkman - 1B
49. Manny Ramirez - OF
50. Derrek Lee - 1B
51. Josh Hamilton - OF
52. Shane Victorino - OF
53. Brian McCann - C
54. B.J. Upton - OF
55. Shin-Soo Choo - OF
56. Curtis Granderson - OF
57. Nelson Cruz - OF
58. Hunter Pence - OF
59. Chone Figgins - 3B
60. Adam Dunn - OF
61. Adam Jones - OF
62. Torii Hunter - OF
63. Gordon Beckham - 3B
64. Carlos Pena - 1B
65. Carlos Quentin - OF
66. Raul Ibanez - OF
67. Billy Butler - 1B
68. Andrew McCutchen - OF
69. Nate McLouth - OF
70. Brad Hawpe - OF
71. Alex Rios - OF
72. Johnny Damon - OF
73. Jay Bruce - OF
74. Carlos Beltran - OF
75. Michael Young - 3B
76. Alexei Ramirez - SS
77. Denard Span - OF
78. Nyjer Morgan - OF
79. Rajai Davis - OF
80. Carlos Gonzalez - OF
81. Chipper Jones - 3B
82. Howie Kendrick - 2B
83. Matt Wieters - C
84. Michael Cuddyer - OF
85. Steven Drew - SS
86. Elvis Andrus - SS
87. Ian Stewart - 3B
88. Dan Uggla - 2B
89. Alfonso Soriano - OF
90. Jason Bartlett - SS
91. Julio Borbon - OF
92. Jason Kubel - OF
93. Yunel Escobar - SS
94. Asdrubal Cabrera - SS
95. Franklin Gutierrez - OF
96. Miguel Montero - C
97. Michael Bourn - OF
98. Nolan Reimold - OF
99. Jose Lopez - 2B
100. Garrett Jones - 1B
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