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April 1st, 2009 kNuke
Rodney has been named the Tigers closer. He does have closer experience, but I wouldn’t expect him to remain the closer for the entire year. Expect 10 Saves and everything else after that as gravy and you’ll be fine.
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March 31st, 2009 kNuke
I love the way Ziegler throws; it just amazes me that a Major League pitcher can get guys out throwing an 85 mph fastball. He’s Oakland’s closer since Joey Devine is headed to the DL, but I wouldn’t expect the world out of him. 30 Saves sounds like the right amount.
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March 29th, 2009 kNuke
Kevin Gregg is now the closer for the Chicago Cubs. Gregg’s value skyrockets as he could notch 40 Saves on a long leash. If the leash is short, I still expect him to record 20 Saves minimum.
Sorry to all you Carlos Marmol Owners out there. But don’t panic and drop Marmol, he can still help you out and I think he’ll eventually take over the closer role as Gregg has proven to be erratic in the past.
FYI: If you have Marmol, you may want to make a speculative move and pickup Seth McClung. McClung could grab a few saves while Trevor Hoffman is on the DL.
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March 23rd, 2009 kNuke
Below are the guys I’m targeting in my 12-Team Fantasy Draft. The list includes Sleepers, Value Picks, and High Risk/Reward Guys.
Carl Crawford: Round 3
Crawford is prime for a bounce back year now that he’s healthy and not carrying the franchise on his back.
Prediction: .300 AVG, 110 R, 20 HR, and 50 SB
Brian Roberts: Round 4
Roberts is going to have another solid season.
Prediction: .300 AVG, 110 R, 15 HR, and 45 SB
Bob Abreu: Round 5 (Value Pick)
Abreu may be the most underrated Fantasy player in the past few years behind Melvin Mora. He’ll contribute in all categories.
Prediction: .300 AVG, 105 R, 105 RBI, 20 HR, and 15 SB
Chone Figgins: Round 8
I was torn between the speed of Figgins versus the production of Atkins in this Round. I chose Figgins, because I think Atkins will be traded at mid season, which drops his value for the year big time.
Prediction: .300 AVG, 110 R, and 50 SB
Erik Bedard: Round 12 (High Risk/Reward)
Bedard has the stuff to be a big time strikeout pitcher, but will he have the innings?
Prediction: 10 W, 180 IP, 170 K, 3.70 ERA, and 1.40 WHIP
Pablo Sandoval: Round 12 (Sleeper)
Sandoval should be an everyday player at 3B, but he has Catcher eligibility. By simply playing everyday, he’ll be in the Top 3 at the Catcher spot. One note, everyone seems to be on to this guy so if he’s snatched earlier than expected, target Chris Iannetta and his Frost Brewed 25 HR.
Prediction: .300 AVG and everything else is a Bonus
Lastings Milledge: Round 12
Milledge is going to start the season batting leadoff for the Nationals, but I doubt he’ll stay there all year. That means SB early in the season, RBI later.
Prediction: .280 AVG, 90 R, 75 RBI, 20 HR, and 30 SB
Willy Taveras: Round 16 (Value Pick)
If you are weak at SB at this point in your draft, Taveras will get you some SBs.
Prediction: .280 AVG, 100 R, and 50 SB
Mike Gonzalez, Joel Hanrahan, Frank Francisco, and Brandon Lyon: Round 17-19
All of these guys should be on your Saves Radar.
Prediction: 35 SV
Travis Hafner: Round 17-19 (High Risk/Reward)
If Pronk can stay healthy, he’ll produce decent numbers, but he does tie up that Utility spot.
Prediction: .290 AVG, 90 R, 100 RBI, and 30 HR
Chris Carpenter: Round 20 (Sleeper)
All reports indicate that Carpenter is good to go, but injury is always a concern.
Prediction: 12 W, 170 IP, 120 K, 3.50 ERA, and 1.30 WHIP
Adam LaRoche: Round 20-21
If you need HR help, LaRoche is a great pick to round out your draft.
Prediction: .275 AVG, 80 RBI, and 25 HR
Hope my list may help you out a bit. Good Luck this season!
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March 17th, 2009 kNuke
This may be a little late, but it’s still relevant if your draft is upcoming.
Matt Lindstrom
Lindstrom is out about two weeks with a strained rotator cuff. He is a fireballer, so I’d watch this situation closely. If healthy, he should be able to rack up about 30 saves. That’s great value from a late round selection, which is why I still think he’s worth drafting. Leo Nunez will get Saves in Lindstrom’s absence.
Manny Ramirez
Manny is out about a week with a tight hamstring. I wouldn’t worry about the injury too much as long as you expect Manny to play only about 140 games.
Chipper Jones
Chipper is out with a right oblique muscle strain. I’d stay away from Chipper as much as possible; Oblique strains are death to hitters.
Alex Rodriguez
Arod is out for about a month after hip surgery. I see alot of others suggesting he’s a “Bargain” in the 2nd round, but I wouldn’t touch the guy until the 5th round.
Cole Hamels
Hamels has a stiff elbow and may miss the Season Opener. I don’t see any indications of why he would be injured, but I’ll still drop him a couple rounds.
Johan Santana
Santana threw the other day without any elbow issues, but his fastball hovered below 90 mph. He is starting his decline ala Pedro Martinez. He’s still a #1 Fantasy SP, but I wouldn’t be surprised if his numbers start tailing off.
There are a lot of injuries occurring during this time of the year. Pay attention to lingering or past-related injuries, but don’t worry about the normal bumps and bruises.
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