1. Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees --
He can't possibly repeat his 2007 numbers (.314 BA / 143 Runs / 156 RBI / 24 SB), but the Yankee is arguably the safest pick on the board this year. Maybe you despise the New York Yankees and their player personnel as a whole; or you hate the way Rodriguez makes everything look so easy, or hard, depending on the game situation. While he is more likely to disappoint given his monster digits last year, the worst of A-Rod is better than most. 

2. Jose Reyes – New York Mets
No matter what anyone tells you about drafting for one category -- it is a hell of a lot easier to find 25-35 home runs after the first round than 50-70 steals. Reyes guarantees a fantasy owner that they will see "12" points in the stolen base category for most of the season.

3. David Wright – New York Mets
The best of Mr. Right is still ahead and as long as Willie "Wheels" Randolph is managing the Mets, the team will run. Wright will record his second straight 30/30 season with his home run total nearing 40.

4. Matt Holliday – Colorado
The Rockies are blessed with another great hitter much like they had with Todd Helton during his prime -- Holliday could end up being even better and offers fantasy owners more power. His .340 batting average last season was no fluke. Expect 100 runs, 100 RBI; 35-plus HR and double digit steals in 2008 with a BA of at least .333 from the sweet swinging right-hander. 

5. Hanley Ramirez – Florida
The loss of Miguel Cabrera's offense and Ramirez's offseason shoulder surgery -- drops him below Reyes -- but still ahead of the overrated Jimmy Rollins. If the talented Marlins' shortstop can continue to muscle up – he’s a candidate to join the 30/30 club.

6. Miguel Cabrera – Detroit
Under no circumstances should one be concerned about the size of new Tiger Stadium - it only makes the best hitter in baseball better. Like Holliday -- expect 100 runs, 100 RBI, 35-plus HR with a batting average close to .350 swinging in Comerica Park. Cabrera never was much motivated to steal bases, even playing for a National League organization known for running -- and as a Tiger he won’t steal any bases – not on purpose at least.

7. Prince Fielder – Milwaukee
I called Fielder the “Prince” of fantasy first basemen last year and he didn’t let me down. As long as the free swinger stays healthy he wins the home run title for the second straight season and does it with 50-plus ding-dongs – an accomplishment in what will soon be a New World Order (fear of testing positive for HGH)

8. Chase Utley – Philadelphia
The only second baseman to register 100 RBI and 100 runs scored in 2007 and he accomplished this after missing six weeks to a freak hand injury.

9. Carl Crawford - Tampa Bay
All reports have Crawford bulked up and in the best shape of his big league tenure. One could argue that Carl will challenge Matt for top honors in the fantasy outfield.

10. Jake Peavy – San Diego
The best division to pitch in and against, and the best home ball park to throw 100 innings in. While this writer and fantasy fanatic would never take a pitcher in the first-round -- for lack of nerve -- I also wouldn't dog an owner for making the move.