Stephen Strasburg and Yu Darvish.
They play in different leagues. For all we know, they've never met. But they do share something from a fantasy perspective: Both could be No. 1 fantasy starters. They could also be disappointments because of an innings limit (Strasburg) or a transition from the Nippon Ham Fighters to a team that came within an out of a World Series championship in 2011.
Strasburg is most often ranked as a No. 3 fantasy starter because of the belief he will be limited to about 160 innings this season. Darvish is ranked as a No. 3 because we honestly have no idea what to expect from him after the Rangers paid Nippon almost $52 million, then signed Darvish for another $60 million.
We have Strasburg ranked higher than most - No. 15 at starting pitcher. Yes, he might average only five or six innings per start. But his five or six innings are an event. Strasburg, in 24 innings last year in his comeback from Tommy John surgery, struck out 24 and allowed only 15 hits and two walks.
In his career, the top overall pick of the 2009 draft has fanned 116 batters in 92 innings and has an ERA of 2.54.
Darvish posted even more ridiculous numbers in Japan. He had five consecutive seasons with an ERA under 2.00, and last year he was 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA and 276 Ks in 232 innings.
We have him ranked 30th, only because of the uncertainty. If you select him as your third starter, it will be less of a blow if he's a bust.
I have fewer doubts about Strasburg. Even if his innings are kept way below 200, he should be a more valuable acquisition than the likes of C.J. Wilson, Josh Beckett and Matt Cain.
Pick him as your No. 2 pitcher. And make sure you watch a few of his starts.
(Note: Players are listed only at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not every position at which they are eligible.)
Best of the best
1. Justin Verlander, Tigers: The reigning American League MVP merits top-five consideration in any format.
2. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: He gets a slight nod over Roy Halladay, thanks to 248 Ks and a 2.28 ERA in his fourth season.
3. Roy Halladay, Phillies: Mr. Consistency's totals the last four years: a 77-37 record and 853 Ks.
4. Cliff Lee, Phillies: We knew he would be great for Philly, but the 238 Ks (53 above his previous career high) were a surprise.
5. Tim Lincecum, Giants: Even in a disappointing season, he had a 2.74 ERA and 220 Ks.
6. Jered Weaver, Angels: His Ks were down (from 233 in 2010 to 198), but his record (18-8) and ERA (2.41) were No. 1 starter-worthy.
7. CC Sabathia, Yankees: In three years since the Yankees showed him the money, Sabathia has a 59-23 record and 624 Ks.
8. Felix Hernandez, Mariners: His ERA was an uncharacteristically high 3.47 last year, but his Ks remained strong (222) and we shouldn't be surprised if his ERA returns to its 2009 (2.49) and 2010 (2.27) levels.
9. Cole Hamels, Phillies: Phillly's No. 3 starter won 16 games with a 2.79 ERA and 194 Ks last season.
10. Ian Kennedy, Diamondbacks: In only his second full season, Kennedy was 21-4 with a 2.88 ERA and 198 Ks in 2011.
11. David Price, Rays: Price struck out 218 last season, but his record fell from 19-6 to 12-13 and his ERA rose from 2.72 in 2010 to 3.49.
12. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks: His Ks decreased from an average of 215 from 2008-10 to 192 last year, but he tied his career high with 16 victories and posted a 3.17 ERA.
13. James Shields, Rays: He was 16-12 with a 2.82 ERA and 225 strikeouts (38 above his previous career best) in 2011.
14. Jon Lester, Red Sox: After striking out 225 batters in both 2009 and 2010, Lester fanned 182 and his win total dropped by four to 15.
15. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals: Come on, take a chance.
16. Zack Greinke, Brewers: He wasn't 2009 Greinke, but Milwaukee Greinke was pretty good (16-6, 3.83 ERA, 201 Ks).
17. C.J. Wilson, Angels: For five years and $78 million, the Angels got a pitcher who was 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA and 206 Ks in his best year.
18. Yovani Gallardo, Brewers: He was 17-10 with a 3.52 ERA, and he's averaged 204 Ks the last three seasons.
19. Madison Bumgarner, Giants: Sure, he was 13-13, but in his last 10 starts, Bumgarner was 7-2 with a 2.17 ERA and 67 Ks in 66 1/3 innings.
