Fantasy Baseball
Top 250 Keeper Rankings
These are my current top 250 keeper rankings. All of this is subject to change by the end of the season or at the beginning of next year depending on how certain players and prospects develop. Just like all my other rankings I will priorities these values to my liking's and although I may have a certain Giancarlo-like bias, I will try to back my rankings with fair and sound reasoning.
These rankings really reflect my own personal fantasy baseball strategies. "Starting pitching is deep" and "there is little power in the game today" are just a few of my motto's that are clearly reflected in my top 250 keeper rankings. If you want to discuss these players in depth feel free to find me on Twitter @Awies28
#1 In Trout We Trust I know that I used that line in last week's hitter rankings but it holds even more value in keeper rankings. Trout is only 20 years old and is already being compared to the greatest base stealer of all time, Rickey Henderson. I think those comparisons are fair as he is well on his way to winning multiple MVP's in his career. #10 Backing Stanton Before you get mad at me for putting Giancarlo Stanton in my top ten let me ask you this; how many "true" power hitters are in the game today? Maybe 15 or so. Stanton is one of them and at age 22 he has one of the brightest futures in all of baseball. In his 2010 rookie season Stanton played in 100 games, hit 22 home runs and a .259 average to go along with his .248 ISO power rate. The downfall to his rookie campaign was his 31.1% strikeout rate. Entering 2011 he made some adjustments and cut back on the strikeouts (27.6%) and saw his average increase to .262 even though his BABIP fell 16 points. That year he hit 34 home runs in 150 games and had a .275 ISO power rate. Through 82 games this year he has 21 home runs, a .287 ISO power rate and a .290 average. He has also decreased his strikeout rate to 24.8%. If Stanton can continue these positive trends he may contend annually for the home run title and become a yearly MVP candidate. #14 Future Star, Starlin Castro When searching for long term shortstop options in my keeper league I had a handful of options to choose from. It came down to Elvis Andrus, Starlin Castro, or Asdrubal Cabrera. I wasn't sold on Cabrera repeating his 2011 numbers and Elvis Andrus is nothing more than a high average, speed guy that has no power. That left me researching Castro and as I dove into the scouting reports I was happy to find many scouts comparing him to Hanley Ramirez. Both of Dominican heritage these two shortstops have a unique style that they bring to the game. Entering this season Castro added 15 pounds to his frame giving hope to keeper league owners that he would challenge 15 home runs this year to go along with what should be 20 plus steals. Like Stanton, Castro is only 22 years old and has a lot of growing to do but with this skill set he should continue to become a star. He is the next Hanley Ramirez in my eyes. #16 Kershaw The First Ace I hate ranking pitchers this high because we all know how injuries can set them back. It's a scary thought but every pitch a pitcher throws could be their last. Throwing a baseball is the most strenuous activity you can put on your body because every time you throw, your arm wants to jump out of the socket. Only a pitcher with the right build and proper mechanics can put together long, productive careers (Roy Halladay). Clayton Kershaw not only has a smooth delivery but the Dodgers took every precaution with him while he was in the minors. Now Kershaw ranks as a top 5 pitcher every week in my pitcher rankings but at age 24 he tops all other throwers on my keeper rankings just edging out King Felix. Kershaw has a career 9.23 K/9 rate and a .216 batting average against. What's even more impressive is his ability to keep the ball inside the park as he's currently tied for 9th in home runs allowed per 9 innings, which is better than Jered Weaver, R.A. Dickey and Justin Verlander. I'm basically splitting hairs between Hernandez and Kershaw but when it comes down to it Hernandez has logged 1552.1 career innings compared to the 872.2 innings from the Dodgers lefty. Give me Kershaw over the Venezuelan Ace.
