AL East: Prospect Watch - David Price
David Price – Tampa Bay Rays
By: Kyle
Well, we may as well just start at the top. Not just the top of the AL East prospects either, this right here, this is the guy. You are probably either well aware of that, or wondering why the hell an A ball player is on the active roster in some of your leagues. No matter how much you know about him right now one thing is certain, you need to know about him.
I’ll try to keep this succinct, because it’s easy to ramble when you talk about this guy. So let’s bullet point it to keep on track.
• 2007’s #1 overall draft pick
• 22 years old (turns 23 August 26)
• 6′6″
• Left handed
• Three years of college ball
• College Player of the Year his final year (194 k’s, 31 walks in 133.1 innings pitched, 11-1 with a 2.63 ERA and a .94 WHIP)
• 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA in six starts at high A
• Called up to AA this past weekend
• Struck out Alex Rodriguez twice in an extended spring training game earlier this year
• Out pitched an admittedly rehabbing Pedro Martinez in his SECOND professional start
• On the insanely fast track to Tampa Bay
On the surface, there is nothing to not like about this kid. He’s big, he’s strong, and his years playing college ball only make him that much more ready to step up to the majors. He is everything you could want in a pitching prospect and more.
So where are the red flags? No one can be this good, can they? Well, he’s only started six games this season because he suffered a strained muscle around the elbow during the spring. Arm problems at this age can’t be a good sign. Fortunately though, it really doesn’t seem to have been more than just a strained/pulled muscle. No structural damage, nothing long term, nothing to worry about in the slightest. And amazingly, that’s about where the red flags end.
Mid to upper 90’s fastball, an above average change and what is supposed to be a devastating slider are the final things you should need to know before adding him to your keeper roster, if you haven’t already run to add him. Dynasty leaguers will have to trade to grab him, and they may want to make that move asap as it just isn’t gonna get any easier. David Price has as good a chance to be the best pitcher in the American League as any pitcher in baseball today. Get while the gettin’ is good.
Strategy: Bench Players
By: Matt “The Real” Diehl
A common challenge that any fantasy baseball manager faces is how to best utilize his bench spots. Though bench spots aren’t the most pivotal positions on your squad, they can and frequently are a deciding factor in determining a league winner. There are all types of strategies for these roster spots which include but are not limited to: all hitters, all pitchers, half and half, rookie-dominated, favorite player/team (even minor league) dominated, and DL hopefuls.
While having a group of your favorite players is good fun and players on the DL and rookies offer your team the potential for a shot in the arm down the road, these are far from the best strategies if your goal is to win the league. The main dilemma when it comes to these extra spots is how to distribute them between pitchers and hitters. When it really comes down to it, your main goal from these bench spots is to get as much value as possible.
The value that you get from players is determined by two things: how much they play and how well they do when they play. Bench hitters will only be able to start on your roster in at most 20-25% of their team’s games. If you’ve got a hitter on your bench that hits .300 with 20 HR and 80 RBI in a season, you’re only going to see .300 5 HR 20 RBI with average luck. You also have to consider that his average is affecting your team ¼ of that of a regular player.
In most fantasy leagues your team is allowed 200IP per each pitching spot on your roster. Starters are the only pitchers that eclipse (or really even come close to) this mark, meaning that if you’re playing (3-5) relievers as you should you are going to have at least 300-500 innings that you’ve got left over without even counting the DL stints and missed starts that you’ll inevitably run into over the course of a season. What’s more is that there’s no need to play starters when they’re not scheduled to pitch which leaves even more spots open every day. If you want to be near the top in your league in the cumulative stats (K’s and Wins) it’s essential that you use up every last IP that your pitchers are allowed.
This isn’t to say that you should simply rid yourself of the more valuable hitters on your bench, but there is no need to have more than one or two hitters riding the pine unless your league has a very extended bench. If you are allotted 1800IP (as in ESPN leagues) I suggest keeping 7 quality starters (but don’t just grab Joe Blanton or Daniel Cabrera for the sake of having another pitcher) and filling your bench with 4 or 5 relievers while starting the relievers every day and rotating starters in when it is their turn to pitch. There’s a good chance that you’ll run out of innings at some point in September, but it’s better to use all of your innings than to have some remaining. In mid-late August you can afford to trade away some of your better starters to improve your hitting for the quarter of the season in areas that you need help with in the standings.
