By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
Since everyone else gets to pick their own All-Star squads, I have decided to do the same. However, since I need to fill my fantasy column for this week, I'm going to select my players bases solely on their fantasy impact.
Also, I'm just going to put together one All-Star team, meaning it will be a combination of NL and AL players.
The envelope please...
Catcher - It comes down to Los Angeles' Russell Martin and Victor Martinez of Cleveland, but the nod goes to Martin. Their averages are close enough to cancel out, and Martinez has the edge in homers and RBI, while Martin is up in runs. So, the deciding factor ends up being stolen bases. Martin has 13 while Martinez has none. SB's are a tough category to get a hold of outside of a few players, so it's a huge plus anytime you get that kind of base path production from a catcher.
Honorable mention: Martinez (Cleveland)
First base - This one is a no-brainer and it's Prince Fielder, who leads all first baseman with 27 homers, seven more than Justin Morneau's 20. Also, unlike a Ryan Howard or Paul Konerko, Fielder isn't hurting in the average department by hitting .282. He is also tops at the position with 63 RBI.
Honorable mention: Morneau (Minnesota)
Second base - Few things are a sure bet, but Chase Utley is one of them. He actually trails Dan Uggla by one homer for the lead among second baseman, but his RBI total (64) and lofty .331 average vaults Philadelphia's Utley to the top of the list by far.
Honorable mention: Brian Roberts (Baltimore)
Shortstop - The Mets' Jose Reyes seemed like a lock for this spot early in the season, and still gets the nod here, but barely. I'm going Reyes over Florida's Hanley Ramirez because the New York shortstop is still hitting over .300, while his 38 stolen bases have probably been single-handily winning you that category each week.
Honorable mention: Ramirez (Florida) and his .322 average, 11 HR's and 23SB's.
Third base - David Wright gets the...okay, I'm just kidding. This one has been decided since day one, and it is the other New York third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, dominating this spot. With a stat line that reads a .327 average, 28 homers, 78 RBI, 72 runs scored and nine stolen bases, he's the MVP of the major leagues, let alone the fantasy world.
Honorable mention: Miguel Cabrera (Florida)
Outfield - Three spots here with a pair of Detroit Tigers getting the first two. Magglio Ordonez is hitting an incredible .377 with 13 homers and 68 RBI. And, if your league does this sort of thing, he has a 1.087 OPS as well. Gary Sheffield, meanwhile, seemed like a lost cause when the season started, but has rebounded for a .289 average, 18 homers and a surprising 10 stolen bases. Finally, I'm giving the last spot to Adam Dunn of the Reds. Dunn's 23 HR's are no surprise, but his .271 average and seven stolen bases have been pleasant for anyone who drafted him while seemingly sacrificing their AVG category.
Honorable mentions: Tough to leave out Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle) and his .364 average. Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay) and Carlos Lee (Houston)
Starting pitcher - We'll tap three pitchers for our All-Star squad. Jake Peavy of the Padres is the obvious choice to anchor our rotation. Peavy has 113 strikeouts and a ridiculous 2.14 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. He also has nine wins and has been dominate all year. Next, the old reliable Johan Santana and his 114 strikeouts. Santana has eight wins, but also six losses. However, you can't ignore his 2.83 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Finally, Dan Haren squeaks into the final spot. The Oakland ace has nine wins, a sub-two ERA at 1.91 and an awesome 0.94 WHIP. His 93 strikeouts aren't bad either.
Honorable mentions: Chris Young (San Diego), Brad Penny (Los Angeles) and Justin Verlander (Detroit)
Closers - Two spots here. First is J.J. Putz of Seattle. His 22 saves are enough of a blessing, but how about a 0.99 ERA and 0.58 WHIP. Good to see Putz prove all those injury-doubters wrong. Second, Francisco Cordero of Milwaukee. A league-high 27 saves after being run out of Texas last year with a 2.16 ERA and 0.99 WHIP.
Honorable mentions: Jose Valverde (Arizona) and Takashi Saito (Los Angeles)
Send you fantasy All-Stars, questions and comments to mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Showing posts with label Fantasy Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy Baseball. Show all posts
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Update: Waiver Wire
By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
With this week's update, we'll take a look at some players who are probably available in your league that may be help to help you gain some ground before the All-Star break.
Brendan Harris, SS, Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Harris has been flirting with the cycle as of late, but more importantly is batting .321 with eight homers and 32 RBI through 56 games. He doesn't run a lot (just two steals) and taking a Devil Ray is always a chance, but don't be afraid to give Harris a look.
Read the rest of the fantasy breakdown at The Phanatic Magazine's web home.
Phanatic Magazine
With this week's update, we'll take a look at some players who are probably available in your league that may be help to help you gain some ground before the All-Star break.
Brendan Harris, SS, Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Harris has been flirting with the cycle as of late, but more importantly is batting .321 with eight homers and 32 RBI through 56 games. He doesn't run a lot (just two steals) and taking a Devil Ray is always a chance, but don't be afraid to give Harris a look.
Read the rest of the fantasy breakdown at The Phanatic Magazine's web home.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Update
By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
Buy low and sell high. It's a concept fantasy owners hear over and over again. Pounce on players who's value is currently low, and unload your overachieving players on some other sucker.
Now that we are into the third month of the season, it may be time to unload some of your first-half surprises, and grab those slumping sure things.
Who to trade:
Brad Penny, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers: Penny might be a guy you hold onto for a few more starts before unloading. He is currently 7-1 with a 2.37 ERA. Remember, though, he was 10-2 with a 2.91 ERA before the All-Star break last year and 6-7 after with a 6.25 ERA.
Manny Ramirez, OF, Boston Red Sox: Age isn't on Ramirez's side any more and he has only eight homers through 215 at-bats. And not to beat a dead horse, but his questionable work ethic and a big division lead for Boston doesn't add up to a lot of hustle in the second half of the season.
J.J. Hardy, SS, Milwaukee Brewers: Hardy's 16 homers are already seven above his career high, and his inexperience in addition to injury history doesn't assure he will keep it up all year. Trade him now for a couple of key pieces.
Who to acquire:
Jermaine Dye, OF, Chicago White Sox: Sure, a .224 batting average is hard to swallow, but his power is still there, as is a potential trade to the Yankees. Capitalize on your stressed-out opponent.
Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners: He only has three wins, has an ERA above four, and has already battled injury this year. However, the rest he got while on the DL will prevent him from wearing down in the second half. They don't call him King Felix for nothing.
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: Call it a homer pick if you want, but Howard has been better since returning from the DL and is still the reigning NL MVP. You might be able to get him cheap if a non-Phillies fan has him.
Who you are stuck with:
Carlos Delgado, 1B, New York Mets: His eight homers are lower than what one expected when drafting him, and a .222 average is nothing to write home about. His age and wrist will make it tough for anyone to take a chance on him.
Carlos Zambrano, SP, Chicago Cubs: Zambrano isn't living up to the "Wiley contract year" theory, and has already shown this year that his poor season so far is affecting him mentally. If you have him, you're going to be forced to ride out the storm.
Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees - He was supposed to be a top three fantasy second baseman this year, but Cano has mirrored the Yankees struggles this year. A poor work ethic and sub par numbers make it tough to trade him, but you can't just give up on such a high pick either.
Phanatic Magazine
Buy low and sell high. It's a concept fantasy owners hear over and over again. Pounce on players who's value is currently low, and unload your overachieving players on some other sucker.
Now that we are into the third month of the season, it may be time to unload some of your first-half surprises, and grab those slumping sure things.
Who to trade:
Brad Penny, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers: Penny might be a guy you hold onto for a few more starts before unloading. He is currently 7-1 with a 2.37 ERA. Remember, though, he was 10-2 with a 2.91 ERA before the All-Star break last year and 6-7 after with a 6.25 ERA.
Manny Ramirez, OF, Boston Red Sox: Age isn't on Ramirez's side any more and he has only eight homers through 215 at-bats. And not to beat a dead horse, but his questionable work ethic and a big division lead for Boston doesn't add up to a lot of hustle in the second half of the season.
J.J. Hardy, SS, Milwaukee Brewers: Hardy's 16 homers are already seven above his career high, and his inexperience in addition to injury history doesn't assure he will keep it up all year. Trade him now for a couple of key pieces.
Who to acquire:
Jermaine Dye, OF, Chicago White Sox: Sure, a .224 batting average is hard to swallow, but his power is still there, as is a potential trade to the Yankees. Capitalize on your stressed-out opponent.
Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners: He only has three wins, has an ERA above four, and has already battled injury this year. However, the rest he got while on the DL will prevent him from wearing down in the second half. They don't call him King Felix for nothing.
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: Call it a homer pick if you want, but Howard has been better since returning from the DL and is still the reigning NL MVP. You might be able to get him cheap if a non-Phillies fan has him.
Who you are stuck with:
Carlos Delgado, 1B, New York Mets: His eight homers are lower than what one expected when drafting him, and a .222 average is nothing to write home about. His age and wrist will make it tough for anyone to take a chance on him.
Carlos Zambrano, SP, Chicago Cubs: Zambrano isn't living up to the "Wiley contract year" theory, and has already shown this year that his poor season so far is affecting him mentally. If you have him, you're going to be forced to ride out the storm.
Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees - He was supposed to be a top three fantasy second baseman this year, but Cano has mirrored the Yankees struggles this year. A poor work ethic and sub par numbers make it tough to trade him, but you can't just give up on such a high pick either.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Update
By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
Editors note: Greg Wiley is on sabbatical while he tries to find Adam Dunn's power.
Baseball is a game of streaks. About a week ago, my roto team was ninth place overall in a close 10-team league. One good weekend that saw my starters go 4-1 with about a million strikeouts, as well as Mark Teixeira and Travis Hafner go deep, and I vaulted into a tie for first.
Again, it's early so we are all still close in the early stages of the season, but encouraging none the less.
So here is my point. Don't be afraid -- taking transaction fees or real-life bids into consideration -- to keep a roster spot or two for rotating streaky players. Just don't get too attached like I did last season with Mike Jacobs and Jason Marquis.
Rushton's hot list:
Justin Morneau, 1B, Minnesota Twins - At least one reigning MVP is finding his stroke. Morneau has three home runs and eight RBI over the last week, and has upped his average to .282 on the season.
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Seattle Mariners - Ichiro is a classic example of a guy who helps you across the board. Over the last week, he has scored eight runs, swiped six bags, and is batting .394. He even hit a home run and is always a solid fantasy choice.
John Smoltz, SP, Atlanta Braves - Has thrown 14 scoreless innings over the last week while picking up a pair of wins. Also fanned 12 and has a WHIP under one.
Who to pick up this week:
Carlos Quentin, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks - Slowed by injury early in the season, Quentin is showing signs of getting it going. He had a five-game hitting streak last week and blasted a pair of homers with five RBI in a game against the Rockies.
Scott Baker, SP, Minnesota Twins - If you can stash him on your bench for another start or two, Baker may be a guy to grab now. The former highly-regarded second-round pick returned to the majors after a subpar 2006 and scattered two runs on six hits over 8 1/3 frames in a win over a talented and good-hitting Milwaukee club.
Bobby Crosby, SS, Oakland Athletics - Has had a solid last month, scoring 14 runs while knocking in another 14. Four of his last 24 hits have been homers, and he is hitting .284 over that span. Could be a short-term solution if your shortstop is slumping.
Rushton's cold list:
Carlos Delgado, 1B, New York Mets - Where has Delgado's power gone? He hasn't homered over the last week and has gone deep just three times this year with a .216 average. Is it his wrist? Either way, its tough if you own him because you can't give up on him. Possible replacement: None, you're stuck with him.