Although he struggled a bit in Double A but I will not pass on a guy who should challenge a 30/30 season every year and qualify at shortstop for a team that has a lot of other young future stars. I think by 2015 Machado will be an All Star caliber shortstop. #103 Strikeout Machine Turned Ace Brandon Morrow came up with the Seattle Mariners as a flamethrower that relied on his overpowering fastball to get hitters out. Once he was shipped to Toronto the Blue Jays began molding the 6' 3" 200 pound pitcher. In Morrow's first two seasons as a member of the Blue Jays he recorded 10.95 and 10.19 strikeout per 9 inning rates. However in both of those seasons, he had poor walk rates which ended up giving him an ERA in the mid 4's. At the beginning of this year it seemed that Morrow had something click in his mechanics. Well, I guess it wasn't so much of a click as it was a lean. Let me explain. Morrow always had a straight up and down leg lift with his front leg (left leg) which would sometimes take away from his control. Once Blue Jays' pitching coach Bruce Walton started to have Morrow swing his left leg behind his plant leg they saw improved command and movement. The slight adjustment made Morrow one of the more dominate pitchers for the first two months this year. Morrow was 7-4 with a 3.01 ERA, 1.00 WHIP before hitting the DL with an oblique injury that still has him out to this day. Morrow will return within a few weeks and look to add to his 67 strikeout (77.2 innings). If he can stay relatively healthy, Morrow will challenge 200 strikeouts every year.  At No. 127 Carl Crawford looks to rebound after an injury plagued start to his Red Sox career. He's only played in 21 games so far in 2012. He played 130 games last season but only hit .255 with 11 home runs. Throughout the list you will find a number of prospects that I have written about before. Here are the links to some specific prospect articles you may have some interest in: Mike Olt - Rangers Starling Marte - Pirates Justin Turner - Marlins Lars Anderson and Arodys Vizcaino Fautino De Los Santos - Brewers Tommy Joseph - Phillies May 2012 Prospects to Watch  Don't forget about No. 163 Brett Anderson, he is expected to make a return from Tommy John surgery later this season. He is only 24 years old and a great buy low candidate.
#207 Was Brandon Beachy Being Serious? Before having season ending Tommy John surgery Brandon Beachy had a 2.00 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. Beachy was dominating as he only allowed 29 walks in 81 innings. In those 81 innings he amassed 68 strikeouts but what's interesting about Beachy is that he started off hot, then hit a wall. Through his first 8 starts the Braves pitcher sported a 5-1 record with a 1.33 ERA. In his next 5 starts he allowed 10 runs in 27 innings and went 0-4. If he was affected by elbow issues in those last 5 starts maybe he has the ability to pitch like he did in the first 8 starts more often. Beachy is a high risk, high reward guy as he goes through the rehab of TJ.
