Blogs

iPad to change the way we sport.
By Adil Palsetia

The Apple iPad was released this past week to much fanfare. There are mixed feelings toward Apple's newest hardware with many seeing it as an iPhone on steroids. But we won't get into that here, being a sports and fantasy sports blog. What I really want to hit on is how this can change the way we consume our sports media, particularly for fantasy players.

One of the first iPad applications showcased today was the new MLB.com application. It features streaming video, audio, pitch counts and MLB game data with up to the minute updates. Each time I go to a game at the Skydome (Rogers Centre), I find myself checking out of town scoreboards to see how my fantasy players are doing. I can see myself sitting in the right field bleachers (over the opposing bullpen - my favourite seats for value) and scoring the game on my iPad. l'll no longer need to buy a $10 game book, just download one for 99c from the app store as I walk into the game. There'll be no more need to carry a pen that I'll inevitably lose. In between innings, I can check my fantasy team live and watch full screen highlights of the 500ft bomb Prince Fielder just hit. Better yet, I can get a notification from MLB.com that Chase Utley is at bat, and quickly stream live video of him hitting a double into the gap.

 
By the 7th inning it is getting a bit chilly and I wouldn't mind a retro Jays hoodie, but I don't want to leave the close game to buy one. I re-open my MLB.com app and put my seat number in the details of my online purchase. By the middle of the inning, I have a powder blue hoodie delieverd to my section. Think of the endless possibilities. Imagine the last time you watched a Leafs game at the bar. You're always trying to catch Sidney Crosby's line on the ticker, or if Luongo held the shutout for you, but you always seem to miss it. Just tap your iPad and you'll be fully up to date with video highlights from espn.com!

HotLanta

2B Rankings for 2009 and 2010 Outlook
By Gary Bunn

November 6, 2009

Aaron Hill looking all spiffy in his "powder blues" had a remarkable 2009

The Top 10 2Bs for 2009:

1. Aaron Hill - Toronto - 310.5: What a breakout season 2009 was for Aaron Hill.  After missing most of 2008 with a concussion Hill entered 2009 healthy and ready to go, and go he did, all season long.  Hill amassed 36 HR, 108 RBI, 103 runs, a .286 average and led all 2B in total bases with 340 (6th in all of baseball).  Hill is a prime candidate to have some drop-off in 2010 but I think his average season will be .290, 25 HR and close to 100 RBI which is great production from your 2B.

2. Ian Kinsler - Texas - 307.6: Missed some time but still managed 31 HR, 86 RBI and 26 net SB.  His speed/power combo makes him so valuable in fantasy but his .253 average leaves a little to be desired.  As long as he's hitting in Texas he will be a top contributor at 2B.

3. Chase Utley - Philadelphia - 304.4: A typical Chase Utley season in 2009.  30 + HR, 90+ RBI, 20+ SB and a .280 + average while leading all 2B in OPS.  Pencil him in for similar numbers in 2010 and at the top of your fantasy 2B ranking sheets.

4. Dustin Pedroia - Boston - 288.4: As anticipated a bit of a fall off from his MVP season of 2008 however still a very solid 2009 season from the Red Sox second baseman, 115 runs, 15 HR, 72 RBI and a near .300 average all what one would expect to be a normal season going forward for Dustin.

5. Robinson Cano - New York AL - 283: Finally showed what he could do when he produced for an entire season rather then just half of one to the tune of 25 HR, 85 RBI and a .320 average.  Look for more seasons like this from Robinson going forward. 

6. Ben Zobrist - Tampa Bay - 282.5: Ben was probably the biggest surprise of 2009 however since he's in the top 10 I put Howie Kendrick as the biggest surprise.  In his minor league career he never hit more then 7 HR, never hit about .285 and had a minor league career slugging percentage of .357.  In parts of 3 major league seasons he had a .222 career average and a .341 career slugging percentage.  In 2009 Ben hit 27 HR, a .291 average and a .543 slugging percentage all attributed to a new swing coach who is apparently a miracle worker.  The Rays moved Aki Iwamura to Pittsburgh making Zorilla their every day 2B heading in to 2010, it will be interesting to see if he can duplicate his breakout 2009 season.

