Before I get started on the 2010 season I want to give a “shout out” to Lenny Melnick, my friend and colleague, who often delivers gut feelings at Fantasypros911. I always find them compelling and while they are merely hunches, loosely based on numbers and analysis, it’s the gut that compels me.

Now, I have a pretty outstanding gut (no doubt advanced by years of boozing with the Hollywood crowd), so here are my two cents, including gut feelings I have for the upcoming fantasy baseball season.

It’s what I see “From the Dugout”.

“We want a pitcher, not a belly-itcher.”

The thing about a Keeper League is you need to predict and project value in players other owners don’t presently covet. Obviously the Greinkes, Wainwrights and Scherzers are tied up in competitive dynasty leagues, so it’s important to target guys rebounding from lousy seasons or players who are finally taking the mound as part of some team’s rotation. A favorite strategy of mine is to acquire these guys and if/when they thrive to any minor degree, I trade them. Last year a favorite target was Dallas Braden — he’s not a stud, but he brought me some very nice players in return when I pawned him off on owners in need of an arm. This year, a few pitchers I have my eye on include: Tim Stauffer, Homer Bailey, Gio Gonzalez, Jonathan Sanchez, and Tom Gorzelanny. And call me crazy, but Chien-Ming Wang is so damn cheap right now, I have to include him.

“You’re all clear, kid, now let’s NOT blow this thing and go home!”

Closers are a most volatile position in fantasy and can often be the most valuable if you can predict who might slide into that role prior to or during the season. Some bullpen guys I currently have my eye on include: Jason Frasor (TOR), Chris Perez & Tony Sipp (CLE), Edward Mujica & Luke Gregerson (SD), and Jason Motte (STL).

“Hey, batta batta! Schwing!”

A few position players I like in 2010 who might be available in your Keeper League include: J.R. Towles, Jake Fox, Luis Valbuena, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Matt Diaz, Juan Rivera, Michael Brantley. I also would take a flyer on Andy Marte — yep, that’s right, Andy Marte.

There’s Two Types Of Fantasy

Just to change things up, here are a few fantasy girls flying under the radar right now. Get ‘em ‘cause they’re hot: Odette Yustman starred in “Cloverfield” and “The Unborn” — she’s a smart man’s Megan Fox. The chick from “Chuck” has a crazy last name — Yvonne Strahovski — but she’s a major reason I still watch that show.  I don’t want to get anyone in trouble at home with their Mrs.or at work with the boss, but  the combination of “Alice Eve” and “Crossing Over” in a search engine can produce a pretty convincing  argument the world needs to see more of this beauty. Honorable Mentions: Doutzen Kroes, Eva Amurri,  & Candice Swanepoel.

Super + Star + Domination = SuperStarDom

Here are a few guys I believe might take that leap into SuperStarDom, at least from a fantasy perspective. In other words, these are guys that just might help you win your league: Howie Kendrick, Ian Stewart, BJ Upton, Dexter Fowler, Denard Span, Kevin Slowey, Max Scherzer, and Wade Davis.

“I’ll give you my Gonzalez for your Butler.”

Great thing about Keeper Leagues is all the trading. Some potentially gettable trade targets I like for 2010 include: Geovany Soto, Billy Butler, Howie Kendrick, Alexei Ramirez, Adrian Beltre, Shin-Shoo Choo, Denard Span, Franklin Gutierrez, Ricky Nolasco, Wandy Rodriguez, Francisco Liriano, Mike Gonzalez and Takashi Saito.  I also have to go out on a limb and say I like Chris Davis or at least the price of him at this point in time.

Fantasy League Quote

“I have come to this league to chew bubble gum and kick ass…and I’m all out of bubble gum!”

Players You Should Be Watching

Scott Sizemore, Jemile Weeks, Adam Rosales

Eric Hosmer, Bret Wallace, Josh Bell

Wade Davis, James McDonald, Homer Bailey

Scott Elbert, Tony Sipp, Daniel Bard

Phil Brody resides in Los Angeles, California. He works in the television industry as a writer and director. In his spare time, he devours everything baseball. He can be reached at: philbrody@earthlink.net

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