20. Tommy Hanson, Braves: He is recovering from a rotator cuff injury, along with a disappointing 22-start season.
A quick look at the rest
21. Michael Pineda, Yankees
22. Josh Beckett, Red Sox
23. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals
24. Matt Cain, Giants
25. Josh Johnson, Marlins
26. Ricky Romero, Blue Jays
27. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
28. Gio Gonzalez, Nationals
29. Mat Latos, Reds
30. Yu Darvish, Rangers
31. Daniel Hudson, Diamondbacks
32. Jeremy Hellickson, Rays
33. Ubaldo Jimenez, Indians
34. Justin Masterson, Indians
35. Tim Hudson, Braves
36. Matt Garza, Cubs
37. Brandon Beachy, Braves
38. Clay Buchholz, Red Sox
39. Ervin Santana, Angels
40. Matt Moore, Rays
41. Jair Jurrjens, Braves
42. Trevor Cahill, Diamondbacks
43. Max Scherzer, Tigers
44. Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays
45. Jaime Garcia, Cardinals
46. Derek Holland, Rangers
47. Cory Luebke, Padres
48. Johnny Cueto, Reds
49. Doug Fister, Tigers
50. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins
51. Neftali Feliz, Rangers
52. Shaun Marcum, Brewers
53. Colby Lewis, Rangers
54. Francisco Liriano, Twins
55. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers
56. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros
57. Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals
58. Vance Worley, Phillies
59. Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies
60. Ivan Nova, Yankees
61. Ryan Vogelsong, Giants
62. Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees
63. Scott Baker, Twins
64. John Danks, White Sox
65. Ryan Dempster, Cubs
66. Mike Minor, Braves
67. Jonathan Sanchez, Royals
68. Phil Hughes, Yankees
69. Ricky Nolasco, Marlins
70. Gavin Floyd, White Sox
71. Matt Harrison, Rangers
72. Bud Norris, Astros
73. Josh Collmenter, Diamondbacks
74. Johan Santana, Mets
75. Chris Sale, White Sox
76. Mark Buehrle, Marlins
77. Ted Lilly, Dodgers
78. Brandon McCarthy, Athletics
79. Tim Stauffer, Padres
80. Roy Oswalt, free agent
Eligibility notes
The Rangers have moved Neftali Feliz from closer into the starting rotation, where he is a much riskier selection. He should be considered a No. 4 or 5 starter in a 12-team league. … Highly touted Rays prospect Matt Moore might also be eligible at reliever after making two of his three appearances as a rookie in 2011 in relief. He is a No. 4 fantasy starter who could be a future stud.
Others to watch
Alexi Ogando, Rangers: The former reliever could be the odd man out of a deep Rangers rotation, despite going 13-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 2011.
Jake Peavy, White Sox: He could be worth a late-round flier, but keep in mind the former ace has averaged fewer than eight wins the last three years.
Mike Leake, Reds: He was 12-9 with a 3.86 ERA in 2011, his second season.
Homer Bailey, Reds: He has yet to turn 26, and he has yet to live up to the hype.
Jeff Niemann, Rays: Tampa's rotation is so deep this 11-game winner is fighting to hold on to a spot.
More 2012 fantasy rankings:
Top 20 catchers: In a weak and banged-up crop of catchers, Indians youngster Carlos Santana could be poised for a breakout third season.
Top 20 first basemen: Albert Pujols should find American League pitching to his liking.
Top 20 second basemen: Robinson Cano is the top choice at a surprisingly deep position.
Top 20 shortstops: It's Troy Tulowitzki's time to be the top shortstop, assuming you can shrug off the injury risks.
Top 20 third basemen: The top two choices -- Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez -- didn't even play that position last season.
Top 10 designated hitters: Michael Young might be able to help your team at several positions, but he's a default DH.
Top 60 outfielders: With Ryan Braun's suspension avoided, he's the best on the board, just over Jose Bautista.
Top 20 closers: Don't jump on a closer too early in a draft; there are many decent options.
Top 100 overall: Plus links to other draft tips.
