I recently used projected stats to find a baseline of replacement level for each position. Everything is set up for the standard 5x5 with 1 C, 1 1B, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 SS, 3 OF, and 1 U. In order to determine the replacement level at each position, I averaged the 12 "starters" and the top 12 "backups" to find an approximation of a replacement player. While this is far from perfect, it is a good start. In order to incorporate utility players, I increased the number of 1B starters to 15, 3B starters to 13, and OF starters to 41 (from 36). I also used 3 DH: Travis Hafner, Frank Thomas, and Jim Thome. For calculating replacement level for DH, I used 1B, 3B, and OF to get a rough estimate. It ends up penalizing the DH for having no speed, but they deserve a penalty for position inflexibility so it evens out. Below you will find the replacement levels I found:
Position
R
HR
RBI
SB AVG
Catcher
57
14 60
2
0.278
First Base
77
23 80
2
0.283
Second Base
83
15 65
15
0.281
Third Base
83
23
82
7 0.280
Shortstop 82
15 67
15
0.283
Outfielder 80
19
72
11
0.283
DH
80
21
76
8
0.282
As expected, catcher comes out much lower than the other positions, 1B and 3B are big-time power positions, 2B and SS revolve around runs and stolen bases, OF is a 5 category position, and DHs better be good to warrant locking up your utility spot. It turns out that batting average is pretty much the same across all positions. Other than catchers, the same can be said for runs. The playing time hit for catchers really holds them back. I hope this might help others preparing for their fantasy baseball leagues (as long as you're not in mine), and I welcome all questions/comments/suggestions that might lead me to improving the baselines.