We will be posting one of these articles everyday of the week until opening day…
1. Hanley Ramirez – Bats well over .300, has the power of a first and third basemen and the speed of an outfielder, Ramirez brings everything to the table. Should be drafted with the second pick of any draft right behind Albert Pujols. His steals have been down but his RBI totals broke 100 for the first time last season. Still only 26, Ramirez is coming into his prime and is in a decent lineup. Expect another all-star season from Ramirez.
2. Troy Tulowitzki – Tulo has established himself as a consistent .290 hitter who will hit for power and should end the season with around 30 home runs. The surprise part of his game game last when he stole 20 bases, becoming a complete five-tool player at the age of 25. Hitting in the mile-high air of Denver in a strong lineup will equal Tulo having a monster season. Should be drafted in the middle of the first round as he and Hanley Ramirez are in a class of their own.
3. Derek Jeter – The Yankee captain has been Mr. Consistent throughout his career and had one of his best years last season. Jeter is going to bat over .300 again, hit around 15 home runs and steal 20 bases. Jeter’s biggest contribution to the team is scoring runs, and with another season of leading off for the strongest lineup in baseball he’ll score over 100 runs easily.
4. Ben Zobrist – Went from an average young player to a home run hitting, base stealing complete player last year. It’s anybody’s guess if Zobrist can be consistent but with his ability to play everywhere, he’ll get plenty of bats to prove himself. The Rays lineup is very young but talented and if they get hot Zobrist could put up all-star numbers.
5. Jimmy Rollins – His average has been dropping over the past two seasons and ended at a mediocre .250 last year. Rollins will still benefit from the Phillies power and can score 100 runs again if his on-base percentage improves. The power and speed are also still there, but his declining average makes Rollins move down the draft board to around the fourth round.
