Kerry Wood's placement on the disabled list to the start the season will mark the closer's 13th career trip to the land once dominated by Carl Pavano (the Yankee version).

Wood is expected to miss all of April -- and possibly the first couple weeks of May -- because of a moderate strain in his upper back. The assumption is fill-in closer Chris Perez is just keeping the seat warm for the pitcher who has saved 54 games in 66 tries the last two seasons.

(Cue Lee Corso, since it's never too early for college football.) Not so fast, my friend.

Wood and the Indians lead our look at the six most volatile closing situations in baseball. It's so extensive we're going to drag it out into two parts.

INDIANS

Wood needs to finish 55 games to vest an $11 million option for next season, a salary the Indians would want to pay almost as much as Travis Hafner's. Wood's injury helps their chances, especially since the Tribe's struggles resulted in only 55 innings pitched for their closer last year, but if Wood comes back in May and the Indians' offense keeps them somewhat competitive ... then what?

Then Wood will get the chance to close games and prove he's healthy. If he does both, it's not out of the realm of possibility the Tribe will try to trade him in an effort to both get younger and cheaper (options away!).

If that's the case, don't be surprised if Perez both begins and ends the season as the Tribe's closer.

The 24-year-old will help you in strikeouts (he has 110 in 98 2/3 career innings), but he can be erratic (roughly one walk per two innings pitched in two years). He does, however, have the look (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) and stuff to be a closer.

Wood's injury leaves him as a low-end No. 3 closing option in deeper leagues. Perez should be considered in the 30-35 range among all relievers, but don't be surprised if he is among the top 20 near the end of the season.

COLORADO

Huston Street, once viewed as a top-five closer entering the season, likely will miss most of April because of lingering shoulder stiffness. He hopes to return in a few weeks, and I certainly am not Dr. James Andrews, but the thought of "lingering" shoulder problems scares me enough to drop Street to mid-level No. 2 closer status in deeper leagues.

Lefty Franklin Morales, who had seven saves last September, will close in Street's absence. During a 10-day span last September, when Street was sidelined, Morales was 6-for-6 in save opportunities, throwing six scoreless innings and striking out six. He was a starter in his first two big-league seasons and hasn't been overpowering in his career (although he did have 41 K's in 40 innings last season).

Morales is a decent free-agent option for the season's first month and is worth playing in deeper leagues.

HOUSTON

The Astros signed Brandon Lyon to a three-year, $15 million contract prior to the season, and it likely wasn't to be a setup man. But that's exactly what he'll be, at least for the time being.

Matt Lindstrom, who was 15-for-17 in save chances for the Marlins last season, will man the back end of the bullpen to begin the season. Lindstrom was shaky with the Marlins in 2009, compiling a 5.89 ERA and allowing 54 hits and 24 walks in 47 1/3 innings (a 1.65 WHIP). He's also not a big strikeout asset (an average of 7.1 K's per 9 innings the last two seasons).

Lyon, meanwhile, had 26 saves in 2008 with the Diamondbacks, a year in which he also compiled an unimpressive 4.70 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. And he's even worse of a strikeout pitcher than Lindstrom (Lyon has averaged 5.8 K's per 9 innings in his career).

The verdict: Lindstrom is a No. 3 reliever in deeper mixed leagues. If you need saves badly, Lyon should be an option at some point, since Lindstrom's hold on the job is shakier than the Tribe's financial situation.

Later this week: We'll break down the bullpens of Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Toronto.

Before the final set of rankings for the preseason (please hold your applause until the end), here are a few links:

-- For the fantasy baseball preview column that was published in Saturday's editions, click here.

-- Click here for the position-by-position batter rankings, and here for the pitcher rankings.

On to the top 100:

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
2. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
5. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
6. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
7. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
8. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
9. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
10. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
11. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
12. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
13. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
14. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
15. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
16. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
17. Zack Greinke, SP, Royals
18. David Wright, 3B, Mets
19. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
20. Carl Crawford, OF, Rays
21. Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians
22. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
23. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
24. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
25. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
26. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
27. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
28. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres
29. Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks
30. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
31. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
32. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
33. Jason Bay, OF, Mets
34. Johan Santana, SP, Mets
35. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
36. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
37. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
38. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
39. Mark Reynolds, 3B, Diamondbacks
40. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
41. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
42. Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals
43. Victor Martinez, C, Red Sox
44. Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants
45. Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
46. Brian McCann, C, Braves
47. Kevin Youkilis, 1B, Red Sox
48. Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles
49. Adam Lind, DH, Blue Jays
50. Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers
51. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
52. Aaron Hill, 2B, Blue Jays
53. Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles
54. Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels
55. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
56. Jayson Werth, OF, Phillies
57. Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
58. Chone Figgins, 2B/3B, Mariners
59. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
60. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
61. Shin-Soo Cho, OF, Indians
62. Javier Vazquez, SP, Yankees
63. Cliff Lee, SP, Mariners
64. Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros
65. Bobby Abreu, OF, Angels
66. Carlos Lee, OF, Astros
67. Jonathan Broxton, RP, Dodgers
68. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
69. Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
70. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs
71. Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs
72. Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Red Sox
73. Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays
74. B.J. Upton, OF, Rays
75. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
76. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
77. Francisco Rodriguez, RP, Mets
78. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
79. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
80. Billy Butler, 1B, Royals
81. Adam Dunn, 1B, Nationals
82. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
83. Jake Peavy, SP, White Sox
84. Matt Cain, SP, Giants
85. Michael Young, 3B, Rangers
86. Torii Hunter, OF, Angels
87. Hunter Pence, OF, Astros
88. Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox
89. Huston Street, RP, Rockies
90. Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins
91. Nate McLouth, OF, Braves
92. John Lackey, SP, Red Sox
93. Raul Ibanez, OF, Phillies
94. Jair Jurrjens, SP, Braves
95. Chad Billingsley, SP, Dodgers
96. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
97. Jose Lopez, 2B/3B, Mariners
98. Jason Bartlett, SS, Rays
99. Carlos Pena, 1B, Rays
100. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Rockies

Before we get to our final set of position rankings, a quick note: We’ll have an updated top 100 overall on Friday, and a preview column for the season will be published in print and online Saturday.

