Who are your "Must Have" Players for 2008?

[MendozaLineup]

I know that most of the time the shrewd drafter will always go with the best value per round, but is there a player or two (or more) that you will feel disappointed if you don't end up with him? Someone you may even reach a round or two early to ensure you get him?

Mine for 2008:

OF Nick Markakis: A quiet awesome season, and great value around the 3rd and 4th rounds...steady, little injury concern, good ballpark, and entering third season...sure, Tejada is gone which causes some concern, but I expect .300, 25-30 HR, 110 RBI, 20 SB to be pretty accurate

2B Rickie Weeks: I know, I know...he's proven to be injury prone; and yes, he only hit .235 last year. However, the tear he went on in that final month + a steady run producing lineup points to a big year - and I think this is the year he finally plays more than 130 games. I expect .275, 25 HR, 70 RBI, 100 R, 35 SB in about 145 games

SP Justin Verlander: He's already broken out and is a legit top 15 SP at this point, but I see him grabbing a top 5 spot this year...I just don't see a ceiling with this guy and on a super offensive club, 20 W, 200 Ks are definitely within reach

Let me know what you think!

[markj11]

Bonderman - So I can trade him before the all star break.

[abrage22]

VICTOR MARTINEZ!!! i also agree with markakis.

[OneLoveBoomer]

IF I get them without reaching, my priorities are:

Utley (Pick 4) - Very nice to take care of this position early with the best of the best. I hate scrounging for an everyday position late, which you pretty much have to do unless you want to spend on Phillips or Upton.
Atkins (Round 3) - Look forward to his 2008.
Jeter (Round 4) - A steal here and should be more than serviceable in '08.
Oswalt (Round 5-6, maybe 7) - Same great pitcher, great new run support. Could be the pitching steal of the year.

[sportsaddict]

Chad Billingsley is a guy I must have this season. When he finally got to start last season, he was very, very good. He was a big time prospect who was kind of forgotten, but I expect a big season out of him.

Adam Wainwright's another guy I'm targeting. In my Cafe keeper league I actually had to choose between Billingsley and Wainwright and went with Billingsley, but I had the pleasure of watching Wainwright pitch very well down the stretch last season. Only problem is his win totals may be lacking with a Cardinals' offense that isn't looking to good right now.

[dmendro]

VICTOR MARTINEZ!!! i also agree with markakis.

If Hafner rebounds, VMart will be an MVP candidate this year. If he catches and plays 1B half and Half, he will just get better. I htink this may be his last year at C.

[CadensDad]

Oswalt is my #1, I'm gonna target him early and often and bank on him as a major playher

[rookies and cream]

Oswalt is my #1, I'm gonna target him early and often and bank on him as a major playher

Don't target him too early though. I also like Oswalt this year, but just outside the top 50. I'll be looking to take him in round 5-6 if he's still there.

I don't think I'll have a "must have" player this year. I'll have a list of players that I like, but I'll only take them if they fall to me at or below where I have them ranked.

[jake_harv88]

Oswalt is my #1, I'm gonna target him early and often and bank on him as a major playher

Don't target him too early though. I also like Oswalt this year, but just outside the top 50. I'll be looking to take him in round 5-6 if he's still there.

I don't think I'll have a "must have" player this year. I'll have a list of players that I like, but I'll only take them if they fall to me at or below where I have them ranked.

Yeah R&C is right. Man-crushes are for the weak at heart. Having a list of players you must have will only lead to you reaching when you shouldn't be reaching. I think a much better thread is the overrated/underrated players...

[Seattle Squirrels]

I will do whatever I can, within reason, to get Matt Kemp, Yovani Gallardo, and Felix Hernandez.