Catching Some Rays - Leslie Anderson

Leslie Anderson is another Cuban ball player that should have an impact in the majors this year, and he has just signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. Like his fellow countryman Jose Julio Ruiz (who is also being scouted for the majors), Anderson can play both 1B and OF. His defensive skills are excellent and he would be a stellar defensive first baseman, but being of average power, he would be a better fit in center or left field.

Anderson is 27 years old, which means he is not the typical major league prospect. He has already shown that he can play ball at a high level. Last year, this lefty batted .381 (not a typo) with an OBP of .490. Now that wasn't against MLB pitching, but in his defense, Cuba has some talented pitchers. Being that he has this much experience, it is not out of the question for him to break camp as an everyday starter. I would imagine that some AAA time would be a good thing, but even if he is sent down, it shouldn't be for too long. Overall, I see him as a Bobby Abreu type hitter - solid in all aspects, a difficult out.

When it comes to where to draft Leslie Anderson, it has to be in later rounds. As much as I like the potential here (I think the Abreu comparison is real), you have to temper expectations for the adjustment to the major league. Keep an eye on what position he will play as that will determine his value some too. He will be more valuable as an outfielder then a first baseman. It's possible that he will go undrafted in all but the deeper leagues, but he should be contributing on someones fantasy team before the year is out, likely before the ASB. If you choose not to draft him, be ready to grab him at this first signs that he has adjusted to the bigs.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Following Kendry - Brandon Wood

A talked about prospect who hasn't put it together in the bigs yet. That sentence could be used for a lot of players. Last year, that was what could have been said (and no doubt was) for Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels. He finally lived up to the hype and became a stud in fantasy. Yes, there are better 1B then Morales, but that list got dramatically shorter. And how good was it for you who grabbed him late or off the waiver wire? This year, we have someone on the same team who could do the same thing. Brandon Wood.

Brandon Wood has been the future SS or 3B for the Angels for what feels like many years now. Well, the future is now, barring injury or a terrible spring, he will be the starting 3B this year. Third base, like first base, is a position that demands attention in fantasy sports. These are positions that teams count on for production. So any starting player at these positions, even unknowns, should be watched closely. Wood, however, is not a complete unknown.

Wood's minor league stats shows great talent, with a good AVG (.280+), and above average power (30 HR potential). But in his 224 big league at-bats over the last 3 years he has only managed a .192 AVG, 7 HR, and 19 RBIs - not very exciting. But his playing time was sporadic at best, not the way to get into a groove. Being an everyday player, he has the potential to start to put it together and be the guy the Angels have been looking for. Which is exactly what happened with Morales last year.

Having two guys breakout in a big way, in back to back years, is unlikely, but not impossible. Even if Wood doesn't reach his full potential, he can still have good value as a late round pick (It's worth noting that Woods has already gone deep in spring training). He's not worth overpaying for, but is worth a bench spot in moderately deep leagues. These are the type of guys that can make your fantasy year - a late pick that produces like a high one. Learn from Morales and take a chance on Wood.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Say It Aint So, Joe

Senior Beisbol (@HoffyBeisbol) Seniorbeisbol@gmail.com www.profantasybaseball.com It looks like 2010 will be a lost season for Joe Nathan. An MRI has revealed a torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament in his throwing elbow. He will rest the arm for two weeks before trying to throw through the pain. It is more likely that he will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire season. With Nathan gone, the closer role in Minnesota goes from being crystal clear, to very cloudy. As I said on Sunday, Jon Rauch is the only pitcher in the bullpen that has any extended closing experience. Of course that experience was a half season with Washington two years ago. Standing nearly seven feet tall, he certainly has the look of an intimidating closer, but does he have the stuff? If not Rauch, then maybe Matt Guerrier. Guerrier had an outstanding 2009 as a set-up man, his ratios mirrored the now injured Nathan. He walked only 16 hitters in over 70 innings, had an ERA of 2.36 and a WHIP under 1.00. Those numbers may scream 'closer material,' but does Twins manager want to weaken two positions at once by moving his best set-up guy to closer? The other option that the Twins have is to look outside the organization for a closer. There are a few closers out there that could be had, but the price might be a bit high for the thrifty Twins. While they have bulked up their payroll dramatically this year to ensure a good on-field product as they open up their new stadium, I do not see them going out to get Kerry Wood and his $11 million salary from Cleveland. If the Blue Jays were willing to part ways with Scott Downs or Jason Frasor, I am sure the Twins could nab one of them. As a strong believer in not paying for saves, this is a situation that I will be monitoring closely. A lot of times all it takes to become a solid fantasy closer is a manager that gives him the ball in the ninth, and one lucky Twin will be given an opportunity soon.

