Fun with numbers

Since fantasy baseball is all about the numbers, I decided to put together two interesting lists. In this entry, I'll give you my picks for the top players at each spot in the batting order. Click here for comparative stats #1. Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets The 23-year-old stands out among all leadoff men throughout the majors primarily for the way his speed impacts the game. Reyes has been the lightning rod atop the Mets' impressive offense all season long, and has vastly improved upon his numbers from last season. His season numbers are very similar to that of Indians centerfielder Grady Sizemore, but the switch-hitting phenom remains my pick for this spot in the order. #2. Derek Jeter, SS, New York Yankees It's hard to argue in favor of anyone else here. Jeter has been getting the job done in the No. 2 slot since 1998, and the seven-time All-Star is in the midst of a career year. Jeter could also garner significant votes for MVP. Michael Young comes in at a close second, but he has almost double the amount of at-bats in the three hole as Jeter does. #3. Albert Pujols, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals The total numbers here could suggest that my selection here is wrong, that I should choose David Ortiz, but considering the fact that Pujols missed nearly three weeks in June when he was leading the majors in several categories, I have to stick with the best hitter in baseball. #4. Manny Ramirez, LF, Boston Red Sox This slugger started out slow, but he recently ended a 27-game hit streak and is closing in on his 11th season with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI. #5. Jermaine Dye, RF, Chicago White Sox Dye is enjoying a career year in the Windy City and has been able to stay healthy. He is also one of four ChiSox - Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, and Joe Crede being the others - with at least 80 RBI so far. #6. Ben Broussard, 1B, Seattle Mariners Acquired from the Cleveland Indians mid-season, Broussard has filled in nicely. In 15 games with Seattle, half of his hits have gone for extra bases, and he should be a solid hitter in the middle of the M's order for the rest of the season. #7. Orlando Hudson, 2B, Arizona Diamondbacks Typically known for his slick fielding, Hudson is hitting .397 with 33 runs and an impressive 1.096 OPS in this spot in the order, as opposed to .215 and .219 in the same number of at-bats in the two and eight spots respectively. #8. Russell Martin, C, Los Angeles Dodgers One of several rookies who have played a major role in the Dodgers' rejuvenation, Martin is establishing himself as a solid fantasy catcher, driving in runs and even stealing some bases. The Canadian import is also solid behind the plate with a .995 fielding percentage in 80 games. #9. Jason Bartlett, SS, Minnesota Twins Showing considerable improvement from last season, Bartlett is worth consideration among middle infielders in deep fantasy leagues. Since being called up on June 14, Bartlett has been a solid addition to Minnesota's infield leading the team with a .369 batting average in 57 games. Check back over the weekend for my list of the best at each position, and feel free to toss some names at me that you think I may have discounted.