I'm still torn on Albert Pujols vs. Miguel Cabrera now that the latter will be a third baseman.

For fantasy purposes, that's an excellent position change for Miggy. For comedic purposes -- also excellent.

We'll give The Machine a slight edge, which we feel even better about as he makes the switch to the American League, but we understand if you prefer the Hot Corner/Comedic stylings of Miggy Cabrera at No. 1.

I'm not torn on Ryan Braun being the best outfielder, even if many prefer Matt Kemp, Jose Bautista or Jacoby Ellsbury. Since the reigning National League MVP isn't facing a 50-game suspension, we believe he's the most productive, and safest, selection at his all-important position.

The three players whose value has dropped the most since our initial top 100 are Mets third baseman David Wright, Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford and Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard. All did so because of injury, and Howard is no longer part of our top 100.

Without further delay, our updated list. Good luck in your drafts, and may Jose Bautista be with you.

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Angels
2. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Tigers
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
4. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
5. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
6. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
7. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
8. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox
9. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
10. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
11. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
12. Prince Fielder, 1B, Tigers
13. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
14. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
15. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
16. Jose Reyes, SS, Marlins
17. Hanley Ramirez, 3B, Marlins
18. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
19. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies
20. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
21. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
22. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
23. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
24. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
25. Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
26. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
27. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
28. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
29. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
30. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
31. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
32. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
33. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
34. Hunter Pence, OF, Phillies
35. Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Marlins
36. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
37. Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks
38. David Price, SP, Rays
39. Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks
40. David Wright, 3B, Mets
41. Alex Gordon, OF, Royals
42. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
43. Michael Young, DH, Rangers
44. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox
45. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians
46. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
47. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
48. Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays
49. Carlos Santana, C, Indians
50. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
51. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
52. Brian McCann, C, Braves
53. Mike Napoli, C, Rangers
54. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
55. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
56. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
57. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
58. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
59. Buster Posey, C, Giants
60. James Shields, SP, Rays
61. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
62. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
63. Craig Kimbrel, RP, Braves
64. Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants
65. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Brewers
66. Zack Greinke, SP, Brewers
67. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
68. Alex Avila, C, Tigers
69. Lance Berkman, 1B, Cardinals
70. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians
71. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
72. Michael Bourn, OF, Braves
73. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays
74. Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox
75. Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Phillies
76. John Axford, RP, Brewers
77. C.J. Wilson, SP, Angels
78. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
79. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers
80. Madison Bumgarner, SP, Giants
81. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
82. Michael Pineda, SP, Yankees
83. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
84. Michael Morse, OF, Nationals
85. Billy Butler, DH, Royals
86. Drew Storen, RP, Nationals
87. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks
88. Michael Cuddyer, OF, Rockies
89. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
90. Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
91. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
92. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
93. Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks
94. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
95. Carlos Beltran, OF, Cardinals
96. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
97. Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
98. Jeff Francoeur, OF, Royals
99. Adam Lind, 1B, Blue Jays
100. Brian Wilson, RP, Giants

Last five out: Howard Kendrick, 2B, Angels; J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles; Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees; Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals; Matt Cain, SP, Giants.

Top 100 by position: Outfielders 28, starting pitchers 23, third basemen 10, first basemen 9, second basemen 8, catchers 7, shortstops 6, closers 6, designated hitters 3.

UPDATED RANKINGS: Batters, Pitchers

EARLY POSITION RANKINGS:  Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, closers, top 100 overall

Changes, we've made a few.

Since we began our series of fantasy baseball rankings with the catchers on Jan. 27, Ryan Braun has had his 50-game suspension overturned on a technicality, Ryan Howard and Carl Crawford have experienced setbacks in their attempts to come back from injuries, and your Cleveland Indians have signed first baseman Casey Kotchman.

OK, the last one doesn't matter. But the other are or could be significant, especially Braun, who vaults from No. 15 to No. 1 in the outfield, and is ranked third in our overall top 100.

Without further delay, our updated rankings for batters. Stats are from the 2011 season, and we have players ranked only at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time this season, not all positions at which they are eligible.