We're Still Friends - Daniel Murphy

Last year I loved Daniel Murphy. I saw Murphy as a tremendous sleeper. I saw a young guy who already had some success in the majors the previous year and who loves to spend time in the batting cages to work on his hitting. I respected the hard work he was putting in. However, he had a bad year for the Mets, and for me.

This year, my view of him has changed dramatically. But he still has value.

The Mets have already said that Murphy will be the starting first baseman. This hurts his value some as he is not a typical slugger and he plays in a pitchers park - he is not going to be a 40 HR guy, I would be shocked if he hit 30.

If he struggled last year and is not going to put up typical first base numbers, why do I think he has value this year? A starting first baseman for any team needs attention (Last year, those who paid attention to Kendry Morales were greatly rewarded). Murphy will be counted on as an RBI hitter. He will be used in the heart of the lineup. With David Wright and Jason Bay hitting somewhere around him, he should get pitches to hit. There were also some positive signs last year that Murphy was getting over his struggles at the plate. After an abysmal start, he hit at a .280+ avg the rest of the way. Murphy ended the year with a .266 AVG, 63 RBIs, and 12 HRs.

This year, I will give Murphy the .280 avg, I will give him around 20 HRs, and 80 RBIs. There is room for improvement on these numbers (he had a .300+ AVG in his first 50 games in the bigs). He should not be drafted in a shallow league, and would be a fairly late pick in deep leagues. I think Murphy can be a great fill-in for an injured starter on your team or even a UTL guy depending on match-ups. If his average approaches .300, he could turn out to be a solid late round/waiver wire pick. Last year I loved him, this year we'll just be friends.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Spring Injury News

Senior Beisbol (@HoffyBeisbol) seniorbeisbol@gmail.com www.profantasybaseball.com Spring Training baseball is finally here. Unfortunately, so are Spring Training injuries. I never understand why people would draft a month before the season starts, too many things can happen over the six weeks spent leading up to the moment when games start to count. Players win and lose position battles and rotation spots, the last few free-agents finally find teams, and most importantly, players get hurt. In the first week of games there have already been a few notable injuries. None of these guys are fantasy superstars, but all three find themselves on fantasy rosters. Now they find themselves in the infirmary. Alex Gordon - 3B/Kansas City Royals Gordon missed most of 2009 after having hip surgery, but looked fully recovered when camp opened last week. He was looking forward to regaining his job as the everyday 3rd baseman when broke his thumb sliding head first into 2nd base on Saturday and will now be out 3-4 weeks. His status for opening day is in doubt, but he should be back sometime in April. So far in his baseball career, Gordon has been mostly hype and potential. He has not yet displayed on the field what made him the number two overall pick in the 2005 Amateur Draft. A lot of experts were calling him a 'post-hype sleeper,' and were looking for him to post a 15/15 season this year. His thumb injury does not seem to be serious, but any kind of hand injury usually has a lingering effect on power numbers. I would guess the best thing we see out of Gordon is a .250/10/70/15 line. Joe Nathan - CL/Minnesota Twins Nathan has not been diagnosed with anything yet, but when a pitcher leaves camp to have his elbow examined, doctors rarely seem to give positive news. He had surgery last October to remove bone spurs and recently complained of elbow soreness after a throwing session. As a closer, Joe Nathan is one of the best in the game. A model of consistency since joining the Twins six years ago, he has averaged over 40 saves with an ERA of under 2.00 and a WHIP of under 1.00. We should hear more on his elbow in the next few days, but if he is out for any period of time Jon Rauch would make a good speculative add as he is the only guy in the bullpen with any closing experience. Russel Martin - C/Los Angeles Dodgers Martin will miss up to six weeks after an MRI revealed a pulled groin. Martin posted his worst numbers as a pro in 2009, sporting career lows in HR, RBI, R, AVG, and was one above his career low in stolen bases. He was primed for a bounce-back year, coming into camp after gaining nearly 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. Groin injuries are tricky things. The only way to get better is to rest, and even then they are prone to reoccur. I would guess that this might limit Martin on the basepaths when he returns. This injury should drop him a few slots on the draft board at an already very thin catching position. His backups are Brad Ausmus and AJ Ellis, neither of whom are rosterable even if Martin misses any extended time. With less than four weeks to Opening Day there will assuredly be more Spring Training news. Keep checking back here for more updates.

