eMLB Ranking - #1 - South Texas Heat

South Texas Heat (#1 overall, 1^st Roto, 1^st Pts)

Strengths:  Stolen Bases, Walks, Strikeouts, Saves, ERA, and WHIP

Weaknesses:  None

Infield

The Heat traded Prince Fielder, with four years remaining, for draft pick 1.3 during the meetings so they had the chance to draft Troy Tulowitzki and put a 5yr contract on him.  They have the best 6x6 catcher in Carlos Santana behind the plate.  First base is a work in progress with time being split between James Loney, Yonder Alonzo, and Luke Scott until one of them emerges or a suitable starter is traded for.  Jason Kipnis has been handed the 2B job, and showed ability in his brief stint in the bigs last year.  Future HOFer Alex Rodriguez will be the starting 3B, but the big question is how many games will he miss.

Outfield

Curtis Granderson went above and beyond in 2011, and while regression is expected he should still be one of the upper tier outfielders.  Michael Bourn was kept to steal bases, and there is no reason to think that he won’t be able to continue to be one of the top SB threats in the league.  Chris Young was considered a reach by some at pick 2.6, but he is a player that will produce 20+ HR, 20+ SB, 75+ R, 75+ RBI, and 70+ BB – his only real negative is his batting average.  The fourth outfield spot will be rotated between Jason Bay, Luke Scott, Andre Torres, and Yonder Alonso, with one of them probably getting the utility slot as well. 

Pitching

Jon Lester, James Shields, and Shaun Marcum are all returning starting pitchers from the team last year and should once again be the foundation for the clubs pitching stats.  Matt Moore (SP/RP), Chris Sale (SP/RP), Daniel Bard (SP/RP), Jacob Turner, and Juan Nicasio will get fill out two starting rotation slot, and a reliever spot or two.  The club has three closers right now in JJ Putz, Rafael Betancourt, and Matt Thorrnton.  Thornton could lose his job before the start of the season, so there is no guarantee that he will be a source of saves.  The mrp’s Mike Adams, David Hernandez (Putz insurance), and Jose Veras.

Overview

These are my rankings that I created so it is expected that I am ranked highly (seeing it is what I used to draft from).  That being said, I think this is one of the strongest teams that I have put together at the beginning of a season, but it does have the chance to be hurt by injuries on the offensive side, and might have too many AL East pitchers.  Being in the toughest division there is no guarantee that I will win my division, or make the playoffs, much less win it all.  I've never been able to put together a team that performs exceptionally well in the playoffs, so it might be another disappointing finish.

eMLB Ranking - #2 - Michigan Miracles

Michigan Miracles (#2 overall, 3^rd in Roto, 2^nd in Pts)

Strengths:  Walks, Saves, ERA, and WHIP

Weaknesses:  Wins

Infield

The Miracles have Ryan Doumit behind the plate, and he should get fulltime position player AB’s as he gets some time behind the plate, some at first, and some at DH.  Prince Fielder was the key acquisition in the off-season, and will be counted on to supply the firepower for the Miracles.  Ben Zobrist is a great 6x6 2B, and will be a potent right side of the infield when he is paired with Prince.  The left side is a work in progress with late bloomer Ryan Roberts locking down 3B, and Marco Scutaro/Ian Demsond at shortstop.  The left side of the infield might be a work in progress for the majority of the season. 

Outfield

While the Miracles names aren’t impressive, they form a pretty solid group of outfielders.  Shin-Soo Choo had a terrible 2011 season on the field, and off the field – 2012 has to be better.  Hunter Pence, the clubs #1 draft pick, is a solid outfielder and should be a consistent producer.  Shane Victorino has 20/20 potential every year.  The final outfield slot will be rotated between Josh Willingham and Seth Smith, with the other getting the UTL position 

Pitchers

The starting pitchers aren’t tremendous for the Miracles, but Matt Cain is about as consistent of a frontline pitcher as there is.  Ted Lilly is another consistent veteran that won’t carry a team, but won’t kill a team.  The real question comes down to how much Cory Luebke, Brandon Beachy, and Henderson Alvarez can help.  There is no denying their talent, but they will need to do it for an entire season.  The bullpen features the greatest closer of All-Time in Mariano Rivera, a solid closer in Jonathon Papelbon, and the new closer for the Marlins in Heath Bell.  Bell is the only one of the trio that has any red flags as he saw a major decline in his K/9.  Sean Marshall and Sergio Romo are two upper level mrps that will help in every week.

