FakeTeams: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: Cowboy Altitude for Wyoming Fans!

Fantasy Baseball: Top 5 Baltimore Orioles for 2010

Surprisingly, the team that finished last place in it's division has more valuable fantasy options than the team ahead of it.

1. Nick Markakis- Over the last three years, Markakis' stolen base totals have been cut nearly in half each year. He's probably not going to hit many more than 20 home runs in 2010, but he should score and drive in more than 90 runs and could even reach 100 for each.

2. Brian Roberts- Not only is Brian Roberts one of the more efficient speed guys in the game, he plays a premium position. Roberts has been very consistent over the last three years, scoring over 100 runs and stealing at least 30 bases. One thing to look out for with Roberts is his declining speed. Since 2008, Roberts has stolen 10 less bases each year, ending at 30 last season.

3. Matt Wieters- Wieters was among the top catchers drafted in 2009 and struggled mightily at times after his call-up. This year, he should start the season out in the Bigs and will probably not be worthy of being one of the top catchers drafted, but at the same time, probably won't be among the top catchers drafted. Bill James is a bit more optimistic on him than I would be (75 R, 20 HR, 90 RBI, .311 are James' projections) but I still think he'll be a useful catcher in 2010.

4. Adam Jones- Adam Jones' breakout season was hindered in early September by an ankle injury. In 472 at bats, Jones was able to double his home run total from the previous year, while hitting for a higher average. Given a full season in the majors, Jones can put up a 20/10 season while hitting for a fairly decent average.

5. Miguel Tejada- The Baltimore Orioles recently signed Miguel Tejada to a one-year, six million dollar deal with the idea of playing him as their third baseman. If that is the case, Tejada should gain eligibility at third shortly after the season begins, but still can have value in the late rounds as a shortstop. While he's not going to hit 30+ home runs anymore, Tejada can at least be consistent. It's worth noting that Tejada's been on a two-year skid with his BB% and his BABIP was a bit high last season. In any case, Tejada should be a safe bet to not kill you at shortstop in 2010.

Sleeper alert. Josh Bell- After being traded in the George Sherrill trade, Bell was instantly made into the Orioles third baseman of the future. With the acquisition of Garrett Atkins and Miguel Tejada, Bell's arrival might have to wait until September. But if you're looking for a corner infielder in keeper or dynasty leagues, Bell could be a very valuable player down the line. The Baseball Cube has his power at 78 (out of 100) and his patience at 71. The one knock on Bell could be his ability to hit for average (29 on the same scale.)

Poll
Who will be more valuable at their draft position in 2010?
Adam Jones. Around 50-75 overall.
33 votes
Matt Wieters. Around 100-120 overall.
98 votes

131 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 0 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about Fantasy Sports.
Start posting on FakeTeams »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Texas Rangers Michael Young, left, is held back by Texas Rangers third base coach Dave Anderson (obscured) after being called out at third by third base umpire Alfonso Marquez, front right, to end a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, in Minneapolis.  Rangers manager Ron Washington (wearing sunglasses) looks on. The Twins won 6-5. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia) +1 updates

Twins Top Rangers 6-5 Thanks To Controversial Ump Decision

LOS ANGELES CA - SEPTEMBER 04:  Jamey Carroll #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is pulled off the bag as Darren Ford #34 of the San Francisco Giants steals second base in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 4 2010 in Los Angeles California. The Giants defeated the Dodgers 5-4.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) +1 updates

Dodgers' Slide Continues With 3-0 Loss To Rival Giants

BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 05: Jonathan Papelbon #58 of the Boston Red Sox heads for the dugout after he is pulled in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox on September 5 2010 at Fenway Park in Boston Massachusetts.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

White Sox Score Four In 9th, Hand Jonathan Papelbon His Seventh Blown Save Of 2010

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Img00031_1__small Ray Guilfoyle

Authors

Banksy_pie_small ILLZ

Jason_logo_small Jason Hunt

Small Bluethunder33

4312_1109962521830_1609860291_30470763_3161810_n_small Seth Walder

Img_1509_small dukeallstar

Small eklevine

Ice_hockey_monkey_small jackweiland