Busts
1. Justin Verlander, starting pitcher, Detroit Tigers
Rabid Cubs Fan: Beware of drafting last years AL ROY. Including the playoffs, Verlander pitched over 200 innings for the first time in his career. My recent experience with young Cub pitchers may be slightly influencing my opinion, but I guarantee that his career will end in misery and pain, not just for him, but for the entire Tiger nation. Year after year Verlander will promise health and success and each year he will disappoint leaving Tiger fans disorientated and alone like a crosseyed teenage girl, stood-up on her prom night. Tommy John surgery, genetic looseness, and a calf explosion are all in this walking time bomb’s near future.
2. Troy Glaus, shortstop/third base, Toronto Blue Jays
flukedriven: It’s hard to say that Glaus will be a bust considering how productive he’s been the past two years (37hr 97rbi 78r in 2005, 38 104 105 in 2006). However, I got a hunch he’s due for an injury or two. Troy has battled knee problems the past few seasons. In addition, CBS Sportsline.com reported that he’s already receiving cortisone shots in his shoulder. Bill Hall may be a safer bet that is available a round or two later.
3. Albert Pugh-holes, First Pansy, St. Louis Cornholes
Rabid Cubs Fan: This purveyor of pop-ups, has been the most overrated player in baseball for years. Many so-called "experts" will tell you that his six straight years of at least 34 home runs, 117 RBI, and a .314 average make him o
ne of the most consistent fantasy producers. You know how I respond to that? I don't. I just stare at 'em. I look right at them without blinking or saying a word for like twenty minutes. If they try to leave, I grab 'em and keep staring. And then, when it starts to get awkward, I say, "That's what they call a thousand yard stare. Cross me again and I'll show you how I earned it." Sleepers
1. Alex Gordon, third base, Kansas City Royals
flukedriven: Gordon has everything that you’re looking for in a fantasy baseball player – power, average, and speed. The only thing he’s lacking is experience. While sophomore Ryan Zimmerman has generated a lot of buzz this year, Gordon will steal more bases and produce similar numbers at the plate. Gordon plays in a hitter friendly park while Zimmerman will lose home runs to RFK Stadium’s deep outfield. Consider spending higher picks on thinner positions and picking up Gordon in the later rounds.
2. Josh Barfield, second base, Cleveland Indians
flukedriven: I like what I saw from Josh Barfield last year and he should be better this year. The move from San Diego to Cleveland will improve his power numbers as the leftfield fence at Jacobs Field is 40 feet closer to home than its counterpart at PETCO Park and the left-centerfield fence is 30 feet closer. Expect him to hit 15-20 home runs and steal 25 bags.
3. Alfonso Soriano, center field, Chicago Cubs
Rabid Cubs Fan: Wikipedia describes a flamethrower as “a potent weapon with great psychological impact upon unprepared soldiers, delivering a particularly horrendous death.” Alfonso Soriano will provide similar results when deployed upon unsuspecting National League Central pitchers. This ubermensch will enact the “final solution” to the St. Louis problem.
Put it in stone: 69 home runs, 192 RBI, 102 stolen bases, and a .286 average.
