We get you ready for the upcoming fantasy baseball season by taking an in-depth look at second basemen:

TOP FIVE
1. Robinson Cano (NYY)
2. Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
3. Ian Kinsler (TEX)
4. Brandon Phillips (CIN)
5. Ben Zobrist (TB)

UP CLOSE
Dan Uggla (ATL) – After batting just .177 in his first 86 games, Uggla turned around his 2011 campaign with a 33-game hitting streak.  Owners can overlook the terrible contact rate that led to him finishing the season with a measly .233 average due to the fact he jacked a career-high 36 long balls. That type of power at this position is rare and keeps Uggla as a top 10 option at the position.

BREAKOUT AHEAD
Brandon Phillips (CIN) – Phillips hit a career-high .303 last season. Over the past two seasons though we’ve watched his HR and SB base both drop.  He’s entering a contract year this season and with the Reds opening to hit in the leadoff spot this year expect plenty of chances to produce. His power numbers may go down, but not by much. Expect plenty of runs and stolen bases though.

BUST CANDIDATE
Chase Utley (PHI) –His name carries plenty of weight and will cause many owners to overpay for Utley. While he still has some upside, at 33 he is on a steady decline. His OPS has dropped in each of the past four seasons and he’s missed 40 plus games each of the past two years.   He’s still capable of delivering a .280/20/80 batting line, but will need to stay healthy to do so.

FUTURE STAR
Dustin Ackley (SEA) – Quietly loss in a dismal offensive season in Seattle in 2011 were the numbers put up by the 24-year old after his June call-up.  He hit .273 with seven triples, six homers and 36 RBI in 333 at-bats last year and is off to a hot start this spring. He’s slated to hit atop the Mariners’ batting order and is definitely worth keeping a close eye on as the season approaches.

FANTASY 101
There is more depth at the position than in recent years with as four Tier 1 options. Grabbing one of those guys could be worth a pick in the early rounds. After that look for value and find players that can help in a specific category or two and draft accordingly. When building a bench, look for those players that have multiple-position eligibility as they typically make better bench fodder.

COMPLETE RANKINGS | LATEST ADP

Fantasy Baseball fantasy advice, fantasy rankings, 2012, second base, strategy, dan uggla, brandon phillips, chase utley, dustin ackley

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

Man I love playoff baseball. Granted as a Reds' fan it is hard to remember what it is like to have your team in the mix, but that won't stop me from enjoying these League Championship Series. The NLCS kicks off on Thursday night with the Philadelphia Phillies welcoming the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 1 of a best-of-seven series. I picked the Phillies to win it all at the beginning of the playoffs, but you can't help but be impressed by the way not only the Dodgers finished the season. but the manner in which they dismantled the Cubs in the divisional round.

The Dodgers have Joe Torre, one of the winningest managers in playoff history, and the postseason's all-time homerun leader in Manny Ramirez. Meanwhile, the Phillies have been here before too and Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard lead one of baseball's most feared lineups. 

The Phillies have the best starter in the series in left-handed ace Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge has closed the door at will all season long without blowing a save (41 for 41). The Dodgers are deep in pitching as well with young studs from top to bottom.  A look at the NLDS numbers will show you how good both team's staffs were. Dodgers' starting pitchers gave up three earned runs in 19 innings (1.42 ERA); their relievers gave up three earned runs in eight innings (3.38 ERA) with Jonathan Broxton recording one save. Philly starting pitchers gave up five earned runs in 25 innings (1.80 ERA); their relievers gave up four earned runs in 10 innings (3.60 ERA) with Brad Lidge recording two saves. Both teams’ starters earned a decision in every game started.

The Phillies have home-field advantage though and that could be the difference. I am sticking with my Philly pick and calling the Phillies in seven!!!

SCHEDULE
Game One - Thu, Oct. 9th - Los Angeles (D. Lowe) at Philadelphia (C. Hamels), 8:22 p.m.
Game Two - Fri, Oct. 10th - Los Angeles (C. Billingsley) at Philadelphia (B. Myers), 4:35 p.m.
Game Three - Sun, Oct. 12th - Philadelphia (J. Moyer) at Los Angeles (H. Kuroda), 8:22 p.m.
Game Four - Mon, Oct. 13th - Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 8:22 p.m.
*Game Five - Wed, Oct. 15th - Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 8:22 p.m.
*Game Six - Fri, Oct. 17th - Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 8:22 p.m.
*Game Seven - Sat, Oct. 18th - Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 8:22 p.m.