NL West: Prospect Watch
By: Ryan Leach
When it comes to a prospect watch in the National League West the spotlight shines brightest on Max Scherzer. The righty has skyrocketed through the D-Backs system after being drafted 11th in the first round in the 2006 draft. He has made 3 stars this season and has performed well for one of the top pitching staffs in the majors. The only problem I see in Mighty Max is that he has Cy Young candidate Brandon Webb, First ballot hall of famer and Big Unit Randy Johnson, and Roy Hobbsesque Micha Owings in front of him. I think the rattlers descision to move him to the bullpen was not a good idea. The guy has starter in his DNA and they tried to create a cloned sheep by putting him in the pen. My only source of proof is his 5 earned runs in 2.1 innings in his first Tripple A start after the demotion.
Max should be snatched up in medium to high level leagues with deep rosters as well as most NL only leagues. I strongly believe this kid will carry Arizona to another division title. If hes available grab him. If not i’d say throughout a flyer like that 4th or 5th outfielder you have festering on your bench to get him. He will be a terror in September around playoff time in H2H and around the final weeks in roto league.
After Scherzer there are 4 other prospects that I see as potential helpers for your team in the second half of the season:
Clayton Kershaw SP (Dodgers)- A lot of people favor 3B Andy Laroche as the Dodgers top impact prospect for 2008, I disagree. Kershaw who is 0-1 with 4 no descisions in his first 5 major league starts has improved in his last 4 starts and would have had his first major league win if it wasn’t for an hour and a half rain delay that forced Joe Torre to keep him of the mound when play resumed. Chan Ho Park preceeded to blow the game for the Dodgers. Kershaw who wanted to go back in was polite in saying he was willing to do whatever “Mr. Torre” asked of him. Once he gets that first MLB W I expect him to settle in to the Dodgers rotation and help fantasy owners in NL only and deeper mixed leagues.
Ian Stewart 3B/2B (Rockies)- So far it has been a dissapointing year for Stewart who has bounced between the Rockies and their tripple A affiliate. He is blocked in his natural position by Garrett Atkins but many (myself included) see Stewart as the 3rd baseman of the future in the Mile High City. For now he’s playing at second and has struggled a bit at the plate since his last call up. He is hitting only .204 but has a career .304 average in the minors so expect that average to raise as he sees more MLB pitching. With his 2B eligibility he is someone to take a good look at for the 2nd half and the stretch run especially when the injured Rockies start to return from the DL.
Chase Headley 3B/OF (Padres)- The Padres who have once again struggled this year with offensive production especially in the PETCO Pitcher’s Paradise are hoping Headley is the Roy Hobbs talent they will need to climb back into the NL West or Wildcard race. As a Pads fan I am also hoping Chase gives them a spark but know that owners should look a little harder at him. He won’t be playing his natural position which is occupied by last year’s prospect de jour Kevin Kouzmanoff. He now will be in the outfield when hes on the field usually and a prospect is less valuable playing the outfield grass than settling into the dirt of the hot corner. He had good power in AAA but also had 65 K’s in 65 games. I’d say wait for him to show consistant production before picking him up or trading for him especially if your in a league where K’s by a batter are a catigory.
Nate Schierholtz/Brian Horwitz OF (Giants)- Yes, Schierholtz & Horwitz sounds like a personal injury law firm but one of them could help your team in August and Spetember. I don’t know which one of these players will become the main OF insert for Bruce Bochey yet and judging by his call up uncertainty neither does he. Horowitz got the call over Schierholtz and homered in his second game. One of these guys will be an everday player when the Giants ship Randy Winn off for prospects before the trade deadline which is expected. I think Schierholtz would be more consistant. He strikes out less and hits for a higher average. Horwitz rose through the system faster that Schierholtz which I think will come back to bite him when he has to face major league pitching. I wouldn’t sell any part of the farm to get either of these guys yet, but keep an eye on them and if you are injured on the job feel free to give them a call to get the settlement you desreve.
