Winning your fantasy baseball season is all about finding those diamonds in the rough that is about to have a breakout year. Nick Markakis, the young Baltimore Oriole that just signed on long term, is a perfect example of a good value pick. What makes Nick Markakis a good bargain? Lets take a look:
Markakis plays for a team that is on the rise offensively, and is in prime position to be a large contributor. Last season, he hit .306, with 20 HRs and 87 RBIs. He stole 10 bases, and scored 106 runs. Additionally, he had 182 hits. Certainly these numbers are pretty solid, but you must look closer.

Markakis is young at only 25 years of age. He actually had an off year last year at first glance. His homers went down from the previous season, as well as RBIs and steals. This is a flag for many fantasy owners that do not pay close attention. Markakis did move backwards in these areas, but it was not because he had a bad year. He became much more selective at the plate, and actually raised his slugging percentage and average. This translates into a huge breakout year this season as Markakis will start to put it all together.

Is this plan iron clad? Of course not, but all the signs are there. 25 is about the right age where the stars begin to truly insert the big seasons into their baseball resume, and the production is solid already. Also, Markakis just signed a long term deal with the Orioles so his place in the lineup is secure and he can relax. The best part of this whole scenario for fantasy baseball owners is that you will likely be able to steal Markakis or acquire him for very little if you get him before the season starts.

Markakis is what is often referred to as a pinball player. He seems to put up something every single time he plays in the way of fantasy baseball points and value. He rarely puts out a goose egg, and he plays really hard. If you want a fantasy baseball steal, then put Markakis on your board just a few notches higher on your cheat sheet. You can thank me at the end of the baseball season.

David Wright – Wright has been percolating for a couple of years now, and seems to be just about ready to explode. Some would argue that he already has, but I say he has more to offer than he has already given. Wright is going to have a huge year, and will only benefit from the improvement that is blossoming around the team. Wright will be huge this season.

Hanley Ramirez – Ramirez really grew on me last year. I picked him with the number one pick a year ago, and was a bit disappointed at midseason. Then, he caught fire in every category and the rest of the year his numbers were like pinball points. He is one fun stat line to read each morning, and very deserving of being drafted anywhere you please. He is surely a number one potential pick, and rightfully so.

Albert Pujols – Pujols is the guy that everybody wants, and expects huge numbers from year after year. The difference with Pujols is, you end up with even more than you hoped for most of the time. Usually there is a letdown, but not with Pujols. He is apparently healthy going into this season, and should be ready to go when the rawhide starts flying. Look out National League pitching.

Jose Reyes – Reyes is one of the best players in the game and is so fast that he seems like he is on ice skates. The guy can hit too, which makes him a multi-category threat like all the others on this list. This season I think Reyes moves up a slot or two due to maturity, and a better approach at the plate. He seems like he has something to prove as well.

Alex Rodriguez – A-roid has slid a bit on the list this year, but he is still a powerful force. The arrival of Teixiera can only help Rodriguez as far as getting good pitches and pressure relief, but A-rod has really shot himself in the tail with stress. Nobody can sit under those bright New York Yankee lights and not eventually crack under the glare. A-rod brought this Yankee pressure on himself. A great start to the year would do wonders to dim those lights a bit.

Ryan Braun – Anybody that followed baseball last year knows the potential that this guy has. During the nightly Sportscenter, it seemed that Braun would be on there hitting a light tower home run every single night. This guy is fun to watch, and will be a great fantasy ball player this year.

Grady Sizemore – Sizemore makes this spot simply based on the fact that he is entering the prime of his career, and can do it all. He showed last year that he was not a one year wonder. Sizemore is going to be even better this year with a bit of confidence behind him. He knows that he is among the best, and now he will take another step up the fantasy baseball points ladder.

Here are the top five catchers for fantasy baseball in the National League:

Brian McCann – McCann to me is on the verge of a breakout year among National League catchers. Most prognosticators put McCann behind Russell Martin, largely because of Martin’s speed. I place McCann ahead of Martin this year because I think that gap will close some. Not because McCann suddenly will get faster, but because I see Martin dropping in the other categories this year a bit. McCann is a very strong hitter and his role with the Brave’s offense this season might increase, thereby giving his stats a little bump.

