C- Mike Napoli
We might really have something here. Napoli plays on a good offensive team and is getting the man's share of starts behind the plate. Surprisingly enough he leads the team in HR with 10, already matching his total from a season ago. While he is currently on pace to hit 35HR, it is doubtful he will be able to keep up his early run. Look for something closer to 25-30HR, still a very good total for a catcher.
He hit 6HR in April, but only batted a paltry .212. Thus far in May Napoli has 4HR and is hitting .324, with 12RBI. Don't expect a batting average like that for the rest of the season, his track record suggests he is more of a .250-.260hitter, but the power is no fluke and will be there at the end.
FSE VERDICT- I think I just talked myself into liking him. Go out there and get him, he'll have the power numbers by the end of the season to make him worth it.
1B- Dmitri Young
DA MEAT HOOK! An old favroite here at FSE, Young is on his way to play himself back into everyday at bats at 1B, while Nick Johnson is on the DL. He was the DH for a few days, while he tied to get his swing back, and on Tuesday was penciled into the 4hole in the line up.
Young had a bounce back season last year hitting .320 with 13HR and 74RBI. Credit the
Nats for taking a risk on in 2007, but do not expect that kind of production again in 2008. Dmitri will play decently enough, but he was hurt at the end of last season and was banged up early this season. The injuries will certainly hinder Young at the plate, as they are beginning to pile up quickly and with his large frame, and aging body (35 in October), Young will have a tougher and tougher time staying out on the field.
FSE VERDICT- We like Young the baseball player. We DO NOT recommend Young the fantasy baseball player. Keep an eye on Chris Duncan, who has been dropped in many leagues, and has more of an upside for the fantasy season going forward.
2B/3B/0F/SS?- Jerry Hairston
Interesting name here. Hairston was an underachiever for years, and over the last few seasons has found a niche as a utility man. Hairston is currently hitting .314 with 1HR and 4SB, more or less the MO of his career, with a batting average about 50 points higher than we are used to seeing.
Hairston won't hit for much power, and is certainly playing over his head right now, but at least he is playing, and that makes him a good stolen base threat. With both Alex Gonzalez and Jeff Keppinger on the DL, Hairston will get the starts at SS despite his defensive shortcomings. If isn't already eligible at SS in your league, he should be soon. I am a big fan of being able to have a guy on your roster who is eligible at so many positions, in case of off days, injury, or an anticipated day of rest for one of your regular starters.
FSE VERDICT- I don't want to overrate Hairston and make him seem better than he really is. Expect .270 with 7HR, 25SB and 50RBI if he actually continues to get starts at different spots in the line up. That being said with Keppinger and Gonzalez due back sooner or later, Hairston could see his role diminish if he is unable to keep up his current pace. Personally, I think he is worth an add in most leagues, if you are low on depth, or could use some stolen base help in the immediate future. Just don't expect him to be contributing this much come August of September.
3B- Troy Glaus
Remember when he was good? Glaus was once an elite slugger at 3B and was a lock for 35+HR and 95RBI. It looks like injuries have caught up to Glaus a bit and while he is no longer the elite slugger he once was, he is still productive and wield a dangerous bat.
Now in the NL with the St. Louis Cardinals, Glaus only has 2HR , but has managed a decent amount of RBIs so far knocking in 28, putting him on pace for 90. Not the triple digit RBI count we are use to seeing from him in the past, but still a serviceable amount for any 3B.
FSE VERDICT- I would take the risk on Glaus if he is available in your league. I think he is still getting his swing back after an injury plagued 2007. The power will comeback at some point and it might be that it takes him half of the season to get there, but it will happen.
SS- Cristian Guzman
Has hovered around that .300 make all season and looks reborn again playing with the
Nationals. He doesn't have the speed he once did early in his career, and for a few seasons he looked totally useless. However, last season (before he got hurt) and early this season Guzman looks reborn and seems as if he has regained his ability to handle the bat and be a productive player.
He is still only 30, and has scored 33Runs on the season, putting him on pace to score well over 100 this season. As an added bonus, he still might be able to go double digits in HR and SB, don't expect anything crazy, but certainly something serviceable enough in all leagues.
FSE VERDICT- Go out and get him if you need the help at SS or are hard up for Runs scored in your fantasy league.
OF- Jay Bruce
Stud center fielder and the jewel of the Reds' minor league organization. Bruce has 20/20 potential and most expect him to get the call for the major leagues in early June.
FSE VERDICT- I don't like rookie hitters and I don't like people picking them up before they are in the majors. You need players who are actually playing and putting up stats to be successful. Bruce might be able to help you in a few months, but until he is actually in the majors, I wouldn't give him any serous consideration.
OF- Jose Guillen
Similar to last season Guillen had a very slow April. There were reasons for for the slow start, one was the off season controversy of a pending 15 game suspension for purchasing steroids and HGH at various points throughout 2003- 2005. The suspension was overturned, but one could argue that the mental damage was already done to Guillen. Another reason for the slow start was that Guillen, admittedly, showed up to spring training out of shape and had to work his way into playing condition.