7. Brian Roberts - Baltimore - 280.4: Is still a fantasy contributor but his main asset which is speed has declined over the last few seasons and he's not likely a threat to steal 40+ bags a season but 20+ and a .280+ average with decent power are still great assets in the fantasy game.

8. Brandon Phillips - Cincinnati - 264.2: Similar to Roberts, Phillips has a bit less speed and a bit more power making him a solid contributor in all fantasy formats.

9. Jose Lopez - Seattle - 256.9: 26 HR, 96 RBI and a solid .272 average for Lopez in 2009.  He could decline a bit in the run producing categories depending on who is in the Mariners lineup but he is still a solid/unspectacular 2B to own.

10. Dan Uggla - Florida - 250: Uggla's power numbers have been impressive but so have his whiff rates and inability to make contact.  Uggla is a trade candidate in the off-season can could move to 3B for his new team which makes him less valuable but 30 HR and near 100 RBI isn't out of the question.

Biggest Fantasy Surprise: 

Howie Kendrick of the Angels had a huge 2nd half to his season hitting .358 with a .948 OPS.  In the 2nd half he ranked just behind Aaron Hill as the second best two-bagger in baseball.  Kendrick has always had the potential and showed it off in a big way in the 2nd half of the '09 season, he should be able to carry that success forward in to 2010 also so once the big guns are off the board at 2B (Utley, Kinsler, Hill, Pedroia and Cano) you may want to put your focus on Howie Kendrick.

Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: 

Kelly Johnson of the Braves was entering his prime at age 27, it was expected he would break out and build upon his strong 2007 and 2008 campaigns where he was a top 10 second baseman.  Unfortunately for him, the Braves and fantasy owners things did not work out as planned.  In 303 ABs in 2009 Kelly hit .224 with a .302 OBP and .389 SLG, major drops in all categories from his career averages.  Johnson eventually lost his starting job to Martin Prado and was unable to win it back.  He is an off-season trade candidate and could be a buy-low option on 2010 draft days however he may not have a starting job to enter 2010 so be warned.

2010 Prelim Rankings:

1. Chase Utley
2. Ian Kinsler
3. Aaron Hill
4. Dustin Pedroia
5. Robinson Cano
6. Brandon Phillips
7. Brian Roberts
8. Ben Zobrist
9. Howie Kendrick
10. Dan Uggla

Fearless Fanballers.com Forecast: JP's 2009-2010 NBA Season Preview & Predictions
By JP Rodrigues

Eastern Conference

1.       Boston (63-19)

2.       Cleveland (61-21)

3.       Orlando (59-23)

4.       Chicago (47-35)

5.       Atlanta (46-36)

6.       Miami (42-40)

7.       Toronto (41-41)

8.       Washington (40-42)

9.       Detroit (38-44)

10.   Philly (36-46)

11.   Charlotte (35-47)

12.   Indiana (33-49)

13.   New York (30-52)

14.   New Jersey (25-57)

15.   Milwaukee (20-62)

The top of the Eastern Conference will be a year-long battle between Cleveland, Boston and Orlando for the top spot, which will inevitable end up being claimed by the Boston Celtics. The addition of Rasheed Wallace and the continued improved play from Rajon Rondo will ease the pressure from “The Big Three” and will allow for them to play reduced minutes all season long. This will be enough to stave off the Cavaliers for the #1 seed in the East. Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neal and company will be on their heels the entire season but will have to settle for 2^nd in the East. Getting Shaq integrated as well as Anthony Parker will take a bigger adjustment than bringing in Sheed as Boston’s sixth man. For similar reasons, Orlando will lag a bit behind these two powerhouses, first trying to get VC acclimatized into the offence and then, Rashard Lewis on the same page after he returns from his performance-enhancing induced suspension. Nonetheless, the gap between the top three in the East and the rest of the conference will be very wide and it would be surprising to see any other team be within striking distance of these three.