CATCHERS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Carlos Santana, Indians 84-27-79-5-.239
2. Brian McCann, Braves 51-24-71-3-.270
3. Mike Napoli, Rangers 72-30-75-4-.320
4. Buster Posey, Giants 17-4-21-3-.284
5. Alex Avila, Tigers 63-19-82-3-.295
6. Joe Mauer, Twins 38-3-30-0-.287
7. Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks 65-18-86-1-.282
8. Matt Wieters, Orioles 72-22-68-1-.262
9. Jesus Montero, Mariners 9-4-12-0-.328
10. Yadier Molina, Cardinals 55-14-65-4-.305
11. Russell Martin, Yankees 57-18-65-8-.237
12. Wilson Ramos, Nationals 48-15-52-0-.267
13. J.P. Arencibia, Blue Jays 47-23-78-1-.219
14. Geovany Soto, Cubs 46-17-54-0-.228
15. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics 54-14-44-2-.237
16. Salvador Perez, Royals 20-3-21-0-.331
17. Chris Iannetta, Angels 51-14-55-6-.238
18. Nick Hundley, Padres 34-9-29-1-.288
19. Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers 45-12-59-2-.265
20. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox 38-8-48-0-.287

FIRST BASEMEN
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Albert Pujols, Angels 105-37-99-9-.299
2. Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox 108-27-117-1-.338
3. Joey Votto, Reds 101-29-103-8-.309
4. Prince Fielder, Tigers 95-38-120-1-.299
5. Mark Teixeira, Yankees 90-39-111-4-.248
6. Paul Konerko, White Sox 69-31-105-1-.300
7. Lance Berkman, Cardinals 90-31-94-2-.301
8. Eric Hosmer, Royals 66-19-78-11-.293
9. Adam Lind, Blue Jays 56-26-87-1-.251
10. Gaby Sanchez, Marlins 72-19-78-3-.266
11. Freddie Freeman, Braves 67-21-76-4-.282
12. Ike Davis, Mets 20-7-25-0-.302
13. Ryan Howard, Phillies 81-33-116-1-.253
14. Justin Morneau, Twins 19-4-30-0-.277
15. Carlos Lee, Astros 66-18-94-4-.275
16. Carlos Pena, Rays 72-28-80-2-.225
17. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks 28-8-26-4-.250
18. Mitch Moreland, Rangers 60-16-51-2-.259
19. James Loney, Dodgers 56-12-65-4-.288
20. Mat Gamel, Brewers 1-0-2-0-.115

SECOND BASEMEN
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Robinson Cano, Yankees 104-28-118-8-.302
2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 102-21-91-26-.307
3. Ian Kinsler, Rangers 121-32-77-30-.255
4. Brandon Phillips, Reds 94-18-82-14-.300
5. Chase Utley, Phillies 54-11-44-14-.259
6. Ben Zobrist, Rays 99-20-91-19-.269
7. Dan Uggla, Braves 88-36-82-1-.23
8. Rickie Weeks, Brewers 77-20-49-9-.269
9. Howard Kendrick, Angels 86-18-63-14-.285
10. Dustin Ackley, Mariners 39-6-36-6-.273
11. Neil Walker, Pirates 76-12-83-9-.273
12. Danny Espinosa, Nationals 72-21-66-17-.236
13. Jemile Weeks, Athletics 50-2-36-22-.303
14. Jason Kipnis, Indians 24-7-19-5-.272
15. Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks 61-8-61-21-.246
16. Kelly Johnson, Blue Jays 75-21-58-16-.222
17. Daniel Murphy, Mets 49-6-49-5-.320
18. Brian Roberts, Orioles 18-3-19-6-.221
19. Gordon Beckham, White Sox 60-10-44-5-.230
20. Omar Infante, Marlins 55-7-49-4-.276

SHORTSTOPS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies 81-30-105-9-.302
2. Jose Reyes, Marlins 101-7-44-39-.337
3. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians 87-25-92-17-.273
4. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies 87-16-63-30-.268
5. Starlin Castro, Cubs 91-10-66-22-.307
6. Elvis Andrus, Rangers 96-5-60-37-.279
7. J.J. Hardy, Orioles 76-30-80-0-.269
8. Derek Jeter, Yankees 84-6-61-16-.297
9. Jhonny Peralta, Tigers 68-21-86-0-.299
10. Erick Aybar, Angels 71-10-59-30-.279
11. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox 81-15-70-7-.269
12. Dee Gordon, Dodgers 34-0-11-24-.304
13. Yunel Escobar, Blue Jays 77-11-48-3-.290
14. Ian Desmond, Nationals 65-8-49-25-.253
15. Rafael Furcal, Cardinals 44-8-28-9-.231
16. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks 44-5-45-4-.252
17. Alcides Escobar, Royals 69-4-46-26-.254
18. Jed Lowrie, Astros 40-6-36-1-.252
19. Alex Gonzalez, Brewers 59-15-56-2-.241
20. Zack Cozart, Reds 6-2-3-0-.324