Enter the Matrix with Big Papi

Sporting my favorite nick name in baseball, David 'Big Papi' Ortiz is a bit of a mystery for this fantasy season. Are we going to get the injury bug version, the slump version, or the clutch hitting monster? Let's listen in on this conversation:

Me: I think Big Papi has some real sleeper potential this year.

Friend: Wait. Isn't he that kid from the Keanu Reeves little league movie, 'Hard Ball'? Boy, that Keanu Reeves can act!

Me: Um... Uh... Wow! No, I'm talking about David Ortiz, DH for the Boston Red Sox. He has the nickname 'Big Papi'.

Friend: Oh. My mistake. Do you think Keanu Reeves has the nickname 'Big Matrix'? Or how about 'Big Excellent Adventure'?

Me: I'm about to be 'Big Vomit' if you don't stop. Look, David Ortiz was one of the most clutch hitter I've ever seen. He hit for high average and great power. But the last time he did that was two years ago.

Friend: How do you know this? Did Rufus come visit you with a time travelling phone booth?

Me: No, I have a memory. The point I'm trying to make is that he has had two bad years since he last was a dominant player. Although he still had 99 RBIs last year, his AVG has gone way down (.238 in 2009) and his power numbers have lowered (28 HR in 2009). But injury has played a big part of that. I think we just may see a healthy David Ortiz this year and he will be a nice surprise for fantasy teams.

Friend: Talk about a nice surprise. How about Keanu Reeves in 'A Walk in the Clouds'? So sensitive. Or what about Keanu doing Shakespeare? He was brilliant in 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Is there anything this guy can't do?

Me: I'm pretty sure he can't hit a curveball *cough* or act *cough*. Anyway, Ortiz is not going to be picked very high in any draft (unless someone is really biased). His value drops a little more as he only qualifies as a DH.

Friend: 'What do you do?' 'What do you do?'

Me: You draft him late. You accept that he is not going to hit .300, probably more like .260, and you accept that he will not be hitting 45 HRs, probably more like 30 (with a reasonable chance of 35+). View him as a classic slugger, low AVG, good HR, and good RBIs. He will never be a top pick again, but I'm not ready to write him off to obscurity.

Friend: Strange things are afoot at Fenway Park. You know, Keanu helped 'Big Papi' on that little league team, imagine what he could do as a coach for 'Big Papi' on the Red Sox. Also imagine what valuable life lessons we could all learn in the process.

Me: You make me sad. I'm leaving now.

Friend: Alright. Party on dude!

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

2010 Mock Draft

Fantasy Baseball - Mixed 5x5 (20 game eligibility)

Participants:

1.Dan
2.Real Chance
3.Andrea
4.Smokin' Balls
5.Bay State Scout (PFB Writer)
6.thetrueguru
7.Clean Streets
8.chata
9.Horton's Who's on First
10.Pro Fantasy Baseball (Sin City Scout)
11.Fireman68
12.Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com)

Round One

R1 P1 Dan Pujols, Albert 1B STL AutoSelect

R1 P2 Real Chance Ramirez, Hanley SS FLA AutoSelect

R1 P3 Andrea Braun, Ryan OF MIL 12s

R1 P4 Smokin' Balls Rodriguez, Alex 3B NYY AutoSelect

R1 P5 Bay State Scout Utley, Chase 2B PHI 25s

R1 P6 thetrueguru Kemp, Matt OF LA 11s

R1 P7 Clean Streets Howard, Ryan 1B PHI 10s

R1 P8 chata Fielder, Prince 1B MIL 16s

R1 P9 Horton's Who's on First Cabrera, Miguel 1B DET 38s

R1 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Teixeira, Mark 1B NYY 16s

R1 P11 Fireman68 Crawford, Carl OF TB 9s

R1 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Lincecum, Tim SP SF 26s

Round Two

R2 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Tulowitzki, Troy SS COL 38s

R2 P2 Fireman68 Holliday, Matt OF STL 5s

R2 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Sizemore, Grady OF CLE 17s

