2019 The Mudcat and MillSports USA Top Relievers

Johnny 'Mudcat' Williams


          'The Dean of the Diamond'
                         

                                                                   2019 Relievers

Not every stopper is going to be a Rivera, Hoffman, Lee Smith (went old school on ya!) or Chapman. What do all of these relievers have in common? They made lasting conributions every year minus a few injuries and very few bouts of inconsistent relief outings.

With MLB becoming a power arm game, the starting pitcher has become not as important to the other fantasy score categories like ERA and WHIP, relievers can have more importance in some fantasy league formats.

However,I prefer to not take relievers that high where my strategy relies on taking the leftovers and then the waiver wire orphans. I draft in the early round stud power bats at positions that lack depth like catcher and thirdbase, while my opposition has three or four studs in their fantasy team's bullpen. Big deal, because at the end of the year my teams are usually higher in the standings.

So, without further useless banter from me, here is my list of the top performers for saves in 2019:

                                         Top 15 Relief Pitchers

1. Diaz, NYM
2. Jansen, LAD
3. Kimbrel,???
4. Chapman, NYY
5. Treinan, Oakland
6. Vazquez, Pittsburgh
7. Hand, Cleveland
8. Knebel. Milwaukee
9. Doolittle, Washington
10. Osuna, Houston
11. Yates, SD
12. Iglesias, Cincinatti
13. Davis, Colorado
14. Smith, SF
15. Giles, Toronto

2019 The Mudcat and MillSports USA Top First and Second basemen

                                                                            

                        Johnny 'Mudcat' Williams


'                                                      The Dean of the Diamond' 

                                                               

                                 2019 First Base and Second Base Preview

I know that usually when I draft a stud player high at First Base, the chances of an off season are good after my selection (sometimes too high). If, we go by my dismal past track record for the selection of this corner position, take a big bat and hope a waiver wire claim later can make up for your bad luck -last season Jesus Aguilar AND Max Muncy came out of nowhere to save one of my NL only league teams!

Okay, not all of us can be that fortunate every year to have a player or TWO drop into our lap that can produce a great season. I believe Freeman, Cabrera, Goldschmidt and Encarnacion are all too big to fail for your team. If, they do, watch out, second division, so, let your competition grab those players too early.

The players I like this year are Pittsburgh's Josh Bell, LA Dodger, third year Cody Bellinger (include an outfield position for him after Puig and Kemp traded this off season to clueless Reds), a rebound season for Cubs (and former Red Sox prospect) Anthony Rizzo. Expect big seasons from Rhys Hoskins, Phillies and Matt Olsen, Oakland, a stud player pick, sleeper selection.

Besides Bellinger playing another position on the field for fantasy eligibility, Muncy started at second base last year, at the end he had multiple positions. The players that fit this same mold are Jurickson Profar from Texas, Jose Martinez (OF), St. Louis, team mate Matt Carpenter (INF/OF), and Carlos Santana, Cleveland, 3B/1B/C/DH.

Now, do not get me wrong, I like steady play from that position, where I can leave a player every week. However, I am particular to a type of player that can produce as his team's first or second best hitter. Jose Abreu, ChiSox and Eric Hosmer, Padres fill the bill, and while I do not like Joey Votto from Cincinatti, the eventual Hall of Fame player also can meet my standard of fantasy player selection criteria. Trey Mancini, from Baltimore might become a sleeper pick for me, since his team is terrible, but he can rake.

I call boppers Joey Gallo,Rangers, Brandon Belt, Giants and Jay Bruce (maybe an OF position) Mariners, all feast or famine hitters. Some weeks are good for production which depends upon the match up, so monitor who they play each week if you take one of these streaky hitters.

The rest are all rolls of the dice for you where the hope being the fantasy God of Chance takes pity on your worthless soul. Justin Smoak, Toronto, CJ Cron, Twinkies, Jake Bauers, Cleveland, and Yuli Gurriel, Houston, are all in the risky category.

