tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45301096895228262682011-07-08T00:55:56.957-07:00The latest news, prospects &amp; injuries in Fantasy Baseball.The Scoutnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-9316651588030495532010-09-06T17:25:00.000-07:002010-09-06T17:37:47.320-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TIWJO9YUGwI/AAAAAAAAANM/Qc3RW06pJ0A/s1600/D_Espinosa.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TIWJO9YUGwI/AAAAAAAAANM/Qc3RW06pJ0A/s200/D_Espinosa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513964208872758018" border="0" /></a><div>The Washington Nationals have another prospect to pay attention to. They already have Strasburg (his injury is such an awful break), Bryce Harper, Jordan Zimmerman, and now we can add Daniel Espinosa to the list.</div> <div>What has Espinosa been doing since his call up? Destroying major league pitching. In less then a week of duty, he already has 3 HRs. Today, he got two of them - one of them of the grand slam variety.</div> <div>In the minors, he batted .268, 22 HRs, 69 RBIs, 80 runs, and 25 steals. That stat line says one thing to me, 'He has it all.'</div> <div>Currently he is playing SS, but he can also play 2B.</div> <div>Now, what do we do with him? Unless you have a top tier SS, take a chance. The season is winding down, and a SS that is hot could give you a real nice boost. His minor league numbers show that he is not this good (frankly only a couple are), but it also shows that he is no slouch. Take a chance on Espinosa for the home stretch.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-931665158803049553?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-50085611727246116642010-08-25T04:33:00.000-07:002010-08-25T04:44:36.673-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/THUB6YzLG4I/AAAAAAAAAME/60dIyLmgvew/s1600/I_Nova.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/THUB6YzLG4I/AAAAAAAAAME/60dIyLmgvew/s200/I_Nova.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509311821758798722" border="0" /></a><div>When you pitch for the Yankees, you demand attention. Ivan Nova is now demanding our attention.</div> <div>Nova was called up this week and made a start for the Yanks against Toronto. He ended up with a no decision, but only gave up 2 runs in 5 innings with 4 Ks. Against a Toronto team that absolutely mashes, this was solid. If you only give up 2 runs and have the Yankee lineup on your side, you are bound to get wins.</div> <div>In the minors this year, Nova has put up a nice 2.86 ERA and has struck out 115 batters in 145 innings.</div> <div>A couple of things to pay attention to: 1) Teams tend to struggle a little against pitchers whom they haven't seen before. Maybe this was the case with Toronto. 2) Javier Vazquez is being moved to the bullpen - which is why there is a spot for Nova. However, Vazquez could be put back in the rotation at any time. This makes Nova a rental (with a chance for long term).</div> <div>As I said, Yankee pitchers need to be looked at. With one good start, Nova has increased my attention on him. In my deep league, I own him now. Shallow leagues can ignore. All of you in average size leagues have a decision to make. Do you gamble on this guy? Probably not yet. Give him another start or two and see how he does. If he can repeat his early success, he is worth owning.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5008561172724611664?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-6181147643439842202010-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:002010-08-24T12:40:34.151-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/THQfZUl_2QI/AAAAAAAAAL8/8RsLaucIKgw/s1600/J_Zim.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/THQfZUl_2QI/AAAAAAAAAL8/8RsLaucIKgw/s200/J_Zim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509062764066232578" border="0" /></a><div>He's back. Jordan Zimmermann, starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals is back. With Strasburg heading to the DL, Zimmermann will take his start on Thursday.</div> <div>Zimmermann was a top prospect for the Nats last year and did a fine job as a rookie starter until he was injured. The injury required season ending Tommy John surgery. After a long rehab, he is healthy now and mowing down minor leaguers. In 39 innings he has a 1.59 ERA and 31 Ks.</div> <div>Zimmermann has already shown that he can pitch at the major league level and is ready to demonstrate that once again. At this point of the season, all the good pitchers are probably taken in your league (if not, why?). However, Zimmermann is likely available, but not for long. Once news starts to spread of his return, he will be gobbled up. He is worth adding in all formats (especially keeper leagues, the guy is only 24). Go get him now. A late season boost to your rotation isn't gonna hurt.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-618114764343984220?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-17503948178264810652010-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-22T06:12:18.996-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/THEiFSACJkI/AAAAAAAAALU/9emwYK2mOMU/s1600/Y_Betancourt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/THEiFSACJkI/AAAAAAAAALU/9emwYK2mOMU/s200/Y_Betancourt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508221293377496642" border="0" /></a><div>Need some help at short stop? How about a KC Royal?</div> <div>It seems odd to look to the Royals for any fantasy value, but there is some to be had. Particularly, Yuniesky Betancourt. This 5'10", 28 year old, is tearing it up right now. In his last 12 games, he has 5 HRs, including a grand slam last night! In that stretch of games, he also has 15 RBIs!</div> <div>On the year, Betancourt is batting .271, with 13 HRs, and 61 RBIs. All in all, not bad. But his current batting is where we want to focus. It's hard to believe he will keep this pace up, but as long as he does, he is worth owning - at least a rental. Even when he slows down some, he could still be a good value. SS continues to be a shallower position for fantasy, so anyone who can do some damage like Betancourt has been doing is worth a hard look.</div> <div>It's getting late in the year. If your current SS is not performing, time to cut him and move on. Betancourt might just be the answer.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1750394817826481065?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-47770163916999209902010-08-21T10:21:00.000-07:002010-08-21T10:21:08.884-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/THAKqZ7RUkI/AAAAAAAAAGE/SfjFOhfZTqk/s1600/Mitch-Moreland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/THAKqZ7RUkI/AAAAAAAAAGE/SfjFOhfZTqk/s320/Mitch-Moreland.jpg" /></a></div>Texas Rangers' rookie first basemen, Mitch Moreland,&nbsp; hit his second home run in as many games Friday night in the Rangers 2-0 win over the Orioles.<br /> <br /> Moreland is the newest of the Ranger young first baseman's replacing the traded Justin Smoak and the failed Chris Davis.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Thus far, with little hype, Moreland has been the most successful of the three batting .292 with three home runs and two stolen bases with his 48 at bats.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4777016391699920990?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-11253705100766598742010-08-19T09:30:00.000-07:002010-08-19T09:41:34.830-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TG1eZTKqVYI/AAAAAAAAALE/jddbUJo9U18/s1600/C_Young.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 135px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TG1eZTKqVYI/AAAAAAAAALE/jddbUJo9U18/s200/C_Young.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507161708078716290" border="0" /></a><div>Way back in April, Chris Young, starting pitcher for the Padres, was put on the DL. Fast forward to August and Chris Young is still on the DL. However, he's almost back.</div> <div>All signs point to Young returning in September. There is a lot to like here. First, the Padres play in one of the best pitcher parks in all of baseball. Second, the Padres are a very good team this year. Third, Chris Young is a good pitcher. Add that up and you have yourself a nice little sleeper for the end of the year.</div> <div>Young has a lifetime ERA of 3.84 and gets a good number of strikeouts while keeping the walks down. All in all, he's solid. Being that he has been on the DL for so long, many have forgotten about him. He is readily available in most leagues. I just picked him up and sat him in my DL spot. </div> <div>Probably not someone to grab in shallow leagues, but all other formats should look at what they have and see if Young could be an upgrade for one of your pitchers. With all the things going for Young, chances are, the answer will be 'Yes'.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1125370510076659874?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-23297248065937085972010-08-18T08:24:00.000-07:002010-08-18T16:36:59.112-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TGxueQZokPI/AAAAAAAAAK0/TLqbWAWfz5I/s1600/D_Murphy.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TGxueQZokPI/AAAAAAAAAK0/TLqbWAWfz5I/s200/D_Murphy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506897910444888306" border="0" /></a><div>David Murphy of the Texas Rangers has been doing everything lately.</div> <div>You want average? Young's got it, over the last two weeks he's batting around .380. You want some power, he's got it, 3 HRs over the last 2 weeks. You want some speed? He's got that too, swiped 3 bags. You want RBIs? That's right, he's got those too, 13.</div> <div>The Rangers are a very good offensive team. Texas has a hitters park and hitters weather. With the way they are rolling, and the way Murphy is swinging the bat, he is worth at least a rental, and quite possibly could have a permanent place in your lineup.</div> <div>There are few batters that are as hot as Murphy is right now, so he is worth a look in all formats.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2329724806593708597?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-50466295743002310012010-08-14T15:53:00.001-07:002010-08-14T16:05:19.226-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TGchB2Yc-LI/AAAAAAAAAKI/NJZ0jkzmpa4/s1600/J_chacin.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TGchB2Yc-LI/AAAAAAAAAKI/NJZ0jkzmpa4/s200/J_chacin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505405385145383090" border="0" /></a><div>Due to another injury to their rotation, the Rockies have again called up Jhoulys Chacin.</div> <div>Chacin is a very interesting player. He has pitched some absolute gems earlier this year, and pitched so forgettable games as well. Overall, in the majors, Chacin went 5-8 with a 4.04 ERA. Not amazing, but you must consider his ability to strike batters out. He struck out 89 batters in 82 innings. That is not a fluke, he has good stuff.</div> <div>Heading into this year, Chacin was a top prospect. He is doing pretty much what you would expect, show promise but have some growing pains. Colorado is a good team, so that should help with some of the bumps Chacin has this time up.</div> <div>Since being sent down, Chacin has only given up 2 runs in 14 innings and have struck out 13.</div> <div>What should you do? Chacin should be owned in deep leagues. Medium leagues should probably give him a chance. Shallow leagues should probably wait and see, although Chacin could be a nice sleeper.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5046629574300231001?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-41769241672005435112010-08-09T06:10:00.000-07:002010-08-09T06:23:02.267-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TGABGYwak6I/AAAAAAAAAKA/KNk3y8zoBbs/s1600/C_Carter.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TGABGYwak6I/AAAAAAAAAKA/KNk3y8zoBbs/s200/C_Carter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503399953883108258" border="0" /></a><div>No, we're not talking about one of the best wide receivers to ever play in the NFL, we're talking about the 23 year old rookie slugger for Oakland.</div> <div>With the injury to Daric Barton, Oakland had need of someone for first base. So they decided to call up their power hitting prospect, Chris Carter.</div> <div>Carter is what I consider a classic slugger - lots of power with lots of strikeouts. Carter has an okay average of .262 in the minors, but has 27 HRs and 89 RBIs to go along with it. To say he has legitimate power is an understatement.</div> <div>Carter is of the same ilk as Pedro Alvarez who is starting to mash for the Pirates. It is not a stretch to think that Carter will have the same path - struggle for a little after he is first called up and then start to put it together.</div> <div>If Carter had a better average, he would be very close to a 'must own' kinda guy. But it is what it is. If you can take the hit in average, you will should get some great power numbers. As it is, Carter could help in medium to deep formats as well as AL only leagues.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4176924167200543511?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-42219927345619332022010-08-05T05:45:00.000-07:002010-08-05T05:59:05.287-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFq1gBK77GI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/-R6ubcc7X9A/s1600/M_Minor.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFq1gBK77GI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/-R6ubcc7X9A/s200/M_Minor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501909456461229154" border="0" /></a><div>144 strikeouts in 108 innings is astonishing. Yet, that is what the Atlanta Braves top pitching prospect has this year in the minors.</div> <div>Mike Minor is blowing away batters thus far. Showing his stuff in double A, Atlanta moved him up to triple A and Minor seemed to get stronger. In his 5 starts in AAA he has a record of 4-1, an ERA of 1.99, and 35 Ks in 31 innings. Everything points to the fact that Minor is a very talented prospect and is ready for major league batters.</div> <div>At 22 years old, Atlanta doesn't want to push him too hard, but there doesn't seem to be much left for him to prove. In addition, it looks like Atlanta needs another arm because of an injury to Kris Medlen. Medlen has something going on in his pitching elbow (not a good sign). Atalanta could start Kawakami again, but he really hasn't been very good. Seems like a great time to bring up Minor.</div> <div>Keeper leagues and deep leagues should jump on Minor. If he's available, grab him. The rest of us need to wait and see if Minor is called up. If he gets the call, he is worth a risk in medium leagues and has the potential to be an impact player in all formats.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4221992734561933202?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-71824626186344641332010-08-04T05:44:00.000-07:002010-08-04T06:01:49.349-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFlkom2muPI/AAAAAAAAAJw/YPOTkX8X_Io/s1600/P_Bourjos.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFlkom2muPI/AAAAAAAAAJw/YPOTkX8X_Io/s200/P_Bourjos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501539068596893938" border="0" /></a><div>When you are the center fielder on a team that has Torii Hunter, you are indeed on hallowed ground. Hunter is one of the best center fielders to <span style="font-style: italic;">ever</span> play the game. But even greatness ages. Because of father time, Torii Hunter has moved over to right field and has given up his long time home to the young Peter Bourjos.</div> <div>Immediately you know something about Bourjos - if he is taking the place of Torii Hunter, the guy can play some defense. However, that doesn't count for very much in fantasy. So the question we all want to know is: How's his bat?</div> <div>Answer: Good enough for most of us to pay some attention. In the minors this year, he hit .314, scored 85 runs, hit 13 HRs, and had 52 RBIs. All of that is attention grabbing. However, his most talked about attribute is his speed. He had 27 stolen bases. So we have a guy with a good average, respectable power, and great speed. At only 23 years old, we have a ton of potential here.</div> <div>Even with all that is going for him, it's hard to say go pick him up. Right now, he is worth a bench spot in deep leagues and maybe AL only leagues. If his numbers translate to the majors, then he is worth a spot in most formats.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7182462618634464133?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-71906059511210690182010-08-03T18:49:00.000-07:002010-08-03T19:07:04.222-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFjKSIRj0wI/AAAAAAAAAJo/ZxMBW3jUUBY/s1600/M_Lowell.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFjKSIRj0wI/AAAAAAAAAJo/ZxMBW3jUUBY/s200/M_Lowell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501369357640651522" border="0" /></a><div>Although not terribly inventive, the nickname 'Youk' is one of my favorites. Unfortunately 'Youk' is hurt and there is talk that he might even miss the rest of the season. This is a very bad thing for the Red Sox and bad for those of you who own him in fantasy.</div> <div>There is a little bit of hope however. Youk's thumb might heal on it's own, but at the very least, he's out for a little while. Youk's replacement is Mike Lowell. Lowell has always been a very productive player. If it wasn't for Lowell's injury early in the spring, he probably would have been traded and starting for another team. In any event, he's starting for the Red Sox now.</div> <div>Lowell is a guy who bats near .300 (last year he hit .290), will get you some HRs (hit one in his first at bat tonight), and will plate a good amount of RBIs. He is not the equal of Youk, but is a darn good replacement.</div> <div>Lowell is good enough to be considered in all but the shallowest leagues. He won't hurt you in any category (although at 36 years old, he's not stealing too many bases). If Youk heals, then Lowell will be a rental, but the chance is there that Lowell will carry you through the end of the year.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7190605951121069018?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-30790753493330195502010-07-30T07:29:00.001-07:002010-07-30T08:03:52.206-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFLpZIlENKI/AAAAAAAAAI8/jtZgT3CyUY8/s1600/B_Wallace.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFLpZIlENKI/AAAAAAAAAI8/jtZgT3CyUY8/s200/B_Wallace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499714712981746850" border="0" /></a><div>It's big news that the Phillies got Roy Oswalt from the Astros. But, hidden in this trade is a fairly strong prospect. When all the smoke cleared from the trade involving Philadelphia, Toronto, and Houston, Brett Wallace ended up on the Astros.</div> <div>Brett Wallace is a top first base prospect. Batting wise, he's at the same level as a Pedro Alvarez (Pirates). Wallace could get called up at any moment. The only real obstacle is a guy by the name of Lance Berkman. With Berkman on first, there is nowhere for Wallace to play. That issue though might be taken care of by the end of day Saturday via another trade. It looks likely that the Astros will trade Berkman. Although he's been the face of the franchise for the last several years, so was Oswalt, and he was traded.</div> <div>So how good is Brett Wallace? Answer, pretty good. In AAA this year, he is batting .301, 18 HRs, and 61 RBIs. You have to like a power type hitter who is batting above .300!</div> <div>So what do we make of this for our fantasy teams? Well, in keeper leagues, Wallace should be owned. In shallow leagues, there are better options for first base, at least for now. In deep leagues, Wallace is absolutely worth a roster spot. His potential is too good to not give a chance. The medium leagues is where Wallace is an issue. He's a prospect. You just don't know what you are going to get (yea, yea, box of chocolates...). If you have a spot, I think he's worth a chance. If he adapts quickly, he can be a solid contributor.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3079075349333019550?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-84720021003728799102010-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:002010-07-28T12:54:07.935-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFCKidS_WdI/AAAAAAAAAIs/enyBpJoKTWk/s1600/D_Brown.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TFCKidS_WdI/AAAAAAAAAIs/enyBpJoKTWk/s200/D_Brown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499047469603838418" border="0" /></a><div>One of the top prospects in all of baseball has been called up by the Phillies. With the injury to Shane Victorino, the Phillies had an immediate need for an outfielder. The answer was easy, Domonic Brown.</div> <div>In the minors this year (which includes a good amount of time at AAA), Brown is hitting .327, 20 HRs, 68 RBIs, and 17 SBs. He has all the tools. Easy to see why he is such a good prospect.</div> <div>Should you pick him up? Probably. There are two things to consider:</div> <div>1) How long will he get playing time? When Victorino comes back, will Brown still play? My guess is yes. Once he is up, they will want to keep him on the field.</div> <div>2) Will he be over-whelmed with his first taste of major league pitching? My guess is that there will be a small curve, but overall, he will be fine.</div> <div>The bottom lilne is that in all but the shallowest leagues, give Brown a roster spot. He probably isn't available in many keeper leagues, but if he is, grab him now.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8472002100372879910?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-59215536511995678202010-07-27T13:59:00.000-07:002010-07-27T13:59:17.871-07:00<strong>Jonathon Niese - SP - Mets</strong><br /> Doubt a two losses in his last three starts, Niese is still pitching well and is worth picking up. He is 6-4 with a 3.53 ERA overall and &nbsp;83 K's in 101.2 innings pitched.&nbsp; The 23-year-old lefty just might have a bright future for the Mets.<br /> <br /> <strong>Travis Wood - SP - Reds</strong><br /> The lefty hasn't won a game yet, but already&nbsp;has a 9-inning shutout performance and is 0-1 with a&nbsp;2.76 ERA and 27 K's in 32.2 innings pitched.<br /> <br /> <strong>Barry Enright - SP - Diamondbacks</strong><br /> Has been pitching very well for the D'Backs going 2-2 with a 2.73 ERA and 23 K's in 29 innings pitched.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 24-year-old rookie will likely stay in the rotation, especially if he keeps pitching well.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5921553651199567820?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-14901280756812566662010-07-27T13:40:00.000-07:002010-07-27T13:41:02.125-07:00<strong>Pedro Alvarez - 3B - Pirates</strong><br /> The Pirates top prospect is showing signs of his power when he hit four home runs in two games. He is probably another year or two away from reaching most of his potential, but he can provide some power at third base immediately.<br /> <br /> <strong>Chris Denorfia - OF - Padres</strong><br /> A surprising start for the 30-year-old rookie who has six home runs and four stolen bases with his first 136 at bats with the Padres while batting a solid .287.&nbsp;&nbsp; He is worth a look while he continues to hit the long ball and you never know sometimes the older rookies come through.<br /> <br /> <strong>Michael Morse - 1B/OF - Nationals</strong><br /> He is having trouble starting everyday, but if the Nationals trade Adam Dunn, he will start everyday. He is currently batting .349 with six home runs with just 83 at bats.<br /> <br /> <strong>Chris Johnson - 3B - Astros</strong><br /> He will start the rest of the season at third base for the Astros and is batting .322 with three home runs and 2 stolen bases.&nbsp; He looks like an easy .300 hitter, but now he is showing his power stroke.&nbsp; Definitely worth a look at third base.<br /> <br /> <strong>Jose Tabata - OF - Pirates</strong><br /> Continues to play solid ball&nbsp; by hitting .282 with &nbsp;two home runs, twelve doubles and&nbsp;ten stolen bases. He has some pop, so the power numbers could increase.<br /> <br /> <strong>Reid Brignac - SS/2B - Rays</strong><br /> He has taken over for another top prospect, Sean Rodriguez. He has shown some power as of late and now has six with 212 at bats while batting a solid .278. He makes a nice backup with his dual position eligibility.<br /> <br /> <strong>Luke Scott - OF/1B - Orioles</strong><br /> The Rent-a-Vet is on another one of his streaks and is available in many leagues.<br /> <br /> <strong>Danny Valencia - 3B - Twins</strong> <br /> He hit his first major league home run (a grand slam) and is batting .376 with 85 at bats and he looks to keep the starting job at third base in Minnesota for the rest of the season. Valencia has pop, but did not hit one home run in AAA-Rochester. He is a .290, 15 home run type player and makes a plug-in at third base for now.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1490128075681256666?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-67655437119875815842010-07-27T04:35:00.000-07:002010-07-27T04:50:35.820-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TE7H8zm0P8I/AAAAAAAAAIk/071CdLmE7kY/s1600/L_Morrison.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TE7H8zm0P8I/AAAAAAAAAIk/071CdLmE7kY/s200/L_Morrison.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498552042525048770" border="0" /></a><div>Chris Coghlan is going to be out for awhile because of a torn meniscus in his knee. How did this happen? Running down a fly ball? Sliding into a base? Nope. Trying to hit a team mate with a cream pie after a game. Jokes on him I guess. Seriously though, it's a tough break for Coghlan and the Marlins.</div> <div>But one man's pain is another's gain. Logan Morrison has been called up to take Coghlan's place. It's an interesting move as Morrison has had most, if not all, his time as an infielder. I guess they figure that his bat is worth whatever learning curve Morrison may have to go through in the outfield.