Finally Finished

Well, the 2009 MLB season is officially over but not with a dramatic end. It took a few days and a few sleepless nights but the Philadelphia Phillies are the 2009 World Series Champions. After a long rain delay, which took days not hours, the Phillies finished the Rays off in Game 5 with World Series MVP Cole Hamels sitting on the bench after starting the game.

To me, this year seemed like a year where things, magical things, were going to happen. Starting the season in search of a Fantasy Championship, which didn't happen, I watched a young team in the AL East grow and mature into a World Series runner up. Honestly, did you think the Rays were going to take a step out of the AL East basement let alone having them reach the playoffs and walk into the World Series with a stride of pure confidence only a young true winner can bring. I was supporting the Rays through the playoffs and I was a little disappointed in their finish but after watching them, my fantasy season draft, which is only 5 months away, was truly affected.

Here are a few things I saw and you should take note of too.

Ryan Howard - Does anyone have the right to even question him? This guy may fall into slumps but when he starts connecting, this guy just flat out carries a team. Take a look at game 3/4. He had 3HRs and 6RBIs. This guy deserves a high draft pick but for owners who draft him there is a side note, you must draft a guy like Ichiro to offset the K's and low AVG.

Pat Burrell - This guy just didn't have a good World Series, 1-14, with no HRs and 1RBIs. This guy is going to find him a nice contract after this year but just watch for where he lands. His position in the 2009 draft depends on his future team. He is a career .257 hitter but gives you a nice 25-30HRs with 80-100RBIs.

Shane Victorino - Make sure to find him during the draft and take him off the board!

Brad Lidge - This guy was the epitome of domination...but don't let this fool you. Don't reach too far for him during draft day.

David Price - This is a guy you want on your team. A left handed thrower who hits mid-90's on his fastball is nothing to joke about. Look for him but remember, with his big time name, people will reach and draft him higher than he should be. This guy should be closer to the mid teens.

Rocco Baldelli - Make sure to keep his name on your draft sheet, period.

Matt Garza - Make him a 2nd/3rd starter on your team next year. I think his composure and experience gained from this World Series will be truly valuable for him and you.

I hope this is a quick guide for fantasy owners. Yes, I know that these are fairly big names in the drafts but you have to make sure you need draft these players in the right spots.

You can't win your league with your First Round Pick but you surely can lose it!