Matt Holliday finally connected on his first home run of the season. Holliday has been one of the most debated players in all of fantasy baseball this year after his move from friendly Coors Field to cavernous Oakland. He has just 12 RBI, and is hitting only .240. I have seen projections anywhere from Holliday being barely a starting player with the move, all the way to him repeating his MVP-like numbers of a few years ago. I highly doubt either one will come true. I can see him being a quality player, but not an All-Star. I expect him to hit near .300 with 23 homers and 95 RBI.
Michael Wuertz got the save today for the A's, but it was only because regular closer Brad Ziegler is apparently sick. It doesn't sound like anything serious and should be pitching again over the weekend. Not worth picking up Wuertz, who gave up a home run to Andruw Jones in his one inning, and not worth worrying about Ziegler.
While I am not a fan of his, Dallas Braden has been pitching pretty good for the A's to start the season. Braden kept the Rangers in check today, throwing five shutout innings and striking out six, although he did walk four. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of his starts this season, but he just isn't a guy that I am buying in to. He doesn't have a history of success, walks too many guys, and doesn't strike out enough.
Do you have Brian McCann or Geovany Soto? Looking for a fill in until they return? John Buck from the Royals is hitting .300 with 15 RBI. Buck drove in five of those runs today, as he went 3-3 with two triples. Now before you get too excited, these were the first hits for Buck in five days. He also has been around the league for a while, and his average in the last two seasons were both in the .220s. He was a fairly decent prospect though, so the talent could be there.
Mitchell Boggs continues to pitch like he wants to be in the Cardinals rotation while Chris Carpenter is out. He wasn't great tonight, but more than good enough. Boggs gave up four runs over six innings, but he was able to strikeout nine. He wasn't a big prospect, or a big strikeout pitcher, but he could fill a hole for you in the short term.
Matt Garza has owned the Boston Red Sox this year, and he took a perfect game into the seventh inning tonight. It was broken up by an infield single by Jacoby Ellsbury. For the game Garza lasted 7.2 innings, just the one hit, and struck out ten. In two starts against the Sawks this year, Garza has allowed just one run over 14.2 innings. He won't be an upper echelon option, but Garza is a great fourth starter to have on your team.
Although the bats and bullpen let him down, Max Scherzer had his finest outing of the season. Scherzer threw six shutout innings, walked just one, and struck out seven. He is one of the best young players the Diamondbacks have produced, so it just a matter of time before he is a star. He is still very young, so it might not be this year, but definitely keep an eye on him. One more good start and I would be on him like white on rice.
Chris Volstad didn't get the win today, but he had another great start. I've been telling you about him all year long. He is an up and coming you guy. Volstad allowed just two runs over seven innings and struck out five guys. He still hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start this year, and has been getting more strikeouts this year than before. In fact, Volstad has only allowed more than three runs in two of his 20 career games. I see him being consistently good all year long, definitely not a sell-high guy.
Injury News
Aramis Ramirez had an MRI on Thursday, and it showed just inflammation. It is now looking like Aramis will be back in the next few days, and won't have to go on the 15 day DL after all. There's a good chance he still misses the whole weekend, so I wouldn't put him in until you see him play a game.
Joe Mauer will be back in the lineup tomorrow (Friday), so be ready to finally get your starting catcher back.
Hanley Ramirez had a batting practice session, and according to Hanley it went "not good." Apparently his hand is still swollen, and he will likely miss a few more games. Again, the X-ray was negative, so he should be ok within a few more days.......I think.
I had my first softball game of the year tonight, and there is only one word to describe my play in the field. TRAINWRECK! I had three or four balls that I misplayed badly and rolled all the way to the wall. We lost 12-7, but that was mostly because a lot of other people also played less than stellar in the field. At the plate, I was 2-3 with two singles, two runs scored, and I'm embarrassed to say, a strikeout.
Finally, I would like to take this time to post a link to one of the newest baseball blogs, The Fantasy Windup. Steve Gardner, who has been with USA Today for over 15 years, has recently started his own blog about everything baseball that is updated multiple times a day. I especially liked the post from early yesterday in which he was good enough to mention my site and link to my article from 4/26. Thanks Steve! I invite all of you to check out the Fantasy Windup and to get involved in the comments and forums with some of his great readers.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
Yovani Gallardo continued his ascension to fantasy "stud" status both on the mound and at the plate. Gallardo was MASTERFUL over eight innings, allowing just two hits, walking one and striking out ELEVEN! His ERA now sits at 2.86, and that is mostly because he allowed seven runs in one of his starts. The other four? He has allowed two runs or less in all of them. He also hit his second home run of the season, accounting for the game's only run. Look out Babe Ruth!
Ian Snell was the hard luck loser today against the Brewers, as he allowed just the Gallardo homer. The great pitching from the Pirates continues, as Snell struck out five, but he did walk four. Since his Opening Day bomb, Snell hasn't allowed more than three runs. I don't know exactly what it will take for me to change my mind on the Pirates and their pitching staff, but I'm not buying in on any of them still.
Chris Iannetta, a guy that I promised people would put up big numbers as a catcher, hopefully got on that track tonight. Iannetta had two hits, including his third homer, and drove in four runs. The bad news? He's still only hitting .174. He does have five hits in his last four games, so there is a glimmer of hope for him.
Troy Tulowitzki was back in the lineup tonight after being benched for one game for, well...sucking. Tulowitzki had two hits and even stole a base, so feel free to get him back into your lineup. The kid has a lot of talent and should be able to turn it around from this AWFUL start he's gotten off to.
I continue to question whether Ryan Dempster can repeat his 2008 stats. He didn't do anything to install anymore confidence, as he gave up five runs in just six innings, walked three, and struck out four. His ERA for the season is now 5.40. It was his worst start of the season, but was also the first time he had given up more than four earned runs in a game.
Adrian Gonzalez continues to mash. After stealing his first base of the year (probably his last) yesterday, Gonzalez connected on dingers numbers eight and nine on the year. He is also hitting .329. I don't understand how he is doing it. He is on a bad team, in a pitcher's ball park, with no protection whatsoever. Somehow, opposing pitchers can't figure him out. I'm also not sure why he doesn't get more love in fantasy circles. Despite his constant increase in stats, it seems like more and more people question his abilities.
Julian Tavarez came in tonight and got the save for the Nationals on their first day of "closer by committee." This is a situation that I would stay away from for two reasons. One, Tavarez isn't very good. Two, the Nationals are worse. Unreliable reliever closing games for a bad team? Not the kind of situation I want to worry about.
Joba Chamberlain pitched great today, further stirring up the debate of where on the pitching staff he belongs. Is he a starter, is he a reliever? Who knows? Well, against the Tigers he looked fantastic, as he allowed only one run over seven innings, and struck out six. Joba has had control troubles, but tonight he walked only three. He has been disappointing so far, but there is still a ton of talent here.
Now this is what we expected from Edinson Volquez! He was spotless over eight innings, allowing no runs and striking out six. The most encouraging part of the start for Volquez is that he only walked one guy. His control has haunted him this season, as he had walked 20 guys in his first 20 innings. Too soon to say he's back, but this was a good sign.
Huston Street came in and got a save for the Rockies tonight, but I don't want you to go make a move on him. Manny Corpas had pitched in four of the last five games, so he wasn't available tonight. I can't say it is out of the realm of possibility for Street to get the job back, but I don't think this was a sign.
Quick Hitters
Ryan Franklin recorded his seventh consecutive save for the Cardinals, and still has not allowed a run. At this point, I think he is hot enough that you have to make a move on him and think this could be for real.
Billy Butler had a huge game, going 4-5 with two homers, a double, and four RBI. Let's just say he more than doubled his season RBI total in one game. Too soon to get excited.
Alexei Ramirez stole his fifth base of the season on Wednesday, and all have come since April 22nd. Congratulations those of you who were patient, it appears you should be ready for Alexei to start hitting.
Rick Porcello had a tough outing, allowing six runs over 3.2 innings, walking three, and whiffing just one. He is just 20 years old folks, remember that. He is going to have growing pains. If you have him in a seasonal league, you might think about letting him go. In a keeper league, GET OVER IT!
Justin Upton had two hits, drove in three runs, and even stole his first base. He is on a nice hot streak, let's see how long it lasts.
Finally, I would like to take this time to post a link to one of the newest baseball blogs, The Fantasy Windup. Steve Gardner, who has been with USA Today for over 15 years, has recently started his own blog about everything baseball that is updated multiple times a day. I especially liked the post from early yesterday in which he was good enough to mention my site and link to my article from 4/26. Thanks Steve! I invite all of you to check out the Fantasy Windup and to get involved in the comments and forums with some of his great readers.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
For those of you who were with me last year, my baby Morgan turns 11 months today.
Remember the little storm cloud that used to follow Charlie Brown around? Well, it has now officially left Mr. Brown and has parked itself directly over Cole Hamels. After winning the World Series MVP, everything has gone downhill. In the Spring he was dealing with elbow problems. Then he got back on the mound and big ol' Prince Fielder hit him with a batted ball, miraculously he was ok. Now tonight he leaves this start early after spraining his ankle fielding a bunt. It is too soon to know if he will make his next start, but we will pass it along as soon as possible.
After his latest implosion, Joel Hanrahan has been removed as the closer of the Nationals. Hanrahan gave up three runs in just one third of an inning on Monday, and that was apparently the final straw. For now, the Nationals are reported to go to the dreaded committee approach, but I have also read reports that Joe Beimel will get a shot at the job when he returns from the DL, probably next week.
Phil Hughes made his first start of the year for Chien-Ming Wang and was great. Hughes threw six shutout innings against the Tigers, halting the Yankees four game losing streak. Hughes allowed only two hits and two walks, and struck out six in his return to the major leagues. If Hughes can continue to be successful it could have big ramificiations in the Yankee rotation and in the bullpen, especially if Joba Chamberlain continues to be average, and if Chien-Ming Wang is able to return to form. Keep an eye on this situation.
Jimmy Rollins stole his first base of the season tonight. That's right, that is not a typo. The former MVP got his average UP to .195 with another 1-4, and he still only has one home run. There has to start to be some concern about Rollins this season. His power took a nose dive last season, and now this year he starts out going three weeks before he steals a base. Now would be a horrible time to try to trade him, but if you can get his preseason value still I would try to make something happen.
His teammate, Chase Utley, continues to prove why he is one of the ten best players in fantasy. Utley connected on two dingers tonight, bringing his season total to seven, and his batting average up to .357 with 20 RBI. For those of you who passed on Utley early.....shame on you!
The first kink in the armor for Paul Maholm came tonight. After a brilliant start to the season, Maholm allowed five runs over 5.1 innings, walked five and struck out just two. For those of you who haven't emailed me about Maholm, let me say this. I would try to sell as high as I can as fast as I can. Sure he had a much better year last season, but his career numbers are awful, his team is awful (they will be, just wait), and his strikeout numbers are embarrassing. Don't believe the hype on Maholm.
Francisco Liriano finally had a reasonably good start on Tuesday. Joe Nathan blew the win for him, but Liriano lasted 6.2 innings, allowed just two runs, walked two, and struck out three. Like I have said before, I don't see those rookie numbers coming back, but I still think Liriano can be an effective pitcher in the majors and win 12-14 games. This was an encouraging sign for him.
B.J. Upton continues to struggle with the bat as he took another Ofer, and brought his average down to .151. At least Upton is stealing some bases, as he now has five after swiping two tonight. I know it is tough, but you have to keep running him out there until he straightens himself out.
Paul Konerko is having a nice bounceback season. He played both games of the doubleheader and drove in three runs. The .329 batting average can't last, but he already is near 20 RBI, and this was a guy who was a definite 30 homer, 100 RBI guy every year. I think he will end up batting around .265-.270, but could be a nice UTIL option for you.
Finally, I would like to take this time to post a link to one of the newest baseball blogs, The Fantasy Windup. Steve Gardner, who has been with USA Today for over 15 years, has recently started his own blog about everything baseball that is updated multiple times a day. I especially liked the post from early yesterday in which he was good enough to mention my site and link to my article from 4/26. Thanks Steve! I invite all of you to check out the Fantasy Windup and to get involved in the comments and forums with some of his great readers.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
Wade P. owner of "Don't Tread on me" is still #1 in the standings, but myself the Silent Expert made a big move up in the standings knocking out The True Guru beating 8-1-1. Even Dickson is the only experts that is not in the bottom of the standing, he is currently #2. This week we will do Hot/Cold players with my predictions.
Junkyard Jake-6 vs. Mudville Nine-4
Junkyard Jake: Hot-Armando Galarraga Cold-Kelly Johnson
Mudville Nine: Hot-JairJurrjens Cold-Geovany Soto
Spankees II-3 vs. Old School Stingers-7
Spankees II: Hot-Jarrod Saltalamacchia Cold-Chien-Ming Wang
Old School Stringers: Hot-Johnan Santana Cold-Manuel Corpas
Los Vatos' Whappo-4 vs. Cobra Kai-6
Los Vatos' Whappo: Hot-Ichiro Suzuki Cold-Jimmy Rollins
Cobra Kai: Hot-Carlos Pena Cold-Rafael Furcal
Can O Corn-4 vs. Fighting Chance-6
Can O corn: Hot-AlfonsonSoriano Cold-JhonnyPeralta
Fighting Chance: Hot- Robinson Cano' Cold-Josh Hamilton
The True Guru-7 vs. Prusaw-3
The True Guru: Hot-Mike Lowell Cold- Emilio Bonifacio
Justin Verlander got into a time machine tonight and went back to 2007 when he was a quality major league pitcher. He has been frustrating his fantasy owners for just over a full season now with his flashes of brilliance before falling apart and taking a loss. Bringing a 9.00 ERA into this game against the Yankees, I can't say I felt much confidence in him. Oh, but ye of little faith, Verlander was back to his masterful self, shutting the Yankees out over seven innings, walking nobody, and striking out nine. It would be nice if you could feel good that he can do this again, but this is a nice sign for a guy who has struggled for quite a while.
