It's time for fantasy baseball, too

Fantasy baseball has its detractors, but considering it's been around for three decades now, it's safe to say that it has some appeal.

Here are some players without high-profile names who drew some interest in our National League-only Whiners Rotisserie League, which is embarking on its 21st season:

Jordan Schafer, OF, Atlanta. The Braves' starting outfield was a little murky, but with the trade of Josh Anderson to Detroit, Schafer looks like the favorite to start in center. Schafer, who has not played in the majors yet, posted double digits in both home runs and steals in the minors in 2007 and 2008.

Jason Motte, RP, St. Louis. With the departure of longtime closer Jason Isringhausen, the anchor spot in the Cardinals bullpen was up for grabs. It looks as if Motte goes into the season as the first choice for saves. He's a converted catcher, but he had an unreal strikeout ratio (15.1 per 9 innings) in the minors last season.

Adam Wainwright, SP, St. Louis. A finger injury cost Wainwright a substantial amount of time last season, but he put up some brilliant numbers when he was able to pitch. Plus, he's making his first regular-season start against the Pirates, so he should pay immediate dividends!

Matt Cain, SP, San Francisco. Cain has pitched well during his major-league career but has relatively few wins to show for it, as the Giants have struggled to score runs since Barry Bonds departed. A pitcher-friendly home park helps Cain in other categories.

Clint Barmes, 2B, Colorado. Coors Field isn't the pitcher's nightmare it once was, but batters still seem to have an advantage. Barmes put up double digits in homers and steals last year, a combination that always plays well in fantasy leagues.

Chris Dickerson, OF, Cincinnati. They call the Red's home park "Great American Bandbox," meaning hitters have tended to thrive there. Dickerson, who's about to turn 27, hit very well in a 102-at-bat audition in Cincinnati last year, and he's another who's shown the ability to hit the long ball while running well on the basepaths.

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Trivia #1: Who is the only Pittsburgh Pirate to be voted National League Rookie of the Year?