Fantasy Baseball: Drafter's Dozen. It's time to chalk up your draft board

Photo credit: Game Face

Jose Reyes (Photo by Getty)

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By Kyle Stack

Special to amNewYork

Preparation is the key to success in all fantasy sports, perhaps most noticeably in baseball. Many options might cross your mind through the first round of your upcoming draft, but here are the 12 you should strongly consider, in order. (This assumes a standard 12-team, 5x5 mixed league).

1. Hanley Ramirez

Uncommon power for his position

His power/speed combination is almost unparalleled in today’s game, and his age (25) means he still has room for improvement. An expected batting-order move from leadoff to third should nullify his only weakness — RBIs.

2. David Wright

Speed at “slow” position

Wright narrowly edges Albert Pujols for the second spot due to his position’s inferior depth. He may not approach 30 steals again, but his fantastic contact-hitting skills and plethora of RBI opportunities make him one of the best.

3. Albert Pujols

Consistently high power production

Even if first base is deeper than the Atlantic, it’s tough to overlook the following stats in eight seasons: a .330 or higher batting average five times, 35-plus homers six times, and 116-plus RBIs seven times.

4. Jose Reyes

50-plus steal guarantee

Concerns about his losing steals with a shift to the batting order’s third spot are slightly overblown. He might not reach his 65 steals average from the past four seasons, but the Mets won’t entirely squelch his speed.

5. Grady Sizemore

30/30 reliability

The only statistic that keeps him from entering the Top 3 is a modest .277 career batting average. Otherwise, only Hanley Ramirez can challenge Sizemore for 30/30 supremacy.

6. Miguel Cabrera

Elite power bat entering his prime

His 14 games last season at third could qualify him there depending on league rules. Cabrera’s power production is exceptional and he should return to a .320-plus batting average after last season’s unlucky .292 mark.7. Chase Utley

Superior production at inferior position

Utley had off-season hip surgery, but all indications are that he’ll start on Opening Day. He’s been an annual .300-30-100 threat for the last four seasons at fantasy’s most shallow position.

8. Ryan Braun

40-home run power

Braun has played just two seasons, but you can already lock him in for 35 homers and 100 RBIs. Throw in 15 steals and a likely .300 batting average, and you essentially have a statistical repeat of Matt Holliday’s Colorado tenure.

9. Jimmy Rollins

RBI production from leadoff spot

A return to full health this season should make his stat-line emulate 2006-07 instead of last season’s powerless numbers. He’ll still swipe 40-plus bags, and it’s noteworthy that the shortstop depth plunges after J-Roll.

10. Tim Lincecum

Strikeout prowess

Pitchers shouldn’t usually be targeted in the first round, but Lincecum’s strikeout ability is very tempting. Last year, he became the first pitcher in four seasons to surpass 250 strikeouts, and he could reach 300 with enough innings.

11. Ryan Howard

Greatest HR/RBI production

He’s the only player for whom you can say 45 home runs and 135 RBIs are expected. His batting average is an obvious detraction, but those 10-homer, 30-RBI months nearly make up for it.

12. Mark Teixeira

Second-half numbers

His production won’t be affected much by A-Rod’s absence. Protection from teammates is vastly overrated, so expect Tex to produce his usual .300-30-110 line with or without A-Rod. Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton could also go in this spot.

Five left out

1. and 2. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers; Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers

These Rangers have durability questions even in their mid-20s.

3. Johan Santana, SP, Mets

Elbow issues and a declining K/9 rate raise eyebrows.

4. Lance Berkman, 1B, Houston Astros

Don’t count on 18 steals again, but his power numbers are elite.

5. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees

Missing at least four weeks of regular season relegates him to second or third round status.

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