Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy: Positions You Need to Fill Early

When you are drafting in fantasy baseball, there is always going to be the temptation to go after the best player available regardless of position.

If you do that, you will be putting yourself at a huge disadvantage when filling positions that don't have the depth at the top that you need to get the production that wins championships. 

With starting pitching being as deep as it has ever been, you can afford to wait a few rounds before filling those rotation spots. 

Here are the positions that you need to target early in the draft, or else you will be lacking serious production when it comes time to grab someone for that spot. 

Catcher

Catching has never been a dominant offensive position in fantasy baseball, but things are starting to look up with the young talent behind the plate. 

Even with that infusion of talent, the position is still not very deep. And some of the familiar names that used to dominate the position are either already hurt (Victor Martinez) or susceptible to injuries (Joe Mauer). 

With so few truly dominant hitters at the catching position, it is best to target someone who has a proven track record of succeeding, or on the verge of a breakout season, in the first three rounds. 

Top Available Players: Mike Napoli (Tex), Brian McCann (Atl), Carlos Santana (Cle)

Shortstop

Building a great fantasy team is a lot like building a real one: You have to start up the middle and work your way out. 

After you find your catcher—or even before, depending on where you want to go—you need to grab a shortstop.

Unfortunately, we are in 2012 and not 1999, when the position was as offensive-minded as it has ever been. There are two elite hitters at shortstop and a few others poised for bounce-back years or building on their success in 2011.

Top Available Players: Troy Tulowitzki (Col), Jose Reyes (Mia), Starlin Castro (ChC)

Third Base

One of the most underrated positions in fantasy baseball is the hot corner. Third base has seen an influx of great talent over the last few years, and it just keeps getting deeper and deeper. 

That said, the number of elite players at the position is sparse. As things stand, there are three third basemen worthy of being taken in the first four rounds. You need to make sure that one of them lands on your team, or you will be left with a lot of questions when you decide to address the position. 

You could make an argument that the top two third basemen should be first-round picks, depending on the way others in your league start drafting. 

Top Available Players: Jose Bautista (Tor), Evan Longoria (TB), Adrian Beltre (Tex)

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