Fantasy Baseball: 2008 Batting Rankings

Fantasy baseball is almost upon us, isn't it?

Let's get a head start on your draft by ranking the top 10 fantasy baseball hitters, starting at 10.

10. Miguel Cabrera, DET

Cabrera was involved in the only real "blockbuster" deal this offseason, so far, by being traded to Detroit along with Dontrelle Willis. I hate to say this, (being a Twins fan), but the Tigers are going to be close to unstoppable in 2008. They greatly improved their lineup, and I'm sure both Willis and Cabrera are thrilled to be a part of it. Cabrera finished 15th in the MVP voting, and made it to the All Star game with Florida. What can he do with Detroit?

9. Prince Fielder, MIL

While only sporting a .288 average, he did whack out 50 homers in 2007. With 119 RBI's, he was high on the list in the National League. The Brewers started out the '07 season with a bang, but ended rather miserably. They should have a bone to pick with just about everyone, and with the addition of Mike Cameron and Jason Kendall, along with a five player resigning move, the fresh Brewer's should come out roaring in March.

8.  Ryan Howard, PHI

I still can't believe that the Phillie's made the postseason in '07. Howard's 47 home runs and 136 RBI's probably had something to do with that. Although his strikeouts are high (199) he still managed to place fifth in MVP voting. His overall production dipped from last year, when he won the NL MVP by 8 votes.  He still is worthy of being drafted in the first round.

7. Matt Holliday, COL 

The defending NL champions will come out with something to prove in '08. With a great season in '07 for Holliday, one can only expect similar numbers. Holliday had a .340 average, 36 home runs, and 50 doubles. The reason I've ranked him so low is because he strikes out so often. A player of his caliber should learn to wait for the right pitch.

6. Chase Utley, PHI

Boasting a .332 average in '07, along with 22 homers, and 103 RBI's, Utley finished 8th in MVP voting last year. Entering his sixth season with the Phillies, this time should be considered the prime of his life. If you play in a defensive league, nobody is better than Utley. His .985 fielding percentage is among league leaders. Want more impressive numbers? Check out his 85 double plays in 2007, with only 10 errors to count against him.

5. Albert Pujols, STL

His performance dipped from last year, and his MVP year of 2005, but he is still to be considered one of the best in the league. He has still maintained a good average of .327, along with 32 home runs. While he is coming off career lows in both runs and RBI's, I don't expect the same numbers from him in 2008. While he may not be a 30-30 guy like others who you may be tempted to draft, Pujols will give you consistency in the batting average department, as well as the home runs.

4.  David Wright, NYM

This All Star finished fourth in MVP voting in 2007. Despite the historical collapse of the Mets late in the season, they are still a good team. I am convinced that Johan Santana will also be joining them, and that can only make their team better. Wright put up 30 home runs and 107 RBI's last year, along with a .325 average. He remains one of the best.

3. Hanley Ramirez, FLA

Possibly the least known, best player in the MLB, Ramirez is quietly putting up great numbers. He quietly finished 10th in NL MVP voting, and maintained a .332 average throughout the year. But his best stat? 51 stolen bases. He also blasted 29 homeruns, and knocked in 81 runs. If you want Ramirez, I suggest you take him early in the draft.

2. Jose Reyes, NYM 

This speedster stole a whopping 78 bases last year. While he only had a .280 average, he still knocked in 57 runs, and hit 12 homeruns. Omar Minaya seems committed to keeping Reyes in a Mets uniform for at least one more year, despite demands from the Twins. Does Omar know something that we don't know? Or is this kid really special stuff?

1. Alex Rodriguez, NYY

He will remain a Yankee for a long time, and should continue to put up his outstanding numbers. Where else does A-Rod go on any list?