2011: Second Baseman

First and foremost, this idea of going over each position and the best players there will probably be a week long event with. Inside the baseball diamond, each position is very important. Today I have decided to look at second base not only from a fantasy perspective for myself, but an overall perspective of the game. The Top 10 second baseman offensively go as follow: Robinson Cano, Chase Utley, Dustin Pedroia, Dan Uggla, Ian Kinsler, Rickie Weeks, Brandon Phillips, Martin Prado, Aaron Hill, and Ben Zobrist. A core group of players here, also good defensively. Some of them had career years this year, and others dipped down into a slumping season, looking to bounce back in the 2011 season. Second base is a position of versatility and speed, as are all positions in the infield. It takes a second baseman to flip a perfect double-play ball, something I always enjoy being executed. But to ball club owners, they look to their second baseman as a man of speed and agility. This season second baseman like Aaron Hill are looking to reclaim what they had going in 2009, or Brian Roberts to try for an injury-free year. While second baseman like Robinson Cano and Martin Prado want to recreate the 2010 season in 2011. I for one look forward to Chase Utley taking the field on March 31st, he's a personal favorite. Good luck guys, it'll be a fun year.

On a fantasy outlook: Second base is a key role on your team. There are tons of great outfielders, first baseman, and even third baseman. Look to second base! Players such as Chase Utley or Robinson Cano are great choices 2-3 round. But if you would like to wait and decent players like Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson (both of which on my team last year, Johnson was great!) can go into later rounds. Martin Prado and Ben Zobrist are both players who are able to play (or be played) in many positions can be key, especially when injury hits mid-season. I personally will look to Ian Kinsler, but don't take him from me. ;)

Four Aces and a Joe-Ker Ready to Pitch

After the first day of Spring Training, the Phillies' starting rotation held a press conference where there was only one thing that was on their mind: Winning the World Series. But Cliff Lee was the first to state this: "We haven't thrown a single pitch as a group yet. So it's kind of early to say we're one of the best rotations in the history of the game. Obviously, we're a very talented group, and there is potential for all of that. But it's just that, it's potential." But watching the conference, I also recall him saying that it was his decision to come back to Philadelphia, he took less money for less time, but this is where he wanted to be. Philadelphia is where Cliff Lee would have his best chances of winning a World Series, something in the past two attempts he has come short. All fans must remember something, there is something more to the game then pitching, and that is offense and defense. Another things fans must not forget: Joe Blanton. I kind of feel bad for Joe, being the one who is left out. Fans must remember, he won with the Phillies in 2008 and hit a homerun during that series (first and only homerun). One reporter even asked Cole Hamels how he felt about being the only pitcher in the rotation with a championship ring. Hamels then pointed to Blanton and said, "He's got one, too." Together the rotation collectively has: three Cy Young Awards, 10 top-five finishes in the Cy Young Award voting, 13 All-Star selections, six 20-win seasons, three postseason MVP awards, a 22-8 postseason record, and two World Series championship rings. I think the Phillies are liking their chances in the postseason, but there are 162 games to go through before then. I wish them luck in the 2011 season, as my favorite team and possibly the greatest pitching rotation ever. And especially good luck to Joe Blanton. 

Spring Training Starts Tomorrow

No "definite" story today, but rather, I would like to reflect back on the past offseason and look to Major League Baseball in 2011. Pitchers and catchers for approximately 11 teams are to report tomorrow, making it and official start to the 2011 season. I know, it's not Opening Day, but for avid baseball fans, it means something. As a Phillies fan, I among others, experienced a huge gain, and a suffering loss to our team this offseason. Cliff Lee was signed to the Phillies, and Jayson Werth looked to his wallet, and went to the Washington Nationals. Personally, I think this was one of the largest offseasons in awhile, huge names were traded such as: Cliff Lee, Jayson Werth, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Zach Greinke, Vladimir Guerrero, Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Vernon Wells, Mark Reynolds, Adrian Beltre, Lance Berkman, Mike Napoli, and many others (if I've forgotten some, let me know). But one of the biggest signings has yet to happen, and should happen either before or on February 16, which is the deadline Albert Pujols gave the Cardinals to agree on a contract extension. If they do not agree on something within the next two days, Pujols will be a free agent for the first time in his career after the 2011 season. I think this year will be a great year for baseball, for all teams and all fans. What will teams do? I don't know but I believe that each and every team has a chance, except that the Phillies will end up beating them in the end, but that's just me. I am ready for baseball to start because it is the greatest 9-10 months out of the year (Spring Training- Feb. - Playoffs- Nov?) Lastly, I will be starting a private fantasy baseball league this year, and if you're interested please comment below with your name. But fantasy baseball is now a key part of the season for me and I look forward to playing. Enjoy the season.

I am also doing something new this year, and that is collecting all 30 teams' baseball hats. So if you would like to contribute, please let me know. :) I'm two hats in and and have a 7 1/4 hat size, and would like to inform everyone that I'm not getting rid of my Phillies hats, but expanding my collection of MLB hats.

