Fantasy Baseball 2012: A Complete Mock Draft of the First 30 Picks

After skating to a 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night, the Chicago Blackhawks are leading the NHL with 48 points.

Though there have been times during the season when they have been streaky, Hawks fans should be pleased at the start they have had.

For teams to win, the teams' best players have to perform. This much we have been seeing in the Windy City. By most observations, they Hawks will still need to improve, perhaps adding some help from the outside.

While the top guns have produced, some have fallen flat and some are a mixed bag.

Lets take a quick look at how each Chicago hockey scholar has done through the first marking period of the season. Players that have played less than ten games (Smith, Morin, Pirri, etc.) will receive an incomplete for now. 

1. CF Matt Kemp (Los Angeles Dodgers)

With the No. 1 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team A selects . . . Matt Kemp.

Kemp is a terrific example of someone who rebounded from a forgettable campaign.

2011 was a career-year for him, which surprised many who watched him under-perform in 2010.

Kemp was the No. 1 fantasy player last season. He can be counted on to boost a team's totals in every offensive category again because he is 27 years old—entering his prime—and has thus far had an injury-free career.

He strikes out frequently, so he is far from a lock to contend for the National League batting title again.

Still, there is no safer pick that can be made atop the draft.

2. CF Jacoby Ellsbury (Boston Red Sox)

With the No. 2 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team B selects . . . Jacoby Ellsbury.

His numbers were fairly similar to Matt Kemp's last season.

Will Ellsbury hit 32 home runs in 2012 like he did a year ago? I seriously doubt it.

However, even if his power numbers regress—which they likely will—I think he will have a stellar fantasy season.

With fewer extra-base hits, Ellsbury will steal bases more often and get into scoring position just the same.

As a part of a Boston Red Sox offense that I expect to be the MLB's best from April through early October, Ellsbury should once again reach triple-digits in runs scored and runs batted in.

3. SP Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers)

With the No. 3 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team C selects . . . Justin Verlander.

I can't imagine another pitcher being the first off the board.

He was historically good in 2011, he will only be 29 and his home ballpark is very pitcher-friendly.

He will certainly register 18-plus wins, 200-plus strikeouts and an outstanding ERA and WHIP.

Team C may be hypothetical, but it won't be the only one using its top-three overall pick on Justin Verlander. He'll be worth it.

4. 1B Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)

With the No. 4 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team D selects . . . Miguel Cabrera.

First base will be deep as usual in 2012.

The top few of them fantasy-wise are Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez and Albert Pujols. They may very well be drafted in that order.

Cabrera's consistency since 2004 is frightening, and he will once again be surrounded by great offensive players (although none that should be chosen in the first three rounds).

He is an AL Triple Crown candidate with the potential to lead the league in home runs, RBI and batting average. He reaches bases regularly via base hit or walk, which will give Victor Martinez and others plenty of opportunities to drive him in.

5. 1B Adrian Gonzalez (Boston Red Sox)

With the No. 5 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team E selects . . . Adrian Gonzalez.

Once again, the drafting owner needs to factor in the helpfulness of a player's teammates before pushing the button.

Gonzalez, for example, will surely be aided by his. Opposing pitchers can't simply pitch around him or else face the wrath of steady veterans Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz.

His swing is tailor-made for Fenway Park, and I'm nearly positive that he will exceed his 2011 total of 10 home runs there.

The difference between he and Miguel Cabrera is negligible.

6. 1B Albert Pujols (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)

With the No. 6 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team F selects . . . Albert Pujols.

The future Hall of Famer is switching leagues, which works in his favor because many opposing pitchers that he will face have never battled with him before.

His age is somewhat of a concern. The fact that he's 32 shouldn't scare anybody away, but coming off his least awe-inspiring season should make you wonder whether or not he has started his decline.

Then consider that he won't have world-class protection out in Los Angeles. Who will hit behind him? Mark Trumbo? Torii Hunter? Vernon Wells?

On the other hand, Pujols has never let fantasy owners down before. He will hit for tremendous power and it's just unfair that he has added stolen bases to his game over the past several years.

7. SS Jose Reyes (Miami Marlins)

With the No. 7 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team G selects . . . Jose Reyes.

In this mock draft, I'm assuming there is a wise owner involved who takes Reyes in the first round.

He most definitely won't finish the season with a comparable point total to these previous six draftees, but fantasy baseball is all about choosing players who are significantly more productive than the next best available.

Anybody who misses out entirely on the top three first baseman can still grab a proven slugger like Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard or Mark Teixeira.

