Fantasy Baseball Insiders

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve announced the top 70 players on our 2011 big board. Click on each player’s name for a more in-depth analysis, including 2011 projections!

Check out our 2011 Big Board Top 50 here.

Check out our 2011 Big Board No.s 51-60 here.

61. Carlos Santana (C—Cle): Plus-power from both sides (23.8 AB/HR in six minor league season) with the ability to hit for average (.290 in minors) and draw plenty of walks (19.3 percent with Cleveland in 2010) give him an upside higher than that of Buster Posey.

62. Buster Posey (C—SF): Scouts have always noted that power isn’t his best tool. Poor home splits (258/.304/.419) are a reflection of AT&T Park, but his 31.8% FB rate and 10.7% HR/FB rate at home are more realistic than the .351/.406/.587, 34.4% FB, 19.7% HR/FB he posted on the road. He will hit for average, not 20-plus power.

63. Kendry Morales (1B—LAA): Was on pace for another stellar year in 2010 (11 HRs, 39 RBI, .290 in 51 games) before he broke his leg celebrating a walkoff grand slam on May 29. Given a clean bill of health (Mike Scioscia is “comfortable” in saying he’ll be ready Opening Day), he’s capable of 30/100/.300.

64. Adrian Beltre (3B—Tex): Improving strikeout, contact and swinging strike rate suggest progression at the plate. 2010 BABIP (.331) is likely to drop, but 25/90/.280 remains within reach in the middle of the Rangers’ lineup.

65. Alexei Ramirez (SS—ChW) : Likely to hit eighth, limiting his value. Well-rounded, consistent game, however, offers 15/15/.280 floor.

66. Jered Weaver (SP—LAA): Became completely different pitcher in 2010, posting marked improvement in his K/9, BB/9, ERA, WHIP and BAA. Luck doesn’t appear to be a factor: .276 BABIP (career .283), 75.7 percent LOB rate (career .75.5 percent), 7.8 percent HR/FB rate (career 7.9 percent), plus encouraging FIP (3.06) and xFIP (3.51).

67. Jacoby Ellsbury (OF—Bos): Top-20 2009 season (94/8/60/70/.301) is well within reach in 2011 after Boston’s leadoff hitter missed all but 18 games last year due to a lingering rib injury.

68. Dan Haren (SP—LAA): Despite 3.91 ERA in 2010, his K/9 (8.27) and BB/9 (2.07) remained in tact. His plate discipline stats were very good, and his numbers after the trade to Anaheim (94 IP, 2.87 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 7.00 K/9, 2.40 BB/9) foreshadow a bounce back season.

69. Jose Bautista (3B—Tor): His 54 HRs in 2010 were 17 more than that of Joey Votto, and five more than Albert Pujols’ career high. Third-highest fly-ball rate (54.5 percent) led to alarmingly-low .233 BABIP. Assuming a regression in his home run total, a lower fly-ball rate will follow. This will aid his BABIP, but further dent his actual batting average.

70. Mat Latos (SP—SD): 15-start stretch from June into September yielded an eye-popping: 1.50 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 10.65 K/9, 2.24 BB/9 in 96 1/3 innings.

The top 80 on our 2011 Big Board will be announced in the coming days as we continue our journey to rank the top 100 players!

Image courtesy of: Chris Creamer, Sportslogos.net

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 (projections included): Is Pujols Still the Top Pick?
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?

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• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
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• Baltimore Orioles

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact

Previous articles from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• The Sub-2.50 ERA Curse: Why Five Elite Starting Pitchers May Regress in 2011
• 2010 Batting Average on Balls in Play Leaders: What to Expect in 2011?
• 2011 Closer’s Corner: Papelbon, Cordero & Rivera Are the Only Reliable Options