Chone Figgins, 2B, 3B, OF, LA Angels of Anaheim - And the Yankees want him why? Figgins, like Quentin was slowed early by an injury but he hasn't beenable to turn it around. The speedster hit just .176 over the last week, and hasn't been getting the hits to be a factor on the base paths. Possible replacement - Jose Lopez if Figgins is your second baseman.
Rich Hill, SP, Chicago Cubs - Hill set the world on fire at the beginning of the season, but has since cooled to three straight losses. His ERA also went from a mouth-watering 1.73 to 3.38 over that span. Possible replacement: None for now. Ride him out a little longer.
Leave your comments or fantasy suggestions at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Phanatic Magazine
Editors note: Greg Wiley is on sabbatical while he tries to find Adam Dunn's power.
Baseball is a game of streaks. About a week ago, my roto team was ninth place overall in a close 10-team league. One good weekend that saw my starters go 4-1 with about a million strikeouts, as well as Mark Teixeira and Travis Hafner go deep, and I vaulted into a tie for first.
Again, it's early so we are all still close in the early stages of the season, but encouraging none the less.
So here is my point. Don't be afraid -- taking transaction fees or real-life bids into consideration -- to keep a roster spot or two for rotating streaky players. Just don't get too attached like I did last season with Mike Jacobs and Jason Marquis.
Rushton's hot list:
Justin Morneau, 1B, Minnesota Twins - At least one reigning MVP is finding his stroke. Morneau has three home runs and eight RBI over the last week, and has upped his average to .282 on the season.
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Seattle Mariners - Ichiro is a classic example of a guy who helps you across the board. Over the last week, he has scored eight runs, swiped six bags, and is batting .394. He even hit a home run and is always a solid fantasy choice.
John Smoltz, SP, Atlanta Braves - Has thrown 14 scoreless innings over the last week while picking up a pair of wins. Also fanned 12 and has a WHIP under one.
Who to pick up this week:
Carlos Quentin, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks - Slowed by injury early in the season, Quentin is showing signs of getting it going. He had a five-game hitting streak last week and blasted a pair of homers with five RBI in a game against the Rockies.
Scott Baker, SP, Minnesota Twins - If you can stash him on your bench for another start or two, Baker may be a guy to grab now. The former highly-regarded second-round pick returned to the majors after a subpar 2006 and scattered two runs on six hits over 8 1/3 frames in a win over a talented and good-hitting Milwaukee club.
Bobby Crosby, SS, Oakland Athletics - Has had a solid last month, scoring 14 runs while knocking in another 14. Four of his last 24 hits have been homers, and he is hitting .284 over that span. Could be a short-term solution if your shortstop is slumping.
Rushton's cold list:
Carlos Delgado, 1B, New York Mets - Where has Delgado's power gone? He hasn't homered over the last week and has gone deep just three times this year with a .216 average. Is it his wrist? Either way, its tough if you own him because you can't give up on him. Possible replacement: None, you're stuck with him.
Chone Figgins, 2B, 3B, OF, LA Angels of Anaheim - And the Yankees want him why? Figgins, like Quentin was slowed early by an injury but he hasn't beenable to turn it around. The speedster hit just .176 over the last week, and hasn't been getting the hits to be a factor on the base paths. Possible replacement - Jose Lopez if Figgins is your second baseman.
Rich Hill, SP, Chicago Cubs - Hill set the world on fire at the beginning of the season, but has since cooled to three straight losses. His ERA also went from a mouth-watering 1.73 to 3.38 over that span. Possible replacement: None for now. Ride him out a little longer.
Leave your comments or fantasy suggestions at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Friday, May 04, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Update
By Michael Rushton & Greg Wiley
Phanatic Magazine
The nice thing about fantasy baseball -- or its downfall given your attention span -- is that it is a long season. It's not like football, where a four-week losing streak can knock you out of the playoffs just like that.
Remember, it's too early to panic, but not too early to make some moves. Now is a good time to decide if any of your long-shot picks aren't working out.Also, it is a good time to buy low. Mark Teixeira can't be this bad all season, right?
Rushton's hot list:
Adam Dunn, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Dunn is returning to his 40-home run form,swatting four long balls in the last week. However, that translated into just seven RBI. As long as strikeouts don't hurt you in your league, Dunn is always a solid bet to help your power numbers. Just get a contact hitter to offset his low average. Added bonus: stole two bases last week.
Gary Sheffield, OF, 1B, Detroit Tigers: Sheffield found his way unto my disappointing list two weeks ago, but finally appears to be turning a corner. He is hitting .421 over the last week, and found some power with a pair of homers while swiping three bags. Here's hoping it only gets better from here.
John Maine, SP, New York Mets: You can't have loyalty in fantasy baseball, and even though I'm a Phillies fan, I'm impressed with Maine. Maine has yet to lose this season (4-0) and leads the NL with a 1.35 earned run average. Congrats if you took a chance on him.
Rushton's cold list:
Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees: Cano has only four hits in his last 23at-bats with no home runs and just three RBI. Cano is expected to help dominate a weak fantasy position, but struggled like the rest of the Yankees last week. Are his numbers last year just a product of a good lineup?
Rickie Weeks, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers: Weeks started off on fire and with some new-found power, but over the last week is hitting only .190 with one run scored and two RBI. He also hasn't homered.
Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP, Boston Red Sox: Someone around the office finally said it today. Dice-K equals fraud? Matsuzaka has picked up wins in his last two decisions, but has seen his ERA rise to 5.45 over his last three starts, and has yet to allow less than four runs per outing in that span.
Okay, now let's see who Wiley can jinx this time around. Here are players, who are probably available in your league, to keep an eye on and even pick up if they are available. For the most part, we're not talking about the obvious players.
On the top of his game:
Tom Gorzelaney, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates: The young lefty has come into his own this season. He is an impressive 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. He's not just lucky early on either, he has a 2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and opponents are hitting just .241 against him. His last time out, Gorzelaney got the win against the high-powered Brewers offense. He allowed just two runs on six hits, striking out three and walking three, in seven innings. If you are in need of some pitching help, it's time to pick up Gorzelaney and insert him into your lineup.
Others - Oliver Perez, SP, NYM; Chad Gaudin, SP, OAK; Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX.
Looking for a rookie?:
Tim Lincecum, SP, San Francisco Giants: Lincecum is the future of the Giants rotation and will be making his season debut on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. At Triple-A Fresno, the right-hander was 4-0 with a0.29 ERA in five starts. Over 31 innings, he yielded just 12 hits, walked 11 and struck out 46. The Giants are excited about this guy and so should you. If he's there, pick him up immediately. I missed out because he was drafted in my league.
Others - Billy Butler, OF, KC; Hunter Pence OF, HOU; Felix Pie, OF, CHC; Phil Hughes, SP, NYM; Tory Tulowitzki, SS, COL.
Best is yet to come:
Mike Cameron, OF, San Diego Padres: Cameron is off to a horrid start. Through27 games the starting center fielder is hitting just .193 without a homer and just four RBI. Cameron has 20 homer, 80 RBI and 20-plus stolen base potential.Keep an eye on him, if he looks to be getting hot, take a flyer if you're in need of some outfield help.
Others - John Patterson, SP, WAS; Jeff Francis, SP, COL; Aubrey Huff, 1B, BAL.
Phanatic Magazine
The nice thing about fantasy baseball -- or its downfall given your attention span -- is that it is a long season. It's not like football, where a four-week losing streak can knock you out of the playoffs just like that.
Remember, it's too early to panic, but not too early to make some moves. Now is a good time to decide if any of your long-shot picks aren't working out.Also, it is a good time to buy low. Mark Teixeira can't be this bad all season, right?
Rushton's hot list:
Adam Dunn, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Dunn is returning to his 40-home run form,swatting four long balls in the last week. However, that translated into just seven RBI. As long as strikeouts don't hurt you in your league, Dunn is always a solid bet to help your power numbers. Just get a contact hitter to offset his low average. Added bonus: stole two bases last week.
Gary Sheffield, OF, 1B, Detroit Tigers: Sheffield found his way unto my disappointing list two weeks ago, but finally appears to be turning a corner. He is hitting .421 over the last week, and found some power with a pair of homers while swiping three bags. Here's hoping it only gets better from here.
John Maine, SP, New York Mets: You can't have loyalty in fantasy baseball, and even though I'm a Phillies fan, I'm impressed with Maine. Maine has yet to lose this season (4-0) and leads the NL with a 1.35 earned run average. Congrats if you took a chance on him.
Rushton's cold list:
Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees: Cano has only four hits in his last 23at-bats with no home runs and just three RBI. Cano is expected to help dominate a weak fantasy position, but struggled like the rest of the Yankees last week. Are his numbers last year just a product of a good lineup?
Rickie Weeks, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers: Weeks started off on fire and with some new-found power, but over the last week is hitting only .190 with one run scored and two RBI. He also hasn't homered.
Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP, Boston Red Sox: Someone around the office finally said it today. Dice-K equals fraud? Matsuzaka has picked up wins in his last two decisions, but has seen his ERA rise to 5.45 over his last three starts, and has yet to allow less than four runs per outing in that span.
Okay, now let's see who Wiley can jinx this time around. Here are players, who are probably available in your league, to keep an eye on and even pick up if they are available. For the most part, we're not talking about the obvious players.
On the top of his game:
Tom Gorzelaney, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates: The young lefty has come into his own this season. He is an impressive 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. He's not just lucky early on either, he has a 2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and opponents are hitting just .241 against him. His last time out, Gorzelaney got the win against the high-powered Brewers offense. He allowed just two runs on six hits, striking out three and walking three, in seven innings. If you are in need of some pitching help, it's time to pick up Gorzelaney and insert him into your lineup.
Others - Oliver Perez, SP, NYM; Chad Gaudin, SP, OAK; Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX.
Looking for a rookie?:
Tim Lincecum, SP, San Francisco Giants: Lincecum is the future of the Giants rotation and will be making his season debut on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. At Triple-A Fresno, the right-hander was 4-0 with a0.29 ERA in five starts. Over 31 innings, he yielded just 12 hits, walked 11 and struck out 46. The Giants are excited about this guy and so should you. If he's there, pick him up immediately. I missed out because he was drafted in my league.
Others - Billy Butler, OF, KC; Hunter Pence OF, HOU; Felix Pie, OF, CHC; Phil Hughes, SP, NYM; Tory Tulowitzki, SS, COL.
Best is yet to come:
Mike Cameron, OF, San Diego Padres: Cameron is off to a horrid start. Through27 games the starting center fielder is hitting just .193 without a homer and just four RBI. Cameron has 20 homer, 80 RBI and 20-plus stolen base potential.Keep an eye on him, if he looks to be getting hot, take a flyer if you're in need of some outfield help.
Others - John Patterson, SP, WAS; Jeff Francis, SP, COL; Aubrey Huff, 1B, BAL.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Update
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
Phanatic Magazine
Well, the baseball season is underway which can only mean one thing; Wiley is pulling out more hair as his fantasy squad gets off to a typical slow start. As for myself, Mr. Rushton's squad is hovering around the middle of the standings due to no power and horrid pitching.
It should be noted for all future reads the Wiley plays in a head-to-head league, while I am in a roto standings league.
So, let's dive into some hot and cold players through the first weeks of the season, shall we? Sure, most of these guys are already on a roster so they can't help you unless they are on your team already, but we thought we would rub it in anyway.
Rushton's hot list:
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers: Kinsler is the only Ranger hitting right now,and boy is he ever. A promising rookie last season, Kinsler has a team-high seven homers and 14 RBI so far this year and is hitting .318 to pace an overall weak position. Injury derailed the early part of his season last year which is why he flew under the radar.
Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets: Reyes emerged as a high fantasy pick this year and is delivering so far. He is spreading his stats over four categories with 18 runs, 12 RBI, eight stolen bases and a .356 average. A possible MVP candidate? Only one homer so far, but he shouldn't be relied on for power anyway.
Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves: Hudson is returning to Oakland form with a 2-0 mark and 16 strikeouts. As if that wasn't good enough, he is sporting a 0.86 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. Congrats if you took a chance on him.
Wiley's hot list:
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, New York Yankees: There isn't a player in this universe right now who is as good as A-Rod. His blistering starts has fantasy owner foaming at the mouth. "Mr. April" has 10 homers, 26 RBI, scored 17 runs and is hitting .351. Do I even need to say that Rodriguez will continue to have a monster season? He is single-handedly carrying some fantasy teams, but keep in mind that you still might want to sell high on A-Rod. Let's see what his numbers are a couple weeks before the All-Star break and you might be able to fill two or three needs with.
Carlos Beltran, OF, New York Mets: The switch-hitting center fielder has been anchoring an otherwise powerless Mets lineup this season. Yes, the Mets havebeen scoring runs, but homers have been a little hard to come by. As a teamNew York has only 12 homers, four of which have come by Beltran. He also has17 RBI and a .351 batting average. However, the best news is that he's stealing bases again. He's already swiped three bags and has apparently re-committed himself to the stolen base. The really good news here is that Beltran is only going to get better when the players around him start producing as well.
Jimmy Rollins, SS, Philadelphia Phillies: Rollins is a top-10 player andsecond-ranked shortstop so far in fantasyland, thanks in part to him facing Tom Glavine twice this season. He has six homers, 12 RBI, 13 runs scored and a.302 average through 14 games. His one stolen base is a little disappointing, but with him getting on base so much it's hard to complain. If he can keep this going when Utley and Howard get going, owners are going to reap the rewards.
Rushton's disappointing list:
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers: Teixeira went through a horrible power slump to begin last year, but at least he was hitting. Not so in 2007. He has yet to homer and is batting just .192 with two RBI. Could be a good guy to buy low, however.
Gary Sheffield, 1B, OF, Detroit Tigers: And you wanted him in Philly? Sheff is batting an eye-popping .132 with one homer and five RBI. Don't sell him short yet though, he does have one stolen base. Ugh!
Carlos Zambrano, SP, Chicago Cubs: If you subscribe to the Greg Wiley contract-year theory, this guy should be lights out. However, he has been torched his last two starts and is 1-2 with a 7.77 ERA and 1.86 WHIP. Maybe he could learn a thing or two from Rich Hill.
Wiley's disappointing list:
Alfonso Soriano, OF, Chicago Cubs: He has owners feeling really Sorry-ano nowa days. The Cubs center fielder is off to a slow start and is actually sitting right now with an injured hamstring. In 12 games before the injury, Soriano was hitting just .245 with six runs scored, no homers, one RBI and one stolen base -- hardly the numbers you expect from a 40-40 guy a season ago. Owners of Soriano need to be patient. The cold weather has wreaked havoc on all the big-boppers this season. Once it starts to get warm, expect Soriano to heat up.
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: Need we go into detail about him? He has just one homer, seven RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average. Philadelphia fans are well aware of his slumping start. Owners of Howard, myself included, are hoping that these few games he is sitting out with an injured knee gets him back on the right track. Not only does the Phillies season depends on it, but more importantly my fantasy season could hang in the balance. Unlike Soriano, though, Howard is someone you might want to trade once his numbers start to increase. In other words, sell high once he gets there. Don't hold on to him.
Lance Berkman, 1B/OF, Houston Astros: The Astros first baseman is another slugger who is off to a horrid start. He has just one homer, five RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average through 14 games. One thing the MVP candidate has working in his favor is that Carlos Lee has been one of the top performers in the league thus far and is protecting him in the lineup. Sooner or later, teams are going to have to pitcher to Berkman and pitch around Lee.
Dis-honorable mention: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals; Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies; Travis Hafner, Util, Indians; Manny Ramirez, OF, Red Sox
Surprise, Surprise List
Rushton - Josh Hamilton, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Hopefully having put his personal problems far aside, Hamilton has worked his way into the Reds' starting lineup and has five jacks with 11 RBI and 10 runs scored. Add in a.333 average and he could be a stud who is still available. Take a chance on the once highly-regarded prospect.
Wiley - Eric Byrnes, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: It Byrnes so good for some fantasy owners this season, as the Arizona outfielder has been tearing it up. A mid-level fantasy player for most of his career, Byrnes currently ranks in the top-10 with three homers, 10 runs scored, 13 RBI, five stolen bases and a .306 batting average. Owners should be thinking three things for Byrnes right now: sell, sell and sell. He'll have a decent year, but if you can upgrade with a closer or somewhere else, don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Phanatic Magazine
Well, the baseball season is underway which can only mean one thing; Wiley is pulling out more hair as his fantasy squad gets off to a typical slow start. As for myself, Mr. Rushton's squad is hovering around the middle of the standings due to no power and horrid pitching.
It should be noted for all future reads the Wiley plays in a head-to-head league, while I am in a roto standings league.
So, let's dive into some hot and cold players through the first weeks of the season, shall we? Sure, most of these guys are already on a roster so they can't help you unless they are on your team already, but we thought we would rub it in anyway.
Rushton's hot list:
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers: Kinsler is the only Ranger hitting right now,and boy is he ever. A promising rookie last season, Kinsler has a team-high seven homers and 14 RBI so far this year and is hitting .318 to pace an overall weak position. Injury derailed the early part of his season last year which is why he flew under the radar.
Jose Reyes, SS, New York Mets: Reyes emerged as a high fantasy pick this year and is delivering so far. He is spreading his stats over four categories with 18 runs, 12 RBI, eight stolen bases and a .356 average. A possible MVP candidate? Only one homer so far, but he shouldn't be relied on for power anyway.
Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves: Hudson is returning to Oakland form with a 2-0 mark and 16 strikeouts. As if that wasn't good enough, he is sporting a 0.86 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. Congrats if you took a chance on him.
Wiley's hot list:
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, New York Yankees: There isn't a player in this universe right now who is as good as A-Rod. His blistering starts has fantasy owner foaming at the mouth. "Mr. April" has 10 homers, 26 RBI, scored 17 runs and is hitting .351. Do I even need to say that Rodriguez will continue to have a monster season? He is single-handedly carrying some fantasy teams, but keep in mind that you still might want to sell high on A-Rod. Let's see what his numbers are a couple weeks before the All-Star break and you might be able to fill two or three needs with.
Carlos Beltran, OF, New York Mets: The switch-hitting center fielder has been anchoring an otherwise powerless Mets lineup this season. Yes, the Mets havebeen scoring runs, but homers have been a little hard to come by. As a teamNew York has only 12 homers, four of which have come by Beltran. He also has17 RBI and a .351 batting average. However, the best news is that he's stealing bases again. He's already swiped three bags and has apparently re-committed himself to the stolen base. The really good news here is that Beltran is only going to get better when the players around him start producing as well.
Jimmy Rollins, SS, Philadelphia Phillies: Rollins is a top-10 player andsecond-ranked shortstop so far in fantasyland, thanks in part to him facing Tom Glavine twice this season. He has six homers, 12 RBI, 13 runs scored and a.302 average through 14 games. His one stolen base is a little disappointing, but with him getting on base so much it's hard to complain. If he can keep this going when Utley and Howard get going, owners are going to reap the rewards.
Rushton's disappointing list:
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers: Teixeira went through a horrible power slump to begin last year, but at least he was hitting. Not so in 2007. He has yet to homer and is batting just .192 with two RBI. Could be a good guy to buy low, however.
Gary Sheffield, 1B, OF, Detroit Tigers: And you wanted him in Philly? Sheff is batting an eye-popping .132 with one homer and five RBI. Don't sell him short yet though, he does have one stolen base. Ugh!
Carlos Zambrano, SP, Chicago Cubs: If you subscribe to the Greg Wiley contract-year theory, this guy should be lights out. However, he has been torched his last two starts and is 1-2 with a 7.77 ERA and 1.86 WHIP. Maybe he could learn a thing or two from Rich Hill.
Wiley's disappointing list:
Alfonso Soriano, OF, Chicago Cubs: He has owners feeling really Sorry-ano nowa days. The Cubs center fielder is off to a slow start and is actually sitting right now with an injured hamstring. In 12 games before the injury, Soriano was hitting just .245 with six runs scored, no homers, one RBI and one stolen base -- hardly the numbers you expect from a 40-40 guy a season ago. Owners of Soriano need to be patient. The cold weather has wreaked havoc on all the big-boppers this season. Once it starts to get warm, expect Soriano to heat up.
Ryan Howard, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies: Need we go into detail about him? He has just one homer, seven RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average. Philadelphia fans are well aware of his slumping start. Owners of Howard, myself included, are hoping that these few games he is sitting out with an injured knee gets him back on the right track. Not only does the Phillies season depends on it, but more importantly my fantasy season could hang in the balance. Unlike Soriano, though, Howard is someone you might want to trade once his numbers start to increase. In other words, sell high once he gets there. Don't hold on to him.
Lance Berkman, 1B/OF, Houston Astros: The Astros first baseman is another slugger who is off to a horrid start. He has just one homer, five RBI, seven runs scored and a .213 average through 14 games. One thing the MVP candidate has working in his favor is that Carlos Lee has been one of the top performers in the league thus far and is protecting him in the lineup. Sooner or later, teams are going to have to pitcher to Berkman and pitch around Lee.
Dis-honorable mention: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals; Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies; Travis Hafner, Util, Indians; Manny Ramirez, OF, Red Sox
Surprise, Surprise List
Rushton - Josh Hamilton, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Hopefully having put his personal problems far aside, Hamilton has worked his way into the Reds' starting lineup and has five jacks with 11 RBI and 10 runs scored. Add in a.333 average and he could be a stud who is still available. Take a chance on the once highly-regarded prospect.
Wiley - Eric Byrnes, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: It Byrnes so good for some fantasy owners this season, as the Arizona outfielder has been tearing it up. A mid-level fantasy player for most of his career, Byrnes currently ranks in the top-10 with three homers, 10 runs scored, 13 RBI, five stolen bases and a .306 batting average. Owners should be thinking three things for Byrnes right now: sell, sell and sell. He'll have a decent year, but if you can upgrade with a closer or somewhere else, don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Baseball
Today's position: RP
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
The Phanatic rounds out its fantasy coverage with a look at relief pitchers. The RP spots in your lineup are designed, obviously, to give you saves via closers. They can also be used on middle relief pitchers who won't hurt your ERA and WHIP and can get you some garbage wins every now and then. However, every roster should sport at least two closers, and one must pay close attention to those players. Keep an eye on your pitcher's health and closer status. Pounce on backups with good chances of taking over the closing spot, and if you have an injury-risk on your squad, always keep his backup as they get picked up quick in every league.
Wiley's List
1) Francisco Rodriguez (LAA) - Was simply awesome in the second half last year. If that carries overs, he's the best of the bunch.
2) Joe Nathan (MIN) - Year in and year out he gets the job done.
3) B.J. Ryan (TOR) - He was lights out in his first year in Toronto.
4) Mariano Rivera (NYY) - The best of all-time. He's in a contract year.
5) Jonathan Paplebon (BOS) - Welcome back to the bullpen.
6) Billy Wagner (NYM) - He'll blow his share, but most from this point down are going to blow a good deal.
7) J.J. Putz (SEA) - Recent arm problems are a concern.
8) Trevor Hoffman (SDP) - We keep waiting for him to lose it, but he doesn't.
9) Takashi Saito (LAD) - Dodgers will be good and he's the one closing the games.