The Chicago Bulls will improve with Derrick Rose at the helm again this year, enough to edge out the Atlanta Hawks for the #4 seed and home-court advantage in the first round. Rose will continue to develop into an elite PG, building upon his strong play from last season’s epic playoff tilt with the Celtics. Following close behind will be the Atlanta Hawks, who are buoyed by the acquisition of Jamaal Crawford. He will provide them with some strong numbers off the bench and another outside shooting threat, and may even make a run at Sixth Man of the Year.

Whether or not Beasley recovers from his trip to rehab to be a valuable contributing piece in Miami or not, Dwyane Wade will once again put the Heat on his back and carry them into the playoffs in a season that will have him in the mix for MVP. There appears to be great fervour in Toronto ready to vote Brian Colangelo for Prime Minister for completely revamping the team in the off-season. While he certainly deserves heaps of praise for his moves, they will end up only improving the Raptors into a playoff team and a relative disappointment for all of the expectations to be a top-4 team that could advance into the second round of the playoffs. The big question will be if Chris Bosh even is a Raptor by season’s end, let alone in 2010-2011.

The last playoff spot will be earned by the Washington Wizards, whose prospects took a hit as a result of Antawn Jamison’s injury. With Agent Zero perhaps not 100% fully recovered from last season’s crippling injury, it will take some time for this team to gel and be completely healthy, preventing a higher finish in the standings. In spite of their big off-season splash, the Pistons will be on the outside looking in, as they simply have no interior presence to go with their guard-oriented offence.  Philadelphia will also have a disappointing year as Elton Brand is shades of his former self and having Louis Williams at the point instead of Andre Miller will have a terrible effect on the club. Andre Iguodala will shine but the wins will not be there. The Charlotte Bobcats are about to lose Raja Bell for a significant period of the season, which may open the door for D.J. Augustin to have a breakout fantasy season. In the real standings though, Larry Brown will grimace and groan with his squad and another trip to the lottery.

Danny Granger will have another monster year, but with no real supporting cast, the Indiana Pacers will be hard pressed to win 35 games this season, but should be exciting to watch. In New York, they will be counting down the days until the 2010 Free Agency period begins in hopes of “Landing Lebron” (or Wade or CB4). The soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets will be doing the same after completely gutting their roster in recent years. Brook Lopez and the new “2009-2010 King of China” Yi Jianlian form a solid front-court duo that should produce some wins for their new Russian owner. “If Jesus is payin’ Lebron, I’m payin’ Dwayne Wade” – Jay-Z (who is he bringing to Brooklyn this offseason?) Bringing up the rear in the Eastern Conference will be the Milwaukee Bucks. Brandon Jennings will have a solid rookie campaign but beyond him, is there anything noteworthy about Milwaukee?

Western Conference

1.       LA Lakers (66-16)

2.       San Antonio (60-22)

3.       Denver (55-27)

4.       New Orleans (50-32)

5.       Dallas (48-34)

6.       Phoenix (45-37)

7.       Portland (44-38)

8.       Oklahoma City (41-41)

9.       Utah (40-42)

10.   Houston (37-45)

11.   Memphis (33-49)

12.   Golden State (32-50)

13.   LA Clippers (30-52)

14.   Minnesota (19-63)

15.   Sacramento (15-67)

The Los Angeles Lakers will run away with the West again this year as the defending champions seem untouchable, even with the downgrade from Ariza to Artest and the toll that last season’s regular season and playoff run took on the team. The Lake Show will secure the #1 seed in the Western Conference and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, which will be a key factor in the Finals.

The San Antonio Spurs will re-establish themselves at #2, edging out the Denver Nuggets, who will settle for third. The Spurs have gotten younger and are hoping for better health for Duncan and Ginobili, which will have to be the case in order to pose a serious threat to Los Angeles. While everything seemed to go Denver’s way last year, a major step back does not seem to be in the cards as Billups and Carmelo have a full season to work their magic together. The last team to secure home-court advantage in the first round will be Chris Paul’s New Orleans Hornets, looking to distance themselves from last year’s embarrassing showing in the playoffs. CP3 may very well be the best fantasy player and PG in the league and if Peja and Okafor can stay healthy, they should make some noise out West.

