Fielder has been GIFT in the DC draft season. Jesus, last year he was expected to be an impact player with huge upside in power in Texas. On yeast infection later, he suddenly a huge risk. Just like Harper, he'll hit his way up the draft board in March. I like him better than Votto as I trust he'll play as his previous level. Votto is still a bargain. I grabbed him once in a draft. My final read will come with his spring training reports. Totally misplaced as a late 5th round pick.....JohnP wrote: 4) Fielder or Votto
Prince:
There is nothing worse than a top player struggling and then going down with a major injury. Prince was a safe as they come after only missing 13 games in his previous 8 seasons. We first heard of his herniated disc in his neck on May 17th. At the time, it appeared it was a minor injury. Within 10 days, his season was over when he had surgery. In late January, Fielder declared himself ready for the season. Rather than rehash his bad start, here is his 2014 outlook as a fantasy player should view him in the same light: Fielder has averaged 111 RBI over the last 7 years due to his plus RBI chances. Last year he came to the plate with a major league high 536 runners on base. Over the past 5 years, Prince has hit with 2346 runners on base (469 per season). Overall, he hasn't been an elite run producer (16 %) as far as success rate. His K rate (16.4 %) spiked up, but it was still below his career average (17.5 %). His walk rate (10.5 %) was much shorter hitting behind Cabrera than it was with the Brewers (over 15 % in 2009 through 2011). Last year he was a better hitter against LH pitching (.292). Fielder had 7 HR's in April last season with 27 RBI, but he only hit 18 HR's with 79 RBI over his last 531 at bats. His HR/FB rate (13.5 %) was a career low in 2013. Prince has only hit .265 in 49 at bats with 4 HR's and 15 RBI in Rangers Ball Park. Fielder had success in Detroit, but his power regressed. This year he has 40+ HR upside with the move to Texas. He has consistently had plus RBI chances in his career and that trend should continue in 2014. His approach at the plate regressed slightly in 2013, but I expected it to rebound this year. Prince has 130 RBI potential hitting in this lineup. His opportunity takes a step back with Rios no longer on the team in 2015 and the Rangers have questionable depth behind him. He has been extremely discounted in the early draft season, which is a great buying opportunity. I don't see how he will hit less than 30 HR's within 100+ RBI.
Votto:
I've done three or four early drafts not once did Votto enter into my thought process. I guess I'm still pissed at him for crushing a couple teams in 2014 plus I didn't want to detour my research to get a feel for his 2015 status. Joey had a reasonable April (.280 with 4 HR's and 10 RBI) while taking 24 walks. He had an MRI in mid May, which led to him being diagnosed with a quad strain. This resulted in him missing almost 4 weeks. When he returned in June, Votto wasn't the same player (.264 with no HR's in 72 at bats - .361 SLG %). Joey was placed back on the DL in early July with the same issue. The injury was much more serious than expected, which led to him missing the rest of the season. The latest report in late January has him on track to be ready for start of spring training. Rather than rehash his poor 2014, here's his outlook headed into last year as the information should be more relevant: Votto has been a 18.6 % run producer in his first 6 seasons in the majors, but last year he had a leadoff batter RBI rate (12 %). Maybe pitcher just didn't give him anything to hit with runners on base and he expanded the zone trying to drive in runs. Joey led the NL in plate appearance (726), walks (135), and OB % (.435). His slugging % (.491) was the lowest of his career. His walk rate (18.6 %) was electric, but his K rate (19.0 %) was shorter than his last 2 seasons (17.9 %). Votto crushed RH pitching (.332 with a .501 SLG %). He even had power against lefties (9 HR's in 199 at bats). His lack of success hitting HR's was due a career low FB rate (29.2 %). His fly ball rate has declined in each of the last 4 seasons. His HR/FB rate (18.3 %) was in line with his career resume (18.8 %). Joey is one of the best hitter in the game. He is coming off a down year, which makes him a very good buying opportunity. Votto has upside in 4 categories and he will throw in some steals. His power may be limited to 30 HR upside due to swing path. I expect his RBI rate to rebound. He is a perfect .300 30/100 player that will create a nice foundation for any winning team. Overall, the Reds lineup in 2015 has more length, which will give Votto more chances at driving in runs and scoring runs. Value player especially if he has a healthy spring.