Give the Pirate's management some credit for being patient with the 6' 6" 20 year old starter. My best bet would be that we see Taillon up at the All Star break in 2013. #241 Gary Brown With the acquisition of Hunter Pence one can only imagine the disappointed look on Gary Brown's face. One of the fastest prospects in all of baseball, Brown has shown the ability to hit for average, decent power and a knack for getting on base. Gary Brown has all the makings of a dynamic lead off hitter but with a crowded outfield in the Bay, Brown may have a late arrival. Alex Wiesner August 9th, 2012 Archives | Top 250 as of August 9th, 2012 1. Mike Trout Angels 2. Andrew McCutchen Pirates 3. Carlos Gonzalez Rockies 4. Ryan Braun Brewers 5. Joey Votto Reds 6. Matt Kemp Dodgers 7. Justin Upton Diamondbacks 8. Miguel Cabrera Tigers 9. Robinson Cano Yankees 10. Giancarlo Stanton Marlins 11. Prince Fielder Tigers 12. Troy Tulowitzki Rockies 13. Jay Bruce Reds 14. Starlin Castro Cubs 15. Hanley Ramirez Dodgers 16. Clayton Kershaw Dodgers 17. Felix Hernandez Mariners 18. David Wright Mets 19. Stephen Strasburg Nationals 20. Evan Longoria Rays 21. Madison Bumgarner Giants 22. Elvis Andrus Rangers 23. Justin Verlander Tigers 24. Jered Weaver Angels 25. Dustin Pedroia Red Sox 26. Matt Cain Giants 27. Ian Kinsler Rangers 28. Jason Heyward Braves 29. Brett Lawrie Blue Jays 30. Mark Trumbo Angels 31. Buster Posey Giants 32. Albert Pujols Angels 33. Eric Hosmer Royals 34. Adam Jones Orioles 35. David Price Rays 36. Jose Bautista Blue Jays 37. Matt Holliday Cardinals 38. Curtis Granderson Yankees 39. Gio Gonzalez Nationals 40. Bryce Harper Nationals 41. Mark Teixeira Yankees 42. Pablo Sandoval Giants 43. Josh Hamilton Rangers 44. Cole Hamels Phillies 45. Adrian Gonzalez Red Sox 46. Billy Butler Royals 47. CC Sabathia Yankees 48. Asdrubal Cabrera Indians 49. Mike Moustakes Royals 50. Jason Kipnis Indians 51. Zack Greinke Angels 52. Michael Bourn Braves 53. Jordan Zimmermann Nationals 54. Matt Wieters Orioles 55. Austin Jackson Tigers 56. Matt Moore Rays 57. Chris Sale White Sox 58. Carlos Santana Indians 59. Matt Latos Reds 60. Edwin Encarnacion Blue Jays 61. Desmond Jennings Rays 62. Aroldis Chapman Reds 63. Ian Desmond Nationals 64. Melky Cabrera Giants 65. Manny Machado Orioles 66. Hunter Pence Giants 67. Johnny Cueto Reds 68. Jose Reyes Marlins 69. Joe Mauer Twins 70. Shin-Soo Choo Indians 71. Jacoby Ellsbury Red Sox 72. Freddie Freeman Braves 73. Jose Altuve Astros 74. B.J. Upton Rays 75. Brandon Phillips Reds 76. Paul Goldschmidt Diamondbacks 77. Wil Myers Royals 78. Adrian Beltre Rangers 79. Paul Konerko White Sox 80. Tommy Hanson Braves 81. Craig Kimbrel Braves 82. Colby Rasmus Blue Jays 83. Alex Gordon Royals 84. Ryan Zimmerman Nationals 85. Yoenis Cespedes Athletics 86. Yovani Gallardo Brewers 87. Cliff Lee Phillies 88. Yu Darvish Rangers 89. Adam Wainwright Cardinals 90. Kenley Jansen Dodgers 91. Nelson Cruz Rangers 92. Will Middlebrooks Red Sox 93. David Freese Cardinals 94. Trevor Bauer Diamondbacks 95. Salvador Perez Royals 96. Dustin Ackley Mariners 97. Allen Craig Cardinals 98. Anthony Rizzo Cubs 99. Jesus Montero Mariners 100. Neil Walker Pirates 101. Yadier Molina Cardinals 102. Matt Garza Cubs 103. Brandon Morrow Blue Jays 104. Jon Lester Red Sox 105. Josh Reddick Athletics 106. James McDonald Pirates 107. Mike Napoli Rangers 108. C.J. Wilson Angels 109. Cameron Maybin Padres 110. Alex Rios White Sox 111. Dexter Fowler Rockies 112. Ike Davis Mets 113. Michael Morse Nationals 114. Martin Prado Braves 115. Michael Cuddyer Rockies 116. Carlos Beltran Cardinals 117. Danny Espinosa Nationals 118. Ben Zobrist Rays 119. Addison Reed White Sox 120. Jeremy Hellickson Rays 121. Ian Kennedy Diamondbacks 122. Roy Halladay Phillies 123. Dayan Viciedo White Sox 