After a rough start to the season, this was a third straight great outing for Cliff Lee. The 2008 AL Cy Young Award Winner was the center of many a preseason fantasy debate after his 22 win season. Those on the side against Lee were calling to the rooftops about him being a fluke. Well, Kerry Wood might have blown the save, but Lee was masterful over eight innings against the Red Sox. Lee allowed just five hits, no walks, and struck out five. He has now allowed only three runs over his last three starts. Now, I don't think he will be as dominating as he was last season, but it appears he will be at worst a top 20 pitcher.
Is this the breakout season of Johnny Cueto? Another pitcher who won't get the win, Cueto was tough to hit as he allowed only one run and struck out five. After allowing four runs in his first start, Cueto has been scorching hot since. He has allowed one run or less in his last three, and is now sporting a 2.19 ERA. He also has 20 Ks in 24 innings, which was the one category we knew that he would help you in. He won't keep this pace up, but if he can keep his ERA under 3.50 Cueto will be a big time pitcher.
How in the world does Tim Wakefield keep doing this? The Boston knuckleballer had one of his signature games on Monday, allowing one hit over seven innings, walked four, and struck out five. Unfortunately, Wakefield on some days just doesn't have it. There usually isn't a lot of middle ground with him, either he has a game like tonight, or he is in the shower by the third inning. But so far, Wakefield has an ERA of 1.86 and hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of his first four starts. He isn't someone that I have ever really owned in all of my years of fantasy except over short periods of time. He is just so unpredictable. But against weaker opponents, Wakefield is a guy that you can pick up for a spot start.
The New York Mets have a reason to feel a little better about their situation tonight. So far this year it has been Johan Santana and pray for four days of rain. But Mike Pelfrey was able to return from injury, and now John Maine had an very solid outing. Maine allowed just one hit over his six innings, no earned runs, walked three and struck out four. If he is healthy from his offseason surgery, Maine could win you 12-13 games if the Mets ever start hitting with runners in scoring position.
Phil Hughes will step in tomorrow for Chien-Ming Wang, and if you have anyone who is floundering on your team, I would certainly consider picking him up if he is available. Hughes has all the potential in the world, but it hasn't manifested itself at the major league level yet, as he won exactly ZERO games last year. However, most prospects who are as highly touted as Hughes don't miss, and it seems that it is just a matter of time before he is successful. Is it now? Tough to say, but I wouldn't mind taking the chance on him.
Ryan Franklin saved his sixth game fo the season tonight for the Cardinals, and since being installed as the closer he has not allowed a run. I had a conversation with a friend tonight about Franklin, and whether or not he has turned a corner and will be an effective closer. As a Cards fan, I certainly hope so. As a fantasy player, I'm not ready to make that statement just yet. Franklin still seems to be a ideal sell high candidate, but the way St. Louis is playing, it COULD come back to bite you.
Jair Jurrjens is the definition of a hard luck loser. In five starts, Jurrjens has a sparkling 1.72 ERA, but is only 2-2 to show for it. The Braves did score eight runs in one of his starts, but in the other four they have scored a grand total of seven runs. He isn't a huge strikeout pitcher, but he isn't Chien-Ming Wang either. If the Braves could ever get straightened out, Jurrjens could have some real fantasy value.
I forgot to mention the spectacular pitching of Red Sox prospect Michael Bowden. In his first appearance in the big leagues, Bowden was on ESPN against the hated rival Yankees. So how did the kid do? Ah, not bad. Two no hit innings, and struck out two. Now don't get excited, he was immediately sent back down to the minors to make room for Julio Lugo, but Bowden is certainly a name to remember for later in the season. Clay Buchholz will probably get the next turn if there is a long term hole in the rotation, but it is certainly possible that Bowden spends some time inn Bean Town in 2009.
Raul Ibanez continues his absolutely ridiculous start. In a game that included seven home runs, including two grand slams (one by Ibanez, other by Ryan Howard), Ibanez had three more hits, and brought his season home run total to six and RBI to 16. While I am on the fence about the rest of the season for Ryan Franklin, I feel quite secure in advising to sell high on Ibanez and here's why. We are about 1/10 of the way through the season. If you can tell me with a straight face that he is going to stay anywhere near this pace, then I have some beachfront property in Alaska to sell you. Get a more established star for Ibanez now.
In that same game Ryan Zimmerman connected twice on his third and fourth homers of the year. He's hitting .295 and having the kind of season that we had hoped for. Zimmerman will never be an elite power option, or be a real high average guy, but at a position that has grown increasingly thin, he is a nice consistent guy to count on.
Has Jason Bay joined the elite outfielders? Ever since coming over to the Red Sox, Bay seems to have found another gear, and he is off to a very strong start in 2009. Bay connected on his fifth homer of the season, a game winner off of Kerry Wood. He is now hitting .344, and has 19 RBI. It is hard to believe, but he is making it much easier for Red Sox fans to cope with the loss of Manny Ramirez bat in the Boston lineup.
Don't look now, but Andy LaRoche has a hit in 11 straight games and is looking like he might be worth owning in NL-only or very deep mixed leagues. He was once a highly touted prospect in the Dodgers' organization, but he has fallen far off the prospect radar. Over this streak he has brought his average from .000 all the way up to .262. He is still yet to hit a home run, so he is merely a role player on even the deepest leagues. But he is worth keeping an eye on.
Since starting the season like a house of fire, Nick Swisher has come back to earth. Over the last nine games, Swisher has just six hits and 13 strikeouts. He hasn't hit a home run since April 14th, and he has only driven in three runs over that stretch. I don't think I would send him packing just yet (unless you are in an eight team league or something similar), but I would certainly be scrutinizing his play over the next week.
Rockies rookie outfielder Dexter Fowler had one of the more incredible games. Fowler had just two hits, both singles. That wasn't the incredible part. Fowler stole a whopping FIVE bases in the game. After being deemed the fourth outfielder to start the season, Fowler has played himself into starting nearly everyday at this point. He won't bring you a ton of power (probably top out at about 15 homers), but he has great speed at the top of Colorado's order. He stole at least 20 bases in each of his minor league seasons, and is nearly halfway there already after tonight's remarkable speed display.
Troy Tulowitzki rode the pine tonight, and it might not be the last time he does so. After having a good first week, Tulowitzki went six straight games without a hit. For the season he has nine hits and 17 strikeouts. He had three home runs in his first five games, and hasn't even driven in a run since. He is currently leading the team in Ks, and his average is all the way down to .167. Tulo struggled to start the season last year too, so he could just be a slow starter. He is going to take some extra batting practice to see if they can find out what is wrong with him, and there has been no determination how many games he might sit. He could be in there tomorrow, or might miss a few, there has been no clear indication of the plan.
Injury News
Hanley Ramirez was hit on the hand/wrist by a John Maine pitch tonight and was forced to leave the game. X-rays were thankfully reported to be negative. Ramirez said that it was just bruised and hurt a lot. Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said it would be a day-to-day thing. He also noted that if he felt better tomorrow he would play Hanley. With the Marlins on a seven game slide, I'd be surprised if Hanley was out too long.
The swelling in Jose Valverde's injured calf has not gone down and he will miss at least a few more games, and might be headed to the Disabled List. It is likely to late to sit him for those of you in leagues with weekly roster moves, but in daily move leagues, get him out of your lineup until further notice. Hopefully he can avoid the DL.
Finally, I would like to take this time to post a link to one of the newest baseball blogs, The Fantasy Windup. Steve Gardner, who has been with USA Today for over 15 years, has recently started his own blog about everything baseball that is updated multiple times a day. I especially liked the post from early this morning in which he was good enough to mention my site and link to my article from 4/26. Thanks Steve! I invite all of you to check out the Fantasy Windup and to get involved in the comments and forums with some of his great readers.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
Welcome back my friends to the most in depth free agent and waiver pickup blog anywhere, The Hot 8! As we close out the first month of the MLB season, I am happy to have recommended free agents such as Dexter Fowler, Nelson Cruz, Colby Rasmus, Scott Downs, Nyjer Morgan, Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner well in advance of their most productive games so far. This week is no exception as I've got another batch of players poised to breakout in the near future. As always, I have been digging through the minor leagues, watching video and sorting through stats so that you guys don't have to. Just keep visiting these pages and I will keep giving you the top free agent and waiver advice week after week.
1) Justin Upton (Outfield) -- Diamondbacks -- Yes this is a self indulgent choice to sit atop The Hot 8 but it is also not without merit. As my loyal readers and listeners to Fantasy Baseball Tonight know I was very high on Upton going into this season. I took a lot of grief from people about how highly I was recommending him and even more after his horrible start to the season. Don't look now (actually do!) but Upton is hitting .333 with a .473 OBP in his last 6 games and has also homered in the previous two. He is a very streaky hitter who seems to be in the middle of quite a upswing right now and that could pay off big for your fantasy team right now. I am stunned at how many leagues in which Upton was dropped to free agency probably due to fears that he was going to be demoted soon. But alas, Justin Upton is here to stay my friends and he is an absolute must have if still on your waiver wire.
2) Phil Hughes (RHP - Starter) -- Yankees -- Hughes has gotten the call to replace the struggling Chien Ming-Wang in the Yankees rotation. Hughes had been lights out as had most of his AAA Scranton team this season. He will start Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers and could possibly get a second start this week against the Angels on Sunday if all goes well. Unlike most experts I believe that Hughes has a very good chance of staying in the rotation for the long haul even when Wang rejoins the team. Wang could be used out of the bullpen as has been done before due to his ability to induce double plays. If Hughes can provide a spark to the Yankees then he's worth a permanent spot in both their rotation and your fantasy team.
3) Matt LaPorta (Outfield) -- Indians -- As mentioned on last Tuesdays edition of Fantasy Baseball Tonight, LaPorta is on a tear for AAA Columbus right now. He is hitting .400/.478/.767 with 5 HR's and 13 RBI. Even more impressive is that he's struck out just 5 times in nearly 70 plate appearances. The Indians are struggling but are lucky enough to play in a wide open division. They are in need of another offensive bruiser and run producer. If things continue at their current pace I expect to see LaPorta's bat in the Cleveland lineup by May 15th.
4) Alberto Callaspo (2b/SS) -- Royals -- With Mark Teahen moving over to 3B for the injured Alex Gordon, Callaspo has stepped in to become the Roayals everyday 2B. He is hitting a whopping .377 so far this season and is outproducing some much bigger named players at his position. Better yet he is qualified at both 2B and SS for those of you needing some MI help after banking on Mike Aviles or Jed Lowrie in your draft. The downside of Callaspo is that he isn't much of a stolen base threat anymore although he should swipe between 10-15 this season. He is a very productive hitter who has hit for a high average in every single minor league stop along the way. The Royals are hanging tough and Callaspo will get a chance to score plenty of runs and hit hit his way into your starting MI spot very soon.
5) Jason Grilli (RHP - Reliever) -- Rockies -- It has become obvious to me that Grilli is now the most trusted man in the Rockies bullpen. He is being brought in to put out the fires that Huston Street and Manny Corpas light every other night it seems. With Corpas and Street passing back and forth the closer duties like a male eyeliner at a Fall Out Boy concert it appears likely that Grilli has officially become a closer in waiting candidate. He has the experience and a lively running fastball that managers like to see in their late inning specialists. While fantasy players keep trying to figure out whether Corpas or Street will get the saves in Colorado, my bet is that Grilli eventually becomes the closer while the other two settle into the less pressure situations of the seventh and eighth innings.
6) Micah Hoffpauir (Outfield/1B) -- Cubs -- This guy can flat out hit. In Chicago right now they are officially calling for the heads of Derek Lee and/or Milton Bradley and are demanding as Christopher Walken would say..."more Hoffpauir!!" The problem for Hoffpauir is that the Cubs don't have many available spots for him unless they indeed do put Bradley on the DL. They will never platoon Derek Lee so get that out of your heads right now. So, Hoffpauir waits bat in hand for somebody to go down so that he can give the Cubs exactly what they have needed for so long, a left handed power hitter. Either way, Hoffpauir will see plenty of AB's subbing for Lee, Bradley and Soriano as well pinch hitting duties. His upside is so great though that he should be a bench player right now especially for teams that own either Derek Lee or Milton Bradley as one of those insurance policies that are worth more than the actual asset it is protecting.
7) Josh Anderson (Outfield) -- Tigers -- Anderson is getting regular playing time for the Tigers since the injury to Marcus Thames and he has not disappointed. Acquired in a minor trade with the Braves just before the start of the regular season, Anderson has flashed tremendous speed as well as patience at the plate. Already on his third organization in three years perhaps this is the opportunity that Anderson needed to climb out from under the thumb of other top prospects. This is the perfect free agent acquisition for fantasy teams looking to improve their stolen base numbers. Anderson will get on base more often than guys like Coco Crisp, Brett Gardner and Carlos Gomez and is thus more worthy of a roster spot.
8) Jake Fox (Outfield) -- Cubs -- Wait a minute, I thought that I just said there will barely be enough playing time for Micah Hoffpauir in the Cubs lineup let alone another outfielder especially one who is still in the minor leagues? That is right I did. While it is a ridiculous long shot to presume Jake Fox ever sees playing time in Wrigley Field this summer I would not be doing my job if I didn't bring his recent performance for the Iowa Cubs to your attention. Fox is hitting an unbelievable .433/.494/.970 with 9 HR's 7 2B's and 27 RBI's. He has a huge lead in all three triple crown categories and is starting to draw some nationwide attention for his slugging. Assuming the Cubs don't develop a spot for him it is a no doubter that he will be traded to a team in exchange for some bullpen help at some point. Keep Fox on your radar. If he lands a regular gig somewhere in 2009 I will again have him in The Hot 8 and at that point he is worth taking a flier on.
That is the Hot 8 for this week. What do you guys think? Post your comments below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com
It was the second consecutive rough start for Clayton Kershaw. After allowing six runs in under five innings last time out, Kershaw allowed nine earned runs in just 4.2 innings. In two starts, his ERA has gone from 1.50 all the way up to 7.29. The future is still very bright for Mr. Kershaw, but I am thinking that 2009 will be an inconsistent year for him. Even if he is only able to win 10-12 games, Kershaw should at least be able to help you in the strikeout category.
