The beginning of the 2009 baseball season will soon be upon us. The game of fantasy baseball takes the most preparation due to the massive pool of players in the sport. SoB’s Pete will be breaking down the best players by position in order to give you a helping hand for your upcoming draft.

Starting Pitchers

If you’re in a league where streaming pitchers is the way to go, then these rankings should mean nothing to you. Otherwise, it is wise to grab one or two starters from this list. [Read on - TGIF: 2009 Starting Pitcher Rankings]

1. Johan Santana-New York Mets
2. CC Sabathia-New York Yankees
3. Tim Lincecum-San Francisco Giants
4. Roy Halladay-Toronto Blue Jays
5. Brandon Webb-Arizona Diamondbacks
6. Dan Haren-Arizona Diamondbacks
7. Cole Hamels-Philadelphia Phillies
8. Jake Peavy-San Diego Padres
9. Cliff Lee-Cleveland Indians
10. John Lackey-L.A. Angels
11. Roy Oswalt-Houston Astros
12. Daisuke Matsuzaka-Boston Red Sox
13. Edinson Volquez-Cincinnati Reds
14. Carlos Zambrano-Chicago Cubs
15. Josh Beckett-Boston Red Sox
16. Scott Kazmir-Tampa Bay Rays
17. A.J. Burnett-New York Yankees
18. Chad Billingsley-L.A. Dodgers
19. Ervin Santana-L.A. Angels
20. James Shields-Tampa Bay Rays
21. Jon Lester-Boston Red Sox
22. Rich Harden-Chicago Cubs
23. Francisco Liriano-Minnesota Twins
24. Felix Hernandez-Seattle Mariners
25. Ben Sheets-FA
26. Adam Wainwright-St. Louis Cardinals
27. Justin Duchscherer-Oakland Athletics
28. Josh Johnson-Florida Marlins
29. Aaron Harang-Cincinnati Reds
30. Joba Chamberlain-New York Yankees

Other SPs worth considering: Max Scherzer (Diamondbacks), David Price (Rays), Zack Greinke (Royals)

Closers

Oh the noble closer. The anchor to any bullpen, this man puts the weight on his shoulders in the ninth inning and makes it his duty to secure a victory for his team. Depending on what format your league is, the closer could be a valuable commodity on draft day or just a filler in your RP slot. Whatever the case, it is important to know who can get you those important saves and who will just blow up your team ERA. [Read on...TGIF: 2009 Closer Rankings]

1. Jonathan Papelbon-Boston Red Sox
2. Joe Nathan-Minnesota Twins
3. Brad Lidge-Philadelphia Phillies
4. Mariano Rivera-New York Yankees
5. Joakim Soria-Kansas City Royals
6. Francisco Rodriguez-New York Mets
7. Bobby Jenks-Chicago White Sox
8. B.J. Ryan-Toronto Blue Jays
9. Carlos Marmol-Chicago Cubs
10. Kerry Wood-Cleveland Indians
11. Francisco Cordero-Cincinnati Reds
12. Jose Valverde-Houston Astros
13. Brian Fuentes-L.A. Angels
14. Jonathan Broxton-L.A. Dodgers
15. Matt Capps-Pittsburgh Pirates
16. Brian Wilson-San Francisco Giants
17. Brad Ziegler-Oakland A’s
18. Frank Francisco-Texas Rangers
19. Heath Bell-San Diego Padres
20. Trevor Hoffman-Milwaukee Brewers
21. Chad Qualls-Arizona Diamondbacks
22. Huston Street-Colorado Rockies
23. Matt Lindstrom-Florida Marlins
24. Joel Hanrahan-Washington Nationals
25. Mike Gonzalez-Atlanta Braves
26. Ryan Franklin-St. Louis Cardinals
27. Chris Ray-Baltimore Orioles
28. Troy Percival-Tampa Bay Rays
29. Joel Zumaya-Detroit Tigers
30. Roy Corcoran-Seattle Mariners

Other closers worth considering: Joey Devine (A’s), George Sherrill (Orioles), Dan Wheeler/Grant Balfour (Rays)