Rookie of Influence: If, he has a good spring New York Met Peter Alonso could make some noise from flat bush this season.




                               The Mudcat's Top 15 First Basemen.

1. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis
2. Freddie Freeman, Atlanta
3. Anthony Rizzo, Chicago
4. Rhys Hoskins, Philadelphia
5. Jesus Aguilar, Milwaukee
6. Eric Hosmer, San Diego
7. Matt Carpenter, St. Louis (Inf)
8. Joey Votto, Cincinatti
9. Jose Abreu, ChiSox
10. Cody Bellinger, LA Dodgers (OF)
11. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit
12. Matt Olson, Oakland
13. Edwin Encarnacion, Seattle
14. Joey Gallo, Texas
15. Max Muncy, LA Dodgers (Inf)

Best of the Rest: Josh Bell, Pittsburgh, Yuli Gurriel, Houston, Carlos Santana, Cleveland and Jurickson Profar (Inf/OF).

                                                          Second Base

I believe this position can be judged to be the fun spot on any fantasy team. What do I mean by the 'fun spot' , well the variety of player can be immense in scope. You can get a combination of speed for stolen bases and on base chances for high batting averages with KC's Merrifield, Miami Gordon or Baltimore Villar.

If, you seek pop in your second base starter, try the Cubs Baez, who had a huge season last year. Robinson Cano with the Mets might improve his numbers by not playing in pitcher friendly Safeco Field. Include Travis Shaw listed at this position when in reality a starting third base candidate.

Then, what I like to call, the steady performers: Jose Altuve from Houston, a player coming off surgery last year. The shortest player in MLB does hit, run, and hustle better than most players on two good legs! Include the Braves Ozzie Albies (minus the surgery) in this category of player.

The next level of player that I would draft with any of my seven through ten draft picks would be Daniel Murphy, who two seasons ago was a fantasy stud, go light on him this season after an injury plagued year in 2018. The Yankees Gleyber Torres is an athlete that could play any position on the field. His numbers should only increase this season. 2018 All-Star for the NL's Reds was Scooter Gennett, or he should have been rather than a reserve.

                                The Mudcat's Top 15 Second Basemen.

1. Jose Altuve, Houston
2. Javier Baez, ChiCubs (SS)
3. Whit Merifield, KC
4. Travis Shaw, Milwaukee, (3b)
5. Ozzie Albies, Atlanta
6. Gleybar Torres, NYY
7. Scooter Gennett, Cincinatti
8. Jonathan Villar, Baltimore
9. Dee Gordon, Miami
10. Rougned Odor, Texas (Inf)
11. Daniel Murphy, Colorado (1B/3B)
12. Robinson Cano, NYM
13. Yoan Moncado, ChiSox
14. Joey Wendel, TB
15. Brian Dozier, Washington

Best of the Rest: Jed Lowrie, NYM (SS/3B), Cesar Hernandez, Philadelphia and Niko Goodrum, Detroit (Inf).

2019 The Mudcat and MillSports USA Top Catchers

Johnny 'Mudcat' Williams


            'The Dean of the Diamond'

                                                                           

                                                                   2019 Catchers

In what could only be described at best as being a disaster, the wheels came off the wagon completely for this position last season. Two of the game's best catchers the Yankees Gary Sanchez, forgot he was in the majors, and Giant's stalwart Buster Posey was sidelined with a major injury.

Old man Yadier Molina, Cardinals who left me personally the happiest man in Fantasy sports because he was on all three of my teams last year, stayed healthy as well productive. JT Realmuto, now a Philly, just might be the best option in 2019 with Harper signed and SS-Segura on the team, to go along with stud first bag Hoskins.