</div> <div>So how is Morrison's bat? Solid. He is batting over 300 (.307 to be exact), with 6 HRs, and 45 RBIs in AAA. Nothing here to blow you away, but nothing here not to like.</div> <div>Morrison, although a good prospect, is not a 'must own' player. Shallow leagues can probably ignore him. Medium leagues should keep an eye on him in case he breaks out. Deep leagues could definitely take a chance on him.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6765543711987581584?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-67643509327557476962010-07-24T05:07:00.001-07:002010-07-24T05:22:42.921-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TEraJUpQfJI/AAAAAAAAAIc/KsqnLmYLVm0/s1600/A_Gordon.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TEraJUpQfJI/AAAAAAAAAIc/KsqnLmYLVm0/s200/A_Gordon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497446148854545554" border="0" /></a><div>Big time prospect that didn't live up to the hype. Ever hear that story? Yea, me too. As of right now, Alex Gordon, KC Royals, is in that category. First round pick that dominated all levels of baseball, except for the major league level.</div> <div>Well, he's back. After a terrible start to the season in the majors, he was sent to AAA. Now that DeJesus is injured (and done for the year apparently), Gordon is back up. Originally he was to be the 3B of the future, but the Royals have moved him to the outfield, hence the call up when one of their outfielders was injured.</div> <div>Should we care that he's back? After all, he hasn't been good so far. The answer is, 'Yes'. We should care. It's true, he hasn't done anything in the majors to help a fantasy team. But, he was a prospect for a reason. I don't believe that a guy who can dominate AAA (and all other minor league and college pitching) can't be at least decent in the majors. He's only 26, so there is still plenty of time for him to put it together.</div> <div>So what should you do with him? In AAA this year, he is batting .315, has 14 HRs, and 44 RBIs. Everything you want to see. In deep leagues, I think he is worth a chance. The potential is high. Maybe he will fail again, but I'm thinking it's his time. For those in medium and shallow leagues, it's not time to grab him yet. But, he is worth a lot of close attention. If he has indeed put it together then he should be/will be owned in most formats.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6764350932755747696?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-33139849373387493122010-07-19T16:35:00.000-07:002010-07-19T16:48:16.469-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TETj6dP4oQI/AAAAAAAAAIU/EuJiNSj43t4/s1600/brian-roberts.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TETj6dP4oQI/AAAAAAAAAIU/EuJiNSj43t4/s200/brian-roberts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495768038722019586" border="0" /></a><div>Brian Roberts shouldn't need an introduction to baseball fans and fantasy baseball team owners. Roberts has been a top option at second base for several years now. However, you haven't heard much about him this year.</div> <div>The reason for this silence is simple, Roberts has been injured and hasn't played in a long time. He has a herniated disc in his back which has kept him in an up and down rehab limbo. With all that said, Roberts could finally be back this weekend or at least very soon.</div> <div>It's time to grab him off the waiver wire. Roberts is a career .283 hitter, has stolen 30,40, and 50 bases in the last three years respectively. He also has some power and will contribute in the RBI area as well. There is nothing not to like with Brian Roberts. It's good that he's back. It could be great if he is still available in your league!</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3313984937338749312?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-12689807245871054732010-07-10T16:07:00.000-07:002010-07-10T16:10:26.177-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDj9q3Rt7PI/AAAAAAAAAIM/mIKa9_LVjS8/s1600/s_rodriguez.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDj9q3Rt7PI/AAAAAAAAAIM/mIKa9_LVjS8/s200/s_rodriguez.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492418658412915954" border="0" /></a><div>Sean Rodriguez, Tampa Bay Rays, is starting to stand out!</div> <div>During spring training, Rodriguez was unstoppable at the plate. With that kind of performance heading into the season I was high on Rodriguez as a nice sleeper pick for your draft. The only question at the time was would he see the field enough due to the Rays having good depth.</div> <div>Well, early on he got some playing time and didn't do much with it. His amazing show of talent from spring training disappeared. Don't know why. But, the Rays did not give up on this promising player. Their patience is really starting to pay off.</div> <div>In his last ten games, only in one of them did he not get a hit. In six of them, he had multiple hits! His average at the end of May was a low .224. Since then, he has raised it 50 points to .274. He put up a .295 average in June with 4 HRs, 17 RBIs and 6 stolen bases. Through early July, he is hitting .387 with 1 HR, 2 RBIs, and a stolen base. The numbers are all going in the right direction.</div> <div>With good power, good speed, a good average, and playing for a good offensive team, there is a lot to like with Rodriguez. At this point, he is worth a look even in shallow leagues (he qualifies at 2B and OF). In most other leagues he should be owned.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1268980724587105473?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-61757479303479456432010-07-09T16:26:00.000-07:002010-07-09T16:38:52.724-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDey9qwn7iI/AAAAAAAAAIE/hz1diO5UTwQ/s1600/chris-davis.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDey9qwn7iI/AAAAAAAAAIE/hz1diO5UTwQ/s200/chris-davis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492055043121606178" border="0" /></a><div>Chris Davis, that's what!</div> <div>Cliff Lee's value goes up some playing for a better team then the Mariners (thank goodness he didn't go the to the Yankees). But, so what, Lee is owned in your league and is already valued highly. It's the other people in the trade that you should be interested in.</div> <div>First off, Texas had to give prized young first baseman Justin Smoak to swing this deal. Smoak's value goes down a little as he already wasn't doing that great and is now going from a hitter friendly park to one of the best pitcher parks. Smoak is still a good prospect, but he is more of a 'next year guy.'</div> <div>The important part of this trade for fantasy baseball is that Texas now needs someone to man first base. That person is Chris Davis. Davis' story is much like Smoak's, power prospect. Davis was the starting first baseman at the beginning of the year, but he did terrible and was swapped with Smoak. The shift to the minors was a good move for Davis as he is starting to thrive. In his last 10 games, he is hitting .386, with 2 HRs, and 12 RBIs. He still is striking out more then one would like, but that is the price you pay for power sometimes.</div> <div>Shallow leagues need to be patient. No need to run and grab Davis yet. Deep leagues and AL only leagues should strongly consider adding him to your roster. His potential is high, and if he has finally harnessed his talent, he could be a tremendous pickup!</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6175747930347945643?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-51767108628895986712010-07-08T11:34:00.000-07:002010-07-08T11:46:57.369-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDYcrePk70I/AAAAAAAAAH8/S7a14De_F_0/s1600/C_Tillman.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDYcrePk70I/AAAAAAAAAH8/S7a14De_F_0/s200/C_Tillman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491608328803249986" border="0" /></a><div>With Kevin Millwood going on the DL, the Orioles need a pitcher. Their best option is probably Chris Tillman. Also, if they go with Tillman, they get to keep the vibe going that comes from players with two 'L's in their last name.</div> <div>I want to get excited about this move. I want to be on the Tillman bandwagon, but I'm not. Don't get me wrong, once I saw what was happening, I picked Tillman up in my deep H2H league. But this move doesn't excite me...yet.</div> <div>Tillman is a top prospect. Not just for the Orioles, but for all of baseball. However, he got a shot at the majors earlier in the year and didn't impress (0 -3, 8 Ks, 8.40 ERA). But, he has again shown promise in the minors, including his last start which was a complete game shutout. There is potential here, albeit on a pretty bad team. </div> <div>Shallow leagues should keep an eye on Tillman from a distance, like telescope distance. Medium leagues can be a lot closer and be ready to pounce. Deep leagues should take a gamble. It seems like it is just a matter of time for Tillman before he puts it together in the big league. So is the time now, or next year? Not sure. If it's now, you want him on your team.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5176710862889598671?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-82940890795026253262010-07-07T19:17:00.001-07:002010-07-07T19:28:41.728-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDU3ewJ6QeI/AAAAAAAAAH0/83aQODmMq5g/s1600/150567_Twins_White_Sox_Baseball.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDU3ewJ6QeI/AAAAAAAAAH0/83aQODmMq5g/s200/150567_Twins_White_Sox_Baseball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491356322110259682" border="0" /></a><div>When you think of starting pitching and the name Hudson, you think of Tim. Well, that's changing, at least for the duration of this article.</div> <div>Jake Peavy of the White Sox has a detached muscle in his throwing shoulder. Yikes! Even worse, Dr. James Andrews will be looking at it. That usually means S.E.S. - Season Ending Surgery. So what are the Sox to do? Bring up a prospect.</div> <div>Enter Daniel Hudson. He is a top prospect of the White Sox and has to be the leading candidate to take Peavy's spot. He even had a chance to make the club out of spring training, but it was decided that a little more experience would be a good thing for the young pitcher. In the minors this year, Hudson has an ERA of 3.47 and has stuck out more then a batter an inning. He has also been getting stronger as the season goes on with double digit Ks in two of his last five games.</div> <div>The White Sox are a good team. Hudson is a good prospect. Put those two facts together and you have a good mid-season pickup for your fantasy team. All but the shallowest leagues should consider Hudson.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8294089079502625326?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-88332943506302412102010-07-06T16:26:00.000-07:002010-07-06T16:40:31.991-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDO-x6jHKnI/AAAAAAAAAHk/il93JGaYlsM/s1600/washington_nationals.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDO-x6jHKnI/AAAAAAAAAHk/il93JGaYlsM/s200/washington_nationals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490942135434160754" border="0" /></a><div>The Washington Nationals have 3 pitchers who will be coming off the DL within the month.</div> <div>First (and least exciting) is Scott Olsen. He had a good start to the year with a 3.77 ERA before he was side-tracked by injury. He's not a strikeout pitcher, but if he keeps his ERA down, he could be useful in deep leagues.</div> <div>Second is Jordan Zimmerman. Zimmerman was having a decent rookie year before he needed Tommy John surgery. His ERA was 4.63 (not great) but he was setting batters down with a K an inning. He's young and has potential. Watch him closely!</div> <div>Third is Chien-Ming Wang. He had a terrible year for the Yanks, but before that he showed that he is a good (at times great) pitcher. I like Wang a lot and think he has some more in the tank. I see tremendous upside here.</div> <div>Here is the question: Who is gonna be where? There is not enough spots to fit these three in the rotation. Something has to give. Olsen will be off the DL first, then it's a race between Zimmerman and Wang. The best of these will keep the rotation.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8833294350630241210?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-18686140393521900092010-07-05T10:31:00.000-07:002010-07-05T10:45:05.473-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDIZ4SKDByI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ILEILvVCGiE/s1600/padres-reds-baseball_owen-314x400.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TDIZ4SKDByI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ILEILvVCGiE/s200/padres-reds-baseball_owen-314x400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490479350455404322" border="0" /></a><div>Mat Latos is a very good pitcher on a (surprisingly) good team. So why sell high?</div> <div>Simple. He's young and the Padres are going to treat him carefully for the second half. This means innings limits and skipped starts. This shouldn't be a surprise, this is standard operating procedure for young pitchers. Unfortunately for your fantasy team, the points he could get you (for points leagues), or the overall stats (for non points leagues) will go down. They will be decent, but limited. Not great for a fantasy playoff run.</div> <div>Now, if you are in a keeper league, then this advice should be ignored. For the rest of you, Latos' value is very, very high. You should be able to get a great return.</div> <div>Be sure to mention to perspective traders that Latos has a tiny 2.62 ERA on the year and is striking out almost a batter an inning. Doesn't hurt that the Padres are also a first place team.</div> <div>Latos is a great pitcher who's value is dropping. Get a good player and 'hurt' a rival team at the same time.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1868614039352190009?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-29639364407841133452010-06-30T16:40:00.001-07:002010-06-30T16:52:32.224-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TCvYnwEPwnI/AAAAAAAAAHU/nMMaeoZrwvo/s1600/1156790930_41de213e74.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TCvYnwEPwnI/AAAAAAAAAHU/nMMaeoZrwvo/s200/1156790930_41de213e74.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488718748310291058" border="0" /></a><div>Barry Enright has been brought up by the Diamondbacks. The 6'3" starting pitcher has a little potential.</div> <div>He had his first start on Wednesday and got his first win. 1 run, 5 Ks, in 5 innings isn't too bad. It's a little bit better as he was up against Pujols and the gang.</div> <div>Enright's minor league record this year shows some promise as well. In 93 innings, he has a 2.88 ERA, 83 Ks, and only 15 BB. The minors are not the majors of course, but he did what he needed to do. After one start in the majors, the success has carried over. So far, anyway.</div> <div>The only question, beyond how good Enright will be, is how long will he be a starter in the bigs. This was a spot start due to some manipulation of the rotation, but a good start will not be ignored. It stands out even more as Willis did very poor. It is not hard to see Enright remain in the rotation and Willis go to the bullpen or to the minors.</div> <div>Enright is a young unknown. Deep leagues should give a try, the rest need to wait and see.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2963936440784113345?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-54113977569319844092010-06-29T14:03:00.000-07:002010-06-29T14:03:10.144-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TCpd0L6s3SI/AAAAAAAAAFA/rQZlli1IZbw/s1600/cjohnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TCpd0L6s3SI/AAAAAAAAAFA/rQZlli1IZbw/s320/cjohnson.jpg" /></a></div>Manager Brad Mills has said&nbsp;third basemen&nbsp;Pedro Feliz has lost his starting job to rookie Chris Johnson, who was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock.<br /> <br /> Feliz is batting just .225 with two home runs and Feliz also leads the team with nine errors.<br /> <br /> Johnson&nbsp; has also struggled on defense. He has made five errors in his first five games.<br /> <br /> But Johnson was brought up for his offensive talents.&nbsp; He was batting .329 with 8 home runs and 33 RBI's with 149 at bats in&nbsp;Triple-A Round Rock.&nbsp; In 2009 he batted .281 with 13 home runs 42 RBI's with 384 at bats.&nbsp; Thus far for the Astros Johnson is batting .279 with no home runs and a stolen base.<br /> <br /> The key is he is starting and with Houston out of the playoff hunt, he should continue to get every chance to be the future third basemen for the Astros.&nbsp; He has potential to hit at a 20 to 25 home run pace and bat around .280 for the remainder of the 2010 season and that makes him a solid pick up in many leagues.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5411397756931984409?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-79545344734512193242010-06-28T15:56:00.000-07:002010-06-28T16:11:17.922-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TCkr0imsSEI/AAAAAAAAAHE/h25Maa2URxM/s1600/Andrew_Oliver_mk.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TCkr0imsSEI/AAAAAAAAAHE/h25Maa2URxM/s200/Andrew_Oliver_mk.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487965802569943106" border="0" /></a><div>The Detroit Tiger's have sent Rick Porcello down to the minors. Porcello's sophomore year has been bad. The Tiger's decided to let him work some stuff out in AAA.</div> <div>Enter Andrew Oliver. Oliver is a young pitcher who has some potential. He has had one start in the bigs and it went pretty good. He went 6 innings, gave up 2 runs, and stuck out 4. That is a solid debut. Next up is the Twins on Wednesday (6/30).</div> <div>In the minors, Oliver had an ERA of 3.61 with 70 Ks, in 77.1 innings. That's a nice K rate. If it carries over, then he could prove to be a nice surprise.</div> <div>Oliver's stay in the majors is a big question mark. If Porcello rights his ship then the Tigers would probably bring him right back up and likely send Oliver down. But you never know. If Oliver pitches well, he might find a way to stay.</div> <div>Oliver is a guy you might take a chance on in a deep league. More then likely he will be just a rental. Other then deep leagues, keeper leagues should keep Oliver on their radar.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7954534473451219324?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-26013244807559960452010-06-23T12:28:00.000-07:002010-06-23T12:32:50.380-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TCJe-RVcV0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/A6P-qtX-SwA/s1600/Tyler-Colvin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TCJe-RVcV0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/A6P-qtX-SwA/s320/Tyler-Colvin.jpg" /></a></div>Chicago Cubs' rookie outfielder, Tyler Colvin, has been playing well from day one&nbsp;with the Cubs even though he is not a starter.&nbsp; Even before day one in Spring Training Colvin showed his big-league potential by batting .468 with four triples,&nbsp; 2 home runs and two stolen bases.&nbsp; Thus far in 2010 with just 117 at bats&nbsp;Colvin is batting .298 with eight home runs with an superb .598 slugging percentage.<br /> <br /> Though Colvin is not starting, he is the back-up at each position in the outfield and is the featured pinch-hitter off the bench and that has resulted in a decent amount of playing time, but not enough to have him in a starting fantasy lineup.<br /> <br /> The good news and bad news for Colvin come from the same source.&nbsp; The bad news is there are three good veteran starters in the Cubs' outfield, which is the good news because they are veterans and thus injuries, DL trips and days off are more likely.&nbsp; But with Marlon Byrd playing great ball, Alfonso Soriano having a bit of a resurgence and Kosuke Fukudome playing solid, it is an up hill battle for the rookie Colvin.&nbsp; He has began to steal some time from&nbsp;Fukudome, so that is something to watch.<br /> <br /> In addition to the crowded outfield, like many young hitters, Colvin doesn't see too much left-handed pitching and doesn't do well when he does.&nbsp; He is batting .259 with no home runs with his mere 27 at bats versus lefties.&nbsp; This must change to mike him fantasy-viable.<br /> <br /> At this point, even though Colvin's name is getting out there, he remains a prospect for the fantasy bench only as owners patiently wait for him to displace&nbsp;Fukudome or a Cub outfielder who falls to injury. But the talent is there as shown by his .298 average and .598 slugging percentage in the Big's&nbsp;this season and his .300 batting average and .524 slugging percentage he showed of in Double-A Tennessee in 2009.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2601324480755996045?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-70152226746789575152010-06-22T05:44:00.000-07:002010-06-22T05:54:54.493-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TCCyYG7G-NI/AAAAAAAAAG8/JiVo9h2XL6E/s1600/BdXzEXoI.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TCCyYG7G-NI/AAAAAAAAAG8/JiVo9h2XL6E/s200/BdXzEXoI.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485580473382402258" border="0" /></a><div>With the likes of Lincecum and Cain, the San Francisco Giants have some of the best pitching in baseball. However, they have more waiting in the wings!</div> <div>Madison Bumgarner has been on our radar for well over a year now. He is the top pitching prospect of the Giants and should see a permanent stop in the bigs this year.</div> <div>Outside of one bad outing (5 runs in 6 innings), Bumgarner has been stellar. On the year, he has a 3.16 ERA, 59 Ks in 82 innings. Good numbers and he seems to be getting stronger. In his last start, he gave up only 3 runs (second most he has given up all year) and struck out 11 in 7.2 innings.</div> <div>The 6'4" lefty doesn't have much more to prove in the minors. If he wasn't so young (20) he would probably have been up already. Still, I expect to see him up sooner rather then later. There are rumors that he could be up within a week, but we'll see about that.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7015222674678957515?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-33298655116642272032010-06-16T05:46:00.001-07:002010-06-16T05:53:55.352-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TBjJTNiq9GI/AAAAAAAAAG0/76GbgLqMITg/s1600/0816pedroalvarez-a.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TBjJTNiq9GI/AAAAAAAAAG0/76GbgLqMITg/s200/0816pedroalvarez-a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483353878213358690" border="0" /></a><div>Despite all the recent rumblings from the Pirates that they weren't going to rush Pedro Alvarez, he's just been called up. Whatever.</div> <div>What we need to know is this: Pedro Alvarez is a top prospect, not just for the Pirates, but in all of baseball. He is a power hitting 3rd baseman that can impact the Pirates and your fantasy lineup.</div> <div>Hitting close to .280 with 13 HRs and over 50 RBIs in the minors gives us a good idea of what to expect. I have to imagine that his average will dip, but his power should help make up for that. His homerun and RBI potential is very good, even on a poor Pirates team.</div> <div>Alvarez should be considered in even the shallowest formats, and should be owned in most every other format (especially keeper leagues).</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3329865511664227203?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-16184293610915867792010-06-11T00:43:00.000-07:002010-06-11T00:43:11.854-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TBHnsshWAJI/AAAAAAAAAEY/5KMUCln2Clo/s1600/carlos-santana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TBHnsshWAJI/AAAAAAAAAEY/5KMUCln2Clo/s320/carlos-santana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The 24-year-old&nbsp;top catching prospect, Carlos Santana,&nbsp;will be recalled on Friday.<br /> <br /> Santana went 3 for 4 with a home run on Thursday for Triple-A Columbus and is batting .316 with 13 home runs overall.<br /> <br /> Santana is a must pick up if he is still available in all formats.&nbsp; He has the potential to be a Victor Martinez-type, but you may not see that this in 2010.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> He still has&nbsp;to do a lot of work behind the plate and continue to learn how to call a game, but that could benefit fantasy owners by seeing him get the nod at DH sometimes.&nbsp;If he is hitting well, that is even more likely.<br /> <br /> In the end, even as a rookie,&nbsp;Santana has .280 - 20 home run full-season-potential, and&nbsp;that is what we call a top-notch fantasy catcher.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1618429361091586779?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-33338396567215137122010-06-09T17:33:00.000-07:002010-06-09T17:33:33.376-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TBAydlbBF-I/AAAAAAAAAEI/OV68xzbBN-U/s1600/Tabata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" qu="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/TBAydlbBF-I/AAAAAAAAAEI/OV68xzbBN-U/s320/Tabata.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Pittsburgh Pirates called up&nbsp;one of their top prospects, outfielder Jose Tabatais. <br /> <br /> He was batting .309&nbsp;for Triple-A&nbsp;Indianapolis with three home runs, two triples, 19 RBI and 23 steals.<br /> <br /> The 21-year-old Tabata and other players were acquired by the Pirates in the July 2008 trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees.<br /> <br /> He is expected to get a shot at leading off and starting every day and could be what Andrew McCutchen was in 2009 minus a little power.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3333839656721513712?