Clearing The Bases

Today we are going to start a debate.  We are going to talk about fantasy players on the New York Yankees and New York Mets.  Rather than just talk about different players and why they are fantasy worthy, we are going to rank Yankee and Met players in the order of which they should be drafted in a 5X5 rotisserie league.  Let the arguments begin.

1. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees:  Shouldn’t be much surprise that Cano is 1st.  Even when you include all of the players in the majors, Cano is generally considered to be a top eight pick.  Not to many 2B can hit 30+ HRs, hit over .300, and drive in over 100 runs.
2. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees:  I’m sure there is still some doubt about Granderson’s 2011 season.  Some might consider it a fluke, but his stroke is perfect for Yankee stadium.  You combine his power with his speed and you get a really good player.  If he could bring his average up to the .280 range, you would have a monster.
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees:  Granted Tex’s average took a big dip last season and although I do expect him to improve upon that number, I don’t believe it will be enough to help you in that department, and that’s okay, you’re not drafting him for average, but for the 35+ HRs and 100+ RBIs he will give you.
4. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees:  In a normal draft I’m not big on selecting starting pitchers early (done 11 drafts so far, don’t have CC in any of them) but in this draft he is to good to pass up here.  Might think differently if the two players coming up next weren’t injury worries.  Sabathia’s peripherals may not be as dominant as they once were, but you know the Ks and Ws will be there.
5. David Wright, 3B, Mets:  Wright has started swinging a bat again in spring training.  I’m not someone who is down on Wright’s talents.  If he can play 150+ games, I expect 25-30 HRs, 20+ SBs to go along with a good average.  The Mets brought the fences in mainly to help Wright and Jason Bay, hopefully they will take advantage of it.  Bigger question might be whether or not Wright will still be a Met by season’s end.
6. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees:  Like Wright, another injury waiting to happen.  ARod was a top pick just a few years ago, now he’s not even the top 3B in New York.  Once again, if healthy ARod is more than capable of hitting 30 HRs and driving in 100 runs, but I wouldn’t bet on his health.  The Yankees will do all they can to keep his bat in the lineup as they will DH him about once a week to keep his legs fresh.
7. Nick Swisher, OF, Yankees:  Contract year for Nick should lead to some decent numbers.  Nick got off to a slow start last season which led to a depressed average, but the power numbers were pretty close to his norm.
8. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees:  Rivera is the last of the no doubters as far as draftees.  Hard not to take the best closer to ever play the game on a team that is destined to win 90+ games.  Not to mention that even at 42 years of age, Rivera doesn’t seem to have lost a step.
9. Ike Davis, 1B, Mets:  Have to admit I’m a little worried about the Valley Fever, we all remember what it did to Conor Jackson, but it doesn’t seem to be effecting him in the same way.  Problem is his spring numbers just aren’t there yet.
10. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees:  Even when Derek was in his prime, he was never a fantastic fantasy player.  Just a good one who could hit you some long balls and steal some bases.  The power is long gone and he might steal double digit bases, but his days as a top SS are long gone.
11. Lucas Duda, OF, Mets:  If there is a sleeper to look out for, Duda might be it.  He is the kind of player that fans want to get to the stadium early for so they can watch batting practice.  He won’t benefit much from the fences being brought in.
12. Michael Pineda, SP, Yankees:  Where has the velocity gone?  Would be higher on this list if he was still throwing 95+ plus.  Also have to worry that the Yankees might send him down to AAA once Andy Pettitte returns.
13. Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees:  I’m still of the belief that Gardner is best suited to be a fourth outfielder.  That being said he starts for the Yanks and will steal 40+ bases, alas, with no power.
14. Frank Francisco, RP, Mets:  Closers are always valuable, even on 75 win teams.
15. Hiroki Kuroda, SP, Yankees:  Going from Dodger Stadium and the NL West to Yankee Stadium and the AL East, has to be an adjustment.
16. Russell Martin, C, Yankees:  After seeing the contract the Cardinals Yadier Molina signed, Martin is primed for a big season.
17. Jason Bay, OF, Mets:  Going from Fenway to Citi Field never hurt so much.  Perhaps he will get that deer in the headlights look out of his eyes now that they have brought the fences in.
18. Johan Santana, SP, Mets:  Can he make 30+ starts?  Can he make 20+ starts.  Will he pitch anywhere near his former self?  To many questions for me.
19. Daniel Murphy, IF, Mets:  A good sleeper in my book.  Can play multiple positions and really hit.  Just has to avoid the runner at second base.
20. Andres Torres, OF, Mets:  Has fit right in with the Mets, he’s already injured.