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

Over the last two days the last two awards in baseball were given out. The Most Valuable Player honor is considered the greatest award in the game and this year it went to St. Louis Cardinals' first baseman, Albert Pujols, and Boston Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedroia.

This is Pujols' second MVP award as he won it back in 2006 also. He came up just short in 2006 when the Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard was voted as the MVP. That was the same season the Cardinals won the World Series thanks in large part to Pujols. When Howard was given the award Pujols said that he didn't think any player whose team did not make the playoffs, which the Phillies did not in 2006, should win the award. Well, the Cardinals didn't make the playoffs this year, but of course that just mean that Pujols would retract what he said about Howard a couple years ago. And he did just that.

Pujols beat out Howard this time around receiving 18 of the possible 30 votes. Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers came in third in voting with Los Angeles Dodgers' newcomer Manny Ramirez finishing fourth. Pujols finished the 2008 season batting .357 with 37 homers and 116 RBIs playing with an elbow injury that required surgery. Howard his 48 homeruns and had 146 RBIs.

Pedroia became the first second baseman to win the AL MVP award in almost half a century (Nellie Fox of the Chicago White Sox, 1959). Last season he won the AL Rookie of the year in addition to a World Series championship ring. Earlier this month he also received his first Gold Glove award.

Batting .326 with 17 homeruns and 83 RBIs to go with 20 stolen bases, Pedroia beat out Minnesota Twins' first baseman Justin Morneau and teammate Kevin Youkilis. He received 16 of the 28 possible first place votes. Pedroia lead the AL in hits, runs and doubles and helped get the Red Sox to a wild-card berth. With this award, Pedroia becomes the 20th player to win both the Rookie of the Year award and an MVP honor in their career.

MLB mvp, albert pujols, dustin pedroia, ryan howard, ryan braun, manny ramirez, justin morneau, kevin youkilis

From the Bill James Handbook 2009 (Bill James Handbook), his top 25 players under 25:

1. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman, age 24
2. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins shortstop, age 24
3. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants pitcher, age 24
4. David Wright, New York Mets third baseman, age 25
5. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers left fielder, age 24
6. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox second baseman, age 24
7. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder, age 23
8. Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels pitcher, age 25
9. Jose Reyes, New York Mets shortstop, age 25
10. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles right fielder, age 24
11. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals pitcher, age 24
12. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals third baseman, age 23
13. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, age 24
14. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies shortstop, age 23
15. Felix Hernandez, ! Seattle Mariners pitcher, age 22
16. Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox pitcher, age 24
17. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman, age 22
18. John Danks, Chicago White Sox pitcher, age 23
19. Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres first baseman, age 25
20. James Loney, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman, age 24
21. Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop, age 25
22. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves catcher, age 24
23. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers first baseman, age 25
24. Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians center fielder, age 25
25. Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds first baseman, age 24

MLB prince fielder, hanley ramirez, tim lincecum, david wright, ryan braun, dustin pedroia, matt kemp, francisco rodriguez, jose reyes, nick markakis, joakim soria, ryan zimmerman, cole hamels, troy tulowitzki, felix hernandez, jon lester, evan longoria, john danks, adrian gonzalez, james loney, stephen drew, brian mccann, miguel cabrera, grady sizemore, joey votto

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

The Cubs haven't won a World Series in 100 years and the Brewers haven't even been in the playoffs in 27 years, but you wouldn't guess either was true when you tune in this week to a huge four-game series starting Monday night at Miller Park as the Brewers host the Cubs.

The Cubs are just 22-30 away from Wrigley Field, but Miller Park never has treated the Cubs as a road team as their are many Cubs' fans in the city that is just 97 miles away from Chicago. The Cubs are 31-26 at Miller Park, helped by a usually strong ''10th man'' factor 

The Brewers have been on fire since the All-Star break. They rolled oven 7 straight games to start the second half and have won 8 of 10 overall as the Cubs have gone 4-6, cutting their lead to just 1 game over Milwaukee heading into the series.

''The series in Milwaukee is important, but it's still July,'' Chicago manager Lou Piniella told the Chicago Sun-Times. ''They've been playing awfully well, and we've been scuffling. We need to hold our ground.

''I don't think a July series is real big. A lot can happen in two months, but it is important.''

The roles are reversed from last summer.

On last June 23, the Brewers had an 81/2-game lead on the Cubs only to fritter it away.

On this June 16, the Cubs led the Brewers by 81/2 before suffering through a hitting slump that left them tied before Sunday's 9-6 victory over Florida.

"The pressure is on them this year; all the expectations are on them," Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We're just going out and having fun." 

The Brewers have lined up their pitching so their Monday and Tuesday starters are CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets, who are a combined 14-3. Sabathia is 4-0 since his trade from Cleveland.

PITCHING MATCH-UPS
--Monday - C.C. Sabathia (10-8) vs. Ted Lilly (9-6) - 8:05 ET
--Tuesday - Ben Sheets (10-3) vs. Carlos Zambrano (11-4) - 8:05 ET
--Wednesday - Manny Parra (9-3) vs. Ryan Dempster (11-4) - 8:05 ET
--Thursday - Dave  Bush (5-8) vs. Rich Harden (5-2) - 2:05 ET 

MLB nl central, cubs, brewers, lou piniella, ryan braun, c.c. sabathia, ted lilly, ben sheets, carlos zambrano, manny parra, ryan dempster, dave bush, rich harden

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

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

A lot is being speculated regarding the upcoming '08 performance of 2007 Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun.  It is pretty much concensus, however, that he will be among the top four third basemen in this year's fantasy draft.  How is a sophomore guy a second round pick, if not better?  Let me count the ways.

First off, let me tell you that this is a standard 5x5 league format.  In the second round, I wanted to sure up another infield position after drafting Chase Utley in the first.  With outfielders being available later and the Trinity of shortstops (Ramirez, Reyes, and Rollins) off the board I chose Ryan Braun.  In Braun's rookie season last year, he posted numbers similar to someone in their prime (.324, 34 HR, 97 RBI, 91 R, 15 SB).  Another plus he gives to a fantasy team is the fact that he'll be playing primarily in left field this year.  Since he stayed at 3B for all of '07, that means he'll be eligible at both positions.  Flexibility is a big bonus when dealing with high talent guys.  His value in keeper leagues is even more dramatic as he is only 24 years old.

Let's compare him to two other third basemen generally ranked above him.  Braun had more home runs than David Wright (30), a better average than Miguel Cabrera (.320), and only 26 less RBI than Cabrera (119) and ten less RBI than Wright (107).  All of this in at least 137 LESS AT-BATS than Wright and Cabrera.  That is astounding!  This guy has so much upside I would have been a fool not to take a shot at him.  Now, I'm not saying this guy is the next A-Rod or anything.  If all remains well with the Brew Crew, however, you could see Braun put up A-Rod-esque numbers this season. 

Fantasy Baseball ryan braun