Joe Mauer

Mauer has been a staple in the top 5 catchers for some time now. There is no reason to think that he’s going anywhere anytime soon.

Fantasy Value – $23  |  Expect to Pay – $35

There is nothing to bad to say about Hoops. He’s a solid backstop, who still has plenty of room to only get better

Fantasy Value – $22  |  Expect to Pay – $28

A stalwart in the annual Top 5 Fantasy Player list, usually around the number 1 spot. Solid buy year in, and year out.

Fantasy Value – $39  |  Expect to Pay – $55

Once you get outside of the Top 5 2B, there is a pretty steep fall off. That makes him worth more than he probably would be at another position.

Fantasy Value – $34  |  Expect to Pay -$40

Uncontended leader of the Shortstop class. Reyes will consistently produce for your team, without fail. Save up your pennies, he’s worth every one of them.

Fantasy Value – $41  |  Expect to Pay – $60

Third Base is another position without a lot of flair around the league. Wright is the undisputed king of the Hot Corner. Feel free to splash out here.

Fantasy Value – $35  |  Expect to Pay – $54

Beltran is a big time points producer. This goes without saying. Luckily, since the outfield pool is pretty strong, that means that top OFs shouldn’t go for as a high a salary. Lucky You.

Fantasy Value – $33  |  Expect to Pay – $36

He’s fast. He hits the ball really hard. If he could learn some patience at the plate, he would be an absolute machine. Sign him long term if you can.

Fantasy Value – $37  |  Expect to Pay – $39

Here’s another guy that knows how to bang. He sets off plenty of fireworks in Arlington. He is God’s favorite player, so he has some good injury protection.

Fantasy Value – $33  |  Expect to Pay – $41

Prima Donna. Idiot. Greedy Bastard. If you really had to worry about clubhouse chemistry, forget it. Fortunately you don’t, all you get is his raw power. He is getting up there in years though.

Fantasy Value – $30  |  Expect to Pay – $41

Holliday was a serious force at Coors. His move to Oakland is likely to take some zip out of his bat. His value drops a bit for 2009, so you should be able to get something of a bargain.

Fantasy Value – $31  |  Expect to Pay – $32

First Base provides a lot of power depth in the fantasy game these days, but few are as solid and dependable as Berkman. The Puma should be in the top 2 or 3 of your 1B wants list.

Fantasy Value – $32  |  Expect to Pay – $44

If you can’t get Reyes, Han-Ram should be the next guy on your list. He’s still very young, and, if you can sign him cheap, should provide you with a quality position player for years to come.

Fantasy Value – $37  |  Expect to Pay – $50

The Phils couldn’t have gotten to the World Series without this guy. Not only is he valuable to them, but to your team as well. Again, second base is pretty thin, so he’s going to cost you.

Fantasy Value – $30  |  Expect to Pay – $39

Elite. There is no other way to describe him. Now that he has a stout Yankee offense behind him, there is nothing he can’t do. Look for him to keep producing BIG points.

Fantasy Value – $42  |  Expect to Pay – $58

If you weren’t lucky enough to sign him really cheap when he was a prospect, you’re going to have to pay out the nose now. Still, even at his price tag, he’s going to give you your money’s worth.

Fantasy Value – $40  |  Expect to Pay – $48

There is little room for debate about Doc’s credentials. The only wonder is how the Jays have managed to hang on to him this long. Steady producer, but he’s probably due for an injury.

Fantasy Value – $34  |  Expect to Pay – $44

Wow. This guy is a candidate for Fantasy Comeback Player of the Year. No one can really say they saw this coming. The real question is: Can he do it again? Doubt breeds a bargain here.

FFantasy Value – $25  |  Expect to Pay – $27

The Mets seem destined for greatness in 2009, and Santana will be leading the march. You can expect nothing but solid production, and a lot of Ks.

Fantasy Value – $34  |  Expect to Pay – $47

Being the staff ace for a team with playoff aspirations is a lot of pressure. However, he can handle it. If you don’t get at least another 700 pts from him in ’09, then he’s hurt.

Fantasy Value – $30  |  Expect to Pay – $43

The DBacks will be in a pretty hotly contested race to win the NL West in 2009. If Haren rises to the occasion, that’s good for the team, and good for you.

Fantasy Value – $32  |  Expect to Pay – $38

All you have to do is look at the points difference between Rodriguez and Lidge, the second place RP in points, to know how elite he is. Enough Said.

Fantasy Value – $29  |  Expect to Pay – $35

Lidge is a solid closer, without a doubt, but I don’t expect him to get as many Save opportunities as he did in 2008.

Fantasy Value – $25  |  Expect to Pay – $27

The epitome of fantasy closer. With the Yankees new offense, and a solid pitching staff, he looks to be as valuable as ever. You pay for reputation here.

Fantasy Value – $23  |  Expect to Pay – $32

Like Lidge, he’s a solid closer, but who knows how many Save opportunities he can get with the DisAstros this season.

Fantasy Value – $22  |  Expect to Pay – $26

Soto’s 2008 was a huge upgrade over Michael Barrett’s 2007. That he was a rookie, only made it more amazing. This kid is a star with staying power.

Fantasy Value – $16  |  Expect to Pay – $22

Joey’s been coming down the pipe for a long time. He really showed what he can do when given a starting job. It can only get better from here.

Fantasy Value – $23  |  Expect to Pay – $28

Even though the Sox are moving him to SS this season, he will still maintain eligibilty at second. Wherever he plays, he provides bang for the buck.

Fantasy Value – $21  |  Expect to Pay – $25

Like Votto, Longoria has had all the hype, and has now presented the goods. Keep him for as long as you can, in a position that isn’t very deep.

Fantasy Value – $23  |  Expect to Pay – $29

Aviles was pushed into a role in KC with no apparant heir. He seems to have a pretty average ceiling, but with few other decent rookie SS, he grabs the slot here. You can do better.

Fantasy Value – $18  |  Expect to Pay – $14

Because of the amount of quality OF in the majors right now, his price is going to be lower than it would if he played another position. Take advantage of it.

Fantasy Value – $26  |  Expect to Pay – $32

Edison Volquez just missed rookie eligibility, so this is a lucky break for Jurrjens. He is a decent pitcher, and can provide you quality innings. He’s no All-Star though.

Fantasy Value – $18  |  Expect to Pay – $21

If the Yankees can finally decide if he’s going to start or work from the pen, you can evaluate him a little better. He has a nice upside, but, if he stays working relief, he won’t see saves for a few years.

Fantasy Value – $27  |  Expect to Pay – $24