May 18, 2008, 4:36 PM

Answer Guys: An early look at the top keepers

Comment Share
Hunter By Dave Hunter
ESPN.com
Archive

You have questions, we have answers. The Answer Guys is an Insider service where ESPN.com experts personally answer questions about your fantasy team. These are a few of the more challenging questions we've received from Insiders and our answers.

I have Colby Rasmus on my team. I was wondering when you thought he might be called up this year and how he looks for this season and the future?
Spencer

Colby Rasmus
Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIREHe has tremendous upside, but let's face it, Colby Rasmus is not ready for the big leagues.
Dave: The hype machine just continues to roll here, doesn't it? There's no denying that Colby Rasmus is one of the best young prospects in the game. Rasmus, a five-tool player who will be a major contributor to all five fantasy offensive categories, is going to be a hitter that fantasy owners build their teams around in the future. He has an incredible left-handed swing, with plenty of power. Add that power to his excellent presence on the base paths, and you have yourself a young prospect who will consistently be a 20-homer, 20-steal player, with the ability and skill set to achieve more. However, with the outstanding play of the Cardinals' outfield this season -- it's pretty crowded right now with Skip Schumaker, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick, and Chris Duncan -- I don't see a reason for the Cardinals to rush Rasmus. Plus, Rasmus is hitting only .186 through 42 minor league games this season, which means that he's still struggling to find consistency. He'll have to bring up his average before Cardinals management gives him the call. Don't look for Rasmus until rosters are expanded in September, or if there's an injury situation that needs to be addressed immediately.

How long until Rich Hill comes back to the rotation, and is he worth picking up as a free agent in a keeper league?
T. Ponte

Dave: It won't be long before the Cubs bring Hill back to the big leagues; there's no way the Cubs can keep one of the best curveballs in the game in the minors for much longer. Cubs manager Lou Piniella even said that as soon as Hill gets things together mechanically, he'll be back up to join the Cubbies' rotation. Hill has done fairly well since being demoted (1-2, 3.38 ERA), although he has given up too many walks (eight in 13.1 innings pitched). The walks are of major concern, as they're the primary reason Hill was demoted in the first place. The silver lining: Hill has 15 strikeouts in those same innings pitched. Hill did leave Friday's start because of a sore back, which could delay his promotion, but I'm still extremely confident in his ability to make things right. So, in a keeper league, I'm snatching Hill up. He's a young arm that I would be very happy to invest in for the next few seasons.

Looking ahead to 2010, can you provide a rankings list of top 50 players for my dynasty keeper league?
Brett Lungaretti

Dave: I'd be happy to. Just keep in mind that a lot of things can change between now and two seasons down the road. In fact, I had a difficult time coming up with only 50 players. With so many players to pick from there were a few excellent starting pitchers, especially, that I reluctantly left off this list. With your dynasty league in mind, here's my personal top 50 keeper list for 2010:

