A lot is being speculated regarding the upcoming '08 performance of 2007 Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun. It is pretty much concensus, however, that he will be among the top four third basemen in this year's fantasy draft. How is a sophomore guy a second round pick, if not better? Let me count the ways.
First off, let me tell you that this is a standard 5x5 league format. In the second round, I wanted to sure up another infield position after drafting Chase Utley in the first. With outfielders being available later and the Trinity of shortstops (Ramirez, Reyes, and Rollins) off the board I chose Ryan Braun. In Braun's rookie season last year, he posted numbers similar to someone in their prime (.324, 34 HR, 97 RBI, 91 R, 15 SB). Another plus he gives to a fantasy team is the fact that he'll be playing primarily in left field this year. Since he stayed at 3B for all of '07, that means he'll be eligible at both positions. Flexibility is a big bonus when dealing with high talent guys. His value in keeper leagues is even more dramatic as he is only 24 years old.
Let's compare him to two other third basemen generally ranked above him. Braun had more home runs than David Wright (30), a better average than Miguel Cabrera (.320), and only 26 less RBI than Cabrera (119) and ten less RBI than Wright (107). All of this in at least 137 LESS AT-BATS than Wright and Cabrera. That is astounding! This guy has so much upside I would have been a fool not to take a shot at him. Now, I'm not saying this guy is the next A-Rod or anything. If all remains well with the Brew Crew, however, you could see Braun put up A-Rod-esque numbers this season.
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