Players Don't Want to Play in Oakland

There is a reason the Oakland Athletics did not acquire Adrian Beltre this offseason, there is also a reason they didn't acquire him in 2009. There is a reason that they also did not sign Lance Berkman or Hisashi Iwakuma this offseaon. Scott Boras spoke out about why players, especially clients of his, do not want to play for the Oakland Athletics. It's not the city, it's not the team, it's the ballpark. Other teams use this to their advantage when recruiting other players, asking "Why would you want to play in an empty park?" The A's Coliseum is enormous, but has the same problem that other teams have, there are no fans. Just like in Florida with Sun Life Stadium, there is room for many fans, but little come to the park to watch their teams play. Is it because the stadiums are also football stadiums or is it because the teams that play there are unsuccessful? It could be one of the two variables, but it is known that players consider the fan basis before coming to a team, and Oakland is a prime example. So maybe Oakland should take the route that the Marlins are taking in getting a new ball park, or should consider "beefing" up their deals so that players will want to play there. I wish Oakland luck in bringing in new players and new fans. I would like to see a successful and booming team out of the Athletics like they used to be.

Bryce Harper is Ready for Spring Training

No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 Fantasy Draft, Bryce Harper is ready to start practicing with the Nationals in Spring Training. The Nationals position players report to Spring Training on February 20 and it is a highly anticipated date for both Bryce Harper and the rest of MLB. Known as baseball's "LeBron James," Harper has proved himself within the Nationals' organization in their instructional league and with the Scottsdale Scorpions. Base running and fielding are Harper's two top priorities, mainly because Harper was originally a catcher, and feels as though he has not "fully" grasped the outfield position. Others beg to differ and state that he is already a phenomenal player, ready to be with the "Bigs." Harper was stated saying, "The outfield is the main thing I have to get better at right now -- the outfield and the mental part of the game. I think I play center field better than I do anywhere else. I have enough speed and enough reaction to know where the ball goes off the bat." The Nationals stated that they would take him out from behind the plate to hasten his debut in the Major League, placing him in right field, but that position has been taken by right fielder Jayson Werth. One of the biggest concerns Harper has is being away from home for a full season of baseball, considering he is only 18 and will have to adjust to life without his parents. It's amazing seeing Bryce Harper rising through the ranks with the Nationals organization and hopefully will have a great season. I truly wish him good luck in the 2011 season, I will be watching because he is the next great player of the game. Everyone who knows of Bryce Harper knows his reputation will be watching.

Josh Hamilton and Rangers Make a Deal

Today the Rangers avoided arbitration with Josh Hamilton. The reigning AL MVP was in his second year of arbitration eligibility and was able to "settle" outside of the arbitration panel.  Hamilton signed a two-year $24 million deal, with $7.25 million in 2011, and $13.75 million in 2012. He will also obtain a $3 million signing bonus that will be paid in two $1.5 million installments. Earlier this year, Hamilton filed for $12 million in arbitration, and the Rangers countered with $8.7 million. The Rangers looked to signed Hamilton because the arbitration court would most likely side with Hamilton, who won the AL MVP, a Silver Slugger, and the batting title in 2010, even with many injuries. Hamilton posted a .359 batting average and 32 home runs. Hamilton greatly contributed to the Rangers first-ever franchise World Series appearance, even though he had a bad ribcage injury in mid September (which by the way totally killed my fantasy baseball team). This also comes from the fact that Hamilton was the ALCS MVP. But I really hope that Josh Hamilton can continue what he had in 2010 in 2011, without the injuries. I really like Josh Hamilton's story of recovery and success and support him wholeheartedly. I wish Josh Hamilton luck in the 2011 season with the Rangers.

You Got How Much?!

Many team owners hate arbitration, and if you're wondering why, you'll understand when reading this. The Pittsburgh Pirates' pitcher Ross Ohlendorf, claimed arbitration the other day for $2 million, while the Pirates offered $1.4 million. Seems reasonable right? Well if you knew anything about Ross Ohlendorf, you'd know that he went 1-11 with the Pirates in the 2010 season. Ohlendorf went 11-10 in 2009, so why would he be worth $2 million, or even $1.4 million? I'm not sure, but a panel in Phoenix, Arizona felt as though he is worth $2 million. After going from a $439K salary, and will now make $2 million, Ohlendorf will have a 500 percent raise. The 28 year-old pitcher posted a 4.07 ERA in the 2010 season, and a 4.40 lifetime ERA. My question once again is "Why is Ross Ohlendorf making $2 million dollars?!?!?" The Pittsburgh Pirates no longer have any more arbitration hearings after this decision, and are probably thankful for it. The right-handed pitcher only had one win in 2010, and as of right now has an unofficial win with the Pirates. But now that he's making $2 million this year, maybe he'll manage two wins, or even three? This is one of the major problems I have with arbitration, good players deserve good salaries. I understand that Josh Hamilton would like more money, because he posted great numbers this season. But I guess it's the Pirates fault for offering him $1.4 million in the first place and placing the idea in his head. If I were him, I would have taken it at the drop of a hat. There is nothing I can do about this, but I wish Ross Ohlendorf luck in the 2011 season (with his wallet full of cash) and hopefully can have a great season.