10) Huston Street (OAK) - He blew a lot of saves last year (11). If that drops this year, he'll be one of the best.
11) Chris Ray (BAL) - Second season as closer might result in less results.
12) Chad Cordero (WAS) - Washington stinks, but the games they win he'll at least have a chance to close.
The other 13-20: Brian Fuentes (COL), Francisco Cordero (MIL), Bobby Jenks (CWS), Tom Gordon (PHI), Brad Lidge (HOU), Jose Valverde (ARI); Todd Jones (DET); Bob Wickman (ATL).
Rushton's List
1) Nathan - A lot of saves without the WHIP. Strikes out a fair share as well.
2) Rodriguez - They call him K-Rod for a reason.
3) Ryan - Earned his money last season with 38 saves and a minuscule ERA.
4) Paplebon - Should be just as good as last year and must have the confidence.
5) Rivera - Don't count out one of the best ever.
6) Street - Should return to form after injuries and sophomore slump.
7) Wagner - Seems to get into jams a lot, but will still blow it by people.
8) Saito - I fell in love last season with this guy -- in a fantasy sort of way.
9) Hoffman - Should start his decline this season.
10) Putz - Draft his backup and hope for good health and 35 saves.
11) F. Cordero - Turned it around in Milwaukee and should still have advantage over new hitters.
12) C. Cordero - Gets it done when he has the chance.
The other 13-20: Ray, Jenks, Fuentes, Gordon, Eric Gagne (TEX), Wickman, Jones, Valverde.
Draft these backups: Chris Reitsma (SEA), Jon Rauch (WAS), Joel Zumaya (DET), Brian Wilson (SFG), Akinori Otsuka (TEX).
All but Rauch and Wilson are for injury risks. Wilson may take over for Armando Benitez just because, while Rauch may close if the Nats trade Cordero.
If you missed any of our coverage, just hit the label at the bottom of the article to bring up all of the coverage.
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
The Phanatic rounds out its fantasy coverage with a look at relief pitchers. The RP spots in your lineup are designed, obviously, to give you saves via closers. They can also be used on middle relief pitchers who won't hurt your ERA and WHIP and can get you some garbage wins every now and then. However, every roster should sport at least two closers, and one must pay close attention to those players. Keep an eye on your pitcher's health and closer status. Pounce on backups with good chances of taking over the closing spot, and if you have an injury-risk on your squad, always keep his backup as they get picked up quick in every league.
Wiley's List
1) Francisco Rodriguez (LAA) - Was simply awesome in the second half last year. If that carries overs, he's the best of the bunch.
2) Joe Nathan (MIN) - Year in and year out he gets the job done.
3) B.J. Ryan (TOR) - He was lights out in his first year in Toronto.
4) Mariano Rivera (NYY) - The best of all-time. He's in a contract year.
5) Jonathan Paplebon (BOS) - Welcome back to the bullpen.
6) Billy Wagner (NYM) - He'll blow his share, but most from this point down are going to blow a good deal.
7) J.J. Putz (SEA) - Recent arm problems are a concern.
8) Trevor Hoffman (SDP) - We keep waiting for him to lose it, but he doesn't.
9) Takashi Saito (LAD) - Dodgers will be good and he's the one closing the games.
10) Huston Street (OAK) - He blew a lot of saves last year (11). If that drops this year, he'll be one of the best.
11) Chris Ray (BAL) - Second season as closer might result in less results.
12) Chad Cordero (WAS) - Washington stinks, but the games they win he'll at least have a chance to close.
The other 13-20: Brian Fuentes (COL), Francisco Cordero (MIL), Bobby Jenks (CWS), Tom Gordon (PHI), Brad Lidge (HOU), Jose Valverde (ARI); Todd Jones (DET); Bob Wickman (ATL).
Rushton's List
1) Nathan - A lot of saves without the WHIP. Strikes out a fair share as well.
2) Rodriguez - They call him K-Rod for a reason.
3) Ryan - Earned his money last season with 38 saves and a minuscule ERA.
4) Paplebon - Should be just as good as last year and must have the confidence.
5) Rivera - Don't count out one of the best ever.
6) Street - Should return to form after injuries and sophomore slump.
7) Wagner - Seems to get into jams a lot, but will still blow it by people.
8) Saito - I fell in love last season with this guy -- in a fantasy sort of way.
9) Hoffman - Should start his decline this season.
10) Putz - Draft his backup and hope for good health and 35 saves.
11) F. Cordero - Turned it around in Milwaukee and should still have advantage over new hitters.
12) C. Cordero - Gets it done when he has the chance.
The other 13-20: Ray, Jenks, Fuentes, Gordon, Eric Gagne (TEX), Wickman, Jones, Valverde.
Draft these backups: Chris Reitsma (SEA), Jon Rauch (WAS), Joel Zumaya (DET), Brian Wilson (SFG), Akinori Otsuka (TEX).
All but Rauch and Wilson are for injury risks. Wilson may take over for Armando Benitez just because, while Rauch may close if the Nats trade Cordero.
If you missed any of our coverage, just hit the label at the bottom of the article to bring up all of the coverage.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Baseball
Today's position: SP
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
How you address your pitching situation largely depends on what type of league you are in. In a roto league, depth is less of a concern because it is your total numbers that matter, not how a pitcher does on a week-to-week basis. This allows you ride hot arms for a stretch, discard, and repeat. However, in a head-to-head situation, you need to maximize your best pitchers for a seven-day span. If Brandon Webb has a bad week, it could cost you three categories. However, if his struggles are offset by Scott Kazmir's strong week, you should be sitting pretty.
Wiley's List
1) Johan Santana (MIN) - The best of the bunch. Only pitcher worth taking in the first round. No other pitcher is worth taking until at least the third round.
2) Chris Carpenter (STL) - Has been real solid the last few years, but don't feel the need to draft him too high.
3) Carlos Zambrano (CHC) - I'm betting this is going to be his best season yet. He's pitching for a big contract and seems to have finally tempered his emotions.
4) Roy Oswalt (HOU) - He has it all for a fantasy starter. A shaky bullpen is his one setback.
5) Brandon Webb (ARI) - Nasty sinker doesn't yield many home runs. His K-to-BB ratio has improved ever year as well. Last year's Cy Young campaign wasn't a fluke, he should be that good again.
6) Jake Peavy (SDP) - He'll bounce back from a poor 2006 campaign and again be one of the top pitchers in the NL.
7) Roy Halladay (TOR) - He's been one of the best (when healthy). Only down side is that his strikeout totals aren't high enough. Hitters make a lot of contact.
8) Jeremy Bonderman (DET) - Ace of the Tigers staff. One down side is he just signed a long-term deal which might drop his focus a bit.
9) John Lackey (LAA) - He's been fairly consistent over the past few seasons. The Angels will rely on him and he should answer the call. I'd expect about 15wins and a lower WHIP than usual.
10) Brett Myers (PHI) - Phils finally have the make-up to vie for division title and Myers is the ace of the staff. He lost weight in the off-season and is a workhorse. Expect a Cy Young-type season.
11) C.C. Sabathia (CLE) - Great second-half splits last year and posted a career- low ERA for the season. If he can do it again, look out.
12) Matt Cain (SFG) - Stud in the making. Averaged over a K/IP last season. He pitches in pitcher-friendly park and is poised for a big-time season
13) Scott Kazmir (TB) - What's not to like about this young lefty. If his arm can stay healthy he can be one of the best in the game.
The other 14-20: John Smoltz (ATL), Jason Schmidt (LAD), Felix Hernandez (SEA), Dan Haren (OAK), Chris Young (SDP), Justin Verlander (DET), Aaron Harang (CIN).
Rushton's list
1) Santana - Like Wiley says, only pitcher worthy of a first-round pick. High wins, low WHIP and ERA.
2) Zambrano - I'm buying the hype and this man wants to get paid. 200-plus strikeouts are a lock.
3) Carpenter - This is my consistency favorite for starting pitchers. You know what you are getting with Carpenter.
4) Oswalt - Hopefully, Houston's offense will win him some more games this season.
5) Peavy - Don't let him fall under your radar due to 2006 season.
6) Webb - Never count out a Cy Young winner.
7) Bonderman - A 24-year-old with a lot of strikeouts equals good pick.
8) Halladay - One more injury away from falling off the fantasy map. Take a chance but have a backup plan.
9) Myers - Pitching with purpose this season, just needs to corral emotions.
10) Lackey - Very underrated given his numbers last season that will only get better.
11) Smoltz - Even at 39, he is still dominating. Should turn in just under 200 Ks and the wins are always there.
12) Schmidt - Doesn't' need to adjust to a new league, or even a new division and will get more offensive support than in San Francisco.
13) Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) - Spring has shown he will live up the hype, plus, these hitters haven't seen him yet.
The other 14-20: Ben Sheets (MIL), Harang, Cain, Kazmir, Sabathia, Hernandez, Erik Bedard (BAL).
Phanatic Sleepers: Cole Hamels (PHI), Rich Harden (OAK), Matt Garza (MIN). Watch for Homer Bailey (CIN) for a deep rookie sleeper.
Remember, if you missed any of our other position lists, just bang the label line at the bottom of the article.
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
How you address your pitching situation largely depends on what type of league you are in. In a roto league, depth is less of a concern because it is your total numbers that matter, not how a pitcher does on a week-to-week basis. This allows you ride hot arms for a stretch, discard, and repeat. However, in a head-to-head situation, you need to maximize your best pitchers for a seven-day span. If Brandon Webb has a bad week, it could cost you three categories. However, if his struggles are offset by Scott Kazmir's strong week, you should be sitting pretty.
Wiley's List
1) Johan Santana (MIN) - The best of the bunch. Only pitcher worth taking in the first round. No other pitcher is worth taking until at least the third round.
2) Chris Carpenter (STL) - Has been real solid the last few years, but don't feel the need to draft him too high.
3) Carlos Zambrano (CHC) - I'm betting this is going to be his best season yet. He's pitching for a big contract and seems to have finally tempered his emotions.
4) Roy Oswalt (HOU) - He has it all for a fantasy starter. A shaky bullpen is his one setback.
5) Brandon Webb (ARI) - Nasty sinker doesn't yield many home runs. His K-to-BB ratio has improved ever year as well. Last year's Cy Young campaign wasn't a fluke, he should be that good again.
6) Jake Peavy (SDP) - He'll bounce back from a poor 2006 campaign and again be one of the top pitchers in the NL.
7) Roy Halladay (TOR) - He's been one of the best (when healthy). Only down side is that his strikeout totals aren't high enough. Hitters make a lot of contact.
8) Jeremy Bonderman (DET) - Ace of the Tigers staff. One down side is he just signed a long-term deal which might drop his focus a bit.
9) John Lackey (LAA) - He's been fairly consistent over the past few seasons. The Angels will rely on him and he should answer the call. I'd expect about 15wins and a lower WHIP than usual.
10) Brett Myers (PHI) - Phils finally have the make-up to vie for division title and Myers is the ace of the staff. He lost weight in the off-season and is a workhorse. Expect a Cy Young-type season.
11) C.C. Sabathia (CLE) - Great second-half splits last year and posted a career- low ERA for the season. If he can do it again, look out.
12) Matt Cain (SFG) - Stud in the making. Averaged over a K/IP last season. He pitches in pitcher-friendly park and is poised for a big-time season
13) Scott Kazmir (TB) - What's not to like about this young lefty. If his arm can stay healthy he can be one of the best in the game.
The other 14-20: John Smoltz (ATL), Jason Schmidt (LAD), Felix Hernandez (SEA), Dan Haren (OAK), Chris Young (SDP), Justin Verlander (DET), Aaron Harang (CIN).
Rushton's list
1) Santana - Like Wiley says, only pitcher worthy of a first-round pick. High wins, low WHIP and ERA.
2) Zambrano - I'm buying the hype and this man wants to get paid. 200-plus strikeouts are a lock.
3) Carpenter - This is my consistency favorite for starting pitchers. You know what you are getting with Carpenter.
4) Oswalt - Hopefully, Houston's offense will win him some more games this season.
5) Peavy - Don't let him fall under your radar due to 2006 season.
6) Webb - Never count out a Cy Young winner.
7) Bonderman - A 24-year-old with a lot of strikeouts equals good pick.
8) Halladay - One more injury away from falling off the fantasy map. Take a chance but have a backup plan.
9) Myers - Pitching with purpose this season, just needs to corral emotions.
10) Lackey - Very underrated given his numbers last season that will only get better.
11) Smoltz - Even at 39, he is still dominating. Should turn in just under 200 Ks and the wins are always there.
12) Schmidt - Doesn't' need to adjust to a new league, or even a new division and will get more offensive support than in San Francisco.
13) Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) - Spring has shown he will live up the hype, plus, these hitters haven't seen him yet.
The other 14-20: Ben Sheets (MIL), Harang, Cain, Kazmir, Sabathia, Hernandez, Erik Bedard (BAL).
Phanatic Sleepers: Cole Hamels (PHI), Rich Harden (OAK), Matt Garza (MIN). Watch for Homer Bailey (CIN) for a deep rookie sleeper.
Remember, if you missed any of our other position lists, just bang the label line at the bottom of the article.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Baseball
Today's position: OF
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Outfield is a spot that is going to let you fill some holes in your lineup. Obviously, go for the solid five-tool guys first to help across the board. Then, anticapate how you are going to fill your infield/catcher spots, and draft in the OF accordingly. If you weren't able to get a lot of power at the corners, get it here. If you need speed, there is plenty of available. Use the positions versatility to your advantage.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1) Alfonso Soriano (CHC) - He was a 40-40 player last year and that was in Washington. Imagine what he'll do with a good team.
2) Carl Crawford (TAM) - He's always been a stolen base machine. Expect his power numbers to jump this season, making him very valuable.
3) Carlos Beltran (NYM) - The lack of base stealing is a concern. But the Mets' lineup is stacked and he's in the middle of it.
4) Vladimir Guerrero (LAA) - He's still an offensive machine. He doesn’t have much around him though.
5) Grady Sizemore (CLE) - Good power, speed and average.
6) Lance Berkman (HOU) - The addition of Carlos Lee will only help him. Without protection last year he still went for 45/136/.313/90. Expect RS to improve with Lee onboard.
7) Manny Ramirez (BOS) - Injuries and devotion are a concern, but if healthy and focused he's still one of the best in fantasy.
8) Carlos Lee (HOU) - Might be down from a year ago. He gets off to good starts but fades. Plus is he's playing in Houston; minus is he's past his prime.
9) Matt Holliday (COL) - His star continues to rise. His home and away splits aren't the best, but he'll still go for 30 HRs and hit over .300.
10) Vernon Wells (TOR) - Might be a down year. He just signed the long-term contract so the desire isn't there, but he'll still go for 30 HRs and drive in over 100.
11) Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) - Contract year. He'll again vie for the batting title, score a ton of runs and give you some pop.
12) Jason Bay (PIT) - He'll benefit from the addition of LaRoche. He puts up solid numbers across the board.
13) Bobby Abreu (NYY) - If healthy, he has the potential to be one of the top four outfielders as far as fantasy production.
14) Andruw Jones (ATL) - Contract year. His power will be there, but as always the average won't.
15) Jermaine Dye (CHW) - He's in a contract year so expect a year like 2006.
16) Johnny Damon (NYY) - I'm sure you'll take a 20-20 player. Very solid.
17) Juan Pierre (LAD) - Speed, hits and runs scored. He is streaky and has less than zero power, but he is one of the top base stealers in baseball.
18) Gary Sheffield (DET) - Always has real good offensive production. Expect no different in Detroit.
19) Hideki Matsui (NYY) - He missed most of last season with an injury. When healthy he puts up very solid numbers for a No. 2 OF.
20) Alex Rios (TOR) - His second half numbers last season declined, which scares me a bit. But for the most part I expect a break out season.
The other 21-30: Magglio Ordonez (DET), Adam Dunn (CIN), Rocco Baldelli (TAM), Delmon Young (TAM), Chone Figgins (LAA), Torii Hunter (MIN), Corey Patterson (BAL), Michael Cuddyer (MIN), Nick Swisher (OAK), JD Drew (BOS).
Rushton’s List
1). Soriano - If you need to know why, you probably shouldn’t be doing fantasy baseball.
2). Guerrero - Hits anything in his path and gets it done every year. I’m big on consistency.
3) Beltran - Best five-tool guy in the outfield not named Soriano and is coming off a heck of a 2006 season.
4) Crawford - At 25, he is probably still a year away from hitting his prime, but that shouldn’t slow him down this year.
5) Sizemore - The dark horse of the Indian lineup.
6) Berkman - Is a nice pickup because he is OF eligible as well.
7) Abreu - Another five-tool stud. Doesn’t have an injury history, so spring setback just a bump in the road. Another model of consistency.
8) Wells - I’ll agree there is a scare coming off a long-term contract, but he helped save my season last year.
9) Ramirez - One of these years he is just going to quit. Probably not this season though.
10) Lee - Will get you a surprising amount of steals given his power.
11) Bay - I take pride that he was my sleeper pick a few years ago. Unfortunately, he is no longer a sleeper.
12) Holliday - Might be a product of Coors, but I don’t care.
13) Suzuki - He’ll help you across three categories (RS, AVG, SB) and is starting to fly under the radar a bit.
14) Jones - Gets it done with the bat and is playing for a deal.
15) Matsui - Don’t forget about him just because of his injury last season. Your average, home run and RBI totals will thank you.
16) Pierre - Should help you lock up the steals category, but will hurt you in power.
17) Damon - The catalyst to a very deep lineup.
18) Dye - Starting to enter the decline, but should have enough gas left for a good 2007.
19) Sheffield - Should bounce back from injury, plus Jim Leyland always gets the most out of his players.
20) Rios - Will be a steal for whatever club grabs him.
The other 21-30: Young, Hunter, Baldelli, Dunn, Patterson, Barry Bonds (SFG), Cuddyer, Swisher, Ordonez, Mike Cameron (SDP).
Phanatic Sleepers - Chris Young (ARI), Mike Cameron (SDP), Jeremy Hermida (FLA)…and hopefully Pat Burrell.
Remember, if you missed any of our other position lists, just bang the label line at the bottom of the article.
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Outfield is a spot that is going to let you fill some holes in your lineup. Obviously, go for the solid five-tool guys first to help across the board. Then, anticapate how you are going to fill your infield/catcher spots, and draft in the OF accordingly. If you weren't able to get a lot of power at the corners, get it here. If you need speed, there is plenty of available. Use the positions versatility to your advantage.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1) Alfonso Soriano (CHC) - He was a 40-40 player last year and that was in Washington. Imagine what he'll do with a good team.
2) Carl Crawford (TAM) - He's always been a stolen base machine. Expect his power numbers to jump this season, making him very valuable.
3) Carlos Beltran (NYM) - The lack of base stealing is a concern. But the Mets' lineup is stacked and he's in the middle of it.
4) Vladimir Guerrero (LAA) - He's still an offensive machine. He doesn’t have much around him though.
5) Grady Sizemore (CLE) - Good power, speed and average.
6) Lance Berkman (HOU) - The addition of Carlos Lee will only help him. Without protection last year he still went for 45/136/.313/90. Expect RS to improve with Lee onboard.
7) Manny Ramirez (BOS) - Injuries and devotion are a concern, but if healthy and focused he's still one of the best in fantasy.
8) Carlos Lee (HOU) - Might be down from a year ago. He gets off to good starts but fades. Plus is he's playing in Houston; minus is he's past his prime.
9) Matt Holliday (COL) - His star continues to rise. His home and away splits aren't the best, but he'll still go for 30 HRs and hit over .300.
10) Vernon Wells (TOR) - Might be a down year. He just signed the long-term contract so the desire isn't there, but he'll still go for 30 HRs and drive in over 100.
11) Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) - Contract year. He'll again vie for the batting title, score a ton of runs and give you some pop.
12) Jason Bay (PIT) - He'll benefit from the addition of LaRoche. He puts up solid numbers across the board.
13) Bobby Abreu (NYY) - If healthy, he has the potential to be one of the top four outfielders as far as fantasy production.
14) Andruw Jones (ATL) - Contract year. His power will be there, but as always the average won't.
15) Jermaine Dye (CHW) - He's in a contract year so expect a year like 2006.
16) Johnny Damon (NYY) - I'm sure you'll take a 20-20 player. Very solid.
17) Juan Pierre (LAD) - Speed, hits and runs scored. He is streaky and has less than zero power, but he is one of the top base stealers in baseball.
18) Gary Sheffield (DET) - Always has real good offensive production. Expect no different in Detroit.
19) Hideki Matsui (NYY) - He missed most of last season with an injury. When healthy he puts up very solid numbers for a No. 2 OF.
20) Alex Rios (TOR) - His second half numbers last season declined, which scares me a bit. But for the most part I expect a break out season.
The other 21-30: Magglio Ordonez (DET), Adam Dunn (CIN), Rocco Baldelli (TAM), Delmon Young (TAM), Chone Figgins (LAA), Torii Hunter (MIN), Corey Patterson (BAL), Michael Cuddyer (MIN), Nick Swisher (OAK), JD Drew (BOS).
Rushton’s List
1). Soriano - If you need to know why, you probably shouldn’t be doing fantasy baseball.
2). Guerrero - Hits anything in his path and gets it done every year. I’m big on consistency.
3) Beltran - Best five-tool guy in the outfield not named Soriano and is coming off a heck of a 2006 season.
4) Crawford - At 25, he is probably still a year away from hitting his prime, but that shouldn’t slow him down this year.
5) Sizemore - The dark horse of the Indian lineup.
6) Berkman - Is a nice pickup because he is OF eligible as well.
7) Abreu - Another five-tool stud. Doesn’t have an injury history, so spring setback just a bump in the road. Another model of consistency.
8) Wells - I’ll agree there is a scare coming off a long-term contract, but he helped save my season last year.
9) Ramirez - One of these years he is just going to quit. Probably not this season though.
10) Lee - Will get you a surprising amount of steals given his power.
11) Bay - I take pride that he was my sleeper pick a few years ago. Unfortunately, he is no longer a sleeper.
12) Holliday - Might be a product of Coors, but I don’t care.
13) Suzuki - He’ll help you across three categories (RS, AVG, SB) and is starting to fly under the radar a bit.
14) Jones - Gets it done with the bat and is playing for a deal.
15) Matsui - Don’t forget about him just because of his injury last season. Your average, home run and RBI totals will thank you.
16) Pierre - Should help you lock up the steals category, but will hurt you in power.
17) Damon - The catalyst to a very deep lineup.
18) Dye - Starting to enter the decline, but should have enough gas left for a good 2007.
19) Sheffield - Should bounce back from injury, plus Jim Leyland always gets the most out of his players.
20) Rios - Will be a steal for whatever club grabs him.
The other 21-30: Young, Hunter, Baldelli, Dunn, Patterson, Barry Bonds (SFG), Cuddyer, Swisher, Ordonez, Mike Cameron (SDP).
Phanatic Sleepers - Chris Young (ARI), Mike Cameron (SDP), Jeremy Hermida (FLA)…and hopefully Pat Burrell.
Remember, if you missed any of our other position lists, just bang the label line at the bottom of the article.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Baseball
Today's position: C
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
When to draft a catcher is a tough predicament. Outside of the top 3 in the position, the rest of the players on the board offer little difference in potential numbers. One key thing to look for is catcher eligible hitters who will see time at the DH or first base spots. If Joe Mauer or Victor Martinez falls to you at the right spot, pounce. Otherwise, wait, take a shot on a player you like, and hope he doesn’t do damage to your team.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1) Joe Mauer (MIN) - Expected to again be the top hitting catcher in the majors.
2) Victor Martinez (CLE) - Some more time at first base should help his offensive numbers.
3) Brian McCann (ATL) - Young and a good hitter. Expect him to come into his own this season.
4) Mike Piazza (OAK) - A full-time DH that qualifies at catcher -- jump all over him. An everyday bat behind the plate is rare.
5) Kenji Johjima (SEA) - Second year in the league should produce even better numbers.
6) Michael Barrett (CHC) - He has the ability to be one of the top offensive catchers, especially with the Cubs where so much effort will be put into stopping all the other hitters. As long as he doesn't take another foul ball off his nards, his numbers will definitely be better than last year.
7) Ramon Hernandez (BAL) - Plays in a shoebox.
8) Jorge Posada (NYY) - Power numbers are declining, but he's still better than most.
9) Russell Martin (LAD) - Young offensive minded catcher.
10) Ivan Rodriguez (DET) - He's going to be solid once again.
11) A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) - Surprisingly more productive than you'd think.
12) Paul Lo Duca (NYM) - Will get you plenty of average, but that's about it.
The other 13-20: Jason Varitek (BOS), Johnny Estrada (MIL), Jason Kendall (OAK), David Ross (CIN), Ronny Paulino (PIT), Bengie Molina (SFG), Brian Schneider (WAS), Chris Iannetta (COL).
Rushton’s List
1) Mauer - He’s the Chase Utley of this position. By far above the rest. A plus-300 average and a good RBI total are guaranteed.
2) Martinez - Just a small step behind Mauer, but should hit more home runs.
3) McCann - Has brought stability to Atlanta’s backstop. More power in the position.
4) Barrett - Hard-nose player right in the middle of a solid lineup. Will see a lot of runners on base at the plate.
5) Johjima - Delivered last year and has that first year in the states under his belt.
6) Rodriguez - Solid every year and is another catcher doing the first base thing.
7) Martin - Has youth and energy on his side.
8) Piazza - Good for the reasons Wiley indicated, plus, a stay in Oakland worked for Frank Thomas.
9) Posada - Age isn’t on his size anymore, but is another player who should see a lot of RBI opportunities.
10) Hernandez - A decent option behind the plate.
11) Pierzynski - Just hope he leaves the WWE tactics at home.
12) Varitek - Another player who just seems to come and play every year.
The other 13-20: Estrada, Lo Duca, Josh Bard (SDP), Gerald Laird (TEX), Kendall, Paulino, Iannetta, Ross.
Phanatic Sleepers - Estrada, Paulino.
*Remember, if you missed any of our other position lists, just bang the label line at the bottom of the article.
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
When to draft a catcher is a tough predicament. Outside of the top 3 in the position, the rest of the players on the board offer little difference in potential numbers. One key thing to look for is catcher eligible hitters who will see time at the DH or first base spots. If Joe Mauer or Victor Martinez falls to you at the right spot, pounce. Otherwise, wait, take a shot on a player you like, and hope he doesn’t do damage to your team.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1) Joe Mauer (MIN) - Expected to again be the top hitting catcher in the majors.
2) Victor Martinez (CLE) - Some more time at first base should help his offensive numbers.
3) Brian McCann (ATL) - Young and a good hitter. Expect him to come into his own this season.
4) Mike Piazza (OAK) - A full-time DH that qualifies at catcher -- jump all over him. An everyday bat behind the plate is rare.
5) Kenji Johjima (SEA) - Second year in the league should produce even better numbers.
6) Michael Barrett (CHC) - He has the ability to be one of the top offensive catchers, especially with the Cubs where so much effort will be put into stopping all the other hitters. As long as he doesn't take another foul ball off his nards, his numbers will definitely be better than last year.
7) Ramon Hernandez (BAL) - Plays in a shoebox.
8) Jorge Posada (NYY) - Power numbers are declining, but he's still better than most.
9) Russell Martin (LAD) - Young offensive minded catcher.
10) Ivan Rodriguez (DET) - He's going to be solid once again.
11) A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) - Surprisingly more productive than you'd think.
12) Paul Lo Duca (NYM) - Will get you plenty of average, but that's about it.
The other 13-20: Jason Varitek (BOS), Johnny Estrada (MIL), Jason Kendall (OAK), David Ross (CIN), Ronny Paulino (PIT), Bengie Molina (SFG), Brian Schneider (WAS), Chris Iannetta (COL).
Rushton’s List
1) Mauer - He’s the Chase Utley of this position. By far above the rest. A plus-300 average and a good RBI total are guaranteed.
2) Martinez - Just a small step behind Mauer, but should hit more home runs.
3) McCann - Has brought stability to Atlanta’s backstop. More power in the position.
4) Barrett - Hard-nose player right in the middle of a solid lineup. Will see a lot of runners on base at the plate.
5) Johjima - Delivered last year and has that first year in the states under his belt.
6) Rodriguez - Solid every year and is another catcher doing the first base thing.
7) Martin - Has youth and energy on his side.
8) Piazza - Good for the reasons Wiley indicated, plus, a stay in Oakland worked for Frank Thomas.
9) Posada - Age isn’t on his size anymore, but is another player who should see a lot of RBI opportunities.
10) Hernandez - A decent option behind the plate.
11) Pierzynski - Just hope he leaves the WWE tactics at home.
12) Varitek - Another player who just seems to come and play every year.
The other 13-20: Estrada, Lo Duca, Josh Bard (SDP), Gerald Laird (TEX), Kendall, Paulino, Iannetta, Ross.
Phanatic Sleepers - Estrada, Paulino.
*Remember, if you missed any of our other position lists, just bang the label line at the bottom of the article.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Phantic Phantasy Baseball
Today's position: 3B
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
While not as deep as first base, the hot corner is another position that can wait until later rounds depending on where you are drafting. The top 3 players at the position -- Alex Rodriguez, Miguel Cabrera and David Wright -- are all possible first-round picks and there are some solid (though some risky) talent after that. This is another position where you should look for power and RBI.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1) Alex Rodriguez (NYY) - Fortunately this isn't reality baseball. He's still a fantasy top-5.
2) Miguel Cabrera (Fla) - He's going to be good for a real long time. Remember he finished second for NL batting tile last year and went for 26/114/112.
3) David Wright (NYM) - Slow second half to 2006, but he's in the middle of areal good lineup.
4) Aramis Ramirez (ChC) - If you feel like waiting until June 1, he's your guy. He puts up huge numbers after slow starts.
5) Garrett Atkins (COL) - He's starting to take off and is at the prime age of27. Expect 30/125/.330/110.
6) Ryan Zimmerman (Was) - I really like this guy. I probably have him a little high considering the Nats don't have much around him, but expect30/110/.310/90.
7) Troy Glaus, (TOR) - Great for the power numbers. If his knees hold up he'll be good for 40/110/.270/100.
8) Scott Rolen, (STL) - A healthy Rolen is better than most. Just hope he's healthy.
9) Eric Chavez (OAK) - This guy should be anchoring the A's lineup, but was a disappointment last year. I expect a turnaround in 2007.
10) Chone Figgins (LAA) - Stolen bases, stolen bases, stolen bases.
11) Chad Tracy (ARI) - Entering his prime, 30/100/.300/100 is not out of reach.
12) Chipper Jones (ATL) - Another solid choice when healthy. Plus, the Braves always do well, don't they?
The other 13-20: Joe Crede (CWS), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Mark Teahen(KAN), Edwin Encarnacion (CIN), Hank Blalock (TEX), Melvin Mora (BAL), Bill Hall (MIL), Adrian Beltre (SEA).
Rushton's List
1) Cabrera - Less risky than A-Rod due to his more stable environment. I'll take consistency any day of the week.
2) Rodriguez - He just scares me. I can honestly see a critic-silencing monster season, or a woe-is-me Jeter doesn't like me slump. Still, he is one of the best in the game.
3) Wright - The long MLB season caught up to Wright last year, but he is a year older and has a great supporting cast.
4) Ramirez - I had to listen to Wiley complain about him all last season, then he traded him and Ramirez exploded. Too good of a story not to pass on.
5) Atkins - His numbers say he could be a product of Coors Field, but 14 of his 29 homers last season came on the road.
6) Glaus - Everything you want out of a third baseman. Power, RBI, and bad knees. Keep an eye on his SS eligibility as well.
7) Zimmerman - Is doomed by lack of surrounding talent in Washington.Otherwise, could be a top 5 third baseman.
8) Rolen - Good numbers with just a big of A-Rod drama (Rolen's manager doesn't like him). Hey, didn't he have a problem with Philly?
9) Figgins - The exact opposite of what you typically want in a third baseman,but will run your steals up.
10) Jones - I'm still waiting for the year I can count out the Braves. Not going to do it this year, though. Health with Chipper is an issue.
11) Teahen - The Alex Gordon hype has put Teahen under the radar. You would be smart to keep him on yours.
12) Tracy - Ultimate sacrifice of speed for power.
The other 13-20: Crede, Chavez, Encarnacion, Blalock, Morgan Ensberg (HOU), Aubrey Huff (BAL), Sanchez, Beltre.
Phanatic Sleepers - Wilson Betemit (LAD), Akinori Iwamura (TAM), Alex Gordon (KAN).
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
While not as deep as first base, the hot corner is another position that can wait until later rounds depending on where you are drafting. The top 3 players at the position -- Alex Rodriguez, Miguel Cabrera and David Wright -- are all possible first-round picks and there are some solid (though some risky) talent after that. This is another position where you should look for power and RBI.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1) Alex Rodriguez (NYY) - Fortunately this isn't reality baseball. He's still a fantasy top-5.
2) Miguel Cabrera (Fla) - He's going to be good for a real long time. Remember he finished second for NL batting tile last year and went for 26/114/112.
3) David Wright (NYM) - Slow second half to 2006, but he's in the middle of areal good lineup.
4) Aramis Ramirez (ChC) - If you feel like waiting until June 1, he's your guy. He puts up huge numbers after slow starts.
5) Garrett Atkins (COL) - He's starting to take off and is at the prime age of27. Expect 30/125/.330/110.
6) Ryan Zimmerman (Was) - I really like this guy. I probably have him a little high considering the Nats don't have much around him, but expect30/110/.310/90.
7) Troy Glaus, (TOR) - Great for the power numbers. If his knees hold up he'll be good for 40/110/.270/100.
8) Scott Rolen, (STL) - A healthy Rolen is better than most. Just hope he's healthy.
9) Eric Chavez (OAK) - This guy should be anchoring the A's lineup, but was a disappointment last year. I expect a turnaround in 2007.
10) Chone Figgins (LAA) - Stolen bases, stolen bases, stolen bases.
11) Chad Tracy (ARI) - Entering his prime, 30/100/.300/100 is not out of reach.
12) Chipper Jones (ATL) - Another solid choice when healthy. Plus, the Braves always do well, don't they?
The other 13-20: Joe Crede (CWS), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Mark Teahen(KAN), Edwin Encarnacion (CIN), Hank Blalock (TEX), Melvin Mora (BAL), Bill Hall (MIL), Adrian Beltre (SEA).
Rushton's List
1) Cabrera - Less risky than A-Rod due to his more stable environment. I'll take consistency any day of the week.
2) Rodriguez - He just scares me. I can honestly see a critic-silencing monster season, or a woe-is-me Jeter doesn't like me slump. Still, he is one of the best in the game.