THIRD BASEMEN
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 111-30-105-2-.344
2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 55-10-45-20-.243
3. Evan Longoria, Rays 78-31-99-3-.244
4. David Wright, Mets 60-14-61-13-.254
5. Adrian Beltre, Rangers 82-32-105-1-.296
6. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox 68-17-80-3-.258
7. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 67-16-62-4-.276
8. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 52-12-49-3-.289
9. Pablo Sandoval, Giants 55-23-70-2-.315
10. Aramis Ramirez, Brewers 80-26-93-1-.306
11. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays 26-9-25-7-.293
12. Ryan Roberts, Diamondbacks 86-19-65-18-.249
13. David Freese, Cardinals 41-10-55-1-.297
14. Mark Reynolds, Orioles 84-37-86-6-.221
15. Mike Moustakas, Royals 26-5-30-2-.263
16. Chipper Jones, Braves 56-18-70-2-.275
17. Chase Headley, Padres 43-4-44-13-.289
18. Pedro Alvarez, Pirates 18-4-19-1-.191
19. Danny Valencia, Twins 63-15-72-2-.246
20. Placido Polanco, Phillies 46-5-50-3-.277

DESIGNATED HITTERS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Michael Young, Rangers 88-11-106-6-.338
2. David Ortiz, Red Sox 84-29-96-1-.309
3. Billy Butler, Royals 74-19-95-2-.291
4. Mark Trumbo, Angels 65-29-87-9-.254
5. Kendrys Morales, Angels DNP
6. Johnny Damon, free agent 79-16-73-19-.261
7. Travis Hafner, Indians 41-13-57-0-.280
8. Raul Ibanez, Yankees 65-20-84-2-.245
9. Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays 70-17-55-8-.272
10. Adam Dunn, White Sox 36-11-42-0-.159

OUTFIELDERS
Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Ryan Braun, Brewers 109-33-111-33-.332
2. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays 105-43-103-9-.302
3. Matt Kemp, Dodgers 115-39-126-40-.324
4. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox 119-32-105-39-.321
5. Curtis Granderson, Yankees 136-41-119-25-.262
6. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies 92-26-92-20-.295
7. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks 105-31-88-21-.289
8. Josh Hamilton, Rangers 80-25-94-8-.298
9. Matt Holliday, Cardinals 83-22-75-2-.296
10. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates 87-23-89-23-.259
11. Hunter Pence, Astros 84-22-97-8-.314
12. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins 79-34-87-5-.262
13. Shane Victorino, Phillies 95-17-61-19-.279
14. Alex Gordon, Royals 101-23-87-17-.303
15. Nelson Cruz, Rangers 64-29-87-9-.263
16. Jay Bruce, Reds 84-32-97-8-.256
17. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians 37-8-36-12-.259
18. Michael Bourn, Braves 94-2-50-61-.294
19. Desmond Jennings, Rays 44-10-25-20-.259
20. Carl Crawford, Red Sox 65-11-56-18-.255
21. Michael Morse, Nationals 73-31-95-2-.289
22. Chris Young, Diamondbacks 89-20-71-22-.236
23. Michael Cuddyer, Twins 70-20-70-11-.284
24. Jason Heyward, Braves 50-14-42-9-.227
25. Carlos Beltran, Cardinals 78-22-84-4-.300
26. Andre Ethier, Dodgers 67-11-62-0-.292
27. Adam Jones, Orioles 68-25-83-12-.280
28. Jeff Francoeur, Royals 77-20-87-22-.285
29. Jayson Werth, Nationals 69-20-58-19-.232
30. Martin Prado, Braves 66-13-57-4-.260
31. Melky Cabrera, Giants 102-18-87-20-.305
32. Nick Markakis, Orioles 72-15-73-12-.284
33. Corey Hart, Brewers 80-26-63-7-.285
34. B.J. Upton, Rays 82-23-81-36-.243
35. Nick Swisher, Yankees 81-23-85-2-.260
36. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 80-5-47-40-.272
37. Drew Stubbs, Reds 92-15-44-40-.243
38. Coco Crisp, Athletics 69-8-54-49-.264
39. Logan Morrison, Marlins 54-23-72-2-.247
40. Delmon Young, Tigers 54-12-64-1-.268
41. Brett Gardner, Yankees 87-7-36-49-.259
42. Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins 78-5-36-40-.296
43. Alex Rios, White Sox 64-13-44-11-.227
44. Matt Joyce, Rays 69-19-75-13-.277
45. Carlos Quentin, Padres 53-24-77-1-.254
46. Brennan Boesch, Tigers 75-16-54-5-.283
47. Cameron Maybin, Padres 82-9-40-40-.264
48. Angel Pagan, Giants 68-7-56-32-.262
49. Torii Hunter, Angels 80-23-82-5-.262
50. Peter Bourjos, Angels 72-12-43-22-.271
51. Colby Rasmus, Blue Jays 75-14-53-5-.225
52. Jose Tabata, Pirates 53-4-21-16-.266
53. Lucas Duda, Mets 38-10-50-1-.292
54. Jason Kubel, Diamondbacks 37-12-58-1-.273
55. Josh Willingham, Twins 69-29-98-4-.246
56. Vernon Wells, Angels 60-25-66-9-.218
57. John Mayberry, Phillies 37-15-49-8-.273
58. Austin Jackson, Tigers 90-10-45-22-.249
59. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 50-26-88-2-.244
60. Dexter Fowler, Rockies 84-5-45-12-.266