STARTING PITCHERS
Rank, player: IP, W-L, ERA, BB, K
1. Tim Lincecum, Giants: 225.1, 15-7, 2.48, 68, 261
2. Roy Halladay, Phillies: 239, 17-10, 2.79, 35, 208
3. Felix Hernandez, Mariners: 238.2, 19-5, 2.49, 71, 217
4. Zack Greinke, Royals: 229.1, 16-8, 2.16, 51, 242
5. CC Sabathia, Yankees: 230, 19-8, 3.37, 67, 197
6. Justin Verlander, Tigers: 240, 19-9, 3.45, 63, 269
7. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks: 229.1, 14-10, 3.14, 38, 223
8. Johan Santana, Mets: 166.2, 13-9, 3.13, 46, 146
9. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals: 192.2, 17-4, 2.24, 38, 144
10. Jon Lester, Red Sox: 203.1, 15-8, 3.41, 64, 225
11. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals: 233, 19-8, 2.63, 66, 212
12. Josh Johnson, Marlins: 209, 15-5, 3.23, 58, 191
13. Josh Beckett, Red Sox: 212.1, 17-6, 3.86, 55, 191
14. Javier Vazquez, Yankees: 219.1, 15-10, 2.87, 44, 238
15. Cliff Lee, Mariners: 231.2, 14-13, 3.22, 43, 181
16. Cole Hamels, Phillies: 193.2, 10-11, 4.32, 43, 168
17. Yovani Gallardo, Brewers: 185.2, 13-12, 3.73, 94, 204
18. Tommy Hanson, Braves: 127.2, 11-4, 2.89, 46, 116
19. Jake Peavy, White Sox: 101.2, 9-6, 3.45, 34, 110
20. Matt Cain, Giants: 217.2, 14-8, 2.89, 73, 171
21. John Lackey, Red Sox: 176.1, 11-8, 3.83, 47, 139
22. Jair Jurrjens, Braves: 215, 14-10, 2.60, 75, 152
23. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers: 196.1, 12-11, 4.03, 86, 179
24. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: 171, 8-8, 2.79, 91, 185
25. Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies: 218, 15-12, 3.47, 85, 198
26. Roy Oswalt, Astros: 18.1, 8-6, 4.12, 42, 138
27. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: 4, 0-0, 13.50, 2, 2
28. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros: 205.2, 14-12, 3.02, 63, 193
29. Jered Weaver, Angels: 211, 16-8, 3.75, 66, 174
30. James Shields, Rays: 219.2, 11-12, 4.14, 52, 167
31. A.J. Burnett, Yankees: 207, 13-9, 4.04, 97, 195
32. Gavin Floyd, White Sox: 193, 11-11, 4.06, 59, 163
33. Ricky Nolasco, Marlins: 185, 13-9, 5.06, 44, 195
34. David Price, Rays: 128.1, 10-7, 4.42, 54, 102
35. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs: 169.1, 9-7, 3.77, 78, 152
36. Edwin Jackson, Diamondbacks: 214, 13-9, 3.62, 70, 161
37. John Danks, White Sox: 200.1, 13-11, 3.77, 73, 149
38. Scott Baker, Twins: 200, 15-9, 4.37, 48, 162
39. Matt Garza, Rays: 203, 8-12, 3.95, 79, 189
40. Scott Kazmir, Angels: 147.1, 10-9, 4.89, 60, 117
41. Ryan Dempster, Cubs: 200, 11-9, 3.65, 65, 172
42. Max Scherzer, Tigers: 170.1, 9-11, 4.12, 63, 174
43. Ted Lilly, Cubs: 177, 12-9, 3.10, 36, 151
44. Derek Lowe, Braves: 194.2, 15-10, 4.67, 63, 111
45. Mark Buehrle, White Sox: 213.1, 13-10, 3.84, 45, 105
46. Clay Buchholz, Red Sox: 92, 7-4, 4.21, 36, 68
47. J.A. Happ, Phillies: 166, 12-4, 2.93, 59, 119
48. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox: 59.1, 4-6, 5.76, 30, 54
49. Rich Harden, Rangers: 141, 9-9, 4.09, 67, 171
50. Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies: 185, 16-9, 4.38, 83, 193
51. Ervin Santana, Angels: 139.2, 8-8, 5.03, 47, 107
52. Randy Wolf, Brewers: 214.1, 11-7, 3.23, 58, 160
53. Johnny Cueto, Reds: 171.1, 11-11, 4.41, 61, 132
54. Aaron Harang, Reds: 162.1, 6-14, 4.21, 43, 142
55. Rick Porcello, Tigers: 170.2, 14-9, 3.96, 52, 89
56. Ben Sheets, Athletics: 198.1, 13-9, 3.09, 47, 158
57. Tim Hudson, Braves: 42.1, 2-1, 3.61, 13, 30
58. Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers: 117.1, 8-7, 3.76, 24, 87
59. Andy Pettitte, Yankees: 194.2, 14-8, 4.16, 76, 148
60. Joe Blanton, Phillies: 195.1, 12-8, 4.06, 59, 163
61. Jeff Niemann, Rays: 180.2, 13-6, 3.94, 59, 125
62. Kevin Slowey, Twins: 90.2, 10-3, 4.86, 15, 75
63. Brett Anderson, Athletics: 175.1, 11-11, 4.06, 45, 150
64. Francisco Liriano, Twins: 136.2, 5-13, 5.80, 65, 122
65. Joel Pineiro, Angels: 214, 15-12, 3.49, 27, 105
66. Scott Feldman, Rangers: 189.2, 17-8, 4.08, 65, 113
67. Joba Chamberlain, Yankees: 157.1, 9-6, 4.75, 76, 133
68. Bronson Arroyo, Reds: 220.1, 15-13, 3.84, 65, 127
69. Jonathan Sanchez, Giants: 163.1, 8-12, 4.24, 88, 177
70. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals: ROOKIE
71. Erik Bedard, Mariners: 83, 5-3, 2.82, 34, 90
72. John Maine, Mets: 81.1, 7-6, 4.43, 38, 55
73. Wade Davis, Rays: 36.1, 2-2, 3.72, 13, 36
74. Kevin Millwood, Orioles: 198.2, 13-10, 3.67, 71, 123
75. Joe Saunders, Angels: 186, 16-7, 4.60, 64, 101
76. Brad Penny, Cardinals: 173.1, 11-9, 4.88, 51, 109
77. Brett Myers, Athletics: 70.2, 4-3, 4.84, 23, 50
78. Homer Bailey, Reds: 113.1, 8-5, 4.53, 52, 86
79. Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays: 69.2, 2-4, 4.39, 44, 63
80. Shaun Marcum, Blue Jays: Injured, missed season

RELIEF PITCHERS
Rank, player: IP, W-L, ERA, K, SV-Opp.
1. Mariano Rivera, Yankees: 66.1, 3-3, 1.76, 72, 44-46
2. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers: 76, 7-2, 2.61, 114, 36-42
3. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox: 68, 1-1, 1.85, 76, 38-41
4. Francisco Rodriguez, Mets: 68, 3-6, 3.71, 73, 35-42
5. Huston Street, Rockies: 61.2, 4-1, 3.07, 70, 35-37
6. Heath Bell, Padres: 69.2, 6-4, 2.71, 79, 42-48
7. Andrew Bailey, Athletics: 83.1, 6-3, 1.84, 91, 26-30
8. Joakim Soria, Royals: 53, 3-2, 2.21, 69, 30-33
9. Francisco Cordero, Reds: 66.2, 2-6, 2.16, 58, 39-43
10. Jose Valverde, Tigers: 54, 3-2, 1.83, 48, 37-41
11. David Aardsma, Mariners: 71.1, 3-6, 2.52, 80, 38-42
12. Carlos Marmol, Cubs: 74, 2-4, 3.41, 93, 15-19
13. Brian Wilson, SF: 72.1, 5-6, 2.74, 83, 38-45
14. Brian Fuentes, LAA: 55, 1-5, 3.93, 46, 48-55
15. Billy Wagner, Braves: 15.2, 1-1, 1.72, 26, 0-0
16. Ryan Franklin, Cardinals: 61, 4-3, 1.92, 44, 38-43
17. Trevor Hoffman, Brewers: 54, 3-2, 1.83, 48, 37-41
18. Bobby Jenks, White Sox: 53.1, 3-4, 3.71, 49, 29-35
19. Rafael Soriano, Rays: 75.2, 1-6, 2.97, 102, 27-31
20. Frank Francisco, Rangers: 49.1, 2-3, 3.83, 57, 25-29
21. Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks: 52, 2-2, 3.63, 45, 24-29
22. Brad Lidge, Phillies: 58.2, 0-8, 7.21, 61, 31-42
23. Leo Nunez, Marlins: 68.2, 4-6, 4.06, 60, 26-33
24. Mike Gonzalez, Orioles: 74.1, 5-4, 2.42, 90, 10-17
25. Kerry Wood, Indians: 55, 3-3, 4.25, 63, 20-26
26. Matt Capps, Nationals: 54.1, 4-8, 5.80, 46, 27-32
27. Kevin Gregg, Blue Jays: 68.2, 5-6, 4.72, 71, 23-30
28. Brandon Lyon, Astros: 78.2, 6-5, 2.86, 57, 3-6
29. Octavio Dotel, Pirates: 62.1, 3-3, 3.32, 75, 0-3
30. Jon Rauch, Twins: 70, 7-3, 3.60, 49, 2-5

A few quick injury notes before we get to the final predraft batter rankings of the season:

— Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, who has been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, has dropped from No. 3 to 5 at his position. Reyes is still a potential stud, and Tuesday's news that he has been cleared to resume baseball activities is encouraging. There is a chance Reyes will be ready for opening day, but the injury risk would be enough for me to select Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins ahead of him.

— Astros first baseman Lance Berkman dropped from No. 9 to 11 at his position following minor knee surgery that could delay the start of his season. I think Berkman is undervalued this season, but any type of knee surgery makes it hard to justify taking Berkman over the likes of Kendry Morales and Joey Votto.

— I kept the Dodgers' Russell Martin as the No. 4 catcher, despite a groin injury that could delay the beginning of his season. The reports on Martin are promising, and I'd be willing to wait a week or two in the regular season to play Martin, instead of drafting Jorge Posada or Matt Wieters (I realize I'm probably in the minority in that belief).

— Same goes for Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts, who has been bothered by a back injury but hopes to be ready for opening day. I wouldn't rush to draft Roberts in the first few rounds, but I would still take him over Aaron Hill and Brandon Phillips unless late word breaks that his condition is more serious.

— We'll post the final pitcher rankings and an updated top 100 later this week.

Happy drafting.