Catchers

The catcher position is arguably the hardest position to fill in this game. With such a shallow pool of elite catchers to choose from, it is hard to gauge whether or not it is worth it to reach for one early or just wait on one for later. In your standard league, you have 12 teams drafting. If you want a top-tier catcher, you find yourself reaching for it come draft day. [Read on - TGIF: 2009 Catcher Rankings]

1. Brian McCann-Atlanta Braves
2. Joe Mauer-Minnesota Twins
3. Geovany Soto-Chicago Cubs
4. Russell Martin-L.A. Dodgers
5. Ryan Doumit-Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Victor Martinez-Cleveland Indians
7. Chris Iannetta-Colorado Rockies
8. Mike Napoli-L.A. Angels
9. Bengie Molina-San Francisco Giants
10. Dioner Navarro-Tampa Bay Rays
11. John Baker-Florida Marlins
12. A.J. Pierzynski-Chicago White Sox
13. Jorge Posada-New York Yankees
14. Kurt Suzuki-Oakland A’s
15. Jeff Clement-Seattle Mariners
16. Chris Snyder-Arizona Diamondbacks
17. Ramon Hernandez-Cincinnati Reds
18. Yadier Molina-St. Louis Cardinals
19. Kenji Johjima-Seattle Mariners
20. Kelly Shoppach-Cleveland Indians

Other catchers worth considering: Matt Wieters (Orioles), Pablo Sandoval (Giants), Taylor Teagarden (Rangers)

First Basemen

First base has the honor of being one of the deeper positions in the game. With such a rich amount of great talent, it can be easy to wait on a 1B in your draft. Why not? There were 16 players who qualify at 1B who hit 25+ HR in 2008 so clearly power is not an issue for this position. However, I personally think at least four 1B will be gone after Round 1, so don’t think you can wait too long. [Read on - TGIF: 2009 1B Rankings]

1. Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
2. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
3. Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
4. Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees
5. Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
6. Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
7. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers
8. Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres
9. Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
10. Garrett Atkins, Colorado Rockies
11. Derek Lee, Chicago Cubs
12. Adam Dunn, Washington Nationals
13. Chris Davis, Texas Rangers
14. Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
15. Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
16. Carlos Delgado, New York Mets
17. Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays
18. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians
19. Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks
20. Jorge Cantu, Florida Marlins
21. James Loney, L.A. Dodgers
22. Carlos Guillen, Detroit Tigers
23. Adam LaRoche, Pittsburgh Pirates
24. Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners
25. Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals
26. Jason Giambi, Oakland A’s
27. Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
28. Mike Jacobs, Kansas City Royals
29. Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox
30. Casey Blake, L.A. Dodgers

Other first basemen worth considering: Hank Blalock (Rangers), Casey Kotchman (Braves), Matt LaPorta (Indians)

Second Basemen

Second base is arguably the shallowest of all the positions in fantasy baseball. The majority of these men will not be your source of power, but more likely your reservoir of average and decent speed. With so few elite names in this category, you may want to hold back on drafting one. According to my vast amount of wisdom, I can see only one 2B possibly going in the first round. Other than that, I advise you to wait until a “run” starts. Only question is: Who is going to start it? [Read on - TGIF: 2009 2B Rankings]

1. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
2. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
3. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
4. Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles
5. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
6. Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins
7. Chone Figgins, L.A. Angels
8. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
9. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
10. Howie Kendrick, L.A. Angels
11. Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals
12. Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners
13. Kelly Johnson, Atlanta Braves
14. Kazuo Matsui, Houston Astros
15. Mark DeRosa, Cleveland Indians
16. Placido Polanco, Detroit Tigers
17. Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies
18. Orlando Hudson, L.A. Dodgers
19. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
20. Alexi Casilla, Minnesota Twins
21. Akinori Iwamura, Tampa Bay Rays
22. Felipe Lopez, Arizona Diamondbacks
23. Freddy Sanchez, Pittsburgh Pirates
24. Mark Ellis, Oakland A’s
25. Mike Fontenot, Chicago Cubs
26. Anderson Hernandez, Washington Nationals
27. Emmanuel Burriss/Kevin Frandsen, San Francisco Giants
28. Luis Castillo, New York Mets
29. Clint Barmes, Colorado Rockies
30. Jerry Hairston Jr., Cincinnati Reds

Third Basemen

I guess one good thing about doing these rankings so close to the start of the season is that I can see what develops so close to the deadline. I was contemplating who I should rank at #1 for the 3B position between A-Rod and David Wright. Even if A-Rod did not need surgery for his injured hip, I would have bumped him to #2. However, since the news broke today that A-Rod might be out until May, I can now feel better about my decision.

