During the year I will be doing deeper league finds and free agents of value. So what better way to start that ball rolling then to give you a preemptive report on who I see contributing so far in Spring Training and how that may correlate to real/fake baseball. I am looking for guys that will not only contribute to AL/NL formats but leagues that are greater than 12 teams that make the free agent pool very shallow. So swim safely or with a buddy and make sure you pick up guys on waivers 20 minutes after you eat. Best strategy I can convey here is "if you think long you think wrong". Your best fantasy judgement is key and hesitation can cost you.
Catcher
Deeper than 12 teams: Jonathan Lucroy MIL- No real competition behind him. Sorry George Kottaras. My strategy for catchers is simple wait til the end. He is being drafted as the 18th catcher off the board. Everyday starter, check. Decent line-up, check. Anything else is gravy.
AL Only: Jarrod Saltalamacchia BOS - Decent line-up, only real push is from Lavarnaway. 16 taters last year and is the unquestioned starter.
NL Only: Josh Thole NYM - Let's be honest the Mets aren't going anywhere, they don't have a great backup option behind Thole. Has hit well at every level minus the power, but he is a catcher you shouldn't be expecting it anyways
More Positions after the jump.
First Base
Deeper than 12 teams: James Loney LAD - Incentives is the key here, is a free agent at years end. Closed 2011 on a pretty nice tear, final 191 PA's .348 Ba 8 Hr's 32 Rbis and 30 runs scored.
AL Only: Casey Kotchman CLE - Is proof that a glove will keep you in the majors. Will contribute moderately to power and RBI's but AVG will be where he helps you the most.
NL Only: Juan Rivera LAD - Yea 2 Dodgers, Juan will play let field. Ended year driving in 42 runs in final 49 games.
Second Base
Deeper than 12 teams: Daniel Murphy NYM - Position eligibility makes him clutch.
AL Only: Alexi Casilla MIN - We come for the steals, and greatly take any other contributions. Having decent spring, just needs to stay healthy.
NL Only: Tyler Greene STL - Somebody has to play second for the Cards, has decent glove and hit well in AAA last year before call up.
Shortstop
Deeper than 12 teams: Rafael Furcal STL - "Boogie" just needs to stay healthy, no real competition in camp. If he can get 500 Ab's .280/10/60/25 sb isn't a stretch.
AL Only: Jamey Carroll MIN - Nothing great but will score lots of runs, job is his to lose barring a Nishioka explosion.
NL Only: Alex Gonzalez MIL - Shortstop stinks make sure you have a good one. Besides giving you some pop he gives lots of agita.
Third Base
Deeper than 12 teams: Brent Morel CHW - Finished 2011 on an uptick, job is his as the Pale hose look like they have some holes, literally.
AL Only: Wilson Betemit BAL - Has been getting some good publicity so far, as a DH/3B filler.
NL Only: Brett Wallace HOU - The Chris Davis of the NL. Getting a chance at third for the 100 loss Astros.
Outfield
Deeper then 12 teams: Dayan Viciedo CHW - Is "el Caballo" reincarnated, big lumbering slugger. 25 HR power is definitely possible.
AL Only: Eric Thames TOR - Showing out pretty well in ST, has ability to play all 3 OF spots. Good line-up around him if he bats toward the bottom and it turns over.
NL Only: JD Martinez HOU- Hitting well in spring to date. Definitely will get ab's what he does with them could be pretty promising. Moderate power with little speed is only caveat.
Starting Pitching
Deeper then 12 teams: Mike Leake CIN - Moderate K potential. Is a control pitcher that is only getting better. Mid 3 ERA and 13 plus wins easily in reach, pitchers in the NL and on a winning team is a winning strategy.
Luke Hochevar KC - Liked the end of the year performance from him and I think he capitalizes on a higher strikeout rate to become not only usuable in AL but mixed leagues other than 2 start spot duty.
AL Only: Jeff Niemann TB - Wade Davis seems destined for the long man. Niemann has limited K potential but is on a team that wins, that will score runs and just needs to cut the big fly's down.
NL Only: Chris Volstad CHC - Mid rotation guys are the depth that make AL/NL only teams winners. Finished 2011 with a cushy mid 2 ERA in 5 September starts.
Weekly updates will be forth coming as I know your brimming with expectations. Questions and comments are always welcomed.