Fantasy Baseball: Top 5 Baltimore Orioles for 2010

Surprisingly, the team that finished last place in it's division has more valuable fantasy options than the team ahead of it.

1. Nick Markakis- Over the last three years, Markakis' stolen base totals have been cut nearly in half each year. He's probably not going to hit many more than 20 home runs in 2010, but he should score and drive in more than 90 runs and could even reach 100 for each.

2. Brian Roberts- Not only is Brian Roberts one of the more efficient speed guys in the game, he plays a premium position. Roberts has been very consistent over the last three years, scoring over 100 runs and stealing at least 30 bases. One thing to look out for with Roberts is his declining speed. Since 2008, Roberts has stolen 10 less bases each year, ending at 30 last season.

3. Matt Wieters- Wieters was among the top catchers drafted in 2009 and struggled mightily at times after his call-up. This year, he should start the season out in the Bigs and will probably not be worthy of being one of the top catchers drafted, but at the same time, probably won't be among the top catchers drafted. Bill James is a bit more optimistic on him than I would be (75 R, 20 HR, 90 RBI, .311 are James' projections) but I still think he'll be a useful catcher in 2010.

4. Adam Jones- Adam Jones' breakout season was hindered in early September by an ankle injury. In 472 at bats, Jones was able to double his home run total from the previous year, while hitting for a higher average. Given a full season in the majors, Jones can put up a 20/10 season while hitting for a fairly decent average.

5. Miguel Tejada- The Baltimore Orioles recently signed Miguel Tejada to a one-year, six million dollar deal with the idea of playing him as their third baseman. If that is the case, Tejada should gain eligibility at third shortly after the season begins, but still can have value in the late rounds as a shortstop. While he's not going to hit 30+ home runs anymore, Tejada can at least be consistent. It's worth noting that Tejada's been on a two-year skid with his BB% and his BABIP was a bit high last season. In any case, Tejada should be a safe bet to not kill you at shortstop in 2010.

Sleeper alert. Josh Bell- After being traded in the George Sherrill trade, Bell was instantly made into the Orioles third baseman of the future. With the acquisition of Garrett Atkins and Miguel Tejada, Bell's arrival might have to wait until September. But if you're looking for a corner infielder in keeper or dynasty leagues, Bell could be a very valuable player down the line. The Baseball Cube has his power at 78 (out of 100) and his patience at 71. The one knock on Bell could be his ability to hit for average (29 on the same scale.)