Whenever I read or participate in baseball chats, it seems as though music (and what someone is listening to) comes up often.  And there is apparently a game where chat participants (especially the host) try to show how non-mainstream they are by listing the most eclectic bands and songs.  I've never seen a baseball chat where someone writes "Now listening to 'Billie Jean' off Thriller".  No, it is always something like "Bleach Boys" by the Dead Milkmen.   Yes...we get it.  You are cool and you were cool back in school. 

Just my two cents...

Don  (listening to  Riding the Storm Out by REO Speedwagon...and liking it)

We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010 Fantasy Baseball season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Stay tuned for more, but for now, here's a team preview for you.

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2009 RECORD: 84-78, 3rd in AL East

The Rays failed to defend their AL pennant last season, but Tampa Bay fans took heart in the fact that their team posted the second-best record in franchise history. The team also moved to lock up some of its young talent, though work remains to be done in that regard. Tampa Bay was and is one of baseball's more entertaining teams to watch, and it's indeed a pity that so few fans took the time to cheer on the team in person last year. Perhaps another season of winning baseball will serve to woo some additional fans to St. Petersburg, and the pieces are certainly in place for that to happen. It's an uphill struggle against big spenders like the Yankees and Red Sox, but perhaps the 2010 Rays will once again be The Little Team That Could -- and Did.

Stat table note: The better the ranking number, the better the stat, in all categories. For example, for the SO cat for hitting, a #2 ranking means that the team tallied the second fewest strikeouts. For the BB and SB cats for pitching, the #1 teams allowed the fewest bases on balls and steals.

LINE-UP

1. Bartlett, Jason SS
2. Crawford, Carl LF
3. Longoria, Evan 3B
4. Pena, Carlos 1B
5. Zobrist, Ben 2B
6. Upton, B.J. CF
7. Burrell, Pat DH
8. Joyce, Matt RF
9. Navarro, Dioner C

The Rays offense was marginally better in 2009 than in their pennant-winning '08 season. Some poor pitching was what spelled doom for the defending AL champs. Bartlett posted career highs in just about every offensive category, but some doubt lingers as to whether he can replicate those fine numbers in 2010. Crawford was, well, Carl Crawford, again -- swiping 60 bases and smacking 15 homers while batting .305. Longoria is a fantasy stud that warrants late-first/early-second round draft status. Pena missed most of September but still managed 39 bombs and 100 RBIs -- but he'll have to boost that ugly .227 average to win fantasy favor this year. Zobrist blew up like no one imagined he could, but like Bartlett, there's a chance it was all a mirage. Speaking of which, no one's sure which B.J. Upton will show up this year, but whichever version makes it in is a virtual lock for 40-plus steals. He could be playing for a big free agent deal, so the upside is there. Burrell looked lost and rather elderly last season, while Joyce and platoon-mate Gabe Kapler are placeholders until uber-prospect Desmond Jennings is ready to roll -- which could be as early as this season. Willy Aybar is a decent bench player that can fill in at 1B, 2B, 3B, and DH, which is helpful late in deep AL-only leagues. Shoppach is a decent AL-only C2 that can possibly get you 10 HRs.

STARTING ROTATION

1. Shields, James RHP
2. Garza, Matt RHP
3. Price, David, LHP
4. Niemann, Jeff RHP
5. Davis, Wade RHP
6. Sonnanstine, Andy RHP
7. Hellickson, Jeremy RHP

The Rays staff went from magnificent in 2008 to mediocre in '09, but there's reason to believe that this group will bounce back in 2010. Shields was well above his career norms, but he was just too good in '07 and '08 to think that his '09 numbers will repeat this year. Garza has wicked stuff, but he pitched in terrible luck last year, winning just eight games despite a 3.95 ERA and .233 BAA. He's a great buy-low candidate. The much-hyped Price had a rocky start, but he recovered nicely in the second half. That .241 BAA should tell you something. Niemann lacks overpowering stuff, but his 13 wins led the team. Davis showed a bit of his stuff late in the season, notching 36 Ks in 36.1 IP, along with a solid 3.72 ERA. It was no accident -- this kid is good. Sonnanstine figures to split the season between AAA and MLB, while Hellickson (who is reckoned to have a shot at the rotation in 2011) should start at AAA.  

