Play ball

 Pitchers and catches begin to report this week for Major League Baseball teams, and that means the interest returns for fantasy baseball leagues. We’ve got to have something to occupy our time until football returns, right?
 With the players returning to action (sort of) this week, it’s the perfect time to look at my top 10 players for fantasy leagues for 2007.
1. Albert Pujols. Really, is there anyone else to take first? Seriously, passing on him with the top pick would be like not taking LaDainian Tomlinson in your football draft.
2. Johan Santana. A pitcher this early? Yeah, I know, but this guy is too good to pass up.
3. Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod had the type of season last year that will make him drop in most leagues. Don’t let him slip too far. He’s going to have a huge year.
4. Jose Reyes. He does so many things, and that makes him almost as valuable to a fantasy team as his real team.
5. Ryan Howard. No sophomore slump for him last year. He has already been the NL Rookie of the Year and the NL MVP. Next up is greatness.
6. Chase Utley. He’s the best second baseman in the league and may be the best offensive second baseman since Ryne Sandberg. He’ll get even better this year even after getting a big contract.
7. Vladimir Guerrero. He still is probably the most talented overall player in the majors.
8. David Ortiz. Need a big hit? He’ll come through. And he has come through with big fantasy stats, as well.
9. Carlos Beltran. The center fielder had the year last year the Mets were waiting for. It continues in 2007.
10. David Wright. Yep. That’s three Mets in the top 10. Not good news for the Braves’ pitching staff and the team’s fans.