Adam Dunn and Five Fantasy Baseball Winners From This Offseason

Yesterday, I kicked off the fantasy baseball season with a look at the top-five fantasy losers from this offseason. Well, it’s only fitting that today I look at the top-five fantasy winners from this offseason.

These are the players that saw their fantasy stock rise due to events that surrounded them this winter. Here are the top five fantasy winners from this offseason in no particular order.

1. Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox

Over the past seven seasons, Dunn has been one of the more consistent players in baseball. He is a virtual lock for a .260 average, 40 HR and 100 RBI.

Now, Dunn is going to a ballpark that is one of the most hitter-friendly in baseball and will be surrounded by some talented guys that should help increase his run and RBI production. It wouldn’t shock me if Dunn had a career year in his first year in Chicago.

Hitting 45-50 HR with 110-115 RBI wouldn’t be out of the question for Dunn in 2011.

2. Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers

Greinke went from one of the worst situations in baseball in Kansas City to one of the better ones in Milwaukee. With a solid offense surrounding him, Greinke should have a chance to win between 15-20 games and have an ERA in the low-three’s with the Brewers.

Pitching in the NL Central, Greinke should be a top-10 pitcher in 2011.

3. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Billy Wagner officially retired at the end of last season and the Braves didn’t sign anyone to be their closer in 2011. That means either Kimbrel or Jonny Venters will get the nod for saves in Atlanta, but I think Kimbrel will be the guy in the ninth for the Braves.

Kimbrel had a 0.44 ERA and 40 K’s in just 20.2 IP in 2010. Now that he will be with the Braves for a full year and will have saves added to the mix, Kimbrel could be a top-10 fantasy closer. Remember, Wagner was a top-10 closer last year in most fantasy formats and the Braves should be just as good in 2011 as they were last year.

I am a big fan of Kimbreal, and he is my pick for NL Rookie of the Year in 2011.

4. Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox

Gonzalez goes from one of the worst hitters' ballparks and being surrounded by ham n’ eggers to one of the best ballparks in baseball for left-handed hitters and being surrounded by superstars. Gonzalez is usually good for 30-35 HR a year, and I don’t expect that to change in Boston, but I think all of his other peripherals will increase.

I would expect Gonzalez will drive in 120-130 runs, score over 100 runs, hit over 40 doubles and hit over .315. Those would be career numbers for “AGon” and would make him a top-three fantasy first baseman.

5. Chris Sale/Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox

When a closer spot opens up on a team expected to win close to 90 games in 2011, it’s usually fantasy gold. However, in Chicago, there is no clear cut closer in place. It could be Sale or Thornton.

Whoever it is, they should be successful in that role. Thornton has been as dominant as ever since joining the White Sox, and Sale showed tremendous promise in his debut last season. Either one has the potential to roll through the ninth inning like a hot knife through butter.

This situation will play out as we approach spring training, but keep an eye on it. Whoever is named closer, could have a monster year in 2011.

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