The Young Bucs
By: Aaron Rife
The Pittsburgh Pirates, under new management, have some nice pieces in their farm system to work with. Whether or not they will be able to make the right deals to finally turn Pittsburgh back in to a contender remains to be seen. Hitting has seemed to come around this year but the pitching is abysmal at best. Their most glaring weakness is starters ERA (5.35); that’s good for last in the majors. With decent bullpens (in MLB and AAA) and crowded outfields (MLB and AAA also) they need to go after some starting pitching. Here are the top 10 prospects in the Pirates organization.
10. Ronald Uviedo RP (Low A)- Possible closer of the future for the Pirates. Only 21 years old, playing low A ball for the Hickory Crawdads. Two years in the organization Uviedo has racked up 17 saves, 3.42 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and striking out 9.68 per 9IP. Uviedo has shown immaculate control walking only 16 batters in 79IP.
Best Case Scenario: Called up in 2009/2010 after the Pirates trade some middle relievers for more farm depth/starting pitching.
Worst Case Scenario: As always with young pitchers arm injuries are always a concern. He gets a lot of fly ball outs so there could be an increase in ER and HR allowed once he moves up into AA and AAA. Barring injury or total collapse he should be in the majors by 2011.
9. Brad Lincoln SP (Low A)- The 4th overall pick in the 2006 first year player draft, Lincoln missed all of 2007 following Tommy John surgery. Back on the mound this May and is looking good. Through 6 starts Lincoln is 2-3 with a 2.70 ERA in 33.1 IP. The big thing so far is only 3 walks in those innings. I’m huge on walks. If a pitcher can stay in control and work the strike zone with decent stuff, he’ll be at least a nice middle reliever. There’s some success rate for pitchers after TJ surgery and Lincoln is only 23 years old.
Best Case Scenario: Makes it to the bigs for a few starts in 2009 and in 2010 becomes a solid 2nd or 3rd starter for the Buccos.
Worst Case Scenario: Arm doesn’t hold up after surgery and he’s on and off the DL. In this case he’d probably do best as a middle reliever.
8. Miles Durham 1B (Low A)- 25 years old and has found his power stroke. His first half of Low A ball he produced a .337 AVG, 12 HR, 52 RBI, and an OPS of .953. He’s a little old to be in the team’s future plans but he could stick if this power isn’t a fluke.
Best Case Scenario: Gets bumped up to AA this year and continues to smash the ball. 2009 plays AAA and in 2010 breaks into the majors as a 27 year old.
Worst Case Scenario: This power surge is just a fluke and they find out he can’t hit better pitching. He fizzles out as just a fill-in AA/AAA player with the occasional call-up because of injury.
7. Daniel Moskos SP (High A)- A reliever at Clemson and the original management group intended to keep him in the pen. Huntington and his group had different ideas immediately making him a starter at the beginning of this year. He’s 6-3 with a 4.04 ERA in 13 starts for Lynchburg. Moskos has a nice GB/FB ratio (2.16) and strikes out at a good rate as well. A big concern for him will be getting his arm conditioned for starting games. His last outing was 7 2/3 so he might already be there.
Best Case Scenario: Ends 2008 making a couple of starts in AAA. Handles AAA well enough to get a spot start or two in 2009, eventually making the team as a 3rd/4th starter in 2010.
Worst Case Scenario: Can’t get his arm conditioned for the long haul. Injuries ensue and he has to work out of the bullpen. He could still be effective there.
6. Evan Meek RP (AAA)- Meek had a chance at the beginning of the year to stick with the team but failed badly. He was a Rule 5 draftee from Tampa so he was kind of thrown out there because the new management group really likes him. After getting sent down the Pirates worked out a deal to keep Meek in their organization. He should have been in the minors anyways for some seasoning. He started in AA and fared really well, working 16 innings and only walking three while striking out 17. Meek is a ground ball pitcher. Even when he was struggling with control in the majors his GB/FB ratio was well over 2. He has since been called up to AAA and his only outing there was fine. If he can get his walks down he has the stuff to be a reliable reliever. He has one thing on his side; management loves him.
