9. Mark DeRosa   Chicago Cubs

Historically DeRosa has been better in a platoon role than he has as an everyday player (.983 OPS vs. LHP, .746 OPS vs. RHP in 2006 and .864 OPS vs. LHP, .683 OPS vs. RHP lifetime), but the Cubs project him as their starting second baseman entering spring training. A lot of DeRosa’s fantasy value comes from his ability to play multiple positions so it will be interesting to see if the Cubs leave him at second base or at some poing during the season return him to his typical utility role. Either way, he should be in the lineup virtually everyday, health permitting. That said it’s tough to recommend a 32-year-old journeyman that has appeared in more than 72 games just three times during his career. However, he did show flashes of 'starting talent' with the Braves in 2001 and 2002 so don’t be surprised if he repeats his ’06 stat line at hitter friendly Wrigley Field this summer.

10, Brandon Phillips   Cincinnati Reds

Phillips had a breakout campaign in 2006 (.276-17-75-65-25 in 149 games) and finally delivered upon the promise he showed as a farm hand in the Cleveland organization. For this reason alone he will be overvalued on draft day. Consider that after batting .306-7-44 prior to the All Star break last year, Phillips batted just .243 with 10 HR, 31 RBI, and .702 OPS in the teams’ final 69 games. The potential is there for Phillips to hit 20 HR and steal 20 bases, but with that also come strikeouts and a batting average that won’t reward owners in 5x5 formats.

11) Jose Castillo   Pittsburgh Pirates

Castillo had a strong first half in 2006 sparked mostly by a huge May (.366-7-21 with 1.047 OPS in 26 games), but he struggled in the second half (.216-3-20 with .544 OPS in 63 games). In fact, if you take away the numbers he put up during his strong month of May he is left with a .225 BA, 7 HR, and 44 RBI in 417 AB. However, the flipside is that the soon to be 26-year-old closed out the season going 6-for-69 in the month of September with 0 HR and 2 RBI. Despite his inconsistacies, Castillo has value among one of the shallowest fantasy positions, second base, and should be considered a starting option in NL-only formats. 

12. Jeff Kent  Los Angeles Dodgers

Kent battled injuries last year (wrist and oblique) which limited him to 115 games. Still, he put up solid numbers when he was in the lineup (.292-14-68-61-1 with .861 OPS), but overall it was a disappointing season for Kent. Expecting the 39-year to be among the top fantasy contributors, even at the shallow National League fantasy position of second base, is no longer reasonable. Managers should count on Kent being overvalued on draft day.