The Mavericks have reloaded this offseason by bringing in The Matrix, but will be hurt by Josh Howard’s inconsistency and injuries. Dirk on his own will keep this team in contention and if Marion can return to his Phoenix form, they can compete with LA, Denver and San Antonio. Phoenix has been written off for dead by many critics, but they have the potential to be one of the biggest sleepers. They actually have an offensive system in place again as opposed to last year and the Nash-Amare combination, albeit older, can run and gun with the best of them. The Suns have not set just yet although this may be the last season for Phoenix before mediocre times loom.

One of the popular picks for a resurgent year has been Portland. However, the mishandling of Andre Miller, by bringing him off the bench to start the year seems to be a sign that this team is going to be a big disappointment, especially if Greg Oden does not give them consistent play, in which case, I would not be the least bit surprised to see them missing the playoffs entirely.

My shocking pick of the year is the Thunder to slip into the playoffs as the #8 seed before being spanked by the Lakers. Russell Westbrook could see a Rondo-like improvement in his second season. Kevin Durant is ready to emerge into MVP discussions and will average close to 30 PPG. Jeff Green is an excellent third option and James Harden could step up as a slashing Rookie of the Year candidate. If all of these things fall into place, the Thunder will not be on the outside looking in and the future may very well be now.

The Utah Jazz will have chemistry problems to deal with all season until Carlos Boozer gets dealt. They have no real options on the wings and while Deron Williams may finally crack the All-Star team, they appear to have the formula for a team that is about to fall out of the good graces of the NBA playoffs. The Houston Rockets are a popular sleeper team but they are missing their franchise player for the entire season, and their former franchise player will never be the same after surgery after surgery. What is left is a bunch of role players, and while Ariza and Battier may shine along with Aaron Brooks at the point, it is hard to imagine this team sniffing the playoffs without Yao.

It is sad to see AI’s career go down this road, but at least he will give fans another reason to tune into Memphis games along with Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph(!?) and OJ Mayo. While they may be somewhat exciting to watch, they will struggle to win games and perhaps Iverson may find a new home at the trade deadline. Similarly, Golden State will also be an exciting team to watch, especially with Stephen Curry being named to the starting lineup.

The LA Clippers seemed to be ready to take a positive step in the right direction but the injury suffered by Blake Griffin just sets off the alarms that this franchise has never taken any steps in the right direction for the last couple of decades, and may be destined to perennial doormat status. Speaking of doormats, the T-Wolves dream backcourt duo of Flynn and Rubio may one day make a formidable pair, but it will not be until 2011 at the earliest. Al Jefferson could emerge into a bonafide superstar or he could miss half the season with an injury. Regardless, Minnesota will be looking towards the lottery again for off-season improvements. Bringing up the rear in the NBA will be the Sacramento Kings. This team will be hard-pressed to score 85 points, but will at least give Tyreke Evans plenty of time to shine. Francisco Garcia’s injury just about clinched the worst-record in the NBA for Sacramento. Let’s hope that they have better luck with the ping pong balls this year!

Playoffs:

East: Cleveland over Boston in 7

West: LA Lakers over Denver in 6

Finals: LA Lakers over Cleveland in 7

Finals MVP: Kobe Bryant

There is no truth to the rumour that in the new NBA contract with the referees that a special “Donaghy Clause” was inserted into the agreement where the referees had to “fix” games in order to guarantee a Kobe vs. Lebron & Shaq Finals that went to 7 games. Regardless, the stars will align for one of the most anticipated matchups of all-time and Kobe’s Lakers topple the Cavaliers in a thrilling seven game series.