Another young pitcher, Jordan Zimmerman, has been great through his first two starts at the major league level. Zimmerman was able to help the Nats avoid the sweep at the hands of the Mets, as he allowed only one run over 5.1 innings, walked just two, and struck out five. Being on the Nationals will limit his win total, but he is 2-0 so far, and he looks like he belongs here. You have to figure that he will have some nights like Kershaw did today, but he appears to be a guy you want in keeper leagues, and could be a nice option as your fourth or fifth starter in yearly leagues.
Shane Victorino had quite a weekend. Victorino collected five hits over the three games, with a homer, a triple, and EIGHT runs batted in. He is off to a terribly slow start, but hopefully this will get him back on track.
Oliver Perez was awful again for the Mets, and I have gone from advising dropping him to URGING you to cut ties with him. He's not lasting deep into games, he is giving up ridiculous numbers of runs, and walking a ton of batters. He is on a team that can give him some run support, but it is to the point where you can't count on Perez even against a weak opponent. It seems that Perez is only good in pressure packed situations. There has to be a better option in your league.
The unraveling of the great start by Jarrod Washburn started on Sunday. He allowed six runs over 5.1 innings, walked three, and struck out nobody. We have been telling you not to put any stock in Washburn, and this is why. Expect many more of his outings to be like this, as opposed to his first three starts of the year. If it is still possible, sell high on him right away. Perhaps there is someone in your league who still believes in him.
Pablo Sandoval finally connected on his first homer of the season, finally snapping his power outage. Sandoval was a hugely popular sleeper heading into the season, especially in those leagues where he it catcher eligible. He has been still hitting pretty good (hitting .292 after today with four doubles), but his owners were counting on a bit more power than this. It is still far too early to lose hope on Sandoval, you have to hope that this is the start of something big.
Another popular sleeper, Ryan Spilborghs has finally started to hit. He has nine hits over his last four games, and has raised his average from .229 to .295. He had two hits on Sunday, including his first home run of the season and he drove in three runs. He never showed any real power or speed while in the minors, but he could at least give you a solid average. A fourth outfielder or a good bench option is the best you can hope for from Spilborghs.
Jay Bruce looks like he is over his previous injury, as he has caught fire. Bruce was 3-3 on Sunday with a pair of two run homers. Bruce has ten hits over his last six games, including four home runs. There will still be some cold streaks along the way, but Bruce has a world of potential and could be a star as early as now.
Aaron Laffey had his third straight solid start, although I would not be making a move on him right now. Laffey allowed two runs over 6.1 innings, walked four, and struck out only one. Laffey has yet to prove that he can be a consistent major league pitcher, and his strikeout numbers are borderline on embarrassing. As of right now, he isn't helping you out in any pitching category, and I would need to see him put together a long string of quality starts before I would put him on my roster.
I have to say that I like Micah Owings, but so far he hasn't shown an ability to be a consistent major league pitcher. He always has the ability to throw a great game like he did today (7 IP, 1 ER, 6 Ks), but the rest of the time he is usually unable to get through five innings, and ends up walking too many hitters. If he would ever be able to put together a string of good starts I would want to add him, but right now he is nothing more than someone to monitor.
The homers keep coming for Chris Davis. He hit his fifth of the season, including his third in four games. For those of you who remained patient, I hope you have had him in your lineup. Davis has a ton of power in his swing, but he will most likely have hot and cold streaks throughout the season. He could easily hit 30 homers, but he could also easily hit .245.
Hank Blalock continued his good power to begin the year, as he connected on his fifth home run of the season on Sunday, but I urge you not to put too much stock in him. Blalock has been unable to stay on the field due to injuries over the past few seasons, and when he has been in there, he hasn't been that impressive. He is hitting .242 on the year, and you can expect him to hover around that average. IF he is able to stay healthy he would probably top out at around 21 homers, and his batting average shouldn't get over .253.
Jered Weaver continued his hot start to the year with seven shutout innings against the Mariners. In three of his four starts he allowed three runs or less, and his strikeouts are at a higher level than they had been in recent years. Weaver did have that tremendous rookie year, so the talent is there. It is just a matter of him keeping focus and staying consistent. The Angels should offer him a good deal of run support, and if he continues this play he could win 15 games.
Armando Galarraga ran his record to 3-0 with another six solid innings. He allowed only one run and struck out seven. Galarraga did walk five guys, which is a bit of a concern, but he is off to an incredible start. I still think that you should be trying to trade Galarraga for a more talented pitcher, but he is looking pretty good right now.
Kosuke Fukudome can't stop hitting the ball. He had another three hits today, including his fourth home run of the season. Fukudome is still hitting .375 on the year and has driven in 15 runs. Considering last year he only hit ten homers and drove in 58 runs, I would say that this is the time to sell on him. Fukudome doesn't have the power to support the numbers he is putting up right now. Offer him all over your league until you find someone who will give you an established player for him.
Justin Upton homered for the second consecutive day, and this one was a game tying two run homer off of Giants' closer Brian Wilson. We've talked a lot about Upton on this site and what to expect. I will stick by what I have been saying. I still expect this year to be a disappointment for Upton, but if he was to break out this year, I don't think anyone would be shocked. He can be no more than a fourth or fifth outfielder for you, but I would be more comfortable with him being on your bench at this point.
Injury News
Derrek Lee left the game after an RBI double with neck spasms. I have to admit that I think this is a new injury for Lee, and he has had most of them. Initial reports are that Lee will most likely not have to go on the DL, but given his history I would not be shocked if he did. The good news out of this is that rookie Micah Hoffpauir should be getting playing time in his absence. He has been effective when he has gotten in the game, including Sunday when he connected on his second homer of the year. If you are able to play him while Lee is out, you can do worse than Hoffpauir.
Nate McLouth will miss a few games as he continues to suffer from an oblique injury. He likely won't play at all in the upcoming Brewers series, but he has just been deemed "day-to-day." These kinds of injuries are very tough to gauge on how long they will linger, but it seems that the Pirates are not concerned at all about their star outfielder.
Joe Mauer experienced some soreness after catching back to back games, and now it appears his return to the Twins might be pushed back a few days. It is now looking like he will return on Friday, but keep a watch here and I will report on any update that I find. But it looks like you will have your catcher back sometime next week.
Stephen Drew was placed on the DL with his hamstring strain, and the D'Backs are hoping that this two week rest will have him ready to come back 100% when it is over. They are hoping that he will be able to swing and stay in baseball shape while he is out, and that he will be able to come back better than ever when this DL stint is over.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
Chris Duncan, St. Louis Cardinals, OF,1B While it's true that Tony LaRussa's somewhat capricious lineup strategy defies any reasonable explanation on most days, Chris Duncan has most frequently been penciled in as the left-fielder batting from the #4 spot, so it's surprising to see that he is available in a fair amount of leagues. Granted, Duncan does have a history of fickle performance. Probably a good example of his unpredictable range of batting competence can be observed by comparing his August 2006 output, when he hit .361 with 9 HRs, with his calamitous month of August 2007, when he hit .191 with one HR. However, until Duncan gets benched, goes into a slump, starts smoking hemp and hanging out with jazz musicians or you see a Tony LaRussa lineup that has Fred Bird in left field, and Adam Wainwright at 2nd base, he is certainly useful for fantasy purposes. Available in 38% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Ross Ohlendorf, Pittsburgh Pirates, SP Yes, you have been burned before by various members of the Pittsburgh Pirates suspect pitching staff in the recent past, in some cases (i.e. Zach Duke for the past three years), you've not only been proverbially burned, but scornfully mocked, ostracized and scoffed at by friends, strangers and town folk alike. So why would you want to subject yourself to more abuse by considering Ross Ohlendorf for your fantasy roster? Well, good point, but there are some encouraging signs that new pitching coach Joe Kerrigan has helped to return the Pirates staff back to respectability. Believe it or not, after getting swatted around like a pinata last year (5.08 ERA, .286 BAA), Pirate pitchers actually boast the best ERA in the league (3.07 ERA, .242 BAA) over the first couple weeks of 2009. Ohlendorf was considered a top prospect in the Yankees system, and seems to have responded well to Kerrigan's mentoring so far. As seen in his last 7 shutout innings outing versus Florida, when he can throw his sinking 90-92 fastball for strikes, he can be very effective. Available in 83% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays, SS Last October with America in the throes of a cataclysmic economic crisis, paralyzed with political uncertainty and struggling to endure the untimely release of yet another Queen Latifah movie, not to mention 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year', our nation sorely needed a hero, and Jason Bartlett stepped up to the challenge. That's right, Bartlett succeeded in stealing the first base of the 2008 World Series, and according to the terms of Taco Bell's most dim-witted promotion yet, 'Steal a Base, Steal a Taco', won a free taco for the entire country. While this accomplishment alone should make you want to check your waiver wire for Bartlett, also note that he is off to a torrid start in the new 2009 season, with 5 SBs in 15 games a .352 BA, and even 2 uncharacteristic HRs. If we enter the realm of 'complete silliness with extrapolated numbers' for a second, assuming that Bartlett can make it through a 162 game season, he is on pace to steal about 40 bases and hit 21 HRs (his career high is 5 HRs, so that ain't going to happen, but fun to imagine anyway). Available in 37% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Glen Perkins, Minnesota Twins, SP Pitching in front of the powder-puff Minnesota Twins offense, with a fastball that typically sits around 89 MPH, you could say that Glen Perkins is not the most exciting waiver wire alternative. In fact, you can almost picture the native Minnesotan riding around in a Toyota Prius, drinking a vitamin water and listening to the Dave Matthews Band. Nonetheless, sometimes bland is useful when it comes to fantasy pitchers, and if Perkins can keep on pitching exactly 8 innings a game, with an average 4 Ks, 1.50 ERA and 0.83 Whip like he has over his first three starts, who cares if his methodical fastball/slider/changeup repertoire causes drowsiness. Speaking of Perkins pitch selection, it's interesting to note that he has almost completely abandoned his curveball, and now throws his slider about 3 times as often as he did last year. It seems like this adjustment has helped him entice hitters into a swinging at bad pitches more often in 2009. Compared to a 23% rate last year, hitters have been swinging at pitches outside the strikezone about 38% time for Perkins this year. Available in 40% of all CBSSportsline leagues. Other Players To Consider:
Jason Kubel,Minnesota Twins,OF Available in 37% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
John Baker,Florida Marlins,C Available in 42% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Jordan Zimmermann,Washington Nationals,SP Available in 36% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Ian Stewart,Colorado Rockies,3B,OF Available in 39% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Phil Hughes,NY Yankees,SP Available in 75% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
One of the most common emails that I get on a daily basis is when is it time to stop waiting on (insert player here) to start hitting/pitching well? And my answer is usually to continue to stay patient unless there is a player of equal talent available on the waiver wire.
Kevin Slowey was a popular sleeper heading into the season, but hadn't really put up the kind of numbers some were hoping for. He made up for it all tonight. Slowey threw eight innings, allowed just one run, walked nobody (vintage Slowey), and struck out seven. I still stand by my prediction that he will win 15+ games this year and be a top 20-25 pitcher.
For you patient Alexei Ramirez owners, he is finally starting to make you happy. After his two hit game today, Alexei now has six hits in his last five games, and finally connected on his first homer of the season. Hopefully, this is the start of something big, and he can get his average over the Mendoza Line. But seriously, I still expect big things from him in 2009.
Prince Fielder just needed to almost take a pitcher's arm off with a hit to get him back on track. After crushing Cole Hamels' shoulder blade, Fielder has seven hits in the last four games, and had a two dinger evening on Saturday. Many, many people were ready to write him off a week ago, but it appears that he is on his way to another All-Star caliber season at the plate.
After it took him eight days to connect on his first home run, Chris Davis hit his fourth in the last ten days on Saturday. Davis is finally rewarding those of you who were patient with the young slugger, although he is still striking out at an Adam Dunn-like rate (28 times in 16 games, wow!). That seems to be the way that young power hitters are being groomed nowadays though. Davis should have a great 2009, after taking the AL by storm in the second half of 2008.
Mike Pelfrey was back on the mound for the Mets, and he was rather effective. Pelfrey was able to last 5.2 innings, allowed just two runs and picked up the win in his first start since dealing with tendonitis in his forearm. Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, Pelfrey walked three and only struck out one, but he did get the win and was able to stay healthy. I like Pelfrey to have a pretty solid season, just don't expect an ERA under 3.00 or a ton of strikeouts.
Ryan Church continues to hit which he needs to do to continue getting regular playing time. Church had two more singles today and drove in three more runs, bringing his season total to seven. I like Church as a bench option for your team, and I'm not sure why the Mets don't seem to want him to play every day. He isn't a guy who will make a big impact, but he is nice insurance against injury.
Yunel Escobar continues to be a good option for those of you who require a middle infield spot on your roster. Escobar had three hits on Saturday, including his second home run, and raised his RBI total to nine. He isn't going to excel for you in any category, but he won't kill you in any either. Plus, there aren't a ton of great shortstops available.
Robinson Cano continues his bounceback season after disappointing his fantasy owners badly in 2008. He is now hitting .366 and he is hitting for more power than he has in the past. Cano connected on two jacks on Saturday, giving him five on the young season. He had only 14 all of last season. I don't think this power surge will continue, but he isn't a guy that I would be trying to "sell high" on. I think Cano will have a really good season the whole way through.
As I sit here and write this tonight, I ask myself "Am I really watching the Pirates/Padres game?" The answer: Sadly, yes. Gotta love the baseball package!
Now while I wouldn't be selling Cano, I would definitely be trying to find a sucker.....I mean trade partner for Mike Lowell. Not only is he a notorious first half hitter, but I think he spends his offseasons in Florida, because isn't that where all the senior citizens spend their time? Lowell has had just about every kind of injury in his career, and these good times can't last. After connecting on his fourth homer tonight, and running his RBI total to an eye popping 22, his value will never be higher. Do yourself a favor, make a move. These are the kinds of moves that win you a league. Selling high on a player who is at his peak value.