R2 P4 Horton's Who's on First Longoria, Evan 3B TB 33s

R2 P5 chata Borbon, Julio OF TEX Predrafted

R2 P6 Clean Streets Ellsbury, Jacoby OF BOS 15s

R2 P7 thetrueguru Kinsler, Ian 2B TEX Predrafted

R2 P8 Bay State Scout Mauer, Joe C MIN 20s

R2 P9 Smokin' Balls Wright, David 3B NYM AutoSelect

R2 P10 Andrea Martinez, Victor C, 1B BOS 7s

R2 P11 Real Chance Reynolds, Mark 3B, 1B ARI AutoSelect

R2 P12 Dan Rollins, Jimmy SS PHI AutoSelect

Round Three

R3 P1 Dan Bay, Jason OF NYM AutoSelect

R3 P2 Real Chance Reyes, Jose SS NYM AutoSelect

R3 P3 Andrea Upton, Justin OF ARI 3s

R3 P4 Smokin' Balls Sabathia, CC SP NYY AutoSelect

R3 P5 Bay State Scout Gonzalez, Adrian 1B SD 16s

R3 P6 thetrueguru Votto, Joey 1B CIN 11s

R3 P7 Clean Streets Youkilis, Kevin 1B, 3B BOS 16s

R3 P8 chata Phillips, Brandon 2B CIN 6s

R3 P9 Horton's Who's on First Pedroia, Dustin 2B BOS 34s

R3 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hernandez, Felix SP SEA 30s

R3 P11 Fireman68 Sandoval, Pablo 3B, 1B SF 13s

R3 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Zimmerman, Ryan 3B WAS 7s

Round Four

R4 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Halladay, Roy SP PHI 22s

R4 P2 Fireman68 Haren, Dan SP ARI 7s

R4 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Granderson, Curtis OF NYY 5s

R4 P4 Horton's Who's on First Werth, Jayson OF PHI 42s

R4 P5 chata McCann, Brian C ATL 9s

R4 P6 Clean Streets Greinke, Zack SP KC 23s

R4 P7 thetrueguru Morales, Kendry 1B ANA 14s

R4 P8 Bay State Scout Upton, B.J. OF TB 15s

R4 P9 Smokin' Balls Suzuki, Ichiro OF SEA AutoSelect

R4 P10 Andrea Verlander, Justin SP DET 5s

R4 P11 Real Chance Roberts, Brian 2B BAL AutoSelect

R4 P12 Dan Morneau, Justin 1B MIN AutoSelect

Round Five

R5 P1 Dan Santana, Johan SP NYM AutoSelect

R5 P2 Real Chance Jeter, Derek SS NYY AutoSelect

R5 P3 Andrea Wainwright, Adam SP STL 3s

R5 P4 Smokin' Balls Lind, Adam OF TOR AutoSelect

R5 P5 Bay State Scout Hamilton, Josh OF TEX 15s

R5 P6 thetrueguru Cruz, Nelson OF TEX 24s

R5 P7 Clean Streets Choo, Shin-Soo OF CLE 10s

R5 P8 chata Cano, Robinson 2B NYY 6s

R5 P9 Horton's Who's on First Lester, Jon SP BOS 33s

R5 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Nathan, Joe RP MIN

R5 P11 Fireman68 Abreu, Bobby OF ANA 18s

R5 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Lee, Cliff SP SEA 31s

Round Six

R6 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Dunn, Adam OF, 1B WAS 24s

R6 P2 Fireman68 Peavy, Jake SP CHW 5s

R6 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hill, Aaron 2B TOR 3s

R6 P4 Horton's Who's on First Lee, Derrek 1B CHC 39s

R6 P5 chata Ramirez, Manny OF LA 5s

R6 P6 Clean Streets Zobrist, Ben 2B, OF TB 42s

R6 P7 thetrueguru Ethier, Andre OF LA 5s

R6 P8 Bay State Scout Ramirez, Aramis 3B CHC 8s

R6 P9 Smokin' Balls Markakis, Nick OF BAL AutoSelect

R6 P10 Andrea Vazquez, Javier SP NYY 14s

R6 P11 Real Chance Berkman, Lance 1B HOU AutoSelect

R6 P12 Dan Victorino, Shane OF PHI AutoSelect

Round Seven

R7 P1 Dan Papelbon, Jonathan RP BOS AutoSelect

R7 P2 Real Chance Rivera, Mariano RP NYY AutoSelect

R7 P3 Andrea Pena, Carlos 1B TB 11s

R7 P4 Smokin' Balls Broxton, Jonathan RP LA AutoSelect

R7 P5 Bay State Scout Figgins, Chone 3B SEA 40s

R7 P6 thetrueguru Lee, Carlos OF HOU 38s

R7 P7 Clean Streets McLouth, Nate OF ATL 18s

R7 P8 chata Pence, Hunter OF HOU 12s

R7 P9 Horton's Who's on First McCutchen, Andrew OF PIT 19s

R7 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Quentin, Carlos OF CHW 24s