BULLPEN

1. Soriano, Rafael RHP
2. Wheeler, Dan RHP
3. Balfour, Grant RHP
4. Howell, J.P. LHP
5. Cormier, Lance RHP
6. Choate, Randy LHP
7. Thayer, Dale RHP

The bullpen took a quantum leap backward in 2009, mainly due to the lack of an established closer. That all changed when the Rays traded for Soriano, who converted 27 of his 31 save chances for Atlanta last season. If he can stay healthy, Soriano should be in line for 35-plus saves and could be a great value on fantasy draft day. Wheeler figures to have the eighth inning, though Rays manager Joe Maddon isn't afraid to juggle his relievers as the situation dictates. Howell and Balfour will also be in the mix, and both should account for a fair number of holds. Cormier should reprise his role as the long relief and mop-up man, while Choate and Thayer should battle it out for one of the final roster spots.

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We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010 Fantasy Baseball season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Stay tuned for more, but for now, here's a team preview for you.

Ask a question about your fantasy team in our FORUM. Leave a comment about this article down below.

2009 RECORD: 86-76, 3rd in NL East

The Brave bounced back to respectability in 2009, finishing with their best record since 2005. On the downside, they finished seven games behind the Phillies and were a shocking one game below .500 at Turner Field. This was once arguably the NL's most dominant franchise, but much of the Braves' star power is gone. One thing hasn't changed, though -- the Braves still boast one of the game's best starting rotations, and they'll try to muster enough offense to find their way back to the playoffs in 2010.

Stat table note: The better the ranking number, the better the stat, in all categories. For example, for the SO cat for hitting, a #2 ranking means that the team tallied the second fewest strikeouts. For the BB and SB cats for pitching, the #1 teams allowed the fewest bases on balls and steals.

LINE-UP

1. McLouth, Nate CF
2. Prado, Martin 2B
3. Jones, Chipper 3B
4. Glaus, Troy 1B (shoulder, should be ready for spring training)
5. McCann, Brian C
6. Escobar, Yunel SS
7. Cabrera, Melky LF
8. Diaz, Matt RF (thumb, should be ready for spring training)

The Braves are a team built on pitching and defense -- which is a good thing, because they couldn't hit a lick last year. While that's a tad harsh, the fact remains that the Atlanta lineup is neither overly powerful nor terribly fast. One side of that equation could change with the arrival of first baseman Troy Glaus, who clouted 27 homers for the Cardinals back in 2008. He missed all but 14 games last season due to a right shoulder injury, though, so he's a major question mark. Prado will be the full-time second basemen, and the .307-11-49 line he put up in just 450 at-bats last season may be a harbinger of things to come. Escobar is underrated with the stick, while new left fielder Melky Cabrera is a bit overblown (it's a Yankee thing). For a team so lacking in pop, the Braves didn't -- and likely won't -- steal many bases. Eric Hinske was a nice offseason pick-up, as he can play both infield and outfield corner positions. Jason Heyward is an uber-prospect (think Justin Upton) that should arrive in RF at some point this season and perhaps be a top fantasy outfielder in 2012, if not 2011. He's a must-own in keeper leagues. Jordan Schafer CF is another decent talent in the minors.

STARTING ROTATION

1. Hanson, Tommy RHP
2. Jurrjens, Jair RHP
3. Lowe, Derek RHP
4. Hudson, Tim RHP (returned in 09 from Tommy John surgery)
5. Kawakami, Kenshin RHP
6. Reyes, Jo-Jo LHP
7. Medlen, Kris RHP

The names don't knock you over, but the Braves' starting rotation was one of baseball's best in 2009. Hanson has one of the game's most talented young arms, and the kid's upside is enormous. Jurrjens quietly goes about his business, but his 2.60 ERA last season was fifth-best among qualifying starters. Lowe is a ground ball specialist whose 4.67 ERA last year was by far his worst in five seasons. Hudson made only seven starts after returning from Tommy John surgery, but was solid, making him a legitimate fantasy sleeper this season. Kawakami was dropped from the rotation when Hudson returned, but posted decent numbers for a SP5. The Braves will need someone to step up and fill the big void left by the departure of Javier Vazquez, who was traded to the Yankees for Cabrera and prospects in what was widely viewed as a cost-saving measure.

