Last Chance For Liriano
Francisco Liriano is likely to be called up within the next few days. You’d better propose a trade for him NOW before he comes up.
Expecting a 3.50 ERA or better is reasonable.
Buy low… And hurry!
July 22, 2008
Closer News, Again!
This is a few hours late, and I apologize for that, but it must be said: Jon Rauch has been traded (to the DBacks), and Joel Hanrahan is most likely taking over. Saul Rivera may also get some save chances. Add with confidence.
Ian Stewart Revisited
I last mentioned Ian Stewart here.
He’s really heating up of late.
Eligible at 2B and 3B Ian Stewart is 5 for 10 in his last two games with 3 doubles, 5 RBI, 3 R and tonight he’s already 3 for 3 with a HR.
He absolutely tore up the minors. Looks like now’s the time to pick him up.
July 21, 2008
Closer News
Kerry Wood is headed to the DL. If someone in your leauge dropped Carlos Marmol in the midst of his struggles, grab him quickly. Wood will be out only briefly with a blister. But then again, you never know with Wood. This blister could become as big as Kevin Mench’s head. Billy Wagner is having his shoulder checked on. Nobody seems to think it is serious, but, really, if he’s getting his shoulder checked on, it can’t be a great situation. I’m thinking Duaner Sanchez will be in line to close, and is probably worth an add.
July 20, 2008
Top 51, Version 7.20
Why 51? Because it’s better than 50.
1. Alex Rodriguez – He’s back to doing what he does. (previous rank: 1)
2. Hanley Ramirez – Already 23-23? Wow. And as an SS? A seriously powerful case for #1. He’ll have to settle for #2 now though. (2)
3. Chase Utley – It’s painful not putting a 2B like Utley as low as #3. (3)
4. Lance Berkman – Yes. (4)
5. Ryan Braun – Little slump of late: 1 for last 19 AB, 0 HR in last 13 games. (5)
6. Matt Holliday – This guy is good. (6)
7. Albert Pujols – So good. He just doesn’t get pitched to enough. (7)
8. David Wright – He’s just a great all around contributor. (8)
9. Jose Reyes – He’s back at .300, and doing his thing. (9)
10. Ryan Howard – Seems to enjoy regularly alternating power surges with strikeout binges. (10)
11. Grady Sizemore – 23-22 already, and leading the AL in HR from the leadoff spot? What? (11)
12. Ian Kinsler – A monster so far: 84-14-58-23-.330. Can’t do anything but move him up. (14)
13. Josh Hamilton – RBI Gallore (95 so far) (13)
14. Jimmy Rollins – Rollins is picking up steam. Huge second half coming.(12)
15. Brandon Phillips – David Wright with a lower average (.276), He’ll come close to 30-30 again, and that from a 2B is worth a lot. (15)
16. CC Sabathia – Pitching in the NL has seemingly made him even better, if possible. Top pitcher since the beginning of May. (32)
17. Brandon Webb – He’s turning around that mini-slump of his. Full steam ahead Brandon. (19)
18. Jake Peavy – Peavy needs to improve away from Petco: 2-2, 5.61 ERA, 1.71 WHIP (20)
19. Johan Santana – Simply not as dominant as in the past. Still great. (17)
20. Prince Fielder – Really heating up now. Just reached the 20 mark and is on a roll. (22)
21. Carlos Lee – Possibly the most consistent player in fantasy history? .301-22-78 nothing to laugh at. (23)
22. Derrek Lee – Over .300 with solid-plus power and a few stolen bases too. (24)
23. Aramis Ramirez – Just a consistently good performer at a thinner-than-usual 3B. (25)
24. Roy Halladay – Let’s just hope he’s not fatigued later in the season from all of his first half complete games. He’s even striking people out this year! So Good. (40)
25. Magglio Ordonez – He’s back, and with a bang. (–)
26. Manny Ramirez – Clearly not his old self. Still awesome. (18)
27. BJ Upton – He’s lagging. Or sagging. Something isn’t right. But that potential is just wow. (16)
28. Ichiro Suzuki – He’s stealing more bases than ever. He just needs to get that average back over .300. (27)