Mitchell Boggs pitched a pretty solid game for the Cardinals, and could have solidified himself a spot in the rotation while Chris Carpenter is out. Boggs didn't allow an earned run over 5.2 innings and struck out three. He isn't a great strikeout pitcher, won't have an outstanding ERA or WHIP, but he could get you some wins, and is a decent spot starter against some of the weaker NL teams (Padres, Pirates, Nats).
Jason Kubel has been able to stay healthy, and he continues to hit up a storm. Batting clean up for the Twins, Kubel is hitting .350, and is now up to four homers after connecting twice on Saturday. His 15 RBI lead the team, and barring injury he should be the second best hitter the Twinkies have. He brings absolutely no speed, but this guy knows how to put the bat on the ball and is a good third or fourth outfielder or perhaps in your UTIL spot.
Like I said before the season started, Mark Buehrle will never get you excited, in fact he might get you laughed at. But the guy is a professional pitcher and ran his record to 3-0 today, with another good start. If you are familiar with the Tortoise and the Hare, Buehrle is the tortoise. He is just slow and steady, never exciting, never flashy, but generally gets the job done. A lot of fantasy players, including myself sometimes, would rather have that flashy up and comer who generally disappoints you. But you can pretty much figure what you will get from Buehrle every year.
Man that Pujols guy is good. Another grand slam today against the Cubbies. Did you see that home run? What a freakin' SHOT!
Bill Hall had three hits tonight, stole a base, and drove in four runs, but don't get fooled by the one good game. Hall has been a wildly inconsistent and streaky player throughout his career. Unfortunately for him, most of those streaks have been long and cold. Don't get sucked in by a guy you have heard of having one good night.
Chris Volstad had another great start for the Marlins, and I wonder how much more he will have to do to get more love in the fantasy community. Volstad allowed just two runs over seven innings, walked just one and struck out six. This guy was a very highly touted prospect, so the numbers he put up last year weren't a fluke. He has an ERA under 3.00 after four starts, and you should be jumping on the bandwagon ASAP.
Traded after losing the starting job to Jordan Schafer, Josh Anderson is doing pretty good for the Tigers and could be a good source of steals. Anderson stole his fifth base of the season on Saturday, and all have come in the last nine games. Anderson had some big stolen base numbers in the minors (40+ in four straight seasons), and if he keeps hitting he should have regular playing time in Detroit.
Justin Upton finally hit his first home run of the season tonight, and has gotten his average near .200. I know that sounds horrible, but he didn't have a hit until April 14th. He appears to have staved off a possible demotion to the minors, but I still think it will be another wildly inconsistent season for Upton. His big breakout will come sometime in the near future, but I'm not banking on this season.
Injury News
Josh Hamiton left Saturday's start after having an inflammed left rib cage. After beating out an infield hit, Hamilton appeared to injure himself sliding after a double steal. According to Hamilton, he expects to be in the lineup on Sunday. Don't be surprised if the Rangers decide to sit him, but it doesn't appear to be anything serious.
Joel Zumaya returned to the mound for the Tigers on Saturday, and didn't give up a run. Zumaya did not strike out a batter and allowed two hits, but it was just great to see him back out there. You have to wonder if the intimidating fireballer will ever be back, but given the Tigers bullpen you never know what kind of role he might end up with.
Aramis Ramirez will miss the next four to five games and might not return before next weekend thanks to the strained calf he suffered yesterday. This is the kind of thing you have to expect when you draft a guy like Ramirez, but the encouraging news is that he appears to have avoided the DL.
Brian McCann was finally placed on the 15 day DL with that blurry vision, and he will most likely be having the Lasik surgery again sometime in the next few days. It is good for the Braves to finally put this issue to rest and just sit their star catcher down for a couple of weeks now, instead of letting this linger any further.
The news on Brandon Webb is not good. The Diamondbacks have announced that Webb will be shut down for the next three weeks, and it is likely that he won't be back on the mound for Arizona for about six weeks. It is not clear exactly how serious this injury might be, but it doesn't sound good when a guy feels some tightness in his shoulder before a bullpen session, and the next thing you know he is out six weeks. I am very worried about Webb.
Reader Interaction
What do you guys expect from Justin Upton this season? Do you think he is just off to a slow start or is he still a year or two away?
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com
OF Matt Holliday,A's, It had been stated many times going into the 2009 season - Matt Holliday might have a difficult time adapting to his new Oakland address after being traded from Colorado. With only one week remaining in April, some fantasy owners are surely wishing that they had heeded this seemingly prescient prognostication. Holliday does currently lead the A's in RBIs with 10, but the fact that he is batting just .254 with zero HRs and zero stolen bases can only be described as a serious performance malaise. So what might be the worst case scenario for Holliday this season? On one hand, there is no denying Holliday's rare talent, not many players possess the quick bat and consistent, powerful swing of the A's leftfielder. However, based on Holliday's historical performance away from his former Corrs homefield before 2009, it might be best to temper expectations down to about a .285 BA, with 20 HRs, 80 RBI and hopefully 15-20 SBs.
OF Carlos Quentin,White Sox, - After joining the White Sox in 2008, Carlos Quentin wasted no time impressing his new team, winning the left field spot in April, and going on to lead the team in homeruns, RBIs, and slugging percentage. As if his 36 homeruns and 100 RBI were not convincing enough, consider that Quentin did his damage in only 130 games, as he missed significant time after a September wrist injury. At the plate, he shows good discipline and a quick and powerful swing. He can typically crush inside fastballs, and adjusts swiftly to breaking balls. In the new 2009 season, Quentin has stormed out of the gates with 7 homeruns over the first 16 games, helping to rebuke any discussion that last season's 36 homerun explosion was a fluke. This 26 year-old emerging star will likely challenge for the league lead in HRs again this season, and has rapidly become a fantasy force.
Before the news of the night I want to invite you all to check out an interview that I did recently with Toby Mergler of mlb.com. I am part of the Fantasy Baseball Search expert league with Toby and he is interviewing all of us during the season. And hey, I would really appreciate it if you would leave a comment afterwards too. Here is the link: http://welcometotheshow.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/04/fantasy_baseball_expert_interv_2.html
I want to start tonight talking about a bunch of young pitchers who look like they are about to take the next step into elite status.
Yesterday, Chad Billingsley went to 4-0 after throwing 7.1 shutout innings. His ERA is 2.06, while his WHIP is under one. He is right at a strikeout an inning, and in my opinion he will be an elite pitching option this year.
Tonight, Zack Greinke took his next step towards a possible Cy Young award as he went the distance again. Greinke's scoreless inning streak was snapped on an unearned run, but he had another incredible start. He allowed just three hits, walked only one, while striking out ten. I don't care what team he pitches for, Greinke will be one of the top starting pitchers in 2009.
Yovani Gallardo hasn't been quite as impressive as the other guys listed above, but he is far surpassing expectations to this point of the season. He also went the distance tonight, allowing two runs, walking nobody, and striking out seven. Outside of that one bad start, Gallardo has been mostly brilliant this season, getting nearly a strikeout an inning, and keeping his walks under control. He might not be in line for any awards this year, but 15-17 wins could be in the picture for this season.
Outside of his last start, Josh Johnson has been one of the best starters in the National League. Although Matt Lindstrom blew the win for him tonight (in an ugly, ugly fashion; 7 runs in 2/3 of an inning), Johnson was dealing again. He allowed just three hits and whiffed eight over seven shutout innings. In three of his four starts, Johnson has allowed one run or less and has recorded just over a strikeout an inning. The Marlins should be in the NL East race all year long, and Johnson should be a big part of their playoff push.
A guy that I thought would also enter this group in 2009 is Edinson Volquez. However, Volquez has had incredible control problems. It bit him again on Friday, as he was only able to last five innings because he walked SEVEN Brave hitters. That is now three of his four starts that he has walked the same number of guys as he has struck out. The talent is still there, and the strikeouts will still be good, but if he can't stop walking people it will seriously hinder his ability to be successful. I wouldn't try to actively deal him, but I am slightly concerned about Volquez.
For those of you who have had catching trouble or catching injuries, take a look at the Nationals' Jesus Flores. He hit his first home run of the season tonight, has driven in seven runs on the year, and is hitting .289. Flores was a quality player last year at catcher when he drove in 56 runs in just 90 games. Flores is looking like he could be a short term stopgap that might turn into a good catching option.
Michael Young has seen his power numbers bottoming out over the past couple of years, and even his batting average isn't what it once was. But this season he seems to be having a resurgence. He hit his fifth home run of the season, after hitting only twelve in 2008, and just nine in 2007. His batting average is also back over .300. The average could stay where it is, but the power has to be a mirage. If you drafted Young, I would be looking to sell high.
Rick Porcello had another one of his inconsistent starts on Friday, as he gave up four earned runs over six innings, walking two, and striking out four. It wasn't horrible, but it was far from great as well. With a 20 year old pitcher in the majors, you are going to have many more games like this than Cy Young-like gems. Keeper leagues you have to hold him, keeper leagues, i'm starting to worry.
A pitcher who definitely could be available in your league is Nick Blackburn from Minnesota. He allowed only one run over seven innings tonight, while striking out four. Blackburn was an effective starter last year, with a .500 record and an ERA hovering around 4.00. Now I'm not saying that he is going to win you a league, but if you are in a deeper league, he is definitely a pitcher that you can have at the end of your rotation. Blackburn doesn't get you too many strikeouts, but he throws a good game every other start or so. Against weak hitting teams, Blackburn could be a nice guy to throw and then let go of.
Koji Uehara continues to be a pretty effective pitcher for the Orioles. On Friday, he allowed just two runs over 6.2 innings, while striking out six. Outside of one start where he allowed seven runs, he has given up two runs or less in his other three. He is 34 years old, so don't think this is some young hot shot. But Uehara had a great career in Japan, and was a pretty decent strikeout pitcher. He could continue down this road for the O's.
Joba Chamberlain wasn't bad, but wasn't great again on Friday. Joba has had trouble with control for the second consecutive start, and has also been able to last deep into games. Like I say almost every night, you are going to deal with inconsistencies with most young pitchers. Chamberlain is a great young star in the making though, and although he isn't ready for prime time yet he should have his fair share of good outings.
With the injury to Alex Gordon, Alberto Callaspo has been given an opportunity to get some playing time and is making the most of his chance. Over the lsat seven games, Callaspo has 11 hits, and connected on his first homer on Friday. He could hit for a good average, but Callaspo isn't a guy who is going to bring you any power or much speed. If you want to play him while he is hot, that is ok, but I wouldn't plan on keeping him on your roster long term.
Injury News
Carlos Quentin was back in the White Sox lineup on Friday, one night after being hit in the hand by a pitch. His owners (including myself) were freaking after Quentin missed the last month of the season with a broken wrist. I don't know about you, but I was having flashbacks. I had only just traded for him three days ago. Whew!
Brandon Webb suffered a setback on his rehab, and now the next step is undecided. Webb felt tightness in his shoulder while playing catch shortly before his second bullpen session was supposed to take place. Webb is now supposed to see the team doctors before he throws any more pitches.
Aramis Ramirez strained his left calf running the bases Friday was was removed from the game. He has been deemed questionable for the rest of this weekend's series against the Cardinals. This is exactly the kind of injury that Aramis is famous for, and the kind that I was warning you about before the year started. This is pure speculation, but don't be surprised if he ends up on the DL.
After being back in the lineup, Brian McCann took himself out of the lineup before Friday's game when he was dealing with blurry vision again. Apparently, he is now considering Lasik surgery for the second time on his left eye. From reports I've read, it seems that he would end up on the DL. I will keep an eye out for further news on this situation.
Joakim Soria will not be used in this weekend's series for the Royals with some tightness in his shoulder. According to his manager this is not a situation that will land him on the Disabled List. Right now he is scheduled to miss three to five days with this condition. Juan Cruz or even Kyle Farnsworth could fill in for him.
Cole Hamels reported no soreness the day after being hit on the shoulder with a batted ball. As of now, he is still on track to make his next start.
Reader Interaction
Of the great crop of young pitchers (other than Tim Lincecum who has already won a Cy Young), who will be the next to break through to the elite level: Chad Billingsley, Zack Greinke, Felix Hernandez, or Clayton Kershaw? You can leave a comment below or email me at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
Through three innings, Cole Hamels looked like his old self again. He struck out six of the first nine batters he faced. Then in the fourth he gave up a two run homer to Ryan Braun, and then was struck on the shoulder with a batted ball by big ol' Prince Fielder. Fantasy owners around the country held their breath. Thankfully, tonight I am reading that it is just a bruise, and Hamels says he will be out there for his next start. It appears as of now that it is safe to put him back in your lineup the next time he takes the mound. The first three innings must give you hope.
Speaking of Prince Fielder, he had two more hits today and drove in three runs. He is still off to a dreadful start, but perhaps this game gets him going. He is still batting under .200 and is striking out more than he usually does. Fielder is still a young guy, and I just have a hard time believing that he has "lost it". I know it is hard, but stay patient with Prince, or else I'll tell him to sit on you!
Jeff Samardzija was called up yesterday by the Cubs to have another power arm in their bullpen. He was impressive in his time with the Cubs in 2008, and even recorded a save. He has been starting a couple of games while in the minors, but he has been pretty average. In three appearances (two starts), Samardzija has a 3.75 ERA with 11 Ks in 12 innings. He only allowed seven earned runs in 27 innings last season with the Cubs, but has already allowed five in just those 12 innings at AAA. For deep leagues he could offer you some value, but don't think he is going to get any chances to lock down saves with Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg ahead of him. Personally, I don't wish bad things on him, but I hope he doesn't have much of an impact because I don't like typing out Samardzija.
Here comes Rick Ankiel. The Cardinals' power hitting outfielder has finally started to kick it into gear. After three hits on Friday, Ankiel had another three on Thursday including his first home run of the season. Even with his two RBI today, he still only has five on the season. Ankiel hit 25 homers in only 120 games last year, and look to him to be able to match those numbers again in 2009.