Here's the list:

1. JT Realmuto, Phillies
2. Sanchez, Yankees
3. Grandal, Brewers
4. Perez, Royals
5. Ramos, Mets
6. Contreras, Cubs
7. Molina, Cardinals
8. Posey, Giants
9. Castillo, CWS

10. Zunino, Rays
11. Barnhart, Reds
12. Chirinos, Rangers
13. Cervelli, Pirates
14. Jansen, Blue Jays
15. Alfaro, Marlins

Sleepers: Lucroy, A's and Mejia, Padres

2019 The Mudcat and MillSports USA Top Shortstops and Third basemen.

                                                                          

                         Johnny 'Mudcat' Williams


                                                      'The Dean of the Diamond'

                                                                              

                                          2019 Short Stop and Third Base Preview

I like to draft a stud player high at Shortstop like Cleveland's Lindor, Story from Colorado or Turner a National, who is a real five tool player. However, after these three studs, I really do not care who makes it on my roster from these dependable players, Bogaerts, Boston, who had a career year in 2018, Alex Bregman, a third basemen by trade that had to play the position last year with starter Correa injured most of the time. Both players for the Stros, should be back at their traditional positions for 2019.

I think new Padre and recently multi-millionaire Manny Machado will be listed also at third base. I have a number of issues with him like number one he is a jerk as a player, second, never been a leader of a team, because Baltimore never that good for a few seasons. Last year he was with World Series runner up LA, and they did not make a concerted effort to re-sign him, case made. Javier Baez is the exact opposite as a person and player, as the Cub could be another Ernie Banks.

The next grouping of players are all ones I do not care when I receive on my roster after the seventh round. Cory Seager, Dodgers, was out the entire season and should be productive again, Alberto Mondesi, KC, on a offensively challenged team, a great option, while Gleyber Torres may only bat in the eight or nine hole every game on possibly the best offense in MLB. Jean Segura with the Phillies that also adds Bryce Harper could make Segura a more productive fantasy option this season. The White Sox Tim Anderson could surprise this year in the Windy City.

                                         

                                                   The Mudcat's Top 15 Short Stops.

1. Francisco Lindor, Cleveland
2. Trevor Story, Colorado
3. Trea Turner, Washington
4. Alex Bregman, Houston (3B)
5. Javier Baez, Chicago (2B)
6. Carlos Correa, Houston
7. Manny Machado, San Diego (3B)
8. Corey Seager, LA
9. Xander Bogaerts, Boston
10. Adalberto Mondesi, KC
11. Gleybar Torres, NYY
12. Jean Segura, Philadelphia
13. Jurickson Profar, Texas (UTIL)
14. Tim Anderson, CWS
15. Elvis Andrus, Texas

T

                                     Third Base in 2019

Arrenado in Colorado has become the best corner performer because of that thin air in

Colorado. Alex Bregman besides being comic relief with his dugout antics after Houston

home runs, can play a variety of positions for the perennial 30-100 .320 player.

Jose Ramirez, could be the best player in the league, if not for a question about his health

this season, where he may start on the DL.

      After these three stalwarts, the next corner infielders have question marks from prior injuries,

     off years or rookie delayed call ups, so pay attention for the availability of these players.

     VP Josh Donaldson lands in the other league with Atlanta. A rather intriguing pick due to the

     fact of many young bats surround him in the lineup with a few experienced hitters like

     Freeman and Markakis. The question to ask yourself on this player, was it injury or age that

     affected his play last season when healthy, still go light on him.

     Youngsters Devers, Boston, Chapman, Oakland and Andujar, NYY, are all sleeper late round                                                         picks in the mid teen draft choice round. The best later rookie call up will probably be                                                                        Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from Toronto. He's already that teams best player. However,                                                                           figure on an overpay- in a 3 or 4 draft pick to get him. A value in a dynasty league, a possible                                                             speculative pick in a one year league.