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-72716207864701010372010-06-09T07:35:00.000-07:002010-06-09T07:46:32.374-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TA-pLaYpP_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/QWxmfdBqAng/s1600/s_strasburg.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TA-pLaYpP_I/AAAAAAAAAGs/QWxmfdBqAng/s200/s_strasburg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480785285059526642" border="0" /></a><div>Well, Strasburg is good. What? You already know that? Weird. Wasn't sure anyone was aware that he pitched 7 innings, had 14 Ks, and 0 BB in his debut.</div> <div>So why an article on the most hyped baseball player in history? Because there is something you need to know for fantasy baseball. Two words, 'innings limit'.</div> <div>Stephen Strasburg is showing that the hype is justified. It was an awesome first performance and there is no reason to think that he will not keep pitching at a very high level. But having an innings limit will hurt his fantasy value this year. There is even talk of him being shut down in September. This is not good for your fantasy playoff run.</div> <div>What do you do? If you are in a keeper league, you just hold on to the guy or trade him for massive amounts of good players. Everyone else should consider trading him before it becomes obvious that he will be shut down late. I'm not saying trade him now, but maybe a month after the all-star break. Get something out of him, and then get a great return in a trade and let someone else deal with the lack of starts.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7271620786470101037?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-5103895737930473752010-06-03T08:58:00.000-07:002010-06-03T09:16:59.649-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TAfVQMTO07I/AAAAAAAAAGc/czxjnb2wen4/s1600/medium_galarraga18.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TAfVQMTO07I/AAAAAAAAAGc/czxjnb2wen4/s200/medium_galarraga18.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478581945876009906" border="0" /></a><div>You can't say enough about how difficult it is to pitch a perfect game. Even with the recent two (Halladay and Braden), a perfect game is thrown on average about 1 every 5 years, or 1 in about every 24,300 starts.</div> <div>So whatever you/we may think, Galarraga pitched a historic game.</div> <div>But that leaves us wondering, is Galarraga good? Well, I'm certainly not going to say he's bad! But what I will say is that he is probably average. There is no denying that he had a great outing, but he's never shown dominance like this. A career 4.50 ERA and a low strikeout guy just doesn't scream, 'Ace'.</div> <div>Unless he starts dominating on a regular basis, he should be left alone except for those of you in deeper leagues or maybe in AL only leagues.</div> <div>One good start does not a great pitcher make. (That said, congratulations Armando on a perfect game!!! I don't care what the record books say!)</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-510389573793047375?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-885140199682923652010-05-31T11:17:00.000-07:002010-05-31T11:29:13.637-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TAP_iIeFeZI/AAAAAAAAAGU/2jmrNyuNxWU/s1600/mitch-talbot.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/TAP_iIeFeZI/AAAAAAAAAGU/2jmrNyuNxWU/s200/mitch-talbot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477502533666961810" border="0" /></a><div>We brought your attention to Mitch Talbot about a month ago. For those of you that listened, you should be happy.</div> <div>Talbot leads all rookie pitchers with 6 wins and he has a nice ERA of 3.72. He still is not striking out batters very often, but that doesn't seem to affect his game.</div> <div>As a rookie, you never know how a pitcher will do in the majors. We now are starting to see what kind of pitcher that Talbot is. We like what we see. He doesn't get down on himself, if he has a bad outing, he bounces back well. He seems like a mature pitcher, the real deal.</div> <div>Last month we said that you should keep an eye on Talbot and grab him if he continues to do good. Except for shallow leagues, time to grab Talbot. If he had a better strike out rate, I would recommend him in all formats, but as of right now, AL only, and medium to deep leagues should be interested.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-88514019968292365?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-55956305026051282112010-05-28T07:11:00.000-07:002010-05-28T07:30:28.570-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S__TDb__-LI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ORs5Ur3zO04/s1600/C_Silva.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S__TDb__-LI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ORs5Ur3zO04/s200/C_Silva.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476327727915071666" border="0" /></a><div>Carlos Silva, the 31 year old right handed pitcher for the Cubs, is having a nice, remarkable, and most unlikely resurgence this year.</div> <div>For the past few years, Silva has put up ERAs of 8.60, 6.46, 4.19, and 5.94. This year, he is sitting pretty at 3.52. In addition to a great ERA, he has 6 wins and 0 losses.</div> <div>What could account for this change? It could be as simple as Silva moving from the American League to the National League. The AL has been a better hitting league for several years and of course they have the DH. This is Silva's first taste of the NL since 2003 and he seems to like it.</div> <div>With the track record that Silva has, it's hard to think that he will keep up this good pace. However, you never know. So far, he has been worth at least a rental in shallow leagues, and could be owned in all other formats. As things stand, he isn't going to hurt you ERA or WHIP, and seems to be able to get wins.</div> <div>He is owned in 34% of ESPN leagues and 57% if CBS leagues. If you can, give him a chance.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5595630502605128211?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-73575295916569620612010-05-25T07:45:00.000-07:002010-05-25T07:56:51.686-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S_vkdsLxHVI/AAAAAAAAAGE/WLSEPwO5yHc/s1600/zack-greinke.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S_vkdsLxHVI/AAAAAAAAAGE/WLSEPwO5yHc/s200/zack-greinke.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475220970726825298" border="0" /></a><div>A quarter of the way through the season and who would have thought that Zack Greinke would only have one win. Don't let these numbers fool you, he is good, real good.</div> <div>Playing for a poor offensive team hurts his value. Despite a great ERA (3.57) and good strikeout numbers, his team is just not giving him support.</div> <div>Also, Greinke's last outing was bad, 3.1 innings, 7 runs. This is a fluke. Everyone has a bad game.</div> <div>Now is the time to take advantage of these numbers and his last poor start. Make a trade offer for him. You still won't get him for a song, but a trading a good player to get a great player is the way to go. Hopefully the current owner is tired of his bad start.</div> <div>Zack Greinke is a great pitcher. He's had about as worse a start as possible. There is nowhere to go but up!</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7357529591656962061?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-18229666646372875972010-05-22T20:36:00.000-07:002010-05-22T20:36:23.307-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_iikJIsGEI/AAAAAAAAADw/D6K97icOERE/s1600/Brennan+Boesch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_iikJIsGEI/AAAAAAAAADw/D6K97icOERE/s200/Brennan+Boesch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Rookie Outfielder, Brennan&nbsp;Boesch, hit his fourth home run of the season in the Tigers 6-4 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday.<br /> <br /> Boesch is now batting .352 with&nbsp;four home runs, two triples and nine doubles with 86 at bats in 2010.<br /> <br /> Boesch hit 28 home runs in Double-A Erie, while batting .272.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has&nbsp;a good combination of pop and speed that will give him very strong numbers, especially in point leagues.<br /> <br /> He is starting mostly in left field and occasionally right field to rest Magglio Ordóñez.&nbsp; There is not much other competition for him, so he has an excellent chance of keeping the job all year, especially if&nbsp;he keeps hitting the way he is now.<br /> <br /> Boesch may not have elite-talent, but he could be a very sneaky point-scorer in leagues where doubles and triples have value.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1822966664637287597?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-85213235659169811292010-05-22T20:12:00.000-07:002010-05-22T20:12:09.881-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_iclMgEFYI/AAAAAAAAADo/WbgWJhMr2PE/s1600/justin-smaok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="128" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_iclMgEFYI/AAAAAAAAADo/WbgWJhMr2PE/s200/justin-smaok.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A good fantasy owner knows when the hold them and knows when to fold them and it may be to fold on Rangers' rookie first base prospect, Justin Smoak.<br /> <br /> We can look at the fact that he hits in the Texas line-up, he is playing almost every day and he is even hitting the ball hard.&nbsp; We can look at all that and see promise, but a .172 batting average and just the four&nbsp;home runs is no longer enough to make him worth keeping except for bench-stashing and not even always then.<br /> <br /> Sure, he could start hitting at anytime, but you have to make the tough calls and if there is someone out there in the free agent market to good to pass up, someone who can help you win today, &nbsp;it is time to make that move.<br /> <br /> There is now word and a minor league flip-flop with other first base prospect Chris Davis, but it seems to becoming more possible every day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8521323565916981129?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-78243238406125446692010-05-22T17:30:00.000-07:002010-05-22T17:34:14.818-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_h3IggGRrI/AAAAAAAAADg/YzFcHrh2jQA/s1600/Mike+Sweeney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_h3IggGRrI/AAAAAAAAADg/YzFcHrh2jQA/s200/Mike+Sweeney.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>Veteran designated hitter/ first basemen, Mike Sweeney, has long falling off the fantasy radar due to chronic injury problems, but he is suddenly back on the radar, even if he is sill injury-prone.<br /> <br /> Sweeney is batting .276 with five home runs for the lowly Mariners with just 58 at bats, including blasting two in the Mariners 15-8 thumping of the Padres.<br /> <br /> He will miss games from time-to-time to be rested or because of injury, but he is a legitimate hitter when in the line-up.&nbsp; He is a career .298 hitter and had 20 to 25 home run power in his peak with the Royals.<br /> <br /> In addition, he just played his 5th game at first base, so he may qualify at that spot for your league.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7824323840612544669?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-27688986006888260892010-05-20T05:57:00.000-07:002010-05-20T06:09:05.285-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S_U0AhIB9CI/AAAAAAAAAFc/X6uWs6tjN_0/s1600/david-ortiz.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S_U0AhIB9CI/AAAAAAAAAFc/X6uWs6tjN_0/s200/david-ortiz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473338105635402786" border="0" /></a><div>Before the season started, I was fairly high on Ortiz as a sleeper. I thought that he would be healthy this year and put up some good numbers. Up through April, I was wrong. Very, very wrong. But Ortiz has my back and we are now in May.</div> <div>In the last 7 games, he has gone 12 for 28 (.428 AVG), 4 HRs, 10 RBIs, and 5 runs. This is what a healthy Ortiz can do. Yea, he's getting older, but I think he's got a couple of more good seasons in him. At least he could still be good for this season (as his recent hitting is showing)</div> <div>For all of May, he has hit 7 HRs and is batting .358. Maybe this is just a hot streak and he will revert back, maybe this is a sign of him turning it around. Either way, he is worth at least a rental in all but shallow formats. If he keeps this up, he will be a great waiver wire pickup.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2768898600688826089?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-8290034494029018492010-05-17T23:09:00.000-07:002010-05-17T23:39:00.535-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_Iu_BK-9KI/AAAAAAAAADA/kEzTxdtB-Ic/s1600/davis-smoak.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S_Iu_BK-9KI/AAAAAAAAADA/kEzTxdtB-Ic/s320/davis-smoak.gif" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div>Coming into the 2010 season the Texas Rangers management, along with several fantasy owners,&nbsp;believed that the Texas Rangers had two of the best first base prospects in the game and could have two studs by seasons-end.<br /> <br /> First there was Chris Davis. He has been a stud-in-the-making for the last couple of seasons showing flashes of stardom mixed with flashes of a human fan.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Many fantasy owners invested highly in&nbsp;Chris Davis&nbsp;in 2009 only to find out that they invested in a&nbsp;fantasy bust.&nbsp; It was so bad for Davis&nbsp;that he was&nbsp;finally demoted to the minors.<br /> <br /> Davis simply couldn't hit the ball.&nbsp; He struck out a mind-boggling 114 times in&nbsp;258 official at-bats in the first half of 2009 and batted just .202 with a .256 OBP.&nbsp; <br /> The good news was he was recalled after hitting well in the minors and&nbsp;came back strong at the end of the year batting .308,&nbsp;six home runs with 138 at bats and&nbsp;he was even striking out less. <br /> <br /> Enter 2010 and their were once again high hopes, though tempered, for Chris Davis after&nbsp;his strong 2009 finish.&nbsp; He can finally hit and is going to breakout was the thinking.&nbsp;&nbsp;But after just 48 at bats, a .188 average and 0 home runs, Davis was demoted...again to Triple-A.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> And once again Davis is doing well in Triple-A&nbsp;batting .337 with 2 home runs and only 22 strikeouts with his 83 at-bats.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Enter Justin Smoak.&nbsp;&nbsp;The switch-hitting prospect comes in and he bats a mere .188 with four home runs with 80 at-bats.&nbsp; He has shown some power along with some&nbsp;discipline with the bat which has resulted&nbsp;in a so-so .319 OBP.&nbsp;&nbsp; Those two&nbsp;things have kept him in the majors up to this point.<br /> <br /> There are no rumors that either one will be traded at his point, but Chris Davis can't sit in the minors too long, so what will the Rangers do?&nbsp; Better yet, what should fantasy owners do?<br /> <br /> The best bet is to wait.&nbsp; Yes the painful wait.&nbsp; Waiting and watching 0-4&nbsp;day after day and getting excited when he goes 1-3 with a walk.&nbsp; As painful as it is, you need to hold on a little longer.&nbsp; Bench him if possible, but don't cut him yet.&nbsp; He is still starting every day, he is getting good at-bats, has a decent OBP&nbsp;and he&nbsp;is hitting at a 25 home run pace.&nbsp; So it's not as bad as it looks.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> The key to the Smoak-situation is trying to get a hold of Chris Davis at the right time.&nbsp; If he is a free agent, that time is probably sooner than later.&nbsp; If you have a spot, you my want to double-down on the Texas first base situation and pick him up.&nbsp; First it insures you if Smoak goes down to Triple-A and Davis is brought up.&nbsp; Second, it is quite conceivable to have the both play and start for Texas.&nbsp; Between DH&nbsp;and backup third base, they both should get enough at-bats to make them both fantasy-relevant and if they&nbsp;are hitting the&nbsp;ball, of course the will get time somewhere in the Texas starting line-up.<br /> <br /> Alas, lets not forget how the Texas Rangers seem to hit many more home runs in the hot&nbsp;Texas summers.&nbsp; It is worth taking a chance.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-829003449402901849?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-85732657693457265762010-05-17T06:06:00.000-07:002010-05-17T06:17:31.805-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S_FA4_EEuvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/FhJiifzaAV4/s1600/r1362841094.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S_FA4_EEuvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/FhJiifzaAV4/s200/r1362841094.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472226369977236210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><div>The Detroit Tigers have a rising star on their team. Who? Brennan Boesch.</div> </span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><div>Brennan Boesch is a 6 foot 6 inch 210 pound rookie outfielder. So far, in his 18 games, Boesch is hitting .388, has a .400 OBP, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homeruns. Can't ask for a much better start then that!</div> <div> <span style="font-family:arial;">The question is whether or not this rising star will fall. I think we all know that he will not hit .380+ for the year. But what will he end up with? An optimist would say around .300, but I think it will be closer to .280. But with the power he's shown, .280, 25+ homeruns, and 75 RBIs is strong.</span></div> <div><span style="font-family:arial;">Scott Sizemore was sent down so Boesch should have plenty of at bats.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div> <div>If you have a spot on your bench, Boesch is worth at least a rental in most formats. If you are in a deep league, he's probably worth the chance. His stock is rising quickly, but he is still available in about 2/3 of the leagues.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8573265769345726576?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-66189451772232591702010-05-14T07:38:00.000-07:002010-05-22T17:34:30.205-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-1gR-2IDyI/AAAAAAAAACw/bwXzIBTkJdI/s1600/Adam+Kennedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-1gR-2IDyI/AAAAAAAAACw/bwXzIBTkJdI/s200/Adam+Kennedy.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div>Adam Kennedy - 1B, 2B, 3B- Washington<br /> <br /> The veteran really proved his worth in Oakland in 2009 when he batted .289 with 11 home runs and 20 stolen bases.&nbsp; Not Eye-popping stats, but when you consider his position availability, he proved to be a valuable backup and occasional starter when he was hot.<br /> <br /> Thus far in 2010 he is only batting .258 with two home runs and five stolen bases, but he is due to heat up.&nbsp; You ad that to the fact that he is eligible to play first base, second base, third base, corner infield and middle infield in many leagues and he makes a good backup and a perfect Rent-A-Vet.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6618945177223259170?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-33932963644994192652010-05-14T04:13:00.000-07:002010-05-14T07:40:39.260-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-0xvjhdIDI/AAAAAAAAAFA/5zVE8_6WQcE/s1600/John-Ely.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471083815384195122" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-0xvjhdIDI/AAAAAAAAAFA/5zVE8_6WQcE/s200/John-Ely.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 169px;" /></a><br /> <div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Dodgers have been having some issues with the back of their rotation. Recently though, there has been some reason for optimism. The reason? 24-year-old right-hander, John Ely.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ely has started 3 games now, and is holding his own. His first start against the Mets was shaky (6 innings, 5 ER, 3 BB, and 4 Ks), but he has tightened it up since. In his last two starts he has gone: 12.2 innings, 3 ER, 0 BB, and 13 Ks. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">That is a nice line.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">So run out and pick him up? Not so fast. He's a young pitcher who will probably have some bumps along the way. He has competition for the spot he now holds. There is a good amount of young pitching in the MLB.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">So why am I telling you about him? Two good starts could be the beginning of something. John Ely has made it so that we need to keep an eye on him. Maybe he will tank and go back to obscurity, or maybe he will shine and be a great story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Real deep leagues might consider picking him up, but the rest of us should watch, wait, and be ready to sign.</span></div><br /> Scout Monkey <br /> <em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3393296364499419265?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-76290116415217483682010-05-13T18:11:00.000-07:002010-05-13T18:13:49.322-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-yjNMP4EzI/AAAAAAAAACo/yWadTtCyk74/s1600/Michael+Saunders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-yjNMP4EzI/AAAAAAAAACo/yWadTtCyk74/s200/Michael+Saunders.jpg" width="141" wt="true" /></a></div>There is not a lot of hitting going on in Seattle these days, but recent call-up, Michael Saunders, is trying to change that.<br /> <br /> The 23-year-old left-hand-hitting outfielder blasted his second home run of the season in the Mariners 6-5 loss to Baltimore.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Overall the hot-hitting outfielder is batting .389 with two home runs.<br /> <br /> His call-up was a bit of a surprise because he was only hitting .200 in Triple-A Tacoma with no home runs, though he did bat .310 with 13 home runs and&nbsp;6 stolen bases in 2009 with just 248 at bats.<br /> <br /> You can't always look at minor league stats to gauge a pro, so we will let his call-up and MLB stats do the talking.&nbsp; As of now he is worth a definite look, particularly in AL-Only leagues.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7629011641521748368?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-79115620862526108002010-05-11T20:10:00.000-07:002010-05-11T20:15:16.540-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-ocIvafNNI/AAAAAAAAACQ/XyMa9V1MPg4/s1600/Mike+Stanton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-ocIvafNNI/AAAAAAAAACQ/XyMa9V1MPg4/s200/Mike+Stanton.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Michael Stanton - OF - Marlins</strong><br /> <br /> Stanton&nbsp;is tearing it up in&nbsp;the&nbsp;minors&nbsp;and now has a Minor League-leading 15 home runs for Double-A Jacksonville. <br /> <br /> Stanton's power is not a fluke.&nbsp;He hit 39 home runs in A-Greensboro in 2008.&nbsp; Yes it is Single-A, but he followed&nbsp;&nbsp;that up with in 28 more in 2009 Double-A and now the 15 with just 107 at bats in 2010 Double-A.&nbsp; In addition, he is batting .355 with a .493 OBP.<br /> <br /> There is not a hotter prospect in baseball right now and his call-up could happen sooner than later.&nbsp; But because of the usual financial games, he probably won't see the Major Leagues until&nbsp;late May or early June <br /> and at just age 20, there is no guarantee he is ready for the big-time.<br /> <br /> It is a bit early to pick him up depending on your league style, but if you are a gambler, you may want to get him within the next couple of weeks.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7911562086252610800?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-7864200233167365652010-05-11T16:36:00.000-07:002010-05-11T17:10:14.548-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-nxHDwj0aI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xi2OpV5R4GE/s1600/leake.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-nxHDwj0aI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xi2OpV5R4GE/s200/leake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470168325988536738" border="0" /></a><div>Alright, 'Sprung a Leake' is pretty bad. I'll try to do better. What isn't bad is Mike Leake, starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.</div> <div>Leake hit our radar in early April and hasn't disappeared yet like many prospects seem to do. Remember, he only had to beat out a guy named Aroldis Chapman. That alone merited attention. But spring training is different then the regular season. So what has Leake done so far?</div> <div>6 Games, 3 wins, 0 losses, 3.10 ERA, and 28 ks in 40 innings. That is very solid. That line will not hurt your fantasy team. In addition, Leake has not gone less then 6 innings in any of his starts. This is a guy any manager should want in his rotation, real or fantasy.</div> <div>I'm not ready to call this guy an ace, but he qualifies as a solid 3 or even a number 2 (Ha, I said number 2). So Mike Leake is not ready yet for you in shallow leagues, but all other formats should really consider picking him up. He is owned in about 30% of leagues, so chances are, he's there for the taking.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-786420023316736565?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-69090432285886676702010-05-09T20:50:00.000-07:002010-05-09T20:52:31.026-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-eCUOvTlVI/AAAAAAAAACI/OLxr6rVMSgs/s1600/Mike+Aviles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-eCUOvTlVI/AAAAAAAAACI/OLxr6rVMSgs/s200/Mike+Aviles.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div>Kansas City Royal shortstop/second baseman, Mike Aviles, is finally healthy and is hitting. He is 10 of his first&nbsp;24 at bats (.417) with two home runs.<br /> <br /> Aviles was&nbsp;projected to be a fantasy breakout in&nbsp;2009 but a season-ending &nbsp;injury put an end to any hopes of that.