As the season has gone along April showers have bloomed and become May flowers for Jose who managed to become the AL's Player of the Week last week with 13RBI and 2HR. You might not like Jose Guillen the baseball player, but you have to like Jose Guillen the fantasy player.
FSE VERDICT- Guillen is a good outfield bat who will be available still in some leagues. He is definitely worth an add in most leagues, if he is still available. He might be a bit streaky, but in rotisserie leagues streaky doesn't matter, it all evens out in the end. In Head to Head leagues he might cause you a few extra week- to- week headaches so be weary of those up and down times.
OF- Matt Joyce
A developing minor league slugger has been called up to the majors by Detroit because, quite simply, there is no one else. He was getting his fair share of at bats as the DH and has now shifted to LF to in place of the oft injured Gary Sheffield. He has 4HR in only 30 at bats to go along with 5R, 6RBI and a .266average. He'll be 24 in August and still has plenty of growing and developing to do as both a hitter and major league player.
The numbers look impressive early on, and he could turn into a decent major league player. Again, I am never a big fan of rookies, but down the road I could see him being a perennial .250 with 25HR and 85RBI bat, especially playing around the caliber of players that will be in Detroit for the next few seasons.
FSE VERDICT- I have my reservations this season, but going forward I think he actually might develop into a decent fantasy player. (Note: I have no idea why I think this, I am just going with my gut.)
Quick Hits
OF- Ben Francisco
With Cleveland's offense struggling so badly they need a spark from anywhere, and Francisco is hoping to be just that. He has started 4 straight games and with a .372 batting average, is forcing the issue to be an everyday starter for the rest of the season. Go grab him if you need a quick fix, with season long production potential.
OF- Randy Winn
Always does just enough to remain on the fantasy radar. He is playing well this season and is a guy who can be a long term solution for teams in need of a decent bat. A .295average with 12HR and 20SB, are right on par with what he normally does, and should be expected again this season. He is a bit underrated, and should be available in your league as a good pick up if you need some speed.
2B- Mark Grudzielanek
Going into this season I felt that 2B was a remarkably deep position for fantasy, despite what many had believed. It is because of this that Grudzielanek doesn't get noticed in many leagues, but if you get the chance to look at his career stats, he is remarkably consistent. .3ooBA, 55RBI, 8HR, almost every season. Seeing the numbers I can't tell if those numbers are a good thing or a bad thing, but at least they are consistent.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Top Pickups Around the Diamond- Week 8
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hot or Not: Opposites...
The universe is filled with equal and opposing forces. Good and Evil. Yin and Yang. Hot and Not. Which side are your fantasy players on?
Returning to Form Hot
You knew they'd come around. And now you're being rewarded for your patience.
Ryan J. Braun
Stats over the last seven days: 6 HRs, 10 RBIs, .349 BA
This guy needs more friends
I like the trend of young guys signing long-term contracts with their clubs. I also like the trend of these guys having MySpace pages. How else would we know Braun's interests include, "Playing left field, hitting home runs and winning"? But only 290 friends, RJB? Even Yovani Gallardo has more friends.
Adam T. Dunn
Stats over the last seven days: 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, .263 BA
Nothing if not consistent
Check out Dunn's splits for the season. The guy hits for roughly the same (terrible) average in every situation. And somehow he'll still end up with 40 homers and 100 RBIs. It's safe to say there's nobody else like him playing today.
Alfonso G. Soriano
Stats over the last seven days: 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, .516 BA
The "G" stand for...
Guilleard. Now you know.
Returning to Form Cold
It seemed too good to be true. And you know what? It was.
Paul Bako
Stats over the last seven days: 0 HRs, 0 RBIs, .133 BA
When you hit like Paul Bako...
This is one of my favorite baseball articles ever. Jim Baker from espn.com was forced to watch the 2006 Royals - a legendarily bad offensive team that prominently featured Paul Bako - every day for a week. It wasn't pretty.
Jason Isringhausen
Stats over the last seven days: 0-1, 3 ER, 1 karate-chopped television
No Paul Bako, but...
In Isringhausen's case, the "too good to be true" refers to him being healthy, not effective. This isn't even his first punching-related injury - as a young Metropolitan, Isringhausen smashed a trash can in the dugout, breaking his wrist. He's also been sidelined with tuberculosis, which has an incidence rate of just 41 per 100,000 in the Americas.
Sidney Ponson
Stats over the last seven days: 0-0, 10.1 INN, 9 ER
The wisdom of crowds is BS
Tell me if this sounds good on paper - an overweight 32 year-old with a history of alcohol problems and high ERAs, throwing in a hitter-friendly park where pitchers routinely burn out during the scorching summers. It doesn't? Really? And yet, he was owned in 17% of Sportsline leagues just two weeks ago.