                        Here are the Mudcat's Top 15 Third basemen

1. Nolan Arenado, Colorado

2. Alex Bregman, Houston

3. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland

4. Kris Bryant, CHC

5. Eugenio Saurez, Cincinnati

6. Matt Carpenter, St. Louis (Inf)

7. Justin Turner, LAD

8. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto

9. Matt Chapman, Oakland (1B)

10. Josh Donaldson, Atlanta

11. Anthony Rendon, Washington

12. Michael Andujar, NYY

13. Rafeal Devers, Boston

14, Travis Shaw, Milwaukee (2B/1B)

15. Mike Moustakas, Milwaukee (1B)

2019 The Mudcat and MillSports USA Top Starting Pitchers

                        Johnny 'Mudcat' Williams


                                                    'The Dean of the Diamond' 

                                            

                                                2019 Starting Pitchers

In the era of power arm pitching with a seven pitcher bull pen roster, very few starters now deserve a first or second round selection in a fantasy draft. The ones I focus on are now are National's Scherzer, Sale, Redsox, nice and content with a new extension for five years, Verlander, Astros, and new edition Snell, from the Rays. After these four fantasy stalwarts, a crap shoot like this year's catcher position.

The next level of starters taken maybe in the seventh round or later are from teams expected to

have great seasons, like the Yankees, think Severino and Happ. The Brewers, maybe could have a resurgent Nelson if healthy, and any ready to go Cardinal pitcher, include Price from Boston. Also, don't forget the Cleveland rotation that could average 15 wins per starter in 2019! The focus being with all these staffs, wins, lower than average ERA, WHIP and high-strikeout rates per 9 innings pitched per game.

Enjoy the list:

                                        Top 25 Starting Pitchers

1. Scherzer, Washington
2. Sale, Boston
3. Verlander, Houston
4. Kluber, Cleveland
5. Groom, NYM
6. Snell, TB
7. Bauer, Cleveland
8. Cole, Houston
9. Severino, NYY
10. Nola, Philadelphia
11. Kershaw, LAD
12. Buehler, LAD
13. Price, Boston
14. Bumgarner, SF
15. Clevinger, Cleveland
16. Happ. NYY
17. Paxton, NYY
18. Syndergaard, NYM
19. Corbin, Washington
20. Tanaka, NYM
21. Strasburg, Washington
22. Porcello, Boston
23. Morton, TB
24. Grienke, Arizona
25. Eovoldi, Boston
26. Flaherty, St. Louis

2019 The Mudcat and MillSports USA Top Outfielders

Johnny 'Mudcat' Williams


             'The Dean of the Diamond'

                                                                      

                                                                   2019 Outfielders

The Mudcat's view that only six outfielders are worth drafting early, while a crap shoot for the rest, can apply any season. Case in point, of the three teams I had last season, they all had Trout AND Betts with a third being Mookie's team mate Andrew Benintendi on two of those teams! Needless to say that offensively it provided much roster cover to add pitchers for weekly matchups, sometimes even stashes of hurlers the week before! I will not get them together again this year. However, what players can you add with one of these two studs this season? I advocate if you can draft one of the diamond pair with the Yankees, Judge or Stanton, make it happen.

Rounding out must have outfielders, Yelich from the Brewers and JD Martinez, Boston in an option out contract year at age 32 are worthy two draft picks if available. If, you want to wedge another position in the second round, Davis from Oakland, Harper and Hoskins from the Phillies will not hurt your chances for fantasy league dominance this year!

                                                        Top 25 Outfielders

      1. Trout, California

2. Betts, Boston
   
3. J.D. Martinez, Boston
   
4. Judge, NYY
   
5. Yelich, Milwaukee
   
6. Stanton, NYY
   
7. Harper, Philadelphia
   
8. Hoskins, Philadelphia
   
9. Acuna, Atlanta
   
10. Blackmon, Colorado
    
11. Benintendi, Boston
    
12. Davis, Oakland
    
13. Soto, Washington
    
14. Merrifield, KC (2B)
    
15. Springer, Houston
    
16. Bellinger, LAD (1B)
    
17. Marte, Pittsburgn
    
18. Pham, TB
    
19. Cain, Milwaukee
    
20. Robles, Washington
    
21. Kemp, Cincinnati
    
22. Puig, Cincinnati
    
23. Pollock, LAD
    
24. Hanniger, Seattle (Inf)
    
25. Dahl, Colorado

3. Dahl, Colorado