<br /> &nbsp; <br /> He played well in in 2010 Spring Training batting .471, but was set down to the minors to get a little more work and it has seemed to pay off for him.<br /> <br /> Aviles batted .325 with 10 home runs and 8 stolen bases with 419 at bats as a rookie in 2008.&nbsp; He has 15-20 home run and 15-20 stolen base potential.&nbsp; For a player who should qualify at second base and short stop, that makes him an intriguing prospect&nbsp;pick-up and a very good backup infielder pick-up.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6909043228588667670?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-60389211231858521892010-05-09T10:26:00.000-07:002010-05-09T12:00:56.364-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-bwMPPnLqI/AAAAAAAAAB4/LIZKvfytZM8/s1600/holland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-bwMPPnLqI/AAAAAAAAAB4/LIZKvfytZM8/s200/holland.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Derek Holland - SP - Rangers</strong><br /> Holland has been re-called from the minors after starting pitcher Matt Harrison&nbsp;was sent to&nbsp;the DL.&nbsp;&nbsp;Holland was a dominating 4-1 with&nbsp; a 0.93 ERA and&nbsp;37 strikeouts in 38.2 innings pitched in Triple-A Oklahoma.<br /> <br /> Holland is considered one of&nbsp; Major League Baseball's top pitching prospects.&nbsp; His fastball has been clocked as high as 98 mph&nbsp;and he also throws a good changeup and a slider at around 80 mph.<br /> <br /> He was up for the Rangers in 2009, but struggled going 8-13 with a 6.12 ERA.&nbsp; The good news there is that&nbsp; hopefully he has&nbsp;his rookie-ways out of his system and that he&nbsp;made the proper adjustments in the minors and is ready to be a star.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-bv4RA5s9I/AAAAAAAAABw/dsMNlGckd3s/s1600/castro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-bv4RA5s9I/AAAAAAAAABw/dsMNlGckd3s/s200/castro.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Starlin Castro - SS - Cubs</strong><br /> He just turned twenty, so it may be years before we see his true fantasy value, but a home run and a 3 for 9 start in the big-leagues isn't too bad.<br /> <br /> He batted .429 with one home run and two triples in Spring Training and was&nbsp;hitting .376 with 1 home run, five triples, 20 runs, 20 RBI's and four steals in 26 games at Double-A Tennessee. <br /> <br /> Castro might be up for good, but is not likely to&nbsp;be handed the starting job regardless of performance.&nbsp; You may have top pick him up, nevertheless, &nbsp;and stick him on the bench if you want him, but he is not the answer at shortstop at this point.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-cGO5lQZsI/AAAAAAAAACA/i_VuDIDM_GU/s1600/Ryan+Rohlinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-cGO5lQZsI/AAAAAAAAACA/i_VuDIDM_GU/s200/Ryan+Rohlinger.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Ryan Rohlinger - SS - Giants</strong><br /> He was recalled&nbsp;from Triple-A Fresno where he was batting .333 with two home runs, to replace Edgar Renteria who was sent to the DL.<br /> <br /> He batted .281 with 16 home runs&nbsp;in Fresno in 2009, so he does have potential for some decent power numbers, but he is one to be put on your radar unless you are in a NL-Only league.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6038921123185852189?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-91395677682976096862010-05-07T12:22:00.000-07:002010-05-07T17:24:33.021-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-RtyoAJawI/AAAAAAAAAEw/as8Ld1fRS7I/s1600/starlin+castro.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-RtyoAJawI/AAAAAAAAAEw/as8Ld1fRS7I/s200/starlin+castro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468616564033547010" border="0" /></a><div>Well, despite everything their GM had been saying, Starlin Castro is now a Chicago Cub. Castro is the top prospect for the Cubs and plays shortstop.</div> <div>What do we get with this 20 year old? Potentially the ultimate prototypical shortstop. Castro plays great defense, hits for average (.300+), doesn't have too much pop, and has good speed. This is what a shortstop has been since the beginning of time. There are of course some exceptions, Tejada, Nomar, Hanley, etc., but they are the <span style="font-style: italic;">exceptions</span>.</div> <div>Anyway, is Starlin Castro an immediate pickup for your fantasy team? Not necessarily. I believe he will be good and I believe he will be pretty good even this year. But, he will probably have more real life baseball value then fantasy value. His lack of power and top speed hurts. I would be ok with that lack of power if he could steal more bases, but Jose Reyes he is not. Maybe things will change as he gets a little older, but for this year, I see some red flags.</div> <div>Now I'm not saying he is worthless in fantasy, I'm just saying that as a top prospect, his fantasy value isn't as great as one might think. For this year, be happy if you are rewarded with a good average, maybe 20 stolen bases, and some runs. </div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-9139567768297609686?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-77415954741468765152010-05-07T06:02:00.000-07:002010-05-07T06:59:05.095-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-QcdiPBkLI/AAAAAAAAAEo/LQMB-w5nQxU/s1600/Scott+Olsen.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 161px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-QcdiPBkLI/AAAAAAAAAEo/LQMB-w5nQxU/s200/Scott+Olsen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468527141266231474" border="0" /></a><div>Scott Olsen, starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals has had three very strong outings in a row. It's time for us to pay attention.</div> <div>I've kept an eye on Olsen since he came up with the Marlins. Despite showing flashes of dominance, his overall numbers were average. Then he went to the Nationals in 2009. I liked him as a sleeper, but I was so wrong. He had a terrible year. Entering 2010, I didn't even have him on my radar. That is until after week 4.</div> <div>You see, after week 4, Olsen had put together a couple of very nice games. He went 7 innings, no runs, and 8 Ks against the Dodgers, and 6 innings, no runs, and 4 Ks against the Marlins. Looking for a little pitching help in my deeper league, I picked him up for his next start. How'd he do? He only took a no hitter into the 8th against Atlanta. Ended the night going 7.1 innings, 1 earned run, and 8 Ks. I'm glad I picked him up, and what more, he has earned a little more time on my roster.</div> <div>One thing that I forget with Olsen is that he is only 26 years old. I have watched him for awhile and feel he is much older. So at 26, there is room for this kind of turn around. He is starting to look very relevant in NL only leagues and deeper leagues. Beam him up.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7741595474146876515?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-65889956339567494862010-05-05T22:38:00.000-07:002010-05-05T22:38:50.013-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-JVRLJbc-I/AAAAAAAAABg/OiL0gw89BiE/s1600/Alex+Avila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S-JVRLJbc-I/AAAAAAAAABg/OiL0gw89BiE/s200/Alex+Avila.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div>Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila popped two home runs in the Tigers 5-4 win to the Twins.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is his first home runs of the season.<br /> <br /> Overall the 22-year-old lefty is batting just .200 with the 2 home runs and&nbsp;2 RBI's, but Wednesday night's performance may have been a wake up call.<br /> <br /> It is too early to pick him up unless you have an easy drop or possibly if you are&nbsp;in an AL-only league.&nbsp; He is definitely worth monitoring though, he did pop five home runs with 61 at bats at the end of the 2009 season, so he does have some power.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6588995633956749486?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-23150133655633391622010-05-04T15:23:00.000-07:002010-05-04T15:46:16.287-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-Cja9PKblI/AAAAAAAAAEg/FFzr2P5gB7Q/s1600/derek-holland.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S-Cja9PKblI/AAAAAAAAAEg/FFzr2P5gB7Q/s200/derek-holland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467549631137869394" border="0" /></a><div>Early last year I was on the Derek Holland bandwagon. He was doing very well in the minors and the fact he could pitch for a high scoring offense made him very appealing. However, when he got his chance, he was just average to below average.</div> <div>Well, here I am again. It's early in the season and I'm saying that you should keep an eye on Derek Holland. Currently he is destroying the minors. He has pitched 33 innings, 29 Ks, and has an ERA of 0.53. </div> <div>Couldn't this just be last year all over again? Maybe. But he's a little older, has some more experience and has done exactly what he needed to do when he was sent back to the minors. I am definitely going to give him another chance.</div> <div>If he's so good, why is he still in the minors? Texas has a nice problem on their hands, they have too many good pitchers. In order for Holland to pitch, one of their current starters would need to be sent down. But no one is struggling. In addition, Tommy Hunter is nearly recovered from injury. So now there are 2 pitchers that are waiting in the wings. Only question is who is on the top of the list.</div> <div>So, unless a Texas starter falls apart or gets injured, it may take a little time before Holland sees the light of the big stage. The unknown factor keeps him from being a strong option to own, and makes him a guy you need to keep a close eye on and be ready to pounce on when his call comes.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2315013365563339162?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-76292942231943332992010-05-03T23:04:00.000-07:002010-05-03T23:04:43.945-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S9-4HW_fE8I/AAAAAAAAABM/2djXcTtu6S0/s1600/Justin+Smoak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S9-4HW_fE8I/AAAAAAAAABM/2djXcTtu6S0/s320/Justin+Smoak.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div>Texas Ranger rookie first basemen, Justin Smoak, has struggled with his batting average since being called up but after going 0 for 3 he smashed a solo shot, his 2nd of the season, in the Rangers 4-2 win over the A's.<br /> <br /> Overall Smoak is batting just .176 since his call up, but he has a decent OBP of .331.&nbsp; With just 30 at bats it is a small sample size and he needs a bit more time and the Rangers seem to be given him a bit of a leash.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, Smoak better take a step up, Chris Davis is batting .400 since his demotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City.<br /> <br /> You definitely have to stick with Smoak at this point, especially has summer nears and the Texas air heats up.&nbsp; Balls will be flying out of the park.&nbsp; But if you have the resources to pick up Chris Davis as both insurance and a prospect in his own right (the could both start at some point) you may want to do so.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7629294223194333299?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-23527362811470079072010-05-02T17:26:00.000-07:002010-05-02T17:26:34.642-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S94V0GpZe7I/AAAAAAAAABA/r-sOUs1AfVY/s1600/Posey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S94V0GpZe7I/AAAAAAAAABA/r-sOUs1AfVY/s200/Posey.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Buster Posey - C -&nbsp;Giants</strong><br /> <br /> Posey is playing very well in Triple-A Fresno batting .333 with four doubles, one triple,&nbsp;two home runs and one stolen base. This is after Posey had an excellent 2010 Spring Training with the Giants batting .315 with a home run.<br /> <br /> Originally the Giants planned to have Posey start opening day, but Bengie Molina agreed to a 1-year-deal and Posey was sent down to Fresno.&nbsp; This was equally&nbsp;a financial decision than it was a talent decision.&nbsp; If the Giants can wait till June to bring him up,&nbsp;Posey will wait another&nbsp;year&nbsp;for arbitration eligibility, but the Giants are looking for some hitting and Posey provides that.<br /> <br /> Posey could turn into an everyday player if brought up as he could get a crack at playing first base.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is more likely to&nbsp;start off as a back up to both positions, so expectations for 2010 should be tempered.<br /> <br /> In the end you would think Giants would wait until June as Molina and Huff aren't playing bad and it would save them money.&nbsp; If he does get the call, Posey&nbsp;has .290, 15 home run potential, and he could deliver in points leagues with doubles, triples and stolen bases for he is&nbsp;quite the athlete.<br /> &nbsp; <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2352736281147007907?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-34078245038886360502010-05-02T17:10:00.000-07:002010-05-02T17:10:02.689-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S94T12UewOI/AAAAAAAAAA4/qEgMBlZX_0w/s1600/david+freese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S94T12UewOI/AAAAAAAAAA4/qEgMBlZX_0w/s200/david+freese.jpg" tt="true" width="170" /></a></div>St Louis Cardinal rookie third baseman, David Freese unfroze his bat this week and launched three home runs and nine RBI's.&nbsp; He is batting .355 with&nbsp;three home runs and 16 RBI's overall.<br /> <br /> Freese is still available in many leagues and hitting in the heart of the Cardnial lineup should insure a good batting average and good RBI's totals.&nbsp; In addition, he could pop 20 home runs.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3407824503888636050?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-76620175659666219742010-05-01T06:15:00.000-07:002010-05-01T06:45:31.705-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S9wuwbM3i7I/AAAAAAAAAEU/JNW14lJgkLQ/s1600/610x.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S9wuwbM3i7I/AAAAAAAAAEU/JNW14lJgkLQ/s200/610x.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466295457191267250" border="0" /></a><div><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question:</span> So how can a guy who has started the season by striking out 16 in 17 innings, has an ERA of 0.52, has 2 wins and no losses be owned in less the 25% of leagues (in ESPN leagues, he owned by less then 1%)?</span></div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Answer:</span> I don't know. But I can guess. He is young (unproven) and he plays for a team that shouldn't put up any runs.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question:</span> Who is this pitcher?</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Answer:</span> Wade LeBlanc, San Diego Padres.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question:</span> Should I go out and pick him up for my fantasy team?</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Answer:</span> Yes you should. LeBlanc is one of a few young pitchers who are putting up some great numbers. He pitches in the best pitcher park in baseball, the Padres <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> scoring runs, and he has always been able to strike batters out (did it in the minors).</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Question: </span>What am I missing? Sounds too good to be true. I can really pick up a guy who is lights out off the waiver wire?</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Answer:</span> Yes, you probably can. Right now, there are two potential downsides:</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">1)</span> Chris Young. He has been recovering from injury which opened the spot for LeBlanc in the rotation. What happens when Young is healthy enough to come back is unknown. It's possible that they could send LeBlanc down to the minors. I doubt that will happen as he is pitching better then anyone else on the team. </div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">2)</span> LeBlanc is young (25). He doesn't have a lot of major league experience. Could be some bumps along the road. But you know what, every pitcher has bumps during the season. It's just a matter of how big those bumps are. At the very least, grab LeBlanc until he starts having serious troubles (<span style="font-style: italic;">if</span> he starts having troubles).</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Statement:</span> Wade LeBlanc is pitching as good as anyone in baseball, and frankly, better then most.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7662017565966621974?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-89106043054249809902010-04-29T18:37:00.000-07:002010-04-29T18:37:54.097-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S9oz3OPu-eI/AAAAAAAAAAw/GSiZ6ahgqpg/s1600/eric-young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qiWpz0lHHQQ/S9oz3OPu-eI/AAAAAAAAAAw/GSiZ6ahgqpg/s200/eric-young.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Eric Young - 2B - Colorado Rockies</strong><br /> <br /> He has made back-to-back starts since his call-up a few days ago and is off to the start he needed,&nbsp; going 5 for 10 overall with two stolen bases.&nbsp; If he can steal the starting job away from Clint Barmes, which shouldn't be hard,&nbsp;you can expect more of the same.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Young batted .299 with 58 stolen bases in 2009 Triple-A Colorado Springs.&nbsp; Think of a Chone Figgins in Colorado.&nbsp;&nbsp;Young has some pop (7 home runs), but his double and triple numbers are what you will be looking and if you get points in those categories, he could be a goldmine.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8910604305424980990?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-42024832935648141902010-04-27T15:08:00.000-07:002010-04-27T15:38:48.224-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S9dnKkFdLfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/1eu5al0ddTo/s1600/JandJ.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GB23-YdEd9s/S9dnKkFdLfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/1eu5al0ddTo/s320/JandJ.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464950104020299250" border="0" /></a><div>Two young pitchers could be making their debut in the next week. One is a highly touted prospect, the other has been lights out in the minors.</div> <div>First is Jhoulys Chacin for the Rockies. Colorado had not one, but two starters go down. Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Hammel are both going to miss some action. To fill in, Chacin will be called upon to make some starts. Still unknown who will step up for the other spot.</div> <div>What do we get with Chacin? He has a very nice fastball in the mid 90's, and good secondary pitches. So far in the minors, he has a 1.69 ERA in 21 innings with 21 Ks. The bad news is that he has 11 walks in that stretch. All in all, he is a typical prospect - talented and raw. The Rockies can score some runs, so even if Chacin struggles some, he is still a good bet for some wins.</div> <div>Our next new starter is Jake Arrieta, maybe. The Orioles need a 5th starter. The question is who will they pick. Their best option is either Brad Bergesen or Arrieta. Bergesen has a little more experience, but has struggled for much of it. His minor league starts this year haven't been too impressive either (his last one on Sunday was decent). Arrieta on the other hand has been fantastic. 25 innings, 1 earned run. In his last start, he struck out 11. The start before that, he struck out 7. On numbers alone, Arrieta is the man to start, but we'll see.</div> <div>Chacin is definitely going to get some starts and it's possible he can be decent right out of the gate. Deep leagues or NL only leagues should check him out. Arrieta is a little more difficult to predict. He may not even be called up and even if he is, it's for the Orioles who are not that good. But, if his talent translates, he could be very good.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4202483293564814190?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-31632253351518862222010-04-24T12:41:00.000-07:002010-04-24T13:13:20.066-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/A_Jones_Final_1-776915.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/A_Jones_Final_1-776912.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>This is an article I didn't think I would write, certainly didn't want to write it, but I can't ignore what Andruw Jones is doing in Chicago.</div> <div>Remember Jones on the Braves? Great fielder, great hitter, exciting, just a great player. Then the Dodgers got him for a bunch of money and he proceeded to go into the toilet. Completely abysmal. As a Dodger fan, I went from, 'Yes! We got Andruw Jones!' to 'What did we do? Just spent a load of money and got nothing.' Complete disappointment. Whatever happened to him from the Braves to the Dodgers seemed to have ended his career.</div> <div>Not so fast my friend. The 33 year old outfielder is having a bit of a turnaround. So far this year, he is hitting .293, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs, and 3 SBs. I'm not sure he did that his entire time in L.A. If Jones is regaining some of his old form, he is a must watch and a potential waiver wire pickup that can pay off big time. He is owned in about 5% of leagues, so he is probably available for you. Shallow leagues need to watch and see if he keeps up these numbers (if so, then he becomes a must own in almost all formats), deep leagues should seriously consider picking him up and hope he is the old Andrew Jones again.</div> <div>Why oh why could he have not done this for the Dodgers?</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3163225335151886222?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-46396443594055617372010-04-23T00:20:00.000-07:002010-04-23T00:20:20.142-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/justin-smoak-799667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/justin-smoak-799664.jpg" tt="true" width="186" /></a></div>The Texas Rangers will&nbsp;demote 1B Chris Davis to Triple-A Oklahoma City&nbsp;and recall prospect Justin Smoak.&nbsp; Smoak is expected to start at first base.<br /> <br /> This is a must pick up if he is available.&nbsp; There is no guarantee that he will become a star day one, but he is the type of prospect he can strike gold and end up being a Fantasy All-Star in 2010.<br /> <br /> The switch-hitter&nbsp;batted .300 with 2 home runs with 50 at bats thus far in 2010.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4639644359405561737?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-88926627378858674902010-04-22T20:01:00.000-07:002010-04-22T20:01:18.079-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Xavier-Paul-749997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Xavier-Paul-749981.jpg" tt="true" width="162" /></a></div><strong>Xavier Paul - OF&nbsp;- Los Angeles Dodgers</strong><br /> <br /> Paul continues to play well in Triple-A Albuquerque (.386 with 3 home runs and stole 3 bases), but&nbsp;plays the one position the Dodgers simply do not need, unless Manny Ramirez goes down to an injury and hits the DL&nbsp;(which is likely at some point).&nbsp; It does help that Juan Pierre has moved on, though&nbsp;the&nbsp;Dodgers replaced him with Garret Anderson, Paul could compete if he gets a chance.<br /> <br /> Paul is 25-years-old&nbsp;and has played a full season of Triple-A baseball, so he is ready for the big leagues.&nbsp; He has a nice combination of pop and speed that will please fantasy managers if and when he gets his chance.&nbsp; He hit 28 doubles, 5 triples, 9 home runs and stole 17 bases with 443 at bats in 2008 and spent a lot of the 2009 season on the&nbsp;Dodger bench and the DL.&nbsp; Thus far in 2010 he has hit 3 home runs and stole 3 bases while batting .386 with 39 at bats.<br /> <br /> In the end we are looking at a .290, 10-15 home-run-hitting, 20-30 stolen base fantasy player if he gets the call.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8892662737885867490?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-9502235099831389182010-04-22T12:51:00.000-07:002010-04-22T12:56:30.910-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Mitch_Tal-722827.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Mitch_Tal-722824.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>A young pitcher with a few good starts under his belt. That describes the 26 year old Mitch Talbot, starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians.</div> <div>His first start for the Indians was against the Detroit Tigers and he wasn't great - 5 innings, 4 earned runs, 6 hits, 5 walks, 1 K. Since then, he has settled down nicely. His second start was against the White Sox - 9 innings, 1 earned run, 0 walks, and 2 Ks (and his first win). This was a very solid outing. Today (4/22) he pitched another nice game against the Twins - 6 innings, 0 earned runs, 3 walks, 3 Ks. The strike outs are not encouraging (7 total in 3 games) but he seems to be able to get guys out regardless. Not to be overlooked in this is that his first three starts have come against good teams. He is showing that he can pitch at this level.</div> <div>It's early to run out and grab this guy in all formats, but he is worth keeping an eye on. In deep leagues, definitely consider him. The rest of you, watch and see how he progresses. If he can get a few more strike outs, that would give a nice increase to his value, but even as is, if he stays this solid, he is looking like he can help your team.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-950223509983138918?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-66015904996543814482010-04-21T23:06:00.000-07:002010-04-21T23:06:37.933-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/brett-wallace-761053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/brett-wallace-761037.jpg" width="196" wt="true" /></a></div><strong>Brett Wallace - 1B/3B - Toronto</strong><br /> <br /> Wallace&nbsp;hit his 5th home run of the season in AAA Las Vegas&nbsp;and now leads the Pacific Coast League.