However, there is a huge drop-off after Reyes and Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki.

Reyes is a shoe-in to bat over .300, steal 40-plus bases and score a gazillion runs— if he stays healthy.

8. SP Roy Halladay (Philadelphia Phillies)

With the No. 8 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team H selects . . . Roy Halladay.

Halladay has been ridiculously effective for seven consecutive seasons. He has shown no signs of decline, and I doubt this is the year where he begins to.

He bolsters a fantasy team in every category. There is zero risk in drafting him.

One thing to watch, though, are the aging position players behind him.

His weakest department—although I don't think "weak" is really the right word—is strikeouts. Halladay often pitches to contact, which may be a problem is Jimmy Rollins loses a step or Chase Utley's knees don't hold up.

9. RF Carlos Gonzalez (Colorado Rockies)

With the No. 9 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team I selects . . . Carlos Gonzalez.

Carlos Gonzalez was the Matt Kemp of 2010. He stuffed the stat sheet, contended for the NL MVP award and won a Gold Glove just because he could.

2011 wasn't the same. He struggled in April and missed time in July and September, but it's hard to shy away from someone with his ability.

The Colorado Rockies have brought in Michael Cuddyer to protect him and Troy Tulowitzki in the batting order. Also, "CarGo" plays half his games in Coor's Field, a hitter's paradise.

This power-speed player entering his age-26 season will only be available for a limited time.

10. 2B Robinson Cano (New York Yankees)

With the No. 10 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team J selects . . . Robinson Cano.

Robinson Cano does not necessarily need to be the first second baseman off the board, but I challenge you to make an argument against him.

He is always healthy and oh-so-gifted. The New York Yankees surround him with terrific talent and a short porch in right field. And don't forget about that sweet swing of his.

Cano was unfortunately impatient in 2011. He accepted only 27 unintentional walks in 681 plate appearances and that aggressiveness dragged his batting average down to .302!

Realizing that on-base percentage isn't considered in standard fantasy leagues, Team J ought to be confident in this selection.

11. RF Justin Upton (Arizona Diamondbacks)

With the No. 11 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team J selects . . . Justin Upton.

With the draft order snaking back around, Team J delves into the under-25 group.

Justin Upton will be an improved player in 2012, which is a scary thought because he finished fourth in NL MVP voting.

He cut down on the strikeouts this past season and finally lasted 150-plus games. He isn't a very efficient base-stealer, but he'll total at least 20 again so long as he's willing to put in the attempts.

It's safe to expect bounce-back years from center fielder Chris Young and the newly-acquired Jason Kubel.

12. SP Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)

With the No. 12 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team I selects . . . Clayton Kershaw.

Clayton Kershaw is like Justin Upton on a mound—a tremendous fantasy player with the highest ceiling imaginable.

The 2011 NL Cy Young Award winner learned control as a 23-year-old and was at his best during the fantasy playoffs.

He will likely be valuable in every category, but he's a lock to dominate in ERA and strikeouts. Pitching so often against a weak San Francisco Giants lineup and the inexperienced bats of the San Diego Padres will make him as desirable as anybody.

13. 1B Prince Fielder (Free Agent)

With the No. 13 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team H selects . . . Prince Fielder.

It would be easier to predict where Fielder will fall if he had chosen a team already. Regardless, he gets selected as the No. 4 first baseman in this mock draft early in the second round.

The home runs will be there and his batting average will at least be above Ryan Howard's, Carlos Pena's and Mark Teixeira's. This we know.

However, several of his rumored destinations will hurt him.

The Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs are both desperate franchises with money to spend. If Fielder settles for either, though, he'll be leaving dozens of runs scored and RBI on the table.

On the other hand, Team H will give him first-round consideration if he joins the Toronto Blue Jays and their slew of capable hitters.

14. 2B Dustin Pedroia (Boston Red Sox)

With the No. 14 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team G selects . . . Dustin Pedroia.

No objections here.

Dustin Pedroia isn't a definite 20-20 player—home runs and stolen bases—but he will challenge that mark while helping a team by every other measure.

Before its too late, accept the truth that the Boston Red Sox will score a ton of runs in 2012.

15. LF Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers)

With the No. 15 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team F selects . . . Ryan Braun.

As tricky as it was to place Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun was even trickier to do because of the 50-game suspension hanging over his head.

Will his appeal successfully get rid of it? Don't count on it. No MLB player has avoided punishment after testing positive for an illegal substance since the penalties were last modified.

