Fantasy Baseball Happy Recap - Opening Night 3/30/08

After months of anticipation, the first full slate of Major League games is finally upon us kicking fantasy baseball season into high gear. Given the fast-paced nature of fantasy baseball, we would like to introduce our newest daily column, the Happy Recap. Here, we will revisit the previous day’s action pointing out the best and worst performances, developing trends and emerging fantasy options.

There was only one game played last night so this edition will be a treat for all you Braves and Nationals fans out there. The new look Nationals won a 3-2 thriller on a Ryan Zimmerman walk off in the bottom of the ninth to christen their new 600 million dollar stadium in style.

Bat Of The Night

Ryan Zimmerman – 1/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI

Zimmerman’s only hit of the night was a walk off bomb to left center to give the Nat’s a dramatic opening night victory. Zimmerman will benefit from the friendlier hitting confines of Nationals’ park and could be in line for a solid 30 HR, 100 RBI plus season.

Arm Of The Night

Tim Hudson – 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (ND)

Hudson was razor sharp last night, pitching a perfect final 6 innings after surrendering 2 runs and 3 hits in the first inning. Unfortunately, the Braves couldn’t muster much offense and he was left with an impressive no decision.

Bottom Line

Peter Moylan – 1 IP, 1H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K (L)

Moylan mowed down the first 2 batter to face him on strike before giving up the game winning homer to Ryan Zimmerman. Moylan is the Braves primary 8th inning setup man and will be in line for plenty of holds this season. He could even see save chances if Rafael Soriano goes down. Forget about last night and move on with Moylan; short memory folks!

Honorable Mentions

The Good

Chipper Jones – 1/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI

Chipper welcomed Washington’s new stadium in his own way by becoming the first man to hitting a homer at Nationals’ Park. When healthy, Chipper is an offensive stud hitting in a choice spot in a potent lineup.

Nick Johnson – 1/3, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI

Johnson legged out a double then scored on an Austin Kearns single showing fantasy owners that he is fully recovered from a broken leg that sidelined him in 2007.

Odalis Perez – 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Perez turned back the clock last night, pitching an efficient 5 innings in his 2008 debut. I wouldn’t go to crazy here because remember at the end of the day he’s still Odalis Perez.

Saul Rivera – 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

It’s not secret that we love our middle relievers and setup men here at FSE. Rivera was dominant in notching his first hold of the season and could be used more in the 8th inning if Chad Cordero were to miss time and Jon Rauch became the Nats’ interim closer.

The Bad

Elijah Dukes – 0/2, left game with hamstring injury

Dukes didn’t do much in his two at bats and now might be out a while with a hamstring injury.

Lastings Milledge – 0/4, 1 K

Milledge’s debut in Washington was forgettable as he put up a big donut at the plate. The youngster will have better days and is a decent 15-15 candidate.

Paul LoDuca – 0/3

Tough night for former Mets! Loduca did nothing at the plate and then gave up a pass ball which tied the game at 2 in the top of the ninth.

Jon Rauch – 1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (BS, W)

Rauch got a save opportunity after Cordero couldn’t go and promptly blew it. He could see some more save opportunities if The Chief misses time with shoulder tendonitis.

Making A Case…

Nick Johnson – He proved healthy last night and looked comfortable at the plate. Right now he is only owned in 50% of CBS leagues, grab him while you can.