Special K (Good)
If strikeouts were vegetables, these guys would have exceeded their daily recommended allowance.
AJ Burnett
Stats over the last seven days: 1-1, 15 INN, 15 K
Getting better
Burnett's ERA has dropped more than two and a half points over the last month (7.27 to 4.71).
Ryan Dempster
Stats over the last seven days: 1-0, 14.1 INN, 17 K
Did you Know...
About the Tip O'Neill award? It's given out by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame (did you know about that, too???) to the best Canadian ballplayer each year. Dempster won it in 2000. Larry Walker won the award nine times.
Rich Harden
Stats over the last seven days: 1-0, 10.2 INN, 13 K
Potential Tip O'Neill Award-winner?
The British Columbia native has looked strong since coming off the DL. And he's already on pace to shatter his average for innings pitched (36.2) over the past two seasons.
Special K (Bad)
Currently making Adam Dunn look like a contact hitter...
Wladimir Balentien
Stats over the last seven days: .182 BA, 11 K
Better as a Scrabble word?
Spelling "Wladimir" on a Scrabble board would earn you at least 14 points.
Evan Longoria
Stats over the last seven days: .296 BA, 11 K
He had them at "Hello."
Remember what I said about liking the trend of signing young players to long-term deals? Well, let's add a corollary to that: wait until they've had more than a hundred big league at-bats. Nevertheless, I'm sure the pride of Rio Hondo CC will turn it around soon enough.
Hanley Ramirez
Stats over the last seven days: .200 BA, 8 K
$70 million won't get you any closer to Hector El Father
Han-Ram may have the cash, but he's not in Hector El Father's video for Pa La Tumba, which features Jose Reyes, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera.
The placebo effect strikes again
You may have already read this disturbing story about Jason Giambi and his most intimate performance-enhancer - a bright gold thong that he wears to break out of slumps. What's even worse is that other Yankees, including The Captain and Johnny Damon, have donned the thong when they themselves were slumping. My question is this: what about Giambi's performance over the past few seasons would suggest that these underwear have any positive impact?
Ok, that's it for this week's installment. Wishing you Hotness instead of Notness for the upcoming week. Later.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Top Pickups on The Mound - Week 7
Mike Mussina
The old man has been solid in his last 4 starts and is regaining the faith of fantasy owners everywhere. When you break down Moose's starts he really has only had 2 starts that were dreadful and both of those came against Boston.
Don't get me wrong the rest of his starts haven't exactly been Cy Young efforts of yesteryear, but they are solid efforts where he is able to keep his team in the game and leaves with a chance to win. His 7 inning 2 run effort against the White Sox is a reflection of his ceiling rather than what than his normal production. Expect box scores that look more like 5-6IP with 2-3ER on a semi-consistent basis for the rest of the season.
FSE VERDICT- You could do worse, and this would be going with the demon you know, rather than the demon you don't. Get him for now if you need a solid starter, but look to bail on him come August when he will probably start to break down, as is common with pitchers his age.
Aaron Laffey
Laffey is not considered a high-end prospect, rather he is a fringe guy who will have to continue to pitch well in order to keep his spot in the rotation. I actually think Laffey might be able to pull it off. He keeps his WHIP low and that is always a great indicator of a pitcher's success. He won't strike a ton of guys out, and unless the Indians figure their offensive issues out, he won't get a ton of run support. However the positive is that he won't hurt your ERA or WHIP and is still young enough at 23 to have some good upside potential.
FSE VERDICT- Grab him if you need him. He could be this season's version of Jeremy Guthrie, but with more wins.
Andrew Miller
The young Florida starter has been deemed the "Ace of The Future" since his 2006 debut with Detroit. The problem is the lefty has started his career like many young pitchers do, struggling. He had unsuccessful stints with the big club in Detroit in 2006 and 2007, before being dealt to the Marlins in the Miguel Cabrera trade.
He opened the 2008 season in Florida similar to what we had seen in Detroit. A young lefty with dynamite stuff, who was still struggling to find the consistency needed to get hitters out. He is currently sporting a bloated ERA and WHIP of 6.52 and 1.81 respectively.
What makes him one of the most added players now is that he has had two above average starts in a row. In his last two starts, Miller has combined for 13IP with 6Hits, 2ER, 3BB and 11K, enough to make any fantasy player take note.
FSE VERDICT- I am very skeptical of young pitchers who have not had at least a season or two on the major league level. That being said I find Miller a very good addition to any league right now. He will absolutely have some inconsistencies, so if you pick him up, be ready to deal with them. You should also be weary of the Marlins plans for him down the stretch. It has become common for teams to shut their young aces down early before their pitch count gets too high. Given the awful injury history of recent young Marlins starters, this is certainly a possibility in the second half.
