Rants-Troy Tulowitzki

Troy Tulowitzki

   First off, I just want to explain that while I write this, Troy Tulowitzki has officially become filthy rich. Today, He signed a contract extension with the Colorado Rockies for ANOTHER 6 years, with his whole contract enveloping 10 years. The reported deal was 10 years, $157.75 million (all guaranteed), although Rockies policy prevents the specifics from being released just yet. I believe this is the longest deal for a shortstop ever, although when Alex Rodriguez was orginally inked, he was a shortstop. Does "Tulo" deserve this contract? According to the Rockies, he does. Coming off his first All-Star (appearance?), first Gold Glove, first Silver Slugger, it seems to be that Tulo, 25, is here to stay. Although specifics have not been released, Tulo will be making approximatly 13 million per year, as compared to other shortstops around the league:

Derek Jeter- $18,900,00
Hanley Ramirez- $11,000,000
Jimmy Rollins- $7.750,000
Jose Reyes- $6,750,000

Now Tulowitzki's contract (on a per year basis), is the highest paid shortstop in the league. Jeter's contract is up, and with talks stalled, Jeter might come back at $15 mil/year, but his age and declining performance, Jeter could possibly be out of baseball by 2015, while Tulo still has 5 years left on his contract. Now for the "does he deserve it? " part. Well I'll let you decide, but here are some interesting statistics:

2007 (155 games)    2008 (101)         2009 (151)          2010 (122)
- .291 AVG              - 263 AVG        -.297 AVG          -.315 AVG
- 104 Runs                - 48 Runs           - 101 Runs           - 89 Runs
- 24 HRS                  - 8 HRS              - 32 HRS             - 27 HRS
- 99 RBI                    - 46 RBI             - 92 RBI               - 95 RBI
- 7 SBs (6 CS)      - 1 SBs (6 CS)     - 20 SBs (11 CS)     - 11 SBs (2 CS)

See the outlier? Tulowitzki's production actually went up from 2009-2010 (per game), partially because of a historic September, in which he hit 15 home runs and 40 RBI in three weeks. Tulo has become a precious gem at shortstop, not only because of his power and production, but also his ability to field and make the outstanding plays.

Since 2008, Tulo has changed his stance from this to a more straight-up stance, and has been keeping his weight on his back foot during his load. As he transfers his weight during his positive move, he has been staying straight up and keeping his weight between his feet. He has been bringing his bat straight to contact point, and when he goes into slumps, he tends to dip his bat head, causing a longer swing and more "roll-overs." But Colorado hitting coach Carney Lansford, a career .290 hitter, plans to keep Tulo hitting like he did last September.

Rankings-Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer

      For nearly four years now, Joe Mauer has been considered Fantasy's top catcher. Although his new home field (Target Field) is now considered a pitcher's park, Mauer's swing is nearly slump-proof and I would start him every game, regardless of pitching matchup. After 2009's monster season, Mauer calmed down with his production, hitting only 9 home runs. Normally, this would be awful for any position, but Mauer's high average and middle of the lineup  presence should see his production go back up again. In 2009, Mauer's 28 bombs topped the position (Victor Martinez was second with 23), but he moved to a new ballpark, and Mauer's production greatly diminished. Yes, all of the talk about currents is true, and yes you should probably check the weather before a night game, but it is safe to say that Joe Mauer is the consensus top catcher. Although I would not recommend drafting Mauer before the 25th pick, some strategies involve scooping the best players, at their respective positions, earlier. 

Projection : 

AVG-.330

R-100

HRS-15

RBI-110

SB-1

Catchers 1-10

1. Joe Mauer
2. Brian McCann
3. Buster Posey
4. Victor Martinez
5. Carlos Santana
6. Miguel Montero
7. Mike Napoli
8. Matt Wieters
9. Jorge Posada*
10. Kurt Suzuki

Just for clarification, these are my rankings of catchers based on fantasy relevance only. I am saying that I am ONLY grading these catchers for their hitting and baserunning, not their defensive prowess.


      

Status-Nov. 29, 2010

I am going to make a quick list of the top 10 at each position starting now. For OF/ P, I will do the top 30.

Welcome!

  Today, I started my own blog. For those who don't know me, I'm Douglas P Mayberry and I am a senior at San Marino High School in Los Angeles. I have always been a baseball fanatic, and until now, I have just kept all thoughts secured in the vast crevices of my brain. 

  I love playing Fantasy Baseball (FBB) and I am hereby dedicating this website for the sole development of Fantasy Baseball lovers around the world. I will occasionally update lists, rankings and player developments. Sometimes I will pick a certain player and talk about how his bat speed has slowed, or maybe even how he is bringing his bat in a direct path to the ball( If you havent heard of Evan Longoria, he has one of the best swings in the game). 

  I am a Colorado Rockies fan, and while I live in L.A. , I always root for the Rockies. I am a firm believer in real teams over fantasy teams, but if you can kill two birds with one stone, hell thats even better! Anyways, this is just the start. 

  Welcome!!!!