Overview

The Miracles have had big expectations before, but have never reached the Playoffs.  Why should this year be any different?  Renner consistently underperforms every year, and disappointments every night (ask his wife).  If he blows it this year and fails to reach the playoffs this year, then he will never reach the playoffs.  

eMLB Ranking - #3 - Rochester Red Sox

Rochester Red Sox (#3 overall, 2^nd Roto, 4^th Pts)

Strengths:  Home Runs, Strikeouts, Saves, ERA, and WHIP

Weaknesses:  Batting Average

Infield

The Red Sox infield won’t wow you, but it could if Paul Goldschmidt can build on a strong rookie campaign.  Brandon Phillips is the veteran of the group at 2B, and Mark Reynolds will provide plenty of power at the hot corner.  The combo of Jhonny Peralta and Stephen Drew will man shortstop of the Red Sox.  The franchise is hoping that Jesus Montero will get catcher eligibility sooner rather than later, so they can bench Chris Ianneta.

Outfield

The outfield features one of the premier players in baseball in Carlos Gonzalez.  CarGo should once again be one of the top forces in baseball in 2012.  The clubs #1 pick in Desmond Jennings was considered a reach by many, but would not have last too far into round two if he wasn’t draft in the 1^st.  While he may not develop much power this year, he should be a burner on the bases.  Michael Morse will provide solid power, and Angel Pagan should be a solid 4^th outfielder.

Pitching

The Red Sox have two dominate front line starters in Clayton Kershaw and Dan Haren, and a potential 3^rd dominate starter if Josh Johnson can stay healthy.  Max Scherzer, Jhoulys Chacin, Trevor Cahill, and Mike Minor will round out the remaining two starting pitcher slots.  The bullpen will be anchored by two solid closers in Craig Kimbrel and John Axford, and will have a 3^rd closer in Jim Johnson.  Jonny Venters and Scott Downs will be asked to win holds by themselves in most weeks.

Overview

Everyone believed that 2011 was the Red Sox year to win it all, but they exited the playoffs in the 2^nd round (after receiving a 1^st round bye).  They will be one of the favorites entering the 2012, and should lead the league in regular season wins.  The big question is what they do in the final month of the season.  

eMLB Ranking - #4t - Oviedo Knights

Oviedo Knights (#4t overall, 5^th Roto, 3rd Pts)

Strengths:  Runs Batted In

Weaknesses:  None

Infield

The Knights infield might not be flashy, but they should produce decent stats.  Paul Konerko is always underappreciated at 1B, Billy Butler will post consistent #s at 1B/UTL, Alexi Ramirez is a solid shortstop, Neil Walker is a solid 2B, Edwin Encarnacion is a league average 3B, and Miguel Montero is an underrated catcher.  Chase Headley and Jose Altuve will provide some depth, while Tsuyoshi Nishioka is a dead contract.

Outfield

Andrew McCutchen, the clubs #1 draft pick, is a solid outfielder (and potential superstar) that should get a five year contract.  Carlos Beltran and Corey Hart will produce solid numbers when they are on the field.  Drew Stubbs has the ability to steal a ton of bases, but will need to stay out of Dusty Bakers doghouse in 2012.  Grady Sizemore, Delmon Young, and Johnny Damon will provide the depth in the outfield.

Pitching

The Knights usually avoid starting pitchers, but will have a legit ace in Cole Hamels to go with strikeout machines Josh Beckett, and Brandon Morrow.  Jeremy Hellickson’s rookie of the year performance was done with a lot smoke and mirrors, and he should regress to a mediocre pitcher unless his K/9 increases dramatically.  Hiroki Kuroda will receive more run support in New York, but will most likely see an increase in ERA and WHIP as well – he still remains a solid quality arm.  The bullpen is an interesting mix.  Jordan Walden enters the year as the closer after rumors of the Angels trying to add a different closer.  Kenley Janssen should take over the closers job for the Dodgers sooner rather than later.  Matt Capps has the closers gig for the Twins, but will most likey lose it by the All-Star break.  Joaquin Benoit should produce a decent amount of holds again in 2012.  Long story short – lots of quality arms in the bullpen, with roles that will change from the start of the season to the end.

