Michael Cuddyer will produce beyond expectations in 2012.

The fantasy career of Michael Cuddyer has been nothing but average. A lifetime .272 hitter with averages of 20 homeruns, 82 RBI and 86 runs makes for a pretty average fantasy baseball commodity. His last two years with the Twins were, well, still pretty average. However, considering he spent those two years in the pitcher-friendly Target Field, where batter statistics drop significantly, he could have actually had a decent stat line. In 2009, the Twins’ last year at the Metrodome, Cuddyer hit .276 with 32 home runs, 94 RBI and 93 runs and when the Twins moved to Target Field, Cuddyer averaged a similar .273 average with 23 home runs, 88 RBI and 93 runs.  So even though these numbers are pretty similar, they tell me that Cuddyer has actually improved.If you take a look at the transitions of other Twins players like Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel and Denard Span from the Metrodome to Target Field, you can see how dramatically their numbers dropped while Cuddyer’s didn’t. So, while Cuddyer’s numbers for the last few years don’t really show an improvement, the fact that he maintained them from the Metrodome to Target Field does.

Another factor in making Cuddyer a fantasy sleeper this year is his trade to the Rockies, who play at the fantasy behemoth of baseball parks, Coors Field. In the last ten years, Coors Field has been ranked in the top-five in home runs seven times and has been ranked in the top-three five times. And take a look at the Rockies home and away stats the last five years. On the road, the Rockies batted .244 with 375 home runs, 1623 RBI, and 1,706 runs and at home the Rockies batted .291 with 476 home runs, 2,176 RBI and 2,288 runs.  That is a monstrous difference of .044 in average, 101 home runs, 553 RBI and 582 runs. No other ball park in the MLB can boast such significant differences. Cuddyer will most definitely increase his fantasy value hitting at Coors Field. I am predicting him to have a career year in 2012, somewhere along the lines of a .305 average, 35 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 runs.

Also, in most fantasy baseball formats Cuddyer holds eligibility for every position except shortstop and catcher. (Cuddyer even holds a 0.00 career ERA, pitching one inning for the Twins in 2011, but I don’t see that ever happening again) This increases his value even more, giving you the opportunity to use him to fill almost any hole in your lineup. If his second base eligibility holds up, which it most likely will, I have him ranked third, right behind Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia. Drafting a third ranked second baseman at his current average draft position will be the steal of the draft. So given Cuddyer’s stats from the last few years at the Metrodome and Target Field, his trade to the hitter-friendly Coors Field and his second base eligibility, don’t wait to pull the trigger on Cuddyer in your draft. He will be the sleeper of the year.

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Will Matt Kemp be the number one fantasy stud of 2012?

With Major League Baseball’s “Opening Day” set for April 5^th, weekly fantasy baseball games are right around the corner. You know what that means; it’s time to predict the top fantasy baseball players of 2012.

So let’s get right to it.

1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Cabrera had yet another stellar season for the Tigers in 2011. He finished in the top 10 in the American League in seven offensive categories. In other words, he is a fantasy stud.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

161         .344        111         197         48           0              30           105         108         89           2

2. Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Pujols had a down year in 2011, but he got hot at the right time, propelling the Cardinals to a World Series title. His numbers should increase in 2012 with the Angels due to the fact that he’ll be hitting in more hitter-friendly stadiums.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

147         .299        105         173         29           0              37           99           61           58           9

3. Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox

Highly-rated first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is coming off a monster 2011 campaign. In his first season with the Red Sox, Gonzalez became the beating heart of an offense that lacked consistency throughout the season. Expect more of the same from Gonzalez in 2012.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

159         .338        108         213         45           3              27           117         74           119         1

4. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kemp was ridiculously good in 2011. In fact, he was the number one fantasy baseball star of 2011. Can Kemp do it again in 2012?

If the Dodgers can find some protection for him in the lineup, Kemp may just pull it off.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

161         .324        115         195         33           4              39           126         74           159         40

5. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

Despite having a relatively quiet career until 2010, Bautista has established himself as one of the best hitters in the game. In fact, the Blue Jays outfielder has been a fantasy stud in each of the past two seasons, winning the Silver Slugger and Hank Aaron award in both 2010 and 2011.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

149         .302        105         155         24           2              43           103         132         111         9

6. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Despite his past injury woes, Tulowitzki is undoubtedly one of the top shortstops in the game. Furthermore, he plays half his games at Coors Field, where the ball seemingly flies out of the yard. As a result, I like his chances of putting up huge number in 2012.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

143         .302        81           162         36           2              30           105         59           79           9

7. Prince Fielder, Free Agent

Since 2006, Prince Fielder has been one of the most feared power hitters in all of baseball, averaging 38 homers and 108 RBIs per season. No matter where he plays, expect Fielder to put up some big numbers in 2012 fantasy baseball.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

162         .299        95           170         36           1              38           120         107         106         1

8. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

With Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez in the twilight of their careers, the Yankees will surely rely on Cano for steady offense. The San Pedro de Macoris native is coming off another great season in 2011, finishing second in the American League with 118 RBIs.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

159         .302        104         188         46           7              28           118         38           96           8

9. Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds

Votto entered the 2011 season with unrealistic expectations following an MVP-winning season in 2010. Although his numbers were not as gaudy as the previous year, the Reds first baseman enjoyed a solid 2011 campaign. Now that some of the pressure has been relieved, look for Votto to return to his 2010 form in 2012.

2011 Stats:

GP          AVG       R             H             2B           3B           HR          RBI         BB           SO          SB

161         .309        101         185         40           3              29           103         110         129         8

That’s it for my 2012 fantasy baseball lineup card. Don’t forget to play 2012 fantasy baseball games at Fantazzle.

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Carl Crawford was the biggest disappointment in the 2011 fantasy baseball season.

Carl Crawford was drafted in the first round in the majority of fantasy baseball leagues last year, only to be the biggest disappointment in baseball.  He had a career worst of runs scored, stolen bases, batting average, and on base percentage.  Crawford collapsed under the high pressure of producing in Fenway Park and was eventually moved to the back of the order.  His stolen bases were a career low due solely to the fact that he hit 7^th in the batting order behind David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis.  Looking at how he swung the bat later in the season would suggest that a bounce back season is coming. I would expect his average to hover around .290 and see a few more stolen bases since he will be on base more.  Unless Valentine moves him up the batting order, do not expect another 100 runs or 100 runs batted in season.

Will Mark Teixeira ever hit again like he did before coming to the Yankees?  His batting average has done nothing but drop since moving to the fierce city and slowly lowering his fantasy value.  When he played for the Rangers, he was consistently in the top five first basemen in batting average.  Over the last two seasons Mark has been hitting around .250 and had a significant drop in doubles. This is a bad news for a player whose position is the deepest in baseball.  I do not expect Teixeira’ s batting average to change,  so expect at least 7 or 8 first basemen to be drafted ahead of him.

Martin Prado came out of nowhere in 2009 to hit for over .300 and scored 100 runs in 2010.  That quickly changed for the 2011 season where he barely hit .260 and became a mere average fantasy player.  I feel like Prado will return to the .300 line, but he will never be able to steal bases or drive in many runs, he is best suited for a good player off your bench.

Ubaldo looks to return to his old self in the 2012 season.

Ubaldo Jimenez went from one of the top starting pitchers in baseball to having a terrible ERA of 4.68.  He was just awful, gave up a career high in home runs and appeared to be exhausted in many of his starts towards the end of the season.  I predict that he will have a bounce back season in 2012, potentially landing the Indians in the playoffs.

Ryan Dempster has progressively gotten a little worse each season since 2008.  Dempster looked like the Cubs franchise did last year, which was extremely subpar for their high payroll.  Dempster has dud written all over him.  This season will most likely be similar to his mediocre 4.80 ERA and more losses than wins.

Jose Bautista became a hero last year as he repeated his dominance of smacking home runs.  He also had a rare hike in batting average.  He never hit above .260 in his career till last year where it was just over the .300 mark.  I think Bautista will continue to hit homers and knock in runners, but last season’s batting average has dud written all over it.

Joe Mauer was expected to be the top catcher in baseball heading into the 2011 season.  His season was derailed by injury and fatigued knees.  With a whole offseason to rest, I would expect Mauer to return with the motivation to prove any doubters wrong.

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Fielder to the Nats?

Prince Fielder looks like he could be coming close to signing with either the Washington Nationals or the new Miami Marlins. If Fielder does leave Milwaukee, Matt Gamel would be expected to take over at first base. Gamel’s not much of an intriguing option though, as he’s only a career .222 hitter in only 85 games. If Fielder signs with the Nats, look for him to play first base with Michael Morse covering left field and Adam Laroche sliding over to the bench or being traded once spring training begins.

Prince Fielder could have a big year in Washington hitting around Jayson Werth (who could use the help after a horrible down season in 2011), Michael Morse and Ryan Zimmerman. The Nationals look like a ball club that might be getting exciting to watch in 2012, especially with Stephen Strasburg ready to comeback and pitch a full season. Also take note of that strong bullpen in Tyler Clippard, Drew Storen and Henry Rodriguez. Go Nats in 2012! If Prince Fielder does end up signing with Washington, I don’t see it affecting his draft status at all. Look to take him in the first round of standard league drafts as usual.

The Milwaukee Brewers signed Alex Gonzalez to a one-year deal and are expecting him to be their everyday shortstop. A-Gon represents a strong defensive upgrade for the Brewers over Yuniesky Betancourt. Alex Gonzalez does turn 35 this February, so it will be interesting to see if he’s still got that great range in the in-field. Alex Gonzalez should enjoy hitting in Miller Park. Last year in Braves Country, he hit .241 with 15 homers and 56 RBI. In 2012 with the Brewers, those numbers could jump to something around .260/23/65. He’ll be hitting with plenty of protection in the lineup. Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart and Ryan Braun will all be there slugging away once again. In standard 2012 weekly fantasy baseball formats, I would target Alex Gonzalez at about round 6 and on.

Jose Reyes looks primed and ready for another big season in weekly fantasy baseball. After signing a new 6-year, 106 million dollar deal with the Miami Marlins, he should be amongst the first players taken off the board in fantasy baseball drafts this year. Reyes is coming off arguably his most productive season as a pro and should do much of the same this season as well. He’ll be hitting with plenty of support around the lineup and should also score a ton of runs. Gaby Sanchez, Logan Morrison, Hanley Ramirez and Mike Stanton will all be there to consistently knock Jose Reyes around the base paths. Look for Jose Reyes to play short stop all year with Hanley sliding on over to third.

2012 fantasy baseball is already shaping up to be another great experience. Play fantasy baseball games at Fantazzle and always remember to ride the hot bats to victory.

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Playoffs? Yep, it's about that time and we are here to help

As the regular season enters the final stretch, the fantasy baseball playoff push is heating up. Today, we list the top pitching match ups in an effort to help you stream successfully if need be.

August 22^nd – August 28^th

The San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Indians rotations have very favorable match ups, and any available members of these staffs should be ratio gold this week. The Giants play all 6 of their games at the comforts of AT&T Park, a place where pitchers tend to thrive. Playing at home is a luxury, and things get even better when the Giant pitchers look into the opposing dugout. They play the Padres twice before the Astros come to town for a 4 game set. Strikeout pitchers like Jonathan Sanchez, assuming he recovers as expected from a rolled ankle, should thrive versus San Diego – the league leaders in strikeouts. The Padres and Astros struggle to get men on base, meaning they will rely heavily swinging for the fences. This works to the Giants favor as their 2 opponents have hit less homeruns than anyone else in the league. Giant pitchers are primed for a huge week; look to take advantage of these match ups by streaming any available starter.

While the Giants are known for their pitching, the Indians aren’t as high profile, but face just as favorable of a schedule in this week. Justin Masterson is the only Indian starter who is owned in most leagues, leaving the door open for savvy streamers. The Indians play at home 7 times, facing the weak hitting Mariners 4 times and the Royals 3 times. The Mariners have been a mess at the plate all year, ranking last in the MLB in total bases, runs, batting average, OBP, and slugging percentage. The only thing scary about spot starting against Seattle is the potential of having Felix Hernandez shut down the Indians offense and cost you a valuable win. King Felix doesn’t affect the Indians starter’s ratios though, so pitchers like Carmona, Tomlin, and Carrasco rank high as streamers that could help you advance. After the 4 game set with Seattle, the Indians host a young Royals team that has struggled on the road. As a team, Kansas City is a woeful 19-39 away from home, and their hitting stats reflect that. They rank in the bottom half of the league in runs and home runs on the road. The Royals have talent, but they have yet to display the patience that is required to win on the road. They rank 23^rd in the league in number of pitches seen on the road, meaning they swing early and often. This fits the Indians starters just fine, as they lack the big strikeout pitcher, and as a staff, rely on pitching to contact. The Indians rank 28^th in the league in strikeouts at home, so expect some quick innings and thus the potential to pitch deep into games.