Anyway, Team F snagged Albert Pujols in the first round. It can afford to draft a stud who won't see the field until Memorial Day.

Braun will shine whenever he returns to the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup. He might go No. 1 overall if his appeal actually works.

16. SP Cliff Lee (Philadelphia Phillies)

With the No. 16 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team E selects . . . Cliff Lee.

Philadelphia Phillies teammates Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are practically interchangeable.

Lee should be just as effective as the former in 2012 because he was statistically identical to him last season.

The primary concern with Lee is his in-season consistency.

He allowed three runs combined in June and August, but performed less remarkably before, after and between those hot stretches.

Just start him every time possible and the numbers will be great by season's end.

17. 3B Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays)

With the No. 17 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team D selects . . . Evan Longoria.

Those who owned Evan Longoria in 2011 are probably still bitter because he sabotaged their campaign by missing time and batting only .244 when healthy. Meanwhile, Team D can forgive, forget and add the best third baseman available.

His average should be around .300 this upcoming season and without a strained oblique impairing him, his stolen base total will be close to 2010's tally of 15.

Walks will affect his value, though. The Tampa Bay Rays' budget won't allow them to sign Carlos Beltran, Prince Fielder or anybody that can pressure opposing pitchers into throwing strikes to Longoria.

18. 3B/RF Jose Bautista (Toronto Blue Jays)

With the No. 18 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team C selects . . . Jose Bautista.

I reiterate: you don't want your players walking.

Unless the Toronto Blue Jays add Prince Fielder, Bautista won't be seeing many strikes. Even if he does, Team C cannot expect him to improve on his .302 batting average.

Nonetheless, few players will be better sources of home runs and RBI.

Also, Bautista—a right fielder—will be eligible at third base, which is cool because he won't even be playing there (remember that Brett Lawrie is with the big league club). Every roster needs some versatility.

19. SP Jered Weaver (Los Angeles Angels)

With the No. 19 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team B selects . . . Jered Weaver.

Jered Weaver did everything right for fantasy owners a season ago. Moreover, the front office brought over Albert Pujols a few weeks ago to give him a shot at 20 wins in 2012.

Pujols' offensive and defensive contributions should ensure that Weaver has more leads to turn over to the bullpen.

His lack of velocity allowed him to fall to the bottom of the second round, and for good reason.

It doesn't matter when he has pinpoint control (which he often does), but Weaver sorely struggles when he misses his spots. He had several stinky starts in 2011 because he can't get away with leaving his fastball over the middle of the plate like, say, Justin Verlander or Clayton Kershaw can.

20. 1B Joey Votto (Cincinnati Reds)

With the No. 20 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team A selects . . . Joey Votto.

Joey Votto did not follow up his 2010 NL MVP season with an equally awesome effort. He regressed in all fantasy categories, despite having an extra 71 plate appearances.

What happened? He underachieved at Great American Ballpark.

The Cincinnati Reds home stadium is notorious for helping its hitters, but Votto couldn't take advantage last season.

As he enters the prime of his career, he will likely fare better in front of the home crowd.

Votto is a steal at No. 20 overall.

21. SS Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies)

With the No. 21 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team A selects . . . Troy Tulowitzki.

Team A adds another position player with its third-round selection, apparently because its owner is confident that lots of adequate arms can be found later.

I can't contest taking "Tulo" with this pick because after him, trustworthy shortstops become increasingly rare.

Durability must be considered before committing to Tulowitzki. He has spent time on the disabled list in three of the past four seasons.

Still, the thin air at Coors Field ensures that he'll rank among the league leaders at his position in home runs, RBI and batting average.

22. SP CC Sabathia (New York Yankees)

With the No. 22 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team B selects . . . CC Sabathia.

Honestly, an owner can feel safer with CC Sabathia than with any other MLB player.

I'll admit that his WHIP and strikeout total won't blow you away, but both will be very respectable in 2012. Actually, after only picking up 197 K's in 2009 and 2010, Sabathia ranked fourth in the majors with 230 strikeouts in 2011 (better than respectable).

With the New York Yankees, you know that he'll win 18-plus games and post a sub-3.50 ERA.

He's so consistent from year to year while being significantly younger than Roy Halladay. There haven't been any indications that he's slowing down.

23. CF Curtis Granderson (New York Yankees)

With the No. 23 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team C selects . . . Curtis Granderson.

Aside from Jacoby Ellsbury, Curtis Granderson was the breakout star of the 2011 fantasy baseball season.