124. Joel Hanrahan Pirates 125. Pedro Alverez Pirates 126. Chase Headley Padres 127. Carl Crawford Red Sox 128. Alejandro De Aza White Sox 129. Brian McCann Braves 130. Jimmy Rollins Phillies 131. Tim Lincecum Giants 132. Dylan Bundy Orioles 133. Jarrod Parker Athletics 134. Drew Storen Nationals 135. Ernesto Frieri Angels 136. Shane Victorino Dodgers 137. Jonathan Papelbon Phillies 138. Trevor Plouffe Twins 139. Corey Hart Brewers 140. Jake Peavy White Sox 141. Jonathan Lucroy Brewers 142. Drew Stubbs Reds 143. Howard Kendrick Angels 144. Ivan Nova Yankees 145. Neftali Feliz Rangers 146. Brett Gardner Yankees 147. Alex Rodriguez Yankees 148. Dan Uggla Braves 149. Derek Holland Rangers 150. Alcides Escobar Royals 151. Nick Markakis Orioles 152. Chris Young Diamondbacks 153. Gordon Beckham White Sox 154. Mike Olt Rangers 155. Johan Santana Mets 156. Zack Wheeler Mets 157. Jed Lowrie Astros 158. Jason Motte Cardinals 159. Jim Johnson Orioles 160. Josh Johnson Marlins 161. Jemile Weeks Athletics 162. Max Scherzer Tigers 163. Brett Anderson Athletics 164. Delmon Young Tigers 165. Lance Lynn Cardinals 166. Andre Ethier Dodgers 167. Gerrit Cole Pirates 168. Devin Mesoraco Reds 169. Phil Hughes Yankees 170. Julio Teheran Braves 171. Miguel Montero Diamondbacks 172. Kendrys Morales Angels 173. Ben Revere Twins 174. Anibal Sanchez Tigers 175. Aramis Ramirez Brewers 176. Aaron Hill Diamondbacks 177. Josh Willingham Twins 178. Kyle Seager Mariners 179. Rickie Weeks Brewers 180. David Ortiz Red Sox 181. Brandon Belt Giants 182. Huston Street Padres 183. Alexei Ramirez White Sox 184. Tyler Clippard Nationals 185. Yasmani Grandal Padres 186. Matt Joyce Rays 187. J.J. Hardy Orioles 188. Michael Pineda Yankees 189. Lucas Duda Mets 190. Derek Jeter Yankees 191. Ricky Romero Blue Jays 192. Logan Morrison Marlins 193. R.A. Dickey Mets 194. Travis D'arnaud Blue Jays 195. Matt Harrison Rangers 196. Dee Gordon Dodgers 197. Oscar Taveras Cardinals 198. Corey Luebke Padres 199. Wilin Rosario Rockies 200. James Shields Rays 201. Yonder Alonso Padres 202. Taijuan Walker Mariners 203. Zack Cozart Reds 204. Ryan Cook Athletics 205. Erick Aybar Angels 206. Tyler Skaggs Diamondbacks 207. Brandon Beachy Braves 208. Andrelton Simmons Braves 209. Jason Werth Nationals 210. Victor Martinez Tigers 211. Ryan Howard Phillies 212. Daniel Murphy Mets 213. Rafael Soriano Yankees 214. Christian Yelich Marlins 215. Carlos Martinez Cardinals 216. Dan Haren Angels 217. Lonnie Chisenhall Indians 218. Jeff Samardzija Cubs 219. Andrew Bailey Red Sox 220. Chris Perez Indians 221. Justin Masterson Indians 222. Billy Hamilton Reds 223. Shelby Miller Cardinals 224. Derek Norris Athletics 225. Jurickson Profar Rangers 226. David Robertson Yankees 227. Jaime Garcia Cardinals 228. Jameson Taillon Pirates 229. Ubaldo Jimenez Indians 230. Martin Perez Rangers 231. Drew Smyly Tigers 232. Bud Norris Astros 233. Starling Marte Pirates 234. Joe Nathan Rangers 235. Josh Rutledge Rockies 236. Michael Brantley Indians 237. Kelly Johnson Blue Jays 238. Matt Harvey Mets 239. Fernando Rodney Rays 240. Jean Segura Brewers 241. Gary Brown Giants 242. Kevin Youkilis White Sox 243. Nolan Arenado Rockies 244. Adam Dunn White Sox 245. Kolten Wong Cardinals 246. Chase Utley Phillies 247. Lars Anderson Indians 248. Wade Miley Diamondbacks 249. Zach Lee Dodgers 250. Miguel Sano Twins |
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