Russell Martin – As stated above, Martin gets the jump on most catchers due to speed, but Martin has to start to show the effects of being a catcher someday. My guess is that will begin to show this year. Martin did not seem like himself last year, and I expect that a decline is in the works. Still, Martin with a slight decline in stats is still better in fantasy baseball than the majority of National League catchers.

Geovany Soto – Soto burst onto the National League scene last year and fantasy baseball certainly took notice. Soto may even get drafted above McCann and Russell Martin in some fantasy drafts, but I think that is a bit premature. I expect another solid season from the young catcher, and a big year next year. Still, he could break out this season and be a steal for some lucky owner.

Ryan Doumit – Doumit is in much the same boat as Soto in my eyes, though slightly behind him in most categories. I expect that Doumit will be much better this year than last, and the trend to continue to grow. He is a keeper for the long run to be sure. Doumit has the potential to be the best of the bunch.

Chris Iannetta – Iannetta would be included with the Soto/Doumit category were it not for his struggles with batting average. His power and RBIs are encouraging, but his batting average will need to rise to truly become a fantasy baseball force. Still, he is a good bet at catcher in the National League Fantasy Baseball leagues.

David Wright – A man alone would be a great way to describe David Wright at number one at this position. Some place him at number one in all of baseball though I would argue that one. At third base in the National League, however, it is a no-brainer to put Wright at the top. Nobody else is really close at all to the overall package that Wright brings to your fantasy baseball team.

Aramis Ramirez – Ramirez is also rather easy at number two, as he is the picture of consistency. Oddly, he does it quietly. Ramirez is one of those players that you always see among the league leaders, and you are still surprised to see him there. He simply produces year after year, and is often stolen during fantasy drafts for little to nothing compared to his value. Everybody is waiting on him to fall, but it just does not seem to happen.

Garrett Atkins – Atkins is the anti-Ramirez. In other words, he is a guy you expect to see at the top of the leaderboards, yet seem to always be disappointed. Still, I expect Atkins to have a great year. I will say that if Atkins leaves Colorado this off season, drop him several spots on this list. He is certainly more profitable for your fantasy baseball team in the Rocky Mountains.

Ryan Zimmerman – Everybody and their brother had Zimmerman being the break out star a couple years ago, and he has since been labeled a bit of a disappointment. To be fair, I think that is a bit short sighted and silly given the young star’s short time in the League. This guy is going to break out in a big way in the next two to three years and everybody that gave up on him will wish they had not. Will that be 2009? Who knows? That is why he is only number four.

Chipper Jones – Good old Chipper is still hanging onto the number five spot regardless of being 98 years old in baseball age. The venerable veteran is still laying serious wood on the baseball, however, and flirted with .400 for the majority of last season. The injuries are the only reason that Chipper is not quite the Chipper of old, and you never know when he will have that year where he stays healthy. Half of Chipper is still better than many other options. Feel good about drafting Chipper, but not in the early rounds.

Roy Halladay – Halladay was just short of incredible last season and particularly in fantasy baseball. His 2.78 ERA and 1.05 WHIP was simply off the charts for the number of innings he pitched. Throw in that he won 20 games while only losing 11 and you have a fantasy baseball MVP candidate. Halladay gives you everything, including strikeouts, so do not hesitate to draft him if you get the chance.

Josh Beckett – Many people would take issue with my putting Beckett at number two on this list, but remember that this list is for 2009, and not 2008. I expect that Josh will return to the form that made him one of the hottest commodities around a couple years ago. The ERA and low win totals from last year were purely health related, and Beckett is ready for this year it appears. He will get you the wins and K’s while keeping a strong ERA and WHIP. That is all you need to win.
CC Sabathia – The biggest free agent signing of the off season, picked up by the New York Yankees, Sabathia is sure to make a splash in the big apple. CC was simply incredible for Milwaulkee last season with a 2.70 ERA and WHIP of only 1.11. He also won 17 games and struck out oodles of batters. Do I think Sabathia will be worth what the Yankees paid the man? Hell no. I do not think anybody could pitch that well.

Jon Lester – Lester is the absolute best story in baseball after all the health issues that he has come back from. Still, it is his numbers that make him a viable fantasy draft pick. 16 wins, and an ERA of only 3.21 are always a welcome addition to any fantasy team. Lester might just eclipse those numbers this year.

John Lackey – Lackey is another pitcher who is usually seriously undervalued. I will gladly take him later in the draft and win my league. His ERA and WHIP are comparable to all of those players above when he is on, and he is due to breakout this year. His 12 wins last year were a fraction of the games he will win this year. I am looking for 20 wins out of this fantasy dark horse.