1. David Wright, New York Mets
2. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
3. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
4. Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs
5. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
6. Garrett Atkins, Colorado Rockies
7. Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
8. Chris Davis, Texas Rangers
9. Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
10. Russell Martin, L.A. Dodgers
11. Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
12. Chone Figgins, L.A. Angels
13. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
14. Jorge Cantu, Florida Marlins
15. Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners
16. Edwin Encarnacion, Cincinnati Reds
17. Carlos Guillen, Detroit Tigers
18. Mark Reynolds, Arizona Diamondbacks
19. Troy Glaus, St. Louis Cardinals
20. Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals
21. Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
22. Melvin Mora, Baltimore Orioles
23. Mark DeRosa, Cleveland Indians
24. Kevin Kouzmanoff, San Diego Padres
25. Hank Blalock, Texas Rangers
26. Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies
27. Jed Lowrie, Boston Red Sox
28. Chase Headley, San Diego Padres
29. Felipe Lopez, Arizona Diamondbacks
30. Casey Blake, L.A. Dodgers

Shortstops

The SS position never used to be a source of offense. Instead, it was always a defense-first area. Now it is not uncommon to get your 20 HR power instead of your Gold Glove from the left side of the infield. The Ozzie Smiths would not have a place on your roster, but today with Hanley Ramirez leading the charge (albeit with sub-par defense), an owner can easily count on solid production from a position once devoid of any offensive skill. [Read on: TGIF 2009 SS Rankings]

1. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
2. Jose Reyes, New York Mets
3. Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
4. Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks
5. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
6. Rafael Furcal, L.A. Dodgers
7. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
8. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
9. J.J. Hardy, Milwaukee Brewers
10. Michael Young, Texas Rangers
11. Jhonny Peralta, Cleveland Indians
12. Ryan Theriot, Chicago Cubs
13. Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals
14. Miguel Tejada, Houston Astros
15. Khalil Greene, St. Louis Cardinals
16. Orlando Cabrera, Oakland A’s
17. Jed Lowrie, Boston Red Sox
18. Yunel Escobar, Atlanta Braves
19. Edgar Renteria, San Francisco Giants
20. Felipe Lopez, Arizona Diamondbacks
21. Christian Guzman, Washington Nationals
22. Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays
23. Clint Barmes, Colorado Rockies
24. Yuniesky Betancourt, Seattle Mariners
25. Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers
26. Jerry Hairston Jr., Cincinnati Reds
27. Nick Punto, Minnesota Twins
28. Jeff Keppinger, Cincinnati Reds
29. Cesar Izturis, Baltimore Orioles
30. Marco Scutaro, Toronto Blue Jays

Outfielders

Aaaahhhh finally, a position with some depth. It can be argued that you should address your shallower positions (2B, 3B, SS) in the first rounds and wait on the outfielders. This is actually a great way to draft. With more power than any other place on the diamond, the outfield has the luxury of hefty amount of home runs and speed during the late rounds. [Read on: TGIF: 2009 OF Rankings]

1. Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
2. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
3. Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
4. Carlos Beltran, New York Mets
5. Carlos Lee, Houston Astros
6. Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs
7. Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
8. B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays
9. Manny Ramirez, L.A. Dodgers
10. Jason Bay, Boston Red Sox
11. Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays
12. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles
13. Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
14. Vladimir Guerrero, L.A. Angels
15. Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers,
16. Matt Holliday, Oakland A’s
17. Matt Kemp, L.A. Dodgers
18. Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh Pirates
19. Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers
20. Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox
21. Shane Victorino, Philadeplphia Phillies
22. Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox
23. Adam Dunn, Washington Nationals
24. Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers
25. Alex Rios, Toronto Blue Jays
26. Bobby Abreu, L.A. Angels
27. Ryan Ludwick, St. Louis Cardinals
28. Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia Phillies
29. Andre Ethier, L.A. Dodgers
30. Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers