Thursday, January 19, 2012

NL ONLY - What You Need To Know

On the heels of my AL Only league need to know list, I'm posting the players I feel NL Only leaguers will need to know before entering their drafts.  Again, I will update the list going forward, especially as Prince Fielder has yet to sign.

Coming Over From the American League

  1. Carlos Quentin - OF - Padres
  2. Jonathan Papelbon - RP/CL - Phillies
  3. Gio Gonzalez - SP- Nationals
  4. Trevor Cahill - SP- Diamondbacks
  5. Michael Cuddyer - OF - Rockies
  6. Jason Kubel - OF - Diamondbacks
  7. Mark Buehrle - SP - Marlins
  8. David DeJesus - OF - Cubs
  9. Kevin Slowey - SP - Rockies 
  10. Guillermo Moscoso - SP - Rockies
  11. Norichika Aoki - OF - Brewers
  12. Erik Bedard - Pirates (interesting sleeper now that he's in the NL, IF he plays of course)
  13. Melky Cabrera - OF - Giants
  14. Frank Francisco - RP/CL - Mets
  15. Jon Rauch - RP - Mets

Rookies/Upside Players Who Could See Regular Playing TIme
  1. Yonder Alonso - 1B - Padres
  2. Anthony Rizzo - 1B - Cubs (if he makes the team out of Spring Training)
  3. Tyler Pastornicky - SS - Braves - Rookie who is slated to be the starter, low BA, good speed
  4. Devin Mesoraco - C - Reds - Could be the outright starter.  A lot of upside in a good hitters home park.
  5. Mat Gamel - 1B - Brewers - Explosive AAA bat could be given a full time job in 2012.
  6. Norichika Aoki - OF - Brewers - Depends on the outcome of Ryan Braun's suspension.  My guess is that Aoki sees some regular at bats during the season.
Additionally:

Do not forget about Adam Wainright who should be ready to go for the 2012 season.  He will come at a bit of a draft discount as he's coming off Tommy John surgery.

There are plenty of opportunities within the Houston Astros for some lower to middle tier fantasy production.  Other than Carlos Lee, the team is full of young, yet decidedly mediocre talent.  None of them will be elite producers but they will see regular at bats.  Its because of this fact they deserve to be on your draft list.

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