BULLPEN

1. Wagner, Billy LHP (elbow problems last two years)
2. Saito, Takashi RHP
3. Moylan, Peter RHP
4. Chavez, Jesse RHP
5. O'Flaherty, Eric LHP
6. Acosta, Manny RHP
7. Dunn, Mike LHP

The Atlanta bullpen was solid last season, but the two guys at the back (Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez) have both left town. Billy Wagner is awesome when healthy, but he has appeared in only 62 total games over the last two seasons due to elbow surgery -- and he's 38 years old. If Wags goes down, the 40-year-old Saito would get the call -- 'til then, he'll serve as the set-up man. Moylan is steady and should be the seventh-inning man, while O'Flaherty will probably be first up as the lefty specialist. Chavez has a nice arm and could play a big role if Wagner or Saito hit a bump. An awful lot rests on Wagner's left arm staying healthy -- things could get ugly if he doesn't last the full season.

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We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010 Fantasy Baseball season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Stay tuned for more, but for now, here's a team preview for you.

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2009 RECORD: 87-75, 2nd in NL East

The Marlins enjoyed a rather remarkable season in 2009, remaining in the playoff hunt until nearly the very end, despite having baseball's lowest payroll. Success on the field did not translate to success at the box office, though, as the Fish regularly played in front of friends and family only-style crowds. A new ballpark is scheduled to open in 2012, and the Marlins have to hope that they'll be able to provide enough fans to fill those brand-new seats. There is a solid young nucleus here, but whether the budget-conscious Marlins will be able to hold that group together remains to be seen.

Stat table note: The better the ranking number, the better the stat, in all categories. For example, for the SO cat for hitting, a #2 ranking means that the team tallied the second fewest strikeouts. For the BB and SB cats for pitching, the #1 teams allowed the fewest bases on balls and steals.

LINE-UP

1. Coghlan, Chris, LF
2. Maybin, Cameron CF
3. Ramirez, Hanley SS
4. Cantu, Jorge 1B
5. Uggla, Dan 2B
6. Ross, Cody RF
7. Baker, John C
8. Bonifacio, Emilio 3B

On offense, the Marlins put the ball in play and wait for something good to happen. Good things tend to happen when Hanley Ramirez has a bat in his hands. Cantu is solid with the stick but leaky with the leather. A move back to third is possible, but the Fish figure to keep him at first if 1B prospects Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez aren't ready for The Show. Coghlan surprised everyone by batting .321, but he lacks power. Without second base eligibility, his fantasy value will suffer. Maybin had another hot September, and maybe this is the year he finally fulfills the hype. Uggla has a ton of power, but his awful contact rate (150 Ks in 564 ABs) suppresses his fantasy worth. Bonifacio is the starter by default at third, but this situation is far from settled. Ross should be good for .270-20-80 again and makes a solid OF4 or OF5 in fantasy play. 3B Wes Helms and C Ronny Paulino could see some time off the bench.

STARTING ROTATION

1. Johnson, Josh RHP
2. Nolasco, Ricky RHP
3. Sanchez. Anibal RHP
4. West, Sean LHP
5. Volstad, Chris RHP
6. Miller, Andrew LHP
7. VandenHurk, Rick RHP

The Marlins rotation finished in the middle of the NL pack in just about every category last season, and the club has to hope that the youngsters take a step forward in 2010. Johnson is a beast when healthy, and his 209 innings last season was a career high. Nolasco stumbled badly out of the gate, but put up serviceable numbers following his horrific May. Sanchez looks to have the tools (if not the command), but the 25-year-old is still trying to put it all together. West enjoyed a decent rookie campaign, but the big lefty will have to improve his command before he'll warrant fantasy consideration. Volstad was a popular sleeper last season, but has yet to live up to the promise he showed in '08. Former hot-shot prospect Miller still has some upside, but his star is fading fast.