Overview

If the team can stay on the field they should be a contender in 2012.  The Knights will be a tough match-up for their opponents each and every week.  While I don't think he will edge out Rochester for the Eastern Division, the Knights should make the playoffs.

eMLB Ranking - #4t - Hackensack Bulls

Hackensack Bulls (#4t, 3rd Roto, 5^th Pts)

Strengths:  Home Runs, Runs Batted In, Wins, Strikeout, and ERA

Weaknesses:  Stolen Bases, and Holds

Infield

Three young superstars are paired with a couple of solid veterans.  Buster Posey (c), Eric Hosmer (1b), and Starlin Castro (ss) are the young guns, and Boston Red Sox Dustin Pedroia (2b), and Kevin Youkilis(3b) are the vets.  This group of five has the potential to be the best infield in the league.  Zack Cozart and Mike Carp will provide the depth on the infield.  Ryan Howard will man the utility position once he returns from an Achilles injury.

Outfield

Mike Stanton, the #2 overall pick of the 2012 draft, steps in as the face of the franchise for the Bulls.  He will be matched with Brennan Boesch, Lucas Duda, and veteran Alfonso Soriano.  Eric Thames and Jordan Schaefer will provide the depth in the outifield. 

Pitching

The top three SPs for the Bulls are the tops in the league – CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, and Stephen Strasburg.  Yu Darvish is a major wild card, but lots of smart GMs threw around big money at him in the off-season so I think he will be a plus SP.  The 5^th slot will be rotated between Mike Leake, Phil Hughes, Carlos Zambrano, Luke Hochevar, and SP/RP Aaron Crow.  Three closer bullpens are a common theme for the Texas League and the Bulls feature Brian Wilson, Joakim Soria, and Jason Motte.  Addison Reed and Wilton Lopez could be closers #4 and #5 if they win the jobs for their clubs.

Overview

The Bulls failed to live up to the expectations in 2011, but have high expectations again in 2012.  The club should be a tough match-up every week for any team.  The only major weakness is the outfield production if Mike Stanton gets hurt or fails to live up to expectations.  With three solid teams in the Texas League one of them might not make the playoffs, so each divisional series will be twice as important.

eMLB Ranking - #6 - Olivet Killer Eagles

Olivet Killer Eagles (#6 overall, 6^th Roto, 6^th Pts)

Strengths:  Runs, Walks, Holds

Weaknesses:  Saves, WHIP

Infield

Jose Bautista, the #1 draft pick in a loaded draft, anchors the infield after another monster season.  He will pair with Hanley Ramirez on the left side on the infield to make the best 3B-SS combo in eMLB.  Hanley was consider the #1 player in the league not so long ago, but 1.5 year slump has removed him from that title.  The right side has a little more question with Kelly Johnson at 2B, and versatile Michael Cuddyer locking down 1B.  Yadier Molina was a reach in the draft, and is a better real life catcher than fantasy catcher.  Asdrubal Cabrera will lock down the UTL position, unless they shift him to SS, Hanley to 3B, Bautista to the OF, and slide someone else in UTL (Olivet has a lot of options!).

Outfield

The Killer Eagles outfield doesn’t feature a superstar but does has a solid Nick Swisher, a speedster in Brett Gardner, a breakout player in Jeff Francouer, and a potential superstar in Jason Heyward.  The bench has some interesting pieces in righty killer Jason Kubel, Wil Venable, and handicapped Kendry Morales.  The key to the whole offense, and maybe the Eagles season, is how Jason Heyward performs in 2012. 

Pitching

The clubs top pitching draftee Yovani Gallardo will anchor the pitching staff, followed by veterans Ryan Dempster and Tim Hudson.  Ricky Romero had a fine 2011 season, but pitches in the tough AL East.  The 5^th slot will be a mixture of Ricky Nolasco, Homer Bailey, and Paul Maholm.  The bullpen is what makes the Eagles pitching staff dangerous because it feature four dominate mrps.  The Eagles are punting saves, but have a very good chance to take holds every week with the quality arms of David Robertson, Vinnie Pestano, Greg Holland, and Ernesto Frieri. 