PREVIOUS RANKINGS:  Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, closers, top 100 overall

So much for the most difficult draft-day decision.

The news this week that Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun won't be suspended -- much to Major League Baseball's chagrin, and much to the delight of the fantasy geek in many of us -- changes everything.

OK, not everything. But it does change the pecking order in the outfield and the first round of our drafts.

I was willing to commit a fourth-round pick to the reigning National League MVP when I thought he would miss the first 50 games of the season.

Now: I'd select him over Jose Bautista, Matt Kemp and the other stud outfielders, and I'd consider him ahead of Miguel Cabrera at No. 2 overall. Cabrera gets the nod for one reason: His switch to third base, which increases his value.

On to our early top 100 ...

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Angels
2. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Tigers
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
4. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
5. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
6. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
7. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
8. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox
9. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
10. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
11. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
12. Prince Fielder, 1B, Tigers
13. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
14. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
15. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
16. Jose Reyes, SS, Marlins
17. Hanley Ramirez, 3B, Marlins
18. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
19. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies
20. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
21. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
22. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
23. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
24. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
25. Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
26. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
27. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
28. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
29. David Wright, 3B, Mets
30. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
31. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
32. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
33. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
34. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
35. Hunter Pence, OF, Phillies
36. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
37. Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
38. Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks
39. David Price, SP, Rays
40. Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks
41. Alex Gordon, OF, Royals
42. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
43. Michael Young, DH, Rangers
44. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox
45. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians
46. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
47. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
48. Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays
49. Carlos Santana, C, Indians
50. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
51. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
52. Brian McCann, C, Braves
53. Mike Napoli, C, Rangers
54. Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox
55. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
56. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
57. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
58. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
59. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
60. Buster Posey, C, Giants
61. James Shields, SP, Rays
62. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
63. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
64. Craig Kimbrel, RP, Braves
65. Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants
66. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Brewers
67. Zack Greinke, SP, Brewers
68. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
69. Alex Avila, C, Tigers
70. Lance Berkman, 1B, Cardinals
71. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians
72. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
73. Michael Bourn, OF, Braves
74. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays
75. Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Phillies
76. John Axford, RP, Brewers
77. C.J. Wilson, SP, Angels
78. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
79. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers
80. Madison Bumgarner, SP, Giants
81. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
82. Michael Pineda, SP, Yankees
83. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
84. Michael Morse, OF, Nationals
85. Billy Butler, DH, Royals
86. Drew Storen, RP, Nationals
87. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks
88. Michael Cuddyer, OF, Rockies
89. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
90. Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
91. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
92. Corey Hart, OF, Brewers
93. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
94. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
95. Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks
96. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
97. Carlos Beltran, OF, Cardinals
98. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
99. Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
100. Jeff Francoeur, OF, Royals

Last five out: Brian Wilson, RP, Giants; Howard Kendrick, 2B, Angels; Adam Lind, 1B, Blue Jays; J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles; Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees.

Top 100 by position: Outfielders 29, starting pitchers 23, third basemen 10, first basemen 9, second basemen 8, catchers 7, shortstops 6, closers 5, designated hitters 3.

PREVIOUS:  Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, closers

When do you select Ryan Braun?

In my mind, that's the most difficult decision on draft day.

