When building a fantasy team, it is helpful to know what the average statistical production of each player position.  If you know what the average player does at each position, you can determine a draft strategy that will help you predict when certain position runs will surface during your draft.

Based on my projections for the 2007, here is the average production for each hitting category by position based on the NFBC 15-Team format:

Based on my projections for the 2007, here is the maximum production for each hitting category by position based on the NFBC 15-Team format:

Based on my projections for the 2007, here is the average production for each pitching category by position based on the NFBC 15-Team format:

Based on my projections for the 2007, here is the maximum production for each pitching category by position based on the NFBC 15-Team format:

You can make a lot of generalizations about the above data, but there are some obvious conclusions you can draw.

1. Notice how First Base is the dominant position for power.

2. Shortstop and Second Base are good sources of speed; however, there is a big variance in the maximum and average value at Shortstop.  It also appears 2B can be a good source of cheap speed in 2007.

3. The smallest variance between the maximum value and average value for HR and SB exists at the Catcher position.  Why spend a third round pick on a catcher who will max out at 25 Homeruns, when you could get a First Baseman or Outfielder who can get 40 or more homeruns?

4. Outfield has the biggest variance in homerun production, so it pays to invest heavily in outfielders early during the draft, especially in leagues where you draft 5 outfielders per team.

5. The average stolen base total at Third Base is drastically inflated by Chone Figgins.  If you remove him from the pool, the average power numbers would increase, and the average stolen bases would dip by 4 or more stolen bases (depending on the number of teams in your league).

6. The elite starting pitchers and relievers have a substantial performance margin versus the average in the ERA and WHIP categories.  Although most owners do not like drafting starting pitching early in the draft, you should not ignore an elite pitcher if they fall into the fourth or fifth round.

7. If you want to project what the target statistics will be for an above average team in your league, simply build a team using the average stats at each position.

This information is built into the RotoRank Position Scarcity formulas, but some of my subscribers have asked to see this information.   In this basic format, this information can help you better understand the role position scarcity plays in fantasy baseball, and should help you prepare for your draft.