Fantasy Baseball 2012: 10 Questions to Ask Before Drafting a Position Player

Fantasy baseball isn't always as easy as picking Albert Pujols.

The vast majority of MLB players, unfortunately, aren't flawless.

Before nearly every draft selection, you ought to analyze who or what you're really getting.

Pujols is worthy of being taken first overall because...

1) he contributes HR, RBI, R, SB, AVG and OBP;

2) he fills each category as well as the next best first basemen;

3) he has done so every season since 2001;

4) the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have surrounded him with other talented batters;

5) the majority of pitchers in the American League—particularly the AL West—have rarely faced him.

I could have gone on for days.

My point, though, is that even he cannot independently lead a team to a championship.

To construct a potent offense, fantasy general managers must identify the best possible "imperfect" individuals after probing deeper with the following questions.

Is This Player Healthy?

Internet search engines are amazing. They quench our thirst for knowledge by responding to keywords with relevant and recent information.

For example, it took mere seconds for Google to update me on Carl Crawford of the Boston Red Sox, who is still recovering from offseason wrist surgery.

His chances of healing by Opening Day 2012 are "probably not realistic," according to manager Bobby Valentine.

Easy, right?

No two injuries are identical, so set aside time to find out the specifics.

Don't be lazy and be remembered as "that guy" who used an early draft pick on Victor Martinez or Grady Sizemore in 2012.

If Not, Does His Injury Have the Potential to Linger?

Be aware of how a hurting player is dealing with an injury and if certain body parts have given him trouble in the past.

Let's talk about knees.

Chase Utley (Philadelphia Phillies) used to be a perennial All-Star, but more importantly, the former No. 1 fantasy second baseman.

His stock is plummeting.

Utley has missed more than 100 games since 2010 because of his ailing knees. They are hindering his preparations this spring, too.

Even when he plays in 2012, this chronic condition will prevent him from being at 100 percent.

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has also been a regular on the disabled list.

Fortunately, America's highest-paid athlete has the money to fix just about anything.

The "cutting-edge procedure" he underwent in Germany this past winter promises to keep him in one piece this season.

Bottom line: Everybody is different.

Are There Any Statistical Trends That Might Suggest Development/Decline?

I don't mean to mislead anybody, so let me be clear. Alex Rodriguez is not a safe pick.

He has endured a sharp, consistent decline in OPS—batting average and power numbers—and stolen bases since his last American League MVP-caliber season (2007).

Renewed knees might end the trend, but they certainly won't reverse it.

Observe how players are changing from year to year to predict potential sleepers and busts. In general, they will be younger and older guys, respectively.

Trust the numbers.

Anticipate a breakout year from a 24-year-old who's being undervalued. Pass on a veteran who is being drafted for his name and accomplishments of yesteryear rather than his current skill set. 

Are There Prospects Who Could Challenge This Player for Plate Appearances?

In all fantasy baseball formats, it is important to have position players that can be counted on to play everyday.

Your life—hopefully—doesn't revolve around your team(s). You don't always have time to look ahead to every upcoming MLB game and start/sit platoon players accordingly.

Established producers are often pressured to rest during the six-month marathon that is the regular season so that up-and-comers can get their feet wet.

Be aware of who the top prospects are for each franchise and when they are expected to be called up.

Think about Vernon Wells (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim).

He isn't all that desirable to begin with. And once top prospect Mike Trout returns to the big leagues, Wells will fall off even more rosters.

Which Players Came and Went from Their Team During the Offseason?

For the first time this preseason, Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers is being targeted earlier than Albert Pujols—or any other MLB player—in standard drafts.

Why?

Because his club signed slugger Prince Fielder in February to share the brunt of the offensive workload.

There are statistical repercussions whenever a franchise completes a major transaction.

Power hitters welcome new table-setters (RBI boost), yet they can thrive in the absence of protection (more IBB means higher AVG and OBP).

A lot may have changed, even if a potential draftee stayed put.

Where Will This Player Hit in the Batting Order?

The ideal batter in fantasy baseball is regularly slotted in the heart of his team's order. That way, there are speedsters preceding him, waiting to be driven home, and a respectable player on deck qualified to do the same.

Other scenarios can detract significant value.

National Leaguers who come to the plate before the pitcher's spot have it rough.

They luck out in the later innings when a pinch hitter is summoned from the bench. But even the best of those "saviors" are either strikeout-prone, lacking power or easily exposed against certain relievers.

Normally, those at the end of the lineup get stranded in scoring position.

No league has scoring that will show them mercy for that.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are abnormally deep groups. Ordering is unimportant when everybody contributes to run production.

Is This Player's Team Introducing a New Offensive Philosophy in 2012?

Management influences its players to buy into particular strategies and do whatever is necessary during game situations to put them in motion.

The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins have all chosen new skippers for 2012. That means roles will change.

Bunting, for example, does not have a place in fantasy baseball.

Guys who don't swing away are selfless and admirable, but they lose out on opportunities to reach base and hit home runs.

Find out who is working on what in Spring Training and steer clear of those subscribing to small-ball philosophies.

How Well Do Division Rivals Match Up with This Player?

Divisional play comprises a huge chunk of the MLB regular season (more than 40 percent).

If a player's rivals have the experience and talent to dominate him, then it will dramatically limit his value to you in rotisserie leagues.

David Ortiz (Boston Red Sox) is a freak who actually hits well against New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. However, hardly anyone else in the American League East looks forward to facing the future Hall of Famer.

Understand how each division has changed as a result of offseason movement.

When drafting position players, favor those who have previously met the pitchers they'll inevitably oppose in 2012. Familiarity helps the batter.

What Is This Player's Contract Situation?

Ultimately, baseball is a business. It is dependent on contracts, incentives and revenue.

MLB players commit tremendous time and energy to their teams because they are compensated with big, fat checks.

Impending free agents can be expected to give extra effort knowing that their campaigns double as season-long auditions for any front office with money to spend.

It is also typical of players in their first year of mega deals to press and struggle (see Carl Crawford, Adam Dunn, Dan Uggla and Jayson Werth).

Look around on Cot's Baseball Contracts and see who should be motivated to perform at a high level in 2012.

Next, keep in mind that financials affect how players will be managed.

Expiring contracts are easier to move around.

A disgruntled veteran could be suddenly invigorated if dealt to a team that values him. It happens more than you might realize.

Does This Player Mesh with the Rest of Your Roster?

Each individual you choose to draft should be selected for the sole purpose of bettering your chances at winning the league title.

This goal is unattainable with 10 first basemen. Or eight closers.

The Arizona Diamondbacks turned some heads a few months ago by signing Jason Kubel to a multi-year pact.

It was deemed a dumb move by many because the D-Backs already had three competent outfielders in Gerardo Parra, Justin Upton and Chris Young.

But there's nothing wrong with having depth at several positions.

Just don't handicap yourself by overdoing it. Or by skipping through these essential questions.

Follow @MrElyminator