On to the rankings:

CATCHERS
Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Joe Mauer, Twins: 94-28-96-4-.365
2. Victor Martinez, Red Sox: 88-23-108-1-.303
3. Brian McCann, Braves: 63-21-94-4.281
4. Russell Martin, Dodgers: 63-7-53-11-.250
5. Jorge Posada, Yankees: 55-22-81-1-.285
6. Matt Wieters, Orioles: 35-9-43-0-.288
7. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics: 74-15-88-8-.274
8. Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks: 61-16-59-1-.294
9. Geovany Soto, Cubs: 27-11-47-1-.218
10. Bengie Molina, Giants: 52-20-80-0-.265
11. Ryan Doumit, Pirates: 31-10-38-4-.250
12. Mike Napoli, Angels: 60-20-56-3-.272
13. Yadier Molina, Cardinals: 45-6-54-9-.293
14. Chris Iannetta, Rockies: 41-16-52-0-.228
15. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox: 57-13-49-1-.300
16. John Baker, Marlins: 59-9-50-0-.271
17. Ramon Hernandez, Reds: 25-5-37-1-.258
18. Rod Barajas, Mets: 43-19-71-1-.226
19. Miguel Olivo, Rockies: 51-23-65-5-.249
20. Pudge Rodriguez, Nationals: 55-10-47-1-.249

FIRST BASEMEN
Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals: 124-47-135-16-.327
2. Prince Fielder, Brewers: 103-46-141-2-.299
3. Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 103-39-122-2-.292
4. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 96-34-103-6-.324
5. Ryan Howard, Phillies: 105-45-141-8-.279
6. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres: 90-40-99-1-.277
7. Justin Morneau, Twins: 85-30-100-0-.274
8. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 99-27-94-7-.305
9. Kendry Morales 86-34-108-3-.306
10. Joey Votto, Reds: 82-25-84-4-.322
11. Lance Berkman, Astros: 73-25-80-7-.274
12. Derrek Lee, Cubs: 91-35-111-1-.306
13. Billy Butler, Royals: 78-21-93-1-.301
14. Adam Dunn, Nationals: 81-38-105-0-.267
15. Carlos Pena, Rays: 91-39-100-3-.227
16. James Loney, Dodgers: 73-13-90-7-.281
17. Todd Helton, Rockies: 79-15-86-0-.325
18. Adam LaRoche, Diamondbacks: 78-25-83-2-.277
19. Paul Konerko, White Sox: 75-28-88-1-.277
20. Chris Davis, Rangers: 48-21-59-0-.238

SECOND BASEMEN
Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Chase Utley, Phillies: 112-31-93-23-.282
2. Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 101-31-86-31-.253
3. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 115-15-72-20-.296
4. Robinson Cano, Yankees: 103-25-85-5-.320
5. Brian Roberts, Orioles: 110-16-79-30-.283
6. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays: 103-36-108-6-.286
7. Brandon Phillips, Reds: 78-20-98-25-.276
8. Ben Zobrist, Rays: 91-27-91-17.297
9. Dan Uggla, Marlins: 84-31-90-2-.243
10. Jose Lopez, Mariners: 69-25-96-3-.272
11. Howie Kendrick, Angels: 61-10-61-11-.291
12. Gordon Beckham, White Sox: 58-14-63-7-.270
13. Martin Prado, Braves: 64-11-49-1-.307
14. Orlando Hudson, Twins: 74-9-62-8-.283
15. Rickie Weeks, Brewers: 28-9-24-2-.272
16. Clint Barmes, Rockies: 69-23-76-12-.245
17. Kelly Johnson, Diamondbacks: 47-8-29-7-.224
18. Freddy Sanchez, Giants: 56-7-41-5-.293
19. Luis Castillo, Mets: 77-1-40-20-.302
20. Kazuo Matsui, Astros: 56-9-46-19-.250

SHORTSTOPS
Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins: 101-24-106-27-.342
2. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies: 101-32-92-20-.297
3. Derek Jeter, Yankees: 107-18-66-30-.334
4. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies: 100-21-77-31-.250
5. Jose Reyes, Mets: 18-2-15-11-.279
6. Jason Bartlett, Rays: 90-14-66-30-.320
7. Yunel Escobar, Braves: 89-14-76-5-.299
8. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 81-6-68-17-.308
9. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox: 71-15-68-14-.277
10. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks: 71-12-65-5-.261
11. Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 72-6-40-33-.267
12. Rafael Furcal, Dodgers: 92-9-47-12-.269
13. Alcides Escobar, Brewers: 20-1-11-4-.304
14. Ryan Theriot, Cubs: 81-7-54-21-.284
15. Erick Aybar, Angels: 70-5-58-14-.312
16. Marco Scutaro, Red Sox: 100-12-60-14-.282
17. Everth Cabrera, Padres: 59-2-31-25-.255
18. J.J. Hardy, Twins: 53-11-47-0-.229
19. Orlando Cabrera, Reds: 83-9-77-13-.284
20. Brendan Ryan, Cardinals: 55-3-37-14-.292

THIRD BASEMEN
Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 78-30-100-14-.286
2. Evan Longoria, Rays: 100-33-113-9-.281
3. David Wright, Mets: 88-10-72-27-.307
4. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: 110-33-106-2-.292
5. Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks: 98-44-102-24-.260
6. Pablo Sandoval, Giants: 79-25-90-5-.330
7. Chone Figgins, Mariners: 114-5-54-42-.298
8. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs: 46-15-65-2-.317
9. Michael Young, Rangers: 76-22-68-8-.322
10. Chipper Jones, Braves: 80-18-71-4-.264
11. Jorge Cantu, Marlins: 67-16-100-3-.289
12. Adrian Beltre, Red Sox: 54-8-44-13-.265
13. Ian Stewart, Rockies: 74-25-70-7-.228
14. Miguel Tejada, Orioles: 83-14-86-5-.313
15. Casey McGehee, Brewers: 58-16-66-0-.301
16. Placido Polanco, Phillies: 82-10-72-7-.285
17. Casey Blake, Dodgers: 84-18-79-3-.280
18. Brandon Inge, Tigers: 71-27-84-2-.230
19. Jhonny Peralta, Indians: 57-11-83-0-.254
20. Chase Headley, Padres: 62-12-64-10-.262

DESIGNATED HITTERS
Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Adam Lind, Blue Jays: 93-35-114-1-.305
2. Jason Kubel, Twins: 73-28-103-1-.300
3. David Ortiz, Red Sox: 77-28-99-0-.238
4. Vladimir Guerrero, Rangers: 59-15-50-2-.295
5. Hideki Matsui, Angels: 62-28-90-0-.274
6. Jack Cust, Athletics: 88-25-70-4-.240
7. Carlos Guillen, Tigers: 36-11-41-1-.242
8. Travis Hafner, Indians: 46-16-49-0-.272
9. Pat Burrell, Rays: 45-14-64-2-.221
10. Luke Scott, Orioles: 61-25-77-0-.258

OUTFIELDERS
Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Ryan Braun, Brewers: 113-32-114-20-.320
2. Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 97-26-101-34-.297
3. Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 94-24-109-14-.313
4. Carl Crawford, Rays: 96-15-68-60-.305
5. Grady Sizemore, Indians: 73-18-64-13-.248
6. Jacob Ellsbury, Red Sox: 94-8-60-70-.301
7. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks: 84-26-86-20-.300
8. Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 91-30-71-20-.249
9. Jason Bay, Mets: 103-36-119-13-.267
10. Manny Ramirez, Dodgers: 62-19-63-0-.290
11. Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 92-31-106-6-.272
12. Nick Markakis, Orioles: 94-18-101-6-.293
13. Jayson Werth, Phillies: 98-36-99-20-.268
14. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 87-20-86-21-.300
15. Bobby Abreu, Angels: 96-15-103-30-.293
16. Carlos Lee, Astros: 65-26-102-5-.300
17. Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 43-10-54-8-.268
18. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 88-11-46-26-.352
19. B.J. Upton, Rays: 79-11-55-42-.241
20. Shane Victorino, Phillies: 102-10-62-25-.292
21. Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 75-33-76-20-.260
22. Torii Hunter, Angels: 74-22-90-18-.299
23. Hunter Pence, Astros: 76-25-72-14-.282
24. Carlos Quentin, White Sox: 47-21-56-3-.236
25. Nate McLouth, Braves: 86-20-70-19-.256
26. Raul Ibanez, Phillies: 93-34-93-4-.272
27. Johnny Damon, Tigers: 107-24-82-12-.282
28. Andre McCutchen, Pirates: 74-12-54-22-.286
29. Alex Rios, White Sox: 63-17-71-24-.247
30. Denard Span, Twins: 97-8-68-23-.311
31. Michael Bourn, Astros: 97-3-35-61-.285
32. Adam Jones, Orioles: 83-19-70-10-.277
33. Michael Cuddyer, Twins: 93-32-94-6-.276
34. Brad Hawpe, Rockies: 82-23-86-1-.285
35. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs: 64-20-55-9-.241
36. Carlos Beltran, Mets: 50-10-48-11-.325
37. Nyjer Morgan, Nationals: 74-3-39-42-.307
38. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies: 47-22-58-3-.223
39. Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals: 63-22-97-4-.265
40. Juan Pierre, White Sox: 57-0-31-30-.308
41. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays: 84-15-66-17-.260
42. Juan Rivera, Angels: 72-25-88-0-.287
43. Jay Bruce, Reds: 47-22-58-3-.223
44. Rajai Davis, Athletics: 65-3-48-41-.305
45. Mark DeRosa, Giants: 78-23-78-3-.250
46. Delmon Young, Twins: 50-12-60-2-.284
47. Garrett Jones, Pirates: 45-21-44-10-.293
48. Nolan Reimold, Orioles: 49-15-45-8-.279
49. Franklin Gutierrez, Mariners: 85-18-70-16-.283
50. Julio Borbon, Rangers: 30-4-20-19-.312
51. Corey Hart, Brewers: 64-12-48-11-.260
52. Chris Coghan, Marlins: 84-9-47-8-.321
53. Cody Ross, Marlins: 73-24-90-5-.270
54. Marlon Byrd, Cubs: 66-20-89-8-.283
55. Mike Cameron, Red Sox: 78-24-70-7-.250
56. Nick Swisher, Yankees: 84-29-82-0-.249
57. Dexter Fowler, Rockies: 73-4-34-27-.266
58. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers: 54-9-50-3-.310
59. Colby Rasmus, Cardinals: 72-16-52-3-.251
60. J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 84-24-68-2-.279

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

Before we get to the final set of rankings in this nine-part, three-week series that seems longer than the NBA playoffs, a few quick points on the top starting pitchers:

-- Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay are worthy of top-10 picks. There will be plenty of sluggers available in Round 2.

-- Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, who should benefit from an improved lineup supporting him, might produce first-round numbers in his sixth season. The 23-year-old is an early to mid-second-round selection.

-- I believe in Zack Greinke and would be willing to back it up with a pick in the middle of the second round.

-- CC Sabathia is the only other pitcher I would draft in the top 24. Justin Verlander and his 269 strikeouts will be tempting, but I can’t get his awful 2008 completely out of my mind.

-- For the first time, Johan Santana might be undervalued. He is coming off his first season with fewer than 15 wins since 2003 and likely is a late third- or early fourth-round pick.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: IP, W-L, ERA, BB, K
1. Tim Lincecum, Giants: 225.1, 15-7, 2.48, 68, 261
2. Roy Halladay, Phillies: 239, 17-10, 2.79, 35, 208
3. Felix Hernandez, Mariners: 238.2, 19-5, 2.49, 71, 217
4. Zack Greinke, Royals: 229.1, 16-8, 2.16, 51, 242
5. CC Sabathia, Yankees: 230, 19-8, 3.37, 67, 197
6. Justin Verlander, Tigers: 240, 19-9, 3.45, 63, 269
7. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks: 229.1, 14-10, 3.14, 38, 223
8. Johan Santana, Mets: 166.2, 13-9, 3.13, 46, 146
9. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals: 192.2, 17-4, 2.24, 38, 144
10. Jon Lester, Red Sox: 203.1, 15-8, 3.41, 64, 225
11. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals: 233, 19-8, 2.63, 66, 212
12. Josh Johnson, Marlins: 209, 15-5, 3.23, 58, 191
13. Cliff Lee, Mariners: 231.2, 14-13, 3.22, 43, 181
14. Josh Beckett, Red Sox: 212.1, 17-6, 3.86, 55, 191
15. Javier Vazquez, Yankees: 219.1, 15-10, 2.87, 44, 238
16. Cole Hamels, Phillies: 193.2, 10-11, 4.32, 43, 168
17. Yovani Gallardo, Brewers: 185.2, 13-12, 3.73, 94, 204
18. Tommy Hanson, Braves: 127.2, 11-4, 2.89, 46, 116
19. Jake Peavy, White Sox: 101.2, 9-6, 3.45, 34, 110
20. Matt Cain, Giants: 217.2, 14-8, 2.89, 73, 171
21. John Lackey, Red Sox: 176.1, 11-8, 3.83, 47, 139
22. Jair Jurrjens, Braves: 215, 14-10, 2.60, 75, 152
23. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers: 196.1, 12-11, 4.03, 86, 179
24. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: 171, 8-8, 2.79, 91, 185
25. Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies: 218, 15-12, 3.47, 85, 198
26. Roy Oswalt, Astros: 18.1, 8-6, 4.12, 42, 138
27. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: 4, 0-0, 13.50, 2, 2
28. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros: 205.2, 14-12, 3.02, 63, 193
29. Jered Weaver, Angels: 211, 16-8, 3.75, 66, 174
30. James Shields, Rays: 219.2, 11-12, 4.14, 52, 167
31. A.J. Burnett, Yankees: 207, 13-9, 4.04, 97, 195
32. Gavin Floyd, White Sox: 193, 11-11, 4.06, 59, 163
33. Ricky Nolasco, Marlins: 185, 13-9, 5.06, 44, 195
34. David Price, Rays: 128.1, 10-7, 4.42, 54, 102
35. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs: 169.1, 9-7, 3.77, 78, 152
36. Edwin Jackson, Diamondbacks: 214, 13-9, 3.62, 70, 161
37. John Danks, White Sox: 200.1, 13-11, 3.77, 73, 149
38. Scott Baker, Twins: 200, 15-9, 4.37, 48, 162
39. Matt Garza, Rays: 203, 8-12, 3.95, 79, 189
40. Scott Kazmir, Angels: 147.1, 10-9, 4.89, 60, 117
41. Ryan Dempster, Cubs: 200, 11-9, 3.65, 65, 172
42. Max Scherzer, Tigers: 170.1, 9-11, 4.12, 63, 174
43. Ted Lilly, Cubs: 177, 12-9, 3.10, 36, 151
44. Derek Lowe, Braves: 194.2, 15-10, 4.67, 63, 111
45. Mark Buehrle, White Sox: 213.1, 13-10, 3.84, 45, 105
46. Clay Buchholz, Red Sox: 92, 7-4, 4.21, 36, 68
47. J.A. Happ, Phillies: 166, 12-4, 2.93, 59, 119
48. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox: 59.1, 4-6, 5.76, 30, 54
49. Rich Harden, Rangers: 141, 9-9, 4.09, 67, 171
50. Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies: 185, 16-9. 4.38, 83, 193
51. Ervin Santana, Angels: 139.2, 8-8, 5.03, 47, 107
52. Randy Wolf, Brewers: 214.1, 11-7, 3.23, 58, 160
53. Johnny Cueto, Reds: 171.1, 11-11, 4.41, 61, 132
54. Aaron Harang, Reds: 162.1, 6-14, 4.21, 43, 142
55. Rick Porcello, Tigers: 170.2, 14-9, 3.96, 52, 89
56. Ben Sheets, Athletics: 198.1, 13-9, 3.09, 47, 158
57. Tim Hudson, Braves: 42.1, 2-1, 3.61, 13, 30
58. Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers: 117.1, 8-7, 3.76, 24, 87
59. Andy Pettitte, Yankees: 194.2, 14-8, 4.16, 76, 148
60. Joe Blanton, Phillies: 195.1, 12-8, 4.06, 59, 163
61. Jeff Niemann, Rays: 180.2, 13-6, 3.94, 59, 125
62. Kevin Slowey, Twins: 90.2, 10-3, 4.86, 15, 75
63. Brett Anderson, Athletics: 175.1, 11-11, 4.06, 45, 150
64. Francisco Liriano, Twins: 136.2, 5-13, 5.80, 65, 122
65. Joel Pineiro, Angels: 214, 15-12, 3.49, 27, 105
66. Scott Feldman, Rangers: 189.2, 17-8, 4.08, 65, 113
67. Joba Chamberlain, Yankees: 157.1, 9-6, 4.75, 76, 133
68. Bronson Arroyo, Reds: 220.1, 15-13, 3.84, 65, 127
69. Jonathan Sanchez, Giants: 163.1, 8-12, 4.24, 88, 177
70. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals: ROOKIE
71. Erik Bedard, Mariners: 83, 5-3, 2.82, 34, 90
72. John Maine, Mets: 81.1, 7-6, 4.43, 38, 55
73. Wade Davis, Rays: 36.1, 2-2, 3.72, 13, 36
74. Kevin Millwood, Orioles: 198.2, 13-10, 3.67, 71, 123
75. Joe Saunders, Angels: 186, 16-7, 4.60, 64, 101
76. Brad Penny, Cardinals: 173.1, 11-9, 4.88, 51, 109
77. Brett Myers, Athletics: 70.2, 4-3, 4.84, 23, 50
78. Homer Bailey, Reds: 113.1, 8-5, 4.53, 52, 86
79. Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays: 69.2, 2-4, 4.39, 44, 63
80. Shaun Marcum, Blue Jays: Injured, missed season

Preseason top 100 players (24): Lincecum (7), Halladay (10), Hernandez (16), Greinke (17), Sabathia (19), Verlander (26), Haren (30), Santana (35), Carpenter (36), Lester (37), Wainwright (42), Johnson (45), Lee (47), Beckett (59), Vazquez (64), Hamels (76), Gallardo (77), Hanson (83), Peavy (84), Cain (85), Lackey (93), Jurrjens (95), Billingsley (96), Kershaw (97)

Short hops
In his last two seasons, Lincecum is 33-12 and has struck out 526 in 452 1/3 innings. ... Halladay has averaged more than 17 wins in his last four seasons and has a norm of 207 strikeouts in his last two. ... Sabathia has averaged 18 wins and 219 K’s the last three years. ... Haren is 45-27 with an average of 207 strikeouts since 2007. ... Lester is 31-14 in his last two seasons. ... Prior to a down 2009, Hamels averaged 15 wins and 187 strikeouts in 2007 and ’08. ... Peavy was 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts with the White Sox at the end of 2009. ... Prior to Oswalt’s nightmarish ’09, he was a combined 86-47 from 2004-08. ... Should he recover from a shoulder injury, Webb could be a mid-round gem. He averaged 20 wins and 189 strikeouts in 2007 and ’08. ... The often-overrated Kazmir has never won more than 13 games in a season.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Outfielders, Tuesday; relievers, Thursday; starting pitchers, today

LAST WEEK: Third baseman, March 8; designated hitters, March 9; shortstops, March 11

TWO WEEKS AGO: Catchers, March 2; first baseman, March 4; second baseman, March 5

The Twins are pinning their hopes on Joe Nathan. Thankfully, we don't have to do the same.