3) Wright - The long MLB season caught up to Wright last year, but he is a year older and has a great supporting cast.
4) Ramirez - I had to listen to Wiley complain about him all last season, then he traded him and Ramirez exploded. Too good of a story not to pass on.
5) Atkins - His numbers say he could be a product of Coors Field, but 14 of his 29 homers last season came on the road.
6) Glaus - Everything you want out of a third baseman. Power, RBI, and bad knees. Keep an eye on his SS eligibility as well.
7) Zimmerman - Is doomed by lack of surrounding talent in Washington.Otherwise, could be a top 5 third baseman.
8) Rolen - Good numbers with just a big of A-Rod drama (Rolen's manager doesn't like him). Hey, didn't he have a problem with Philly?
9) Figgins - The exact opposite of what you typically want in a third baseman,but will run your steals up.
10) Jones - I'm still waiting for the year I can count out the Braves. Not going to do it this year, though. Health with Chipper is an issue.
11) Teahen - The Alex Gordon hype has put Teahen under the radar. You would be smart to keep him on yours.
12) Tracy - Ultimate sacrifice of speed for power.
The other 13-20: Crede, Chavez, Encarnacion, Blalock, Morgan Ensberg (HOU), Aubrey Huff (BAL), Sanchez, Beltre.
Phanatic Sleepers - Wilson Betemit (LAD), Akinori Iwamura (TAM), Alex Gordon (KAN).
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Baseball
Today's position: SS
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
When you pick a shortstop depends on what you need out of them. If you need steals, you are going to have to look early. Some probably goes for power. However, there is enough talent at the bottom end of the list that you can wait if you just need some players to boost your team average and runs scored. Use the position’s versatility in your favor.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1). Jose Reyes (NYM) - Top 10 player. Somewhere around 20 HRs, 60 SB and 125 RS is awesome.
2). Derek Jeter (NYY) - Once again, expect a strong all-around offensive season.
3). Miguel Tejada (BAL) - Hands down will have the best power numbers of all the shortstops.
4). Jimmy Rollins (PHI) - Whether he's at the top or in the middle of the lineup, he's sure to benefit from Utley and Howard.
5).Hanley Ramirez (FLA) - Sky's the limit for this youngster. He'll score a ton and get on base.
6). Michael Young (TEX) - Down power year in 2006, but his average was still good and RBI were high enough to expect more HRs this year.
7). Rafael Furcal (LAD) - He frustrates fantasy owners to no end, but always ends up with decent numbers.
8). Troy Glaus (TOR) - If he qualifies at SS in your league jump on him. Only Tejada will hit more HRs at the position.
9). Carlos Guillen (DET) - Strong numbers 20/80/.315/100/20. Not going to get those steady numbers from many.
10). Edgar Renteria (ATL) - He'll be solid enough. He'll get on base and score at least 100 runs.
11). Bobby Crosby (OAK) - I expect a complete bounce back from some injury plagued seasons. He could be a steal.
12). Stephen Drew (ARI) - He could become a real good player. I'm not too high on other at the position so why not grab him.
13-20 - Julio Lugo (BOS), Orlando Cabrera (LAA), Felipe Lopez (WAS), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Jhonny Peralta (CLE), Bill Hall (MIL), Yuniesky Bentancourt (SEA), Jason Bartlett (MIN).
Rushton’s List
1). Reyes - You hate him as a Phillies fan, but when it comes to fantasy you have to get the best. Reyes just may be the best.
2). Jeter - Stays in the number two spot because of the Yankee lineup. That being said, if you want consistency, Jeter is your guy.
3). Rollins - One of these years, Rollins is going to hit in April what he does in September. Also, with a new first base coach, he should run a lot this season.
4). Tejada - He is breaking down and it is only a matter of time before he becomes a DH. Still has good power for the position though.
5). Young - Much like Jeter, is a model for consistency. Doesn’t run though and has a new extension. Still solid though.
6). Ramirez - You have to love him for his youthful energy and five-tools. Will give you a ton of steals.
7) Guillen - Often goes over looked in a lot of drafts. Should be your gain.
8) Renteria - When the Braves are hot, he will benefit. Will help your AVG, RS and RBI.
9) Furcal - Is madly inconsistent, but will give you SB and RS.
10) Lopez - This will be his last year of SS eligibility, so use it while you can. Hey, somebody in Washington has to do something, right?
11) Drew - If he lives up to the hype, watch out. Might give you everything but steals.
12) Crosby - I’ve given up on him because of his injuries, but that doesn’t mean you have to.
13-20 - Lugo, Cabrera, Peralta, Hall, Omar Vizquel (SFG), Bartlett, Khalil Greene (SDP), Juan Uribe (CWS).
Phanatic Sleepers - Crosby, Drew, Peralta. Troy Tulowitzki of Colorado is a long-shot rookie sleeper.
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
When you pick a shortstop depends on what you need out of them. If you need steals, you are going to have to look early. Some probably goes for power. However, there is enough talent at the bottom end of the list that you can wait if you just need some players to boost your team average and runs scored. Use the position’s versatility in your favor.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1). Jose Reyes (NYM) - Top 10 player. Somewhere around 20 HRs, 60 SB and 125 RS is awesome.
2). Derek Jeter (NYY) - Once again, expect a strong all-around offensive season.
3). Miguel Tejada (BAL) - Hands down will have the best power numbers of all the shortstops.
4). Jimmy Rollins (PHI) - Whether he's at the top or in the middle of the lineup, he's sure to benefit from Utley and Howard.
5).Hanley Ramirez (FLA) - Sky's the limit for this youngster. He'll score a ton and get on base.
6). Michael Young (TEX) - Down power year in 2006, but his average was still good and RBI were high enough to expect more HRs this year.
7). Rafael Furcal (LAD) - He frustrates fantasy owners to no end, but always ends up with decent numbers.
8). Troy Glaus (TOR) - If he qualifies at SS in your league jump on him. Only Tejada will hit more HRs at the position.
9). Carlos Guillen (DET) - Strong numbers 20/80/.315/100/20. Not going to get those steady numbers from many.
10). Edgar Renteria (ATL) - He'll be solid enough. He'll get on base and score at least 100 runs.
11). Bobby Crosby (OAK) - I expect a complete bounce back from some injury plagued seasons. He could be a steal.
12). Stephen Drew (ARI) - He could become a real good player. I'm not too high on other at the position so why not grab him.
13-20 - Julio Lugo (BOS), Orlando Cabrera (LAA), Felipe Lopez (WAS), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Jhonny Peralta (CLE), Bill Hall (MIL), Yuniesky Bentancourt (SEA), Jason Bartlett (MIN).
Rushton’s List
1). Reyes - You hate him as a Phillies fan, but when it comes to fantasy you have to get the best. Reyes just may be the best.
2). Jeter - Stays in the number two spot because of the Yankee lineup. That being said, if you want consistency, Jeter is your guy.
3). Rollins - One of these years, Rollins is going to hit in April what he does in September. Also, with a new first base coach, he should run a lot this season.
4). Tejada - He is breaking down and it is only a matter of time before he becomes a DH. Still has good power for the position though.
5). Young - Much like Jeter, is a model for consistency. Doesn’t run though and has a new extension. Still solid though.
6). Ramirez - You have to love him for his youthful energy and five-tools. Will give you a ton of steals.
7) Guillen - Often goes over looked in a lot of drafts. Should be your gain.
8) Renteria - When the Braves are hot, he will benefit. Will help your AVG, RS and RBI.
9) Furcal - Is madly inconsistent, but will give you SB and RS.
10) Lopez - This will be his last year of SS eligibility, so use it while you can. Hey, somebody in Washington has to do something, right?
11) Drew - If he lives up to the hype, watch out. Might give you everything but steals.
12) Crosby - I’ve given up on him because of his injuries, but that doesn’t mean you have to.
13-20 - Lugo, Cabrera, Peralta, Hall, Omar Vizquel (SFG), Bartlett, Khalil Greene (SDP), Juan Uribe (CWS).
Phanatic Sleepers - Crosby, Drew, Peralta. Troy Tulowitzki of Colorado is a long-shot rookie sleeper.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Phanatic Phantasy Baseball
Today's position: 2B
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Drafting a second baseman is like buying a new suit. If you don’t go all out and get a really nice one then you might as well go to a the hand-me-down store. The lack of quality second baseman available year after year is stunning. Unless you get one of the top three players in the draft, you might as well put it on the back burner, because the difference between drafting Dan Uggla and Ian Kinsler is pretty slim.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1). Chase Utley (PHI) - Head and shoulders the best of the bunch. The rest is a crap-shoot.
2). Brian Roberts (BAL) - Speed, average, runs scored, some power potential.
3). Rickie Weeks (Mil) - Has speed and power. Lacks the average you'd expect.
4). Robinson Cano (NYY) - Hit .342 last season. His powers numbers should improve.
5). Chone Figgins (LAA) - Qualifies at 2B in some leagues. His stolen base total makes him this valuable.
6). Dan Uggla (FLA) - Monster rookie year. I'm expecting a down year. But who else is there?
7). Ray Durham (SFG) - Seems to always have a good year. He'll be a safe choice.
8). Ian Kinsler (TEX) - Is rounding into a nice option. He'll be hitting in front of Young and Teixeira.
9). Julio Lugo (BOS) - Decent at best. Might give you a lot of runs scored.
10). Jorge Cantu (TAM) - Really bad 2006. Has big-time power potential for 2B.
11). Josh Barfield (CLE) - Don’t know why the Padres traded him. I'd give him a shot, though. He might surprise in the power department.
12). Jeff Kent (LAD) - He's on the decline.
The other 13-20: Brandon Phillips (CIN), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Tadahito Iguchi (CHW), Marcus Giles (SDP), Chris Burke (HOU), Luis Castillo (MIN), Orlando Hudson (ARI), Ryan Freel (CIN).
Rushton’s List
1) Utley - Will put up great numbers for his position. Get him in the first round and have an instant advantage.
2). Cano - I bash Cano as a product of the Yankees lineup, but does that matter in fantasy? Just look at his supporting cast.
3) Roberts - Will get you steals and will put some balls in the seats.
4) Weeks - An injury risk, but worth it.
5) Figgins - We’re putting him on this list because of lack of depth.
6) Kinsler - Is another nice player who will benefit from depth in the lineup.
7) Uggla - Will be tough to duplicate last season but could be worth the chance.
8) Phillps - Came out of nowhere last year. Hopefully if you take him, your team will end up somewhere.
9) Iguchi - You will love his consistency.
10) Cantu - Injuries are to blame for last year. Hope he rebounds.
11) Barfield - Will look to prove himself after being traded. Has a nice swing.
12) Kent - 39 and coming of an injury season. Won’t see his name on this list next year.
The other 13-20: Durham, Lugo, Sanchez, Burke, Freel, Hudson, Giles, Castillo.
Phanatic Sleepers: Yikes. With the lack of any really good 2B, Barfield (CLE), Phillips (CIN), Kinsler (TEX) might all qualify for this. Boston’s Dustin Pedroia is a long-shot rookie sleeper.
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Drafting a second baseman is like buying a new suit. If you don’t go all out and get a really nice one then you might as well go to a the hand-me-down store. The lack of quality second baseman available year after year is stunning. Unless you get one of the top three players in the draft, you might as well put it on the back burner, because the difference between drafting Dan Uggla and Ian Kinsler is pretty slim.
Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)
Wiley’s List
1). Chase Utley (PHI) - Head and shoulders the best of the bunch. The rest is a crap-shoot.
2). Brian Roberts (BAL) - Speed, average, runs scored, some power potential.
3). Rickie Weeks (Mil) - Has speed and power. Lacks the average you'd expect.