R7 P11 Fireman68 Soria, Joakim RP KC 2s

R7 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Bourn, Michael OF HOU 5s

Round Eight

R8 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Johnson, Josh SP FLA 21s

R8 P2 Fireman68 Beckett, Josh SP BOS 4s

R8 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Wieters, Matt C BAL 33s

R8 P4 Horton's Who's on First Hanson, Tommy SP ATL 35s

R8 P5 chata Butler, Billy 1B KC 8s

R8 P6 Clean Streets Hunter, Tommy SP TEX 45s

R8 P7 thetrueguru Bailey, Andrew RP OAK Predrafted

R8 P8 Bay State Scout Gallardo, Yovani SP MIL 19s

R8 P9 Smokin' Balls Soriano, Alfonso OF CHC AutoSelect

R8 P10 Andrea Rios, Alex OF CHW 18s

R8 P11 Real Chance Rodriguez, Francisco RP NYM AutoSelect

R8 P12 Dan Beltran, Carlos OF NYM AutoSelect

Round Nine

R9 P1 Dan Carpenter, Chris SP STL AutoSelect

R9 P2 Real Chance Jones, Adam OF BAL AutoSelect

R9 P3 Andrea Cain, Matt SP SF 11s

R9 P4 Smokin' Balls Uggla, Dan 2B FLA AutoSelect

R9 P5 Bay State Scout Jimenez, Ubaldo SP COL 6s

R9 P6 thetrueguru Street, Huston RP COL 19s

R9 P7 Clean Streets Hunter, Torii OF ANA 5s

R9 P8 chata Kershaw, Clayton SP LA 8s

R9 P9 Horton's Who's on First Nolasco, Ricky SP FLA 33s

R9 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Ramirez, Alexei SS CHW 39s

R9 P11 Fireman68 Young, Michael 3B TEX 8s

R9 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Soriano, Rafael RP TB 36s

Round Ten

R10 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Hamels, Cole SP PHI 42s

R10 P2 Fireman68 Ibanez, Raul OF PHI 14s

R10 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Beckham, Gordon 3B CHW 36s

R10 P4 Horton's Who's on First Valverde, Jose RP DET 19s

R10 P5 chata Garza, Matt SP TB Predrafted

R10 P6 Clean Streets Suzuki, Kurt C OAK 40s

R10 P7 thetrueguru Drew, Stephen SS ARI 10s

R10 P8 Bay State Scout Bartlett, Jason SS TB 17s

R10 P9 Smokin' Balls Bell, Heath RP SD AutoSelect

R10 P10 Andrea Stewart, Ian 3B, 2B COL 35s

R10 P11 Real Chance Cordero, Francisco RP CIN AutoSelect

R10 P12 Dan Hawpe, Brad OF COL AutoSelect

Round Eleven

R11 P1 Dan Fuentes, Brian RP ANA AutoSelect

R11 P2 Real Chance Kubel, Jason OF MIN AutoSelect

R11 P3 Andrea Damon, Johnny OF FA 30s

R11 P4 Smokin' Balls Posada, Jorge C NYY AutoSelect

R11 P5 Bay State Scout Bruce, Jay OF CIN 7s

R11 P6 thetrueguru Aardsma, David RP SEA 12s

R11 P7 Clean Streets Shields, James SP TB 9s

R11 P8 chata Billingsley, Chad SP LA Predrafted

R11 P9 Horton's Who's on First Wilson, Brian RP SF 20s

R11 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Span, Denard OF MIN 38s

R11 P11 Fireman68 Lopez, Jose 2B SEA 9s

R11 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Morgan, Nyjer OF WAS 9s

Round Twelve

R12 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Marmol, Carlos RP CHC 15s

