Fantasy All-Star Team-AL

by Matt Olsen 

 

The 2007 MLB All-Star Game is quickly approaching, and already fans across the country are voting for their favorite players.  Whether or not the fans make the right decision as to which players are worthy a starting spot is a different discussion altogether. So, instead we’re going to focus on the 2007 American League Fantasy Baseball All-Stars.  If you had a couple of these guys on your squad, you’ve been lighting up your leagues like Jordan used to light up the Knicks back in the 90’s.

 Catcher: Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians 

This guy is having his best year since he entered the bigs and leads all catchers in both home runs and RBI.  He’s a big part of why the Indians are currently tied for first in the AL Central and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.  Chances are you missed the boat on this guy a long time ago

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.319 12 54 19 33

 Honorable Mention:  Jorge Posada, New York Yankees 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.353 7 40 20 35

 First Base:  Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins 

The first base position is another nice way of saying DH in many fantasy realms.  However, we’re going to treat the DH as a separate entity.  So this award goes to Morneau because he has been the best true 1B so far this year in fantasy baseball.  Last year’s AL MVP is having another solid year with 17 HR and a solid average of .274. I almost didn’t put him on this list because he cuts in line wherever he goes.

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.274 17 47 27 41

 Honorable Mention:  Mark Teixeira, Texas Rangers 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.302 12 41 37 41

  Second Base:  B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 

Yet another guy from the lowly Rays that is a solid fantasy contributor. Up until he injured his left quadriceps, Upton was solid in every facet of his game. He can do just about everything for your team and is looking very much like he’ll be a fantasy force for some time to come. But please, let’s leave the obvious name jokes for later. Deal?

Avg. HR RBI SB Runs
.320 9 31 13 36

  Honorable Mention:  Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles  

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.320 2 17 37 39

 Third Base:  Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees 

Seriously, do I even need to say anything about A-Rod? The guy is a beast with 24 HRs, 63 RBI and an average of .300. He is the best fantasy player in the game and if you even think about trading him you seriously need to have your head examined. 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.300 24 63 33 56

 Honorable Mention:  Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.311 11 47 22 30

 Shortstop:  Derek Jeter, New York Yankees 

Is it me or does this guy just have the life? He’s hitting .328 in the baseball Mecca of New York City and is out in the Caribbean running around with Jessica Biel when he’s got some free time. Say what you want about Mr. Jeter, but the guy is the closest thing to a fantasy lock you’re ever going to find.

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.328 4 31 27 46

Honorable Mention:  Orlando Cabrera, Los Angeles Angels 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.332 3 35 20 42

 Left Field:  Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 

Despite the fact Crawford plays for such a lousy team, he still puts up the kind of numbers fantasy owners drool over.  Again he’s among the league leaders with 18 stolen bases; one of the most coveted stats in fantasy baseball.  The most surprising thing may be the little guy even has some power.

Avg. HR RBI SB Runs
.302 6 39 18 35

 Honorable Mention:  Raul Ibanez, Seattle Mariners 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.295 4 41 19 36

 Center Field:  Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians

 

The women of Cleveland will do anything to get their hands on this guy, and the same goes for you fantasy freaks out there.  Grady is the ultimate leadoff man with 40 walks and 18 stolen bases.  He can hit for power and touches the plate more often than David Wells at a buffet line.

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.287 11 32 40 54

 Honorable Mention:  Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.333 5 33 23 48

 Right Field:  Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers 

Maggs started this season on an absolute tear and has been nothing short of pure fantasy gold for those lucky enough to have him on the roster.  He’s batting a ridiculous .362 and having success with the long ball as well evidenced by his 13 HR so far this season.  It’s gotta be the hair.

 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.362 13 56 33 53

 Honorable Mention:  Alex Rios, Toronto Blue Jays 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.292 15 38 19 46

 Designated Hitter:  Gary Sheffield, Detroit Tigers 

Sheff is back to his old tricks with the Tigers this year. You’ll never know what is going to come out of his mouth next, but you can count on him being an offensive juggernaut every year. Somehow he managed to even squeeze in 7 SB between the 17 HR he’s hit this season. On a side note, I think by the year 2085 yellow people will actually take our place in society completely.

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.281 17 43 40 57

 Honorable Mention:  David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox 

Avg. HR RBI BB Runs
.340 11 42 44 43

 Starting Pitcher:  Dan Haren, Oakland Athletics 

For some reason or another, pitchers that have long hair and beards are unstoppable in Oakland. Haren is already earning consideration for the Cy Young Award this year and rightfully so. With a 1.58 ERA and an impressive 7-2 record, Haren is the best fantasy pitcher in the American League. All he needs to do now is go out with Alyssa Milano and he’ll get the big bucks like Zito did.

ERA K W L WHIP
1.58 76 7 2 0.86

 Honorable Mention:  Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox 

ERA K W L WHIP
2.88 67 9 0 1.00

 Closer:  J.J. Putz, Seattle Mariners 

Typically you want your closer to be the dominant and intimidating sort of guy that strikes fear into the hearts of hitters. Well, with a name like Putz, that’s not the kind of impression most people would have of this guy. But just know that he hasn’t blown a save in the 19 opportunities he’s had this season.

ERA K SV IP WHIP
1.19 32 19 30.1 0.66

 Honorable Mention:  Al Reyes, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 

ERA K SV IP WHIP
1.95 33 15 27.2 0.69