Best Case Scenario: Pitches well in AAA and is called back up to the majors and redeems himself. He stays on as one of their workhorses in the pen.
Worst Case Scenario: Gets back to the majors and the control problems continue. There’s no room in the bullpen for walks. Back and forth from MLB to AAA and management gives up hope.
5. Jamie Romak OF (High A)- One of the many talented outfielders in the Pirates’ organization. Romak has shown he can hit for power (31 HR in 523 Abs) and this year is hitting for average (.294). With the abundance of OF talent in the organization he may find himself the odd man out (think Nyjer Morgan). He’s only 23 years old and the Pirates aren’t known for rushing players through the system. Look for him to reach the majors in 2010.
Best Case Scenario: He either gets traded to a team with a need or the Pirates trade someone and free up the log jam in the OF. Either case he should come on the major league scene around 2010.
Worst Case Scenario: He ends up stuck behind players his whole minor league career. He ends up being 28/29 before he gets his first real shot at big league ball.
4. Shelby Ford 2B (AA)- Ford is the best middle infielder in the organization. He has a little bit of pop, but not much (think 10-12HR). He hits for average, doesn’t strike out a lot, and has decent wheels (something the Pirates sorely lack). Once he gets up to the majors his defense will keep him around if his bat struggles.
Best Case Scenario: Sanchez or Wilson gets hurt or traded and they give Ford a shot (Bixler didn’t work out). More than likely he’ll end this year in AAA and be called up in September 2009.
Worst Case Scenario: Average fades and power becomes non-existent. His glove should still be good enough to be a utility player but not much more.
3. Neil Walker 3B (AAA)- He needs to get it together to stay on this list at all. He’s this high because he fills a big need in the organization. Since Aramis Ramirez was traded, the Pirates have been looking for a quality 3B to pencil in everyday. Walker could be that guy. He’s struggled this year however, batting .229 but has shown some power (10 HR, 15 doubles, 4 Triples). The power is there; he just has to get the average up. It might just take a September call-up to get his confidence back.
Best Case Scenario: Pirates are out of it (as usual) in September and he gets a chance. Shows that he can really play and he has the inside track for the starting spot in 2009.
Worst Case Scenario: Power stays but the average never comes around. He gets a shot at the majors but can’t get his average about .220 and the power isn’t worth it. The Bucs go in a different direction.
2. Andrew McCutchen OF (AAA)- Could be #1b but we’ll put him at #2 for consistency’s sake. The Pirates are last in the majors in stolen bases. McCutchen would help there immediately. He has proven he can hit for average, steal bases, and take walks. He has hit for power but that has dropped off this year. He’s also an amazing fielder. He’s still only 21 years old and has a lot of room to grow. He’s a 5-tool player and would be a nice weapon at the leadoff position. It would be a big surprise if he doesn’t get a call-up this year. Next year he’ll compete for a roster spot out of spring training.
Best Case Scenario: Someone gets traded at the deadline and he gets his chance this year. I can see him being a .300 avg, 100 run, 20 HR, 80 RBI, 40 steal guy by his 3rd season.
Worst Case Scenario: Obviously any injury to his legs/knees/hamstrings would hamper is ability to run but that would be the only thing to hold this phenom back. He’s going to be a stud.
1. Steve Pearce 1B/OF (AAA)- It was really close between him and McCutchen. Pearce had a monster 2007 season playing in all 3 levels in the organization: .333 AVG, 31 hr, 131 RBI, 14 SBs, 40 doubles, and an OPS over 1.000. A brief stint with the Pirates produced decent numbers in only 68 At-Bats. 2008 started with a nice preseason that had many people thinking he might make the MLB roster to start the year. However, the Pirates had other plans and sent him to AAA Indianapolis to start the year. He’s off to a slow start this year, hitting .255 with decent power and striking out more than before. With 20 doubles so far you know the power is still there. I figure if he stays in AAA the rest of the year he’ll end up with around 20-23 homers (8 now) and 90+ RBI. However, he should get at least a September call up, possibly sooner if LaRoche doesn’t get going like he usually does after the All-Star Break.