R12 P2 Fireman68 Martin, Russell C LA 7s

R12 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Webb, Brandon SP ARI

R12 P4 Horton's Who's on First Andrus, Elvis SS TEX 14s

R12 P5 chata Cuddyer, Michael OF, 1B MIN 6s

R12 P6 Clean Streets Anderson, Brett SP OAK 5s

R12 P7 thetrueguru Davis, Rajai OF OAK 3s

R12 P8 Bay State Scout Wagner, Billy RP ATL 3s

R12 P9 Smokin' Balls Furcal, Rafael SS LA AutoSelect

R12 P10 Andrea Lackey, John SP BOS 37s

R12 P11 Real Chance Burnett, A.J. SP NYY AutoSelect

R12 P12 Dan Jones, Chipper 3B ATL AutoSelect

Round Thirteen

R13 P1 Dan Guerrero, Vladimir DH TEX AutoSelect

R13 P2 Real Chance Gonzalez, Carlos OF COL AutoSelect

R13 P3 Andrea Soto, Geovany C CHC 35s

R13 P4 Smokin' Balls Tejada, Miguel SS BAL AutoSelect

R13 P5 Bay State Scout Baker, Scott SP MIN 42s

R13 P6 thetrueguru Jones, Garrett OF, 1B PIT 11s

R13 P7 Clean Streets Qualls, Chad RP ARI 38s

R13 P8 chata Rodriguez, Wandy SP HOU 9s

R13 P9 Horton's Who's on First Montero, Miguel C ARI 40s

R13 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Stubbs, Drew OF CIN 37s

R13 P11 Fireman68 Hoffman, Trevor RP MIL 4s

R13 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Iannetta, Chris C COL 6s

Round Fourteen

R14 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Davis, Chris 1B TEX 21s

R14 P2 Fireman68 Dempster, Ryan SP CHC 18s

R14 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Zambrano, Carlos SP CHC 38s

R14 P4 Horton's Who's on First Ludwick, Ryan OF STL 25s

R14 P5 chata Weaver, Jered SP ANA 4s

R14 P6 Clean Streets Escobar, Yunel SS ATL 6s

R14 P7 thetrueguru Franklin, Ryan RP STL 7s

R14 P8 Bay State Scout Francisco, Frank RP TEX 22s

R14 P9 Smokin' Balls Scherzer, Max SP DET AutoSelect

R14 P10 Andrea Kendrick, Howie 2B ANA 26s

R14 P11 Real Chance Lilly, Ted SP CHC AutoSelect

R14 P12 Dan Jurrjens, Jair SP ATL AutoSelect

Round Fifteen

R15 P1 Dan Molina, Bengie C SF AutoSelect

R15 P2 Real Chance Jenks, Bobby RP CHW AutoSelect

R15 P3 Andrea Reimold, Nolan OF BAL 23s

R15 P4 Smokin' Balls Oswalt, Roy SP HOU AutoSelect

R15 P5 Bay State Scout Rasmus, Colby OF STL 44s

R15 P6 thetrueguru Jackson, Edwin SP ARI 7s

R15 P7 Clean Streets Napoli, Mike C ANA 4s

R15 P8 chata Rivera, Juan OF ANA 6s

R15 P9 Horton's Who's on First Cabrera, Asdrubal SS, 2B CLE 42s

R15 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Gonzalez, Mike RP BAL 22s

R15 P11 Fireman68 Cabrera, Orlando SS CIN 4s

R15 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Nunez, Leo RP FLA 13s

Round Sixteen

R16 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Loney, James 1B LA 10s

R16 P2 Fireman68 LaRoche, Adam 1B ARI 8s

R16 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Peralta, Jhonny 3B, SS CLE 9s