MVP: Kevin Durant

This is an off-the-board pick, but as much as everyone thinks Lebron is a lock to repeat, it is very rare to see a repeat winner, outside of the inexplicable back-to-back from Steve Nash. The addition of Shaquille O’Neal will make it even more difficult for writers to cite a lack of supporting cast and may also cause a regression from last season’s numbers. While other perennial contenders Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul will be in MVP discussion, it says here that Kevin Durant is going to emerge from obscure Oklahoma City and not only lead the NBA in scoring but will put the Thunder on his back and stunningly carry them into the playoffs. Writers will have no choice but to lead in the coronation of the new King. Mr. Mac & Cheese, Kevin Durant! Gotta have KD!

ROY: Tyreke Evans

Blake Grifffin is out for six weeks and so the Clippers Curse begins. While Blake was the consensus #1 pick in the draft, and the overwhelming favourite to win the Rookie of the Year award just yesterday, all those prognostications went out the window because of this injury. The door is now wide open and Tyreke Evans is going to seize the opportunity, besting fellow guards, Jonny Flynn and Stephen Curry and the aforementioned Griffin to claim the honour.  Tyreke is in a system where he will be able to contribute right away and that is what separates him from both Flynn and Curry. Curry will have a roller-coaster year because of mistreatment from Nellie, which will be enough to cost him the rookie of the year award. Jonny Flynn will give Tyreke a run for his money but Ramon Sessions will eat away at his minutes and his numbers. Evans will put up big numbers and log relatively big minutes with no real opposition in Sacramento and will emerge with the hardware.

MIP: Greg Oden

After going from hero to zero in two short seasons, Oden will put all the potential that he has together and put up some big numbers as the Trail Blazers new starting center. He will have to overcome the two biggest hurdles that have plagued him in his short career: injuries and foul trouble. If he manages to play with his body and not with his hands, his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding numbers will spark a much improved play and the most improved player award. Andrew Bynum should also be in the running and provided he can stay healthy, may capitalize if Oden fails to learn from his rookie mistakes.

Def: Dwight Howard

While Oden has showing the tools to be a great defensive superstar one day, he is nowhere in the discussion when it comes to Defensive Player of the Year. Once again this year, the award will unquestionably be claimed by “Superman” Dwight Howard. I think this is one award that you can take straight to the bank, as outside of a lengthy injury, there is no one who is on par with Dwight. Perhaps Ron Artest could get a few votes, but Dwight seems like a sure-fire lock for this award.

6^th Man: Rasheed Wallace

This is going to be a three-horse race featuring key reserves from arguably the three best teams in the NBA. From San Antonio, you have Manu Ginobili, who has been battling through injury after injury for the last two years. While he is definitely a strong favourite for the award, it seems hard to believe he will be playing in 70+ games this season, which will weaken his argument for the award. The other runner-up is Mr. Kardashian, who may have to battle with Khloe for camera time on the sidelines. While Lamar will have some strong numbers off the bench, the all-around game from Sheed coming off the bench to spell Kendrick Perkins will be just enough to be named the Sixth Man of the Year in his new home.

Comeback: Gilbert Arenas

After an injury plagued 2008-2009 campaign, Agent Zero will be back grilling the Hibachi yet once again and will be a force for the Washington Wizards who will return to the playoffs after missing it last season. Gilbert has the potential to average 20+ PPG and 7+ assists if he is fully recovered from surgery.

Coach: Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson has won ten NBA Championships, but remarkable just one Coach of the Year award. While there are many contenders for this award, and if my Oklahoma City prediction rings true, perhaps Scott Brooks may best him, but all signs point to Jackson claiming his second award, after a fourteen year hiatus. Doc Rivers, Gregg Popovich and Stan Van Gundy will all be in the mix, but it will be hard-pressed to deny Jackson if he can lead the Lakers to the best record in the NBA, especially having to integrate Ron Artest into the offence and deal with likely injuries to Gasol and Bynum at some point in the season.

