Undervalued – OF Carl Crawford: The 31-year outfielder was perennially an elite fantasy commodity for nearly a decade before injuries began to take their toll. He’s coming off Tommy John surgery and is a huge injury risk, but a fresh start in Los Angeles may be just what the doctor order. He may be slowing a bit, but still has enough speed to be a weapon. His .785 OPS over his last 31 games last season leave reasons for hope. While he’s no longer a top 10 outfielder, he’s still could be a good buy at the right price.

Overvalued – SS Hanley Ramirez: Ramirez offer multiple-position eligibility (third base/shortstop) which is always a plus, yet his “big name” comes at price that is no longer matched by production.   He still produces the power numbers that owners covet at the position, but his average has dropped from .304 in 2009 to .298, .240 and .255 over the last three seasons. His plate discipline has seen a steady decay and his stolen base numbers are down too. He’s still a great player at the right price, but his current ADP of the 27th overall pick is far cry from the first-round lock status he used to carry so adjust accordingly.

Sleeper – SP Hyun-Jin Ryu: The Korean import is heading right into the Dodgers’ rotation. There is plenty of unknown surrounding the left-harder, but pitching in the friendly confines of Chavez Ravine and with that lineup behind him there is big time upside. He makes for a nice mid-to-late stab and brings some serious upside with a reported low-90’s fastball and a fantastic change up.

Bust – RP Brandon League: With questions surrounding the health of flame-throwing pitcher Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers’ brass shelled out $22.5 million over three years to Brandon League and anointed him as their closer. The former Mariner has been inconsistent throughout his career. League shined down the stretch with Jansen sidelined as he made 15 appearances with 0.55 ERA and six saves. He has the closer’s job right now, but the more talented Jansen is going to press to get his job back.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB fantasy advice, los angeles dodgers, carl crawford, hanley ramirez, hyun-jin ryu, brandon league

Most don’t figure the Reds to be very active in free agency, but I’d prefer not to see the organization stand pat. Outside of dealing a young arm a couple of quality, low-end free agent signings could be the difference between returning to the post-season and sitting out October once again.

BIGGEST NEEDS
--Shortstop
--Cleanup Hitter
--Catcher
--Infield Depth

MY FREE AGENT WISH LIST
Carl Crawford (TB) – No way is he coming to the Reds, but he would be perfect to hit in front of Votto and fill in the spot in left field, leaving Gomes as a bench player.

Juan Uribe (SF) – Can play shortstop or third base and hit for power. His versatility would be a big boost to go along with the aging Scott Rolen and the defensive contributions of Paul Janish.

Ty Wigginton (BAL) – Like Uribe, he is versatile. Could serve as nice filler and be in the lineup more often than not.  Wanted him at the trade deadline and would love him here.

Jorge Cantu (TEX) – The Reds gave up on him a few years ago, but he could still help with his power.

Yorvit Torrealba (SD) – could fit in well in platoon with Ryan Hannigan at catcher.

FREE AGENT LIST (USAToday.com)

MLB 2010 hot stove, mlb offseason, cincinnati reds, mlb free agents, carl crawford, juan uribe, ty wigginton, jorge cantu, yorvit torrealba

It's time to announce my fantasy all-stars, we start with a look at the hitters...

C – Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
.381 BA, 15 HR, 49 RBI
Mauer has been one of the most valued commodities in all of baseball. His production gets a hike when you consider he is doing it as a catcher, one of fantasy’s scarcest positions.

Biggest Surprise: Kurt Suzuki (OAK); Biggest Bust: Geovany Soto – CHC;

1B – Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
.338 BA, 32 HR, 85 RBI, 72 R, 10 SB
Nobody is even close to Pujols this year as he is hands down fantasy baseball’s top producer. He has a legitimate shot to become baseball’s first Triple Crown winner since 1967.

Biggest Surprise: Todd Helton (COL); Biggest Bust: David Ortiz (BOS)

2B – Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
.310 BA, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 61 R, 9 SB
Utley is healthy and producing as normal for the Phillies and fantasy owners alike. He gets the slight nod over Ian Kinsler, who also has been lights out.

Biggest Surprise: Ben Zobrist (TB); Biggest Bust: Placido Polanco (DET)

3B – Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
.286 BA, 17 HR, 66 RBI, 48 R
The hot corner offers up plenty of options, but Longoria has been as productive as any and still the most dangerous threat at the position.