Dave Bush took a no hitter into the 8th inning and allowed only one run and two hits. However, unless you are in a deep league, I would probably stay away from Bush. He has always been a .500 pitcher and has never been much of a strikeout pitcher. Don't think because he had this one great start that he is going to go out and win 15 games.
Has Aaron Harang officially turned the page from his subpar season in 2008? It appears he is on the way to that. For the third time in his four starts, Harang has allowed one run or less, and today against the Cubs he also only walked one batter. The Reds are scuffling badly on offense or Harang would be 3-1. His strikeouts are not QUITE at the level they were when he was at his best, but they are still above average. At this point, if Harang is available in your league, make sure you don't leave him out there anymore. Once the Reds bats come alive, he should be even more valuable.
Joey Votto continues his ascension to elite fantasy status with a four hit game on Thursday. Votto is now hitting .373 on the season with three homers and 15 runs batted in. He doesn't have elite power, but he is going to give you a really good batting average, and he should surpass 100 RBI.
Adam Eaton had a tremendous game tonight for the Orioles as he allowed just two runs over 7.1 innings and struck out nine. PLEASE don't fall into the trap of wanting this guy. If you are interested, go and look at his career numbers and tell me what gets you excited. Hell, look at his first two starts from this year. You know what they say about the sun shining on a dog's ass? The definition of that was Adam Eaton's start tonight.
Injury News
B.J. Ryan was placed on the Disabled List today because of "soreness in his back and shoulder." The reason for the " "s is I am just not believing the injury. I think this is just a reaction to his inability to get players out and his drop in velocity. My guess is he is on the DL to give them time to get him straight. I assume he will be ok when he comes back, but who knows. Scott Downs will be the closer in his absence and if you have Ryan, I would go get Downs right now.
Another Blue Jays' pitcher, Ricky Romero, was also placed on the DL with a strained muscle on his right side. Although there is no set timetable for his return, these kinds of injuries tend to linger. The way a pitcher needs to torque his body to deliver a pitch, I would think that he would be out for more than the required two weeks.
Joel Zumaya is finally set to rejoin the Tigers most likely this coming Monday. Zumaya has had a laundry list of injuries over the past couple of years, and has gone from a "can't miss" closer prospect to an afterthought in fantasy baseball. He won't be closing right away, if at all for the Tigers so I'm not sure he is worth adding. If you are one of those people who don't draft closers and have to play the "carousel" then Zumaya is worth having on your team for his strikeout potential, and the fact that the Tigers don't have an established guy that you can count on to close. But given his string of injuries and some loss in velocity, I'm not predicting big things.
Reader Interaction
I have a question for all of you. As you all know I live in upstate New York and the big Yankee/Red Sox rivalry ramps back up on Friday. Of course, it is all over the papers and radio around here, and ESPN seems to always give it great coverage. Please leave me some feedback to this. Does the rest of the United States even give a crap about this rivalry? Or are you all sick of hearing about the Yankees and Red Sox? I am not a fan of either, but living here I can't help watching it and following it. But does it really matter to anyone else? Just wondering.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss “The Fantasy Baseball Gurus Show” every Wednesday night at 10pm EST on Blog Talk Radio. The show is co-hosted by Todd Farino of fantasybaseballsearch.com, RC Rizza of junkyardjake.com and myself, Ryan Hallam at fightingchancefantasy.com. To hear the show go to www.blogtalkradio.com/the_true_guru. The Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report is also back! Join me with Jeff Mans every Tuesday night at 10pm EST for all the news, free agent pickups, minor leaguers, and injuries. A can’t miss if you plan on winning your league. I also just met the people over at Baseball Trade Rumors and I invite you to visit their site. They have a page for rumors for every major league team, constant updates on the latest rumors, interactive polls, and overall some great content.
Just want to get my predictions out for week 3. I am working on an article also going over everyone team. I am planning on doing 2 teams at a time. I will try to get every ones team done before the weeks end.
Cobra Kai-6 over Prusaw-4
Don't tread on me-7 over Can O corn-3
Los Vatos' Whappo-6 over Old School Stingers-4
Spankees II-6 over Mudville Nine-4
Junkyard Jake-7 over Fight Chance-3
Silent Expert-10 over The True Guru-0 (This is my bye week)
Big Joel Hanrahan finally got his first save of the season tonight against the Atlanta Braves. He pitched a nice 9th inning with only a walk and one strikeout.
This should dispel any rumors of Hanrahan losing his job. He is one of the better closers in the National League and once Washington starts winning more, he will close out plenty of games. Washington as a whole is in a funk, and hopefully this win pulled them out of that funk.
Hold on to Joel. If you traded for him, great move.
Anybody who knows anything about fantasy sports no doubt gets their information from Rotoworld.com. We're living in a digital age where breaking news and information spreads like the sun on an Arizona desert. Rotoworld is constantly monitoring every news agency and source on the planet and immediately posting the links neatly on their site.
Rotoworld also contains every link a true sports fan could possibly ask for including local teams newspapers, blogs, television/radio stations and other useful websites. The forums on Rotoworld offer a fun and easy way for the fantasy sports fan to post, read and respond to questions or statements. Since so many intelligent and well informed fans are browsing Rotoworld, the questions and answers posted there are very high quality.
If there is a downfall to this site at all it is the navigation. So many valuable links such as Rotoworld's constantly updated depth charts and injury news can be easily overlooked due to their location and small font size. Rotoworld also offers some run of the mill type premium products the best of which would be their Fantasy Baseball Season Pass. The Season Pass grants you access to their updated player and prospect rankings, lineup and roster evaluations, trade evaluator and closer reports.
Overall Rotoworld is an absolute must for any serious fantasy sports player. Their network of news and information is without equal in the industry. While the navigation and original content may be a bit behind they are the best at what they do. For that reason there is no choice but to award Rotoworld a PERFECT 5 out of 5 stars.
We predicted it before the season started and now it has happened. Huston Street is out as Rockies closer according to sources in Denver. Manny Corpas will become the closer and should have success. If he is available in your leagues, get him. He has closed before for the Rockies with 23 saves over two season and should do alright. He has had problems, so this might be a good pick up and trade scenario if you can get him. Personally, I don't like closers in Colorado.
It took three starts, but the real Jon Lester showed himself today against Baltimore. His first two starts were bad, but primarily unlucky. His first start consisted of one bad inning (5th) where he allowed a bloop hit and a hit and run play prevented a double play. His second start wasn't very good. He just left everything up and got hammered.
Today was different. First off, he commanded every pitch and kept the Orioles off balance all day with strikeouts and pop outs. He struck out 9 batters and gave up only 4 hits.
One of the big Sabermetrics boo-boo's for Lester was his K/9 rate, which last year was around 6.5. I told everyone this season that Lester is just getting better and his K/9 rate will get better as well. Granted his ERA is 5.50, his K/9 rate after three starts and 18 innings is 8.5.
I know it won't stay that high, but I think he can maintain a 7.2 K/9 rate the whole year. One reason I know this is in the off-season he worked on his change-up. He already has a 96 mph fastball and a great cutter and curveball. Now mix in the changeup as another out pitch and he is dominating. He showed that today and expect more starts like this now that Lester has hopefully got settled.
Todd "The True Guru" Farino
Go out and get him if you can, unless you use Sabermetrics. In that case, get Oliver Perez.
We are two full weeks into the 2009 season and what have we learned so far? The correct answer? Nothing. It is still far too early to make wild decisions about players whether good or bad. The baseball season is a marathon and chances are the players who are out to crazy hot starts, yes I am talking to YOU Emilo Bonifacio, will come crashing down to earth in the very near future. Likewise, proven stars such as Lance Berkman and Dan Haren will be just fine. It is time however, to begin taking notice of the minor leagues and which players are getting hot down on the farm. In this weeks Hot 8, we'll discuss a pair of prospects who are on the verge of getting a call to the show. With all of the injuries happening all over baseball it will be critical to know which minor leaguers are next in line. You NEED to beat your competition to these players to stay atop your league all season. If you don't have the time to go pouring over all of the minor league stats don't worry! That is what The Hot 8 is all about. I watch as many minor league games as anybody in the industry and will be posting to this blog every time a worthy player is brought up to the show. If you want to be proactive about this then feel free to email me or post your questions here and I will give you the answers you need.
1) Nelson Cruz (Outfield) -- Rangers -- I understand that this may be a little late to the party with Cruz but as my Momma used to say, better late than never! Cruz has erupted for 5 HR's and 12 RBI already and has the look of a determined star in the making. I am as upset with myself and many of you are for not taking Cruz late in my draft. I saw his outrageous AAA numbers from last year, .341/.430/.693 with 37 HR's, 100 RBI and 24 stolen bases. But I've seen this before out of Cruz. He's always sparkled in the minors but has not been able to hit an off-speed pitch in nearly five pro seasons. But something is different with Cruz this year. He looks more laid back at the plate and his feet are closer together. This is not the same player that I watched struggle for years to be a fifth outfielder. I strongly believe that Cruz is on his way to a great season and is an absolute everyday player from here on out. If there is any opportunity to acquire him I suggest doing so now before his stock become unsellable.
2) Nyjer Morgan (Outfield) -- Pirates -- You stubborn bastards! How can fantasy players continue to leave Morgan on the waiver wire like this even after his Hot 8 appearance last week? Well, I am bringing him back again to stress the importance of having a player like Morgan, who is a great on-base player and has crazy speed on your team. Why would you choose to hold Ichiro on your roster for several weeks while injured and think it is perfectly fine to leave Morgan out in the cold while he is scoring runs and stealing bases like crazy? I understand that Ichiro is a better player but he will finish with very close OBP, SB and runs scored numbers than our man Nyjer Morgan here. This guys is a steal and is just sitting there like the pretty faced girl at the dance who hasn't let her hair down yet. You know once that hair comes down, the eyes will sparkle, doves will fly and every other guy around will want a piece of her. Morgan is exactly like that pretty faced girl only slightly less sexual.
3) Adam Rosales (Third Base) -- Reds -- Currently this slugger is wasting away in Louisville with the Reds AAA team and hitting a whopping .387/.444/.806. Let me make this clear to any Cincinnati Reds personnel who may be monitoring this blog: YOU HAVE NO BENCH!! This is quite possibly the worst collection of useless garbage since my Grandparents Estate Sale in 1989. Darnell McDonald, Laynce Nix, Jerry Hairston..? Really? I played high school ball against Jerry Hairston and he was a hell of a ball player. But even my Glenbard East Rams found ways to getting him out at a decent clip so what in the heck is he doing taking up space on this Reds bench? Dusty "fricking" Baker doesn't like prospects. Well I know that Dusty does like managing and if he wants to keep his gig after this year he had better start showing something with this Reds team and a good place to start would be filling out the bench with players who the opposing manager isn't laughing at. Rosales can hit in the big leagues. He should be their starting LF at this point and I actually would put him ahead of Encarnacion at 3B right now. If he keeps hitting like this then Rosales will get his chance in Cincinnati before the end of May.
4) Mark Teahen (3B/Outfield) -- Royals -- Teahen is moving back to his home position of 3B after the injury to Alex Gordon. Teahen has been the perfect team guy in moving literally all over the field in order to help his team and get some AB's. He has earned everybody's respect in the process and his new permanent spot in the Royals lineup. He'll hit third and will drive in plenty of runs now in that spot. I believe this is just what Teahen needed to make him comfortable and at ease with his game. There is no doubt the guy can hit. He was once one of the most prized prospects in the game. Go back and read Moneyball and learn all about his skillset and what Teahen has to offer. He is the classic "late bloomer" who is ready to rise like a phoenix this summer.
5) Franklin Morales (LHP - Starter) -- Rockies -- Morales was on the fast track after starring in the Rockies miracle run through the World Series in 2007. But last year he suffered with mechanical issues that found him unable to command his arsenal of pitches whatsoever. I had heard about the Rockies working spring with his mechanics and have been impressed with the results so far. This is an excellent time to buy on Morales as he has #1 starter type of stuff. Taking a shot on him as he is set to make his second start on Tuesday is a move I strongly suggest you make.
6) Gary Matthews Jr. (Outfield) -- Angels -- Matthews will get a shot with the Angels after all now that Vlad Guerrero has landed on the DL. Matthews will take over the primary RF duties for the next couple of months and will be working to improve his trade value which nosedived after signing the big free agent contract before last season. Matthews had a superb 2006 season while a member of the Texas Rangers. Was it due to HGH? Was it the hitter friendly conditions in Arlington? Or was it just a matter of being healthy and having a job all to himself? Matthews power numbers have been respectable his first two years in L.A.. But it will take more than that to sell another team to trade and pay the remainder of his contract. But Matthews will be playing for himself in these next two months or so and maybe that is the motivation he needs to shine. If you are thin on OF talent it wouldn't be a bad idea to grab Matthews right now and hope he makes himself a nice little run going forward.
7) Tommy Hanson (RHP - Starter) -- Braves -- The problem with the Braves is not their pitching. But the team has been struggling of late mostly due to injuries to their entire offense. What we are all waiting for right now is the final verdict on Tom Glavine's career which hangs in the balance due to yet another left arm injury. Glavine won't bother with any comeback attempts if indeed he needs surgery and thus a permanent role in the Braves rotation will be available. The club is buying time (literally!) by sending Jo Jo Reyes out there while Hanson tears apart the minor leagues. But once his 8 weeks is up and the team gains another year of service time, Hanson will assume his role in what could be a very good starting rotation. Hanson is a power pitcher who will strike people out and going against the #4-5 starters of other teams should provide him an excellent opportunity for early success once he is called up. You must get him now and let him take up a roster space for the next few weeks until the final word in Atlanta is handed down.
8) Joel Zumaya (RHP - Reliever) -- Tigers -- I add Zumaya to this list more as a reminder to those of you who still believe that this fireballer will one day stay healthy. I just cannot put any faith into Zumaya after what has been one injury after another after another since bursting on the scene in 2006. Zumaya is on a rehad assignment right now and was successful his first time out in AAA after getting pounded in his first stop in A ball. He doesn't quite have the velocity he did before but is still bringing it in the mid-high 90's. There is a chance he could assume the closers role in Detroit at some point this season although Fernando Rodney is doing well as of right now. With closers is such obscurity right now it may be worth it to add Zumaya and put him on your teams DL if indeed your league has that spot available.