&nbsp;He is batting .283 with his first 44 at bats of the young season.<br /> <br /> Wallace has shown decent power in the past, but not to this extent, so we will have to see if he keeps it up. In 2009 AAA he hit 15 home runs and batted .282 with 425 at bats.<br /> <br /> He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1st-round (No. 13 overall) and was a key player&nbsp;along with Clayton Mortensen and Shane Peterson, to the Oakland A's for Matt Holliday.&nbsp; He was subsequently traded to the Blue Jays for top prospect Michael Taylor.<br /> <br /> Edwin Encarnacion did go to the DL with&nbsp;a sore shoulder, but Aaron Hill was activated&nbsp;from the DL and thus no call-up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevertheless, if Lyle Overbay&nbsp;continues to struggle (.119,&nbsp;0 HR's)&nbsp;Wallace could see a call up as early as May.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6601590499654381448?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-54544330278884990352010-04-20T17:50:00.000-07:002010-04-20T17:50:49.930-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Casey-Kotchman-750970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Casey-Kotchman-750956.jpg" width="186" wt="true" /></a></div>Seattle first basemen,&nbsp; Casey Kotchman, has long been touted as a fantasy-starter-hopeful, but has failed season after season.<br /> <br /> He has never had over 500 at bats in his career and has&nbsp;averaged&nbsp;just over 200 at bats a season, so injuries and lack of playing time definitely have to be factored in to his lack of success.<br /> <br /> The good news is Kotchman is just 27-years-old and is finally getting a chance to be a full-time starter in Seattle and Seattle finally has a solid offense.<br /> <br /> Don't expect a huge year by any means from Kotchman, but whether you pick him as a Rent-a-Vet, or as an AL-only starter, or as your backup&nbsp;first basemen, he can hold down the fort at first base by batting around .280 with 20 home runs if he can play a full season.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<br /> &nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5454433027888499035?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-17402467472626205422010-04-20T17:22:00.000-07:002010-04-20T17:25:21.077-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Juan-Uribe-757356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Juan-Uribe-757351.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div>Veteran infielder, Juan Uribe is off to one of his best&nbsp;starts of his careerbatting .348 with 2 home runs, 11 RBI's, 9 runs&nbsp;and 1 stolen base.<br /> <br /> He is currently slotted as the Giants starting second basemen, but could see time at shortstop and third base as the season goes.<br /> <br /> Last year Uribe had&nbsp;solid season for the Giants batting .289 with 16 home runs, so it is possible he can stick on your team as a backup or a low-end starter.<br /> <br /> Sin City Scout<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1740246747262620542?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-27683984166065465682010-04-19T21:55:00.000-07:002010-04-19T22:21:52.036-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/mike-pelfrey1-705007.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/mike-pelfrey1-704989.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Last year I was excited about the New York Met pitching. I figured that when they added K-Rod, that the already talented (albeit raw) starters would put up some very nice numbers. Well, it didn't happen (except for Santana of course).</div> <div>For this year, my expectations of Met pitching, were next to nothing. Outside of Santana, I didn't think any of the other starters were worth much of a look except maybe in deep, deep leagues, or in leagues where you get points for high ERAs and losses.</div> <div>With all that said, there is a starter on the Mets who is looking good. In fact, he is looking down right great! It's Mike Pelfrey.</div> <div>Now Pelfrey had the 'young up-and-comer' label along with many of his peers (Maine, Niese, etc.), but didn't do much last year. This year though, it is a very different story. He has started 2 games, pitched a total of 13 innings, given up only 2 runs, 4 walks, and 10 strike outs! Me likes. Oh yea, he also talked the manager in letting him pitch in the 20 inning game and he got the save.</div> <div>Two games hardly makes him a great pitcher, but it is a good sign. Evidently he started throwing a split finger fastball and this new pitch is what has improved his outings. Time will tell for sure, but he is now worth a look in moderately deep formats. He should be available as he is owned in just over 5% of leagues.</div> <div>After the last few years, the Mets can use some good news. Mike Pelfrey's performance so far is the best news they have had in a long awhile.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2768398416606546568?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-10983622452111879842010-04-15T09:49:00.000-07:002010-04-15T10:29:09.950-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/joseguillen-702454.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/joseguillen-702451.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>There are different reasons why a player is underrated. One of the main reasons is injury. A guy is real good, but doesn't play consistently enough to really show you his skills. Jose Guillen, OF, KC Royals, falls in this category. I have had him on my fantasy teams past and had mixed feelings. When he was healthy and played, he would put up solid numbers (from a guy I picked late in the draft or off of waivers), but when hurt (fairly often), he would struggle at the plate or miss time altogether. The up and down was frustrating.</div> <div>Well, Jose Guillen is up now. He is healthy and swinging a mighty bat. Through his first 9 games, he is hitting .361, 5 HRs, and 9 RBIs. In my H2H points league, he is in the top 5 for point getters for all hitters! Yes, a fantasy stud! And of course, he is on the waiver wire.</div> <div>Let's be real for a moment. Guillen will not be a top 5 point person in my H2H league at the end of the year. He won't be top 5 even among just outfielders. What will he be? He will likely be a .275 hitter with 25-30 HRs (based on his history). Well, that's not bad, but that's not great either. Correct. What we are probably looking at here is a rental type player, or a spot starter. Guillen has always been kinda streaky. Right now he is on a great streak and it's worth playing him until the streak fades. The only question at that point is whether or not to keep him for his next streak or drop him. Honestly, if you drop him, he will probably be available on waivers for his next hitting streak.</div> <div>One last thing. The unknown. Sometimes a guy comes out of nowhere to put up a great year. A good start doesn't mean that will happen, but it <span style="font-weight: bold;">is</span> a start. Jose Guillen has talent, even at 33 years old. Maybe he has a last hurrah in store before his declining baseball years.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1098362245211187984?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-90998923828829615292010-04-13T06:48:00.000-07:002010-04-13T06:52:22.201-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Alex_Gonzalez-797328.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Alex_Gonzalez-797325.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Seems early to be talking about 'renting' a player, but what Alex Gonzalez is doing so far cannot be ignored.</div> <div>The 33 year old Toronto shortstop has 4 HRs already (1 behind the league lead). Combined with 4 doubles, a stolen base, and a .333 AVG makes him a nice guy to rent.</div> <div>This 'rental' could end up being more. Gonzalez has shown some flashes throughout his career of having a good bat, but his real issues have always been with his health. As long as he is healthy he could be a nice option at SS. However, he hasn't been able to stay healthy for years. Time will tell.</div> <div>What can we expect? Assuming a healthy year, we could be looking at a .280 AVG, 20+ HRs (but really, way to early for this). Regardless of where he will end up at the end of the year, he's healthy now and hitting good (and available in over 80% of leagues). Consider him an early rental with a little upside.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-9099892382882961529?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-82732921418062957462010-04-12T23:57:00.000-07:002010-04-20T17:27:52.801-07:00<strong>"</strong><strong>So anyways, I was standing there waiting to use the pay phone and this guy who was on the phone, turns around and tips his hat like this."</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>"And who do you think that guy was?"</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>&nbsp;Julio Lugo </strong><strong>and &nbsp;I was like, "JULIO."</strong> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.masslive.com/redsoxmonster/2007/07/large_lugopickoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://blog.masslive.com/redsoxmonster/2007/07/large_lugopickoff.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><br /> Julio Lugo is relevant once again, how you say. Well in a late spring move the Orioles acquired the former Red Sox and now Cardinals cast off for a bucket of balls. The trade made some sense with Brian Roberts back issues and only Ty Wiggington on the roster to fill in at second if needed, the O's needed and upgrade and Lugo was just that. <br /> <br /> Well look now Roberts has been formally placed on the D.L. and Julio Lugo is your starting second baseman in Baltimore. For how long, who knows Roberts did just have an epidural for his back so this could be an ongoing issue.<br /> <br /> Now back to Lugo, believe it or not he had a very solid year in 2009 putting up a .284 avg 40 runs 3 HR 21 RBI and 9 SB. He wont help in the power numbers and it looks like the speed numbers are on a drastic decline, but he should be able to score some runs and hit for a decent avg. You could find a lot worse if you are a Brian Roberts owner.<br /> <br /> Pick up Lugo for the short term he could surprise you.<br /> <br /> The Bay State Scout <br /> (<a href="mailto:Bay_state_scout@comcast.net">Bay_state_scout@comcast.net</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8273292141806295746?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jason Zavaskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-40737305918690634132010-04-12T04:21:00.000-07:002010-04-12T04:43:01.589-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/johnny5_BB-768401.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/johnny5_BB-768399.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>For all of you in deeper leagues, there are a couple of number 5 starters to look at.</div> <div>Charlie Haeger, L.A. Dodgers: When a pitcher fans 12 batters, you have to give at least a little attention. Well, Haeger struck out 12 Marlins in 6 innings with his knuckleball! He also gave up 3 runs and 4 walks (all in all, a quality start). He is not known to strike out batters at the pace he showed on Sunday, so temper some of those expectations. He plays in a nice pitchers park, a team that has an above average (if not good) offense, in a division that is not terribly strong. All of this gives Haeger the potential for double digit wins. Owned in less then 1% of leagues, he should be available.</div> <div>Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds: Leake has no minor league experience. None. He went straight from college to spring training and won a spot (over Chapman no less). Not many have done this, but Leake has been given a shot. In his first start he only gave up 1 run and struck out 5 in 6.2 innings. Sounds good. However, he also walked 7 batters. Yep, 7. Amazing that he only gave up 1 run! Still, you have to imagine the guy was battling some nerves. All in all, we're not sure yet what we will get with Leake, but again, a number five starter available in about 98% of leagues.</div> <div>BONUS: Jaime Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals: I've mentioned him before. He's good. In his first start he went 6 innings, 5 Ks, 1 earned run, 3 BB, and got the win. He's still available in 99% of leagues. If your league has any depth at all, grab him now.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4073730591869063413?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-36938700109266743762010-04-08T12:53:00.000-07:002010-04-08T13:01:07.173-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/casey-mcgehee-768689.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/casey-mcgehee-768686.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Alright, go ahead and 'booo' me over the title. It's pretty bad, but just too easy.</div> <div>Casey McGehee is the third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers. The 27 year old had a nice breakout season last year. He batted a .301 AVG, 16 HR, 66 RBI, and 58 Runs (in 116 games). Solid. What makes him more then just another third baseman is that he is second base eligible in most leagues. I wrote about Gordan Beckham and how his second base eligibility (soon) raises his value, same with McGehee.</div> <div>Although he had a bad spring, he's performing now that it counts. The Brewers have a decent hitting team (Braun, Fielder), so this give McGehee that much more value. If we start with last years stats, we would walk away with a nice second baseman. The fact that he can improve those numbers is exciting. If he continues to hit (5/11, 1 HR, 3 RBIs so far), he'll make a great sleeper. I like him for a .300 AVG, 25 HR, 80 RBIs, and 70 Runs. Not bad at all for a potential waiver wire pickup! Also, being born in my hometown of Santa Cruz, CA, just makes him all the more appealing.</div> <div>Second base is starting to look a little deeper then I originally thought heading into the year. McGehee is one of the reasons for that. He is available in more then 50% of leagues, but that number is dwindling.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3693870010926674376?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-43308224986620853732010-04-06T16:18:00.000-07:002010-04-06T17:51:52.845-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/sean-rodriguez-tampa-bay-rays-735691.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/sean-rodriguez-tampa-bay-rays-735688.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Reid Brignac won the 'rookie of spring training' award for the Rays. Good for him. However, his primary competition is starting over him. Sean Rodriguez is the starting second baseman on the opening day roster. This is a little sooner then most thought (myself included).</div> <div>Don't the Rays already have a second baseman? Yes. In fact, they have at least 3 guys who can play the position, and play it well. Ben Zobrist (who had a break out year last year) can and will play some 2B, but will also see a lot of RF to allow others to step up. Reid Brignac can play 2B and likely will get some playing time (at the very least as an infield utility guy). Last, we have the above mentioned starting 2B, Sean Rodriguez.</div> <div>Why pick him up? First, the Rays have shown a great ability to groom young players. Second, as good as Brignac's spring was, Rodriguez's was better. .420 AVG, 15 RBIs, 6 HRs. Third, he already has the 'S-Rod' nickname catching on.</div> <div>Good development, good hitter, good defender, good team, good pickup for you! Rodriguez has a chance to be one of the better sleepers of the year. Should be available in about 90% of leagues, but probably not for too long.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4330822498662085373?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-61644753513423963552010-04-03T20:24:00.000-07:002010-04-03T22:17:13.504-07:00<strong>Gio Gonzalez - A's</strong><br /> Stats: 1-2 -&nbsp;2.96 ERA -&nbsp;25 K's -&nbsp;24.1 IP.<br /> Outlook: The big prospect didn't do much in 2009, but&nbsp;he did post 109 K's with 98.2 IP.&nbsp; He has the makings of a very good fantasy starting pitcher, but is still young and still pitches for the A's.<br /> <br /> <strong>Francisco Liriano - Twins</strong><br /> Stats: 2-0 - 2.70 -&nbsp;30 K's - 20 IP.<br /> Outlook: He has been brilliant as a starter and talk still swirls about him closing.&nbsp; Either Liriano may be back to his stud-self and you may want to try and swing a trade&nbsp;for him before the season starts.<br /> <br /> <strong>Chris Young - Padres</strong><br /> Stats: 2-2 - 3.32 - 21.2 K's - 22 IP.<br /> Outlook: He is a forgotten pitcher by many, but could be a nice veteran fantasy starter.&nbsp; Plays in a pitchers park, gets K's and he looks healthy.<br /> <br /> <strong>Dana Eveland - Blue Jays</strong><br /> Stats: 0-1 - 1.80 ERA - 21 K's - 25 IP.<br /> Outlook: He struggled in 2009 after a solid rookie 2008 debut.&nbsp;He was one&nbsp;of the players acquired in the Dan Haren trade, so he has talent.&nbsp; He is one to keep an eye on in deep leagues or AL-only for now.<br /> <br /> <strong>Fausto Carmona - Indians</strong><br /> Stats: 3-0 - 1.38 - 12 K's - 26 IP.<br /> Outlook: He has been a bum since winning 19 in 2007, but he looked sharp in Spring Training and is worth a shot if you need to fill in your last SP slot.&nbsp; FYI: He is not much of a K-pitcher.<br /> <br /> <strong>Ian Kennedy - Diamondbacks</strong><br /> Stats: 3-1 - 2.88 ERA - 17 K's - 25 IP.<br /> Outlook: The one-time Yankee prospect is looking good for the D'backs and will be in the rotation.<br /> <br /> <strong>Wade LeBlanc - Padres</strong><br /> Stats: 4-0 - 1.96 ERA -&nbsp;17 K's - 23 IP.<br /> Outlook: He played well after his call-up in 2009 and has kept it up in Spring Training.&nbsp;Padre pitchers are worth picking up and taken a shot at to improve you ERA and WHIP if he can get into the rotation at some point in 2010.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <strong>Mat Latos - Padres</strong><br /> Stats: 3-0 - 1.59 ERA - 14 K's - 17 IP.<br /> Outlook: Unlike LeBlanc, he is in the Padre starting rotation.&nbsp; He played solid as a rookie in 2009 and maintains a solid K/9-ratio and that is enough to make as a low-end fantasy starter.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6164475351342396355?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-4577686153649850302010-04-03T14:23:00.000-07:002010-04-03T14:23:46.834-07:00<strong>Mike Aviles - SS - Royals</strong><br /> Stats: .460 - 0 HR's - 5 triples - 50 at bats.<br /> Outlook: He looks like the same Aviles that had fantasy owners excited in 2009.&nbsp; He has yet to show his pop, but he is worth a last roster spot.<br /> <br /> <strong>Julio Borbon - OF - Rangers</strong><br /> Stats:&nbsp;.314&nbsp;- 1&nbsp;HR&nbsp;-&nbsp;3 SB's - 86 at bats.<br /> Outlook: He looks to start centerfield and leadoff for the Rangers.<br /> <br /> <strong>Chris Davis - 1B/3B - Rangers</strong><br /> Stats: .364 - 2 HR's - 22 K's - 77 at bats.<br /> Outlook: He continues to improve his hitting and cutting down his K's.&nbsp; This looks like the breakout year for Davis.<br /> <br /> <strong>John Bowker - 1B - Giants</strong><br /> Stats: .310 - 5 HR's&nbsp;- 75 at bats.<br /> Outlook: He is currently a backup in LF and at 1B.&nbsp; He could take over for often-injured Aubrey Huff. He is ready for the Bigs either way.<br /> <br /> <strong>Carlos Gomez - OF - Brewers</strong><br /> Stats: .300 - 0 HR's - 11 SB's - 70 at bats.<br /> Outlook: He has been just about everything the Brewers wanted,&nbsp;though some power is expected.&nbsp; The one-time big prospect should be back on the radar, especially if you need SB's.<br /> <br /> <strong>Chris Johnson - 3B - Astros</strong><br /> Stats: .317-&nbsp;7 HR's - 60 at bats.<br /> Outlook: He looks like he will make the roster, unless the Astros decide to send him down to get at bats, but with&nbsp;Pedro Feliz&nbsp;at 3B&nbsp;and Geoff Blum at 1B,&nbsp;Johnson has a shot to start by seasons-end.<br /> <br /> <strong>Sean Rodriguez - 2B/OF - Rays</strong><br /> Stats: .460 -&nbsp;6 HR's&nbsp;- 63 at bats.<br /> Outlook: He will make the roster, but will not likely start...yet.&nbsp; He showed tremendous power in the minors as well as in Spring Training. <br /> <br /> <strong>Tyler Colvin - OF - Cubs</strong><br /> Stats: .468 - 2 HR's - 2 SB's&nbsp;- 77 at bats.<br /> Outlook: The former #1 pick had a huge spring and won a spot on the roster.&nbsp; He will have to wait for injury or major slump to start, but keep on eye on him.<br /> <br /> <strong>Kyle Banks - OF - Padres</strong><br /> Stats: .407- 3 HR's - 59 at bats.<br /> Outlook: The big prospect had a great spring and will start in LF and possibly bat clean up.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-457768615364985030?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-74219331700683099082010-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:002010-04-02T09:52:01.280-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/GordonBeck-728998.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/GordonBeck-728995.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Second Base has been a weak position for a few years now. Yes, there are some good players, but the difference from tier 1 to tier 2 seems pretty big. Generally you draft a second baseman in the first couple of rounds or the last couple of rounds. But wait, there is a guy who can perform like a high end pick that can be had in middle rounds.</div> <div>His name is Gordan Beckham, second base, Chicago White Sox. Wait, in my league he is listed as a third baseman, not second. Correct. At this moment, he is only eligible at 3B, but his position for the White Sox this year will be 2B. So within a week or two, he will be 2B eligible. This little fact is why you can get him on the cheap. This is why he is a 'Secret Second'.</div> <div>You see, as a third baseman, he is average. He would not be a top pick, but would make someones fantasy team in most formats. But average 3B numbers translate to pretty good 2B numbers.</div> <div>Wait, there's more! He's only 23 and has upside. In 2009, he played in 103 games as a rookie. He put up a .270 AVG, 14 HR, 63 RBIs, and 7 SBs. He can increase all of those this year. That would move him up the third base rankings, but will rocket him up the second base rankings!</div> <div>In my AL only league, I picked him up in during the middle rounds. I already had two third basemans, but with his 2B eligibility coming soon, he will boost that position.</div> <div>If you haven't had your draft (ummm, better do it soon) then target him for your 2B position in the middle rounds and watch the good stats roll in. If your draft is over, consider getting him in a trade. You might be able to pull off a good deal, as he is only 3B eligible right now. The moment he grabs 2B eligibility, his price should go up.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7421933170068309908?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-30892898491760627812010-03-30T19:39:00.000-07:002010-03-30T20:13:19.299-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/jaimegarcia-787990.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/jaimegarcia-787988.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Well, it's finally official. Jaime Garcia has been named the 5th starter for the St. Louis Cardinals. The choice for the spot was between Garcia and Kyle McClellan. With this announcement, McClellan is bullpen bound. In my opening article for the season, I advised watching this race. So now I'm reminding you again now that the race is over. Go grab Garcia.</div> <div>Why the attention for a #5 starter? A young pitcher for a good team with good defense. Nice combo. Consider, Garcia was the last person the Cardinals wanted to win the job, not because he's not good, but because of his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Being that they chose him anyway, means he really impressed them. Also, he is adaptable. Huh? Garcia can strike people out (almost a batter per inning), but when conditions/situations call for it, he can get the ground ball outs. Yes, his 'A Game' is good, but so is his 'B Game'. Lastly, the proof is there in his spring numbers: 18.2 innings, 4 Earned Runs, 5 Walks, and 16 Ks.</div> <div>Being that Garcia is still recovering, you must consider that he will probably have an innings limit. This could hurt at the end of the year, but it should be a nice ride until then. I like his upside and believes he should have a spot in leagues that are at least of average depth. Should be a nice late pick with big upside potential. Keeper leagues should value him a little more.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3089289849176062781?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-25909265781646294902010-03-28T12:11:00.001-07:002010-03-31T14:44:29.250-07:00<a href="http://mysbits.com/rjff/images/stories/webimages/toutwars.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://mysbits.com/rjff/images/stories/webimages/toutwars.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 230px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a><br /> <br /> I am participating in a tout wars style auction league run by Fantasy Baseball Trade Market. This league has writers from multiple sites competing in it and I am going to make sure to keep everyone involved as I go through this season. <br /> <br /> <div></div><div></div><div>First thing, for those who don't know the tout wars scoring system here it is.<br /> <br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div><em><strong>Standard rotisserie scoring with your basic 5X5 categories runs, RBI, steals, HR, AVG, wins, saves, K's, WHIP, and ERA. we had 260 dollars for the draft and will have a 100 dollar free agent budget to fill out a 28 man roster. starting roster is 2 C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, MI, CI, 5 OF, UTL, and 9 P.