One of the great things about fantasy baseball is the fact you can find information that backs just about any theory. It's great for those second, third, fourth and 21st opinions that the best fantasy players try to get every season, as they debate just how fast to go for that stud closer or catcher in the early rounds. And it's never too early to begin studying. If you don't have much time, this is a great place to stop.
About.com Baseball has its own fantasy expert in Kevin Kleps, who is in his third season poring through the stats to determine his (and your) path to domination in 2011.
Make sure you know the exact format your league is using, because it will affect the way you should prepare. Some players who are highly ranked in a rotisserie-style format are worth a lot less in a points format.
On to the 2011 player rankings:
Top 100 overall: Some very big names are in new places, a stud first baseman is attempting to come back from a devastating concussion, there is a Fantastic Four in Philadelphia -- and there is a familiar name at the top.
Ranking the starting pitchers: Fourteen pitchers won at least 17 games last season. Thirty-three players had 14 wins or more, and 48 had at least 13 victories. Here's our look at the top 80 for 2011.
Ranking the relief pitchers: If you ever want to start a run on a position in a fantasy baseball draft, take a closer in the sixth or seventh round. That's because there's more uncertainty than usual among relievers, especially after Rafael Soriano's move to New York.
Ranking the catchers: Joe Mauer has the huge contract and the reputation as the slam-dunk, no-doubt-about-it top catcher in fantasy baseball. But there's a Giant nipping at his heels.
Ranking the first basemen: This position begins with three of the best players in fantasy, followed by Adrian Gonzalez, who should be better than ever after being traded from pitcher-friendly Petco Park to Fenway Park and the Red Sox's loaded lineup.
Ranking the second basemen: At first glance, the crop would seem to include one hammer in Robinson Cano, three studs coming off injury-interrupted years and the enigmatic Brandon Phillips, who had a down year after three very productive ones. But it's a deeper group than you might think.
Ranking the third basemen: Boston's big trade for Gonzalez has an added fantasy benefit. It makes one of the best fantasy hitters -- Kevin Youkikis -- suddenly eligible at a difficult position to fill. Where does he fit in?
Ranking the shortstops: Jimmy Rollins, Derek Jeter and Jose Reyes aren't as great as they used to be, but they're still among the top five shortstops. That makes this position a make-or-break proposition.
Ranking the outfielders: This is the fantasy baseball position at which you will find the most talent -- along with the guys who will drive you the craziest (see Upton, B.J., and Granderson, Curtis).
Ranking the designated hitters: There are a few decent options, but you might want to focus elsewhere. It depends on who's available among these aging (and/or fielding-challenged) players.