Hanley Ramirez
Joel Auerbach/US PresswireNo matter how you slice it, Hanley Ramirez is No. 1 in fantasy.
1. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins: Han-Ram is the best player in all of fantasy baseball, hands down.
2. David Wright, 3B, Mets: Wright has plenty of 30/30 seasons in him.
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers: That he will no longer qualify at third base past this season keeps him below Wright.
4. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies: He'll still be the best second baseman in 2010.
5. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees: A-Rod's power and hitting skills keep him here, even though he'll be 35 years old.
6. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals: What elbow problems? Pujols is in the middle of his prime, with no hint of a decline anytime soon.
7. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Tigers: It's crazy to think that Miggy will be only 27 years old in 2010. Building a roster around him would be ideal.
8. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets: Speed, speed, speed.
9. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers: I see the big Milwaukee batsman coming into his own and even surprising a lot of owners with his batting average.
10. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies: Pure, raw power keeps him in the top 10.
11. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds: Phillips gains more value each season as a 30/30 second baseman.
12. Matt Holliday, OF, Rockies: The second-best outfielder behind Ryan Braun.
13. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies: His power/speed combo at shortstop keeps him in the top 15.
14. Johan Santana, SP, Mets: Still the best pitcher in baseball.
15. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers: A premier outfielder by 2010, Kemp is someone you want to get now while you still can.
16. Carl Crawford, OF, Rays: A five-category contributor with 50 stolen bases per season still in sight.
17. B.J. Upton, OF, Rays: Speed and power always keeps hitters high on these lists.
18. Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians: If he could only bring up his batting average a little.
19. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Braves: Once Fielder and Howard are off the board, Teixeira is the one you want.
20. Alfonso Soriano, OF, Cubs: He has the power, and he'll still offer enough by way of stolen bases to keep him ranked here.
21. Jake Peavy, SP, Padres: A true fantasy ace to anchor your staff with.
22. Alex Rios, OF, Blue Jays: Will develops into one of the best outfielders in the game.
23. Russell Martin, C, Dodgers: The stolen bases from the catcher position keeps him here, along with his 20-homer potential.
24. Alex Gordon, 3B, Royals: All you impatient owners out there that were expecting stardom now will get it in 2010, possibly earlier.
25. Brandon Webb, SP, Diamondbacks: A Cy Young candidate for seasons to come.
26. Garrett Atkins, 3B, Rockies: Atkins will be an underrated commodity no more.
27. Curtis Granderson, OF, Tigers: He'll peak over the next few seasons.
28. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins: Still underrated despite having an MVP on his mantle.
29. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees: Being a good young hitter in that Yankees lineup is a major plus.
30. Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros: An OPS beast he'll remain.
31. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays: Longoria stays on par with Gordon, without the stolen base.
32. Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Angels: There will be signs of a slowdown, but not enough for him to fall out of the top 35.
33. Nate McLouth, OF, Pirates: This 2008 big surprise won't sneak by anymore.
34. Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets: He won't be a major contributor for stolen bases, but the power will remain.
35. Carlos Lee, OF, Astros: One of the most consistent players in baseball.
36. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs: A year with a .300 average, 30 homers and 100 RBIs is still within reach.
37. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks: He might get pushed up this list as time progresses, but his age keeps him down for now.
38. Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles: He won't be with the Orioles anymore, but wherever he plays you can count on 40 steals and double-digit homers.
39. Corey Hart, OF, Brewers: Hello, 30/30 seasons.
40. Rafael Furcal, SS, Dodgers: As long as he keeps running, he remains a top shortstop.
41. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers: Another guy who could get a push in the rankings, especially if his power stays on par with his base-swiping skills.
42. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox: Declining skills and age push him down.
43. Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners: No longer the elite outfielder he once was, but still scrappy enough to make the top 50.
44. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres: I wish the Petco Park factor wasn't an issue, but it is.
45. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies: If he could only steal bases.
46. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants: Lincecum is in excellent company; only three starting pitchers are ranked ahead of him.
47. Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs: He still has 30-homer potential.
48. Victor Martinez, C, Indians: Some will argue Martinez is the best catcher in keeper leagues, but I rate Martin higher because of age.
49. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies: Hamels will be coming into the prime of his career.
50. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals: Still has the potential to be a top-five third baseman.

What should I do with Nate McLouth? I've had him practically all year, riding his hot streak, but I haven't been able to find an owner who values him justly. Should I sit on him until mid-June or take what I can get now?
JD Guggs

Dave: You need to sit on McLouth and enjoy the ride. The kid is for real and is still in a groove. In fact, if you look back at 2007, you can see he's been in this "groove" for quite some time now. Next season, McLouth will be among the top outfielders drafted, so you won't have to worry about his trade value then. But for now, you should sit tight and enjoy his 25/25 ride. The stolen bases are yet to come, but it seems like the power won't be an issue anymore. Of course, the likelihood of McLouth slowing down is still at stake, but there's no reason for you to force a trade because you think his value will drop.

Need help with your team? "The Answer Guys" are there for you with a prompt response. Just go to The Answer Guys' Insider service.