</strong></em> <br /> <br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Well, the draft was interesting it took 4 hours to complete and it was obvious early that bidding was a little high. My goal originally was to land at least one of the big boppers Hanley or Pujols but this plan quickly dissolved. <br /> <br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Once my plan had crumbled I changed direction and decided to spend the big bucks on Lincecum $38 and Halladay $37 which should give me a nice edge in the pitching categories. I now needed to try and piece together an offense with duck tape and sticks, which sucked but I was pleased with the results. <br /> <br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>My roster:</div><div>Bay state scout (PFB)</div><div>C. Chris iannetta $3</div><div>C. Jorge Posada $4</div><div>1B. Billy Butler $20</div><div>2B. Scott Sizemore $3</div><div>3B. Aramis Ramirez $15</div><div>SS. Derek Jeter $21</div><div>CI. Carlos Pena $14</div><div>MI. Elvis Andrus $10</div><div>Of. Jacoby Ellsbury $27</div><div>Of. Alex Rios $15</div><div>Of. Matt Laporta $6</div><div>Of. Chris Coghlan $6</div><div>Of. Raul Ibanez $10</div><div>UTL. Hedeki Matsui $1</div><div>P. Tim Lincecum $38</div><div>P. Roy Halladay $37</div><div>P. James Shields $6</div><div>P. Carlos Zambrano $3</div><div>P. Roy Oswalt $2</div><div>P. Jeff Nieman $1</div><div>P. Ervin Santana $1</div><div>P. Matt Capps $1</div><div>P. Jose Valverde $8</div><div>BN. Conor Jackson $1</div><div>BN. Nick Johnson $4</div><div>BN. Kelly Johnson $1</div><div>BN. CJ Wilson $1</div><div>BN. Joel Pinero $1<br /> <br /> </div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div></div><div>Overall I am pretty balanced on offense with high average guys Jeter and Ramirez and 20 home run caliber players Butler and Rios nice sprinkle of speed with Andrus and Ellsbury leading the way. My weaknesses are most definitely saves and I would say RBI but I think I should be very competitive with this team as is. If I am able to pull off a couple solid deals I think I could win this thing but only time will tell.<br /> <br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>I will update what is going on for me as I represent the PFB in this league. I will do a weekly article to fill everyone in on my free agent moves and possible trades and keep you all informed of my position in the standings.<br /> <br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Bay State Scout</div><div>(<a href="mailto:bay_state_scout@comcast.net">bay_state_scout@comcast.net</a>)</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2590926578164629490?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jason Zavaskynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-44441745298685860462010-03-28T06:15:00.000-07:002010-03-28T06:19:45.478-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Jake_Westbrook-765731.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Jake_Westbrook-765727.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Jake Westbrook, SP, Cleveland Indians, did not throw a pitch last year in the majors. Tommy John surgery will do that to you. But now over a year and a half has gone by since the surgery and Westbrook is ready to go.</div> <div>What can we expect? Well, before surgery he was a 15 win guy, his ERA was around 4.00 (some years better, some worse), and he struck out about 1 batter every 2 innings. I think Westbrook can keep his ERA around 4.00, the strikeouts will probably be around the same clip, but the wins is where we might see a little dip. Cleveland is not bad, but they were a little better when Westbrook was last pitching. Still, I'm seeing value.</div> <div>Westbrook looks to be the opening day starter (Staff 'Ace'), which cuts both ways: On one hand, it shows that the Indians like what they see (plus Westbrook says he is feeling good). On the other hand, as the opening day starter, it is going to pit him against all the other teams aces. This could end up with him having a few losses out of the gate until the rotations start to mix.</div> <div>In any event, I like Westbrook as a late round sleeper in H2H point leagues and a potential waiver wire pickup in deep roto leagues. When healthy, he is a workhorse (200+ innings), and he could do that this year. The team around him is not bad, but the division is competitive. I like him for 13 Wins, 4.10 ERA, and around 100 Ks. I also believe that the more he pitches, the stronger he will get. So if he is available after the draft, watch his starts closely. He is not a top tier starter, but could absolutely give some value to your fantasy team in deeper leagues.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-4444174529868586046?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-28443351857542931552010-03-26T21:01:00.000-07:002010-03-26T22:05:49.587-07:00Scout Hoffman (@hoffybiesbol) www.Profantasybaseball.com seniorbeisbol@gmail.com Today there was news out of the Atlanta Braves camp that top prospect Jason Heyward will start the year as the everyday rightfielder. Heyward is a top prospect that has a very bright future. Standing 6'4, 240, he certainly looks the part. Drafted in the first round, 14th overall, in the 2007 he certainly has the pedigree, but will he be relevant in fantasy circles this year? Hewyard has spent the last two years burning through the Braves' system, delivering five category goodness. In less than 900 ABs, he has a line of .318 AVG/164 R/29 HR/125 RBI/26 SB. There is no reason not to see 30/30 upside in him... someday. Some scouts are calling him a 'once in a decade' talent, or the next Justin Upton. While those expectations could be proven true, keep in mind Heyward is only 20 years old. Before you go drafting Heyward in the first round, be sure to take a look at the history books. Only five players have ever driven in 100 runs at age 20, five have had more than 200 hits, six have hit more than 25 homers, and only ten have scored over 100 runs. I fully expect Heyward to become a top pick in the next few years, but temper those expectations for this year. I see him having a year similar to Justin Upton at age 20, but with a few more steals and a full seasons worth of ABs. .274 AVG/79R/18 HR/77 RBI/14 SB seems to be a reasonable expectation. His 219 ADP will likely go down now that he is assured to start the year with the big club, but unless you are playing in a keeper league, be sure not to reach to early for this young star. He is a decent OF3 or an above average OF4.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2844335185754293155?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scout Hoffmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-84335700134538788772010-03-26T04:45:00.000-07:002010-03-26T04:56:40.130-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Matt_Harrison_1-783066.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Matt_Harrison_1-783064.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Big, hard throwing, and a lefty. This is a basic criteria that teams like to see in a pitcher. Clearly, not everyone who meet this criteria works out, but it's a nice place to start. With this in mind, let's answer a couple of questions about Texas pitcher, Matt Harrison.</div> <div>First, is he big? Yes. AT 6'4" and 240, that would qualify him in my book as big.</div> <div>Second, is he hard throwing? This spring he has reached 97 on the gun. So again, yes.</div> <div>Third, is he a lefty? Being that he throws the ball with his left hand, the answer is yes.</div> <div>Fourth, will he be worth anything to my fantasy team? This is the difficult question. Last year he wasn't so hot (I'm being nice). He started 11 games, had a 6.11 ERA, and 34 Ks in 63 innings. Nothing of interest here. However, he was only 23 years old. So why look at him now? Well, this spring he has been fantastic. So far this spring, Harrison has pitched 9 innings, given up 2 runs, and has 10 Ks to only 1 walk. Very nice. Being that he is only 24, maybe he's turned the corner. After all, he does meet the initial criteria we talked about. So to answer the fourth question, yes, he will be worth something to your fantasy team (or at least he can be worth something).</div> <div>Last, where should I draft him? Here is the beauty part. You ask people who Matt Harrison is and you will get blank stares. No one knows him (not that he has given anyone much reason to know him), so he should be available late in your draft. With a nice fastball, and some good strikeout number (not to mention pitching for a strong offensive team), he could be a nice sleeper. The one problem with Harrison is that if he pitches poorly, then Tommy Hunter will take his spot as soon as Hunter returns from his injury. Harrison will probably have to pitch well to keep his place in the rotation. With all that said though, we are still looking at a low risk/high reward type player.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8433570013453878877?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-81392823385936470302010-03-24T10:43:00.000-07:002010-03-24T10:46:42.339-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Shaun_Marcum-763078.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Shaun_Marcum-763076.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Every year we have pitchers who are coming back from Tommy John elbow surgery. The question always is, how good will they be? Some come back strong, others fade. Let's take a look at Shaun Marcum, SP, Toronto Blue Jays.</div> <div>Shaun Marcum had Tommy John surgery in 2008. He did not pitch at all in 2009 as he was recovering. Now recovered, what will we get? To find out (no one knows for sure, but let's speculate a little), we need to look at a few things:</div> <div>First, how good was he before surgery? In 2007, his first full year in the majors, he put up a 4.13 ERA, 12 wins (6 losses), and 122 Ks in 159 innings. Not bad at all for a young pitcher in his first full season. In 2008, before he got hurt, he had a 3.95 ERA, 123 Ks, in 151 innings. Nice improvement. All in all, he was a good pitcher with all signs pointing to him getting better as he gained experience/maturity.</div> <div>Second, how old is he? Marcum is 28. His young age is a huge positive as there is a difference between a 35 year old coming back from TJ surgery and a 20 something. At this age, Marcum can recover fully from the surgery and have time to get to where he was and beyond.</div> <div>Lastly, how does the team view him? It was announced on Monday that Marcum was going to be the opening day starter. They must view him as healthy and pitching well. I guess they like that he has only given up one hit in 5 innings so far this spring. To be fair, they have a fairly inexperienced staff, so Marcum, with his experience before his injury, has a leg up. Still it's a good sign.</div> <div>So when we put this all together, what do we get? We get a nice pitcher that won't be targeted very much on draft day. Yes a sleeper ace. When a guy disappears for a year (due to injury or whatever) he drops off of a lot people's radar. That is going to be the case with Marcum. But, now that he's healthy, he should not be overlooked. He has shown that when he is healthy, he can pitch very well in the majors. I think a 4.00 ERA. 130 Ks, and double digit wins is well within reason for him this year. Remember, it's picks like this, late in the draft, that really make or break a fantasy team.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8139282338593647030?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-3788165777335675562010-03-23T17:16:00.000-07:002010-03-24T21:27:14.035-07:00Scout Hoffman (@hoffybeisbol) www.profantasybaseball.com seniorbeisbol@gmail.com Take a look at any draft and you will find a fair amount of reaches and steals. When you look back on your draft it is okay to have a reach or two on your roster, but you would much rather have more steals than reaches. A reach is when a player is drafted much earlier than his value would suggest he should be. There are occasions when reaching for a player is not a bad thing or cannot be avoided. If you are stuck on the turn (last or first pick) of a serpentine draft you will probably have to reach a few times to avoid being left out of a run on a certain position. Certain keeper leagues are okay to reach in as well. If your league has restraints on who you can keep (i.e, top players cannot be kept, or players are kept in the round they are drafted in for next year) you may want to reach for a young player on the upswing later on in your draft. As with any fantasy advice, it will not apply to every league. Look at your league settings, and know your leaguemates before heeding any advice. I will take a look at some draft reaches today, and follow that up with some players you might be able to steal in your draft later this week. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jimmy Rollins (ADP - 20)</span> / J-Roll has seen his average drop nearly .50 over the past two seasons and his steals last year dipped to a five season low of 31. Rollins turns 32 this year and by no means is washed up, but I no longer see him as a second round pick. Being in the Philadelphia lineup will help conserve a chunk of his value. Last year he had the lowest OBP (.296) of any player who scored 100 runs (fun fact, the second lowest belongs to teammate Shane Victorino). He should still deliver a solid across the board line, but there are much better options as a number two pick. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Bay (ADP - 26) </span>/ Jason Bay blossomed in his 200 game stint with Boston. Unfortunately for Sox fans and Bay owners, he no longer has the Green Monster to take aim at summer long. This year Bay will be roaming the spacious outfield in New York's CITI field and because of this, Bay's power numbers will likely take a hit. In 2009 Bay was in the middle of a lineup that was third in the league in runs scored and outscored the Mets by over 200 runs. With Reyes and Beltran iffy for the beginning of the season it would be a stretch to assume Bay will come close to the 103/36/119 stat line from last year. With numbers closer to 90/25/95/.265/9 Bay does not stick out in a talent rich outfield class this year and certainly does not warrant a third round pick. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manny Ramirez (ADP - 61)</span> / Which Manny are you going to get, the pre-steroid bust masher averaging an HR every 13.4 ABs or the cheater who averaged an HR every 23.1 ABs? Guess which owner is going to use a 6th or 7th round pick to find out? Not me. There is too much baggage and too many unanswered questions surrounding a guy who has talked about retirement, playing in Japan, and playing for five more years in LA all in the past month. When he is on and interested he is one of the best hitters in the game, but the early rounds of a draft are not a time to take major gambles. Pass on Manny and let some other owner deal with a summer of 'Manny being Manny.' Later this week I will discuss a few late round steals that may help you in your upcoming draft.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-378816577733567556?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scout Hoffmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-78802994057905569782010-03-22T08:31:00.000-07:002010-03-22T08:37:24.949-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Porcello_Food-707776.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Porcello_Food-707774.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>My dad told me a story one time about how he was taken out to a fancy restaurant for a business dinner. My dad, not accustom to eating at fancy restaurants, figured he would order something he never had before, you know, something fancy. So he looked over the menu and decided on the squab. When the meal arrived, my dad looked down at his plate and disappointingly saw just one very small cooked bird. He ate it, it was good, but he was still really hungry as the portion was so small. He looked to the guy next to him (who had ordered a thick steak) and the guy, understanding my dad's predicament, leaned over and told my dad, 'Next time, go with what you know.'</div> <div>Going with what you know can keep you from a bad decision. This is how I feel when I think of Rick Porcello, SP, Detroit Tigers. You know what you are going to get, a good pitcher.</div> <div>Maybe I'm jumping the gun here as he is only 21, with just one year of big league experience. But, as a 20 year old rookie, he held his own. He had a sub 4.00 ERA, 14 wins and 89 Ks. On top of that, as the season went on, he got stronger. In spring training, he has picked up where he left off - being solid.</div> <div>Draft charts (mixed league) have Porcello around the 50 spot as to where he ranks with other pitchers. I disagree. Although he is NOT an elite pitcher, what he gives is very valuable. He is a guy who is already good and will probably just improve on his numbers from last year. This makes him a solid pitcher with upside (hopefully in the strikeout department). He will not hurt your roto league team, and the consistency he gives is awesome in a points league. There is a comfort factor with Porcello as you already know he will not be a bust. I put him around the 35 mark in my pitcher rankings.</div> <div>Now, you may choose to order the fancy, unknown dish, a pitcher with good upside but also some downside (Carlos Zambrano, Ervin Santana, Jorge De La Rosa are examples that are ranked higher or around Porcello). And you may end up with a good choice. But they may also end up leaving you hungry. I say, go with what you know, go with Porcello. He may not 'Wow' you, but you know you are getting a good meal that will leave you satisfied.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7880299405790556978?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-7283526850773617462010-03-20T05:32:00.000-07:002010-03-20T05:39:25.116-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Kyle_Blanks-716354.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Kyle_Blanks-716352.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>I am very disappointed that I haven't heard much about this player until recently. His potential is awesome!</div> <div>Kyle Blanks looks to be the starting left fielder for the San Diego Padres. He is viewed though as the eventual replacement at first for Adrian Gonzalez (whom everyone assumes will be traded soon). Normally, you don't replace a guy like Gonzalez, he's just too good, but Blanks may actually succeed. Blanks swings a power bat and has shown the potential of a .300 AVG. Power and AVG? Yea, I like it too.</div> <div>Last year, Blanks played in 54 games. He accumulated a .250 AVG, 10 HR, and 22 RBI during that stretch. Not great, but not bad. However, his minor league record has him batting a consistent .300+. Also, at 6'6" and 285, he has power to spare. 30-40 HR <span style="font-style: italic;">this year</span> is my prediction. One other thing, he has pretty cool hair.</div> <div>Granted, there are a lot of up and comers in the outfield this year, but few carry the power that Blanks boasts. As a full time player this season he should out perform most rookies and quite a few established player. Bonus, Blanks should be available during the later portion of your draft. I just picked him up in my keeper league (surprised he was available - really, why don't I know more about this kid). I suggest you do the same.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-728352685077361746?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-61496585704328399992010-03-18T04:39:00.000-07:002010-03-18T04:47:24.727-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Mat_Latos-768896.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Mat_Latos-768893.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Although I think his name needs another 'T', Mat Latos is starting to win me over. Latos is a candidate for the San Diego Padres starting rotation. This 22 year old, 6'6", 225 pound right hander seems to be close to locking up a starting job.</div> <div>Latos has the 'stuff' to be a good if not great pitcher. My favorite thing that I have heard about him is that he throws around 97 and doesn't miss his targets. The phrase 'finesse pitcher' was used with him, but I don't know any finesse pitchers that throw high 90's. Tom Glavin (best finesse pitcher I've ever seen) would have been a 400 game winner if he threw that hard! Anyway, Latos is young, talented, and plays in the best pitcher's park in baseball. There is a lot to like here. So far this spring, he has pitched 9 innings, has 6 Ks, and has given up only 2 runs. A good start for sure.</div> <div>What about the bad? Well, he is on a team that probably won't score too many runs. His wins won't necessarily reflect his talent. Also, at 22 years old he will probably be given an innings limit. More then likely he will lose starts at the end of the year. If you own him (and it's not a keeper league) look to trade him later in the season. Also, you can't ignore that in his 10 starts last year, he had 4 wins and 5 losses, a 4.62 ERA. Not great numbers, but hey, he's young. He did have 39 Ks in those 50 innings - respectable.</div> <div>You have to imagine that he will improve this year. He likely will not reach his full potential, but can be a solid starter. I like him as a flier in mixed formats, and as a nice sleeper in NL only formats. Keeper leagues should give him a good look and probably a bench spot if you have one.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6149658570432839999?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-77631603026213726672010-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:002010-03-16T12:31:14.015-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Alfredo_Aceves-726005.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Alfredo_Aceves-726002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>When talking about the 5th starter for the New York Yankees, you generally are talking about Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes (with a dash of Chad Gaudin). But a new wrinkle has appeared. That wrinkle is Alfredo Aceves (please, no pasta jokes).</div> <div>Aceves has been a good bullpen guy for the past two years. Before that though, he was a starter (not in MLB). Coming in to spring training Aceves was not resolved to go back to the bullpen, he is fighting for that 5th spot. Personally, I didn't give him a chance. I was sure it would be Joba or Hughes. However, Aceves has pitched head and shoulders above any of the other candidates.</div> <div>It's still early, but you can't ignore what the 27 year old, right hander, has done (and what the others have NOT done). Alfredo Aceves has faced 30 batters so far and have retired 27 of them. He has given up 1 HR and 2 singles. That's it. The other candidates seem to giving up those hits and HRs every inning (been a rough spring training so far).</div> <div>So what do we do with this info? Honestly, I think the cards are stacked against Aceves. The disparity between his stats and the others would need to remain as they are for the Yanks to really have him as the 5th starter. It can be done, but we'll see. If he ends up in the bullpen, then that probably won't help your fantasy team too much, or at all. If he ends up as a starter, well then we must take notice. Whereas you would need to take a Joba or a Hughes higher then you would like in a draft (which I do not recommend), Aceves should be available late. He is worth a late round pick/flier. If he makes starter, you have yourself a nice value for a low pick. If he ends up in the bullpen, you didn't give up much. I say take a chance on this dark horse.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7763160302621372667?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-10444499026633519432010-03-15T05:39:00.000-07:002010-03-19T18:03:45.514-07:00<a href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Joba-720788.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Joba-720786.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 162px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a><br /> <div>By Scout Monkey, <a href="http://www.profantasybaseball.com/">http://www.profantasybaseball.com/</a> <br /> <br /> New year, same argument. What is Joba Chamberlain? Is he a relief pitcher/future closer or a starter? This debate continues to rage in New York state (my current home) and around baseball.</div><div>The arguments for both sides are simple:</div><div>He's a reliever - His body of work as a reliever is stellar. He has shown to be one of the best setup men in baseball and should take over when Mo finally retires. His body of work as a starter is average, not bad, but not great. (Not that it matters, but I agree with this argument)</div><div>He's a starter - Why take a guy with this much talent and limit him to one inning? Relief pitchers are easier to come by then starters. He may not be the ace of the Yankees, but he doesn't have to be. He's a solid starter and with potential to get much better.</div><div>Regardless of how you or I feel, the problem is that this issue is not resolved, not even close. With Phil Hughes and Chad Gaudin still pitching for the Yanks, the question will linger for most of spring training, if not beyond. Your draft is probably coming up soon, and no one knows for sure what we are going to get with Joba - a starting pitcher for one of the best teams in baseball, or a reliever. Depending on your league, one of those could be good while the other a waste.</div><div>I say leave this headache for someone else. I'm not against gambling with picks, but this gamble doesn't make sense to me. Unless he is available very late, and you have a deep bench, avoid him. If he becomes a reliever (oh by the way, his first spring start was awful), he will have little value in most leagues. If he becomes a starter (best case scenario for fantasy) he has shown himself to be average. By average I mean, sporadic. He has had great outings (which is the potential that people keep talking about) but he has also had terrible outings. Put the good with the bad, and you get average. Why gamble on a pick to get an average player?