With the Brewers outfielder and reigning National League MVP facing a 50-game suspension for allegedly testing positive for having an elevated testosterone level in a drug test, you must decide if you want to take a top-three talent in the third, fourth or fifth round.

If Braun was scheduled to play from the start of the season, I'd rank him No. 3 overall, behind Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera. Now, his season likely won't begin until Milwaukee's 50th game, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 31.

If you select Braun, you could play him the week he returns and get four games out of the player who batted .332 with 109 runs, 33 homers, 111 RBI and 33 steals last season. Or you could wait and play him the following week, which is Week 9.

The dilemma: Eight or nine weeks without a player you'll be tempted to take in the third round, once most of the hammers have come off the board.

The solution: Select Braun as your No. 2 outfielder, after you have taken a stud in the first few rounds. That way, his absence won't be felt as much for the first eight weeks.

In our overall top 100, which we will post after the rankings of the starting pitchers and closers, we have Braun No. 42 overall -- an ideal mid-fourth-round pick in a 12-team league.

At that point, he will be much too good to pass up.

If the opposing owners give you grief about the eight or nine weeks Braun will be out of your lineup, give them these numbers: .312, 101, 32, 106 and 19. Those are Braun's five-year career norms for batting average, runs scored, homers, RBI and steals, respectively.

On to the top 60 outfielders ...

Note: All players are ranked at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not all positions at which they are eligible. ... Stats are from 2011.

Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays 105-43-103-9-.302
2. Matt Kemp, Dodgers 115-39-126-40-.324
3. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox 119-32-105-39-.321
4. Curtis Granderson, Yankees 136-41-119-25-.262
5. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies 92-26-92-20-.295
6. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks 105-31-88-21-.289
7. Josh Hamilton, Rangers 80-25-94-8-.298
8. Matt Holliday, Cardinals 83-22-75-2-.296
9. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates 87-23-89-23-.259
10. Hunter Pence, Astros 84-22-97-8-.314
11. Shane Victorino, Phillies 95-17-61-19-.279
12. Mike Stanton, Marlins 79-34-87-5-.262
13. Alex Gordon, Royals 101-23-87-17-.303
14. Nelson Cruz, Rangers 64-29-87-9-.263
15. Ryan Braun, Brewers 109-33-111-33-.332
16. Carl Crawford, Red Sox 65-11-56-18-.255
17. Jay Bruce, Reds 84-32-97-8-.256
18. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians 37-8-36-12-.259
19. Michael Bourn, Braves 94-2-50-61-.294
20. Desmond Jennings, Rays 44-10-25-20-.259
21. Michael Morse, Nationals 73-31-95-2-.289
22. Chris Young, Diamondbacks 89-20-71-22-.236
23. Michael Cuddyer, Twins 70-20-70-11-.284
24. Jason Heyward, Braves 50-14-42-9-.227
25. Corey Hart, Brewers 80-26-63-7-.285
26. Carlos Beltran, Cardinals 78-22-84-4-.300
27. Andre Ethier, Dodgers 67-11-62-0-.292
28. Adam Jones, Orioles 68-25-83-12-.280
29. Jeff Francoeur, Royals 77-20-87-22-.285
30. Jayson Werth, Nationals 69-20-58-19-.232
31. Martin Prado, Braves 66-13-57-4-.260
32. Melky Cabrera, Giants 102-18-87-20-.305
33. Nick Markakis, Orioles 72-15-73-12-.284
34. B.J. Upton, Rays 82-23-81-36-.243
35. Nick Swisher, Yankees 81-23-85-2-.260
36. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 80-5-47-40-.272
37. Drew Stubbs, Reds 92-15-44-40-.243
38. Coco Crisp, Athletics 69-8-54-49-.264
39. Logan Morrison, Marlins 54-23-72-2-.247
40. Delmon Young, Tigers 54-12-64-1-.268
41. Brett Gardner, Yankees 87-7-36-49-.259
42. Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins 78-5-36-40-.296
43. Alex Rios, White Sox 64-13-44-11-.227
44. Matt Joyce, Rays 69-19-75-13-.277
45. Carlos Quentin, Padres 53-24-77-1-.254
46. Brennan Boesch, Tigers 75-16-54-5-.283
47. Cameron Maybin, Padres 82-9-40-40-.264
48. Angel Pagan, Giants 68-7-56-32-.262
49. Torii Hunter, Angels 80-23-82-5-.262
50. Peter Bourjos, Angels 72-12-43-22-.271
51. Colby Rasmus, Blue Jays 75-14-53-5-.225
52. Jose Tabata, Pirates 53-4-21-16-.266
53. Lucas Duda, Mets 38-10-50-1-.292
54. Jason Kubel, Diamondbacks 37-12-58-1-.273
55. Josh Willingham, Twins 69-29-98-4-.246
56. Vernon Wells, Angels 60-25-66-9-.218
57. John Mayberry, Phillies 37-15-49-8-.273
58. Austin Jackson, Tigers 90-10-45-22-.249
59. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 50-26-88-2-.244
60. Dexter Fowler, Rockies 84-5-45-12-.266