He learned to hit for power against left-handed pitchers and slugged 41 bombs and 119 RBI during the year. Don't forget about his 25 stolen bases, either.

There is a consensus that his power numbers will regress. The drop-off won't be too dramatic, though, and Team C is very lucky to have the opportunity to pair him with Jose Bautista.

24. CF Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)

With the No. 24 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team D selects . . . Josh Hamilton.

He's arguably the most talented man in the major leagues, but Josh Hamilton hasn't been healthy.

What a shame.

He is a premiere middle-of-the-order hitter that has previously led the American League in RBI and batting average. His home run totals have been gaudy and he steal bases pretty efficiently.

Perhaps he can return to MVP form in 2012. Apparently his November surgery to repair a sports hernia went well.

25. C/1B Mike Napoli (Texas Rangers)

With the No. 25 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team E selects . . . Mike Napoli.

Although he is a bit of a longshot to replicate his 2011 season, I'm sure you can understand why Mike Napoli might be selected so early. It's because the crop of MLB catchers is relatively weak right now.

Napoli has always been able to hit for power and if given a full season, he'll finish with more than 30.

In the Texas Rangers lineup, he'll constantly get good pitches to hit and ample runners in scoring position to drive in.

Also, it's nice to have somebody who can be played at multiple positions.

26. SP Tim Lincecum (San Francisco Giants)

With the No. 26 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team F selects . . . Tim Lincecum.

It's too early to claim that Tim Lincecum's best years are behind him, but nine of these 10 teams have spotted a disturbing trend—his strikeout totals have declined in three consecutive seasons.

His win-loss record has worsened in a similar fashion because of a lack of offensive support.

The San Francisco Giants have reportedly "maxed out" their 2012 payroll, ruling out the possibility of them re-signing Carlos Beltran or Cody Ross.

Lincecum may very well have a losing record again.

Personally, I wouldn't draft him in the first three rounds.

27. 3B Adrian Beltre (Texas Rangers)

With the No. 27 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team G selects . . . Adrian Beltre.

Team G will build its pitching staff later. For now, Adrian Beltre together with Jose Reyes and Dustin Pedroia makes for a very imposing infield.

Like aforementioned second baseman Robinson Cano, Beltre wouldn't be as valuable if on-base percentage were being considered.

However, in standard leagues he is simply an excellent hitter surrounded by plenty of powerful teammates.

He isn't as coveted as Evan Longoria because he won't be stealing many bases in his age-33 season.

Nonetheless, he should approach 100 runs scored for the first time since 2004.

28. 1B/3B Michael Young (Texas Rangers)

With the No. 28 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team H selects . . . Michael Young.

Versatility isn't something I've been stressing in this mock draft, but it wins fantasy baseball championships, believe me.

In 2011, Young ranked in the top 30 among all players while being usable around the infield.

With his Texas Rangers having won the negotiating rights to Japanese phenom Yu Darvish, the front office is not likely to continue pursuing Prince Fielder. That means Young should be receiving as many plate appearances as he did last season at first base and designated hitter.

If nothing else, he will help Team H's batting average and I'll remind you one final time that the Texas Rangers offense promises to be potent in 2012. Everybody in that lineup will reap the fantasy benefits.

29. SP Stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals)

With the No. 29 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team I selects . . . Stephen Strasburg.

Evidently, Team I has a thing for strikeouts. First round pick Carlos Gonzalez is terrific yet strikeout-prone, while Clayton Kershaw—selected 12th overall—punches out plenty of players.

Stephen Strasburg has made quite an impression in 92.0 career MLB innings and I believe this pick can be justified.

If he can maintain his 2010-2011 WHIP and strikeout rate over an entire season, then he'll be in the same class as Justin Verlander.

By April 2012, he will be 20 months removed from Tommy John surgery and back in September, he was showing no ill effects. Anything can be accomplished with an 100-plus mph fastball.

30. 3B David Wright

With the No. 30 pick in Ely's Awesome 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Team J selects . . . David Wright.

Rounding out this three-round simulation is New York Mets third baseman David Wright.

Don't dismiss Wright just because he is several years removed from being an NL MVP candidate. It's possible that his play will return to that level in 2012.

When healthy, he is the best power-speed combination the league has at the hot corner.

The Mets' lineup should be much improved with a full season of Ike Davis and a bounce-back campaign from Jason Bay.

Bay, Davis and especially Wright will all have new-found success because Citi Field has conceded to bring in its outfield walls. More home runs are sure to fly.

Also, Wright could be traded mid-season to a contender and nothing could add more fantasy value than that.