4). Robinson Cano (NYY) - Hit .342 last season. His powers numbers should improve.
5). Chone Figgins (LAA) - Qualifies at 2B in some leagues. His stolen base total makes him this valuable.
6). Dan Uggla (FLA) - Monster rookie year. I'm expecting a down year. But who else is there?
7). Ray Durham (SFG) - Seems to always have a good year. He'll be a safe choice.
8). Ian Kinsler (TEX) - Is rounding into a nice option. He'll be hitting in front of Young and Teixeira.
9). Julio Lugo (BOS) - Decent at best. Might give you a lot of runs scored.
10). Jorge Cantu (TAM) - Really bad 2006. Has big-time power potential for 2B.
11). Josh Barfield (CLE) - Don’t know why the Padres traded him. I'd give him a shot, though. He might surprise in the power department.
12). Jeff Kent (LAD) - He's on the decline.
The other 13-20: Brandon Phillips (CIN), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Tadahito Iguchi (CHW), Marcus Giles (SDP), Chris Burke (HOU), Luis Castillo (MIN), Orlando Hudson (ARI), Ryan Freel (CIN).
Rushton’s List
1) Utley - Will put up great numbers for his position. Get him in the first round and have an instant advantage.
2). Cano - I bash Cano as a product of the Yankees lineup, but does that matter in fantasy? Just look at his supporting cast.
3) Roberts - Will get you steals and will put some balls in the seats.
4) Weeks - An injury risk, but worth it.
5) Figgins - We’re putting him on this list because of lack of depth.
6) Kinsler - Is another nice player who will benefit from depth in the lineup.
7) Uggla - Will be tough to duplicate last season but could be worth the chance.
8) Phillps - Came out of nowhere last year. Hopefully if you take him, your team will end up somewhere.
9) Iguchi - You will love his consistency.
10) Cantu - Injuries are to blame for last year. Hope he rebounds.
11) Barfield - Will look to prove himself after being traded. Has a nice swing.
12) Kent - 39 and coming of an injury season. Won’t see his name on this list next year.
The other 13-20: Durham, Lugo, Sanchez, Burke, Freel, Hudson, Giles, Castillo.
Phanatic Sleepers: Yikes. With the lack of any really good 2B, Barfield (CLE), Phillips (CIN), Kinsler (TEX) might all qualify for this. Boston’s Dustin Pedroia is a long-shot rookie sleeper.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Phantic Phantasy Baseball
The Phanatic Magazine kicks off its fantasy baseball coverage today. Staff writers Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley will unleash their position-by-position rankings over the next week and a half to help you get prepared.
And of course, look for Wiley and Rushton to give you updated fantasy rants throughout the season, especially Wiley, who will look to have his "Papa Bear" squad rebound from last season's disappointing finish.
Today's position: 1B
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
First base is a deep, yet important position in fantasy baseball. Power and runs batted in are two important categories to look for when selecting a first baseman for your team, but there are enough sluggers at first that average should be taken into account as well. Pay close attention to this position in your draft, as a big injury or sub par performance can be deadly to your team's playoff chances.
Legend: HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB
Wiley's List
1) Albert Pujols (STL) - Stud. Best position player available. Only question is his health. Missed time last year with strained oblique.
2) Ryan Howard (PHI) - Overall top 5 player. He's been a bit cranky over the lack of a big contract offer. I like guys playing for a contract. Expect big numbers again. If he gets lineup protection, expect even more.
3) Lance Berkman (HOU) - The addition of Carlos Lee will only help him. Without protection last year he still went for 45/136/.313/90. Expect RS to improve with Lee on board.
4) David Ortiz (BOS) - Expect Big Papi's numbers to start to decrease from his 54/137/.287/115 last season, but 45/125/.280/110 is still better than most. Berkman gets the nod over him because of average.
5) Justin Morneau (MIN) - AL MVP. He turns 27 this season. That's the age when players start their peak. Expect better than his 34/130/.321/97 from 2006.
6) Mark Teixeira (TEX) - Started last year poorly, but his numbers were still solid. Currently in his prime, 40/130/.300/100 are within reach.
7) Derrek Lee (CHC) - Coming off injured plagued season. With Soriano and Aramis in lineup he should pick up where he left off in 2005.
8) Carlos Delgado (NYM) - Keep this in mind -- a player's first year in NYC is his worst. Last year he went for 38/114/.265/89. Those numbers should improve this year.
9) Paul Konerko (CHW) - His numbers will start to decline, but expect similar to last year, which is good enough.
10) Adrian Gonzalez (SDP) - At 25 years old and with a sweet swing, expect career numbers. Only down side is PETCO Park.
11) Prince Fielder (MIL) - I like him a lot. He's got a good eye, hits for average and his power numbers will continue to improve.
12) Adam LaRoche (PIT) - Pirates were high enough on him to trade Mike Gonzalez for him, but I'm not completely sold. Expect good fantasy numbers, but I wouldn't rely on him as a starting fantasy 1B, Corner infield spot is perfect.
The others 13-20: Nick Swisher (OAK), Richie Sexson (Sea), Todd Helton (Col), Jason Giambi (NYY), Lyle Overbay (Tor), Nomar Garciaparra (LAD), Mike Jacobs (FLA), Conor Jackson (ARI).
Rushton's List
1) Pujols - To be the best, you have to beat the best. Pujols is still the best. Don't be scared off by last year's injury. Should go number 1 overall in most drafts.
2) Howard - Has high expectations this year, but has ability to deliver. Just hope pitchers haven't figured him out yet.
3) Ortiz - Is due for a down year, but it won't be this season. One of the top clutch hitters in baseball.
4) Morneau - Never count out an MVP winner. Perfect blend of average and power potential.
5) Berkman - Has eligibility in OF too but will serve well as your first baseman. Hitting in Houston helps, as will the addition of Carlos Lee.
6) Teixeira - Was invisible in the first half last season, but really turned it on in the second. Teixeira is nice and snug in a powerful Texas lineup.
7) Lee - Will be a steal this year, as he was two years ago. Chicago's lineup is loaded and you can't assume Lee will get hurt again.
8) Delgado - His age is a concern (34), as is his wrist, but still has nice power potential until further notice. Will also see a lot of RBI opportunity.
9) Konerko - Greatly benefits from a hitter-friendly park and a healthy Jim Thome. Has 40 home run potential.
10) Giambi - Let's just assume he is clean. His power rebounded last year, but his .253 average last season will scare some people off.
11) Fielder - Wore down last year but has no where to go but up. Milwaukee could be surprise team of 2007 and Fielder will play a big part in that.
12) Helton - Is obviously on the decline, but a trade to say, Boston, at some point could rejuvenate him.
13-20: Gonzalez, LaRoche, Overbay, Sexson, Swisher, Jacobs, Jackson, Garciaparra.
Phanatic Sleepers: Howie Kendrick (LAA), Ryan Shealy (KC) *Nick Johnson (Was)
*Not expected to start seaosn b/c of injury.
Important note: Be sure to check your league eligibility rules to determine whether Jim Thome, Travis Hafner and Frank Thomas are eligible for 1B. The following list was compiled assuming they were not. However, all three players are top 20 first baseman if your league allows it.
And of course, look for Wiley and Rushton to give you updated fantasy rants throughout the season, especially Wiley, who will look to have his "Papa Bear" squad rebound from last season's disappointing finish.
Today's position: 1B
By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
First base is a deep, yet important position in fantasy baseball. Power and runs batted in are two important categories to look for when selecting a first baseman for your team, but there are enough sluggers at first that average should be taken into account as well. Pay close attention to this position in your draft, as a big injury or sub par performance can be deadly to your team's playoff chances.
Legend: HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB
Wiley's List
1) Albert Pujols (STL) - Stud. Best position player available. Only question is his health. Missed time last year with strained oblique.
2) Ryan Howard (PHI) - Overall top 5 player. He's been a bit cranky over the lack of a big contract offer. I like guys playing for a contract. Expect big numbers again. If he gets lineup protection, expect even more.
3) Lance Berkman (HOU) - The addition of Carlos Lee will only help him. Without protection last year he still went for 45/136/.313/90. Expect RS to improve with Lee on board.
4) David Ortiz (BOS) - Expect Big Papi's numbers to start to decrease from his 54/137/.287/115 last season, but 45/125/.280/110 is still better than most. Berkman gets the nod over him because of average.
5) Justin Morneau (MIN) - AL MVP. He turns 27 this season. That's the age when players start their peak. Expect better than his 34/130/.321/97 from 2006.
6) Mark Teixeira (TEX) - Started last year poorly, but his numbers were still solid. Currently in his prime, 40/130/.300/100 are within reach.
7) Derrek Lee (CHC) - Coming off injured plagued season. With Soriano and Aramis in lineup he should pick up where he left off in 2005.
8) Carlos Delgado (NYM) - Keep this in mind -- a player's first year in NYC is his worst. Last year he went for 38/114/.265/89. Those numbers should improve this year.
9) Paul Konerko (CHW) - His numbers will start to decline, but expect similar to last year, which is good enough.
10) Adrian Gonzalez (SDP) - At 25 years old and with a sweet swing, expect career numbers. Only down side is PETCO Park.
11) Prince Fielder (MIL) - I like him a lot. He's got a good eye, hits for average and his power numbers will continue to improve.
12) Adam LaRoche (PIT) - Pirates were high enough on him to trade Mike Gonzalez for him, but I'm not completely sold. Expect good fantasy numbers, but I wouldn't rely on him as a starting fantasy 1B, Corner infield spot is perfect.
The others 13-20: Nick Swisher (OAK), Richie Sexson (Sea), Todd Helton (Col), Jason Giambi (NYY), Lyle Overbay (Tor), Nomar Garciaparra (LAD), Mike Jacobs (FLA), Conor Jackson (ARI).
Rushton's List
1) Pujols - To be the best, you have to beat the best. Pujols is still the best. Don't be scared off by last year's injury. Should go number 1 overall in most drafts.
2) Howard - Has high expectations this year, but has ability to deliver. Just hope pitchers haven't figured him out yet.
3) Ortiz - Is due for a down year, but it won't be this season. One of the top clutch hitters in baseball.
4) Morneau - Never count out an MVP winner. Perfect blend of average and power potential.
5) Berkman - Has eligibility in OF too but will serve well as your first baseman. Hitting in Houston helps, as will the addition of Carlos Lee.
6) Teixeira - Was invisible in the first half last season, but really turned it on in the second. Teixeira is nice and snug in a powerful Texas lineup.
7) Lee - Will be a steal this year, as he was two years ago. Chicago's lineup is loaded and you can't assume Lee will get hurt again.
8) Delgado - His age is a concern (34), as is his wrist, but still has nice power potential until further notice. Will also see a lot of RBI opportunity.
9) Konerko - Greatly benefits from a hitter-friendly park and a healthy Jim Thome. Has 40 home run potential.
10) Giambi - Let's just assume he is clean. His power rebounded last year, but his .253 average last season will scare some people off.
11) Fielder - Wore down last year but has no where to go but up. Milwaukee could be surprise team of 2007 and Fielder will play a big part in that.
12) Helton - Is obviously on the decline, but a trade to say, Boston, at some point could rejuvenate him.
13-20: Gonzalez, LaRoche, Overbay, Sexson, Swisher, Jacobs, Jackson, Garciaparra.
Phanatic Sleepers: Howie Kendrick (LAA), Ryan Shealy (KC) *Nick Johnson (Was)
*Not expected to start seaosn b/c of injury.
Important note: Be sure to check your league eligibility rules to determine whether Jim Thome, Travis Hafner and Frank Thomas are eligible for 1B. The following list was compiled assuming they were not. However, all three players are top 20 first baseman if your league allows it.
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