Fantasy Baseball Links 3-2-12

Brett Lawrie Player Projection No. 39 | Fantasy Baseball Hot Stove

It's hard to find anyone who doesn't love the future superstar Bret Lawrie. At this points it is simply a question of what price you are willing to pay to get him. I took him in the 4th round of an NFBC league, ahead of A-Rod. I am still questioning if I was too aggressive or not...

What They're Saying: CBS Sportsline - #7 Third baseman; Tristan Cockcroft of ESPN.com - #10 Third baseman & #90 Overall; RotoChamp - #32 Overall; Mock Draft Central - #5 Third Baseman and #55 Overall Projection: Lawrie is an elite talent that could very well find himself in the top 5 at his position this year, which says alot when your peers are some of the most prolific hitters in all of baseball. I'm gonna take a queue from Tom Dakers above: .280 AVG, 25 HR, 80 Runs, 90 RBI, 25 Steals, .338 OBP and a .858 OPS in 570 AB's.

Jordan Zimmermann: New Pitch – Even Better Numbers, 2012 Sleeper | The Fake Baseball

Zimmerman is on my list of breakout pitchers. Invest. I am expecting a huge season. My projections are 180 innings, 160K's, 12 W's, 3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP

He may not quite get to a K per 9 and he may not get 20 wins, but I think Zimmermann is a guy you can wait on to build your staff around. Going all the way down at pick 119 on average according to Mock Draft Central, there are TONS of pitchers I would take him ahead of. I would even take him over Strasburg. He likes to blend into the background and he’s doing just that in fantasy drafts. Don’t let him go by. 2012 Projection: 204.2 IP 16-10 2.98 ERA 1.11 WHIP 179 Ks

Fantasy Baseball Blog at Razzball.com | 2nd Basemen To Target, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Anyway, here’s some 2nd basemen to target for 2012 fantasy baseball: Jason Kipnis – I’ll round some numbers off for you like they were matzoh balls. 15 homers and 15 steals. That’s his ceiling. If Kipnis reaches them then mazel tov! Is he worth a flyer, fo’ diggity. Just keep in mind Kipnis doesn’t have huge power or speed or schmaltz.

2012 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Brandon Webb " Fantasy Alarm

I do not have a lot of hope here, just a player to keep an eye on...

Keep an eye on what transpires with Webb over the next few weeks. If a team does invite him to camp and he can stay healthy, he may be a viable sleeper option in the late rounds of your fantasy baseball league draft. Or, you could potentially stash him in a minor league spot and wait for him to get the call-up. Either way, do not draft him with high expectations of production. He is clearly a health risk and will never be the same pitcher he was before 2009.

Has Cole Hamels Emerged As A Top 10 Starting Pitcher Heading Into 2012? | Rotoprofessor

All numbers are pointing in the direction of Hamels establishing himself as an ace that deserves top 10 looks for starting pitchers. Invest with confidence as a fantasy ace.

Heading into the season I have Hamels ranked as the ninth best pitcher, but the potential is actually there for hm to be so much more than that. He has emerged as one of the elite and should be viewed as such in all formats.

NFBC: Finding Value in Closers is Never Easy | BaseballHQ.com

Great read here on some darker places to find saves. Vinnie Pestano for example a pitcher to will get saves in April that could run away with the gig. He is a better pitcher then Chris Perez...

If you’re looking for real big sleepers, closers who could emerge after Opening Day, don’t lose sight of Broxton in Kansas City, or even Francisco Rodriguez. The Brewers will be trying to deal him all year and some team may need a mid-season closer. Also keep an eye on Vinnie Pestano (RHP, CLE), who could start the year as Cleveland’s closer while Chris Perez (RHP, CLE) recovers from an oblique injury. He throws hard, has experience in this role and could keep the job if he starts out hot. You just never know.

Experts weigh in on LABR mixed league strategies

All eyes are on the second most famous fantasy draft after Tout. Look toward LABR for some early trends...

There isn't just one way to win a fantasy league, but if you're in one that's comprised of 15 experts ... you'd better be firm in your convictions.