Last three out: Denard Span, Twins; Jon Jay, Cardinals; Grady Sizemore, Indians.

Eligibility notes: The Rays' Ben Zobrist is eligible in the outfield, but is much more valuable at second base. ... The Cardinals' Lance Berkman is listed at first base, where he is taking over for Albert Pujols.

Key stats: Bautista is deserving of top-three overall status after averaging 49 home runs, 114 RBI, 107 runs and nine stolen bases the last two seasons. In 2011, he increased his batting average 42 points to .302.

PREVIOUS: Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters

NEXT: Starting pitchers

A lot has changed since we last ranked the top 100 players in fantasy baseball.

More than four months later, 39 players have dropped out. If you go by our late-March list, the biggest busts this season, not surprisingly, are Hanley Ramirez (No. 3 preseason) and Carl Crawford (No. 4).

Both didn't make the cut this time around, but in fairness to Ramirez, he's injured. That leaves Crawford as the biggest bust, and the Tribe's Asdrubal Cabrera as one of the biggest surprises.

Cabrera didn't make the top 100 in the preseason, but he's No. 23 now, the biggest leap of any player who wasn't ranked prior to the year. The next-biggest jumps among the unranked were by Lance Berkman (now No. 24), Ben Zobrist (28), Melky Cabrera (31) and Dan Haren (37).

Of the players who were ranked in the preseason, the Yankees' Curtis Granderson made the biggest jump, from No. 90 to 2. Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is next at 62 spots (from 68 to 6), followed by Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (from 72 to 21), Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (from 89 to 43) and Angels pitcher Jered Weaver (from 58 to 12).

If you couldn't care less about the booms and the busts and just want to see the rankings, my apologies for the first five paragraphs. Here they are, with one caveat: Players who are on the disabled list weren't eligible, since this is meant to be a current ranking of the best in fantasy. The only exceptions were the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez and the Braves' Brian McCann, both of whom are expected to return in the new few days (McCann as soon as today).

1. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays (preseason: 21)
2. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees (90)
3. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers (34)
4. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers (9)
5. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox (18)
6. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox (68)
7. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers (29)
8. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies (7)
9. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers (38)
10. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies (10)
11. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox (22)
12. Jered Weaver, SP, Angels (58)
13. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers (5)
14. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks (53)
15. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals (1)
16. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds (8)
17. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies (55)
18. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees (11)
19. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers (32)
20. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates (37)
21. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers (72)
22. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers (6)
23. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians (NR)
24. Lance Berkman, OF, Cardinals (NR)
25. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees (33)
26. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies (31)
27. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox (26)
28. Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays (NR)
29. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies (70)
30. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies (49)
31. Melky Cabrera, OF, Royals (NR)
32. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies (2)
33. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox (61)
34. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees (28)
35. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays (13)
36. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies (64)
37. Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks (NR)
38. David Wright, 3B, Mets (15)
39. Victor Martinez, C/DH, Tigers (35)
40. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals (17)
41. Michael Young, DH, Rangers (67)
42. James Shields, SP, Rays (NR)
43. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs (89)
44. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs (71)
45. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox (82)
46. Adam Jones, OF, Orioles (NR)
47. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees (16)
48. Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks (NR)
49. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers (44)
50. Carlos Santana, C, Indians (77)
51. Brian McCann, C, Braves (43)
52. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants (14)
53. Hunter Pence, OF, Phillies (52)
54. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds (41)
55. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox (27)
56. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals (30)
57. Michael Bourn, OF, Braves (NR)
58. Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox (NR)
59. Michael Cuddyer, 1B/OF, Twins (NR)
60. Jhonny Peralta, SS, Tigers (NR)
61. Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Tigers (NR)
62. Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks (NR)
63. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks (57)
64. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers (NR)
65. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners (12)
66. Jeff Francoeur, OF, Royals (NR)
67. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves (40)
68. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies (47)
69. Carlos Beltran, OF, Giants (NR)
70. Ryan Vogelsong, SP, Giants (NR)
71. C.J. Wilson, SP, Rangers (NR)
72. Joe Mauer, C, Twins (19)
73. Alex Gordon, OF, Royals (NR)
74. Craig Kimbrel, RP, Braves (NR)
75. Jaime Garcia, SP, Cardinals (NR)
76. John Axford, RP, Brewers (NR)
77. Brian Wilson, RP, Giants (78)
78. Alexi Ogando, SP, Rangers (NR)
79. Michael Morse, 1B, Nationals (NR)
80. Billy Butler, 1B, Royals (86)
81. Jonathon Papelbon, RP, Red Sox (NR)
82. Matt Cain, SP, Giants (87)
83. Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox (NR)
84. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers (92)
85. Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles (NR)
86. Ryan Roberts, 3B, Diamondbacks (NR)
87. Ricky Romero, SP, Blue Jays (NR)
88. Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies (NR)
89. Yunel Escobar, SS, Blue Jays (NR)
90. Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins (97)
91. Drew Storen, RP, Nationals (NR)
92. Justin Masterson, SP, Indians (NR)
93. Zack Greinke, SP, Brewers (NR)
94. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds (NR)
95. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves (93)
96. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees (94)
97. Gaby Sanchez, 1B, Marlins (NR)
98. Heath Bell, RP, Padres (79)
99. Michael Pineda, SP, Mariners (NR)
100. Jose Valverde, RP, Tigers (NR)