Overview

The season series between the Eagles and Dingers will probably be the biggest factor in determining who wins the Great Lakes division.  The difference between the two clubs is minimal, so it will come down to who makes the right moves during the course of the season.

eMLB Ranking - #7t - Arizona Desert Swarm

Arizona Desert Swarm (#7t, #8 Roto, #7 Pts)

Strengths:  Batting Average

Weaknesses:  Holds

Infield

It doesn’t get much better than Evan Longoria at 3B, and the defending league champions will rely heavily upon him in 2012.  Alex Avila should continue to be a solid presence behind the plate.  The rest of the infield gets a little questionable.  Gaby Sanchez will man 1B, but isn’t the typical power threat that you want from that position.  Dustin Ackley is a super hyped prospect that will probably hit for average, but doesn’t show much in the power or speed department.  Dee Gordon can simply fly and should hit for a .290 average, but probably won’t contribute positively anywhere else.  JJ Hardy has a nice bounce back season in 2011, but how much will he regress?

Outfield

Matt Kemp demonstrated what a multi-category factor he is with a tremendous 2011 season, in is 1^st year of a 3yr deal for the Desert Swarm.  He will be flanked by Adam Jones, Carlos Lee, and Melky Cabrera.  Each of them is capable of having a solid season, or capable of disappearing into mediocrity.  Emilio Bonfacio could be the key to the Swarm’s season as it seems he is eligible to play everywhere on the field.

Pitching

The 1-2-3 punch of Cliff Lee, Felix Hernandez, and Chris Carpenter is a tough match-up for any opponent, and the mix of #4 and #5 SPs of Alfredo Aceves, Johnny Cueto, Clay Buchholz, and Ryan Vogelsong should be strong.  The bullpen is where the big question mark lies for the defending champions.  Ryan Madson is a great closer, but Kyle Farnsworth is always a question mark every season.  Until he gets traded I wouldn’t expect Koji Uehara to rack up many holds, but Fautino De Los Santos could be a huge surprise in MLB this season.  With only four RP on the club right now, it appears that they will be going with 6 SP.

Overview:

It would be a major shock if the Desert Swarm didn’t win the Western Division again, and make the playoffs.  However, I don't think they are a serious challenger to repeat right now, but there is a long time until the trading deadline.

eMLB Ranking - #7t - Gaylord Dingers

Gaylord Dingers (#7t overall, #7 Roto, #8 Pts)

Strengths:  Batting Average, and Runs

Weaknesses:  WHIP

Infield

It starts with the greatest player of our generation in Albert Pujols, and drops off to a catcher with a ton of upside still in Matt Weiters.  Rickie Weeks needs to stay on the field, and if he does he puts this infield in the upper tier.  Aramis Ramirez is a steady producer, and should enjoy his new home in Milwaukee.  Derek Jeter continues to be a solid shortstop in a 6x6 format.  David Ortiz will man the UTIL position, and should have another fine season.

Outfield

Here is where the biggest question mark(s) lie for the Dingers.  Carl Crawford was a bust in 2011, and is hurt to start the 2012 season.  Consistent outfielder Nick Markakis is banged up, but believes that he will be ready to start the season.  The final two outfield slots will be held by Dexter Fowler and Martin Prado, while Fowler improved in the 2^nd half last year, neither of them is expected to be major contributors in 2012.  Peter Bourjos could be a nice surprise for the Dingers if he gets enough playing time in a crowded Angels outfield.

Pitching

Wagner made a deal for Zack Greinke (3/12) during the Winter Meetings, and then ignored pitching until late in the draft.  He did manage to assemble some starting pitchers that will help in certain categories.  Bud Norris will get the K’s, Gavin Floyd has dominated in stretches in the past, Edwin Jackson is consistent but not spectacular, and Jon Niese has a lot of positive pub going into the season.  The Dingers are rolling with one and a half closers, with Andrew Bailey being the solid closer and Grant Balfour being the likely closer in Oakland to begin the season.  Francisco Rodriguez, Rex Brothers, and a mixture of other relievers should round out the rest of the bullpen.

