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The Atlanta Braves made a flurry of roster moves today, but I will focus on the acquisition of star outfielder Nate McLouth from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Braves, an offensively-challenged team, get a great mid-aged star to man their center field. However, this trade has some effect on the lineup as a whole (from a fantasy standpoint), so let’s take a look at what could change now that McLouth is a Brave.
Continue reading Braves Acquire McLouth: Offense Still Bad
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Today, we’ll resume a look at the five players you need to win your fantasy baseball league in 2009. Today, I will profile a second baseman that has put up some great numbers to date—Rickie Weeks, second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers.
To date, Rickie Weeks has a batting average at .282, with nine home runs, 28 runs, 24 RBI, and two stolen bases. Not a bad line for a former top prospect.
Unlike the two players that I profiled before in this feature, Rickie Weeks has actually put up some great numbers to date, and there are several signs that these numbers will continue at the current pace he has set for himself. OK, so he won’t hit 60 home runs, but he can be a rock-solid option at second base. Unlike your pre-conceived notions of Weeks as a batting average killer, he will actually put up a solid batting average this year.
Continue reading 5 Players You Need to Win Your Fantasy Baseball League, Part III: Rickie Weeks
Every time I glance at my fantasy baseball league’s waiver wire, I see the name “Shairon Martis” and chuckle. Shy-ron Martis has actually pitched pretty well this year, but I am not buying his performance to date for a second!
So you think I’m crazy. Shairon is 5-0 on the season with baseball’s joke, the Washington Nationals. He has a 4.10 ERA on the season.
At the prime age of 22, keeper leaguers have probably already rostered this guy, hoping that they catch lightning in a bottle. However, I highly recommend you avoid him in all fantasy leagues (except for the deepest of deep).
Continue reading Shy-ron or Sharon?
I’m taking a break from the five-part player series to discuss a few players that make fantasy baseball owners scream at the top of their lungs—whether for good or for bad.
Lately, I’ve found a lot of owners making rash moves—adding questionable players to their rosters, then ultimately becoming disappointed with the statistical output those players provide.
Here are a few of the names that have caused fantasy baseball owners near-heart attacks this season, and what you should expect out of each of them from here on out.
Adrian Beltre, 3B/Seattle Mariners
Just when most fantasy baseball owners cut the guy loose, Beltre goes out last night and goes 3-4 with a home run. He also scored 2 runs and batted in two RBI. He is now batting .226 on the season—hardly an impressive number for most owners.
Coming into this season, Beltre has looked like a reliable power source. Continue to monitor him closely—if he hits another few home runs in the next two weeks, pick the guy back up. He will be a minor drain to your batting average (expect .250-.260), but players just don’t go blank on power. Unless…well, I won’t go there.
Continue reading Players That Drive Fantasy Baseball Owners NUTS!
Scott Baker is one of the most underrated pitchers in all of fantasy baseball, and he is a real sleeper to add on to your staff if you get the opportunity to do so. Baker had a pretty bad start to this season, but has really picked it up in his last two starts.
Baker is a great control artist. While he is not as talented in the control area as his teammate Kevin Slowey, Baker’s numbers are still exceptional. In 2007 and 2008 respectively, Baker walked 1.8 and 2.2 batters per nine innings—a testament to his excellent control.
Continue reading 5 Players You Need to Win Your Fantasy Baseball League, Part II: Scott Baker
I am starting a five-part series, breaking down five free agent players that you have to acquire now to win your fantasy baseball league. Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions, comments, or roster moves you want to discuss.
One of the most under-the-radar choices to fill first base and corner infield slots is one of my favorite players, Mike Jacobs.
Sure, he has had an ice cold start to the season, and he isn’t necessarily someone that you would look to for a roster anchor.
However, Jacobs will make or break your fantasy baseball year—take me at my word. He has the ability to post outstanding numbers from that roster spot, and will most certainly help you in home runs and RBI.
You’re probably wondering why I am hyping this guy so much. Let me break down Mike Jacobs’ skill set for you, and you can decide for yourself.
Continue reading 5 Players You Need to Win Your Fantasy Baseball League, Part I: Mike Jacobs
Mike Napoli has been one of the hottest hitting catchers over the past week. The Angels have to be extremely happy with this guy behind the plate and providing great at-bats for the team. While manager Mike Scioscia has always been big on backup catcher Jeff Mathis, Napoli’s bat has heated up so much that he has stepped into the starting role for the team.
It has become clear that Napoli should be rostered in all fantasy baseball leagues, so let’s break down Napoli’s skill set and take a closer look.
Continue reading Mike Napoli Coming Into His Own for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Jason Marquis is a stunning 4-1 with a 3.31 ERA for the Colorado Rockies this season, and fantasy owners have picked him up and found him to be a serviceable pitcher to date.
The Colorado Rockies have not had reliable starting pitching for years, and on the surface, it looks like Marquis could turn it around for them. However, there are a few warning signs that point to diminished success with them in the future. Let’s take a look at the pitcher that is hardly a marquee name.
Continue reading Jason Marquis Wins Again for Colorado Rockies
Matt LaPorta, the star prospect who was traded to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for CC Sabathia, has been recalled from Triple-A Columbus. He should be on the bench for the Cleveland Indians for today’s game.
At the young age of 24, LaPorta has all the tools to be an immediate breakout star at the Major League Baseball level. However, many fantasy owners have had questions in terms of what exactly we can expect from the young prospect.
Continue reading Fantasy Baseball Impact: Matt LaPorta Recalled for Cleveland Indians
Many fantasy owners are rushing to their waiver wires to scour the free agents for the save category. Since many current closers are on the shelf and recovering from injuries, some owners have fallen behind in their standings.
Here are a few of the names that you should keep an eye out for in your leagues.
LaTroy Hawkins, Relief Pitcher-Houston Astros
Hawkins will take over the closer role while Jose Valverde is injured. Valverde could be out for additional time past his DL date, and the Astros reported today that he should be back at full strength in three weeks.
Bet the over on this one and grab Hawkins, as he could be a long term saves source from Houston.
Continue reading Sleeper Saves Sources: Early May
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