Below are player projections for the most and least valuable of fantasy commodities on their given team. Projections are based on a 5×5 format in a standard ten-player league.
Part 1 of 30: Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona was one of the most pleasant surprises in all of baseball in 2011, finishing with a record of 94-68. If you were fortunate enough to draft key Diamondback players, you most likely attained excellent value for their draft position. Do not expect to be so fortunate this year.
Projected Roto MVP: Justin Upton (2011 fantasy line: .289/31/88/105/21)
While tempted to proclaim Ian Kennedy the roto mvp of the Diamondbacks, the nod goes to stud outfielder Justin Upton. The sky is the limit for Upton who will be just 24 years old when the season begins. He posted an outstanding fantasy line in 2011 and could be even better in 2012. He already has 238 extra base hits in his short career. If there is one flaw, it’s his strikeout totals (126 Ks last year), an area he will have to improve upon if he is to consistently be a .300 hitter
Projected Roto Flop: Ryan Roberts (2011 fantasy line: .249/19/65/86/18)
Someone in your league will be enticed by Ryan Roberts’ 19 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Don’t be that guy. Roberts is a career .250 hitter. Prior to last year never hit double-digits in home runs. Draft strictly at your own risk.
Projected Roto Surprise: David Hernandez (2011 fantasy line: 5/3.37/77/1.14; 11 saves in 74 relief appearances)
Much better suited for middle relief, David Hernandez will vulture saves for the Diamondbacks. Between J.J. Putz health (always a concern) and his workhorse ability (74 games pitched last year) it wouldn’t surprise for him to post double-digit save totals again in 2012.
Top Roto Prospect: Paul Goldschidt (2011 fantasy line: .250/8/26/28/4; 48 games played)
At 6 feet 3 inches, 244 pounds, the Delaware native Paul Goldschmidt can absolutely pound the ball. He totaled 65 home runs in the minors over the past two seasons and hit 8 in 156 major league at bats when he got the call to The Show. Strikeouts will be a concern but he has hit for average on all levels of baseball. A plus – he may very well hit clean-up if he has a solid spring.
Notes: It’s doubtful Ian Kennedy will post 21 wins again but his potential strikeout total and ERA makes him a top-10 pick NL pick among starters….despite a horrid second half (4/5.80/56/1.64) Trevor Cahill could be a steal….Chris Young strikes out too much (417 Ks in the last three years) to ever be a valuable fantasy commodity….expect Aaron Hill and Steven Drew to disappoint again….still only 35 years of age at the start of the season, J.J. Putz can still be counted on for 35-plus saves.
Sources:
Yahoo! Sports
Robert Watkins is a twenty year fantasy baseball veteran who is a frequent contributor to Yahoo! Sports and News.