Ryan Franklin
Jason Isringhausen's loss is his gain. There isn't a whole bunch to say here. He is closing and Izzy is not. If you need saves and he is still available in your league go out and grab him. He has shown over the last 2 seasons to be one of the most reliable set up arms in baseball.
Theoretically, the job is his and Russ Springer's to share; however, Franklin got the first call to close out a game on Saturday and there is no reason to see Card's manager Tony LaRussa do it any differently in the future. Ride him for saves while you can as sooner or later the job will go back to Izzy.
FSE VERDICT- Go get him now, but don't count on him closing for the rest of the season.
The Entire Brewer's Bullpen
Ned Yost announced Saturday that he was going with a bullpen by committee until Eric Gagne could get his groove back.
So on Sunday Brian Shouse came in to retire the final batter of the game and record his fifth career save. Okay no problem there. Then on Monday Guillermo Mota came in with two outs and the bases loaded to retire the only man he faced to record the second save of the post Gagne era. Makes sense to me, Mota has pitched well this season and deserved a shot at finishing a game. Finally, we get to Tuesday where the most unlikely candidate to close out a Brewer's game came in to record the save... Eric Gagne. This is like when your friend breaks up with a girl, and then goes on a few dates with other people only to show up at a wedding with the ex only a few weeks later. Way to play the field there Ned...
The only thing that was more surprising than seeing Gagne in to record the save, was that he actually managed to seal the deal. Gagne recorded the save, but looked ugly doing it. Protecting a two run lead Gagne gave up a hit and a walk, putting the tying runs on base and bringing the winning run up to the plate before closing the game out.
FSE VERDICT- Gagne looks to be back as the man anchoring the pen. We urge everyone strongly to keep an eye on this situation, however, Gagne getting the save opportunity is good for the his owners out there. The fact that he looked so bad doing it might be even more of a reason to deal him while he still has value.
Vicente Padilla
He is the Nicholas Cage of pitchers. He sucks, you know he sucks, and yet every-so-often he does something that makes you think he is still good.
FSE VERDICT- Let someone else rent Wickerman.
Jose Contreras
Jose has some really fascinating numbers this season.
He has allowed 1ER in each of his 3 wins.
He has allowed 4ER in each of hi 3 losses.
This does not take into account his 1 no decision, where he allowed 4ER.
Looking at the numbers you can say that at least he is consistent. Another positive is that he has pitched into the 7th inning in six of his seven starts, so he is staying out there and gives himself the chance to get a decision when he takes the mound.
The problem that arises is you don't know if he will the good Jose, or the bad Jose on the day that you have him going. The other problem is that its does not seem as if the Sox are scoring a ton of runs for him, in the games that the bad Jose is tossing in. You would have to figure that at some point he would give up 4 ER in a game and the White Sox could bail him out with some added run support, but that does not seem to be the case so far this season.
FSE VERDICT- Jose can be maddeningly inconsistent from season to season and even start to start. He looks solid in the early going this year, and in deeper leagues and AL only leagues he should be a good add. Hold off in smaller mixed leagues to see if either Jose or the White Sox offense can get into a better groove.
Fantasy Baseball Happy Recap - 5/14/08
Bat Of The Night: Carlos Quentin – 2/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI
Quentin’s grand slam gave him ten homeruns on the season and pushed his RBI total to 34. Quentin now ranks in the top 5 in both HR and RBI and the 25 year old former elite prospect is blossoming into the 30 homer/100 RBI slugger that many have projected. Quentin’s production is not a fluke and he should continue to prosper hitting in a great hitter’s park in Chicago. We are witnessing the rise of future fantasy baseball masher…
Arm Of The Night: CC Sabathia – 9 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 11 K (CG, W)
I think it’s safe to say that Sabathia has put his rough start behind him. The big lefty has been dominant over his last 5 starts allowing only 6 ER over 36 1/3 innings during that span. Sabathia’s recent success is a product of rediscovering his control. In his first four starts, Sabathia walked 14 batters while only striking out 14 and allowed nearly 8 hits a game. Over his last 5 starts, CC has walked only eight batters while striking out 43 – over a K/inning. Wednesday night was clearly his finest outing of the season and Sabathia owners who stuck it out should get elite production from their contract year ace going forward.
Bottom Line: Matt Kemp – 0/5, 3 K
Tough night for Kemp who has been hitting well thus far in May and is a slugger to keep an eye on going forward.