Biggest Surprise: Russell Branyan (SEA); Biggest Bust: Garrett Atkins (COL)

SS – Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
.345 BA, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 51 R, 12 SB
Ramirez is one of the game’s top performers and a five-category producer for owners at a position that offers few options.

Biggest Surprise: Marco Scutaro (TOR); Biggest Bust: Jhonny Peralta (CLE)

OF – Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
.315 BA, 16 HR, 58 RBI, 61 R, 7 SB

OF – Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays
.310 BA, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 58 R, 44 SB

OF – Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
.361 BA, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 44 R, 19 SB

Picking three outfielders is a challenge, but I would put these three up against any other three that could be offered up. Braun offers the most balance of power and average. Crawford is producing in all categories, but has separated himself from the pack with his production on the base paths and Suzuki is as consistent as they come.

Biggest Surprise: Adam Lind (TOR); Biggest Bust: Manny Ramirez (LA)

Fantasy Baseball fantasy all-stars, joe mauer, kurt suzuki, geovany soto, albert pujols, todd helton, david ortiz, chase utley, ben zobrist, placido polanco, evan longoria, russell branyan, garrett atkins, hanley ramirez, marco scutaro, jhonny peralta, ryan braun, carl crawford, ichiro suzuki, adam lind, manny ramirez

Relive some of the best World Series memories ever with GETSPORTSRADIO.COM: WIRE TO WIRE

The team that has won the first game of the World Series has went on to be crowned champions in 10 of their last 11 years. The Phillies hope to make it 11 of the last 12. Philadelphia took Game 1 on Wednesday, beating Tampa 3-2. It was a game they needed to win. For starters, in order to win the best-of-seven-series they had to take at least one in Tampa. Secondly, with a questionable rotation it doesn't appear as if the Phils could affrod to lose with ace Cole Hamels on the mound.

The Rays produced 22 homers in their first 11 postseason games, but Wednesday, the heart of their lineup —B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria— went hitless in 12 at-bats without a ball leaving the infield.  

Hamels has been amazing. We all knew he was good, but after winning his fourth straight playoff start in dominating fashion he is now a superstar. In Philadelphia they are comparing him to another great Phillies' lefty, Steve Carlton. While he has a bit more to go before I can put in that Hall of Fame company you can't deny the fact that his 1.55 ERA effort this October has been outstanding.  

Scott Kazmir, who was drafted two spots ahead of Hamels in the first round of the 2002 Amateur Draft, struggled through is six innings allowing three runs on six hits and four walks. 

Chase Utley and Carl Crawford both went yard, but for the most part the offenses both struggled in the clutch all night long.

Both bullpens did great, yet the Phillies still possess the edge with Brad Lidge closing out games. He made the Rays look silly with his nasty slider working a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning. 

The drop off starts now though for the Phillies as after Hamels it gets a bit rough. Brett Myers will to go to the hill in Game 2 and he'll be opposed by right-hander James Shields for the Rays. It is a must-win game for the Rays as they can ill afford to leave town down 0-2.

SCHEDULE
Game One- Philadelphia 3, Tampa Bay 2
Game Two - Thursday, October 23rd - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:29 p.m.
Game Three - Saturday, October 25th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:35 p.m.
Game Four - Sunday, October 26th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:29 p.m.
*Game Five - Monday, October 27th - Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 8:29 p.m.
*Game Six - Wednesday, October 29th - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:35 p.m.
*Game Seven - Thursday, October 30th - Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:29 p.m.
(Philadelphia leads best-of-seven series, 1-0)

MLB world series, phillies, rays, cole hamels, scott kazmir, bj upton, carlos pena, evan longoria, chase utley, carl crawford, brad lidge, brett myers, james shields

Here are some interesting stats and storylines I have dug up when looking ahead to the World Series...

*Brad Lidge - The Phillies' closer was a perfect 41-for-41 in save opportunities during the regular season, and erased his postseason demons by going a perfect 5-for-5 against the Brewers and Dodgers. It's pretty ironic that his only blown save of the year came in the 15th inning of the All-Star Game, a loss that now cost his team homefield advantage (I hate that stupid rule).

*Chase Utley - For the second straight year, Utley struggled in the NLDS, but showed some signs of life against the Dodgers. The second baseman hit a big two-run homer to even Game 1 and was 6-for-17 in the NLCS with three RBI. 

