13. Michael Cuddyer    Minnesota Twins

For all the MVP votes that Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer received last year, it was easy to overlook the right fielder on the Twins that drove in 61 runs after the break.  What was his name? Admit it, you had written off Cuddyer as a fantasy factor.  In 2002 we were all led to believe that he was about to blossom as the All-Star of the future.  But then came 2003, 2004, and 2005.  By that time most fans couldn’t distinguish Cuddyer from Mike Restovich.  So just when you thought it was safe to remove Cuddyer from your combined league draft board he enjoys his 27^th birthday and celebrates with these numbers: .284 24 109 –with over 100 runs for good measure.  Cuddyer has arrived.  I don’t believe his ceiling is much higher, but he is now one of the top AL Outfielders.

I’m a Red Sox fan.  And I hate Sox players that end up with the Yankees.  I have a Mike Myers voodoo doll in my bathroom for Pete’s sake.  Yet when Damon went to the Evil Empire I was flabbergasted to find that I did not turn on him and wish him ill.  Strange.  That had never happened before.  I guess the Damon cog was just too important in the Sox machine that finally ended the Curse.  I’m loyal to that memory.  What does this have to do with these rankings?  Nothing.  Sorry.  I’m back now.  Damon is among the game's most patient hitters, unafraid to take several pitches before he sees something he likes.  With a full season under his belt in New York, expect one last, stellar Damon campaign before his inevitable decline (he is 33 and beats the tar out of his body).  The 2004 numbers: .300 20 94, plus about 120 runs and 20 swipes.  Expect a similar year in ‘07.

15. David DeJesus   Kansas City Royals

Sleeper Alert!  DeJesus has quietly (is there any other sound in KC) put up decent numbers for a few years and he is now 27.  He rebounded from an early season hamstring injury and had over 50 runs scored in the second half.  He also shows just enough power and speed to tease the fantasy player.  If he can improve his instincts on the base paths look out. He is locked in as the Royals leadoff man and center fielder for 2007.  Since the team will likely improve due to having Ryan Shealy in the lineup for a full season, 100 runs and 15 SB’s are a possiblity.  Grab him late.

16. Bobby Abreu    New York Yankees

This prediction could drive you schitzo.  We all know that the worst thing that ever happened to Abreu was winning the home run contest during the 2004 All-Star Game festivities.  His head swelled to Kevin Mench’s size and he went from a 30-30 force to a 20-30 asset.  Don’t get me wrong, assets help you win in fantasy sports.  But now that Abreu is in Gotham for a full season, the speed will likely suffer.  Joe Torre is cautious and with the great line up in Yankee Stadium there is little need to risk running-into outs.  Abreu has only missed 30 SB’s one time this millennium.  This season will be the second time.  But with a full campaign looking up at that right field porch in the ‘House that Ruth Built’, his power numbers could increase back to the 20+ homer level.  So now the blurred vision looks closer to 20-20.