</div><div>Again, unless he is there very late, avoid him. There are plenty of pitchers with upside that <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> start this year that should be picked instead of Joba.</div><div>Joba the 'What'? How about Joba the 'Not on Your Team'!</div>-Scout Monkey <br /> <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1044449902663351943?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-31383235726958349512010-03-12T12:03:00.000-08:002010-03-12T12:06:35.101-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Leslie_Anderson-767880.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Leslie_Anderson-767878.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Leslie Anderson is another Cuban ball player that should have an impact in the majors this year, and he has just signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. Like his fellow countryman Jose Julio Ruiz (who is also being scouted for the majors), Anderson can play both 1B and OF. His defensive skills are excellent and he would be a stellar defensive first baseman, but being of average power, he would be a better fit in center or left field.</div> <div>Anderson is 27 years old, which means he is not the typical major league prospect. He has already shown that he can play ball at a high level. Last year, this lefty batted .381 (not a typo) with an OBP of .490. Now that wasn't against MLB pitching, but in his defense, Cuba has some talented pitchers. Being that he has this much experience, it is not out of the question for him to break camp as an everyday starter. I would imagine that some AAA time would be a good thing, but even if he is sent down, it shouldn't be for too long. Overall, I see him as a Bobby Abreu type hitter - solid in all aspects, a difficult out.</div> <div>When it comes to where to draft Leslie Anderson, it has to be in later rounds. As much as I like the potential here (I think the Abreu comparison is real), you have to temper expectations for the adjustment to the major league. Keep an eye on what position he will play as that will determine his value some too. He will be more valuable as an outfielder then a first baseman. It's possible that he will go undrafted in all but the deeper leagues, but he should be contributing on someones fantasy team before the year is out, likely before the ASB. If you choose not to draft him, be ready to grab him at this first signs that he has adjusted to the bigs.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3138323572695834951?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-6457292696143186382010-03-11T05:47:00.000-08:002010-03-11T05:57:42.110-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Kendry_Wood-720121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Kendry_Wood-720118.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>A talked about prospect who hasn't put it together in the bigs yet. That sentence could be used for a lot of players. Last year, that was what could have been said (and no doubt was) for Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels. He finally lived up to the hype and became a stud in fantasy. Yes, there are better 1B then Morales, but that list got dramatically shorter. And how good was it for you who grabbed him late or off the waiver wire? This year, we have someone on the same team who could do the same thing. Brandon Wood.</div> <div>Brandon Wood has been the future SS or 3B for the Angels for what feels like many years now. Well, the future is now, barring injury or a terrible spring, he will be the starting 3B this year. Third base, like first base, is a position that demands attention in fantasy sports. These are positions that teams count on for production. So any starting player at these positions, even unknowns, should be watched closely. Wood, however, is not a complete unknown.</div> <div>Wood's minor league stats shows great talent, with a good AVG (.280+), and above average power (30 HR potential). But in his 224 big league at-bats over the last 3 years he has only managed a .192 AVG, 7 HR, and 19 RBIs - not very exciting. But his playing time was sporadic at best, not the way to get into a groove. Being an everyday player, he has the potential to start to put it together and be the guy the Angels have been looking for. Which is exactly what happened with Morales last year.</div> <div>Having two guys breakout in a big way, in back to back years, is unlikely, but not impossible. Even if Wood doesn't reach his full potential, he can still have good value as a late round pick (It's worth noting that Woods has already gone deep in spring training). He's not worth overpaying for, but is worth a bench spot in moderately deep leagues. These are the type of guys that can make your fantasy year - a late pick that produces like a high one. Learn from Morales and take a chance on Wood.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-645729269614318638?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-82376965004484129522010-03-10T16:25:00.000-08:002010-03-10T17:12:03.592-08:00Senior Beisbol (@HoffyBeisbol) Seniorbeisbol@gmail.com www.profantasybaseball.com It looks like 2010 will be a lost season for Joe Nathan. An MRI has revealed a torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament in his throwing elbow. He will rest the arm for two weeks before trying to throw through the pain. It is more likely that he will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire season. With Nathan gone, the closer role in Minnesota goes from being crystal clear, to very cloudy. As I said on Sunday, Jon Rauch is the only pitcher in the bullpen that has any extended closing experience. Of course that experience was a half season with Washington two years ago. Standing nearly seven feet tall, he certainly has the look of an intimidating closer, but does he have the stuff? If not Rauch, then maybe Matt Guerrier. Guerrier had an outstanding 2009 as a set-up man, his ratios mirrored the now injured Nathan. He walked only 16 hitters in over 70 innings, had an ERA of 2.36 and a WHIP under 1.00. Those numbers may scream 'closer material,' but does Twins manager want to weaken two positions at once by moving his best set-up guy to closer? The other option that the Twins have is to look outside the organization for a closer. There are a few closers out there that could be had, but the price might be a bit high for the thrifty Twins. While they have bulked up their payroll dramatically this year to ensure a good on-field product as they open up their new stadium, I do not see them going out to get Kerry Wood and his $11 million salary from Cleveland. If the Blue Jays were willing to part ways with Scott Downs or Jason Frasor, I am sure the Twins could nab one of them. As a strong believer in not paying for saves, this is a situation that I will be monitoring closely. A lot of times all it takes to become a solid fantasy closer is a manager that gives him the ball in the ninth, and one lucky Twin will be given an opportunity soon.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-8237696500448412952?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scout Hoffmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-19542558382484392622010-03-09T05:39:00.000-08:002010-03-09T05:44:58.473-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Daniel_Murphy_Love-751031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Daniel_Murphy_Love-751029.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Last year I loved Daniel Murphy. I saw Murphy as a tremendous sleeper. I saw a young guy who already had some success in the majors the previous year and who loves to spend time in the batting cages to work on his hitting. I respected the hard work he was putting in. However, he had a bad year for the Mets, and for me.</div> <div>This year, my view of him has changed dramatically. But he still has value.</div> <div>The Mets have already said that Murphy will be the starting first baseman. This hurts his value some as he is not a typical slugger and he plays in a pitchers park - he is not going to be a 40 HR guy, I would be shocked if he hit 30.</div> <div>If he struggled last year and is not going to put up typical first base numbers, why do I think he has value this year? A starting first baseman for any team needs attention (Last year, those who paid attention to Kendry Morales were greatly rewarded). Murphy will be counted on as an RBI hitter. He will be used in the heart of the lineup. With David Wright and Jason Bay hitting somewhere around him, he should get pitches to hit. There were also some positive signs last year that Murphy was getting over his struggles at the plate. After an abysmal start, he hit at a .280+ avg the rest of the way. Murphy ended the year with a .266 AVG, 63 RBIs, and 12 HRs.</div> <div>This year, I will give Murphy the .280 avg, I will give him around 20 HRs, and 80 RBIs. There is room for improvement on these numbers (he had a .300+ AVG in his first 50 games in the bigs). He should not be drafted in a shallow league, and would be a fairly late pick in deep leagues. I think Murphy can be a great fill-in for an injured starter on your team or even a UTL guy depending on match-ups. If his average approaches .300, he could turn out to be a solid late round/waiver wire pick. Last year I loved him, this year we'll just be friends.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-1954255838248439262?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-79996157179038331562010-03-07T14:34:00.000-08:002010-03-08T07:42:36.251-08:00Senior Beisbol (@HoffyBeisbol) seniorbeisbol@gmail.com www.profantasybaseball.com Spring Training baseball is finally here. Unfortunately, so are Spring Training injuries. I never understand why people would draft a month before the season starts, too many things can happen over the six weeks spent leading up to the moment when games start to count. Players win and lose position battles and rotation spots, the last few free-agents finally find teams, and most importantly, players get hurt. In the first week of games there have already been a few notable injuries. None of these guys are fantasy superstars, but all three find themselves on fantasy rosters. Now they find themselves in the infirmary. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Alex Gordon - 3B/Kansas City Royals</span> Gordon missed most of 2009 after having hip surgery, but looked fully recovered when camp opened last week. He was looking forward to regaining his job as the everyday 3rd baseman when broke his thumb sliding head first into 2nd base on Saturday and will now be out 3-4 weeks. His status for opening day is in doubt, but he should be back sometime in April. So far in his baseball career, Gordon has been mostly hype and potential. He has not yet displayed on the field what made him the number two overall pick in the 2005 Amateur Draft. A lot of experts were calling him a 'post-hype sleeper,' and were looking for him to post a 15/15 season this year. His thumb injury does not seem to be serious, but any kind of hand injury usually has a lingering effect on power numbers. I would guess the best thing we see out of Gordon is a .250/10/70/15 line. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Nathan - CL/Minnesota Twins</span> Nathan has not been diagnosed with anything yet, but when a pitcher leaves camp to have his elbow examined, doctors rarely seem to give positive news. He had surgery last October to remove bone spurs and recently complained of elbow soreness after a throwing session. As a closer, Joe Nathan is one of the best in the game. A model of consistency since joining the Twins six years ago, he has averaged over 40 saves with an ERA of under 2.00 and a WHIP of under 1.00. We should hear more on his elbow in the next few days, but if he is out for any period of time Jon Rauch would make a good speculative add as he is the only guy in the bullpen with any closing experience. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Russel Martin - C/Los Angeles Dodgers</span> Martin will miss up to six weeks after an MRI revealed a pulled groin. Martin posted his worst numbers as a pro in 2009, sporting career lows in HR, RBI, R, AVG, and was one above his career low in stolen bases. He was primed for a bounce-back year, coming into camp after gaining nearly 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. Groin injuries are tricky things. The only way to get better is to rest, and even then they are prone to reoccur. I would guess that this might limit Martin on the basepaths when he returns. This injury should drop him a few slots on the draft board at an already very thin catching position. His backups are Brad Ausmus and AJ Ellis, neither of whom are rosterable even if Martin misses any extended time. With less than four weeks to Opening Day there will assuredly be more Spring Training news. Keep checking back here for more updates.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-7999615717903833156?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scout Hoffmannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-121094130907186882010-03-07T09:01:00.000-08:002010-03-07T09:06:34.069-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Big_Papi_Matrix-736727.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Big_Papi_Matrix-736723.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Sporting my favorite nick name in baseball, David 'Big Papi' Ortiz is a bit of a mystery for this fantasy season. Are we going to get the injury bug version, the slump version, or the clutch hitting monster? Let's listen in on this conversation:</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> I think Big Papi has some real sleeper potential this year.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friend:</span> Wait. Isn't he that kid from the Keanu Reeves little league movie, 'Hard Ball'? Boy, that Keanu Reeves can act!</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> Um... Uh... Wow! No, I'm talking about David Ortiz, DH for the Boston Red Sox. He has the nickname 'Big Papi'.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friend:</span> Oh. My mistake. Do you think Keanu Reeves has the nickname 'Big Matrix'? Or how about 'Big Excellent Adventure'?</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> I'm about to be 'Big Vomit' if you don't stop. Look, David Ortiz was one of the most clutch hitter I've ever seen. He hit for high average and great power. But the last time he did that was two years ago.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friend:</span> How do you know this? Did Rufus come visit you with a time travelling phone booth?</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> No, I have a memory. The point I'm trying to make is that he has had two bad years since he last was a dominant player. Although he still had 99 RBIs last year, his AVG has gone way down (.238 in 2009) and his power numbers have lowered (28 HR in 2009). But injury has played a big part of that. I think we just may see a healthy David Ortiz this year and he will be a nice surprise for fantasy teams.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friend:</span> Talk about a nice surprise. How about Keanu Reeves in 'A Walk in the Clouds'? So sensitive. Or what about Keanu doing Shakespeare? He was brilliant in 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Is there anything this guy can't do?</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> I'm pretty sure he can't hit a curveball <span style="font-style: italic;">*cough*</span> or act <span style="font-style: italic;">*cough*</span>. Anyway, Ortiz is not going to be picked very high in any draft (unless someone is really biased). His value drops a little more as he only qualifies as a DH.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friend:</span> 'What do you do?' 'What do you do?'</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> You draft him late. You accept that he is not going to hit .300, probably more like .260, and you accept that he will not be hitting 45 HRs, probably more like 30 (with a reasonable chance of 35+). View him as a classic slugger, low AVG, good HR, and good RBIs. He will never be a top pick again, but I'm not ready to write him off to obscurity.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friend:</span> Strange things are afoot at Fenway Park. You know, Keanu helped 'Big Papi' on that little league team, imagine what he could do as a coach for 'Big Papi' on the Red Sox. Also imagine what valuable life lessons we could all learn in the process.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> You make me sad. I'm leaving now.</div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friend:</span> Alright. Party on dude!</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-12109413090718688?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-51084709385689038032010-03-06T11:40:00.000-08:002010-03-06T11:50:30.500-08:00</span>Fantasy Baseball - Mixed 5x5 (20 game eligibility)<br /> <br /> <strong>Participants:</strong><br /> <br /> 1.Dan <br /> 2.Real Chance <br /> 3.Andrea <br /> 4.Smokin' Balls <br /> <strong>5.Bay State Scout (PFB Writer)</strong><br /> 6.thetrueguru <br /> 7.Clean Streets <br /> 8.chata <br /> 9.Horton's Who's on First <br /> <strong>10.Pro Fantasy Baseball</strong> <strong>(Sin City Scout)</strong><br /> 11.Fireman68 <br /> 12.Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;">Round One</span></strong><br /> <br /> R1 P1 Dan Pujols, Albert 1B STL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R1 P2 Real Chance Ramirez, Hanley SS FLA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R1 P3 Andrea Braun, Ryan OF MIL 12s <br /> <br /> R1 P4 Smokin' Balls Rodriguez, Alex 3B NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R1 P5 Bay State Scout Utley, Chase 2B PHI 25s</strong> <br /> <br /> R1 P6 thetrueguru Kemp, Matt OF LA 11s <br /> <br /> R1 P7 Clean Streets Howard, Ryan 1B PHI 10s <br /> <br /> R1 P8 chata Fielder, Prince 1B MIL 16s <br /> <br /> R1 P9 Horton's Who's on First Cabrera, Miguel 1B DET 38s <br /> <br /> <strong>R1 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Teixeira, Mark 1B NYY 16s </strong><br /> <br /> R1 P11 Fireman68 Crawford, Carl OF TB 9s <br /> <br /> R1 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Lincecum, Tim SP SF 26s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Two</span></strong><br /> <br /> R2 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Tulowitzki, Troy SS COL 38s <br /> <br /> R2 P2 Fireman68 Holliday, Matt OF STL 5s <br /> <br /> <strong>R2 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Sizemore, Grady OF CLE 17s</strong> <br /> <br /> R2 P4 Horton's Who's on First Longoria, Evan 3B TB 33s <br /> <br /> R2 P5 chata Borbon, Julio OF TEX Predrafted <br /> <br /> R2 P6 Clean Streets Ellsbury, Jacoby OF BOS 15s <br /> <br /> R2 P7 thetrueguru Kinsler, Ian 2B TEX Predrafted <br /> <br /> <strong>R2 P8 Bay State Scout Mauer, Joe C MIN 20s </strong><br /> <br /> R2 P9 Smokin' Balls Wright, David 3B NYM AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R2 P10 Andrea Martinez, Victor C, 1B BOS 7s <br /> <br /> R2 P11 Real Chance Reynolds, Mark 3B, 1B ARI AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R2 P12 Dan Rollins, Jimmy SS PHI AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Round Three</strong></span><br /> <br /> R3 P1 Dan Bay, Jason OF NYM AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R3 P2 Real Chance Reyes, Jose SS NYM AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R3 P3 Andrea Upton, Justin OF ARI 3s <br /> <br /> R3 P4 Smokin' Balls Sabathia, CC SP NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R3 P5 Bay State Scout Gonzalez, Adrian 1B SD 16s</strong> <br /> <br /> R3 P6 thetrueguru Votto, Joey 1B CIN 11s <br /> <br /> R3 P7 Clean Streets Youkilis, Kevin 1B, 3B BOS 16s <br /> <br /> R3 P8 chata Phillips, Brandon 2B CIN 6s <br /> <br /> R3 P9 Horton's Who's on First Pedroia, Dustin 2B BOS 34s <br /> <br /> <strong>R3 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hernandez, Felix SP SEA 30s</strong> <br /> <br /> R3 P11 Fireman68 Sandoval, Pablo 3B, 1B SF 13s <br /> <br /> R3 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Zimmerman, Ryan 3B WAS 7s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Four</span></strong><br /> <br /> R4 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Halladay, Roy SP PHI 22s <br /> <br /> R4 P2 Fireman68 Haren, Dan SP ARI 7s <br /> <br /> <strong>R4 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Granderson, Curtis OF NYY 5s</strong> <br /> <br /> R4 P4 Horton's Who's on First Werth, Jayson OF PHI 42s <br /> <br /> R4 P5 chata McCann, Brian C ATL 9s <br /> <br /> R4 P6 Clean Streets Greinke, Zack SP KC 23s <br /> <br /> R4 P7 thetrueguru Morales, Kendry 1B ANA 14s <br /> <br /> <strong>R4 P8 Bay State Scout Upton, B.J. OF TB 15s</strong> <br /> <br /> R4 P9 Smokin' Balls Suzuki, Ichiro OF SEA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R4 P10 Andrea Verlander, Justin SP DET 5s <br /> <br /> R4 P11 Real Chance Roberts, Brian 2B BAL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R4 P12 Dan Morneau, Justin 1B MIN AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Five</span></strong><br /> <br /> R5 P1 Dan Santana, Johan SP NYM AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R5 P2 Real Chance Jeter, Derek SS NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R5 P3 Andrea Wainwright, Adam SP STL 3s <br /> <br /> R5 P4 Smokin' Balls Lind, Adam OF TOR AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R5 P5 Bay State Scout Hamilton, Josh OF TEX 15s <br /> <br /> R5 P6 thetrueguru Cruz, Nelson OF TEX 24s <br /> <br /> R5 P7 Clean Streets Choo, Shin-Soo OF CLE 10s <br /> <br /> R5 P8 chata Cano, Robinson 2B NYY 6s <br /> <br /> R5 P9 Horton's Who's on First Lester, Jon SP BOS 33s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">R5 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Nathan, Joe RP MIN</span> </span></strong><br /> <br /> R5 P11 Fireman68 Abreu, Bobby OF ANA 18s <br /> <br /> R5 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Lee, Cliff SP SEA 31s <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Round Six</strong></span><br /> <br /> R6 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Dunn, Adam OF, 1B WAS 24s <br /> <br /> R6 P2 Fireman68 Peavy, Jake SP CHW 5s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: black;">R6 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hill, Aaron 2B TOR 3s</span></strong> <br /> <br /> R6 P4 Horton's Who's on First Lee, Derrek 1B CHC 39s <br /> <br /> R6 P5 chata Ramirez, Manny OF LA 5s <br /> <br /> R6 P6 Clean Streets Zobrist, Ben 2B, OF TB 42s <br /> <br /> R6 P7 thetrueguru Ethier, Andre OF LA 5s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: black;">R6 P8 Bay State Scout Ramirez, Aramis 3B CHC 8s</span></strong> <br /> <br /> R6 P9 Smokin' Balls Markakis, Nick OF BAL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R6 P10 Andrea Vazquez, Javier SP NYY 14s <br /> <br /> R6 P11 Real Chance Berkman, Lance 1B HOU AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R6 P12 Dan Victorino, Shane OF PHI AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Seven</span></strong><br /> <br /> R7 P1 Dan Papelbon, Jonathan RP BOS AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R7 P2 Real Chance Rivera, Mariano RP NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R7 P3 Andrea Pena, Carlos 1B TB 11s <br /> <br /> R7 P4 Smokin' Balls Broxton, Jonathan RP LA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: black;">R7 P5 Bay State Scout Figgins, Chone 3B SEA 40s</span></strong> <br /> <br /> R7 P6 thetrueguru Lee, Carlos OF HOU 38s <br /> <br /> R7 P7 Clean Streets McLouth, Nate OF ATL 18s <br /> <br /> R7 P8 chata Pence, Hunter OF HOU 12s <br /> <br /> R7 P9 Horton's Who's on First McCutchen, Andrew OF PIT 19s <br /> <br /> <strong>R7 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Quentin, Carlos OF CHW 24s</strong> <br /> <br /> R7 P11 Fireman68 Soria, Joakim RP KC 2s <br /> <br /> R7 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Bourn, Michael OF HOU 5s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Eight</span></strong><br /> <br /> R8 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Johnson, Josh SP FLA 21s <br /> <br /> R8 P2 Fireman68 Beckett, Josh SP BOS 4s <br /> <br /> <strong>R8 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Wieters, Matt C BAL 33s</strong> <br /> <br /> R8 P4 Horton's Who's on First Hanson, Tommy SP ATL 35s <br /> <br /> R8 P5 chata Butler, Billy 1B KC 8s <br /> <br /> R8 P6 Clean Streets Hunter, Tommy SP TEX 45s <br /> <br /> R8 P7 thetrueguru Bailey, Andrew RP OAK Predrafted <br /> <br /> <strong>R8 P8 Bay State Scout Gallardo, Yovani SP MIL 19s</strong> <br /> <br /> R8 P9 Smokin' Balls Soriano, Alfonso OF CHC AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R8 P10 Andrea Rios, Alex OF CHW 18s <br /> <br /> R8 P11 Real Chance Rodriguez, Francisco RP NYM AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R8 P12 Dan Beltran, Carlos OF NYM AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Nine</span></strong><br /> <br /> R9 P1 Dan Carpenter, Chris SP STL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R9 P2 Real Chance Jones, Adam OF BAL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R9 P3 Andrea Cain, Matt SP SF 11s <br /> <br /> R9 P4 Smokin' Balls Uggla, Dan 2B FLA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R9 P5 Bay State Scout Jimenez, Ubaldo SP COL 6s</strong> <br /> <br /> R9 P6 thetrueguru Street, Huston RP COL 19s <br /> <br /> R9 P7 Clean Streets Hunter, Torii OF ANA 5s <br /> <br /> R9 P8 chata Kershaw, Clayton SP LA 8s <br /> <br /> R9 P9 Horton's Who's on First Nolasco, Ricky SP FLA 33s <br /> <br /> <strong>R9 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Ramirez, Alexei