Honorable Mentions
Top Five
Bats
1. Jay Payton – 1/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI
2. Matt Stairs - 1/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI
3. Juan Pierre – 3/5, 1 R, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 SB
4. Alfonso Soriano – 2/5, 1 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI
5. Geovany Soto – 2/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI
Arms
1. Micah Owins– 6 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K (W)
2. Luke Hochevar – 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (W)
3. Todd Wellemeyer – 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (W)
4. Jose Contreras – 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (W)
5. Mike Mussina – 6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (W)
Bottom Five
Bats
1. Bill Hall – 0/4, 3 K
2. Jack Cust – 0/4, 3 K
3. Mike Cameron – 0/4, 3 K
4. Marcus Thames – 0/4, 3 K
5. Joey Votto – 0/5, 2 K
Arms
1. Brett Myers – 4.1 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 K (L)
2. Jake Peavy– 4 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K (L)
3. Jorge De La Rosa – 4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K (L)
4. Boof Bonser – 6 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (L)
5. Guillermo Mota – 1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (BS, L)
Making A Case...
Matt Stairs
Stairs has quietly been putting up some nice numbers in Toronto. The man they call “professional hitter” is hitting over .300 and now has 6 homeruns on the season following last night’s grand slam. I don’t see him as a great everyday fantasy player, but he is a decent option for spot starts when the matchup warrants.
Closer Corner
- The Brewers closer carousel continues to turn as Guillermo Mota got the call last night and blew his first save of the season giving up 3 ER in the ninth against the Dodgers. Mota had successfully record the final out of Monday’s game with Gagne returning to the closer role and locking down the save in ugly fashion on Tuesday. Yost had said before the game that Gagne would be available in the ninth, but he turned to Mota instead with a 4-3 lead. Stay tuned…
- The save vultures were circling last night as Blaine Boyer, Scott Downs and even starter Jarrod Washburn notched saves. Downs has actually become a nice option out in Toronto, closing out games when BJ Ryan can’t go on back to back nights.
- George Sherrill now has 15 saves on the season. Like Jimmy Fallon we are pretty sure he is a fluke and keep expecting him to fade but then NBC goes and gives him the Late Late Show and we are forced to reevaluate our life’s decisions… what were we talking about? Whatever.
- Other Closers Locking Down Saves Last Night: Mariano Rivera (11), Brandon Lyon (11), Joakim Soria (10), Jose Valverde (10), Jon Rauch (8), Takashi Saito (6)
Fantasy Observations & Thoughts
- Lance Berkman and Chase Utley hit their 14th homeruns of the season while Ryan Howard hit number 8. The big guy has to get going eventually… he has to!
- Carlos Quentin, Matt Stairs and Jay Payton all hit grand slams last night.
- Big return for Angels’ ace John Lackey allowing 1 ER over 7 innings of work. Lackey took the no decision but certainly pitched well enough to win. He is a must start going forward.
- Jonathon Broxton earned his second win of the year, bouncing back after completely imploding on Sunday afternoon to the tune of 6 ER in 1/3 of an inning.
- Ted Lilly struck out 11 batters last night in 8-5 Cubs win over San Diego. Lilly has been pitching better of late but I wouldn’t expect an 11k performance again anytime soon.
- Remember Nick Swisher? No? He was that guy that hit 35 homers in 2006, stunk in 2007 and was supposed to benefit from a move to a hitter’s park in 2008. Well he hit homerun number four last night. The low homerun total looks right at home with Swish’s .207 batting average and 10 RBI.
Check out the Fantasy Baseball Happy Recap every weekday on Fantasy Sports Experience!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Top Pick Ups Around The Diamond- Week 7
We head back around the majors and look at the most added lists in popular fantasy leagues and determine if the player is for real or not.
C- Chris Iannetta-
Has more or less taken the starting role from incumbent Yorvit Torrealba by playing well while Torrealba has struggled. Iannetta is hitting .327 with 3HR 14RBI and 8Runs scored. To be honest I expected to start writing this, glance at the numbers and give quick, "don't go nuts" review, that was until of course, I actually looked at the numbers to see that there might be something here.
He has hit for a bit more power than one could have expected, but he produced batting averages well over .300 in parts of 2006 and 2007 while in the minors. Of course the thing I like to stress is that Iannetta knows how to draw a walk and has sported an OBP of well over .400 in that same time frame.
Iannetta will have his benefits; he is hot right now, plays for a good offensive team and is getting the majority of the playing time behind the plate. Another benefit is that he is only 25 and still growing as a hitter, while Torrealba is pushing 30, and has already really, topped out as an offensive player. A negative, however, will be that Torrealba, who helped the Rockies get to the World Series last season, lingers on the bench, waiting for an Iannetta slump, so he can reclaim his starting role.
FSE VERDICT- It is appealing, but hold off for now. Keep an eye on the situation and at the very least you could have the great heads up on a sleeper at catcher for next season.
C- Paul Bako
I avoided writing this for as long as I could, but I cannot ignore the hot Bako any more. I realize it's a great story and he is having a career season, and there are even websites pushing for his birth on the All-Star team. However lets realize threethings. 1) He is 35, 2) has never played this well before and 3) He is still Paul Bako.
FSE VERDICT- Nice story early on, but so was No Country For Old Men, and we all know how that ended. A lot of weird glances, confused, angry faces who feel like they were missing something when it was all over.
