The top fantasy draft picks for Major League Baseball fans is now an annual right of passage. Choosing their top fantasy pick baseball fans assemble teams that perform for them each and every game bringing their assembled team to the top or bottom of their pool. Many positions will have an impact in the outcome but this year many will have more than the fantasy baseball pitcher, a rarity in fantasy picks. Here is a review of the top fantasy picks for 2009:
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Hanley Ramirez: Just like debate around the real sports, nothing is unanimous in a fantasy baseball game draft pick. But the top fantasy picks this year almost all agree than Ramirez is the number one choice. The young Florida Marlin shortstop has a penchant for stolen bases and is a solid leadoff hitter.
Albert Pujols: The Saint Louis Cardinals great first baseman had a career season in 2008. His monster numbers featured a batting average of .357, 37 home runs and 116 RBIs. The Dominican Republic-born Pujols has just turned 29 so he is still in the prime of his career with plenty to offer this year.
David Wright: The 26-year old from the New York Mets is steadily improving with each season and last year was a classic for him. The third baseman not only dominated the plate with a .333 batting average, 33 home runs and 124 RBIs, he also improved his fielding with just 16 errors in almost 160 games.
Jose Reyes: Another Met rounds out the top picks who are infielders. Reyes, New York’s shortstop, is all speed not only in his defensive role but also for his offense as well. In a fantasy game or a real game, Reyes’s 60-some stolen bases each year (second in the league) and his 200 plus hits will keep runners scoring. Reyes will turn 26 later this year (in June) and is just entering his fourt major league season.
Ryan Braun: The Milwaukee Brewers outfielder had a slight slump for his awesome rookie debut in 2007. However, this 25-year-old has numbers that still justify the fifth pick. His batting average came in at .285 but he belted 37 home runs and had 104 RBIs last season. He has great power and one of the reasons he is a good match with Reyes on the real field and in a fantasy baseball game.
Notable Leave Offs: Alex Rodriguez. The only real notable that was not included in the top 5. If it were not for the bizarre news surrounding A-Rod at this point (including steroids issues), there would be no reason that the 2007 AL MVP would not be on this list. As usual, he was great on defense and offense in 2008.
Top Fantasy Baseball Pitcher: Though both huge free agent acquisition CC Tabithia and Tim Lincecum had several votes, Mets starting pitcher John Santana got the nod. With a 16-7 record and a low 2.51 ERA, the 30-year-old is a solid choice.