Fantasy source

If you have trouble fielding a competitive fantasy baseball team, consider how much time you spend preparing for your draft. Do you buy the SPORTING NEWS Fantasy Baseball Owners Manual just days before the draft, thumb through the pages for 15 minutes and claim you're 100 percent ready?

Unless your leaguemates include Beetle Bailey, Norm Peterson and Barney Fife, you're going to fail.

That's why I urge you to pick up the fantasy manual now. Most drafts take place in the two weeks before the start of the season, so if you make the purchase immediately, you will have five to seven weeks to prepare. Family and work obligations aren't going to disappear, but if you carve out an hour or two a week from now until draft day, you'll be impressed by how much information you retain.

The best way to prepare for a draft is by ranking the players at each position. To assemble your rankings, look at our dollar values and read each player's scouting report and accompanying three-year statistics.

It's very important to look at those statistics to get a feel for each player's capabilities in key categories. Everyone knows Carl Crawford, Juan Pierre and Scott Podsednik are among the best basestealers, but you'll need to know who else has speed if you miss out on those three. When you're on the clock to make a selection, finding that guy becomes much harder when you haven't done your homework.

Follow this weekly study plan to get ready.

Week 1: Middle infielders

Week 2: Corner infielders/DH

Week 3: Outfielders

Week 4: Catchers/relief pitchers

Week 5: Starting pitchers

Your newfound knowledge will have considerable value after the draft as well. You'll already have a handle on free-agent talent and will be able to make educated decisions quickly. Remember, knowledge is power.

Check your local newsstand for the Sporting News Fantasy Baseball Owners Manual, or order it online at sportingnew.com/books or by phone at 800-825-8508.

M@IL BONDING

CHRIS BAHR ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

What is your take on pitchers switching leagues, from N.L. to A.L. and vice versa?

Shareef Rabaa, Columbus, Ohio

Shareef: Generally, the pitcher has the advantage over the hitter in an unfamiliar matchup, but with the free-agent movement, interleague play and scouting, there are few surprises anymore. Where you'll find the difference is with ERA, WHIP and strikeouts. For example, Pedro Martinez will face softer lineups and get more K's in the N.L. because there is no DH. On the flip side, Pedro's replacement, Matt Clement, could struggle initially as he moves to the more offensive A.L. Still, pitchers will adjust, so don't worry too much.

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

TRADING SPACES

Analyzing the fantasy value of players who are changing roles:

John Smoltz saved 144 games over the past three seasons, but he never gave up hope of returning to the rotation. The Braves acceded to his wishes, which is too bad. Smoltz goes from being an elite closer to a No. 2 or 3 fantasy starter.

Shawn Chacon also is leaving the bullpen. Chacon put up 35 saves as the Rockies' closer last season, but he posted a 7.22 ERA. Chacon never has shown the stamina to start for an entire season, so the Coors Field effect isn't the only reason owners will pass on him.

Francisco Rodriguez and Guillermo Mota have been dominant as setup men. How will they fare as full-time closers? Rodriguez's slider gives him the potential to lead relievers in strikeouts as well as saves. Mota is less of a sure thing, but he'll come much cheaper. --Rob Hurtt

Rankings

First baseme

(1) Albert Pujols

Cardinals

(2) Todd Helton

Rockies

(3) Mark Teixeira

Rangers

(4) David Ortiz

Red Sox

(5) Aubrey Huff

Devil Rays

(6) Jim Thome

Phillies

(7) Carlos Delgado

Marlins

(8) Derrek Lee

Cubs

(9) Travis Hafner

Indians

(10) Richie Sexson

Mariners

(11) Sean Casey

Reds

(12) Brad Wilkerson

Nationals

(13) Paul Konerko

White Sox

(14) Shawn Green

Diamondbacks

(15) Justin Morneau

Twins

(16) Phil Nevin

Padres

(17) Mike Piazza

Mets

(18) Jeff Bagwell

Astros

(19) Dmitri Young

Tigers

(20) Carlos Pena

Tigers

Fans of oldies music will remember The Big Bopper hit "Chantilly Lace" and its signature line, Oh baby, that's what I like! As fantasy baseball owners, oh baby, do we like the big boppers available at first base.

First base is not physically taxing to play. In fact, teams sometimes put injury-prone players there with the hope of keeping them healthy. That's why you can count on most first basemen to make it through the season unscathed, and it's why targeting a stud first baseman early in the draft often pays off handsomely. But if you're looking for sleepers ...

Brad Wilkerson, Nationals. He hit 32 homers largely batting leadoff last season but had only 67 RBIs. That RBI total should rise because he's expected to bat cleanup in 2005.

Justin Morneau, Twins. When picturing Morneau, think of a young Jim Thome. Morneau could hit 30 homers in his first full season.