Nathan -- who leads the major leagues with 246 saves the last six seasons -- has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. More than likely, he'll have Tommy John surgery that will end his season and put the start of his 2011 campaign in jeopardy.

Nathan, however, isn't ready to give up. And neither are the Twins, who are moving into a new ballpark and approaching a $100 million payroll.

Nathan plans to test his injured elbow Saturday or Sunday and make a decision soon thereafter. By the weekend, we should know if the closer -- who, if healthy, would have been ranked second to Mariano Rivera in the rankings that follow -- will be an option on draft day.

The Twins -- who apparently are more optimistic than the doctors who have evaluated their top reliever -- haven't unveiled a backup plan should Nathan be forced to miss the season. Said Manager Ron Gardenhire: "To develop a closer, it's impossible."

At this point, we have to assume Nathan isn't an option on draft day. The best bets to fill in as Minnesota's closer seem to be Jon Rauch, a 31-year-old who saved a combined 18 games in 24 chances for Washington and Arizona in 2008, and Matt Guerrier, a 31-year-old who was 5-1 with a 2.36 ERA as a setup man for the Twins last season.

The early guess here is Rauch will be the closer, but since even starting pitcher Francisco Liriano's name has been mentioned, your pick might be as good as mine.

All of which is why Rauch is ranked last in the top 30 below. Until we know the Twins' plans -- and right now, even they don't -- Minnesota's top reliever should be the last of the 30 closers selected.

Two more quick injury notes before we get to the rankings:

-- The Tribe's Kerry Wood, who has been sidelined by a sore right lat, played catch Wednesday and seems to be fine. His value could increase in late July, should the Tribe trade him to a closer-needy contender.

-- Athletics closer Andrew Bailey has been shut down for 5 to 7 days with tennis elbow. He's optimistic he should be ready for opening day, but this is enough of a concern to drop the 25-year-old below the likes of Huston Street and Heath Bell.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: IP, W-L, ERA, K, SV-Opp.
1. Mariano Rivera, Yankees: 66.1, 3-3, 1.76, 72, 44-46
2. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers: 76, 7-2, 2.61, 114, 36-42
3. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox: 68, 1-1, 1.85, 76, 38-41
4. Francisco Rodriguez, Mets: 68, 3-6, 3.71, 73, 35-42
5. Huston Street, Rockies: 61.2, 4-1, 3.07, 70, 35-37
6. Heath Bell, Padres: 69.2, 6-4, 2.71, 79, 42-48
7. Andrew Bailey, Athletics: 83.1, 6-3, 1.84, 91, 26-30
8. Joakim Soria, Royals: 53, 3-2, 2.21, 69, 30-33
9. Francisco Cordero, Reds: 66.2, 2-6, 2.16, 58, 39-43
10. Jose Valverde, Tigers: 54, 3-2, 1.83, 48, 37-41
11. David Aardsma, Mariners: 71.1, 3-6, 2.52, 80, 38-42
12. Carlos Marmol, Cubs: 74, 2-4, 3.41, 93, 15-19
13. Brian Wilson, SF: 72.1, 5-6, 2.74, 83, 38-45
14. Brian Fuentes, LAA: 55, 1-5, 3.93, 46, 48-55
15. Billy Wagner, Braves: 15.2, 1-1, 1.72, 26, 0-0
16. Ryan Franklin, Cardinals: 61, 4-3, 1.92, 44, 38-43
17. Trevor Hoffman, Brewers: 54, 3-2, 1.83, 48, 37-41
18. Bobby Jenks, White Sox: 53.1, 3-4, 3.71, 49, 29-35
19. Rafael Soriano, Rays: 75.2, 1-6, 2.97, 102, 27-31
20. Frank Francisco, Rangers: 49.1, 2-3, 3.83, 57, 25-29
21. Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks: 52, 2-2, 3.63, 45, 24-29
22. Brad Lidge, Phillies: 58.2, 0-8, 7.21, 61, 31-42
23. Kerry Wood, Indians: 55, 3-3, 4.25, 63, 20-26
24. Leo Nunez, Marlins: 68.2, 4-6, 4.06, 60, 26-33
25. Mike Gonzalez, Orioles: 74.1, 5-4, 2.42, 90, 10-17
26. Matt Capps, Nationals: 54.1, 4-8, 5.80, 46, 27-32
27. Jason Frasor, Blue Jays: 57.2, 7-3, 2.50, 56, 11-14
28. Brandon Lyon, Astros: 78.2, 6-5, 2.86, 57, 3-6
29. Octavio Dotel, Pirates: 62.1, 3-3, 3.32, 75, 0-3
30. Jon Rauch, Twins: 70, 7-3, 3.60, 49, 2-5

Preseason top 100 players (6): Rivera (61), Nathan (67), Broxton (68), Papelbon (73), Rodriguez (78), Street (90). NOTE: The top 100 will be updated next week. Nathan was ranked in the pre-spring training top 100 before his injury was revealed.

Short hops
The ageless Rivera has had an ERA below 2.00 in six of his last seven seasons. ... Papelbon, who has a 1.84 career ERA, has saved 35 games or more in each of his last four years. ... Rodriguez averaged 49 saves from 2005-08 before his mediocre debut season with the Mets. ... The Giants' Wilson has averaged 40 saves the last two years. ... The Reds' Cordero has norms of 39 saves and 74 strikeouts the last three seasons. ... Valverde had 91 combined saves in 2007 and '08. ... Jenks averaged 41 saves in that same span. ... Wagner averaged 35 saves from 2004 to '07. ... The Phillies' Lidge was perfect in 2008 (41-for-41 in save situations), but awful in both 2007 and '09. ... Give Lyon a slight edge over the hard-throwing Matt Lindstrom for the Astros' closing job. Lyon, however, has been bothered by a sore shoulder. Lindstrom saved 15 games in 17 chances for Florida in 2009. Lyon had 26 saves in 31 chances with Arizona in 2008.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Outfielders, Tuesday; relievers, today; starting pitchers, Friday

LAST WEEK: Third baseman, March 8; designated hitters, March 9; shortstops, March 11

TWO WEEKS AGO: Catchers, March 2; first baseman, March 4; second baseman, March 5

Grady Sizemore’s offseason began with elbow surgery on Sept. 9, when 24 games remained in the Indians’ 65-97 season.

Two months later, semi-nude photos of him were posted on the Internet — forcing Sizemore to apologize, Major League Baseball to investigate why the pictures allegedly were stolen from an e-mail account and causing females everywhere to say how much they liked them, but wonder why he decorated his bathroom in such a manner.

Now Sizemore, seemingly healthy and with the embarrassing incident behind him, is the best player on a team that seems to have a policy of trading its stars a year before free agency — which in Sizemore’s case would be next season, a year before the Tribe’s club option of $8.5 million for 2012.

From a fantasy perspective, he could be undervalued in many drafts following a 2009 season in which he posted five-year lows in games played, at-bats, runs, hits, extra-base hits, homers, RBI, stolen bases and batting average.

That likely won’t happen in Northeast Ohio, as Tribe fans might be overanxious to select the Tribe’s best player.

Don’t overpay for someone who has a career batting average of .275 and has struck out once per 4.5 at-bats in his six-year career. But aside from Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp, Matt Holliday and Carl Crawford, I’d be willing to take a chance that Sizemore will outproduce any other player at his position and would put his value in the late second-round range for 12-team leagues.

In 2007 and ’08, Sizemore averaged 29 home runs, 84 RBI, 36 steals, 110 runs and 70 extra-base hits.

Will he be a 30-30 player again, as he was in 2008? Will his elbow be a problem? Will the ladies swarm center field on opening day?