Executive: R.C. Buford

Buford brought in Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess and brilliantly drafted DeJuan Blair in the second round and it appears that these moves will return the Spurs to the top of the standings. While the Spurs may not end up challenging the Lakers for the #1 seed in the West, a 60 win season and the #2 seed seem right within their grasps if Manu and Duncan can stay healthy. If that ends up being the case, Buford’s moves will be lauded by the basketball community and be recognized with an Executive of the Year award.

Other Awards:

All-NBA Team:

G: Chris Paul

G: Kevin Durant

F: Lebron James

F: Carmelo Anthony

C: Dwight Howard

All-NBA Team (#2)

G: Dwyane Wade

G: Kobe Bryant

F: Dirk Nowitzki

F: Chris Bosh

C: Amare Stoudemire

All-NBA Team (#3)

G: Steve Nash

G: Brandon Roy

F: Kevin Garnett

F: Tim Duncan

C: Pau Gasol

All-Rookie Team

Jonny Flynn

Stephen Curry

Tyreke Evans

Blake Griffin

James Harden

All-Defensive Team

G: Rajon Rondo

G: Kobe Bryant

F: LeBron James

F: Ron Artest

C: Dwight Howard

All-Star Game MVP:  Dirk Nowitzki & Steve Nash (Co-MVPs) The game is in Dallas after all!

Slam Dunk Contest: DeMar DeRozan

Three Point Shootout: Rashard Lewis

Check back at the conclusion of the season to see how completely wrong these predictions were!

1B Rankings for 2009 and 2010 Outlook
By Gary Bunn

October 20, 2009

Did the Donuts make the difference in 2009 for Prince?

The Top 10 1Bs for 2009:

1. Albert Pujols - St Louis - 381.5: The best player in baseball, enough said.

2. Prince Fielder - Milwaukee - 341.7: 46 HR, 103 runs scored and 141 RBIs are MVP numbers except for when you play in the same league as Albert Pujols.  Unfortunately for Prince he does.

3. Ryan Howard - Philadelphia - 334.4: He k'd 186 times which hurt him in these rankings but that is 13 less then in 2008 and his .279 batting average was 28 points higher then in 2008.

4. Mark Teixeira - New York AL - 332.8: The move to the big apple and the pressure of playing on a massive contract didn't seem to get to Big Tex, he should be in the running for the AL MVP award.

5. Derrek Lee - Chicago NL - 329.6: His 35 hr were his most since 2005 and his 111 RBI were the most in his career.  Derrek was the lone bright spot for a Cubs team that had high expectations heading into 2009.

6. Kevin Youkilis - Boston - 311.3: The 'Greek God of Walks' has proven that he is more then just a walk machine.  He is a legitimate run producing threat and with the decline of Big Papi's production in Boston Youk will be relied upon more and more to be the go to man in the middle of the Red Sox order.

7. Justin Morneau - Minnesota - 305.3: The Canadian slugger had a miserable end to his season as he struggled late in the year due to lower back injury which eventually caused him to miss the last 3 weeks of the season.  Even with the slump and missed playing time Justin managed to post 30 HR for the 4th time in his career and 100 RBI for the 6th consecutive season. 

8. Miguel Cabrera - Detroit - 301.3: Another typical fantastic season for Miggy, 34 HR, 103 RBI and .324 average are almost expected now along with a near .400 OBP and the 6 SB were a nice addition for fantasy owners.

9. Joey Votto - Cincinnati - 300: Another Canadian slugger that missed some time in 2009, Votto was also able to put up impressive stats.  In just 131 games he managed a career best 25 HR and tied his best at 84 RBI.  Over a full/healthy/happy season there is reason to believe that Joey can post 30+ HR and 100+ RBI.

10. Carlos Pena - Tampa Bay - 298.8: 39 HR and 100 RBI in only 135 games for Mr. Pena.  Pena combined with 3B Evan Longoria pose a huge threat to opposing pitchers though Pena could work on making more contact upping his batting average and lowering his strkeouts.