*Cole Hamels - The Phillies' ace has been lights out for Charlie Manuel, winning all three of his starts this postseason while pitching to a 1.23 ERA.  It's been a nice turnaround after the 24-year old lefty finished the regular season by going just 5-6 over the last two months.

*Ryan Howard - Philly needs the big slugger to wake up a bit. He showed a pulse by hitting .500 (6-for-12) over the final three games against the Dodgers, but has yet to hit a home run this postseason and has driven in a mere three runs. He's been streaky all season, but finish the season on a tear and carried the Phillies to the NL East title.

*BJ Upton - He only hit 9 HR's during regular season, yet he has hit seven homers in these playoffs, one short of the major league record held by Bonds (2002) and Carlos Beltran, who did it for Houston in 2004.

*Matt Garza - Talk about a time to break out, the former twin won the ALCS MVP was magnificent allowing just two runs and two wins. Both teams are going to go into the World Series with their rotations rested and set the way they want them to be.

*Carl Crawford - The longest tenured Ray in team history, batted .302 and swiped six bases during the first two rounds. He is going to cause fits for Philly on the base baths. It's hard to imagine what this season has been like for him.

*Evan Longoria - He has struggled at times during the playoffs, but his six homeruns say all that you need to know about this rookie hot corner. He could get even more dangerous in the hitter-friednly Citizens Bank Park.

Here's what the oddsmakers at BetUs.com have for the series predictions for the outcome and MVP winner:

Who will be named the World Series MVP?
BJ Upton (TB) ....................... 7/1
Ryan Howard (PHI)................15/2
Evan Longoria (TB)..................8/1
Jimmy Rollins (PHI)................11/1
Chase Utley (PHI)..................12/1
Pat Burrell (PHI).....................13/1
Cole Hammels (PHI)...............10/1
Brade Lidge (PHI)...................12/1
Brett Myers (PHI)...................13/1
Scott Kazmir (TB)...................13/1
James Shields (TB) ................12/1
Carlos Pena (TB)....................12/1
Carl Crawford (TB)...................12/1
Akinori Iwamura (TB)................15/1
Any Other Player ................... .5/1

Correct Series Result
Tampa Bay 4-2 ......................4/1
Tampa Bay 4-1 ......................9/2
Tampa Bay 4-3 ......................9/2
Philadelphia 4-2 .....................6/1
Philadelphia 4-1......................8/1
Tampa Bay 4-0.......................9/1
Philadelphia 4-0.....................18/1
Philadelphia 4-3 ....................11/2

MLB world series, phillies, rays, brad lidge, chase utley, ryan howard, cole hamels, bj upton, matt garza, evan longoria, carl crawford

STUDS OF THE WEEK
What's up with Melvin Mora lately? The veteran has been on a tear of late for the O's as he's picked up 16 hits in his last 30 at bats. His 2 HR's and 11 RBI's came in handy for owners dealing with injuries. Cliff Lee is going back to early season form of late. He threw his thrid complete game of the year on Saturday and picked up two wins while posting a 1.06 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 17 innings of work this week.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
The Phillies' Ryan Howard continues to prove that he can't be counted on this week as he hit .120 with 1 HR and 6 RBI's. There are players with worse numbers, but few that came with his sticker price. The 10 K's in 25 at bats killed owners that are deducted for strikeouts. Aaron Harang needs to be shutdown by the Reds, or at the very least by his fantasy owners. His two starts this week were pathetic as he 0-2 with 19.64 ERA and 2.73 WHIP in 7 1/3 innings. He's been unreliable all year and now is just awful.

KEY INJURIES
Evan Longoria (wrist) - placed on 15-day DL earlier this week
Carl Crawford (hand) - out for the season
Mike Lowell (oblique) -  could be out until September or longer
Billy Wagner (elbow) - suffered setback in return attempt
Joba Chamberlain (shoulder) - could return by month's end
Victor Martinez (elbow) - currently on Double A rehab assignment
Chris R. Young (forearm) - out until at least early September
Tom Glavine (elbow) - out for year; career could be over
Justin Upton (oblique) - could return to action this week
Chris Carpenter (triceps) - back on the 15-day DL

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Felix Hernandez - @CHW (TBA), @OAK (Sean Gallagher)
Mark Buehrle  - SEA (Jarrod Washburn), TB (Andy Sonnastine)
Justin Duchscherer  – @MIN (Nick Blackburn) @SEA (Jarrod Washburn)

