And now on to my first base STUD, SLEEPER, and DISAPPOINTMENT
STUD - Pujols,Albert

"Poodles" as I call him has been in the league 8 years, but is still only 28 years young. Last year he had his worst performance of his career to the tune of: 32hr, 99run, 103rbi, 2sb, and a .327avg. The hr, run, and rbi's were all CAREER lows. I see some of my peers lowering him down their draft lists based on the "what have you done for me lately doctrine". I say they are wrong. In eight years Poodles has never had below 32hr, 99 runs, 103 rbi, and a .314avg. Those numbers are career years for a lot of players!!! While other owners will be selecting players with less of a track record in the first round, you can be assured of consistent excellence by selecting Poodles.
Gekko's Rank = 1
Child's Rank = 1
Forecaster Rank = 1
Fantasy Sports Rank = 1
SLEEPER - Votto,Joey

Votto has the tools to be a FIVE category stud. Last year Votto hit .294 with 22hr, 92rbi's, 27sb attempts (17 successful) all in under 500AB's at AAA. If Votto was going to play in a pitcher's park or a neutral park, i'd like him a lot less. But since he'll play half his games in Cincy, he should throw up some pretty good numbers. Look what Josh Hamilton and Alex Gonzalez did last year. Those are some CRAZY hr numbers and Votto should get his this year. My only concern at this point is that he gets enough at bats to cash in on his enormous potential. At this point, I think he does!!
Gekko's Rank = 14
Child's Rank = Not in his top 15
Forecaster Rank = Not in thier top 15
Fantasy Sports Rank = 19
DISAPPOINTMENT - James Loney

Sure Loney hit .331 with 15 hr in the Majors last year, but people quickly forget that he was hitting .279 with 1hr in 233 at bats in AAA before his callup. I know he might be hitting in a sweet spot in the lineup, but i wouldn't be surpised to see him hit less hr this year even with more at bats.
Gekko's Rank = 17
Child's Rank = 13
Forecaster Rank = Not in thier top 15
Fantasy Sports Rank = 16
[ January 10, 2008, 09:04 AM: Message edited by: Gordon Gekko ]