MLB: Fantasy baseball feast

By Jared Spinelli Sports Central Columnist

It's that time of the year again: time for fantasy baseball, where live drafts and auto-pick drafts excite the masses, and rookie sensations become a gamble for the average Joe. In this article, I will tell you just who to expect to break out and be of value for not only your fantasy team, but for their major league team.

While the beginning rounds of your draft see the Ken Griffey Jr.'s and the Carlos Delgado's drop like flies, it is the later rounds of the draft that make or break your season. It's those players that are rookies, or players coming off injuries, that can be the difference between first and second place. Here are a few of the players to watch in 2001:

Pat Burrell, first base/left field, Phillies: Burrell had a solid year last year, making a name for himself. However, he has all but been forgotten this spring in the fantasy leagues. Burrell is a great talent that will continue his success this year for the Phillies, whether it's at first base, or in left field. Another plus about Burrell is that he is playing on a Phillies team that is not as deep as most teams, and therefore Burrell will get all the playing time he needs.

Terrence Long, center field, Athletics: Long broke out last year for the A's, as an emerging good hitter and fielder. This year, look for more of the same by the starting center fielder for a team that is stacked on the offensive end. With the A's big offense, Long will score his share of runs, and hit his share of RBIs. That will make a difference.

Matt Mantei, closer, Diamondbacks: Mantei is a young, solid pitcher, and the Diamondbacks have big plans for him this season. Mantei should be available in most draft's late rounds, because he isn't a Trevor Hoffman or a Robb Nen. But, Mantei will have an acceptable ERA, a good amount of strikeouts, and will get some saves for the D-Backs, and your fantasy team.

Jimmy Rollins, shortstop, Phillies: This relatively unknown shortstop will in all likely be the starting shortstop for the Phillies, and he has the potential to be a star. Rollins could end up being a Jeter-like player for Philadelphia, with above-average fielding and a good bat. But, because he is so young, he may also flounder. Only time will tell, making Rollins a risk, but a possible big payoff for those risk takers.

Alfonso Soriano, left field, third base, Yankees: Soriano is a young prospect that could very likely be the Bronx Bombers' opening day starter in left field. Soriano has the potential to turn into a very good player, and the Yankees want to give the kid a shot to see what could turn out. Soriano also opts for a replacement at third if Scott Brosious fizzles because of his age.

John Smoltz, starting pitcher, Braves: Smoltz is coming off elbow surgery, and he missed all of last year. However, as Tom Glavine says, "It's like signing a big free agent." Smoltz will be back in charge this spring and summer, and with Atlanta's team, will win a bunch of games. Smoltz should be back to his norm, and will probably win fifteen to twenty games for Atlanta, and possibly your fantasy team.

Ichiro Suzuki, right field, Mariners: Alas, Ichiro. You've probably seen a story or two on him, because he's Japan's biggest star since a little pitcher known as Hideo a few years back. Ichiro dominated Japan, and should do the same this year. He'll probably turn into the AL Rookie of the Year, and turn some heads as well. He's a complete hitter, and he'll prove it, beginning on Opening Day.

Kerry Wood, pitcher, Cubs: Wood is also coming off an injury last year, and this Cubs ace should return to his all-star form of a few years ago. Wood has a heck of an arm, and will evolve into a Roger Clemens of the future. He' a good pitcher to take a chance on.

Billy Wagner, reliever, Astros: Here's another injury story for you. Wagner was one of the best relievers in the league before getting injured. The new Enron Field didn't help either. But, Wagner's a solid reliever, and should get his pitching control and success back this season.

Need other players to watch? Try Ugueth Urbina, Barry Zito, Jose Lima, Ryan Kohlmeier, Kris Benson, and Ryan Dempster for pitchers, and J.D. Drew, Russell Branyan, Ken Caminiti, and Mark Kotsay for hitters.

Fantasy baseball is tough even without player uncertainties, but if played correctly, you could be standing on the top of the scoreboard come September and October. Good luck and see you on the Sports Central Fantasy Tavern!

Article courtesy of Sports Central