1B- Joey Votto
Cincinnati's young slugger started the season in a 'the hotter hand plays' platoon with Scott Hatteburg. Soon after though, and as April turned into May Votto's early season struggles ended and he took the step forward into being the everyday starter. He is now a lock to play just about everyday at first, and will put up some solid Kevin Youkilis type numbers in his first season. As an added bonus, based on his minor league numbers, he should even be good for about 10-15SB.
FSE VERDICT- Go get him.
1B- Carlos Delgado
Probably should have sold high after his 2HR game in April, but his May stats indicate there might still be something left in his old bat. So far in 10 May games Delgado has 11H, 2HR, 5RBI, a .306AVG and a .915OPS. A positive is that at very worst, it looks like Mets will continue to give Delgado the lion's share of at bats at first base. So, he will always have the opportunity to hit in productive spots no matter how badly he is slumping or struggling.
FSE VERDICT- You still should have sold high after the 2HR game.
2B/3B- Akinori Iwamura
Has been on a tear since the beginning of May with 18H, 6RBI, and 8Runs scored. He plays on a dynamic Ray's offense, and showed the ability last season to be able to steal a base when the situation calls for it. The fact that he can fill a decent utility role on your fantasy team won't hurt any either.
FSE VERDICT- A bit streaky, but a solid addition that can fill a few spots.
3B- Blake DeWitt
Playing over his head right now, but he is hot and quite frankly there is no one else in LA to take at bats away from him. He has always hit for decent average in his minor league career, he never did anything to separate himself or make him seem like anything special. However it was his ability to stay healthy this spring that helped him nail down the starting 3B job.
FSE VERDICT- If you are hard up for a 3B you could do worse.
SS- Stephen Drew
I have got to be honest I realize scouts and baseball people know a lot more about talent and upside than I do, but I am going with my gut. I don't like Drew all that much. He, at best will end up being serviceable, but right now he isn't even there yet. He has hit for decent power for a SS this season with 4HR already and 14RBI to go along with 21Runs. He plays on the dynamic D-Backs offense, so he should have some decent numbers by default. But please do not expect the All-Star top SS projections some keep predicting for him.
FSE VERDICT- You can play the upside game, but I'll play the reality game. He isn't worth it.
SS- Jeff Keppinger
Just broke his kneecap (5/13). See you in 4-6 weeks.
FSE VERDICT- Still better than Juan Uribe
OF- Garret Anderson
Was underrated for years and when he finally started getting fantasy love became brittle and injury ridden. In my opinion he has once again become underrated and is worth owning in most leagues. You must keep an eye on him and the injury list in your league if you own him, but he puts up numbers that can make it worth it, especially if he is a FA in your league.
Right now, he is on pace for 20HR and 89RBI, which aren't the All-Star numbers we remember from years past, but are as solid and consistent as you will find as FA in most leagues.
I like him a bit more than our next guy because of his history of being a consistent power threat and because he can hide in the DH's spot if he gets banged up at any point during the season.
FSE VERDICT- Is a fine addition if you have some banged up bodies in the outfield and need some offense.
OF- Mark Kotsay
Has hit over .300 just once in his career, doesn't hit for power, doesn't steal many bases, has a bad back, and yet because he played in Oakland and replaced Andrew Jones in Atlanta, people get confused and think he is good. He is off to a hot start in the ATL, but don't fall for it and think this is the start of something good and that he will be able to continue it throughout the season. Even if he keeps up his numbers he is still on pace for only 72R, 13 HR and 81RBI, to go along with a .300AVG. Keep in mind that is assuming everything breaks right, and his chronic back injuries of years don't flare up again.
FSE VERDICT- If you can't tell I have nothing nice to say about him.
OF- Carlos Gomez
He has shown tremendous speed already having 16SB on the season and has managed to be a spark plug on a rather otherwise stagnant Twins offense by scoring 21Runs and has even added a bit of pop with 2HR. The batting average is only at .268 so far, and actually think it will go down before it goes up further, but still the numbers across the board will be nothing to frown at.
He is still only 22 and from what people in the Twins organization say he is still raw as a player, but isa good listener and has grown in leaps and bounds sinse spring training began. He will continue to grow as a player throughout the course of this season, but don't be surprised if that doesn't show its greatest reflection on his production until next season.
FSE VERDICT- Like him a lot this season, if he is not already owned in your league. Love him in your 2009 draft.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Fantasy Baseball Weekend Happy Recap - Week 6
Hot or Not: The Season So Far...
Hey, I'm the new guy here at FSE. I'll be carrying the equipment bags onto the FSE team bus and writing the Hot or Not column once a week.
We haven't had a Hot or Not since Spring Training, so there's a lot to catch up on. Let's get to it...
Season-Long Hotness
The Sophia Lorens of Fantasy Baseball. They've started hot, and they'll most likely stay hot, even when they're old and making movies with Walter Matthau. (It's never too late to make Grumpier Old Men references, right?)