Those questions we can’t answer. What we can do is believe in a player who, prior to 2009, had a track record of hitting for power, scoring a lot of runs and stealing about 30 bases.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Ryan Braun, Brewers: 113-32-114-20-.320
2. Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 97-26-101-34-.297
3. Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 94-24-109-14-.313
4. Carl Crawford, Rays: 96-15-68-60-.305
5. Grady Sizemore, Indians: 73-18-64-13-.248
6. Jacob Ellsbury, Red Sox: 94-8-60-70-.301
7. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks: 84-26-86-20-.300
8. Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 91-30-71-20-.249
9. Jason Bay, Mets: 103-36-119-13-.267
10. Manny Ramirez, Dodgers: 62-19-63-0-.290
11. Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 92-31-106-6-.272
12. Nick Markakis, Orioles: 94-18-101-6-.293
13. Jayson Werth, Phillies: 98-36-99-20-.268
14. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 87-20-86-21-.300
15. Bobby Abreu, Angels: 96-15-103-30-.293
16. Carlos Lee, Astros: 65-26-102-5-.300
17. Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 43-10-54-8-.268
18. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 88-11-46-26-.352
19. B.J. Upton, Rays: 79-11-55-42-.241
20. Shane Victorino, Phillies: 102-10-62-25-.292
21. Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 75-33-76-20-.260
22. Torii Hunter, Angels: 74-22-90-18-.299
23. Hunter Pence, Astros: 76-25-72-14-.282
24. Carlos Quentin, White Sox: 47-21-56-3-.236
25. Nate McLouth, Braves: 86-20-70-19-.256
26. Raul Ibanez, Phillies: 93-34-93-4-.272
27. Johnny Damon, Tigers: 107-24-82-12-.282
28. Andre McCutchen, Pirates: 74-12-54-22-.286
29. Alex Rios, White Sox: 63-17-71-24-.247
30. Denard Span, Twins: 97-8-68-23-.311
31. Michael Bourn, Astros: 97-3-35-61-.285
32. Adam Jones, Orioles: 83-19-70-10-.277
33. Michael Cuddyer, Twins: 93-32-94-6-.276
34. Brad Hawpe, Rockies: 82-23-86-1-.285
35. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs: 64-20-55-9-.241
36. Carlos Beltran, Mets: 50-10-48-11-.325
37. Nyjer Morgan, Nationals: 74-3-39-42-.307
38. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies: 47-22-58-3-.223
39. Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals: 63-22-97-4-.265
40. Juan Pierre, White Sox: 57-0-31-30-.308
41. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays: 84-15-66-17-.260
42. Juan Rivera, Angels: 72-25-88-0-.287
43. Jay Bruce, Reds: 47-22-58-3-.223
44. Rajai Davis, Athletics: 65-3-48-41-.305
45. Mark DeRosa, Giants: 78-23-78-3-.250
46. Delmon Young, Twins: 50-12-60-2-.284
47. Garrett Jones, Pirates: 45-21-44-10-.293
48. Nolan Reimold, Orioles: 49-15-45-8-.279
49. Franklin Gutierrez, Mariners: 85-18-70-16-.283
50. Julio Borbon, Rangers: 30-4-20-19-.312
51. Corey Hart, Brewers: 64-12-48-11-.260
52. Chris Coghan, Marlins: 84-9-47-8-.321
53. Cody Ross, Marlins: 73-24-90-5-.270
54. Marlon Byrd, Cubs: 66-20-89-8-.283
55. Mike Cameron, Red Sox: 78-24-70-7-.250
56. Nick Swisher, Yankees: 84-29-82-0-.249
57. Dexter Fowler, Rockies: 73-4-34-27-.266
58. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers: 54-9-50-3-.310
59. Colby Rasmus, Cardinals: 72-16-52-3-.251
60. J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 84-24-68-2-.279

Preseason top 100 players (26): Braun (3), Kemp (6), Holliday (13), Crawford (20), Sizemore (21), Ellsbury (27), Justin Upton (28), Granderson (33), Bay (34), Ramirez (51), Ethier (53), Markakis (55), Werth (58), Choo (63), Abreu (65), Lee (66), Hamilton (69), Ichiro (70), B.J. Upton (75), Victorino (79), Cruz (80), Hunter (87), Pence (88), Quentin (89), McLouth (92), Ibanez (94)

Short hops
In his three-year career, Braun has batted .308 and averaged 34 homers, 106 RBI and 16 steals. ... In 235 at-bats after being traded to St. Louis last season, Holliday batted .353 and had 13 homers, 55 RBI and a 1.023 OPS. ... Ellsbury will steal a ton of bases (120 the last two seasons), but he doesn’t score as many runs as you might think (96 per season in the last two) and he has no power. ... Crawford has batted .305 or better with 50-plus steals in three of the last four years. ... Bay, who has 67 homers the last two seasons, likely will suffer a dip in power playing half his games at spacious Citi Field. ... In 900 at-bats the last two seasons, Choo has 34 homers and 152 RBI. ... The underrated Carlos Lee has batted .300 or better and averaged 31 homers and 109 RBI the last four years. ... Ichiro posted career lows in steals and runs, and had his second-worst RBI total last season. ... The enigmatic B.J. Upton was great in 2007 (24 homers, 82 RBI, .300, 22 steals), but he’s averaged 10 home runs, 61 RBI and 82 runs while batting .257 the last two seasons. If you draft him in the first few rounds, you better be a huge fan of stolen bases.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Outfielders, today; relief pitchers, Thursday; starting pitchers, Friday

LAST WEEK: Third baseman, March 8; designated hitters, March 9; shortstops, March 11

TWO WEEKS AGO: Catchers, March 2; first baseman, March 4; second baseman, March 5

Thursday, the drama that has been the Jose Reyes he-said, the-Mets-said situation featured a new twist.

Reyes — who has been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid and had insisted he was fine, despite the Mets’ claims he wasn’t — was told to rest and refrain from athletic activity for 2 to 8 weeks.

The range of the timetable obviously makes a huge difference on draft day, since two weeks at this time of year means nothing, but eight could signify playing five or six weeks of the regular season without your top shortstop.

The Mets said Reyes likely will begin the season on the disabled list, and the uncertainty drops the former top-three overall fantasy pick a couple spots in the position rankings that follow.

From 2006 to ’08, Reyes batted .292 and averaged 118 runs scored, 16 home runs, 69 RBI, 66 steals, 34 doubles and 16 triples per season. Last season, he was limited to 36 games by a hamstring injury, and he now he has a thyroid condition his agent said is “a completely treatable, curable situation.”

If on draft day Reyes’ return is still undecided, I would be willing to gamble on selecting him in the fifth or sixth round of a 12-team draft. He’s no longer a better option than Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins, but I would take him over the Rays’ Jason Bartlett.

Reyes is only 26 and should still be viewed as an elite fantasy player. If you’re desperate for steals and runs scored, he’s among the best around if healthy.

Your definition of said value should determine how much you’re willing to spend, or in which round you’re willing to take a chance, on a stud whose luck seems to have gone the way of his team’s.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins: 101-24-106-27-.342
2. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies: 101-32-92-20-.297
3. Derek Jeter, Yankees: 107-18-66-30-.334
4. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies: 100-21-77-31-.250
5. Jose Reyes, Mets: 18-2-15-11-.279
6. Jason Bartlett, Rays: 90-14-66-30-.320
7. Yunel Escobar, Braves: 89-14-76-5-.299
8. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 81-6-68-17-.308
9. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox: 71-15-68-14-.277
10. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks: 71-12-65-5-.261
11. Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 72-6-40-33-.267
12. Rafael Furcal, Dodgers: 92-9-47-12-.269
13. Alcides Escobar, Brewers: 20-1-11-4-.304
14. Ryan Theriot, Cubs: 81-7-54-21-.284
15. Erick Aybar, Angels: 70-5-58-14-.312
16. Marco Scutaro, Red Sox: 100-12-60-14-.282
17. Everth Cabrera, Padres: 59-2-31-25-.255
18. J.J. Hardy, Twins: 53-11-47-0-.229
19. Orlando Cabrera, Reds: 83-9-77-13-.284
20. Brendan Ryan, Cardinals: 55-3-37-14-.292

Preseason top 100 players (6): Ramirez (2), Tulowitzki (23), Reyes (24), Jeter (32), Rollins (41), Bartlett (99). NOTE: The top 100 was compiled prior to spring training. Reyes will drop significantly in the pre-draft top 100 we’ll run in the next two weeks.

Short hops
Ramirez has averaged 29 homers, 117 runs, 38 steals and a .325 batting average the last three seasons. ... Jeter, a career .317 hitter, recorded his highest stolen-base total since 2006 by swiping 30 bags last year. ... Rollins, who has norms of 16 homers and 68 RBI the last two seasons, averaged 28 homers and 89 RBI in 2006 and ’07. ... The Tribe’s Cabrera had a combined four stolen bases in 159 games in 2007 and ’08, but was 17-for-21 in steals last season. ... The 32-year-old Furcal hasn’t had a big season since 2006. ... The Cubs’ Theriot won’t help you in home runs or RBI, but he has stolen 71 bases the last three seasons. ... A possible sleeper: the Twins’ Hardy, who had norms of 25 homers and 77 RBI from 2007 to ’08. ... A name to watch outside the top 20: the Nationals’ Cristian Guzman, who batted .328 and .316 in 2007 and ’08, respectively.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Third basemen, Monday; designated hitters, Tuesday; shortstops, today

LAST WEEK: Catchers, March 2; first baseman, March 4; second baseman, March 5

NEXT WEEK: Outfielders, starting pitchers and relievers

Before we get to the rankings for the “position” many of us tend to overlook on draft day, a quick reminder:

Adam Lind and Jason Kubel are much more valuable as outfielders than designated hitters, since you can draft anyone to play the latter position in fantasy.

That piece of advice might have been more obvious than an in-game question to a manager during a television broadcast, but we had to include it since the players who follow are ranked at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time this season. DH — aka the land of oversized current or former sluggers who have as much of a chance of being an adequate outfielder as you or I.

