AL East Projected Line-Ups

After tackling the AL East players to target and avoid we should look at this powerful Division’s projected line-ups. Now that most Free Agents have signed and Spring Training is 30 days out most teams will only be tweaking their bullpens and benches until camps open. My projections should be fairly accurate and may help you decide players to draft based on their hitting spot in the line-up.

	BALTIMORE
1	Nate McLouth	OF
2	J.J. Hardy	SS
3	Nick Markakis	OF
4	Adam Jones	OF
5	Matt Wieters	C
6	Chris Davis	1B
7	Wilson Betemit	DH
8	Manny Machado	3B
9	Brian Roberts	2B
	BOSTON
1	Jacoby Ellsbury	OF
2	Shane Victorino	OF
3	Dustin Pedroia	2B
4	David Ortiz	DH
5	Mike Napoli	1B
6	Will Middlebrooks	3B
7	Stephen Drew	SS
8	Jonny Gomes	OF
9	J.Saltalamacchia	C
	NEW YORK
1	Ichiro Suzuki	OF
2	Derek Jeter	SS
3	Robinson Cano	2B
4	Mark Teixeira	1B
5	Curtis Granderson	OF
6	Kevin Youkilis	3B
7	Eduardo Nunez	DH
8	Austin Romine	C
9	Brett Gardner	OF
	TAMPA BAY
1	Desmond Jennings	OF
2	Yunel Escobar	SS
3	Ben Zobrist	2B
4	Evan Longoria	3B
5	Matt Joyce	OF
6	Wil Myers	OF
7	James Loney	1B
8	Ryan Roberts	DH
9	Jose Molina	C
	TORONTO
1	Jose Reyes	OF
2	Melky Cabrera	OF
3	Jose Bautista	OF
4	E.  Encarnacion	DH
5	Brett Lawrie	3B
6	Colby Rasmus	OF
7	Adam Lind	1B
8	J.P. Arencibia	C
9	Emilio Bonifacio	2B

Corey's Take: D'Backs & Braves

By Corey R. Cunningham

Arizona Diamondbacks

Taking a look at 2012, the Diamondbacks finished 3^rd in the NL West with a .500 record. Let’s look at potential up and coming players, and players who have fallen down the draft charts. Sophomore 1B Paul Goldschmidt is a pure power hitter, with a little tweaking to work on. Goldschmidt should add another 10 HR to his resume this year, and another 20 RBI. I feel very comfortable having him for a starting 1B on my team. Cody Ross, will be this years sleeper player for the Diamondbacks, as they welcome the newly acquired OF from the FA ranks. I see .275/19/79 stat line in the upcoming year for Ross, as he moves to a pitchers league in the NL. Adam Eaton looks to be the best rookie for the D-backs as of now, a pure lead off hitter with a ton of speed. Eaton would be a deep pick in any league, yet if you need a fill in depth charts, he is your man. Here is what Peter Gammons Tweeted about Eaton today "While the Upton/Kubel talks swirl, GMs think Adam Eaton(.456 AA OB%, .995 OPS) is, in one's words, "a sure thing with off-the-chart makeup". I look for the Diamondbacks to finish the 2013 season on a positive note, yet I do not believe it will be above .500 record, as everyone foresees them trading Justin Upton.

Atlanta Braves

            The Braves had a very successful 2012 season, and are looking to extend their playoff hopes in 2013 with some positive reinforcement. They acquired OF B.J. Upton, who should fit well in the No. 2 slot, unless the Braves fail to find a lead off hitter. With a much better offense in Atlanta, than Tampa, I look for Upton to have a line of .274/22/76/31. I can see Andrelton Simmons coming into play for the leadoff spot, yet his young power bat, may also keep him out of that hole, and place him in the 7^th or 8^th slot. Simmons was on his way to a huge rookie campaign before being sidelined by an injury which kept him out most of the season. I can see Simmons having a 15-20 HR year, and don’t be shy to take him early; I have him on my dynasty team. Look for the Braves to make another splash before spring training begins, possibly trading for B.J. Upton’s younger brother, Justin. If the Braves make this kind of noise, they will win the NL East division, and possibly be a World Series favorite.

Target & Avoid: Tampa Bay Rays

Target Ben Zobrist

Not only do I have Zobrist targeted in every league this year but I feel his ADP is extremely too low. Currently he sits at 72. That’s a late 6^th round pick…unbelievable!! Why do I love Zobrist so much this year?