MLB Spring Training is nearly upon us, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy baseball preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 30 MLB teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, sleepers, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the St. Louis Cardinals.
Must Own
Matt Holliday, OF: Holliday isn't getting any younger. While he remained a very productive outfielder last season, his dips in average and on-base percentage can't be ignored. His home runs and RBI will remain stable, but the average may keep dropping and his decreased line drive rate is alarming.
Jason Heyward, OF: Arguably the best fantasy option on the Cards. Heyward's on-base skills will play particularly well in points leagues, but with such a deep lineup around him, RBI and runs should be at an all-time high. He's flashed premier power before-if he can rediscover his home run stroke nothing can stop him.
Yadier Molina, C: 2012 was a fluke season prospective Molina owners might as well throw out. Those drafting Molina are doing so because he is a lock for batting average, and above-average RBI for the catcher position. Not someone to reach for based off name value, but if taken in the right spot can be a plus.
Matt Carpenter, 3B: Carpenter's value is dinged by losing 2B eligibility. He doesn't provide much power, and while he's a solid bet for a high batting average, and an even better option for leagues valuing on-base skills (points), the upside of many of the players ahead of him is too enticing to settle. He should be owned, but not prioritized.
Matt Adams, 1B: Adams is a burly beast who looks like the prototypical 30-home run bopper. He isn't though. Adams is a high-contact player with solid pop that unfortunately plays a position where power's the most important asset. Adams could get to 20 bombs, but compared to the likes of Jose Abreu and Miguel Cabrera he pales. His ADP is 24th among 1B though, so that means good value.
Kolten Wong, 2B: Wong has shown major production in the minors, but at the MLB level last season it didn't play. .249 with 12 homers in 113 games is no great shakes but you're betting on the potential.
Adam Wainwright, SP: Don't worry about the spring training abdominal concerns. Wainwright is an elite pitcher, a clear-cut fantasy ace, and someone owners can feel comfortable drafting very high. He has posted back-to-back sub-3.00 ERA campaigns with 39 wins between the two seasons.
Lance Lynn, SP: Lynn isn't a sexy pick, but he's solid as a rock. Back-to-back 15-10 seasons, and last year he posted a 2.74 ERA. That'll go back up, but his K/9 is consistent, and he is becoming an innings eater.
Michael Wacha, SP: Wacha's a 23-year-old with two fastballs, a curve and a changeup. His walk rate is manageable, and his minor league strikeout rates were through the roof.
Trevor Rosenthal, RP: Rosenthal saved 45 games last season and posted an 11.13 K/9 in a full season as St. Louis' closer. He had some rough patches, but overall his 2014 was sensational. With a strong lineup and rotation entering 2015, he should be in position to approach 50 saves.
Sleepers
Jhonny Peralta, SS: Peralta doesn't excite fantasy owners, but even though he's a batting average risk he provides uncommon power for the position. If his BABIP is normal Peralta could approach .300 with solid power, and yet he's barely inside the Top 15 at the position. This is excellent value.
Carlos Martinez, SP: Martinez split time as a reliever and a starter last season, and his underwhelming 4.03 ERA is deceiving compared to his 3.18 FIP. Martinez is a fireballer who struck out 8.49 per nine last year. Control may be an issue, but as a fifth starter with a no. 279 ADP he's worth a flier.
Deep Stashes
Jordan Walden, RP: Walden is going to be a stud in leagues with holds, and he strikes out as many if not more batters than Rosenthal. Control can be a problem for Walden, but if Rosenthal gets hurt or struggles, Walden has the stuff and experience to step right in and get saves.
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