MLB nlcs, phillies, dodgers, cole hamels, brad lidge, ryan howard, chase utley, jimmy rollins, joe torre, manny ramirez

STUDS OF THE WEEK
Ryan Braun has been the man over the past seven days, helping both the Brewers and fantasy owners alike making playoff runs. The Brewers' outfielder is hitting .413 with 4 HR, 12 RBI, and a SB in that span.  Indians' ace Cliff Lee made the most of his two starts this week going 2-0 with two quality starts, including a complete game. Lee has now won three straight starts and has given up just two runs in that span with 21 strikeouts. He is on pace to become Cleveland's first 20-game winner in 34 years.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
Second baseman Chase Utley is not living up to the MVP-hype from earlier in the season and this week offered more proof of that. The Phillies' slugger mustered just 3 hits and only 1 RBI in 22 at bats. We listed him as a player likely to have a second-half letdown just two weeks ago, and so far the A's Justin Duchscherer has lived up to the billing thus far as he is winless since the break. This past week was not good for teh AL All-Star as he dropped both starts while posting a 6.92 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 10 K's and 5 BB's in 13 IP. 

KEY INJURIES
Chipper Jones (hamstring) - day-to-day with pulled hammy
Rick Ankiel (abdominal) - questionable for 7/28-7/31 vs. ATL
Tim Hudson (elbow) - keep your eyes on status for Tuesday's start
Roy Oswalt (back) - expected to return TUE night vs. CIN
Kerry Wood (finger) - blister forces him to 15-day DL
Joe Crede (back) - out until mid-August after being put on DL
Jorge Posada (shoulder) - postponed surgery; could return in mid-Aug
Erik Bedard (back) - hopes to return to rotation in early Aug
Aaron Harang (forearm) - making progress; return still unclear
Chris R. Young (nose) - could return on TUE night vs. ARI

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

AL
Must-starts:
Daisuke Matsuzaka – LAA (Jered Weaver), OAK (Dallas Braden)
James Shields - @TOR (A.J. Burnett), DET (Armando Galarraga)
Mark Buehrle - @MIN (Kevin Slowey), @KC (Kyle Davies)

Sleeper Picks:
Matt Ginter – DET (Armando Galarraga), @MIN (Glen Perkins)
Jeremy Guthrie - @NYY (Darrell Rasner), @SEA (Felix Hernandez)

NL
Must-Starts:
CC Sabathia – CHC (Ted Lilly), @ATL (Charlie Morton)
Carlos Zambrano - @MIL (Ben Sheets), PIT (Ian Snell)
Ricky Nolasco – NYM (John Maine), COL (Jason Hirsh?)

Sleeper Picks:
Johnny Cueto - @HOU (Jack Cassel), @WAS (Collin Balester)
Yusmeiro Petit - @SD (Greg Maddux), @LAD (Clayton Kershaw)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Joel Hanrahan (+32% roster change)
OF Alfonso Soriano (+30%)
DH David Ortiz (+28%)
3B Ryan Zimmerman (+23%)
SS Troy Tulowitzki (+22%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Jaime Garcia (-20%)
SP Jesse Litsch (-19%)
RP Damaso Marte (-16%)
RP Grant Balfour (-14%)
SP Aaron Laffey (-12%)

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

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

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

Fantasy Baseball ryan braun, cliff lee, chase utley, justin duchscherer, chipper jones, rick ankiel, tim hudson, roy oswalt, kerry wood, joe crede, jorge posada, erik bedard, aaron harang, chris r. young, daisuke matsuzaka, james shields, mark buehrle, matt ginter, jeremy guthrie, cc sabathia, carlos zambrano, ricky nolasco, johnny cueto, yusmeiro petit, joel hanrahan, alfonso soriano, david ortiz, ryan zimmerman, troy tulowitzki, jaime garcia, jesse litsch, damaso marte, grant balfour, aaron laffey

Although the baseball season is just at its midway point, secondbasemen Chase Utley and Dan Uggla are both on the path to do something extraordinary. Heading into play on Saturday the two are first in second in home runs. Utley holds the edge with 24 to Uggla's 23. While both may be easily passed up by big hitters like Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn, if either can finish the season with the most home runs they will be joining some very elite company.

The last secondbaseman to lead his league in home runs was Ryne Sandberg in 1990. Ryno belted 40 homers that season, the most in the National League. However, he was second in the majors to Cecil Fielder who blasted 51 that year.