Best Case Scenario: LaRoche is traded for a starter and Pearce gets called up to split time at first with Mientkiewicz and Doumit. Doumit ends up getting injured and he gets a real shot. He proves that he belongs in the majors and starts 2009 as the opening day 1B.
Worst Case Scenario: Everyone stays put and he gets a late July/early September call-up. Splits time at first and in the OF and doesn’t fare too well. Starts out 2009 in AAA again and waits for an injury or trade to happen. Eventually makes it to majors and is a steady regular.
Player Spotlight: Gavin Floyd/John Danks
6.5, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5. The number of games back that the Twins, Indians, Tigers, and Royals sit respectively behind the White Sox who boast the single largest division lead in all of baseball. While not a player in their everyday lineup has posted an average on the favorable side of .300, the White Sox have eaten up competition with the ease of Takeru Kobayashi taking down a hot dog. Most of this unexpected success comes thanks to the efforts of the club’s starting staff who accrued a 3.35 ERA to this point; the best in the majors.
The familiar faces of Javier Vazquez and Jose Contreras have held up their end of the bargain to say the least, but relative newbies Gavin Floyd and John Danks have been the real key to the White Sox success so far.
The former Philly, Floyd, came to the windy city during the 2006/2007 offseason as the main token of the Freddy Garcia trade (which also happened to include Gio Gonzalez who has blossomed into one of the most prolific strikeout pitchers in the minors – and has since been traded to Oakland). After a promising beginning to his big league career in 2004, the Phillies grew weary of once heralded (#4 overall pick in 2001) prospect’s struggles in the 2005 and 2006 seasons during which compiled an ERA north of 8 in just over 80 combined innings of work. Floyd has shown the numbers of a dependable #2 or #3 starter this year as he has posted quality starts in 75% of his appearances highlighted by nearly completing a no-hitter against the Twins in early May. He’s yet to eclipse the 100 inning mark in his young career (he’s already thrown more innings and made more starts by mid-June than during any complete season in his career) so only time will tell if his early season success will be a reliable sign of good things to come. Even so, Floyd has a great chance to post a sub-4 ERA for the first time since his rookie year.
John Danks, similarly to Floyd, endured a less than impressive 2007 campaign after coming to the Sox during the 2006/2007 winter meetings. Despite his struggles during his rookie year (5.50 ERA, 1.54 WHIP), he’s proved his worth as a highly touted prospect this year by thus far recording an ERA of 3.13 and also fanning over 6.5 per 9. Danks was never known for posting a dominant ERA during his three year tenure in the minors, but could be counted upon to hold that in check while also, contrary to Floyd, posting impressive strikeout totals (over 9.0 K/9 in 5 of his 8 stops). Though it’s not likely for Danks to keep up his current pace, it’s certainly reasonable to see a 13-15 win, 3.80 ERA, 150 K season in his near future.
Stahl’s Bag
By: Kyle Stahl
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to me and my first piece. So, the reason it may seem I’ve got such an uncreative piece up here for my first post is because people want my help. Fact. They just cannot keep themselves from seeking out my advice. In all aspects of life actually, not just fantasy sports! The actual reason is, of course, I’m completely unimaginative and couldn’t come up with a good idea for this first piece if my life depended on it. Now sit back, relax, watch me rant and rave and perhaps, perhaps answer some questions. So in we go!
I have a question. What do you think of my giving up Scott Downs for Stephen Drew?
Drew and Renteria would split work at SS with occasional appearances at UTL (SS and C are the only positions where I have only one player eligible. But I feel better with only McCann than with only Renteria).
Downs is my semi-stopper along with Borowski and Wilson, and he helps hold down my ERA and WHIP.
I’m weak in SBs and SVs, and so I know this seems counter-intuitive. But I like having a full infield and Drew seems like a strong player. And I am still pursuing a deal for a third real stopper.
Do you think the deal is a fair one?