That is the Hot 8 for this week. What do you guys think? Post your comments below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com
With the demotion of Lastings Milledge (I still believe in the guy - but I'm feeling wrong), Elijah Dukes looks to be the person who will gain the most. He is off to a good start, has all the talent in the world, and hasn't been in trouble lately.
So far his line is .375 Avg, 3 RBI, 2 Runs. This is in limited duty, as he has been riding the bench with too many outfielders. Now there is space for him.
He is still high risk/reward. Don't overpay, but give him a chance.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love The Wire and those who have never seen it. If you’ve seen The Wire, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, find the closest mirror, look in it, and hang your head in shame. David Simon's and Ed Burns' masterpiece about the decay of an American city is, in this writer’s opinion, the single greatest series ever to grace the small screen... or any screen for that matter.
Now that I got that out of my system, let’s talk about a different wire. The wire that will make or break your fantasy season. The waiver wire. Let’s take a look at a few players that may still be available in your league and may be worth adding.
Scott Rolen, 3B, Toronto
Scott Rolen hasn’t been a very exciting player to own since his St. Louis days, however he is off to a fantastic start in the 2009 season. Through 10 games Rolen is hitting .389 and getting on base at a .425 clip. He also has 2 HR, 5 RBI, and has scored 8 runs. Rolen is available in 77% of ESPN leagues and 80% of Yahoo leagues.
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Elijah Dukes, OF, Washington A week ago, the Nationals outfield was crowded. Austin Kearns secured the RF job right out of Spring Training and Lastings Milledge was slated to play Center. But with Milledge having been demoted to the Minors this week, the door is wide open for Dukes. Dukes has always had the talent, but off-the-field antics and injuries have kept him from succeeding. So far this season Dukes has put up a .381/.435 line with a homer and 5 RBI. He swiped 13 bags in just 81 games last year and is still available in 56% of Yahoo leagues and 76% of ESPN leagues.
Endy Chavez, OF, Seattle Endy showed flashes of talent in his Mets days but never really locked down a secure job. This year he’s pretty well locked in to the Mariners outfield and is off to a red hot start. Chavez is hitting .405 with a homer and 6 RBI and has already stolen 3 bags. Expect the batting average to come down and the steals to plateau a bit, but .300 and 30 steals is not out of the question. Chavez can be had in 90% of both ESPN and Yahoo leagues.
Kyle Lohse, SP, St. Louis
I’ll be honest. I’m not a huge Lohse fan. He did, however, have a great 2008 and is off to a nice start once again in 2009. Even though Lohse’s K/9 rate is troubling, making him less valuable for fantasy purposes, he might be able to help you if your rotations are getting destroyed like mine, or if you’ve taken some injury hits. Lohse has a 1.13 ERA and a teeny-tiny .56 WHIP to boot in 2 starts and 2 wins. He’s also available in 48% of ESPN leagues and only 34% of Yahoo leagues.
Jason Marquis, SP, Colorado Marquis is another guy who has never been particularly exciting to own. That’s mostly because he rarely strikes batters out. The plus side to Marquis is that he has been pretty solid thus far in his 2009 campaign. He has a couple of wins against quality teams and is boasting a 1.93 ERA and a WHIP of exactly 1. Another encouraging fact is that he has gone seven innings in both his starts, meaning he's been efficient and has minimized the risk of his questionable bullpen losing the game for him. Marquis is still a spot starter at best at this point, but could be worth an add if you’re hurting. He is available in 99% of ESPN leagues and 96% of Yahoo leagues.
Remember, this doesn’t mean that if you run out and get these guys you’ll be all set. But take a look at your roster. Decide if you want to make some changes and if you do, consider these guys as possible options. Believe me, you could do a lot worse.
Last year I wasn't high on this guy, but I knew in 2009 he would develop into a stud. Tonight against the Giants he broke out. He struckout 13 batters and only made one mistake against Bengie Molina who took him out.
Tonight everything was working for him. While I watched him pitch the latter half of his outing, he had tremendous command of his fastball and had an absolutely devastating curveball that he could throw for a strike if he needed too. He kept the batters off balance all night.
If this is the Kershaw we get the rest of the year, you are looking at a big season. He will likely have some droughts and awful starts, but I believed in him enough to draft him in a few leagues, so I have no doubt he will have a huge season.
Hopefully the Dodgers and Broxton will hold the lead and give Kershaw the big win. Its 2-1 going into the 8th.
Hey everyone. I've been a bit slow with my closer report because I've been developing a new blog for it and it launched today. Now, you can get all the latest closer updates on my new blog titled, The True Guru's Closer Report, found here: http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/fantasy_baseball_closer_report.asp
There you will find my closer blog that I update daily and our team-by-team closers and guys who are next in line. You can also find the blog on our homepage at http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/. Check it out and email me at thetrueguru@fantasybaseballsearch.com with any comments or questions.
I will be updating it daily. Get your closer info here!
One week down. It was a fun week most of the game came down to Sunday. I went 3-3 on my predictions and won my underdog pick of the week. Bobbo over RC Rizza. Evan Dickens is atop of our leader board after Silencing the Silent Expert 7-3. Let's go over this weeks match ups and my predictions for week 2.
The True Guru vs. Can O Corn IF- Can O Corn OF- True Guru SP- True Guru RP- True Guru
Todd may of edge Can O Corn in the match ups but this is going to be a closes game.
Prediction- 5-4-1 The True Guru
Don't Tread on Me vs. Fighting Chance
IF- EVEN OF- Don't Tread on Me SP- Don't Tread on Me RP- Fighting Chance
Ryan has some injuries so maybe too hard to over come.
Prediction- 7-3 Don't Tread on Me *** Underdog pick of the week**** Don't Tread on Me is no underdog in match ups but Don't Tread on Me is the only listener that I predict to beat an expert this week.
Prusaw vs. Old School Stingers
IF-Old School Stingers OF-Prusaw SP- Old School Stingers RP-EVEN
Prusaw may have to ask his class for advice this week. The new school vs. old school
Prediction-6-4 Old School Stingers
Los Vatos' Whappo vs. Mudville Nine
IF-Mudville Nine OF- Mudville Nine SP- Mudville Nine RP- Mudville Nine
Bobbo is again the underdog and will have to fight threw out the week.
It looks like you have already found your Easter basket this year as I am about to give you 8 really good free agents to add to your fantasy baseball team this week. If you have been following since the beginning then right now you are enjoying the hot starts of Mike Fontenot, Jordan Schafer, Brett Gardner and Elvis Andrus. If this is your first time reading The Hot 8, welcome and you may want to go ahead and bookmark this page or subscribe to the feed. This weeks batch of free agents I am very excited about and believe most of them will have some staying power for success.
1) Emilo Bonifacio (2B/3B) -- Giants -- Without a doubt the hottest free agent name on the market right now. Bonifacio is hitting .583 with a .600 OBP through the first five games of the season. He also has a HR, 9 runs scored, 5 RBI and 4 stolen bases. What you need to understand about Bonifacio is that these types of numbers just won't last. I can guarantee you that Bonifacio hits about .280 this year and will finish with only that inside the park HR he got against his former organization. But, he will steal a bunch of bases and with this hot start has cemented his status as the Marlins 3B and leadoff man. They key for Bonifacio fantasy wise will be whether or not he can continue to get on base like he has been. If he gets on base over 35% of the time, then he will score 90+ runs and steal 40+ bases which easily puts him in the top 8 of all 3B. If he is still available in your league then you have to pick him up. But if you are trying to trade for him, now is not the time to swing a deal. His value is just too high for what he will be once this hot start has cooled.
2) Colby Rasmus (Outfield) -- Cardinals -- I drafted Rasmus late in one of my leagues this year but really expected him to be sent down for regular playing time in AAA. Surprisingly, he made the team and appears likely to get plenty of AB's going forward. What I absolutely love about him is that Tony LaRussa is hitting him second in the order right in front of the great Albert Pujols. What a perfect situation for any young hitter especially one with the skills of Colby Rasmus. This is a guy who may very well be a difference maker for your team all season long. He is going to score a boat load of runs, steal 15-20 bases and hit about 15 HR's. Hitting in front of Pujols may be the single best gig in all major league baseball and that job now belongs on Colby Rasmus.
3) Nick Swisher (Outfield/1B) -- Yankees -- Swisher has come out of the gate on fire for his new team and is hitting a whopping .538. Six of his seven hits have gone for extra bases including 2 HR's. Swisher or "dirty 30" as he wanted us to refer to him as a member of the Whitesox last year had been practically forgotten about during drafts this spring after a miserable 2008 season and being named a reserve player for the Yankees. But the good thing about Swisher is that he is versatile in that he can play a 3 OF positions as well as an outstanding 1B. With Xavier Nady struggling and Mark Teixeira dealing with some tendinitis in his hand, Swisher will get plenty of AB's at least until he cools off. Swisher has always been a great OBP guy and has power from both sides of the plate. He also is a cocky, proud type of guy who fell into a hole last year and couldn't sulk his way out. He is a better player than Xavier Nady and will see plenty of playing time at multiple positions to make him worthy of a spot on any fantasy roster.
4) Scott Downs (LHP - Reliever) -- Blue Jays -- I understand that in most competitive leagues Downs is already on a team. But my research shows that he is owned in just 24% of Yahoo leagues and 35% of CBS leagues. B.J. Ryan is in a tailspin in case you haven't been paying attention and the Blue Jays are still playing great ball. They cannot afford to have Ryan blowing games as he nearly did on Saturday night. Downs is the closer in waiting and will most likely get more save opportunities this week then B.J. Ryan will and therefore should be picked up by any team looking for a closer.
5) Dexter Fowler (Outfield) -- Rockies -- I must confess right away that this is a bit of a man-crush for me. I love Dexter Fowler. There...I said it . He is the type of kid organizations dream about. Supremely talented, can hit for average, power, steal bases and is the best defensive player in the organization. What is more is that he is a real good kid who has an unparalleled work ethic and commitment to the game. Ryan Spilborghs technically has the starting CF job right now and is off to a hot start. But Fowler has already shown what he is capable of hitting his first big league HR, stealing a base and getting on base 5 of his first 10 trips to the plate. This kid will be a star very soon so do yourself a favor and stash him on your bench. This is a move that could pay off big time later in the season during your fantasy playoff run.
6) Scott Baker (RHP - Starter) -- Twins -- Baker was the Twins best pitcher last season but has started the season on the DL with some shoulder stiffness. All indications are that this move was more a precaution then anything else and Baker will be rejoining the team and the rotation on Wednesday against the Blue Jays. He is not a strikeout pitcher nor does he possess overpowering stuff. I see Baker much like former Twins starter Kevin Tapani. He pitches to contact quite well and knows how to change speeds and fool with the hitters eye level. If he stays healthy I think that he'll probably lead the Twins in wins and ERA, especially if Francisco Liriano continues to struggle. Think about picking up Baker and use him as your mid-week replacement starter off of your bench.
7) Lou Marson (Catcher) -- Phillies -- An injury that hasn't received much attention outside of Philadelphia this week was the oblique strain suffered by Phillies starting catcher Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz has been placed on the DL and if looks like he could be out about a month or so. This prompted the Phils to call up Lou Marson, who is widely considered their catcher of the future. Marson isn't a special hitter by any means, but for a catcher he hits for a great average and is an on-base machine in the mold of Chris Ianetta. Marson can hit 12-15 HR's in a full season so he does have some pop in his bat as well. His defense is good enough that he should get plenty of playing time ahead of backup catcher Chris Coste who is awful defensively. More playing time would mean more runs scored in the potent Phillies lineup also. For those of you suffering the injuries to Geovany Soto or the lack of offense from John Buck or Kurt Suzuki you would be wise to grab Marson and ride the offensive wave.
8) Nyjer Morgan (Outfield) -- Pirates -- I have been waiting on Morgan to stick with the big league club, stay in the lineup and stay healthy for the past 3 seasons. Morgan is the perfect mold for a leadoff hitter. Great strike zone discipline, good contact hitter and blazing speed are among Morgan's strengths. He has gotten off to a hot start so far this season hitting .391 and collecting 3 stolen bases already. I am a big believer in Morgan's ability. If the Pirates can continue to plate runs the way they have the first week of this season, Morgan could score 100 runs this year and probably steal 50+ bases. Yeah..that is a big if when you are talking about the Pirates but sometimes you have to take chances on players with mad skills and let circumstance be damned.