Sleeper Picks:
Jeremy Guthrie – BOS (Jon Lester), NYY (Darrell Rasner)
Anthony Reyes – KC (Luke Hochevar), @TEX (Scott Feldman)

NL
Must-Starts:
C.C. Sabathia – HOU (Randy Wolf), PIT (Pat Maholm)
Rich Harden - CIN (Johnny Cueto), WAS (Jason Bergmann)
Oliver Perez - ATL (TBA), HOU (Randy Wolf)

Sleeper Picks:
Ricky Nolasco – @SF (Kevin Correia), @ARI (Doug Davis)
Hiroki Kuroda –  COL (Ubaldo Jimenez),  @PHI (Joe Blanton)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
OF Marlon Byrd (+28% roster change)
SP Paul Byrd (+26%)
OF Vernon Wells (+25%)
RP Chris Perez (+23%)
3B Melvin Mora (+20%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Ian Kennedy (-10%)
SP Clay Buchholz (-9%)
RP Eddie Kunz (-9%)
OF David DeJesus (-8%)
RP Jason Isringhausen(-8%)

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

AL
7: LAA, MIN, OAK, SEA
6: BAL, BOS, CLE, DET, KC, NYY, TB, TEX, TOR
5: KC

NL
7: ATL, NYM, SF
6: ARI, CHC, CIN, COL, FLA, HOU, LAD, MIL, PHI, PIT, SD, STL, WAS

Fantasy Baseball melvin mora, cliff lee, ryan howard, evan longoria, carl crawford, mike lowell, billy wagner, joba chamberlain, victor martinez, chris r. young, tom glavine, justin upton, chris carpenter, felix hernandez, mark buehrle, justin duchscherer, jeremy guthrie, anthony reyes, c.c. sabathia, rich harden, oliver perez, ricky nolasco, hiroki kuroda, marlon byrd, paul byrd, vernon wells, chris perez, melvin mora, ian kennedy, clay buchholz, eddie kunz, david dejesus, jason isringhausen

From the Tampa Tribune:

A second look at third baseman Evan Longoria's sore right wrist revealed a non-displaced fracture that was mistaken for an old injury in the initial X-rays taken after he was hit by a pitch Thursday night.

Rather than returning to the lineup tonight in Oakland as he had predicted Sunday, Longoria was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 8. He likely will miss about three weeks, according to Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman.

Making matters worse, the Rays could determine by today that Carl Crawford needs to undergo surgery to repair the tendon problem in his right hand that forced the All-Star left fielder to the disabled list Sunday. Such a procedure wouldn't necessarily end his season, but likely would sideline him well into September.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB rays, evan longoria, carl crawford

STUDS OF THE WEEK
At least Carlos Lee's owners were treated to an amazing week before possibly losing their star slugger for the season to a broken pinkie. He mustered 12 hits in his 23 at bats leading up to the injury on Saturday, including 3 HRs and 11 RBIs. Daisuke Matsuzaka threw his longest outing of the season on Saturday night to beat the White Sox. Over his past two starts he is 2-0 with 14 IP, 1.93 ERA, and 0.93 WHIP. Add to that 15 K's and Dice-K made his owners very happy!

DUDS OF THE WEEK
The All-Star game seems much longer than a month ago, at least for Aaron Cook. The Rockies' starter got shelled again on Saturday night, allowing allowed six runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Cook has a 7.36 ERA in his last three starts and looks like himself again. So much for Adam Dunn stepping up with Griffey out. In his first full week of playing without Junior in his career, Dunn batted .154 and struck out 9 times in 28 plate appearences while failing to drive in a single run.

KEY INJURIES
Carlos Lee (finger) - might be out for the season
Ryan Braun (back) - day-to-day; did not play again on SUN
Orlando Hudson (wrist) - had season-ending surgery
Joba Chamberlain (shoulder) - best case is a late-August return
Carl Crawford (hand) - placed on 15-day DL on Sunday
Tim Wakefield (shoulder) - expected to be headed to DL
Billy Wagner (forearm) - eligbible to return on 8/18
Brad Lidge (shoulder) - risky play for Fantasy Week 20
Rick Ankiel (abdominal) - has been unable to play field
Evan Longoria (wrist) - didn't see action on Sunday and a bit of a risk

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Josh Beckett - @CHW (John Danks), TOR (Shaun Marcum)
Scott Kazmir - @OAK (Gio Gonzalez), @TEX (Tommy Hunter)
Justin Verlander – TOR (Shaun Marcum), BAL (Dennis Sarfate)

