Guys who will have CAREER years and guys who will have BREAKOUT years

Hey guys thanks for stopping back.
First of all I would like to address the only question of the week that came from www.fantasybaseballexpress.com forums.
Canexicans asked if it was better to use 1 or 2 catchers for your fantasy league. My reasoning is that since catcher is already an unproductive position you do not want to have a second one who weighs down your cumulative stats like batting average. However having two makes it more competitive because you need to research more players. I cannot really tell you how to run your league, I would prefer 1 C but the leagues I play in have 2 and it doesen't really bother me.

Alright on to the Juicy Stuff

Guys who will have CAREER YEARS this year....

1. Rafael Furcal
He is at the peak age of 29. His bb% and ops% have really been growing since '02. Hes always been a pretty good source of sb and a decent power source. Looking at his stats last year he had 4 Hr in the 1st half but 11 in the 2nd half. The only thing that this can point to is that he will have his best power season yet. A guy who consistantly makes contact with 40Sb potential who should approach 20 Hr this year count me in. His 2nd half Ba last year was a fluke but nonetheless Furcal should hit around 300 this year.
Expect 18 Hr,.300, 120 runs,35 sb, 70 rbi

2. Juan Pierre
Regardless if he hits hr he ALWAYS hits the ball. Its plain and simple if you constistantly hit the ball and you have blinding speed you will be a valuable fantasy option. Juan Pierre is just that. He had a slow start last year (.252ba) but rebounded in the 2nd half .326. Hes at the peak age of 29 also, he should get more sb opurtubites this year.
Expect 300,65 sb, 90 R, 40 rbi,

BREAKOUT YEARS...........

1. Ben sheets
You cant really say this would be his breakout year, but he will be a cy young canidate if he can just stay healthy. He started out throwing rediculous last year w/ a 12.5 k/9 w/ 24ip. In addition to his strikeouts he dosent walk anyone, and had pinpoint control. However the best indicator we can probably get is his 2nd half numbers last year. His absurd 12.5 k/9 fell to 9.5 which is still rediculous, but he still kept his control. Another thing about sheets is taht he dosent give up HR. he had around a .55hr/9 last year. The brewers are also looking like a good team this year. With weeks,fielder,and hall (they still have him right_) sheets should get some run support also. Sheets is still at his pre-peak stage. You cant really project out what he is going to do becuse he is an injury risk but it was his petoral muscle and shoulder it could be worse (lower arm/elbow)Im not a doctor so i cant tell you if he will pitch a full season but keep an eye on him......see if he is fully healthy, if he is do not be afraid to draft him VERY early.
Full Year=15 wins, 1 whip, 3Era, 200K...

2. Scott Kazmir
Hes sill in a growing stage being 23. He got hurt w/ an inflamed shoulder last year, but as he came back his stats went UP. He had an 11.2k/9 in the 2nd half and his command of his pitches actually went up as well. He walked a few more guys, but his hr/9 went down to .6. Seeing that kazmir is only 23 you cant say this will be his career year seeing that he is still developing. Its kind of scary to imagine a kid this young could possibly get.................................
1.2 whip 200k sub 3 era and around 13 wins depending on how good the drays are this year

Okay so keep the Q's coming at the fbexpress message boards, or email me them at ajopiela@yahoo.com

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DAMN!!! Adam, you took my guy in Kazmir! So I will choose another. I think Kaz will be great this year. But here are my 2 picks for Career year and my two for Break out year.

BREAK OUT YEAR
1. Prince Fielder - Has a sweet swing that screams success. With a full year in the league we should see a spike in just about everything. 35+ homers is possible but 30+ will be just as nice. Not to mention, he'll throw in a few stolen base just for kicks. Although he can be quite streaky as we saw last season, he's the real deal. This being his second full season, Prince Fielder will put himself into the elite. Think Ryan Howard type success minus about 15-20 homers.

2. Alex Rios - Last season he was on the verge of a break out season but was forced on the DL due to a Staph Infection. I am looking for Rios to regain his form and strive for that potential 30/30 season everyone thinks he is capable of! 25/25 is more realistic but add in 100 runs and a .300+ average and you have yourself a lovely keeper!

CAREER YEAR
1. Rocco Baldelli - If you haven't heard me talk up Baldelli, you will in the next few weeks. Baldelli and Rios are my two favorite players this year to bust out! Baldelli's second half last year was unbelievable despite missing a year and a half due to injuries. The riskis still ther of course, but the potential is of the charts. I'm talking a possible .300+/25hr/90RBI/120 runs/25 stole bases in 650 AB's if he stays healthy all season...which he should. Also, the success of the surrounding young studs in Tampa will help his cause tremendously.

2. Grady Sizemore - What does this guy not do??? He does it all and a .300+ average/120 runs/30HR/90RBI/25SB is 2nd round material with no injury risk. His numbers project to be about the same as Baldelli but its Sizemores average and power that will see a spike into a "career year". In normal drafts, Sizmore is gone by the end of the second round and in the $30 - $40 range in normal $260 budget mixed auction leagues. Thes players who can do it all...Baldelli, Sizemore, Hanley Ramirez, Rios, Damon, Jeter, Utley, Wright, Bay...these guys can go a long way in helping you win a championship...assuming you have more than one!

Thats it! You'll here plenty more about these guys in the very near future!
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FM
Fantasy Baseball Express
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