That is the Hot 8 for this week. What do you guys think? Post your comments below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com
Travis Snider, Toronto Blue Jays, OF At 21 years old, Travis Snider probably still TIVOs his favorite Nickelodeon cartoons but nonetheless, he has rocketed through Toronto's farm system with 50 HRs in 1158 At-bats, and now finds himself their newest leftfielder. While he certainly could have used a bit more seasoning in the minors, he didn't look out of place during his short audition with the Blue Jays late last season, hitting .301 with 2 HRs in 73 Abs. If his early achievements can translate to the Major League level, Snider looks like a potential 25 HR player who can hit around .285. On a scale of 'Sniders', that would make Travis almost as cool as Dwayne Schneider, the superintendent from 'One Day at A Time', and rated much higher than both Rob Schneider and Dee Snider, the annoying front-man from Twisted Sister. Available in 52% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Travis Ishikawa, San Francisco Giants, 1B While we are on the subject of left-handed power prospects named 'Travis', another interesting fantasy waiver target is Travis Ishikawa of the San Francisco Giants. Inapposite with his surname, Ishikawa is a purely domestic vehicle, so no need to worry about pesky tariffs or too much of an adjustment to some of the less polite American pitchers. The 24 year old has been plugging away in the Giants minor league system since 2002, accumulating 96 HRs and 410 RBI over 2,518 Abs. Ishikawa has even shown some speed for a 1st baseman, with 32 stolen bases. If Ishikawa can maintain a starting assignment, his minor league performance suggests about 23 HRs, 100 RBI and 8 SBs could be in store for 2009. Available in 71% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Rick Porcello, Detroit Tigers, SP With a struggling auto industry, less tourism than Baghdad, and Jason Verlander still trying to figure out how to pitch again, Detroit has had little to cheer about over the past couple years. For a city that desperately needs a morale boost, maybe rookie starting pitcher Rick Porcello can help. He is only 20 years old, but Porcello already has an advanced arsenal for his age, with a mid-90's fastball, a 2-seam fastball with good sinking action, a curveball, slider, and also a pretty good change-up. He was knocked around a little in his first 2009 start, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings, but still maintained his trademark command by issuing just one walk. Last year in the minors, Porcello granted walks at a rate of just 2.37 per nine innings, and he was impressive this spring with a 2.30 ERA and 1.25 Whip in six Grapefruit League appearances. Porcello is definitely more solvent than General Motors, a mandatory pick-up for keeper leagues, and he could end up useful in all formats if things fall into place for him this year. Available in 72% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Chris Perez, St. Louis Cardinals, RP If you listen closely, you can hear the subtle sound of about 150,000 fantasy teams dropping Jason Motte and/or Chris Perez this week. At this point, it's safe to assume that not even Tony LaRussa truly knows who will be closing games for the Cardinals over the next couple weeks. So far, major league batters have greeted Jason Motte rudely, while the rotund Dennys Reyes and the unexciting Kyle McClellan have collected saves. Chris Perez was the favorite to emerge as the closer this year, but he was shut-down and sent-down after a case of shouldersitis this spring. Both Motte and Perez have the potential to become quality closers, but Perez seems like a better bet. It's true that Jason Motte did wreck havoc with his 98 mph fastball in Triple A last year, striking out 110 in 66 innings, but his slider is a work in progress, and major league hitters are going to catch up with a 98 mph fastball if they see it 5 consecutive times. Perez is a more advanced pitcher with an exceptional slider to go along with his mid-90's fastball. Especially if you have Motte on your roster right now, picking up Perez is a great contingency plan. Available in 84% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Other Players To Consider: Emilio Bonifacio,Florida Marlins,3B Available in 28% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Denard Span,Minnesota Twins,OF Available in 47% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Khalil Greene,St. Louis Cardinals,SS Available in 33% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Tommy Hanson,Atlanta Braves,SP Available in 62% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
David Purcey,Toronto Blue Jays,SP Available in 73% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com
SP Cole Hamels,Phillies, Heading into the 2009 season there has been much apprehension about Cole Hamels elbow inflammation dilemma, a problem that caused the young right-hander to miss the majority of spring training, and also his opening day assignment. Unfortunately, as he returned to the mound on April 10th, he did nothing to alleviate concerns about his health, yielding an exorbitant 11 hits, and 7 earned runs in just 3.2 innings. Indeed, despite his back to back exemplary seasons in 2007 and 2008 where he totaled 29 wins with outstanding ratios (3.22 ERA, 1.10 WHIP over the past 2 years), Hamels has had a minor history of elbow problems. Most recently, he missed one month of the 2007 season with a mild strain, so hopefully this is similar situation and he will get back on track soon. Keep an eye on Hamels pitch velocity for a clue on his recovery, he normally should be around 90 MPH on his fastball.
Adenhart was on his way home after his start on Wednesday in which he went 6 innings giving up 7 hits and striking out 5. Early reports are that there was a three car accident involving a hit and run minivan that allegedly ran a red light to cause this tragic accident.
There really aren't words to describe this kind of tragedy. Baseball is a brotherhood. Teams are like families. Accidents like this serve to remind us all on just how fragile life can be. Nick Adenhart was 22 years old and about to begin a career full of hope and promise. From all I have heard and read about he was as good a person as he was a pitcher. Maybe even better. Questions about how or why this terrible thing has happened or where the Angels go from here will all be answered in due time. For now, take a moment to give your loved ones a call or hug and tell them how much you love them. We are all here only for a short time. Some shorter than others. We are promised nothing in this life other than to be given life and someday have that taken from us. Everything else is as they say in baseball, day to day.
It is doubtful that the Angels-Athletics game will be played tonight while they mourn the loss of their team-mate.
Alright guys, here are my major league predictions for 2009. Some I'm still a bit loopy on, but most I'm very sure of.
American League
ACLS - Again it will be Boston Vs. Tampa Bay. However, my heart says the Red Sox will win, but my brain goes with Tampa Bay.
AL Rookie Of The Year: Rookies are so tough to call. I like David Price and Elvis Andrus. I think it will come done to one of those two.
AL MVP: B.J. Upton
AL Cy Young: Jon Lester or Ervin Santana. Who really competes with either of them. Roy Holiday will be in the mix.
AL Comeback Player of the year: Mike Lowell, but Robinson Cano should have a breakout year. Though, I'm not sure he qualifies.
AL Saves Leader: Joakim Soria, 44 Saves.
National League
NLCS - LA Dodgers Vs. NY Mets. Winner: LA Dodgers.
NL MVP: Ryan Braun, but expect Hanley Ramirez to trail a close second. Assuming he stays healthy. Pujols will be in the mix, but its not his year with those guys at their prime.
NL Rookie Of The Year: This is a tough one. I'll put my money of Travis Ishikawa, but trailing him will br Jordan Shafer and Tommy Hanson. I also like Daniel Murphy to put pressure on the leaders. CORRECTION( I have to remove Daniel Murphy from my list. He had 131 at bats last season and the maximum number of at bats in one season for ROY is 130 or 45 days in MLB service.). I apologize for the mistake.
Sorry everyone that I did not get this out before the games started but had computer issues this weekend. Here are my predictions this week. I will also pick everyones the Top player, There Wildcard Play (A Players that has to make a difference ), and there Ace of there staff.
Our 1st match up is Spankees 2 vs. Ryan at Fighting Chance Fantasy
Spankees 2: Top Player- Jose Reyes Wildcard- Joey Votto Ace- Adam Wainwright
Fighting Chance: Top Player- Josh Hamilton Wildcard- Pablo Sandoval Ace- Brandon Webb
Match up:
IF- EVEN OF-Spankees P- Fighting Chance
Prediction: 6-4 Fighting Chance over Spankees 2
Our Next game Can O Corn vs. Cobra Kai
Can O Corn: Top Player-Miguel Cabrera Wildcard- Adam Jones Ace-Scott Kazmir
Cobra Kai: Top Player- Ryan Braun Wildcard- Rafael Furcal Ace- Josh Beckett
Match up:
IF- EVEN OF- Cobra Kai P- Cobra Kai
Prediction: 6-4 Cobra Kai over Can O Corn
Next game Prusaw vs. Mudville Nine
Prusaw: Top player-Ian Kinsler Wildcard- Eric Bynes Ave- Edinson Volques
Mudville Nine: Top player- Chase Utley Wildcard- Carlos Gomez Ace- Rich Harden
Match up:
IF- Prusaw OF- Prusaw P- Mudville
Prediction: Prusaw 7-3 ( Mudville just has too many young players)
Next Game LosVatos Whappo (Bobbo) vs. RC at Junckyard Jake
Bobbo: Top Player- Jimmy Rollins Wildcard- Felipe Lopez Ace- King Felix
RC: Top player- David Wright Wildcard- Cameron Maybin Ace- CC Sabathia
Match up:
IF- Bobbo OF-RC P- RC
Prediction: Bobbo over RC 6-4 ( RC may have the better team but I am going with the under dog.)
Our commissioners game The True Guru vs. Don't Tread on me
The True Guru: Top player-Grady Sizemore Wildcard- Nelson Cruz Ace- Jon Lester
Don't Tread on me: Top Player-Hanley Ramiez Wildcard-Dustin Pedroia (I now he was a MVP but can he do it again?) Ace- Francisco Liriano
Match up:
IF-Even OF- The True Guru P- Don't Tread on me
Prediction: This is going to be a close game and I am going to call this a tie 5-5
The Final game Silent Expert vs. Evan form Old School Stingers
Evan: Top player-Ryan Howard Wildcard-Shin-Soo Choo Ace- Johan Santana
Silent Expert: Top Player-Albert Pujols Wildcard-Chris Young (ARI) Ace-Tim Lincecum
Match up:
IF-Silent Expert OF-Silent Expert P- EVEN
Prediction: Silent Expert in a BIG win over Evan 7-3
The 2009 season is upon us. Right now fantasy baseball fans are done with all their drafts and are now settling in with their new and exciting teams. The first task, hopefully a successful draft is over, but now comes the daunting PART DEUX managing your team.
All of us need a little help when managing our team. Whether its a closer report, injury updates, minor leaguers, hot players, or just a waiver pickup, we all need a bit of help. Most managers are probably searching out the best in-season information sites and we have a few helpful warnings, bits of advice, and recommendations for you.
Before I get started on this informative and fun soap box rant let me say that there are very few true experts in this industry. Guys like Joe Sheehan, Ron Shandler, Cory Schwartz, and a few others are experts. The rest of us should call ourselves fantasy baseball analysts. I think you have to earn being called an expert. Just putting up a website or leaching off another true expert isn't a definition of an expert.
Also, note this. In the end, we are all just guessing. Maybe my guess or a true expert like Ron Shandler's guess are more educated than the average joe, but it's still a guess. Everyone will have successes and failures, but what you should look for is consistency for winnings. That is the ultimate formula.
So now we get to the list of analysts to avoid. This might be awkward, and its totally up to you to decide which analyst you think gives you the best chances to win your league. However, there are guys out there that just aren't what they seem to be and here is a fun way to spot them.
Avoid these types of fantasy baseball analsts:
The Extenze Expert - We've all seen those Extenze commercials for the pills that supposedly make you more of a man. Yea, right. In the commercials they claim to have sold millions, billions, trillions of capsules. It sounds like a Obama budget. Then they interview guys off the street who say, "oh yea I buy it." They are full of crap and so are fantasy baseball analysts who use the same marketing tactics. You will see guys who put up a site, fund it well and get all their buddies to say how good they are. They may even tell you they've sold thousands of draft kits and are the best ever. The quick clue to ask yourself to spot these types is, "Have I ever heard of this guy?" Better yet, Google search the analyst. If you don't find much odds are he's a newbie disguising himself as a expert. You don't want to waste your time with that type. Unless, you love playing risky.
The Sabermetrics Expert - Listen, I know you are saying, here's goes Todd again bashing Sabermetrics. You all know I don't trust the system and for good reason. Any Sabermetrics expert will tell you that it was invented by Bill James and led the Red Sox to the World Series Championship in 2004. They are right, but lying. Current Sabermetrics is a different beast from the brilliance of Bill James. They are right about the Red Sox, but using Sabermetrics with Scouting combined with huge payrolls and a great minor league system won the World Series for the Red Sox.
Sorry, but that doesn't apply in fantasy baseball. True Sabermetrics can't and wasn't designed for fantasy baseball because in fantasy baseball there are just too many variables every season. That is the failure of the system and why I'll tell you, stay clear of DEVOTED 100% Sabermetric guys. Come on, how do you calculate formulas that account for batting against more ace pitchers in one year over the next. How about facing an improved lineup 19 times a year for a pitcher. How about playing with injuries or better yet weird weather. Trust me, there are countless other variables you just can't account for and that is the utter failure of Sabermetrics. Nonetheless, some believe and God Bless them for trying.
I'm-With-Him-Expert - This is a funny one and a short one. You will get the guys who attach themselves to a well known expert (most likely paying him) and claim to be an instant expert themselves. How they support the relationship is by putting up a blog or the new hot item is a podcast on Blog Talk Radio. I mean, come on all that you need to qualify for the BTR show is an email address. We recommend you check his fantasy resume. If it stacks up or he has years of service, maybe he's the real deal. Don't go for the I play in NFBC crap. The NFBC is great, but it's tough to count that as true fantasy baseball. When you have $1500 or $3000 on the line, you aren't playing for fantasy baseball supremacy you are gambling. Trust me, people run their teams MUCH different when huge sums of money are on the line. I prefer leagues with trophies or small cash prizes. That way the competition and your self is focused on winning and not your bankroll. Try Vegas, it's easier.
Quantity of Quality - Finally you have the sites that think by having 20 writers that they are all of a sudden better. Not everyone can put together a awesome collection of writers like RotoExperts.com has, so buyer beware. Lots of free information does equate to great analysis, and probably can buy you a Big Mac. Make sure that the writers are real and again have resumes. What I mean by resumes to clarify; how about proof of actually winning, playing along time, and predictions they've made for the last year or two at least.
Here are a list of expert and sites we highly recommend:
In the spirit of the season we here at Fantasy Baseball Search have decided to participate in a true national pastime...making predictions! It will be fun to check back at the All-Star break and at the end of the season to see just how wrong we were. Feel free to ride us all year about any and all of these predictions but also throw us a bone if we actually get something right! I hereby swear that these are my predictions and my predictions only. Made at this time and place and certified by myself Jeff Mans.