29. Cole Hamels – Chuck Norris wishes he was this good. 10 HR allowed in last 7 starts doesn’t bode well though. (37)
30. Miguel Cabrera – He’s really just not doing it this year. It’s really sad. (21)
31. Tim Lincecum – Wow he’s good. He has to break down at some point, right? Be wary of a September collapse. (28)
32. Justin Morneau – He’s really hitting now (.431 in July, .325 overall, with 71RBI). Let’s hope there’s no Home Run Derby curse. Expect a huge second half. (48)
33. Carlos Beltran – Inconsistent, but the numbers somehow get up there (69-15-67-15-.270). (44)
34. Rich Harden – The best pitcher in baseball when healthy, and healthy is what he is right now. (29)
35. Mark Teixeira – His second half tendencies are why he’s here. And the 16 HR so far. That too. (33)
36. Dan Haren – A crime that he wasn’t ranked higher. He’s the real deal. Just keep a close eye on his second half. (33)
37. Curtis Granderson – Has cooled down in July (.279, 1HR). (26)
38. Vladimir Guerrero – He’s Vlad. His numbers will climb. (34)
39. Carl Crawford – The speedster is 12R-4HR-11RBI-1SB-.304 over last 13 games, but 0 hits in last 17 AB (35)
40. Chipper Jones – Too many injury concerns to be ranked any higher, though he deserves it. (36)
41. Ben Sheets – Sheets is my boy every year, and now finally healthy and making a contract year run, you better look out for this guy. (39)
42. Josh Beckett – Has the tendency to blow up here and there. (7 starts allowing 4 or more runs so far) (38)
43. Evan Longoria – He’s earned it. He has some serious power potential the rest of the way. (47)
44. Scott Kazmir – Kazmir or Victor Zambrano? So dominant. Way to go Steve Phillips (31)
45. Cliff Lee – I couldn’t hold off any longer. He’s been just too good! (45)
46. John Lackey – He’s returned back to Earth (6.75 ERA 1.71 WHIP in 3 July starts. (30)
47. Felix Hernandez – What a stud. He’s money. (–)
48. Corey Hart – He’s a 25-25 player, and that is worthy of top 50. (43)
49. Carlos Quentin – That top prospect status sure is showing itself this year. (46)
50. Justin Duchscherer – Have you seen this guy pitch? He’s really really good. Top ranked pitcher overall, too. (–)
51. Dan Uggla – Even with an expected decline in BA, this kind of power at 2B is a force (24 HR). (50)
Just missed the cut: Edinson Volquez – (Is that expected collapse finally occurring? Only one strong start in last 5.) (51), Adrian Gonzalez (Ugly July: .219-1-5.) (49), Ervin Santana (has outpitched Johan. He’s been great) Garret Atkins (Coors will keep his numbers up. Otherwise he’s just average) (41), Nate McLouth (after an awful June, he is just barely hanging around), Kevin Youkilis, Jermaine Dye, Nick Markakis, Joba Chamberlain, Brian McCann, Russell Martin, Milton Bradley, Matt Kemp, All top closers.
Disclaimer: Now just for you to understand, I comprised my top 51 strictly on expected production for this season, from tomorrow until the end of September, 2008. This is a list of whom I would choose in a draft taking place today, in a standard 5-by-5 fantasy baseball league.
Still Not a Joke
A while back I mentioned someone who might have a good second half impact. It’s still kind of embarrassing that I mentioned him and it’s probably more embarrassing that I’m throwing him out there again. I am of course referring to…
Nomar Garciaparra.
Already in his first game after the allstar break he hit two homeruns. You know the talent is there, he’s just a lock to get injured. If you need a SS, Nomar seems like he can really help you. It’s tough to get good numbers from a SS off the waiver wire.
You should treat Nomar like you would Moises Alou… The second he gets injured again– Cut him! If Nomar slumps you probably shouldn’t be too hesitant to cut him there either unless you are in a VERY deep league.
I mentioned “Wiggles” (Ty Wigginton) a few posts down but Nomar could be more valuable because of that SS eligibility.