It’s also a position of much frustration for Tribe fans, since it’s the only spot in the lineup at which Travis Hafner and his $11.5 million salary can play.

Hafner — after averaging 32 home runs and 109 RBI from 2004 to ’07 — has 21 homers, 73 RBI, a .244 batting average and 122 strikeouts in 536 at-bats the last two seasons.

He’ll be drafted in deeper leagues — and he could be useful if he’s finally healthy. But in points-based leagues of 10 to 12 teams, his strikeouts are a liability and I’d prefer to wait and see if he’s available later on the waiver wire.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Adam Lind, Blue Jays: 93-35-114-1-.305
2. Jason Kubel, Twins: 73-28-103-1-.300
3. David Ortiz, Red Sox: 77-28-99-0-.238
4. Vladimir Guerrero, Rangers: 59-15-50-2-.295
5. Hideki Matsui, Angels: 62-28-90-0-.274
6. Jack Cust, Athletics: 88-25-70-4-.240
7. Carlos Guillen, Tigers: 36-11-41-1-.242
8. Travis Hafner, Indians: 46-16-49-0-.272
9. Pat Burrell, Rays: 45-14-64-2-.221
10. Luke Scott, Orioles: 61-25-77-0-.258

Preseason top 100 players (1): Lind (50)

Short hops
Of the 10, Lind, Kubel, Cust, Guillen and Scott should be eligible to play the outfield in most leagues. The others are strictly DH’s, although Matsui could be eligible in the outfield later in the season, depending on your league’s guidelines. ... Ortiz struck out a career-high 134 times last season and has batted .264 and .238 the last two years. ... In 2009, Guerrero had his worst run production since 1997. ... If your league deducts a point for a strikeout, stay away from Cust, who fanned 185 times in 513 at-bats last year. ... From 2005 to ’08, Burrell averaged 31 homers and 99 RBI. ... Scott has 48 homers the last two seasons, but he won’t help you in batting average, runs and steals. ... A potential sleeper, if healthy: Guillen, who had a combined 40 homers and 187 RBI in 2006 and ’07.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Third basemen, Monday; designated hitters, today; shortstops, Thursday

LAST WEEK: Catchers, March 2; first baseman, March 4; second baseman, March 5

NEXT WEEK: Outfielders, starting pitchers and relievers

If you’re the type of fantasy owner who just looks at last year’s stats, you won’t be selecting David Wright in the second round in the next few weeks.

If you’re the guy or gal who looks at three-, four- or even five-year averages, you’ll notice the Mets’ third baseman is an ideal mid-second-round pick.

He had an off year, hence his drop in value, but he’s still young (27) and is a proven commodity.

From 2005 to ’08, Wright batted .311 with averages of 29 home runs, 112 RBI, 22 stolen bases and 106 runs scored.

Last season, Wright scored 88 runs (a drop of 27 from the year before), hit 10 homers (a drop of 23), drove in 72 runs (52 down from 2009) and struck out a career-high 140 times. He went on the disabled list for the first time in his career, but he still played in 144 games and has said he just felt out of sorts last season.

The cavernous new Citi Field didn’t help Wright’s power numbers, but he had only five home runs in 277 at-bats on the road.

Was it just an off year? Was it something more? Does he miss alleged former fling Erin Andrews?

My guess: Yes, no and how can he not?

When I ranked the top 100 overall players prior to spring training, I struggled deciding between the Rays’ Evan Longoria and Wright, despite Longoria hitting 33 homers and driving in 113 runs in 2009, his second season.

Longoria likely will be a late first- or early second-round pick, and Wright should go off the board shortly thereafter.

He might not provide the power of Longoria, but he’ll hit for a higher average, steal a lot more bases and should be comparable in runs and RBI.

If you get Wright in the middle of the second round, you shouldn’t regret it.

We can’t say the same for any Indians fan who believes he can wait until the middle rounds to draft his or her starting third baseman: Jhonny Peralta.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 78-30-100-14-.286
2. Evan Longoria, Rays: 100-33-113-9-.281
3. David Wright, Mets: 88-10-72-27-.307
4. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: 110-33-106-2-.292
5. Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks: 98-44-102-24-.260
6. Pablo Sandoval, Giants: 79-25-90-5-.330
7. Chone Figgins, Mariners: 114-5-54-42-.298
8. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs: 46-15-65-2-.317
9. Michael Young, Rangers: 76-22-68-8-.322
10. Chipper Jones, Braves: 80-18-71-4-.264
11. Jorge Cantu, Marlins: 67-16-100-3-.289
12. Adrian Beltre, Red Sox: 54-8-44-13-.265
13. Ian Stewart, Rockies: 74-25-70-7-.228
14. Miguel Tejada, Orioles: 83-14-86-5-.313
15. Casey McGehee, Brewers: 58-16-66-0-.301
16. Placido Polanco, Phillies: 82-10-72-7-.285
17. Casey Blake, Dodgers: 84-18-79-3-.280
18. Brandon Inge, Tigers: 71-27-84-2-.230
19. Jhonny Peralta, Indians: 57-11-83-0-.254
20. Chase Headley, Padres: 62-12-64-10-.262

Preseason top 100 players (9): Rodriguez (4), Longoria (15), Wright (18), Zimmerman (31), Reynolds (40), Sandoval (44), Figgins (60), Ramirez (71), Young (86)

Short hops
Rodriguez needed only 444 at-bats last season to extend his 30-homer, 100-RBI streak to 12 years. ... Reynolds is a great combination of power and steals, but be wary of taking him early in points leagues that penalize for strikeouts. The Diamondbacks’ third baseman has fanned 427 times in 1,117 at-bats the last two years. ... Before an injury-marred 2009, the Cubs’ Ramirez had tallied at least 26 homers and 92 RBI in six consecutive seasons. ... Beltre had a three-year stretch with 25, 26 and 25 homers prior to a dismal 2009. ... Cantu has 45 homers and 195 RBI the last two seasons. ... The 35-year-old Tejada, whose power numbers are down significantly the last two seasons, is making the move from shortstop to the hot corner. ... To Peralta’s credit, prior to 2009, he had batted at least .270 with 21 homers and 72 RBI for four straight seasons. ... The promising Headley has struck out 241 times in 892 career at-bats.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

NOTE II: We pushed back the shortstop rankings until Thursday this week, hoping the Mets will release more on Jose Reyes’ thyroid condition by then.

THIS WEEK: Third basemen, today; designated hitters, Wednesday; shortstops, Thursday

LAST WEEK: Catchers, March 2; first baseman, March 4; second baseman, March 5

NEXT WEEK: Outfielders, starting pitchers and relievers

Meaningless trivia question of the day: Aside from first base, which infield position features the most top 100 overall players?

Since you’ve already read the headline on this blog, the answer is more obvious than the contempt many baseball fans have for Tim McCarver.

Otherwise, would you have guessed second base has 10 top-100 players (at least in our opinion), compared to nine for third base and six for shortstop?

The position has only one top-20 pick — the Phillies’ Chase Utley, who should go off the board in the top five — but it’s stacked with talent from Round 3 on.

The top 10 second basemen on the list below feature:

-- Four players with 31 or more home runs last season.

-- Seven with 25-plus homers.

-- Six with 90 or more RBI.

-- Five with 20-plus stolen bases.

-- Six with more than 100 runs scored.

The top 10, on average, batted .281 with 26 homers, 90 RBI, 97 runs and 16 steals last season.

You don’t want to wait too long to select one, however, since there’s a pretty big difference between Robinson Cano at No. 4 and Jose Lopez at No. 10.

A player outside the top 10 who could have a big impact is the White Sox’s Gordon Beckham, who had 58 runs, 14 homers and 63 RBI in 378 at-bats as a rookie last season. The 23-year-old was drafted eighth overall by Chicago in 2008 and was promoted to the big leagues after only 233 minor-league at-bats.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Chase Utley, Phillies: 112-31-93-23-.282
2. Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 101-31-86-31-.253
3. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 115-15-72-20-.296
4. Robinson Cano, Yankees: 103-25-85-5-.320
5. Brian Roberts, Orioles: 110-16-79-30-.283
6. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays: 103-36-108-6-.286
7. Brandon Phillips, Reds: 78-20-98-25-.276
8. Ben Zobrist, Rays: 91-27-91-17.297
9. Dan Uggla, Marlins: 84-31-90-2-.243
10. Jose Lopez, Mariners: 69-25-96-3-.272
11. Howie Kendrick, Angels: 61-10-61-11-.291
12. Gordon Beckham, White Sox: 58-14-63-7-.270
13. Martin Prado, Braves: 64-11-49-1-.307
14. Orlando Hudson, Twins: 74-9-62-8-.283
15. Rickie Weeks, Brewers: 28-9-24-2-.272
16. Clint Barmes, Rockies: 69-23-76-12-.245
17. Kelly Johnson, Diamondbacks: 47-8-29-7-.224
18. Freddy Sanchez, Giants: 56-7-41-5-.293
19. Luis Castillo, Mets: 77-1-40-20-.302
20. Kazuo Matsui, Astros: 56-9-46-19-.250

Preseason top 100 players (10): Utley (5), Kinsler (22), Pedroia (25), Cano (39), Roberts (49), Hill (54), Phillips (57), Zobrist (74), Uggla (91), Lopez (98)

Short hops
Utley has averaged 29 homers, 101 RBI and 15 steals the last five seasons. ... Kinsler batted .319 in 2008, but is a career .279 hitter. ... Roberts has stolen 156 bases the last four years. ... Hill’s 36 homers last season were eight more than his combined total from 2005-08, a span in which he went deep 28 times in 1,728 at-bats. ... Phillips, a former Indian, has norms of 24 homers, 90 RBI and 27 steals the last three seasons. ... Uggla is a very good source of power and runs scored, but he won’t help you in average (.257 career) and he’ll hurt you in points leagues that penalize for strikeouts (611 in four seasons). ... Weeks is an intriguing prospect who can rack up steals (a combined 44 in 2007 and ’08), but he’s yet to live up to the hype. ... The Diamondbacks’ Johnson could be a late-round find if he produces like it’s 2007 or 2008 (when he had combined totals of 28 homers, 137 RBI, 177 runs and 20 steals with the Braves).