Five who just missed the cut: Carlos Lee, OF, Astros; Martin Prado, OF, Braves; Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners; Tim Hudson, SP, Braves; Alexei Ramirez, SS, White Sox

Top 100 by position: Outfielders 25, starting pitchers 25, first basemen 12, closers 8, third basemen 8, second basemen 7, shortstops 7, catchers 5, designated hitters 3.

He's a 34-year-old pitcher.

From 2007 to 2009, he started only 23 games and was 5-10.

Even when he won 17 games in 2006, he had a 4.53 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.

It only makes sense, then, that in 2010 -- aka The Year of the Pitcher, Jose Bautista, Paul Konerko, Troy Glaus, Vladimir Guerrero and Corey Hart -- Freddy Garcia again is a fantasy factor.

It's been a goofy season (Bautista and Konerko are tied with Miguel Cabrera for the major-league lead in homers; Guerrero and Hart are tied for third in RBI), and Garcia is back to compiling some wacky numbers.

His ERA is 4.66 and his WHIP is 1.34. Yet he's 8-3, has won five consecutive decisions and is 8-1 in his last 10 starts.

Another surprising number: As of early Tuesday night, Garcia was available in more than 88 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com.

He's not going to provide much help to your team ERA -- in fact, he might hurt it. The same goes for your team's WHIP. His strikeout numbers (51 in 85 innings) aren't much better.

If you need wins, however, Garcia should be near the top of your waiver-wire wish list.

In his last six starts, Garcia is 5-0 with a 3.54 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Since May 5, he's managed to go 8-1, even with a 4.21 ERA and 1.35 WHIP.

Even with the gaudy season ERA, Garcia has allowed three earned runs or fewer in eight of his last 10 starts.

He knows how to win, obviously, as his career statistics show (Garcia has had 12 or more victories seven times in his career).

I wouldn't start him in 10- or 12-team mixed leagues. In deeper mixed formats (14- and 16-team leagues) and in AL-only leagues, Garcia is a starting option.

Before you make the move, consider if you can afford the hit to your team ERA. And keep in mind Garcia's 4.66 is inflated by two poor outings (starts in which he allowed seven earned runs in three and 2 1/3 innings).

Take away those two losses and Garcia is 8-1 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts.

He might soon realize he's 34 and fortunate to be winning so frequently. Or he might win 16 games.

In a season in which Bautista is on pace to play in all 162 games, hit 42 homers and drive in 105 runs, would you really be surprised if Garcia accomplished the latter?

In the first two months of the season, Jose Bautista was a find more rare than an uplifting TMZ video: A waiver-wire acquisition who was an everyweek starter.

The last two weeks, he's been the fantasy baseball equivalent of Paris Hilton trying to parallel park in between the paparazzi.