Overview

Mike Wagner can be labeled “Mr. Great Lakes” as he has dominated this division over the years.  This year will be different as he isn’t the favorite going into the season, and will have to make the right pick-ups and trades throughout the season to continue his domination.

eMLB Ranking - #10 - Dallas Redbirds

Dallas Redbirds (#9 overall, #9 Roto, #9 Pts)

Strengths:  Batting Average, and Wins

Weaknesses:  Home Runs, and Runs Batted In

Infield

The Redbirds infield will be led by the power/speed combination of first round draft picks Mark Teixeira (power) and Jose Reyes (speed).  Russel Martin is solid behind the plate, but nothing to get too excited about.  David Freese has shown bursts of ability, but has never been able to put even a half a season together in the majors.  Second base will be a coin flip between Michael Aviles and Alexi Casillas – neither of them is a great option.  I have Justin Morneau slotted to be the clubs UTIL right now, but there are still major concerns about his ability to play years after his concussion.

Outfield

Matt Holliday and Jacoby Ellsbury return to lead the Redbirds outfield again in 2012.  Ellsbury should have won the MVP in 2011, but will probably see his power #s regress – the amount of regression will determine if he is still an elite player or very good.  The rest of the outfield is a mix of mediocrity with Denard Span, Franklin Gutierrez, and David DeJesus. 

Pitching

While the Redbirds hitting has some question marks, the Redbirds starting pitching staff is solid.  David Price, Madison Bumgarner, Michael Pineda, Matt Garza, Ervin Santana, and Josh Collmenter make a nice six pitcher stable that should match most opponents starting core.  The bullpen has Joe Nathan closing out games.  He is coming off injury, and in a crowded pen, but could end up being the Comeback Player of the Year if he can stay healthy.  The rest of the bullpen is a mixture of potential holds relievers with none of them having the 8^th inning job.  With his trade to the Orioles, it wouldn’t be surprising if Matt Lindstrom fell into some saves in Baltimore.

Overview

After back-to-back eSeries appearances the Dallas Redbirds will take a step back this season.  Their starting pitching will be solid as always, but they have large gaps in the field and in the bullpen.  I don’t expect them to fall all the way into the lottery, but it is possible if Atlantic can make improvements.

eMLB Ranking - #9 - North Texas Rangers

North Texas Rangers (10^th overall, 10^th Roto, 10^th Pts)

Strengths:  Stolen Bases

Weaknesses:  Runs Batted In, and Strikeouts

Infield

The organization went Ranger heavy in the draft and are all Texas Rangers up the middle with Mike Napoli (C), Ian Kinsler (2B), and Elvis Andrus (SS).  The corners are locked in with Joey Votto, and Mike Moustakas/Matt Gamel.  With the exception of 3B, this should be an offense that produces on a weekly basis and if Moustakas or Gamel develop then it could be the top middle infield.

Outfield

Ryan Braun faces a possible 50 game suspension, but is one of the top outfielders when he is on the field.  Nelson Cruz puts up amazing numbers on a per game basis, but the biggest question is how many games will he play in 2012.  The rest of the mix is questionable at best with Alejandro De Aza, Ben Revere, and Nate Schierholtz rounding out of the outfield. 

Pitching

The Rangers have Roy Halladay to lock down the rotation, and then have….  they have bodies to fill out slots #2-#5.  The contenders to fill out those slots are a brittle Roy Oswalt, an inconsistent Edinson Volquez, an unimpressive Mark Buehrle, a potentially decent sp in Rick Porcello, and an unimpressive Kyle Lohse.  The bullpen will have Jose Valverde locking down saves to go with set-up men, Alexei Ogando, Luke Gregerson, Antonio Bastardo, Bridge Lidge, and possibly Jonathon Broxton. 

Overview

The club is ranked #11 with Ryan Braun expected to play a full season, and they get knocked back to #12 if Braun gets suspended for 50 games.  There is no doubt that the club will have some impressive hitting weeks, but also some really futile weeks as well.  The starting pitching philosophy appears to be “Plug and Pray” after Halladay, so the bullpen will have to be solid.  Once the suspension and/or injuries hit it will be difficult for Adrian to plug in the holes with the current roster he has.