In the strike shortened season of 1981, Angels secondbaseman Bobby Grich was one of four hitters in the AL to finish with 22 home runs. They were all bested by Mike Schmidt who hit 31 in just 102 games.

To find the only secondbaseman to lead both leagues in home runs, you have to go all the way back to the 1920's. It actually happened twice and both times by the same player, Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby. The Cardinal great hit 39 in 1925 and 42 in 1922. Those 42 home runs also mark the most ever hit by a secondbaseman in one season. At least for now.

Without taking anything away from Hornsby, it is interesting to note that those were the only two years in that decade that Babe Ruth did not lead the majors in home runs. He had 35 in 1922 and just 25 in 1925. However, he played just 110 and 98 games respectively in those seasons due to injury.

MLB chase utley, dan uggla, ryne sandberg, bobby grich, rogers hornsby, babe ruth, adam dunn, ryan howard

STUDS OF THE WEEK
The White Sox' series against the Pirates look for more like softball games and no hitter benefited more than Jermaine Dye, who has 10 hits in last 23 at-bats, inlcuding 6 HR's and 15 RBI's while hitting .435.  The Angels' Joe Saunders kept his good times rolling with his 11th win of the season on Saturday night, tying Brandon Webb for the MLB lead. Saunders has allowed two runs or less in six of his last eight starts and is posting a 1.26 ERA in his last two starts over the past seven days.

DUDS OF THE WEEK
The Phillies' Chase Utley is making a strong case for the NL MVP this year, but over the past two weeks you wouldn't know it. He has just 6 hits in his last 42 at-bats for .143 average. Jose Contreras allowed 10 hits and nine earned runs 3 1/3 innings in his latest start for the White Sox on Saturday, falling to 6-6 with the loss. He's now taken an 'L' in each of his last three outings, allowing more than 10 hits and six-plus runs inin two of them.


KEY INJURIES
Albert Pujols (calf): eligible to return June 26
Carlos Zambrano (shoulder): placed on 15-day DL
Alfonso Soriano (hand): sidelined 4-6 weeks
Chipper Jones (quad): day-to-day
David Ortiz (wrist): targeting early-July return
Chien-Ming Wang (foot): expected to be out until Sept.
Shawn Marcum (elbow): out until at least mid-July
Bartolo Colon (back): likely to return before All-Star game
Brad Penny (shoulder): disabled on 6/17
Carlos Pena (finger): expected to return this week sometime


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

AL
Must-starts:
Josh Beckett – ARI (Dan Haren), @HOU (Brian Moehler)
John Lackey - @WAS (Jason Bergmann), @LAD (Derek Lowe)
Jeremy Guthrie - @CHC (Undecided), @WAS (Jason Bergmann)

Sleeper Picks:
Mark Buehrle - @LAD (Derek Lowe), CHC (Undecided)
Andy Sonnanstine - @FLA (Scott Olsen), @PIT (Tom Gorzelanny)

NL
Must-Starts:
Jake Peavy – MIN (Kevin Slowey), SEA (Felix Hernandez)
Johan Santana – SEA (Felix Hernandez), NYY (Undecided)
Dan Haren - @BOS (Josh Beckett), @FLA (Scott Olsen)

Sleeper Picks:
Jo-Jo Reyes – MIL (Ben Sheets), @TOR (Undecided)
Jeff Francis - @KC (Brian Bannister), @DET (Kenny Rogers)


WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
RP Mike Gonzalez (+28% roster change)
SS Troy Tulowitzki (+27%)
SS Mike Aviles (+24%)
SP Armando Galarraga (+23%)
3B Chase Headley (23%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Jose Contreras (-12%)
SP Jesse Litsch(-11%)
SP Max Scherzer (-10%)
SP Dontrelle Willis (-9%)
SP Daniel Cabrera (-8%)


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

American League
7: Yankees
6: Everyone else in the American League plays six games this week.

National League
7: Mets
6: Everyone else in the National League plays six games this week

Fantasy Baseball jermaine dye, joe saunders, chase utley, jose contreras, albert pujols, carlos zambrano, alfonso soriano, chipper jones, david ortiz, chien-ming wang, shawn marcum, bartolo colon, brad penny, carlos pena, josh beckett, john lackey, jeremy guthrie, mark buehrle, andy sonnanstine, jake peavy, johan santana, dan haren, jo-jo reyes, jeff francis, mike gonzalez, troy tulowitzki, mike aviles, armando galarraga, chase headley, jesse litsch, max scherzer, dontrelle willis, daniel cabrera

Voting for the 2008 AllStar game has been taking place for a few weeks now. You can find a ballot at your local ballpark or vote on-line at MLB.com. Here is a quick look at the current vote leaders at each position as well as a few guys that deserve consideration:

First Base - Lance Berkman
Berkman is on an MVP pace with the Astros. He is second in the NL with a .374 average and is tied for third with 17 HR. He has a substantial lead over Albert Pujols and Derrek Lee, who are both playing well. One guy that does not show up in the top five is Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres. All he is doing is leading the NL in RBI to go with 17 HR.

