Guest post by Chris Naff.
Somehow, I convinced Nick to let me write for Around the World Sports Opinions- he has no idea what he just got himself into. For me, and probably like most of you, watching sports is the one way to unwind from long days and become detached from the real world. Hands down, my favorite sport to watch at any level is baseball.
Throughout its history, baseball has had special players from Babe Ruth to Cal Ripken Jr. come and go. By remembering these titans and recognizing how important they were to baseball we can appreciate the talent of today's greatest players. We would love to see another Willie Mays or Ty Cobb; Ted Williams claimed watching Nomar Garciaparra bat reminded him of Joe DiMaggio. So who are today's top players? Nick found 5 really good hitters that will surely be hot commodities this fantasy season. So who justifies rounding out the top ten?
Getcha popcorn ready, here's my list.
6. Josh Hamilton
I love watching this guy. As long as he spends more time in the batting cage than he does in the bar room, you can count on Hamilton having yet another big year. No one anticipated Albert Pujols to have his slow start with the Angels last year, but that doesn't mean Hamilton is destined for the same struggles. His power numbers were second only to Cabrera last year. He did not hit for average like Cabrera, but his 43 home runs were one shy of Miggy and his 128 RBIs were second best as well. Additionally, he will find himself in the middle of a very potent lineup, so he has the chance to see great pitches. Will that improve his batting average? Let's watch and find out.
2013 Projections: .290 average, 105 runs/ 40 HRs/ 130 RBIs/ 5 stolen bases
7. Adrian Beltre
Entering into the twilight of his career, Beltre is coming off three straight years with 100+ RBIs. He will turn 34 in April but all signs show he isn't slowing down any time soon. His average last year was 5th best in baseball at .321 while racking up 194 hits. The one major problem for Beltre and the Rangers? No Hamilton in the lineup this year. We'll have to see how the team adjusts and the impact Hamilton's absence will have on other players' stats.
2013 Projections: .315 average, 90 runs/ 35 HRs/ 105 RBIs/ 2 stolen bases
8. Prince Fielder
Somehow, some way, Prince makes his rotund shape work to his advantage. He is coming his second best year thus far. After playing in every game of 2012, he finished with an average of .313 with 30 home runs and 108 RBIs, not to mention an on base percentage of .412. At the age of 28 years old, he's in the midst of his prime so there's no telling how good he'll be for the Tigers in 2013.
2013 Projections: .315 average, 85 runs/ 37 HRs/ 100 RBIs/ 1 stolen base
9. Buster Posey
Overshadowed by Miguel Cabrera's historic AL Triple Crown season, let's not forget this kid from San Fran's average topped all of baseball at .336. His power numbers are outstanding for a catcher: 24 home runs with 103 RBIs, not to mention an on base percentage of .408. After returning from an injury shortened 2011, in 2012 he proved 2010 was not just beginners luck. In addition to his stellar numbers, his durability is something any fantasy juggernaut likes to see: he caught 148 games last year. Sure, he's a catcher, but at a ripe age of 25 he proves Mike Trout isn't the only young gun to be a hot commodity in fantasy leagues.
2013 Projections: .335 average, 80 runs/ 27 HRs/ 110 RBIs/ 1 stolen base
10. Albert Pujols
After going through what he considered a minor procedure on his knee, Pujols is expecting to be ready for opening day. That's good news for fantasy leagues. But picking Big Al at #10 was hard. The days of him hitting .357 are probably over, but at 33, he still has a lot of fuel left in his tank. You can chalk his slow start to 2012 for what ever reason you like. He still hit 30 home runs with over 100 RBIs. Is he just complacent now that he landed a big contract? I and every baseball fan hopes not. As you can tell, I think the lineup a hitter is placed in has a huge effect on how they perform in the batters' box. The Angles already have a great combination from Trout and Pujols, but now add Hamilton. Look out, because all other things equal, Big Al could be destined for a great year.
2013 Projections: .305 average, 90 runs/ 35 HRs/ 95 RBIs/ 3 stolen bases
So there you have it, my picks for 6-10. Our top ten list is loaded with talent which means it has all the makings of a great year for baseball. I could not be more excited. I just hope that pesky old team from Boston finds its heart again and reclaims its post-season spot.
By the way, there are a few players I think everyone should look out for. Living in Florida I have had the privilege of watching Giancarlo Stanton and Hanley Ramirez play in person. Stanton is a beast, but his problem is he's the only star left on the Marlins as Ramirez is now with the Dodgers. Stanton is developing into a great hitter. He hit 37 home runs last year while only knocking in 86 runs, but that's mainly due to not having enough runners on base when he's at bat. Hanley has been coveted by scouts for a long time. He's 29 now. He should be crushing the ball. With a new team, maybe we will see the Hanley we should always see.
Don't agree? Think players like Edwin Encarnacion or Chase Headley or Robinson Cano should have been included? Let us know and comment below.
For more rants, you can follow me on twitter @Chris_Naff.
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