AL East 1) Boston Red Sox -- 92-70 2) Tampa Bay Rays -- 88-74 3) New York Yankees -- 83-79 4) Baltimore Orioles -- 77-85 5) Toronto Blue Jays -- 68-94
AL Central 1) Minnesota Twins -- 90-72 2) Chicago White Sox -- 83-79 3) Kansas City Royals -- 78-84 4) Cleveland Indians -- 74-88 5) Detroit Tigers -- 70-92
NL East 1) New York Mets -- 93-69 2) Atlanta Braves -- 87-75 3) Philadelphia Phillies -- 79-83 4) Florida Marlins -- 75-87 5) Washington Nationals -- 62-100
NL Central 1) Chicago Cubs -- 103-59 2) Milwaukee Brewers -- 86-76 3) St. Louis Cardinals -- 81-81 4) Houston Astros -- 70-92 5) Cincinnati Reds -- 68-94 6) Pittsburgh Pirates -- 62-100
NL West 1) San Francisco Giants -- 85-77 2) L.A. Dodgers -- 84-76 3) Arizona Diamondbacks -- 80-82 4) Colorado Rockies -- 74-88 5) San Diego Padres -- 58-104
AL Wild Card -- L.A. Angels NL Wild Card -- Atlanta Braves
AL Playoffs -- Texas Rangers over Boston Red Sox NL Playoffs -- Chicago Cubs over New York Mets
World Series -- Chicago Cubs over Texas Rangers
AL MVP -- Josh Hamilton -- Rangers NL MVP -- Ryan Braun -- Brewers
AL Cy Young -- Francisco Liriano -- Twins NL Cy Young -- Matt Cain -- Giants
AL Rookie Of The Year: Travis Snider -- Blue Jays NL Rookie Of The Year: Pablo Sandoval -- Giants
Those are my predictions for 2009. What do you guys think? Agree? Disagree? Let me hear about it by posting your comments below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com
The season is now upon us as the Braves and Phillies get set to kick off the season on Sunday Night Baseball. If you're like me and have been following teams and players since pitchers and catchers reported in late February then you share my excitement of finally being able to make something COUNT. Everything that has happened this spring suddenly means nothing. If the stars of spring training like Ryan Spilborghs, Mike Fontenot or Livan Hernandez start to fail they will be replace quickly with Dexter Fowler, Aaron Miles and Freddy Garcia before the month of April ends. This is why it is so important to manage your team well from April through September. The more skilled fantasy baseball managers will get the most out of their roster by using the schedule, waiver wire and bench to make up for deficiencies in talent. Remember the draft is now history. You've had weeks to gloat over picking Brett Gardner in the last round and taking a flier on Kevin Gregg or Brett Anderson. But as of now it doesn't matter how well you drafted, you will get nowhere if you don't manage your team well. If you have questions, need advice or just want another opinion remember that the experts at Fantasy Baseball Search will be here all season long to stand bye you and help you win championships. Best of luck to all of you in 2009!! Here is The Hot 8 for week #1:
1) Rick Porcello (RHP - Starter) -- Tigers -- Porcello made the Tigers rotation by posting a 2.30 ERA in 15 2/3 innings this spring. The Tigers need pitching help with the retirement of Kenny Rogers, Dontrelle Willis' depression and Justin Verlander's loss of command. Porcello likes to pound the strike zone and can use both ends of the plate effectively. His sinker is an average but can force hitters to pound it into the ground which results in double play grounders. His curve is a work in progress but has been very good this spring. It can be his best pitch when he can locate it which he's had problems with in the past. Porcello won't necessarily be a top strikeout guy but projects as a starter who will eat up innings, not walk many people and keep the opponents posting zeroes across the board. Pitching in Commercia Park will be a blessing as he'll be able to get away with some hangers every now and then.
2) Kendry Morales (First Base) -- Angels -- Morales has very quietly become the Angels starting 1B and shown great power and plate discipline this spring. It always impresses me the confidence Mike Scioscia has in his younger players and most importantly the patience. Morales was not challenged this spring and I have no doubt now that his minor league power numbers will translate at the big league level. The Angels evaluate players exceptionally well and when they hand the keys over to an unproven player you can bet those players will eventually produce. Morales will hit 20+ HR's and is a much better player in OBP leagues where he has a very trained major league batters eye. If you missed out on the top 1B or are in need of some power out of your CI spot, Morales is a very nice acquisition to make before the rest of your league realize just how valuable he will be for the Angels this year.
3) John Baker (Catcher) -- Marlins -- I first saw Baker years ago while he was playing for my local class A Kane County Cougars an affiliate of the Oakland A's at that time. Anytime a catcher is hitting third in the order and carrying a .300 average with plus power you have no choice but to take notice. I had always figured that Baker would be moved to 1B as his catching skills or more notably his ability to throw out runners was pretty below average. It was much to my surprise to see Baker get the call last year for the Marlins and still be behind the plate. Either way, this kid can rake. He has a very simple left handed swing that is designed to spray the ball on a line to all fields. Baker will be one of the top OBP catchers without a doubt and should score plenty of runs this season as a result. Baker is more of a gap hitter but will hit the ball out of the park on a line 12-15 times in a full amount of AB's. At this point, Johnny Bake is the biggest sleeper at the position and very worthy of your top catcher spot right from the start of this season.
4) Jordan Schafer (Outfield) -- Braves -- Schafer may be the single player that I get asked most about these days. Odds are he isn't available in most leagues of 12 or more teams but in case he is I'd definitely put a claim in now. He won the Braves starting CF job by hitting .324 in spring training with an OBP of .378. I am not as optimistic as other scouts are about his his future power numbers however. There is little doubt he will be in the 13-19 HR range as soon as this season but I would expect him to rarely go for more than 20 HR's in a season. But, when you combine the power potential with above average speed you have yourself a very productive fantasy player. Again, I don't see Schafer stealing more than 30 bases in a season but if he can get on base the way he did in the minor leagues Schafer will swipe bases and score enough runs to make those of you who took the chance on him very very happy.
5) Jeff Niemann (RHP - Starter) -- Rays -- At 6'9" and 280 lbs. Niemann is a very intimidating figure out on the mound. I think his presence alone got hitters out in the minor leagues but it will take more than that to get guys out at the major league level. Niemann has a solid fastball that he can bring at up to 95 MPH, a curveball that has sharp break away from RH's and a splitter that is a below average pitch right now. I always thought that if Niemann could develop a changeup he could be more effective against top hitters. He won a spot in the Rays rotation mostly because he was out of options and David Price wasn't. Niemann will have to keep the ball down in order to keep his spot and hold off Price longer. He isn't a bad guy to have on the end of your bench right now. There is some upside in wins, ERA and strikeouts if Niemann doesn't give up the long ball which would ultimately be his demise.
6) Josh Kinney (RHP - Reliever) -- Cardinals -- I am bringing Kinney back this week because the vibe I am getting out of St. Louis is that the coaching staff is NOT sold on Jason Motte. If fact, they have given Motte every opportunity to fail this spring but have been pleasantly surprised by his performance. Still, with basically just one pitch it is going to be very difficult for Motte to close out games when the lights go on for real. Kinney is a guy who has the eye of both Dave Duncan and Tony LaRussa and whom I believe will be the primary setup man on day one. If and when Motte struggles and until Chris Perez is ready it is going to be Josh Kinney who steps in and records some saves for the red birds. At this point, if you are in leagues of 12 or more where you need 3 or more relief pitchers I would add Kinney at this point. He'll give you better ERA and WHIP right away than Jason Motte and by the end of April may have the closers job too.
7) Seth Smith (Outfield) -- Rockies -- I am surprised how little fantasy people are regarding Smith so far this season. The Rockies traded away one of the best players in the league in Matt Holliday and felt just fine bringing Smith in to take his place. While I don't expect Smith to be quite the player Holldiay is, he will put up very good power numbers with just as much OB chances as Holldiay. Smith has the chance to be a very good player and has had a taste of the big leagues the past two seasons. He is ready to hit at this level I believe. Though he also won't steal as many bases as Holliday, he may get 15 this year which ain't too shabby. If I were writing an article about "Under The Radar" players, Seth Smith would be featured prominently. If you can get him from free agency or make a minor trade to acquire him you will be very thankful you did. I don't do predictions as far as statistics go because I find that kind of hacky to be honest with you. But, in order to put my words into focus, here is what I believe Smith's final line will look like: .288/.351/.590 with 22 HR's, 88 RBI & 12 stolen bases.
8) James McDonald (RHP - Starter) -- Dodgers -- It is time to pick up James McDonald folks. I have spent days now going over and over in my mind what is going to happen this season and I can't help but feel the Dodgers are going to be pretty good despite having some unproved starters. This leads me to believe McDonald is going to step up and be that #2 guy they so desperately need. McDonald is a very smart pitcher who doesn't have overwhelming stuff but can change speeds, direction and location of all his pitches. He keeps hitters off balance and is able to pitch to contact as well as strike people out. He is a natural athlete who is riding a high stemming from his impressive performance in last years NLCS. Some see McDonald's future as a top shelf closer which very well may be. But for now he is in a Dodger rotation that should win plenty of games and is destined to have a breakout player or two in '09.
That is the Hot 8 for this week. What do you guys think? Post your comments below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com
In the 1989 movie Field Of Dreams, James Earl Jones character Terrence Mann says:
"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again."
Baseball has marked the time. That statement seems to grow more and more profound the older I get. For every April I awake like the six year old version of myself. I am energetic and eager, silly and proud, hopeful and naive. With every new season there is a new hope. Reasons to believe that this will be our year. Those who don't understand will call it optimism. Those of us who feel it know that it is so much more.
I was 5 years old the first time I went to a baseball game. I'll never forget walking through the turnstiles at Wrigley Field into the dark yet deliciously smelling lower concourse. I was with a large group of people including my Father and Brothers who spent nearly the entire first hour in line for food and drink in dingy halls of this neighborhood lounge. I remember stepping is sticky soda, my Dad spilling beer all over himself and more cursing than I had heard outside of the Porkey's movie my Brother let me watch. I suppose at that time I was scared and maybe a little upset but then something happened that changed not only that experience but my life forever. My Brother led me to a crowded staircase where beams of light shot out around the huddled masses. He said, "do you want to see the field?" to which I shook my head and went up the stairs. When I got to the top my eyes were forced to squint at the amazing spectrum of light resonating from the sunlit sky. I could not believe the colors pouring into my eyeballs. It looked like a painting or some sort of candy store straight from the mind of Willie Wonka. The sky was like a giant stick of blue cotton candy. The bases were like marshmallows sitting on an infield of sweet brown sugar. The outfield grass....there aren't any words to describe how green that grass was to my budding 5 year old eye. All I can remember is that I wanted to be on that grass. I wanted to slide on it, catch pop-flies on it, I wanted to lie down in it and make angels. At that moment, baseball hooked me and reeled me in. I don't remember what else happened that day. They say I was so scared of my upper deck seat that I sat on the concrete step out in the aisle all afternoon. All I know is that I couldn't take my eyes off of all of the color and life out on that field and I haven't much since.
Every opening day since to me is a walk up those stairs. Living in Chicago our winters are always cold, dark and drab. Then, like out of nowhere a new wind emerges bringing warm air, vibrant color and the hope of a new season. Growing up in the '80's in Chicago meant a lot of high hopes, crushed dreams and terrible baseball. The Whitesox were so close in '83. The Cubs even closer in '84. I am a Whitesox fan though unlike many Sox fans I do not hate the Cubs. In fact, I find myself cheering more and more for them every year. I love this game too much to root against any team more than I root for my own. In 2005, my dream came true as I was able to watch the Whitesox roll through the postseason and win the first World Series in Chicago since 1917. I took my Brother to game 1 of the Series as well as my nephew and a couple of my best friends. Walking into the stadium that night I felt oddly just like I did when I was five, scared and unsure. Before game four of the series I decided I would drive downstate and watch the game with my Mom, the biggest Whitesox fan on the planet. Growing up she often told me about the go-go Sox and her all-time favorite player Nellie Fox. She explained the overwhelming joy followed by crushing pain she felt in 1959 when the Sox lost to the Dodgers 4 games to 2. My Mother and I suffered through the defeats of '83, '93, the strike of '94 that would have been our year and then again in 2000. When the final out of the 2005 World Series was made my Mother and I cried the most euphoric tears of our lives. A lifetime of pain, of hopes and dreams being crushed over and over again was finally made right. We had lost my Father just a few years before and this moment was something our family needed very much. Baseball had marked the time.
So it is with every opening day since that I wish for that feeling that I had in 2005 come for other fans of this glorious game. We should all feel that way at some point in our lives. Last year it happened for Philadelphia, perhaps the most passionate sports town in the land. Now the old phrase "Hope Spring's Eternal" is being said in big cities and small towns all over this country. With so many people out of work and the economy struggling to stay on its feet we again turn to baseball. I beg of you this year to get out to the ballpark. Buy a cheap seat somewhere, take your kids or parents or both. If your budget is thin then head out to a minor league game somewhere or even a local high school or college. Buy yourself a hot dog, soft pretzel or churro or bring a bad lunch and sit in the grass. Take a long look up at the sky and just breathe in all the fresh air and green grass. When you come home send me an email about wby you think Josh Beckett's velocity is down or how you saw Carlos Lee dogging it in the outfield. Give me your scouting report on the local high school kid with the 12-6 curveball. Let's talk baseball this year people. Me, Todd Farino, Ryan Hallam, R.C Rizza, Evan Dickens and others will be here all year long and we want to hear your baseball stories. Whatever happens in 2009, whether your team wins it all or loses 100 games let's make some lasting memories. Let's remember all that once was good so that it can be again. Let's mark the time.
Best of luck to each and every one of you in your fantasy leagues and beyond this season!!
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Despite what allot of thought after a rough spring, the Rockies stuck it out with their newly acquired pitcher and named him closer over Manny Corpas. Though Street ended spring training on a high note, he had a tough March with an ERA of 5.23 in 10 1/3 innings. Despite those struggles and Manny Corpas's impressive 0.90 spring ERA the Rockies went against conventional wisdom and will hand the ball to Street int he 9th inning.
Street is coming off his worse year of his career where he lost his closer job in Oakland to Brad Zeigler after blowing 7 saves in 25 save opportunities. The year before wasn't much better as Street blew 5 of 21 save opportunities in a injury shorten season.
One thing we can expect from Street is inconsistency. In his last two full seasons his ERA was 3.31 and 3.73. which is deadly for a closer. Though he does alright in strikeouts (1K per inning average), he is known as a ground ball pitcher, which should serve him well in Colorado.
Our issue with Street is two-fold. His health and consistency along with his confidence has to be a concern of any fantasy managers. Furthermore he is pitching in Colorado, which has a history of closer changes throughout the season. I can't remember the last time the Rockies actually had a closer hold the job for more than 2 years. Even better, the last time a Colorado Rockie closer had more than 31 saves? 2002, Jose Jimenez with 41 saves.
Colorado is not a closer friendly place and it is not for the weak or the closer lacking confidence. Though Corpas isn't much better, at least he knows Colorado, Street doesn't. We don't like the move and our suggestion is to grab Corpas if you own Street. Odds are, they will hand him the job during the regular rotation shift sometime in early June.
