Dan Uggla, 2B, FLA (RotoRank = 50; ADP = 110)
Uggla proved in 2007 that he is no fluke. He will never hit for a high batting average, but his 25+ Homerun power at 2B makes him quite valuable. Target him for selection with picks 90-100 and you’ll get nice value.
2008 Projection: 631AB, .260BA, 29HR, 109R, 89RBI, 4SB
Chad Cordero, CL, WAS (RotoRank = 66; ADP = 135)
Cordero is one of the elite closers and he has a lock on his job. Every fantasy team should try to draft one elite closer, and if you can get one several rounds later than everyone else. Target him for selection with picks 115-125.
2008 Projection: 75IP, 64K, 4W, 2.880ERA, 1.160WHIP, 37SV
Mike Napoli, C, ANA (RotoRank = 77; ADP = 265)
If Napoli is able to convince Mike Sciossia that he deserves to be the primary catcher, he could bring tremendous value to a team that drafts him. Since catchers are rather scarce, he may not make it to his ADP. Target him around pick 200, and you’ll get a large return on investment.
2008 Projection: 460AB, .250BA, 21HR, 84R, 71RBI, 10SB
Frank Thomas, DH, TOR (RotoRank = 90; ADP = 210)
The Big Hurt can still swing the bat, but eventually he will have a big drop-off in his production. It appears that many drafters expect 2008 to be the beginning of the end.
2008 Projection: 508AB, .270BA, 32HR, 70R, 104RBI, 0SB
Michael Cuddyer, OF, MIN (RotoRank = 108; ADP = 175)
With Torii Hunter and Johan Santana no longer with the Twins, many observers expect less from the team; however, even bad teams can have good individual performers. The Twins have a lot of young hitters, so there is a lot of fantasy potential on the team. Look to draft Cuddyer between pick 150-160 to maximize your value.
2008 Projection: 562AB, .276BA, 20HR, 94R, 95RBI, 5SB
Nate McLouth, OF, PIT (RotoRank = 123; ADP = 225)
With the new regime in Pittsburgh, McClouth has a chance to flourish. Look for McLouth to provide some speed and power to your team. Target McLouth near pick 200.
2008 Projection: 511AB, .272BA, 20HR, 62R, 62RBI, 30SB
Billy Butler, OF, KC (RotoRank = 163; ADP = 225)
Butler was a highly touted hitting prospect in 2007, and he had some success during his rookie campaign. Butler needs an opportunity to play full time, and he will likely get it in 2008. Try to get Butler around pick 215.
2008 Projection: 561AB, .292BA, 13HR, 64R, 88RBI, 0SB
Marcus Thames, OF, DET (RotoRank = 169; ADP = 447)
Thames may be the biggest bargain going into 2008. If he has a hot spring, he will likely shoot up everyone’s draft boards. I would expect him to go around pick 250, which is still good value for him.
2008 Projection: 518AB, .263BA, 30HR, 85R, 100RBI, 1SB
Joaquin Benoit, MR, TEX (RotoRank = 175; ADP = 336)
I could have listed numerous middle relievers in this list, but I choose Benoit because he will be very productive in his initial role and he has a decent chance to inherit the closer’s job. Draft him near pick 300 if you are in a deep draft.
2008 Projection: 83IP, 87K, 5W, 2.928ERA, 1.181WHIP, 6SV
Carlos Quentin, OF, CWS (RotoRank = 228; ADP = 372)
Quentin is the prime candidate to be underrated, because he is coming off of an injury plagued season, and he does not have a guaranteed job entering 2008. Quentin has a lot of upside though, so if you can get him near pick 330, you could see a nice return on your investment.
2008 Projection: 507AB, .270BA, 13HR, 79R, 84RBI, 5SB