Chase Utley
What's not to like? He's on pace to break the record for home runs by a second baseman in a season (Davey Johnson and Rogers Hornsby both cranked 42; Utley's on pace for 56), has a .417 OBP and, according to his website, is a proud environmentalist and an avid supporter of the Pennsylvania chapter of the ASPCA.
Semi-Related Trivia
Who holds the NL record for most homers by a designated hitter? None other than Mr. Rocky Balboa Jim Thome, who put four balls in the seats for the Phils during interleague play in 2004.
Lance Berkman
For years, Lance Berkman has been the best hitter in baseball with a double chin - a proud title passed down from greats like Cecil Fielder and Rosie O'Donnell in A League of their Own. This season, though, Berkman has arguably been the best hitter, period.
Fun Fact
My brother Matt insists on calling Lance Berkman "The Flying White Dutchman." The nickname, of course, makes zero sense, but still...there's something catchy about it.
Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb eats innings for breakfast and induces ground ball outs for lunch. I'm not sure what he has for dinner, but I'll bet it's pitching-related and very good.
A Message for Hank Steinbrenner
Brandon Webb, currently the best pitcher in baseball, was 7-16 in his second full season. Young pitchers need time to develop. They are not thoroughbred horses. They will not automatically reach their full potential in two years. And you cannot euthanize them if they underperform.
Shoot me in the face hot
A special section dedicated to the high-performing players you could have had if you weren't too busy drafting vegan first basemen (more on him later).
Cliff Lee
Hi, I'm Cliff Lee. I was owned in just 21% of Sportsline Roto leagues during the first two weeks of this season. Now I'm the new Orel Hersheiser. That is all.
Born to be a ballplayer or a Civil War General
Cliff Lee's full name is Clifton Phifer Lee.
Ervin Santana
A bitter selection for anyone who counted on Santana last season, when he was 7-14 with an ERA of almost 6.
Depressing Fact
I had Ervin Santana last season.
Josh Hamilton
Was only a semi-sleeper at the beginning of the season, but few people could have expected him to lead the Majors in RBIs.
Obligatory "Josh Hamilton is a recovering substance abuser" reference
Can never decide whether I like or dislike Jeff Pearlman as a writer. Is he a legitimate Good Guy, or a self-important crybaby? This article about Hamilton furthers my ambivalence.
Captain of the cheerleading team hot
Sure, these players look great now, but there's no telling what'll happen over time. Maybe they stay hot, maybe they show up at the ten-year reunion with stretch marks and a tooth missing. Either way, you're intrigued.
Nate McLouth
Seems like the Pirates should have more players named Nate, doesn't it? Anyway, Nate's hitting 100 points better in the daytime than he is the nightime. Let's see how he does once pitchers get another look at him.
Nate News
Nate McLouth is the third most popular "Nate" on Google, behind only Nate Robinson and Nate Diaz, the MMA fighter.
Joe Saunders
Saunders, who's been pretty lucky all season, finally lost on Saturday night. I feel a 12-10, 4.50 ERA kind of season coming on.
Did You Know (with special guest writer Chris Berman)
Saunders' career record is 21-9. Only John "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" Candelaria had a better winning percentage after his first 40 starts with the Angels.
Edinson Volquez
Forget that Volquez has frontline starter kind of stuff. His nickname is "Voltron." His future is in film, specifically buddy movies with Shia Labeouf.
Where are they now?
Volquez, along with John Danks and Thomas Diamond, was one third of Texas' highly-touted "DVD" trio of pitching prospects. Danks and Volquez are both productive big-leaguers today. But only Thomas Diamond has a website.
A few things that would make the 2008 MLB season Hotter:
Bobby Cox managing games in a bathrobe. No good reason why.
More players blogging. (Check out the guest post from Morgan Ensberg. It's great that he loves reading "non-fiction." Just wish he was as big a fan of "getting hits.")
A late-night talk show hosted by John Kruk.
And now, on to the Not-so-Hots...
Temporarily chilly
Like a timid lover, these slow starters just need a little time and attention before they reveal their secret gardens of potential.
Aaron Harang
The big man has had no luck so far, going 1-5 with a 3.09 ERA. The strikeouts are still there, as is the awkward facial hair. He'll turn it around.
No Mets were harmed in this trade
As a minor leaguer, Harang was traded from the Rangers to the A's for Randy Velarde. Strange to think such a lopsided trade happened without Steve Philips being involved.
Alex Rodriguez
He'll be back to his old tricks soon - hitting moonshots when the Yanks are up 7-2, sunbathing on large rocks like a lizard - and it'll be like he was never gone at all.
Reason #1,354 it's getting harder to be a Yankee fan
In a recent interview, A-Rod's wife said that A-Rod passed out during the birth of their first child. The guy's like the anti-Jack Bauer.
