Top 25 AL AP

top 25 AL SP goes something like this. Not in order of preference

1-Verlander-Probably my #1 AL SP. just a solid P. I have some concerns over the Tigers Bullpen. Todd Jones and ??? Trading for a RP isn't that hard but it could prove to be a frustrating run until Dombrowski finds some bullpen.
2-Bedard- Tread carefully. his last 4 seasons include An MCL sprain and 2 oblique strains. Never has been over 200 ip. tough to be a true stud when you aren't on the bump. That said his skills are awesome and if he goes 200ip he will win the CY.
3-Kazmir- BUY BUY BUY. This is the best SP in the AL if he is healthy. Monitor his elbow. Either the pick of a draft or you are just throwing away $$ if he goes down. Risk/Reward
4-Beckett-I don't love him but you can't deny his skills, talent, and the Sox being a good team. Watch his back but you could do far worse. Be prepared for a slight step back. Maybe somewhere between 06-07.
5-CC- I love this guy. Hall of Famer. next guy to win 300 games right here. The only concern I have is the 250ip last season which is a ton and 60 more than he had ever done previous. expect a 2nd half fade from the big man. He'll still finish the year as a top 10 AL SP.
6-King Felix- Upside anyone. He feels almost disappointing but there is no way a 23 yo in MLB is a disappointment. He will consolidate his skills one of these years. or he will get hurt. which comes 1st is anyone's guess. That said in an AL league he may 1 of the best SP to target. great upside. great potent high k/high GB combo.
7-Dice K- I love him. The Sox ace right here. 18w 200k 3.85era. He will improve by a good amount. BUY BUY BUY
8-Javi Vazquez- Same old Javi. He owns the skills, he just needs to be consistent. DO NOT buy his 2nd half run of dominance. Buy for a stat line between 06-07. Still a real nice SP. Ks, ratios. he is nice. Tough ballpark though, can give you a little bit of a headache. consistent.
9-Lackey- STAY AWAY. Never missed a start in 5 years and now has elbow, triceps issues. If I had to guess I would say this year will be a lost year for Lackey. If healthy I love the guy but there are a lot of innings on that arm. Watch out.
10-J Shields- This is my guy. He is just nice. So much more than the sum of his parts. Great mound composure, 3 plus pitches, attacks hitters, throws strikes, stamina, durable. even more upside than last season. Buy if you can. good enough to be a #1in an AL league
11-K Escobar- I don't know. I'm not buying. So much risk and not even that huge a reward. I'm pretty tepid
12-AJ-Buy. If you can deal with the erratic health. Worth noting. If you track his pitch counts you can sit him for a start if he goes over 110 pitches. He usually comes back with a stinker. If he gets 33 starts he could win the CY. I love the k/GB combination. Same as King Felix. take a shot here. he may be pitching for a contract.
13-Halladay-Steady as they come. An absolute ratio anchor. He doesn't strike out a ton of guys but you can do a lot worse. He anchors your ratios enough that you can chase some ks with the likes of Matt Garza and Daniel Cabrera, etc. I'm in the minority but I think he is still top 10 pitchers in baseball.
14-F Liriano- Tread careful. Could be worth it but isn't cheap. TJS survivors usually find the control last so expect some bouts of trouble. Also worth noting: The Twins will not let him pitch more than 165 ip coming off of surgery so temper your total expectations.
15-McGowan Tough division, but this is a pretty good 3rd SP. He could take a step back (see first half 07) or he could become a real force (see 2nd half of 07) His stuff is nice, go an extra buck here.
16-Carmona- A horse. think Derek Lowe. they are pretty close to the same guy. they don't look like it but they really are the same person. Same sort of idea applies here as with Halladay. Ratio anchor, high wins, low ks. with him and Halladay you can chase those ks.
17-Bonderman- I love this guy this year. People are down on him after last years' fade. He could be great this year. he's unveiled a change that is the pitch he has been missing. look for a plus season. In an AL league with thin SP I am going after this guy. potentially good value this year. Upside- Think Beckett 07
18-Joe Blanton- Steady if unspectacular. Don't buy for 16 wins maybe 13. Dubious team and potential to be traded out of AL so be cautious. 2nd tier option
19-Wang- Carmona light. 19 wins is 19 wins though. Plus his 1st name is Chin. if you need wins good action here.
20-Jered Weaver- Buy buy buy. He had thrown a ton of ip in 06 which led to his 07 fade. He had an easy offseason and it shows this spring. he looks great and could slide into the #1 role if Lackey and Esco both stay hurt. I would gamble with this kid.
21-Dontrelle- Buy for wins upside and be ready for his arm to fall off. I'm not enthusiastic.
22-Rich Harden- I mean I wouldn't do it but some one will. he'll be great while he pitches. Potential Yankee rumors can goose up his price. Outside shot to be closing games by end of year somewhere. I'm staying away. The AL Ben Sheets. ughhhhh
23-P Hughes- I love it. Buy buy buy. This kid has the goods. Last year was an injury fluke. He will be the best fantasy SP on the Yanks this year. The ks could pile up quickly. he can turn the corner anytime. He is as good as the Yanks claimed last year this year he will show it. IP limits could be an issue come AUG/Sept
24-Buchholtz- Same stuff applies as above. 1 note is this though- Seems like Bucholtz is slightly more popular just now but will pitch less early in the year (6 man rotation). I prefer Hughes.
25-Garza- Buy. think Kazmir 05. Keeper league target. he also can get you some ks

a couple of sleepers for you-
Grienke, Hochevar, J Saunders, Slowey, Baker, D cabrera, ervin santana, Sonnanstine, Danks

A must buy keeper-David Price TB pay whatever you need for this kid he is a true stud. Think healthy Francisco Liriano except 6'6" 240 BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY

and 1 Steve Asch Special- Dana Eveland OAK. Big southpaw who is pitching great in the spring. if he makes the squad take a shot. good k potential

and 2 last round fillers with upside
Andrew Brown OAK if the control can be solved we are talking a top 5 AL setup man
Tyler Lumsden KC Big Southpaw who has been pitching well in the spring. watch him. he could be a sneaky rotation filler.