Last season saw many players finally live up to their potiential and produce solid numbers for fantasy owners. Many players continued their success from late 2007 while others came out of nowhere.
Where should you draft these overachieving players? Should you pass them up and let other owners lose or profit from their picks?
Below is a list of some overachievers from 2008 and where you should look to draft them in 2009.
2008 stats: 152 games, 104 runs, 37 HRs, 113 RBI, 4 SBs, .299 AVG
Ludwick did not slow down in 2008 after a solid year in 2007. Lidwick was a career minor leaguer but has staked his claim in the Cardinals' outfield.
His numbers are legit but don't draft him expecting to reach them in 2009. If the Cardinals keep Ludwick in front of look for plenty of opportunities for him to drive in runs. Draft other premium positions before taking a chance on Ludwick.
2008 stats: 152 games, 113 runs, 26 HRs, 94 RBI, 23 SBs, .276 AVG
Congrats if you happened to draft/add McClouth in 2008. He burst out of the gates after a above average 2007. McClouth's numbers before the All-Star Break were incredible but he wore off soon after.
For a more in-depth look at McLouth take a look at our .
2008 stats: 156 games, 98 runs, 32 HRs, 130 RBI, 9 SBs, .304AVG
Hamilton gave us the feel-good story of the year in 2008. Though his overall stats were impressive he faded fast after the All-Star Break.
The Rangers are returning most of their starting lineup and will start the season with in the outfield, which should only help Hamilton's numbers.
The only downside to drafting Hamilton early is the possibility of injury. I suggest staying clear of him unless you can get him as a second outfielder.
2008 stats: 130 games, 96 runs, 36 HRs, 100 RBI, 7 SBs, .288 AVG
It's too bad that Quentin's 2008 ended early due to injury as he most certainly would have had a 40 home run season. The hit the jackpot when they took a shot on Quentin after the gave him up.
Quentin has always been a top prospect and last season was due at some point. Look for his numbers to be similar in 2009 and feel free to take him as your #2 outfielder.
2008 stats: 154 games, 96 runs, 32 HRs, 108 RBI, 4 SBs, .304 AVG
Last season Huff looked a lot like the guy who stormed the fantasy world in 2003. His numbers surprised considering his lackluster 2007 campaign.
Huff is a decent hitter but his run production is always in question. The are assembling a better team each season so look for 2009 to bring similar numbers for Huff but declines in power.
2008 stats: 136 games, 65 runs, 21 HRs, 77 RBI, 13 SBs, .290 AVG
What a season for Ramirez. His power and speed combo were much needed by many fantasy owners at the 2B position. He tied for the fourth most home runs from 2Bs.
While I was impressed with Ramirez's overall numbers I am still a bit weary of his 18 walks and .317 OBP. His 2009 could look a lot like B.J. Upton's 2008, with a decline in power as pitchers figure him out. Draft him when the top-tier 2B's are gone but make sure you've stocked your other infield positions.
