News Worthy

Milton Bradley has signed with the Cubs. I was hoping to see Bradley land on an AL team where he could be a DH but instead he landed in the NL. Milton will be sharing time in the OF with Fukudome and Reed Johnson. As long as Bradley can stay healthy he can produce. Not a bad guy on draft day to gamble on for your 3rd OF.

Pat Burrell is now part of the Rays organization. He doesn't come with a high AVG (in the .250's over the past 3 years) but he does come with power. Burrell seems to be a lock for 25+HRs and 95RBIs. He will serve as the DH and will stand along side Upton, Crawford, Longoria, and Pena in a very potent rays lineup. He will be eligible for an OF spot so having him as your 2/3 OF will help your cause. Look for him to continue his 30/100 numbers.

Willy Taveras is part of the Reds. This guy is only on fantasy radars because of his ability to steal. These are the types of guys I hate drafting because they are only going to help you in steals and if they have a sore leg or hamstring they won't steal, losing all value. Willy should be a late fantasy pick. Do not pick him just because he had 68 steals last year. If you look at his career totals, he usually steals around 30 a year. Don't expect him to swipe another 68 bags this year.

Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals might be a closer. After a few surgeries he is still trying to recover and find a way to pitch in the bigs. As long as he is on the mound and healthy he can dominate. Keep an eye out for him because with his stuff he could be a very dominating closer just like these two starter to closer converts, Wood and Smoltz.

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!