Michael Young – Young is one of those guys that every fantasy baseball team loves to have. Virtually every single game he produces something to help your team out, and rarely takes anything away. He has a little of everything in his game, and is consistently among the league leaders at his position. He is the best option in the American League and will improve on last years already strong numbers.

Derek Jeter – Jeter just keeps on producing year in and year out with little slow down in sight. The power numbers have started to come down, but it is unclear if that is due to him or the surrounding cast. I would venture to say that if the Yankees needed 15-20 home runs out of Jeter, he could provide them. The fact is, he is destined to be a solid defensive option, that can hit the occasional dinger and get on base alot. Jeter is perfect in that role, especially at this stage of his career. Another solid year should be ahead for the Yankee captain.

Mike Aviles – Aviles burst on the scene last year and one can not help but wonder where in the world he came from. He killed his previous career bests in almost every single category, and his .325 average and double digit homers were particularly strange. The question is, was this one of those seasons where reality sets in and he comes back down to earth? My guess is somewhere in between.

Jhonny Peralta – Peralta had a monster year for himself in 08 with a .276 average, 23 home runs, and 89 Runs driven in. He even found time to steal 3 bases. The year was certainly an eye opener, and his power numbers are for real. I expect that he will drop in average this season, but his home runs and RBIs may actually increase a bit. Peralta is certainly one to watch.

Orlando Cabrera – Cabrera is that position player that is versatile, and finds his way onto my fantasy baseball team every year. His numbers are never amazing, but he finds a way to help out every single game. Like Young, he is a multi-category threat. I will always have room for him when he produces like he has in recent years. Cabrera is also a great player to pick up some extra steals without hurting your average too bad.

Ian Kinsler – Without a doubt, Kinsler has made a case for being the best second baseman in baseball, much less the American League. The one thing that really makes Kinsler stand out is the fact that he helps in every single category. Consider his numbers in 2008. .319 batting average, 18 home runs, 71 RBIs, and just for good measure he had 26 stolen bases. Now that is fantasy production. This season may be even better with the loaded lineup that Texas fields.

Alexei Ramirez – This would be a poor man’s Ian Kinsler. The average is not quite as good at only .290, but he did hit 21 home runs and drive in 77. The big difference here is stolen bases with only 13, but that is more a product of experience. Alexei is capable of more stolen bases. In the long run, or keeper leagues, Ramirez may end up being even better. For now, though, he is number two.

Dustin Pedroia – Pedroia is a perfect example of how fantasy baseball does not always value a player like Pedroia. Sure, he is listed at number three and could even be picked higher by some, but this guy was the MVP for Boston in real baseball. His numbers are off the charts at .326, 17 HRs, and 83 RBIs. He also stole 20 bases. But Pedroia’s biggest value is not reflected in fantasy baseball stats. He is a clutch player that hits when the hits are needed, and he keeps his team fired up.

Robinson Cano – Cano is certainly going to get bumped in value if for no other reason than the fact that he will be involved with the Yankee power lineup. These guys are loaded and Cano is just the type of player that he should reap some of the benefits. His numbers are respectable from last year at .271, 14 HRs, and 72 RBIs. Cano can be much better than those numbers, however. He is my dark horse candidate in this category.

Brian Roberts – Brian Roberts is a specialist player for the most part. The Baltimore speedster will hit for an average around .300, hit a couple of homers, and drive in 50 runs or so, but his real value is in steals. The speedy Roberts swiped 40 bases last year, and this year should be at least that good as well.

Joe Mauer – Joe Mauer is one of the few catchers that actually has the potential to bring some serious fantasy noise. He is returning from a serious health issue last year, and seems to be on track to be ready for the 2009 season. In limited play last year, Mauer hit his usual .328, and hit nine homers and 85 RBIs. These numbers would be more than sufficient for most fantasy baseball teams, and especially at the catcher position.

Victor Martinez – Martinez is one of those players that you just keep waiting on and 2009 just might be the year. He has a decent stick and hits for a decent average. The key with Martinez is health, and getting off to a good start. Last season was not very good at all due to health issues as he was well under his regular numbers. Still, he would be the second best option in the American League.