(Forgot to mention this is a very deep mixed 5×5 roto league)
- ericjlyman, espn.com
An interesting start to things here. Asking whether it’s fair. Simply put, no. Not even in the ball park of fair. ERA and WHIP are nice, but Downs’ 60-80 innings pitched just aren’t gonna be enough to put a real significant dent into things. Not compared to what Drew can not only do for you now, but more so in the future (if this is a dynasty/keeper, which I’m assuming it is). Downs’ real value as a setup/middle reliever is in holds, which isn’t a scoring category in your league, and that really hurts his value. While I would not argue against having him on your team, especially if this is indeed a “very deep” league, I cannot see anything even resembling fair in trading him for Stephen Drew.
That being said, feel free to try your hardest to pull off such a thing. I mean, if you can nab Drew at such a “low” cost, even with Renteria already on your team, pull that trigger. In this case, Downs’ value is still slightly high, the days of his picking up the odd save while B.J. Ryan worked his way back to full strength may still be fresh in some minds. But Downs hasn’t picked up a save in over a month, while grabbing six holds over that period. So you may be able to present the “illusion of value.” That can be more important than actual value in fantasy sports (by the way, the number one contributor to “illusion of value,” name recognition. In case you were wondering).
Fair or not, you’ve always got to do what’s best for your team. So worry not what the trade will do for the other team, if it’s even value, or anything of the sort. Make your team better. First and foremost. What would make this trade fair would be if the other guy is confused enough to accept it. In which case, get it approved immediately and drive Scott Downs to the airport yourself if need be.
I should note, I’m gonna speak in absolute certainties here, as best I can, but it’ll always just be, “in my opinion.” I’ll just present as if my opinion were certain fact. This is the internet after all.
I’ll also take a moment to address one of my causes for 2008. A lot of people step in and give their opinions on this and that, and stump for a cause they find to be worthy. I have a few, but I’ll just start with one for now…
Edinson Volquez.
See, now my spell check thinks that’s wrong. YOU think I spelled it wrong. I did not. There’s a “n” in there. Look it up. If we all tell just two people each, by the time the break rolls around… two more people will know his name is EdiNson, and he is not named after Thomas Alva Edison.
On a related note, yes, Thomas Edison’s middle name is Alva, not Alba. And in turn no, Jessica Alba is not named after him. I could keep going all night. Back to the questions!
I’m in a 20 team H2H league with Melvin Mora being injured-ish at third. So I ask, Russell Branyan?
- James
A question you should be asking. The quick answer is yes. Most certainly. On two conditions. If you can make that move without dropping Mora (say a fringe RP or third 1B) I would absolutely grab Russell Branyan. And, if Chase Headley is unavailable (which I have to assume he isn’t, though if he is, this is where the conversation ends while you run to pick him up).
Branyan has been exceptional since his call up, keeping in mind we’re looking at a very small sample size. But, as Mora is someone who doesn’t look like he’ll be missing too much time, Branyan is a great pickup to ride for a week or so. In fact, outside of a trade, I think he is the best/quickest/easiest fix for those owning the likes of Zimmerman or Bill Hall (outside of Chase Headley. Check again!), two others I would still be holding onto (out of stupid blind faith?), but are completely useless right now and in the near future.
Branyan has moved into the starting job at third in Milwaukee, while Bill Hall demands a trade and also fills it at second while Weeks is out. He’s been playing almost every day since his promotion, and since May 25, less than a month, he’s hit .302 with 7 home runs and an OPS of 1.180. That’s “pretty solid,” I’d say. In fact, over the same period, Mora is hitting .210 with 5 home runs and an OPS of .693. Even with a “Mora-ish” player, I think I’d be very interested in riding the Branyan wave.
Bottom line, don’t expect Branyan to keep this pace up, but don’t look the other way while he’s finding himself very comfortable in his newfound starting job. Unless, you know, Headley. Did I mention, GRAB CHASE HEADLEY!
Well that’s all I’ve got this week. Enough to get my feet wet. Enough to make it look like I wrote something. Enough to get you all salivating over my future features! Huzzah! Everybody wins!
AL West Draft Review
I figured I would start off the first edition of the prospect watch with a little insight into the MLB 2008 First Year Player Draft.
