[MJHMarc]

If next season's fantasy baseball ranking were to come out today, who would be ranked at the top? For a change, it won't be Alex Rodriguez, or Barry Bonds for that matter. Frank Thomas and Ryan Howard should have rose to the top, where they deserve to stay. Johan Santana isn't the best in the league as Justin Verlander, Brandon Wood, or Roy Holliday might claim his usual spot for this season.

[ThePundit]

Pujols will be number 1. If Soriano were eligible at 2nd base, he could be at the top also, but he's not as valuable as an outfielder.

[Lefty Noob]

Pujols is still the best position player, Santana's still the best pitcher. No doubt about it.

[soriano33]

I agree that if Soriano were eligible this year at 2nd he would be the most valuable, however I go with Ryan Howard and Pujols being virtually tied for number 1, if youve got the first pick either of those guys are great.

[Lefty Noob]

Howard had a phenomenal season, no question, but shouldn't we make sure he's not just a one-year wonder before we dub him the #1 overall pick? Pujols is a guy who's been consistantly good, and for that reason I'd feel more confident taking him first overall.

[MJHMarc]

Where would David Ortiz rank?

Where would Alex Rodriguez in comparison to Scott Rolen and David Wright?

Where would Billy Wagner rank in comparison to Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera?

[soriano33]

Howard has completed his first full season, pro rate his numbers from the '05 season and you get a 40+ homer 120 rbi season, with great upside potential judging from his performance this year

[soriano33]

Ortiz although I hate the man, would definitely be in the top 4-6. I would never take Wagner over Mariano or Hoffman, and frankly take Mo if you can because hes the best there ever was

[EmpireWF]

Please tell me you didn't suggest Frank Thomas should be a top fantasy player... He's good if you need power numbers.

The top players...in no specific order should be (at least for the NL): Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran. Of course, who knows which player will have a career year in 07.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

Pujols will be number 1. If Soriano were eligible at 2nd base, he could be at the top also, but he's not as valuable as an outfielder.

Got to disagree...not that I do't like Pujols...heck I rode him in part ot a title...but he plays 1st base...too many decent hitters at first...your first pick should lock up a postion of scarcity...Soriano at 2nd does that...and I hate to say it, but I's take A-Rod at 3rd over Pujols at 1st...

As potential sleeper 1st round pick, I would look at Mauer...catchers that hit .350 and are growing into thier power don't grow on trees...

But heck, what do I know, I've only won my league 4 out of the past 6 years...

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

Where would David Ortiz rank?

Where would Alex Rodriguez in comparison to Scott Rolen and David Wright?

Where would Billy Wagner rank in comparison to Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera?

It'll be interesting to see where A-Rod drops to. His value has never been lower. So maybe he'll be a steal. He'll still end up putting great numbers because the Yankees play in so many pressure-free games during the regular season.

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by soriano33

Ortiz although I hate the man, would definitely be in the top 4-6. I would never take Wagner over Mariano or Hoffman, and frankly take Mo if you can because hes the best there ever was

I would definitely take Mariano Rivera over Billy Wagner. Rivera always makes strides at the mound, except when he comes in against Boston.

Do you think that Carlos Beltran will be ranked higher than Jose Reyes?

[MVB]

Rivera: 10-5, 35 saves ( 2.61 ERA) career against Boston. Those numbers are actually better then his numbers against Washington, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Chicago (Sox), Baltimore, Seattle, and Los Angeles (Angels).

[MJHMarc]

I haven't analyzed his stats.

In further discussion, where do you think Yankees-ex, Gary Sheffield, ranks in the off-season?

[MJHMarc]

What about our new NL Cy Young winner, Brandon Webb?