Fantasy source

SQUEEZE PLAY

BY CHRIS BAHR

It started even before Doug Mientkiewicz secured the ball in his glove (and later in a safe-deposit box) for the final out of the World Series. Fantasy owners were firing keeper questions to Fantasy Source's Daily Mail feature. Well, we have an answer: Our website now features keeper rankings for every position, in addition to traditional positional rankings.

If you're torn between Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson or wondering whether Jimmy Rollins is a better keeper than Nomar Garciaparra, we can help. And who couldn't use some help with keeper leagues? They are a challenge.

Live in the now. Why make moves that could bolster your roster in two years while hurting your squad this season? Being in a keeper league doesn't mean you should voluntarily go through a rebuilding phase. Don't deal a proven stud for a prospect who might shine in 2007. Keeper strategies might vary, but the goal--winning--remains the same.

Find the right mix. If you have five keeper spots, don't lock up three starting pitchers, a closer and an outfielder. Balance is key, and you want to address both pitching and offense. Generally, it makes sense to keep more elite hitters than pitchers, so aim for three position players and two hurlers. You also will need to mix in some youngsters with your veterans.

Know your competition. This is true in any setup, but it's even more important with keepers. For example, if you are going to expose the versatile Ryan Freel and hope to draft him later, make sure you have a feel for when he will be in demand. Freel might not have a starting job now, but his 40-steal potential makes him attractive to 5x5 owners.

For the latest player rankings, updates and analysis, visit Fantasy Source at fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball.

M@IL BONDING

BRENDAN ROBERTS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Any thoughts on where the ideal draft slots will be this year?

Jeff Boggis, Atlanta

Jeff: You can't go wrong anywhere in the fourth through seventh spots, although No. 4 probably is the best. In my mind, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Vladimir Guerrero and Carlos Beltran are a clear top four, and that 4-spot allows you to pick the final one of that group and then get a good second-rounder. After No. 4, the picks will be all over the board. I try to avoid taking a pitcher in the first round. Other than maybe Johan Santana, pitchers scare me because of their inconsistency.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, click on Daily Mail at fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball.

TSN Games TIP OF THE WEEK

Spring training games are nearly a month away, and the games that count don't start until April. In the meantime, TSN's newest Strat-O-Matic offering, FantaSim Baseball, can help you scratch your fantasy itch. How's this for a unique experience: Team owners have a $280 salary cap to spend on 25 all-time great players. Unlike typical Strat-O-Matic leagues, FantaSim is not all about winning during the 162-game simulated season. Instead, the focus is on having players rack up stats in the 5x5 fantasy categories. Is it better to have Babe Ruth swatting 50 homers or Bobby Bonds swiping 40 bases (and at half of Ruth's cost)? Play the game, and find out for yourself.--Rob Hurtt

Warm up for your 2005 fantasy league by playing FantaSim Baseball at fantasygames.sportingnews.com.

RANKINGS

Second basemen

(1) Alfonso Soriano

Rangers

(2) Jeff Kent

Dodgers

(3) Marcus Giles

Braves

(4) Bret Boone

Mariners

(5) Mark Loretta

Padres

(6) Chone Figgins

Angels

(8) Jose Reyes

Mets

(9) Ray Durham

Giants

(10) Tony Womack

Yankees

(11) Brian Roberts

Orioles

(12) Juan Uribe

(13) Luis Castillo

Marlins

(14) Mark Bellhorn

Red Sox

(15) Michael Cuddyer

Twins

(16) Aaron Miles

Rockies

(17) Todd Walker

Cubs

(18) Orlando Hudson

Blue Jays

(19) Placido Polanco

Phillies

(20) D'Angelo Jimenez

Reds

Second base is a necessary evil for fantasy owners. Last season, only two second basemen hit 25 or more homers; only two second basemen among those eligible for a batting title hit better than .300; and only two scored 100 or more runs. There are a few elite options, then a severe drop in talent. Values can be had later, though, if you spot the hidden gems.

Sleeper: Todd Walker, Cubs.

Walker hit 15 home runs in 372 at-bats last season. He'll have a chance to hit more as a full-timer after Mark Grudzielanek's departure to St. Louis.

Stumbler: Tony Womack, Yankees.

Womack. 35, is set up for a fall after far surpassing career norms in batting average and on-base percentage last season with the Cardinals. He also must adjust to the American League.

Hidden gem: Chone Figgins, Angels. Figgins qualifies at second base, shortstop, third base and outfield in many fantasy leagues. The Angels will start him at second in place of injured Adam Kennedy.

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