BULLPEN

1. Nunez, Leo RHP
2. Meyer, Dan LHP
3. Pinto, Renyel LHP
4. Sanches, Brian RHP
5. Badenhop, Burke RHP
6. Jones, Hunter LHP
7. Tankersley, Taylor LHP (elbow, missed 2009, should be ready for spring training)
8. Badenhop, Burke RHP
9. Penn, Hayden RHP

The Marlins tied for the NL lead with 45 saves last season, including 26 by incumbent closer Nunez. Leo wasn't all that, though, as his seven blown saves and 4.06 ERA should easily attest. With the trade of former closer Matt Lindstrom, though, Nunez doesn't have much in the way of competition for the ninth inning duties. Meyer amassed a team-best 20 holds last season, but he'll likely share the set-up role with Pinto and Sanches -- Sanches was a nice surprise last season. Badenhop progressed nicely last season, but he lacks overpowering stuff. Jones and Penn figure to provide bullpen depth and little else this season. All told, the Marlins bullpen is good, not great -- but a great deal of the 2010 fortunes rides on Nunez's ability to hold down the fort in the ninth inning.

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We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010 Fantasy Baseball season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Stay tuned for more, but for now, here's a team preview for you.

Ask a question about your fantasy team in our FORUM. Leave a comment about this article down below.

2009 RECORD: 74-88, 5th in NL Central

The Houston Astros struggled through a tough season in 2009, posting their lowest divisional finish since way back in 1991. Many of the club's top stars battled injury problems last season, including staff ace Roy Oswalt, who failed to reach 200 innings pitched for the first time in six seasons. Big Bopper Lance Berkman missed a sizable chunk of the season and struggled when he was able to gut it out and play -- and the loss of his big bat dug the 'Stros into a hole from which they could never extricate themselves. The team's outlook for '10 rests on the health of their aging stars -- if that group can stay healthy, the Astros can again be a contender in the NL Central division race.

LINE-UP

1. Bourn, Michael CF
2. Matsui, Kazuo 2B
3. Berkman, Lance 1B
4. Lee, Carlos LF
5. Pence, Hunter CF
6. Feliz, Pedro 3B
7. Keppinger, Jeff SS
8. Quintero, Humberto C

The Houston lineup is not a formidable group, and things could really get ugly if Lance Berkman doesn't get back to mashing the ball again this year. Bourn is a speed merchant, whose .285 average last season was a pleasant surprise. Matsui has battled injury woes his entire career, and it wouldn't be wise to count on that changing in 2010. Lee's home run numbers have dropped the past two seasons, but a guy who can hit .300 and launch 25-plus bombs is still a viable Fantasy commodity. The team brought Feliz in to play third, but expecting more than about .260-15-75 would be a reach. Keppinger has shown flashes of ability during his career, but he doesn't have much pop nor will he steal many bases. Quintero and former uber-prospect J.R. Towles will platoon behind the dish.

STARTING ROTATION

1. Oswalt, Roy RHP (back, should be ready for spring training)
2. Rodriguez, Wandy LHP
3. Myers, Brett RHP
4. Moehler, Brian RHP (knee, should be ready for spring training)
5. Norris, Bud RHP
6. Paulino, Felipe RHP
7. Chacin, Gustavo LHP
8. Loux, Shane RHP

Oswalt had a forgettable 2009 season, but he believes that a new training regimen will help him overcome the back problems that plagued him last year. He makes a great fantasy sleeper pick 12-15 rounds or so into most drafts. Rodriguez's fine season escaped much notice -- perhaps because his home/road split was so dramatic. Wandy was great at home but mediocre on the road, making him a high-maintenance option in roto league formats. Myers will try to recapture some of the glory he has not seen since back in the '06 season with Philly. We wouldn't draft him until he gives us some sign that he's back on track. Of the remaining group, the 25-year-old Norris is the most intriguing, as he went 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA in four September starts last season. 

BULLPEN

1. Lindstrom, Matt RHP
2. Lyon, Brandon RHP
3. Fulchino, Jeff RHP
4. Wright, Wesley LHP
5. Arias, Alberto RHP (knee, should be ready for spring training)
6. Sampson, Chris RHP
7. Byrdak, Tim LHP
8. Majewski, Gary RHP

Lindstrom and Lyon will compete for the closer's job this spring, but this situation has "closer by committee" written all over it. Neither Lyon nor Lindstrom has shown the ability to hold down a ninth-inning job for long, but none of the other Astros relievers have much in the way of closer's experience. Watch this battle as spring training unfolds, but don't count on the winner as a long-term answer. Fulchino, Wright and the loser of the closer's battle stand to share the set-up duties.

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