Would you choose a pitcher or batter first in a Fantasy MLB League? Which specific player would you choose?

Answer 1

NFL has the running backs, NBA has the overall 5 category stud, and the MLB is also a five category stud, but depending on which type. Personally, I choose a batter over a pitcher and here's why:

Batters plays almost everyday, expect when they need the time off. They have a chance to produce nightly, which mean big numbers by the end of the season. Almost any position on offense is close to thin and after the elite, the second-tier is a toss up. A pitcher pitches every 5 days, with closers pitching every other day if they get an Save opportunity (sometime giving the duties to other bullpen), unless they get a minimum 3 day rest for certain situation. Pitching is deep so even if you can't get a Johan Santna or a Chris Carpenter, there are still younger players that poses potential in the end.

If I had to pick a specific player to choose (let's consider the 1st pick), it would be Albert Pujols. His three year average consist of .331, 45 HR and 126 RBI, although his run total has drop the past three seasons. His injury force him to lose some speed (from 16 SB in 2005 to 7 SB in 2006) but his power is more than enough to make that up, which makes him the #1 choice among Fantasy drafts (add to the fact that he's reaching the breakout age of 27, but that doesn't matter anyway).

Answer 2

I would select Johan Santana number 1. After that, I'd select the best remaining offensive players.

2.Ryan Howard
3.Albert Pujols
4.Alex Rodriguez
5.Chase Utley
6.David Wright
7.Miguel Cabrera
8.Vladimir Guerrero
9.David Ortiz
10.Jose Reyes

That's my top 10. Utley and Santana are far above all others at their positions. Howard, Pujols, and A-Rod are dominant players. After those 5, the next 10-15 are pretty much even.

I would take Howard above Pujols because Howard's a better hitter (even if you make up for Pujol's DL stay, there's no way he rates as equal to Howard last year and Pujols is now 29, meaning he's exiting his prime, while Howard is 27, so he's entering his prime) at the moment and Pujols doesn't have much need to steal bases. Long-term, I think Pujols will be around until he's 40 and Howard until he's 35, so Pujols is a better pick in a keeper league that will go that long. Pujols may think he deserves the NL MVP more than Howard, but his team only got in the playoffs because of playing in a soft division. They're an 83 win team and the Phils are an 85 win team. Howard's better than Pujols by about that narrow a margin.

Answer 3

Take a hitter. You play 162 games at each postion. Even Johan will only contribute in, at most, 20 games out of 34 starts. And once you start down that draft path you will lose out on top hitters. Then you will be trying to scramble to fill needed offensive positions, in your desparation the other teams will be taking off pitchers rated 6 through 25 while you are scrambling to get Adam LaRoche as a starting 1B. You will end up with team that can't produce consistently on offense and a pitching staff that is still maybe only slightly better than the guy who took Pujols first.

Do the hitter first then plan your second pick from that pick. Pujols will contribute to the most offensive stats and will contribute almost daily. Johan will contribute to the most pitching stat categories but only 20 times will it be really good. In a roto league with max innings pitched. That's about 230 innings contributed or 12.5% or your total pitching stats. Now you have to worry about 85% of your pitching and still have no hitting.

Answer 4

Go for hitters first. With the exception of possibly the top 5 pitchers, the value you are going to get out of an early round pitcher and a late round pitcher isn't going to drop that much. The top 20 or 30 hitters are significantly better production wise from the rest.

Answer 5

I will always choose David Ortiz or Manny Ramirez first because batters have a higher amount of starts than pitchers due to pitchers rotation stratigies.

Answer 6

If you have the very first pick, and want a pitcher, take Albert Pujols first and then trade him to the person for J. Santana and someone else. This way you get maximum value for the first pick. The first pick in EVERY LEAGUE should be albert pujols. If someone tells you something else, they are wrong.

Answer 7

to tell you the truth i dont think the all-star is that important. Yes it does decide which league will have how field advantage. But its really for players to come together and have fun. But to answer your question, pitchers should be well rounded. You shouldnt have many wins but a high era and vise versa. As for the others postions they are usually chosen by how well they hit the ball. Not by there position. I think thats why they leave it up to the people because its really alot to think about when your chosing players for the all-star game

Answer 8

I'd choose a hitter - pitching is such a deep position, unless you have the opportunity to get Johan Santana.

For hitters, I'd go with Pujols or Soriano. Soriano delivers in all 5 offensive categories in a 5x5 roto league.

Answer 9

Batter David Wright.

Answer 10

I would take a pitcher first because there's so many more good batters available then good pitchers.
I would probably take J. Santana.

If you take a batter first, go for Pujols...he's money in the bank.