Jorge Posada – Like Martinez, Posada has struggled with health. When he is healthy, he is as good as anyone except possibly Mauer. In some ways, a healthy Posada is better than Mauer because of his power potential. The better days are probably behind this aging veteran, but he still is a good addition to a solid team. Just make sure you draft a serviceable back up just in case the health issue crops up again.

AJ Pierzynski – AJ is easily the player that I might target in many drafts. The reason why is because you will get him dirt cheap and he regularly hits the ballfield ready to play. That regularity is usually good for a high .290s type average, along with double digit homers. He also will drive in 50-60 runs as well. Those numbers are pretty good considering that you will not have to waste a great pick on him. AJ does just fine for me, and others can take the other high priced chances on catchers.

Mike Napoli- Mike Napoli is not a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but he certainly is making himself known to American League drafters. The reason? Twenty home runs is a start along with a .273 average. Those are pretty strong numbers for a guy that was hardly even on the radar at the beginning of last season. With that type of power, his RBI numbers should be better than 49, however.

Mark Teixiera – Of all the American League first basemen, Teixiera is the best hitter. He is going to produce some serious runs in the midst of that powerful Yankee lineup. Hitting alongside Alex Rodriguez does that for even an average hitter. Tex is far from average, and is capable of having the once in a lifetime fantasy baseball season that owners are hoping for when they draft him. Teixiera will be very very good in New York. Feel comfortable drafting him very high.

Miguel Cabrera – Cabrera is a picture of consistant excellence. He puts up serious numbers every single year, and you can pretty much pencil in the same for this year. Since his entry into the Major Leagues, he has been one of the best producers in fantasy baseball. He is getting a bit older, but nobody can tell. He is that good.

Justin Morneau – Morneau is one of those hitters that you just know is better than he is showing. He always hovers on the edge of greatness, and one of these years he will cross that line. Justin is going to give you slow, steady results and make you comfortable about that first base position. If he continues on the same path, however, he will not blow you away. He will just give you the usual production, without fireworks. Many owners are quite happy with that and look for the fireworks elsewhere.

Kevin Youkillis – What a season this guy had last year. Unfortunately, I do not see this happening again this year. The guy played a bit out of his mind last season, and a small drop off is to be expected for Youkillis this year. Still, he is better than most first base options out there, and would make a fine draft pick at the position.

Paul Kornerko – Kornerko is kind of the opposite of Youkallis in my opinion. He had a rough year last year, and should be available cheap this year. If you can steal this guy in your fantasy baseball draft, by all means do it. He will return to form this year, which likely means top shelf first basemen numbers like always. He is one of the more steady first basemen in the league much like Morneau.

Albert Pujols – Unless you have lived under a Major League Baseball rock the past few years, Pujols is one of the best players in all of baseball. Last year, Pujols was expected to have a tough time due to injury, and he still came out and posted numbers that would make Babe Ruth envious. Pujols is quite simply a fantasy baseball point machine, and their is no reason whatsoever to think that this season will be any different. Draft him if he is available. Period.

Lance Berkman – Berkman is one of those guys that is simply awesome while nobody seems to notice. The best part with Berkman, and why he ranks higher than Howard or Fielder, is the fact that he gives you double digit steals on top of the power and RBIs. One other bonus is the fact that he also hits for a great average. He is a poor man’s Albert Pujols and the second best option overall at this position.

Ryan Howard – It is hard to believe that I am ranking Howard at number three here, but it is for a very good reason. He runs like a bull, and strikes out as commonly as he hits a prodigious homerun. If not for the bad average and strikeouts, Howard would be second to nobody. He is the premiere home run hitter in either league.

Prince Fielder – Prince Fielder is a carbon copy of Howard in many ways. He actually has the ability to hit for a much higher average, but he has not been able to prove it yet. This guy could be a true sleeper in this area, and it would not shock me to see him put it all together one year soon. Still, he has to remain below Howard until he does as Howard hits in a much better lineup, and hits more homeruns.

Joey Votto – The young Cincinnati Reds slugger is going to get the chance to show his stuff this year, and many beleive he might ascend the ranks of top first basemen in the league. I would not be shocked at all if this young slugger puts up numbers closer to the names above him on this list. He has that type of power, and even better eye to ball contact than a few of them. The one thing that is uncertain is that he has little protection in the Reds lineup. He really needs Jay Bruce to continue to develop beside him, and to find a strong right handed bat to offset the two.