Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings & Projections

2008 Third Base Preseason Preview

 

Ryan Zimmerman

The 4th overall pick of the 2005 draft has shown glimpses of his stud-potential, but can he breakout in 2008?

7. Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals - 2008 Preview:

The big-time prospect had an average 2007 season, but he just turned 23 and has the potential to be a top three fantasy baseball third basemen. You might chalk 2007 up to the old sophomore slump or to having a weak supporting cast, either way, Zimmerman has too much potential to pass up on. Besides, his stats (43 doubles, 5 triples and 24 home runs) in 2007 weren't that bad. He batted .287 with 20 home runs as a rookie in 2006.

2007 Statistics: .266 - 24 HR's - 91 RBI's - 99 Runs.

2008 Projection: .291 - 27 HR's - 103 RBI's - 100 Runs.

 

8. Chipper Jones - Braves - 2008 Preview:

Yes, we know his 2007 stats, not to mention his career stats, are better than both Zimmerman and Figgins, but age and injury hurt Jones' rankings considerbly. If you want to be the one putting him in and out of your line-up all season, then rate him higher. The fact is he hasn't played in more than 150 games since 2003. With that said, he is one of the best third basemens in baseball when he is healthy. A lifetime .307 hitter, Jones has shown no signs of slowing down...when he plays.

2007 Statistics: .337 - 29 HR's - 102 RBI's - 108 Runs.

2008 Projection: .327 - 24 HR's - 95 RBI's - 94 Runs.

 

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9. Mike Lowell - Red Sox - 2008 Preview:

He had a career year with the Red Sox in 2008, but can he do it again? It is hard to say with Lowell. He has not been the most consistent player over the years. He has hit as many as 32 home runs, like in 2003 and as few as 8, like in 2005 and his .324 average in 2008 is 44 points higher than his career average. It is very unlikely that he will have a 2008 repeat, but he looks as if he has found a home in Boston.

2007 Statistics: .324 - 21 HR's - 120 RBI's - 79 Runs.

2008 Projection: .302- 20 HR's - 110 RBI's - 80 Runs.

 

10. Adrián Béltre - Mariners - 2008 Preview:

He has slowly improved in each of his three years in Seattle, though he has never come close to his last year as a Dodger when he batted .334 with 48 home runs. Nevertheless, he is a among the more consistent third basemens year after year. He added 41 doubles and 14 stolen bases to his 2007 stats.

2007 Statistics: .276 - 26 HR's - 99 RBI's - 87 Runs.

2008 Projection: .279 - 27 HR's - 100 RBI's - 85 Runs.

 

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