Sleeper Picks:
Javier Vazquez – KC (Brian Bannister), @OAK (Gio Gonzalez)
Glen Perkins – NYY (Sidney Ponson), SEA (R.A. Dickey)

NL
Must-Starts:
Johan Santana – @WAS (Odalis Perez), @PIT (Jeff Karstens)
Tim Lincecum - @HOU (Roy Oswalt), @ATL (Chuck James)
Cole Hamels - @LAD (Clayton Kershaw), @SD (Cha Baek)

Sleeper Picks:
Chris Volstad – STL (Kyle Lohse), CHC (Rich Harden)
Anibal Sanchez – STL (Joel Pineiro), CHC (Ryan Dempster)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
SP Jeff Karstens (+43% roster change)
SP Eddie Guardado (+40%)
OF Denard Span (+21%)
SP Kerry Wood (+21%)
SP Clayton Kershaw (+21%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Dana Eveland (-19%)
RP Brandon Morrow (-12%)
1B Jeff Baker (-12%)
RP Huston Street (-8%)
SP Clay Buchholz(-8%)

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

AL
7: BAL, BOS, CHW, CLE, DET, TOR
6: KC, MIN, NYY, OAK, TB, TEX
5: LAA, SEA

NL
7: FLA, HOU, LAD, MIL, NYM, PHI, PIT, SF, STL, WAS
6: ARI, ATL, CHC, CIN, COL, SD

Fantasy Baseball carlos lee, daisuke matsuzaka, adam dunn, aaron cook, ryan braun, orlando hudson, joba chamberlain, carl crawford, tim wakefield, billy wagner, brad lidge, rick ankiel, evan longoria, josh beckett, scott kazmir, justin verlander, javier vazquez, glen perkins, johan santana, tim lincecum, cole hamels, chris volstad, anibal sanchez, jeff karstens, eddie guardado, denard span, kerry wood, dana eveland, brandon morrow, jeff baker, huston street, clay buchholz

With the baseball season reaching its halfway point earlier this week, it's the Tampa Bay Rays that find themselves with baseball's best record, 50-32.

Tampa Bay has been a refreshing team to watch, as they've matched a great core of young talent with the right mix of veterans to acheive a winning chemsitry.

With their win on Tuesday night over Boston, the Rays are now 2 1/2 games up in the AL East, their largest lead of the season.

"These guys aren't like they used to be," Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield said. "They're pretty good over there."

The Rays have done it with good pitching, improved defense and timely hitting. They have also avoided getting caught in the highs and lows they have experienced during the best start in franchise history.
    
"It's still a long road, and we have to take it day to day," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. 

A closer look at the stats, bring an even greater appreciation of Maddon's team.  Of the core players in the line-up, only one, catcher Dioner Navarro (3.16), is hitting above .300. However, four different players - Evan Longoria (47), Eric Hinske (44), Carl Crawford, and B.J. Upton (41) - have over 40 RBI's.

The team lacks a 10-game winner, but has five pitchers with 6+ wins - starters Andy Sonnanstine (9-3), Matt Garza (7-4), Scott Kazmir (7-3), James Shields (6-5), and reliever J.P. Howell (6-0). Reliever Troy Percival (19 saves) was just placed back on the 15-day DL due a nagging hamstring, but the team has depth in the pen as they boast three other players with 2 saves a piece - Howell, Grant Balfour, and Dan Wheeler.

There is a long way to go, but count me as Rays' believer. 

MLB rays, joe maddon, dioner navarro, evan longoria, eric hinske, carl crawford, b.j. upton, andy sonnanstine, matt garza, scott kazmir, james shields, j.p. howell, troy percival, grant balfour, dan wheeler

Before I begin, allow me to perform a public service announcement for one:

To my colleague Bret Sims:  I know that you hate MLB.  So in the interest of fairness, I'm giving you this advance warning.  This will be yet another baseball related post.  Pleas ignore it and move on to investigating your follow-up post on the Wii Syndrome story:  HGH Being Prescribed to Suffers of Wii Syndrome.  Thank you and Good Luck.

On to baseball.

Several weeks ago,  I wrote a three-part series whereby I did a one-man mock baseball draft (or rankings if you prefer that terminology).  In it, I beat the drum for a particular mantra over, and over, and over again:  Grab Speed Early.  Since I've been participating in the GSI Mock Draft (posted directly under this one), I have recently taken some heat for that mantra.  I feel that further explanation is necessary.