SS CHW 39s</strong> <br /> <br /> R9 P11 Fireman68 Young, Michael 3B TEX 8s <br /> <br /> R9 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Soriano, Rafael RP TB 36s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Ten</span></strong><br /> <br /> R10 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Hamels, Cole SP PHI 42s <br /> <br /> R10 P2 Fireman68 Ibanez, Raul OF PHI 14s <br /> <br /> <strong>R10 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Beckham, Gordon 3B CHW 36s</strong> <br /> <br /> R10 P4 Horton's Who's on First Valverde, Jose RP DET 19s <br /> <br /> R10 P5 chata Garza, Matt SP TB Predrafted <br /> <br /> R10 P6 Clean Streets Suzuki, Kurt C OAK 40s <br /> <br /> R10 P7 thetrueguru Drew, Stephen SS ARI 10s <br /> <br /> <strong>R10 P8 Bay State Scout Bartlett, Jason SS TB 17s </strong><br /> <br /> R10 P9 Smokin' Balls Bell, Heath RP SD AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R10 P10 Andrea Stewart, Ian 3B, 2B COL 35s <br /> <br /> R10 P11 Real Chance Cordero, Francisco RP CIN AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R10 P12 Dan Hawpe, Brad OF COL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Eleven</span></strong><br /> <br /> R11 P1 Dan Fuentes, Brian RP ANA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R11 P2 Real Chance Kubel, Jason OF MIN AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R11 P3 Andrea Damon, Johnny OF FA 30s <br /> <br /> R11 P4 Smokin' Balls Posada, Jorge C NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R11 P5 Bay State Scout Bruce, Jay OF CIN 7s</strong> <br /> <br /> R11 P6 thetrueguru Aardsma, David RP SEA 12s <br /> <br /> R11 P7 Clean Streets Shields, James SP TB 9s <br /> <br /> R11 P8 chata Billingsley, Chad SP LA Predrafted <br /> <br /> R11 P9 Horton's Who's on First Wilson, Brian RP SF 20s <br /> <br /> <strong>R11 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Span, Denard OF MIN 38s</strong> <br /> <br /> R11 P11 Fireman68 Lopez, Jose 2B SEA 9s <br /> <br /> R11 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Morgan, Nyjer OF WAS 9s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Twelve</span></strong><br /> <br /> R12 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Marmol, Carlos RP CHC 15s <br /> <br /> R12 P2 Fireman68 Martin, Russell C LA 7s <br /> <br /> <strong>R12 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Webb, Brandon SP ARI</strong><br /> <br /> R12 P4 Horton's Who's on First Andrus, Elvis SS TEX 14s <br /> <br /> R12 P5 chata Cuddyer, Michael OF, 1B MIN 6s <br /> <br /> R12 P6 Clean Streets Anderson, Brett SP OAK 5s <br /> <br /> R12 P7 thetrueguru Davis, Rajai OF OAK 3s <br /> <br /> <strong>R12 P8 Bay State Scout Wagner, Billy RP ATL 3s</strong> <br /> <br /> R12 P9 Smokin' Balls Furcal, Rafael SS LA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R12 P10 Andrea Lackey, John SP BOS 37s <br /> <br /> R12 P11 Real Chance Burnett, A.J. SP NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R12 P12 Dan Jones, Chipper 3B ATL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Thirteen</span></strong><br /> <br /> R13 P1 Dan Guerrero, Vladimir DH TEX AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R13 P2 Real Chance Gonzalez, Carlos OF COL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R13 P3 Andrea Soto, Geovany C CHC 35s <br /> <br /> R13 P4 Smokin' Balls Tejada, Miguel SS BAL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R13 P5 Bay State Scout Baker, Scott SP MIN 42s</strong> <br /> <br /> R13 P6 thetrueguru Jones, Garrett OF, 1B PIT 11s <br /> <br /> R13 P7 Clean Streets Qualls, Chad RP ARI 38s <br /> <br /> R13 P8 chata Rodriguez, Wandy SP HOU 9s <br /> <br /> R13 P9 Horton's Who's on First Montero, Miguel C ARI 40s <br /> <br /> <strong>R13 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Stubbs, Drew OF CIN 37s</strong> <br /> <br /> R13 P11 Fireman68 Hoffman, Trevor RP MIL 4s <br /> <br /> R13 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Iannetta, Chris C COL 6s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Fourteen</span></strong><br /> <br /> R14 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Davis, Chris 1B TEX 21s <br /> <br /> R14 P2 Fireman68 Dempster, Ryan SP CHC 18s <br /> <br /> <strong>R14 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Zambrano, Carlos SP CHC 38s</strong> <br /> <br /> R14 P4 Horton's Who's on First Ludwick, Ryan OF STL 25s <br /> <br /> R14 P5 chata Weaver, Jered SP ANA 4s <br /> <br /> R14 P6 Clean Streets Escobar, Yunel SS ATL 6s <br /> <br /> R14 P7 thetrueguru Franklin, Ryan RP STL 7s <br /> <br /> <strong>R14 P8 Bay State Scout Francisco, Frank RP TEX 22s</strong> <br /> <br /> R14 P9 Smokin' Balls Scherzer, Max SP DET AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R14 P10 Andrea Kendrick, Howie 2B ANA 26s <br /> <br /> R14 P11 Real Chance Lilly, Ted SP CHC AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R14 P12 Dan Jurrjens, Jair SP ATL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Fifteen</span></strong><br /> <br /> R15 P1 Dan Molina, Bengie C SF AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R15 P2 Real Chance Jenks, Bobby RP CHW AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R15 P3 Andrea Reimold, Nolan OF BAL 23s <br /> <br /> R15 P4 Smokin' Balls Oswalt, Roy SP HOU AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R15 P5 Bay State Scout Rasmus, Colby OF STL 44s</strong> <br /> <br /> R15 P6 thetrueguru Jackson, Edwin SP ARI 7s <br /> <br /> R15 P7 Clean Streets Napoli, Mike C ANA 4s <br /> <br /> R15 P8 chata Rivera, Juan OF ANA 6s <br /> <br /> R15 P9 Horton's Who's on First Cabrera, Asdrubal SS, 2B CLE 42s <br /> <br /> <strong>R15 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Gonzalez, Mike RP BAL 22s</strong> <br /> <br /> R15 P11 Fireman68 Cabrera, Orlando SS CIN 4s <br /> <br /> R15 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Nunez, Leo RP FLA 13s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Sixteen</span></strong><br /> <br /> R16 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Loney, James 1B LA 10s <br /> <br /> R16 P2 Fireman68 LaRoche, Adam 1B ARI 8s <br /> <br /> <strong>R16 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Peralta, Jhonny 3B, SS CLE 9s</strong> <br /> <br /> R16 P4 Horton's Who's on First Wood, Kerry RP CLE 45s <br /> <br /> R16 P5 chata Aybar, Erick SS ANA 5s <br /> <br /> R16 P6 Clean Streets Gutierrez, Franklin OF SEA 2s <br /> <br /> R16 P7 thetrueguru McGehee, Casey 3B, 2B MIL 29s <br /> <br /> <strong>R16 P8 Bay State Scout Hardy, J.J. SS MIN 18s</strong> <br /> <br /> R16 P9 Smokin' Balls Danks, John SP CHW AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R16 P10 Andrea Wolf, Randy SP MIL 12s <br /> <br /> R16 P11 Real Chance Dye, Jermaine OF FA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R16 P12 Dan Hudson, Orlando 2B MIN AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Seventeen</span></strong><br /> <br /> R17 P1 Dan Feliz, Neftali SP TEX AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R17 P2 Real Chance Kazmir, Scott SP ANA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R17 P3 Andrea Headley, Chase OF, 3B SD 31s <br /> <br /> R17 P4 Smokin' Balls Price, David SP TB AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R17 P5 Bay State Scout Doumit, Ryan C PIT 28s</strong> <br /> <br /> R17 P6 thetrueguru Howell, J.P. RP TB 24s <br /> <br /> R17 P7 Clean Streets Dotel, Octavio RP PIT 3s <br /> <br /> R17 P8 chata de la Rosa, Jorge SP COL 7s <br /> <br /> R17 P9 Horton's Who's on First Hart, Corey OF MIL 31s <br /> <br /> <strong>R17 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Happ, J.A. SP PHI 20s</strong> <br /> <br /> R17 P11 Fireman68 Capps, Matt RP WAS 3s <br /> <br /> R17 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Ortiz, David DH BOS 9s <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Round Eighteen</strong></span><br /> <br /> R18 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Harden, Rich SP TEX 11s <br /> <br /> R18 P2 Fireman68 Escobar, Alcides SS MIL 35s <br /> <br /> <strong>R18 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Posey, Buster C SF 3s</strong> <br /> <br /> R18 P4 Horton's Who's on First Pierzynski, A.J. C CHW 30s <br /> <br /> R18 P5 chata Cueto, Johnny SP CIN 11s <br /> <br /> R18 P6 Clean Streets Beltre, Adrian 3B BOS 1s <br /> <br /> R18 P7 thetrueguru Molina, Yadier C STL 2s <br /> <br /> <strong>R18 P8 Bay State Scout Cameron, Mike OF BOS 21s</strong> <br /> <br /> R18 P9 Smokin' Balls Wells, Vernon OF TOR AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R18 P10 Andrea Gordon, Alex 3B KC 26s <br /> <br /> R18 P11 Real Chance Cantu, Jorge 1B, 3B FLA AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R18 P12 Dan Floyd, Gavin SP CHW AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Nineteen</span></strong><br /> <br /> R19 P1 Dan Weeks, Rickie 2B MIL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R19 P2 Real Chance Matsuzaka, Daisuke SP BOS AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R19 P3 Andrea Rodney, Fernando RP ANA 15s <br /> <br /> R19 P4 Smokin' Balls Helton, Todd 1B COL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R19 P5 Bay State Scout Liriano, Francisco SP MIN 3s</strong> <br /> <br /> R19 P6 thetrueguru Scutaro, Marco SS BOS 10s <br /> <br /> R19 P7 Clean Streets Johnson, Kelly 2B ARI 18s <br /> <br /> R19 P8 chata Prado, Martin 2B, 1B, 3B ATL 3s <br /> <br /> R19 P9 Horton's Who's on First Correia, Kevin SP SD 25s <br /> <br /> <strong>R19 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Porcello, Rick SP DET 39s</strong> <br /> <br /> R19 P11 Fireman68 Ross, Cody OF FLA 25s <br /> <br /> R19 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Cabrera, Everth SS SD 11s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Twenty</span></strong><br /> <br /> R20 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Cust, Jack OF OAK 20s <br /> <br /> R20 P2 Fireman68 Ordonez, Magglio OF DET 6s <br /> <br /> <strong>R20 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Izturis, Maicer 2B, SS ANA 31s</strong> <br /> <br /> R20 P4 Horton's Who's on First Konerko, Paul 1B CHW 36s <br /> <br /> R20 P5 chata Sanchez, Jonathan SP SF 14s <br /> <br /> R20 P6 Clean Streets Buchholz, Clay SP BOS 30s <br /> <br /> R20 P7 thetrueguru Thornton, Matt RP CHW 19s <br /> <br /> <strong>R20 P8 Bay State Scout Matsui, Hideki DH ANA 7s</strong> <br /> <br /> R20 P9 Smokin' Balls Chamberlain, Joba SP NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R20 P10 Andrea Lidge, Brad RP PHI 7s <br /> <br /> R20 P11 Real Chance Gomez, Carlos OF MIL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R20 P12 Dan Hairston, Scott OF SD AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Twenty-One</span></strong><br /> <br /> R21 P1 Dan Pettitte, Andy SP NYY AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R21 P2 Real Chance Hudson, Tim SP ATL AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R21 P3 Andrea Pierre, Juan OF CHW 14s <br /> <br /> R21 P4 Smokin' Balls Snider, Travis OF TOR AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R21 P5 Bay State Scout Santana, Ervin SP ANA 5s</strong> <br /> <br /> R21 P6 thetrueguru Baker, John C FLA 31s <br /> <br /> R21 P7 Clean Streets Drew, J.D. OF BOS 2s <br /> <br /> R21 P8 chata Olivo, Miguel C COL 24s <br /> <br /> R21 P9 Horton's Who's on First Sheets, Ben SP OAK 7s <br /> <br /> <strong>R21 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Lindstrom, Matt RP HOU 5s</strong> <br /> <br /> R21 P11 Fireman68 Harang, Aaron SP CIN 24s <br /> <br /> R21 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Barmes, Clint 2B COL 5s <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Twenty-Two</span></strong><br /> <br /> R22 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Scott, Luke OF BAL 18s <br /> <br /> R22 P2 Fireman68 Blanton, Joe SP PHI 26s <br /> <br /> <strong>R22 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Coghlan, Chris OF FLA 18s</strong> <br /> <br /> R22 P4 Horton's Who's on First DeRosa, Mark 3B, OF SF 29s <br /> <br /> R22 P5 chata Niemann, Jeff SP TB 7s <br /> <br /> R22 P6 Clean Streets Slowey, Kevin SP MIN 4s <br /> <br /> R22 P7 thetrueguru Bedard, Erik SP SEA 13s <br /> <br /> <strong>R22 P8 Bay State Scout Davis, Wade SP TB 12s</strong> <br /> <br /> R22 P9 Smokin' Balls Feldman, Scott SP TEX AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R22 P10 Andrea Theriot, Ryan SS CHC 5s <br /> <br /> R22 P11 Real Chance Ruiz, Carlos C PHI AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R22 P12 Dan Buehrle, Mark SP CHW AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Round Twenty-Three</span></strong><br /> <br /> R23 P1 Dan Varitek, Jason C BOS AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R23 P2 Real Chance Hernandez, Ramon C, 1B CIN AutoSelect <br /> <br /> R23 P3 Andrea Hanrahan, Joel RP PIT 26s <br /> <br /> R23 P4 Smokin' Balls Torrealba, Yorvit C SD AutoSelect <br /> <br /> <strong>R23 P5 Bay State Scout Kuroda, Hiroki SP LA 3s</strong> <br /> <br /> R23 P6 thetrueguru Moylan, Peter RP ATL 5s <br /> <br /> R23 P7 Clean Streets Lowe, Derek SP ATL 31s <br /> <br /> R23 P8 chata Teahen, Mark 3B, OF CHW Predrafted <br /> <br /> R23 P9 Horton's Who's on First Arroyo, Bronson SP CIN 28s <br /> <br /> <strong>R23 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Saunders, Joe SP ANA AutoSelect</strong> <br /> <br /> R23 P11 Fireman68 Santana, Carlos C CLE 4s <br /> <br /> R23 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Shoppach, Kelly C TB 14s <br /> <br /> &nbsp; <br /> <strong><span style="color: blue;">Pro Fantasy Baseball Final Team</span></strong> <br /> <strong><span style="color: blue;"></span></strong>&nbsp; <br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R1 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Teixeira, Mark 1B NYY </span><br /> <br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R2 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Sizemore, Grady OF CLE </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R3 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hernandez, Felix SP SEA </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R4 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Granderson, Curtis OF NYY </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R5 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Nathan, Joe RP MIN </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R6 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hill, Aaron 2B TOR </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R7 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Quentin, Carlos OF CHW </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R8 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Wieters, Matt C BAL </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R9 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Ramirez, Alexei SS CHW </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R10 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Beckham, Gordon 3B CHW </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R11 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Span, Denard OF MIN </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R12 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Webb, Brandon SP ARI </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R13 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Stubbs, Drew OF CIN </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R14 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Zambrano, Carlos SP CHC </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R15 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Gonzalez, Mike RP BAL </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R16 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Peralta, Jhonny 3B CLE </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R17 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Happ, J.A. SP PHI </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R18 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Posey, Buster C SF </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R19 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Porcello, Rick SP DET </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R20 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Izturis, Maicer 2B ANA </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R21 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Lindstrom, Matt RP HOU </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R22 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Coghlan, Chris OF FLA </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">R23 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Saunders, Joe SP ANA</span> <br /> <br /> &nbsp; <br /> <strong><span style="color: #073763;">Bay State Scout Final Team</span></strong> <br /> <span style="color: #073763;"></span>&nbsp; <br /> <span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R1 P5 Bay State Scout Utley, Chase 2B PHI </span></span><strong><span style="color: #073763;"></span></strong><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;"></span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R2 P8 Bay State Scout Mauer, Joe C MIN </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R3 P5 Bay State Scout Gonzalez, Adrian 1B SD </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R4 P8 Bay State Scout Upton, B.J. OF TB </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R5 P5 Bay State Scout Hamilton, Josh OF TEX </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R6 P8 Bay State Scout Ramirez, Aramis 3B CHC </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R7 P5 Bay State Scout Figgins, Chone 3B SEA </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R8 P8 Bay State Scout Gallardo, Yovani SP MIL </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R9 P5 Bay State Scout Jimenez, Ubaldo SP COL </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R10 P8 Bay State Scout Bartlett, Jason SS TB </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R11 P5 Bay State Scout Bruce, Jay OF CIN </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R12 P8 Bay State Scout Wagner, Billy RP ATL </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R13 P5 Bay State Scout Baker, Scott SP MIN </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R14 P8 Bay State Scout Francisco, Frank RP TEX </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R15 P5 Bay State Scout Rasmus, Colby OF STL </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R16 P8 Bay State Scout Hardy, J.J. SS MIN </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R17 P5 Bay State Scout Doumit, Ryan C PIT </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R18 P8 Bay State Scout Cameron, Mike OF BOS </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R19 P5 Bay State Scout Liriano, Francisco SP MIN </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R20 P8 Bay State Scout Matsui, Hideki DH ANA </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R21 P5 Bay State Scout Santana, Ervin SP ANA </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black;">R22 P8 Bay State Scout Davis, Wade SP TB </span><br /> <span style="color: black;"><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: black;">R23 P5 Bay State Scout Kuroda, Hiroki SP LA</span> </span><br /> <br /> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-5108470938568903803?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>The Scoutnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-64081179196938914802010-03-05T09:05:00.000-08:002010-03-05T10:14:09.466-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Mock_Drft-786559.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Mock_Drft-786558.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>As the 2010 baseball season approaches, and just as important, your 2010 fantasy draft approaches, it is nice to get in some practice with mock drafts. However, there are some dangers that you must be aware of when you do your mock drafts. Mock drafting can be both good and bad. Read the below points to get some ideas of how to use mock drafts to your advantage.</div> <div>Here's the skinny:</div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">The Good:</div> <ul><li>Mock drafting gets you thinking in 'draft Mode'. 'Draft Mode' is the ability to make smart decisions according to your game plan in the allotted time. This is usually not done well on the first couple of drafts, but as you continue to mock draft, your game plan and approach gets stronger. This is a big plus.</li><li>Mock drafting gives you a feel for where players will go in the draft. After a few drafts, you should kinda know who's going in the top rounds and who will be around later. This is a good time to see who might be over and under rated.</li><li>Mock drafting is a good time to try out different strategies. Try different things and see how your team comes out in the end. May come across a new strategy!</li><li>Mock drafting is fun.</li></ul> <div style="font-weight: bold;">The Bad:</div> <ul><li>Being that the draft is not real, people may not take it too seriously. If they are not taking it too seriously, their picks may not reflect 'real' picks.</li><li>Just like you, others may be trying out different strategies. You could end up with a false sense of how the draft went due to someone trying something bizarre.</li><li>Take into account how many people are in the draft. Seems straight forward, but it's easy to overlook. If your real draft is 12 people but your mock drafts are 10 people, the results simply won't match up very well. It's not pointless, as you can still see who the popular picks are, but it can't be used as a guideline for what round a player will go in.</li></ul> <div>Keeping these points in mind should help you have effective and safe mock drafts. Have fun!</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-6408117919693891480?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-27411333310818234742010-03-03T10:03:00.000-08:002010-03-03T10:05:43.153-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Brett_And-758142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/Brett_And-758139.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>After doing a lot of research on Brett Anderson, I have come to the conclusion that he is a middle round pick that is going to pay off. He's too young to be a top pick (22). His numbers are not good enough to be a top pick (11-11, 4.06 ERA, 150 Ks in 175 innings). His flashes of dominance show that he could perform as a top pick.</div> <div>His 'stuff' has impressed a lot of people. Not only is it good, it is accurate. It's one thing to throw a slider, quite another to throw a slider that catches the black. Anderson has shown he can do this. He has the ability to strike out a batter an inning, and has the ability to minimizes any damage by getting a lot of ground balls. Nice combo.</div> <div>So what is the bad news (there is always bad news)? <span style="font-weight: bold;">1)</span> Brett Anderson is only 22 years old and young pitchers can struggle. <span style="font-weight: bold;">2)</span> His team is not great. I think he will pitch well enough to win plenty of games, but his team may not give him run support. <span style="font-weight: bold;">3)</span> He threw 175 innings last year - that is a solid work load for a 21 year old rookie. I haven't seen any talk of a pitch count, so he may get worn down this year. However, at 6'4" and 235 pounds, he may have a frame that can handle it - we'll see, but it's worth mentioning.</div> <div>Anderson should be picked up in most all formats. He will not be there too late, but if you can grab him after the middle round, he could really give your team a nice boost. Keep in mind, some think he can be an elite pitcher THIS year! I love potential, but I'm not riding that band-wagon yet. However, he should easily perform above (perhaps way above) his draft position making him a great 'Bargain'.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-2741133331081823474?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4530109689522826268.post-38005558393021432632010-03-01T10:01:00.001-08:002010-03-01T11:12:11.119-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/mlb_a_borbon_300-735408.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="http://profantasybaseball.com/uploaded_images/mlb_a_borbon_300-735404.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div>Juan Pierre with a touch more power. That is how I would describe Julio Borbon, CF for the Texas Rangers.</div> <div>Borbon is young, only 24, but has shown some serious talent at the major league level. Last year, 46 games, he batted .312, 30 Runs, 20 RBIs, 4 HRs, and 19 Stolen Bases. Solid. The next time Juan Pierre hits that many homeruns in less then 50 games will be the first time.</div> <div>If we calculate that Borbon played a 1/3 of a season, that would mean that over a full season he would have 90 Runs, 60 RBIs, 12 HRs, and 50+ Stolen Bases. That would be pretty sweet! Can he continue at this pace for a full year? Not sure. But he will get his chance.</div> <div>Texas has made it clear that he is the starting center fielder and want him as their leadoff hitter. So what we have in Borbon is a starter with good potential, a nice sample of big league games, and plays on an offensive minded team. There is a lot to like here.</div> <div>I would value Juan Pierre a little higher then Borbon just because of his stellar track record, but Borbon could out perform him - especially with a little more power. Julio Borbon is another good young outfielder that can be had late in the draft.</div> -Scout Monkey <div><em>(</em><a href="mailto:scout_monkey@gmx.com"> <em>scout_monkey@gmx.com</em></a><em>)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4530109689522826268-3800555839302143263?l=fantasy-baseball-news-blog.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mark Kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007785157026237370noreply@blogger.com0