Biggest Fantasy Surprise: 

Garrett Jones of the Pirates ranked 12th among first basemen and 30th overall.  Playing in 82 games after his call up Jones managed 21 HR and 44 RBI, in his 10 year minor league career the 28 year old rookie's most homers in a season came in 2004 when he popped 30 in AA over a full season.  Without the minor league track record or top-prospect pedigree I'm not sure that Jones can repeat his fantastic 2009 stats going forward but he could be a steal on draft day if he slips down far enough, just don't be the guy that reaches out draft him too early.

Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: 

Chris Davis of the Rangers was penciled in as the starting 1B in Texas to begin 2009 after he smashed 17 HR in less than half of 2008.  The Rangers had high hopes for him to build on his strong 2008 debut but, Davis struggled mightily to begin 2009 prompting the Rangers to demote him to AAA.  He did seem to figure things out in the minors and had a solid September for the Rangers as they were in the thick of the AL Wildcard race.  He finished 2009 with 21 HR and 59 RBI in 113 games but he struck out a whopping 150 times in those 113 games.  The potential is still there and Davis could be 2010's version of Arizona's Mark Reynolds so keep a close eye on him on 2010 draft days as he could be a steal.

2010 Prelim Rankings:

1. Albert Pujols
2. Mark Teixeira
3. Justin Morneau
4. Prince Fielder
5. Ryan Howard
6. Miguel Cabrera
7. Kevin Youkilis
8. Joey Votto
9. Adrian Gonzalez
10. Billy Butler

Ranking Hitters for 2009
By Gary Bunn

October 8, 2009

I have been working on a ranking system of my own for hitters for quite a while now and have finally finalized it.  I have tried to base the stats I'm using around creating runs as that should be the ultimate goal for an offensive player.  Now that I have finished this ranking system (though it can always change again) I am going to begin coming up with a ranking system for pitchers and it will be based on preventing runs as that should be the ultimate goal for all pitchers.  For this ranking system I have tried to not put too much emphasis on pure power hitters or pure speedsters and have done my best to come up with a system that rewards those players that do everything well.

THE STATS:

Winning is the most important thing, and in order to in ball games a team needs to score runs.  So the basis of the scoring system I have come up with is focused on creating runs.  I put more emphasis on RBI and Runs scored then anything else because if a hitter is driving in or scoring runs he is doing his part to help his team win.  After that I put the next most importance on net stolen bases and total bases; I used net stolen bases because if a runner is getting caught stealing he is erasing potential runs not creating them.  I used total bases because extra base hits are also accounted for in this stat.  Coming next on the list is walks, walks show that a hitter has patience and even though he's not getting a pitch to put in play he can still earn his way on base.  The final two stats I will use in the scoring system are the home run and the strikeout.  I put the strikeout in (with a negative value) because the strikeout is a rally killer and in most cases not a very productive at bat.  The home run is a very popular stat and in my opinion very important to creating runs and wins for a team however I have given it the lowest value because home run hitters are already getting credit in RBI, Runs and Total bases. 

For each stat used I have divided it by the number of games played to put all players on an equal footing if they missed some games due to injury but I have put in a 50 game minimum to be included in the scoring to eliminate those players that played in a small # of games while on a hot streak.  Once I had the stat/game score I multiplied that by a multiplier depending on the value of the stat (listed below) then I added up all the scores to come up with an overall score.

RBI and Runs multiplier = 100

Net SB and Total bases multiplier = 80

Walks multiplier = 40

Homeruns multiplier = 20

Strikeout multiplier = -20

THE TOP 10 for 2009:

In looking at the rankings, Albert Pujols is far and away the best player in the game and the scores reflect that.  When people talk about potential NL MVP candidates for 2009 after Albert the next name usually mentioned is Prince Fielder and he comes in 2nd on the list.  As for AL MVP talk it is usually centred on Joe Mauer and Mark Teixeira and as you'll note they are the top two AL batters on the list.  The rest of the top 10 is pretty reflective of the top players in the game in 2009.

In the coming weeks I will begin posting the top 10 at each position from 2009 along with my top 10 at each position heading into 2010.  I look forward to your thoughts/comments on my ranking system.