By: Jordan Liebhaber, with contributions from Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writers

Spring Training is under way, so you know what that means…  It’s time to get your Fantasy Baseball Leagues set up!  The 2010 Boston Red Sox have a number of players who you should consider for your team, and maybe some who you shouldn’t.

Note: Last year I (Jess) stacked my team with many Red Sox players (Pedroia, Dice-K, Papi, Becket,  and Ellsbury to name a few. My team placed second–so building your team around your fan base is okay.

Bats:

Kevin Youkilis is proving to be a reliable power hitter in the post-steroid era, and with the Sox going for defense this year, one of the best bats, if not the best, on the Sox roster. Last season he hit for a .305 average, drove in 94 runs, and hit 27 home runs. Youk is a valuable commodity since he can play first or third base for your team, so look for him to be scooped up by the 3^rd round. Rank: 38

Dustin Pedroia disappointed fantasy owners last year, not living up to his 2008 MVP season.  He ended the season with a  .296 average, 72 RBI’s, 115 runs, and 20 stolen bases, which all in all was not too shabby. Second base is a high commodity in fantasy leagues, especially for someone as productive as Pedroia. It definitely wouldn’t hurt to have #15 on your fantasy roster. Rank: 38

Victor Martinez is a 2 for 1 deal. Last season, he showed he is one of the elite hitting catchers in the league, leading all catchers with 108 RBI’s last year.  His 23 home runs and .303 batting average were only behind Joe Mauer.   V-Mart is in a contract year, so look for him to have a great offensive year. Rank: 53

I know all of us can’t shake the good old days away, and keep hope that our Papi will return. But, drafting him to your fantasy team as a shoe-in big bat, is taking a risk. Ortiz’ production has been slipping every season, so unless he is still available in the late rounds, I suggest you leave Big Papi out of your fantasy plans. He has hit a few homers in spring training though. Rank: 163

Stolen Bases:

This one is obvious. Jacoby Ellsbury led all of baseball in 2009, with 70 stolen bases and hit for a .301 average. Look for him to steal 60+ bases again and put up solid stats all around.  Ellsbury is a steal in the 2^nd round for any fantasy team. Rank: 19

Pitching:

The Red Sox are stacked on defense and have put together one of the best starting rotations, if not the best, for 2010.

Jon Lester had 15 wins, 225 strikeouts, and 203.1 innings.  He grew to be on Beckett’s caliber as the Sox’ second ace. With the Sox defense improved all around, Lester should improve on all of these stats. Rank: 52

Josh Beckett had 17 wins, 199 K’s and 212.1 innings last season.  He is another Sox player in a contract year, so don’t be surprised if he produces some big numbers. He’s also made it clear that he is happy to be here this season, and not even worrying about contract talks. Even with a little inconsistency last season, Sox fans know they can always rely on him. Rank: 74

John Lackey is a Sox new-by, and it might be hard getting used to a guy that helped knock us out of the post season last year. But, we must embrace that he’s one of us now, and will hopefully help us continue on in the postseason this time. He completes the Sox trio of unstoppable Sox starters. Rank: 135

Jonathan Papelbon had a disappointing end to last season, but his 38 saves were sixth most in baseball.  Papelbon is a fearless competitor and wants nothing more than to redeem his horrible playoff appearance against the Angles.  I predict he will be back with vengeance this year, tallying up 40+ saves. He might not be your first pick for a relief pitcher this season, but in the later rounds, don’t hesitate. That stare will scare any batter into 3 swings and misses. Rank: 90

Dice-K spend much of last season injured, producing such bad numbers that he was sent down to the minors. This spring training, he’s already hurt again. This is one Sox pitcher I definitely wouldn’t gamble on. Rank: 280

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