I was never, and never will advocate taking all speed guys early.  Can you find stolen base guys late in your draft?  Sure.  But will they be coming with a ton of category baggage?  You bet.

(When I refer to category baggage, I am referring to a player that does one, or possibly two, things extremely well--i.e. stolen bases and average.  But does something else so completely horribly--i.e. home runs and runs batted in--that you have to use pick(s) to compensate for it.  If you don't compensate, you devalue the one or two things that player does well because your overall team value takes a hit.)

I have never, for instance, advocated taking a player like Juan Pierre in the second or third round just because he'll steal you 50+ bases, and that's hard to come by.  I would not only be kicked out of writing for GSI if I did that, but I would have my fantasy players card revoked (if there was one) and possibly be locked up by the men with the white coats (maybe I'll get a room next to Brittany!). 

No.  What I've advocated is taking the speed guys who don't bring along category baggage early, over say a pure power hitter.   You want the elite speed that will also not hurt you in other categories, so that you don't have to worry about using picks to compensate.  Players like Reyes, Ramirez, Crawford, Byrnes, etc. should be taken over players like Pujols, Manny and Big Papi, because they are going to steal you a goodly amount of bags (in Reyes' case an ungodly amount), yet they won't hurt you too badly in other categories like HR, RBI, R.

You might be asking yourself, "Self, why would I do that?"  Answer:  Sheer numbers.

Last season there were only 19 players total that stole 30+ bases in the bigs.  19.  That's it.  That's all.  Drive home safely.  And of those 19, just a little over half of them come without category baggage.  So if you don't grab one or two these players early, you're going to be spending the rest of your draft trying to do preparatory compensation so that you can then select a couple of speed guys with baggage (i.e. Pierre, Taveras, Owens, etc.) and not bring down the overall production of your team.

Allow me to use our own GSI Mock Draft to illustrate.

We are currently in the 11th round.  If you were an owner that didn't subscribe to my mantra (shame on you!) and decided to go for power or pitching early, then fill your stolen base needs later, here is what you are looking at.  Through 10 rounds there are approximately six players who stole 30+ bags last season still left on the board.  Let's break these players down, shall we?

Corey Patterson:  Currently unemployed.  Problem.

Julio "I'm obligated to grab my junk 400 times every AB because the chicks love it" Lugo:  Will hurt in power (only 8 HR last season) and also hit a putrid, with a capital "P", .237.  No thanks.

Willy Taveras:  Got the speed and average.  But you better be able to compensate for the lack of power (2 HR/24 RBI in '07.  Good god, that's worse than junk grabber).  Plus, he had hamstring issues last year, so you'll have a bit of injury histroy heading into this season.  Pass.

Kaz Matsui:  Interesting cat.  He's changed teams, yet will still remain hitting in the 2-hole, has good offense around him, and should have a chance to do some running.  He could match his production from last year.  That said, he'll still be a serious drain on your power numbers (4 HR/37 RBI in 2007).  However, if the Astros lineup is as potent as some believe it could be, Kaz might make up for that in Runs.  Might be worth a flier.

Jerry Owens:  Again, the power grid is off.  Only 1 HR last season?  Seriously, Jerry?  I think I could hit 1 bomb accidentally, and I haven't played since I graduated high school in 1993.  Good god.  Plus, no one has a clue right now about Owens' playing time.  And you can't figure it out until you see him on the field because you can't understand a damn word Ozzie Guillen is saying (unless you speak Spanglish).

And last...

Dave Roberts:  Old.  Serious injury history.  Plays on a terrible team.  Aaron Rowand now mans CF.  'Nuff said.

 

So if you waited on speed, while you're looking over the above options (heaven help you), I'm sitting pretty with my speed already in tow.  I have approximately 70-80 stolen bases, projected, with Ichiro, Kinsler and Martin, and I didn't seriously damage any other category doing it.  And I still have time to take a flier on a guy like Michael Bourn or Fukudome to round out my stolen bases category.

As an added bonus, I still have a ton of 25-30 HR potential guys left on the board to choose from when filling out the power needs of my roster. 

Wouldn't you rather have a bunch of decent options to fill your roster needs late in the game, instead of a few--and those few are going to cause more trouble than they are worth?  I sure would.

But then again, maybe you covet Jerry Owens.

Fantasy Baseball jerry owens, corey patterson, dave roberts, carl crawford, albert pujols