Since hitting a pair of home runs against the Yankees on June 4, Bautista is 2-for-36 (.056) with one run scored, zero RBI and 13 strikeouts.

The slump has dropped his batting average to .227 -- which is only 10 points off his career norm of .237 -- and the Blue Jays' outfielder/third baseman has struck out 58 times in 229 at-bats (also in line with his career average of one K per four at-bats).

If you had Bautista in your lineup for many of his 18 home runs and 45 RBI, consider yourself fortunate. For a while, it seemed as if he might be the 2010 version of 2008 Carlos Quentin -- a waiver-wire acquisition who racks up 25 to 30 home runs and drives in 100.

Considering Toronto has only played 66 games, Bautista is still on track to exceed those numbers. But it's difficult to play a poor hitter who's mired in a terrible slump.

VERDICT: Sit

Unlike Bautista, Delmon Young started the season by gaining our interest, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs in his first five games. While Bautista excelled in May, Young faded.

In 61 at-bats spanning 19 games following his five-game start, Young had all of one homer and four RBI. Since May 26, however, he's been hotter than a TMZ showdown with Kanye West.

In 63 at-bats, the Twins outfielder is batting .365 with four homers, 20 RBI and 11 runs scored. The torrid stretch has lifted his season average to .292, and he has eight homers and 41 RBI in 192 at-bats. Also impressive: Young has struck out only 22 times, an average of one per 8.7 at-bats -- 3.5 better than his career norm of one K per 5.2 at-bats.

In 2007 with Tampa Bay, Young batted .288 with 13 homers, 93 RBI and 10 stolen bases in his first full major-league season. In 2008 and '09, he didn't have more than 12 homers or 69 RBI.

Now, he's locked in. Start him -- but first you might have to acquire him. As of late Wednesday night, Young is owned in only 42.6 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com.

For more fantasy sports updates, follow Kevin Kleps on Twitter.

It was a lofty goal, but I figured if LeBron James can shoot a key free throw left-handed, I can attempt to find three players on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball who are useful, despite being owned in fewer than 15 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com.

Hence, this week's Pick Three -- a trio of players who are lower-level starters in deep mixed leagues or AL- and NL-only formats (all stats are through Wednesday):

-- Kevin Correia, SP, Padres (owned in 13 percent of the ESPN leagues): He's won four of his first five starts, but apparently many of you aren't buying it.

There is one stat that seems even more out of place than Correia's record: His 26 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched. In his eight-year career, he's averaged 6.6 strikeouts per 9 innings, so I wouldn't expect him to average anywhere near a K per inning.

Despite the mediocre career strikeout numbers, Correia was effective in 2009, his first full season as a starter, finishing 12-11 with a 3.91 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 198 innings.

He's allowed four runs or fewer in each of his five starts and two runs or fewer three times. Considering the struggles of some big-name pitchers this season (see Peavy, Jake; Beckett, Josh; Verlander, Justin; Greinke, Zack; and more than a few others), Correia is a decent option, especially in weeks in which he starts twice (see Week 5).

-- Ike Davis, 1B, Mets (10.6 percent): The 23-year-old, a first-round pick of the Mets in 2008 (No. 18 overall), received all of 33 at-bats in Triple-A before getting the call to the Big Apple.

The 6-foot-4 left-hander batted .355 with five runs scored, a homer, six RBI and .981 OPS in his first 10 games.

Before you get too excited, remember Davis is a rookie who has only 677 at-bats in the minor leagues. From 2008 to this year, he batted .288 with 83 runs, 22 homers and 92 RBI down on the farm.

Quality numbers? Yes. But he has a tendency to strike out almost every four at-bats and he likely will endure some growing pains in his first big-league season.

-- Jose Bautista, 3B, OF, Blue Jays (5.7 percent): In 787 at-bats since 2008 with the Pirates and Jays, Bautista has 32 homers, 110 RBI and 109 runs scored.

He's available in almost every league because he's a career .238 batter who entered Thursday night's game against the Oakland with a .222 average and .787 OPS in 22 games.

Regardless, if you can afford the dip in average, Bautista will give you a homer and RBI (16 in 81 at-bats this season) boost in deeper leagues, and he should be eligible at both third base and the outfield.

Best of the rest: Ervin Santana, SP, Angels (14.8 percent); Randy Wells, SP, Cubs (11.5); Brandon Inge, 3B, Tigers (11.3), David DeJesus, OF, Royals (7.8); Carlos Silva, SP, Cubs (7.2).