The Los Angeles Angels overall went very young this year and went after high ceiling Hurlers all the way throughout the draft. For having this strategy their first pick which didn’t come until selection number 74 was a little strange. Every other pitcher and I mean any other is prototype all the way, but not their first. Why? What did they see in this kid straight out of high school on the younger side even? I’ll tell you, Tyler Chatwood, out of Redlands East Valley HS (CA) is an exceptional pitcher for only being 5’11 175. He already has good command of his two plus pitches and has been working on a Slider to add to his Curve and Fastball with what I hear is coming along nicely. It is rumored in some scouting reports that he does not have a change-up per say but he has been experimenting with changing the speeds of his pitches at a very young age. When you look at him or watch him work out you see that he is a baseball player and has the athleticism to back it. This is a great pick for the LA Angels and should be a nice piece to their team at some point in the future.
Other noteable picks include Zach Cone, very high ceiling with many tools brought to the table. Gabriel Jacobo out of Jr. College has good power potential and also knows how to slap the ball around a bit. May need to work on his footwork in the infield but has potential to stay at 3B and not be converted to a 1B.
The Oakland Athletics had one of my favorite drafts yet again. They started off with a bang by selecting the highly touted Jemile Weeks with the 12th Pick overall. Jemile being the brother of Milwaukee Brewers Infielder Rickie Weeks. A lot of comparisons will be made between the two brothers but let me tell you that its what is different about them that makes Jemile special. Jemile Weeks is an excellent defensive Infielder, this might not excite all of us Fantasy Baseball players but it keeps him on the field more and in the batting order which is important. Jemile also hits for a much better average than his brother, he may not have the pop that his brother has but He could be an excellent defensive infielder that hts for average and brings on the high side 12HR in a season in his prime. He will steal enough to be relevant but not as much to think he could be a 20/20 guy anytime in the foreseeable future.
Other notebale pick include Preston Paramore fits the Joe Mauer mold, excellent defensive Catcher with high average potential. Tyson Ross fits the Randy Johnson mold of being towering on the mound with an imposing persona. Has all the makings to be something special but hold the phone his delivery may need to be tweeked otherwise top 20 pick potential with the 58th.
Clayton Kershaw Analysis
The Hardball Times goes into great detail analyzing whether or not Kershaw will be a success in the majors:
Health may be the only thing that could keep Kershaw from becoming a front line starter. Just how good Kershaw could become likely depends on the improvements he makes with his change-up and his command.
I’m a huge fan of prospects, but I’m also a bigger fan of winning now. I recently traded away Kershaw for Morneau, straight up, no questions asked, and have since turned Morneau into Cliff Lee, Paul Konerko and Andrew McCutchen. In the long-run, I think I got pretty good value for Kershaw. I’ll be missing the “oooo, I got Kershaw” factor but I have Lincecum on my teams for that!
Pitchers Who Will Continue Their Hot Streaks
Fantasy Baseball Generals has posted a round-up from their writers of who they think will continue their hot streaks through September:
I think Cliff Lee will continue to be a solid pitcher all season. A lot of his struggles last year can be blamed on his trouble versus lefty batters, who posted a .917 OPS against him in 2007. Obviously, they won’t continue to have a .290 OPS like they do right now, but from 2004-2006, lefties had .711, .800 and .728 OPS numbers and if he can match that he’ll be a good number two starter the rest of the way.
There are several other pitchers mentioned; a few who stand out are Zach Greinke, who didn’t get such a positive review but I feel he has the potential to continue to improve and become a top-20 pitcher by this time next year. Ervin Santana is another. I don’t trust him and he could implode at any minute and his K’s have been lower than normal, he can prove me wrong by continuing what he’s doing through the end of the year, with little regression.
Darrell Rasner has Luck on his Side
Crooked Pitch takes a look at Yankee’s call up Darrel Rasner:
Rasner’s hit rate (BABIP) is 19.5% (.195). He’s getting a lot of help from lucky bounces and fielding effect once his pitches are hit into play. His hit rate will normalize soon, and when it does, his ERA should start climbing.
His peripherals didn’t look good in the minors so I didn’t jump on him in any of the leagues I’m in. I’m getting tired of the, “he plays for a team who can get him runs, so he’ll get you wins, pick him up” cliche. He may have gotten you a few wins and decent ERA but I don’t think he’s worth dropping anyone for.