Ryan Howard
He might strike out 300 times this season, he might hit 60 homers. My guess is he does both.
Weird
The character Ryan Howard from The Office has a longer Wikipedia entry than Ryan Howard the ballplayer.
Nearing hypothermia
They're not dead yet, but they're not looking so great either.
Prince Fielder
Prince Fielder is an interesting experiment. If he's able to turn it around, scouts will be prowling the streets of Williamsburg and Greenpoint looking for gaunt, smelly vegan power hitters.
Public Service Announcement
Just in case Prince has any more big lifestyle changes up his sleeve - vegan moms' breast milk may lack the vitamins and nutrients developing babies need.
The Colorado Rockies of Denver
I went to Denver back in November, just after the Rockies lost the World Series. There were signs all over town that said things like, "Thanks for a Great Season, Rockies!" and "It was a Great Run!". At the time I wondered if all that relentless positivity would help or hurt a developing team. I'm still wondering.
Things to do in Denver
Check out the Buckhorn Exchange, a crazy steak house on the outskirts of town that serves rattlesnake and yak and has a dining room that looks like the physical manifestation of Teddy Roosevelt's dreams.
Closing Pitchers
It's not your fault you drafted Jason Isringhausen. Really, it's not. A lot of guys drafted him. He'll be better, just stop focusing on it.
Nature of the beast
In case you didn't know, closers have little job security. Only eight pitchers have been their team's closer since 2005 or earlier - Mariano Rivera, Bobby Jenks, Joe Nathan, K-Rod, Huston Street, Chad Cordero, Isringhausen and Trevor Hoffman.
Barry Zito-esque
The worst of the worst.
And let's face it, there's only one player who could deserve such an insult...
Barry Zito
It's easy to be angry at Barry Zito. He earns $13 million a year and is an utter failure at his job. But before you jump to anger, consider this: there are other professionals who commit far more egregious sins every day. CEOs run companies into the ground and get huge buyout packages. Politicians break the very laws they put into effect. Doctors and lawyers show up to work drunk or high, and cause real, irreparable damage to people who trusted them.
The point is: who would you rather have on your fantasy baseball team? Barry Zito or Eliot Spitzer? I rest my case.
Something by somebody who's actually good at his job
Here's a very funny essay by Jack Handey (of Saturday Night Live fame). Also check out Handey's hilarious new book, What I'd Say to the Martians: And Other Veiled Threats.
Ok, that's it for this week's installment. Check back next week for more analysis and fewer words. Later.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Eric Gagne Out as Closer in Milwaukee: FANTASY IMPACT
They finally took Old Yeller out back and shot him. Eric Gagne has been removed from his role as closer for the Milwaukee Brewers. Manager Ned Yost said the team will use a closer by committee until they feel Gagne can be used again in pressure situations. Yost added that this will be more of a "mental break" for Gagne so he can clear his head and get himself to where he was in the past.
Gagne is tied for the major league lead, with the also recently removed from the closer's role, Jason Isringhausen, with 5 blown saves on the season.
FANTASY IMPACT
There are too many names that could wind up seeing saves, but some to keep an eye on will be Dave Riske, Guillermo Mota, and Salomon Torres. Of course, on Sunday lefty specialist Brian Shouse wound up getting credited with the save when he came in to get the final batter of the game out so it is clear that Yost will mix and match as he sees fit to get outs.
If you are hard up for saves grab one of the three. Going into the season I was pushing hard for owners to draft Riske as a replacement for when Gagne got hurt this season. It looks like that might have changed a bit with the success Mota and Torres have had and the inconsistency that Riske has seen this season. Mota and Torres both have closing experience and one of them could end up getting the majority of chances.
I would actually be surprised if we see Gagne back in the closer's role this season. He struggled in the second half of last season with the Red Sox and has looked just as ineffective this season.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Jason Isringhausen Out as St. Louis Closer - FANTASY IMPACT
After blowing his fifth save chance on the season Friday night, Cardinal's closer Janson Isringhausen was removed from the closers role by manager Tony La Russa. Earlier this season I heard Brewer's radio voice, Bob Ueker refer to Izzy as having "Hall of Fame numbers," making his struggles and removal from the closers role all the more surprising. It is kind of ironic that in a season where he is actually healthy that he is struggling the most, after seemingly battling injuries and maintaining his stuff and role for so long.
FANTASY IMPACT
Right now La Russa has tagged Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer as the the main names to get saves, but also said he wouldn't hesitate to use a left hander when the situation called for it. This is probably a case where La Russa tries to get Izzy right by using him in less demanding situations first so he can rebuild his confidence and get back that edge that made a dominant closer for so long. Keep Izzy in all leagues, and certainly look up Franklin and Springer if they are available and you are hard up for saves. I expect Franklin to get the majority of the opportunities at first, but he also might handicap himself by being so useful as a set up man, so don't be surprised if the veteran Springer gets some calls as well.