August 29^th – September 4^th  

Whether your playoffs are just beginning, or this is the second round, you will want to search the waiver wire for members of the Brewers and Cubs staffs. The BrewCrew opens the week with 3 games versus the Cardinals at Miller Park. This NL Central rivalry has been one sided of late, and revived Milwaukee pitching is a big reason why. The Brewers starters are 7-3 versus the Red Birds on the year, and are near unbeatable at home. The Brewers lead the league in home wins (47), and some interesting streamers have been a big part of that success. Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson have matching 6-2 records, making them a good bet this week. Wolf has a sparkling 3.18 ERA at home, a ratio that is tough to find when streaming this late in the season. The Cardinals also ground into a ton of double plays, 2^nd most in all of baseball, meaning that even if the Brewers starters find themselves in trouble, they have a good chance of escaping on the next pitch. After they battle Saint Louis, the Brewers travel to Houston for a 3 game series. The “disAstros” have the league’s worst home record (20-41) as long as the league’s worst record versus divisional opponents (20-39). They have struggled getting men on base, a problem that has only gotten worse sense the departures of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. Carlos Lee is the only hitter to fear in this lineup now, and even he is on the decline. The Astros are a good bet to spot start against at any time, and with the recent domination of the Cardinals, look to the Brewers pitching staff to help guide you this week when streaming.

Here is a bit of a shocker, but the Chicago Cubs are a team worth looking at this week. Not normally known for dominate pitching, as they rank 28^th in the majors in team ERA, but hear me out. The Cubbies are at San Francisco for 3 games, and then come back to Wrigley to face the Pirates for 3. Sure, San Fran has the pitching to beat Chicago, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t useful ratios to be had from the Cubs staff. The Giants play in a spacious ballpark and struggle to score there, averaging fewer than 3 runs per contest which ranks them next to last in the MLB. They are also in the bottom 6 in the league when it comes to batting average and total hits at their home ballpark. These games figure to be low scoring, and even if wins may be hard to come by, pitchers like Ryan Dempster and even Randy Wells could provide useful WHIP and ERA numbers. After facing the contending Giants, the pretending Pirates come to town. The Bucco’s are 5-17 over their last 22 games, scoring 3 runs or fewer in half of those games. On the season as a whole, including the hot start that Pittsburgh had, they rank in the bottom 5 in all of baseball in runs scored, hits, and batting average. The Pirates have gone downhill fast, and may very well be back to the lovable losers that we have come to know and love. Take advantage with Cubs starters this week, as very few if any are owned in your fantasy baseball league.

September 5^th – September 11^th

By now, it is likely that every league is in playoff mode, and spot starts are a hot commodity. For this week, look outside of the big names, and go for members of the Nationals and Royals rotations. The Nationals are at home 7 times, facing the Dodgers for 4 before getting the Astros for 3. The Dodgers have been the Matt Kemp show all year, and that is tough to rely on. He is not an easy out, but if the Nats pitchers can keep him in the park, the rest of the Dodgers lineup is far from fearful. Even with Kemp’s MVP type season, his Dodgers rank last in the bigs in extra base hits, as well as 25^th in homers and slugging percentage. After that series, the Astros come to the nation’s capital with the league’s worst road record, 19-43. We have detailed the Astros struggles, and if you need even more reason to stream against them, here it is. When on the road, they have hit the fewest number of home runs, and rank in the bottom 4 in RBI, runs, and walks. Jordan Zimmerman is likely owned, but teammates Livan Hernandez and John Lannan get the green light.

The Kansas City Royals are another team that faces favorable foes this week, and likely has multiple pitchers available in your league. They are on the road 7 times, but the lineups they face don’t hit well anywhere. The Royals travel to Oakland for a 3 game set to start the week. The A’s lack an established major league hitter, and that has resulted in them ranking in the bottom third of the league in batting average, home runs, and runs. Yankee castoff Hideki Matsui is the leader of this lineup, not exactly an intimidating middle of the lineup. Next up is the Mariners, and we have already covered why you should spot start against them: they are the league’s worst offense, and it’s not very close. Ichiro is having a down year, and is still the best player on the team. Again, if possible, avoid starting against Felix, but that’s the only red flag when it comes to Seattle. Jeff Francis and Bruce Chen are two of the options that can provide helpful ratios for this important stretch.

Stream wisely my friends.

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