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Catchers, Tuesday; first baseman, Thursday; second baseman, today.

NEXT WEEK: Shortstops, third basemen and designated hitters

The Indians’ signing of Russell Branyan is confusing from a player-development standpoint.

It’s not much more transparent from a fantasy perspective for AL-only leagues.

From April through June last season, Branyan was very productive for the Mariners, batting .303 with 19 home runs, 40 RBI and 46 runs scored in 241 at-bats.

He finished with career highs of 31 homers and 76 RBI, but was limited to 431 at-bats because of a back injury. Then there were the strikeouts, which are as much a staple of Branyan’s game as sleeveless shirts on “Jersey Shore.”

There are too many good first basemen (13 on the list below had at least 93 RBI last season, 16 had 25 or more home runs and 10 batted .290 or better) to play Branyan in mixed leagues.

In 10- or 12-team AL-only leagues, he’s a low-level starter, at least until he loses at-bats to Matt LaPorta or Michael Brantley, should the Tribe move LaPorta to first to play the latter in left field.

In points-based leagues that penalize for strikeouts, it’s best to avoid Branyan even in AL-only formats. He had 149 K’s last season — one every 2.9 at-bats.

In 2,431 career at-bats — the equivalent of four full major-league seasons — Branyan has 164 homers, 396 RBI and 946 strikeouts.

The final total translates to one strikeout per 2.6 at-bats — meaning in weeks in which Branyan plays five games and bats 25 times, you would lose roughly 10 points because of K’s.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals: 124-47-135-16-.327
2. Prince Fielder, Brewers: 103-46-141-2-.299
3. Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 103-39-122-2-.292
4. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 96-34-103-6-.324
5. Ryan Howard, Phillies: 105-45-141-8-.279
6. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres: 90-40-99-1-.277
7. Justin Morneau, Twins: 85-30-100-0-.274
8. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 99-27-94-7-.305
9. Lance Berkman, Astros: 73-25-80-7-.274
10. Kendry Morales 86-34-108-3-.306
11. Joey Votto, Reds: 82-25-84-4-.322
12. Derrek Lee, Cubs: 91-35-111-1-.306
13. Billy Butler, Royals: 78-21-93-1-.301
14. Adam Dunn, Nationals: 81-38-105-0-.267
15. Carlos Pena, Rays: 91-39-100-3-.227
16. James Loney, Dodgers: 73-13-90-7-.281
17. Todd Helton, Rockies: 79-15-86-0-.325
18. Adam LaRoche, Diamondbacks: 78-25-83-2-.277
19. Paul Konerko, White Sox: 75-28-88-1-.277
20. Chris Davis, Rangers: 48-21-59-0-.238

Preseason top 100 players (15): Pujols (1), Fielder (9), Teixeira (11), Cabrera (12), Howard (14), Gonzalez (29), Morneau (38), Youkilis (48), Berkman (52), Morales (56), Votto (62), Lee (72), Butler (81), Dunn (82), Pena (100)

Short hops
The incomparable Pujols has tallied at least 32 homers and 103 RBI while batting .314 or better in each of his nine big-league seasons. ... Fielder has a three-year streak of at least 34 homers and 102 RBI, Teixeira has had 30-plus homers and 105 or more RBI in six straight seasons, and Cabrera has a six-year run of 26-plus homers and 103-plus RBI. ... Howard has averaged 49.5 homers and 143 RBI the last four years, a span in which he’s had at least 181 strikeouts each season. ... The underrated Morneau has averaged 29.5 homers and 117.5 RBI since 2006. ... Berkman’s bruised knee could be cause for concern. If it causes him to miss even a couple weeks, he should drop behind Morales, Votto and Lee in the rankings. ... The Rays’ Pena won’t help you in batting average (.247 career) and he has a Branyan-esque total of 471 strikeouts the last three seasons. ... Dunn has a six-year run of at least 38 homers, 92 RBI and 164 K’s. ... The once-mighty Helton has hit 17 or fewer home runs and driven in 91 or fewer runs in four consecutive seasons. ... Don’t sleep on the Royals’ 23-year-old Butler, who can do everything but steal bases.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Catchers, Tuesday; first baseman, today; second baseman, Friday.

NEXT WEEK: Shortstops, third basemen and designated hitters

Before we get to our first fantasy baseball preview of the season, here’s a quick question for Indians fans who are in AL-only leagues: Lou Marson, Mike Redmond or Wyatt Toregas?

The possibility that one of the aforementioned Indians catchers will be drafted — and possibly started — in any fantasy league this season is among the best arguments proponents of mixed leagues can make.

The Tribe trio combined for 56 hits in 247 at-bats (a .227 average), zero home runs and 17 RBI in 85 major-league games last season.

You already knew the Indians’ catching situation — at least until Carlos Santana’s arrival — was as tenuous as their starting rotation. But you might not have known the position, from a fantasy perspective, isn’t much better.

This season, there seem to be three sure things — the Twins’ Joe Mauer, the Red Sox’s Victor Martinez and the Braves’ Brian McCann — and three very good No. 1 catchers (the Dodgers’ Russell Martin, the Yankees’ Jorge Posada and the Orioles’ Matt Wieters).

The latter statement is assuming Martin rebounds from a season in which he batted .250 with seven homers and 53 RBI, the 38-year-old Posada stays healthy and Wieters lives up to the hype.

Translation: If you don’t want your catcher to be a liability, you better draft one in the first five rounds.

If you wait, you might be looking at a best-case scenario of gambling that Geovany Soto rebounds or 35-year-old Bengie Molina continues to produce solid home-run and RBI numbers.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Joe Mauer, Twins: 94-28-96-4-.365
2. Victor Martinez, Red Sox: 88-23-108-1-.303
3. Brian McCann, Braves: 63-21-94-4.281
4. Russell Martin, Dodgers: 63-7-53-11-.250
5. Jorge Posada, Yankees: 55-22-81-1-.285
6. Matt Wieters, Orioles: 35-9-43-0-.288
7. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics: 74-15-88-8-.274
8. Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks: 61-16-59-1-.294
9. Geovany Soto, Cubs: 27-11-47-1-.218
10. Bengie Molina, Giants: 52-20-80-0-.265
11. Ryan Doumit, Pirates: 31-10-38-4-.250
12. Mike Napoli, Angels: 60-20-56-3-.272
13. Yadier Molina, Cardinals: 45-6-54-9-.293
14. Chris Iannetta, Rockies: 41-16-52-0-.228
15. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox: 57-13-49-1-.300
16. John Baker, Marlins: 59-9-50-0-.271
17. Ramon Hernandez, Reds: 25-5-37-1-.258
18. Rod Barajas, Mets: 43-19-71-1-.226
19. Miguel Olivo, Rockies: 51-23-65-5-.249
20. Pudge Rodriguez, Nationals: 55-10-47-1-.249

Preseason top 100 players (3): Mauer (8), Martinez (43), McCann (46)

Short hops
In 523 at-bats last season, Mauer more than doubled his previous career high of 13 homers, set in 2006. ... McCann has 86 home runs and 366 RBI in the last four seasons. ... Soto was great in 2008, when he batted .285 with 23 homers and 85 RBI in his first full big-league season. ... Doumit was also much better in 2008 (.318, 15 homers, 69 RBI) than ’09. ... Napoli has 40 homers, 105 RBI and 173 strikeouts in 609 at-bats the last two years. ... Iannetta also can be a liability in points-based leagues that penalize for strikeouts. He has fanned 167 times in 622 at-bats the last two seasons. ... Same goes for his new teammate, Olivo, who has 208 strikeouts in 696 at-bats in that span. ... A possible sleeper, if healthy: The Reds’ Hernandez, who averaged 16 homers and 73 RBI from 2006 to 2008.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: We’ll preview the first basemen on Thursday and the second basemen on Friday.

NEXT WEEK: Shortstops, third basemen and designated hitters