Second Base - Chase Utley
This one is a no-brainer. No second baseman in either league can touch the production of Utley.  He is on pace to become the third member of the Phillies in a row to win the MVP award. If you are looking for a second choice at the position, think about Dan Uggla of the Marlins. His 18 HR and 41 RBI are second only to Utley in the NL.

Third Base - Chipper Jones
Another easy pick. If there was a question of Chipper making the Hall in a few years, he is answering them in 2008. He may not finish the year at .400 but it would not be a shock to see him lead the league. And his power numbers are there too - 15 HR, 41 RBI. David Wright is a distant second in the voting as he and all the Mets have gotten off to a slow start.  Jorge Cantu has put up some nice numbers in Florida and don't forget about Aramis Ramirez.

Shortstop - Hanley Ramirez
It should not be a surprise that one of the closest races in the NL is at shortstop. What may be surprising is that Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins aren't in contention. Ramirez is certainly deserving of the start but he needs to hold off Miguel Tejada to get it. The young Marlin edges out Tejada in HR and SB, but the Astro has more RBI and a better average. This one could go down to the wire. On a side note, Christian Guzman should make the team as the Nationals lone representative. The career .266 hitter is batting .305 heading into Sundays game and has 5 HR and 42 runs scored.

Catcher - Geovany Soto
The rookie Soto got off to a great start and is on the best team in baseball. So it is not surprising that he has a huge league in voting over Brian McCann of the Braves. However things may be changing. Soto has struggled at the plate in recent weeks while McCann is starting to find his HR stroke. Don't be surprised if Braves fans put their man over the top. One guy not mentioned in the voting is Bengie Molina of the Giants. He leads all NL catchers with 40 RBI and .332 average.

Outfield - Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome, Ken Griffey Jr.
As with Soto, Cubs fans have been voting early and often. While both are playing well and are certainly a big part of the Cubs' success there may be a few other guys to consider in the outfield. The same goes for Junior who is a fan favorite, especially as he nears the 600 HR mark. The best outfielders statistically at this point are Ryan Braun (16 HR, 46 RBI, .291 avg.), Nate McLouth (14, 45, .308) and Ryan Ludwick (14, 46, .310). Unfortunately, few fans outside of the NL Central know who those three guys are. A case could also be made for Pat Burrell, Jason Bay, Xavier Nady and Carlos Lee. And don't forget about Adam Dunn, who has his average up to .243!

Fantasy Baseball, MLB national league, all-star game, lance berkman, albert pujols, derrek lee, chase utley, dan uggla, chipper jones, david wright, jorge cantu, aramis ramirez, hanley ramirez, jose reyes, jimmy rollins, miguel tejada, christian guzman, geovany soto, brian mccann, bengi molina, alfonso soriano, kosuke fukudome, ken griffey, ryan braun, nate mclouth, ryan ludwick, pat burrell, jason bay, xavier nady, carlos lee, adam dunn

It took until May 22 to do it, but the Phillie's Ryan Howard finally got his batting average over the .200 mark. He has been red hot of late, homering six times over his past nine games. Howard started slow last season, but stil managed to put up the power numbers we all have come to expect from the former NL MVP.

Over the past 14 days the slugger is batting .307 with 7 HR's and 14 RBI's. The problem continues to be strikeouts though. He leads the majors in 71 whiffs in 179 at bats and if you are in a league where strikeouts count against you, Howard's value takes a dip.

In 2005 Howard batted .313, but last year that number dropped to .268. It's hard to imagine that he will ever hit above .300 again, but there is no reason not to expect a vast improvement over his .207 average.

With Chase Utley hitting in front of him and the power-hitting Pat Burrell batting behind Howard in the order, you better believe the Phillies' clean-up hitter is going to continue to get pitches to hit and have plenty opportunities to drive in runs.

Fantasy Baseball phillies, ryan howard, chase utley, pat burrell