July 19, 2008
Ryan Zimmerman
Has Ryan Zimmerman been dropped in your league? Grab him now. He’s due back in a week. He’s a big time third baseman and if healthy, he can give your team a huge boost in numbers across the board.
Brett Myers Worth an Add?
Brett Myers is worth an add if he’s been dropped and you’ve got an extra bench spot for him. He could get the nod on Wednesday in their upcoming series against the Mets. If he pitches well against the Mets, he’s likely up for good and at that point he’d obviously need to be owned.
Additonal Gems
BC put out a nice list. You might be annoyed seeing Clay Buchholz’s name on the list, but note that he is correct. Buchholz’s ability deserves a bench spot. He is only worthy of a bench spot right now, without question.
Five other names to take into account:
Nomar Garciaparra - With SS eligibility, he’s worth an add, as the SS position continues to stay weak with Jerry Hairston Jr. recently hitting the DL again.
Troy Tulowitzki - He’ll be back within a couple of days, and, again, with the weak SS position, he’s worth an add. He can’t be this bad all year can he?
Chris Volstad - This stud on the Marlins was the top pitching prospect in the loaded Marlins farm system. He had a sparkling first start, and is worth an add in all leagues strictly based on potential.
Rickie Weeks - I can’t stress enough how good this guy can be. He’s worth owning in any league where you are struggling. Seriously. Take the chance. If he bombs, he bombs, and I’m sorry. But he’s still worth that chance.
Jay Bruce - Still buy on him. He’s worth it, and he’s turning it around.
Second Half Hidden Gems
Chris Iannetta — See posting below. He’s really good. If he’s on your wire you should replace him with your mediocre catcher now… I mentioned trading away your current catcher and putting Iannetta in — Still good advice.
Edwin Encarnacion — I hate him so so sooooo much. But the fact is that he is on fire right now and with the potential he has, he’s worth the pick up RIGHT NOW.
Adam Jones — See posting below. He’s been really good and it looks like his power is starting to come around. You can expect some really nice numbers from him in the second half.
Clint Barmes — He’s questionable but with eligibility at 2B and SS and that awesome start to the season, he is definitely worth the pickup.
Alexi Casilla — If he hasn’t been picked up in your league yet, you aren’t in a very competitive one.
Francisco Liriano — He can’t stay down there forever… that’s not the first time I’ve said that though.
Jonathan Broxton — Obviously with Takashi Saito out Broxton’s value is through the roof even though he’s been awful in the closers role in the past.
Rafael Furcal — If he comes back healthy with even just a month left to play he’ll be worth it. If someone dropped him, grab him now.
Chris Carpenter is also one to watch but he’ll be rusty when he returns.
Clay Buchholz — Did someone actually drop him out of frustration? Grab him.
Manny Corpas — Brian Fuentes will likely be traded. It’s either Corpas or Taylor Buchholz. I’m going with Corpas and I think he’ll be ok in his former role. If he gets knocked around, Buchholz will replace him.
Ty Wigginton – See posting below.
Scott Baker — He’s been awesome.
Greg Maddux — His second half splits are silly fresh. He’s likely available — pick him up. He’s old and right now he’s…bad. But his last 3 seasons were pretty similar and his second halves have all been great (at least on the WHIP/ Quality start side). Not as good as Baker though.
Mike Aviles — Is he seriously still available in your league? He’s awesome.
Juan Rivera — Love him in the Second Half. He should be a good source of power. Check out his second half splits. If he performs like he can in the second half, he’s a fantasy savior.
One other guy I like to rebound nicely is Paul Konerko. He’s really not this bad and he’s fresh off the DL now. I think you can expect some good numbers from here on out including some good power.
Pick Up the Wiggles!
Ty Wigginton, or as I like to call him, “Wiggles,” has batted pretty poorly to this point but just before the break he was on a roll. It’s time for Wiggles to start picking it up second half. With eligibility at 1B, 2B, 3B, he’s worth a pickup. In daily leagues, his eligibility can really help you out.
What to expect from wiggles going forward?
I expect him to rack up 10 hr, .295 avg, 25 RBI, 23 R. He won’t help you out in the steals column though.