Fantasy Baseball 2009, A New Year, a New Beginning!

Mar. 1, 2009....

Ah, I am finally feeling the itch! We are officially less then a month away from this years baseball season, most importantly, another new chapter in fantasy baseball. Millions of people around the world are suiting up for this great season that will bring great exciting fun to the world.

I, being a veteran with fantasy baseball, am ready as well. I have started my mock drafts and am preparing for my first drafts which appear in a couple of weeks. There are many players I am looking forward to see this year, whether they are a keeper or a bust.

Matt Holliday- This offseason Mr. Holliday was traded from Colorado to Oakland, a team that has lacked offense. It will be curious to see how he performs.

Unfortunately, he did not have enough star power to lead his team to the playoffs, so how will he do in his 1st season with the gold and green? My vision sees a 300 avg, 30 HR, 115 RBI season. For that, I give a solid A?

Why do I think he will get these numbers?? Holliday will have many opportunities with runners in scoring position, and even though he might not be in the hitters park like he used to be, he will prove why he is still one of the best young Out Fielders in the game.

I see Holliday being taken in mid-second round of most leagues.

Evan Longoria- Last year Longoria put up fantastic numbers for the Rays in the six months he was up in the bigs. In his 1st year campaign, the power numbers were there with his 27 HR'S and 85 RBI. What does he need to prove on His patience at the plate. In his 1st season Longoria struck out 122 times.

If he wants to improve his performence from last season, he should focus on the eye at the plate instead of the pop in his bat. Prediction: In his 1st full season Longoria will be once again a good contributor to the Rays.

I don't see a huge jump from him, as a 280 avg with 35 HR 105 RBI seems like a good season for a young hitter still looking to find ways to improve. Longoria will be a little overhyped, as in most leagues he will be taken within the top five or top 10 picks.

Me, in a 12 team league, I would take him early second round. Keeper, a sure top-five.

Prospects To Watch Out For This Year

1. Matt Wieters

This is a no brainer. Rated the No. 1 prospect in all of the minor leagues, it has been made clear that Wieters will be in the MLB this season. A hot start in AAA could land him a MLB spot in May, where I do think that is when it will happen.

He hasn't even been on the Major League Diamond yet he is being considered overall a top 10 Catcher when he gets here. Future Stud. Just because most of the baseball world has heard of him already, I believe he will be drafted in about 75 percent of leagues to start with, 100 percent in keeper/dynasty leagues.

No doubt though he will be a fight on the waiver wire as it is believed he will make a big impact with the O's.

2. Matt LaPorta

After being acquired in the CC Sabathia trade, Laporta has been highly recognized by the Indians organization, Having a early hot start in Spring Training thus far, people around the organization feel LaPorta may get called up around June-July to get his chance in the Majors.

The kid has the body, and the athleticism to do it. He will make people happy in Cleveland no doubt. Laporta will not have any stock in normal public leagues, as if he comes up it wont be until mid-summer, and he wont be as productive.

In Keeper Leagues, I see him as a late round pick, as he is unproven. Dynasty leagues he will be all wrapped up in.

3. Dexter Fowler

Will he finally get his chance?? Dexter Fowler's name has always been brought up as to how he ranks with the rest of the elite. We may get to see how good he truly is. With Matt Holliday being shipped out, we might see Fowler getting into some action in Colorado.

He will join a young core of Rockies, and maybe help them win the pennant again. Just like LaPorta, Fowler's draft stock isn't that big in most leagues. I can see him being a leadoff man when he gets called up, which could lead to some AVG and SB points.

He will mostly be locked up in keeper and dynasty leagues, where he will be a fulltime starter in 2010.

There are still many exciting things to happen in the next month as we wait for this Fantasy Season. Where will Manny sign? How will A-Rod's stock be affected from the steriods's scandal? Be sure to check out next issue on the rise and fall of fantasy.

Matt Miselis is a baseball and football writer, professional, college, and fantasy levels, for bleacherreport.com