R16 P4 Horton's Who's on First Wood, Kerry RP CLE 45s

R16 P5 chata Aybar, Erick SS ANA 5s

R16 P6 Clean Streets Gutierrez, Franklin OF SEA 2s

R16 P7 thetrueguru McGehee, Casey 3B, 2B MIL 29s

R16 P8 Bay State Scout Hardy, J.J. SS MIN 18s

R16 P9 Smokin' Balls Danks, John SP CHW AutoSelect

R16 P10 Andrea Wolf, Randy SP MIL 12s

R16 P11 Real Chance Dye, Jermaine OF FA AutoSelect

R16 P12 Dan Hudson, Orlando 2B MIN AutoSelect

Round Seventeen

R17 P1 Dan Feliz, Neftali SP TEX AutoSelect

R17 P2 Real Chance Kazmir, Scott SP ANA AutoSelect

R17 P3 Andrea Headley, Chase OF, 3B SD 31s

R17 P4 Smokin' Balls Price, David SP TB AutoSelect

R17 P5 Bay State Scout Doumit, Ryan C PIT 28s

R17 P6 thetrueguru Howell, J.P. RP TB 24s

R17 P7 Clean Streets Dotel, Octavio RP PIT 3s

R17 P8 chata de la Rosa, Jorge SP COL 7s

R17 P9 Horton's Who's on First Hart, Corey OF MIL 31s

R17 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Happ, J.A. SP PHI 20s

R17 P11 Fireman68 Capps, Matt RP WAS 3s

R17 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Ortiz, David DH BOS 9s

Round Eighteen

R18 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Harden, Rich SP TEX 11s

R18 P2 Fireman68 Escobar, Alcides SS MIL 35s

R18 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Posey, Buster C SF 3s

R18 P4 Horton's Who's on First Pierzynski, A.J. C CHW 30s

R18 P5 chata Cueto, Johnny SP CIN 11s

R18 P6 Clean Streets Beltre, Adrian 3B BOS 1s

R18 P7 thetrueguru Molina, Yadier C STL 2s

R18 P8 Bay State Scout Cameron, Mike OF BOS 21s

R18 P9 Smokin' Balls Wells, Vernon OF TOR AutoSelect

R18 P10 Andrea Gordon, Alex 3B KC 26s

R18 P11 Real Chance Cantu, Jorge 1B, 3B FLA AutoSelect

R18 P12 Dan Floyd, Gavin SP CHW AutoSelect

Round Nineteen

R19 P1 Dan Weeks, Rickie 2B MIL AutoSelect

R19 P2 Real Chance Matsuzaka, Daisuke SP BOS AutoSelect

R19 P3 Andrea Rodney, Fernando RP ANA 15s

R19 P4 Smokin' Balls Helton, Todd 1B COL AutoSelect

R19 P5 Bay State Scout Liriano, Francisco SP MIN 3s

R19 P6 thetrueguru Scutaro, Marco SS BOS 10s

R19 P7 Clean Streets Johnson, Kelly 2B ARI 18s

R19 P8 chata Prado, Martin 2B, 1B, 3B ATL 3s

R19 P9 Horton's Who's on First Correia, Kevin SP SD 25s

R19 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Porcello, Rick SP DET 39s

R19 P11 Fireman68 Ross, Cody OF FLA 25s

R19 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Cabrera, Everth SS SD 11s

Round Twenty

R20 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Cust, Jack OF OAK 20s

R20 P2 Fireman68 Ordonez, Magglio OF DET 6s

R20 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Izturis, Maicer 2B, SS ANA 31s

R20 P4 Horton's Who's on First Konerko, Paul 1B CHW 36s

R20 P5 chata Sanchez, Jonathan SP SF 14s

R20 P6 Clean Streets Buchholz, Clay SP BOS 30s

R20 P7 thetrueguru Thornton, Matt RP CHW 19s

R20 P8 Bay State Scout Matsui, Hideki DH ANA 7s

R20 P9 Smokin' Balls Chamberlain, Joba SP NYY AutoSelect

R20 P10 Andrea Lidge, Brad RP PHI 7s

R20 P11 Real Chance Gomez, Carlos OF MIL AutoSelect

R20 P12 Dan Hairston, Scott OF SD AutoSelect

Round Twenty-One

R21 P1 Dan Pettitte, Andy SP NYY AutoSelect

R21 P2 Real Chance Hudson, Tim SP ATL AutoSelect

R21 P3 Andrea Pierre, Juan OF CHW 14s

R21 P4 Smokin' Balls Snider, Travis OF TOR AutoSelect

R21 P5 Bay State Scout Santana, Ervin SP ANA 5s

R21 P6 thetrueguru Baker, John C FLA 31s

R21 P7 Clean Streets Drew, J.D. OF BOS 2s

R21 P8 chata Olivo, Miguel C COL 24s

R21 P9 Horton's Who's on First Sheets, Ben SP OAK 7s

R21 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Lindstrom, Matt RP HOU 5s

R21 P11 Fireman68 Harang, Aaron SP CIN 24s

R21 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Barmes, Clint 2B COL 5s

Round Twenty-Two

R22 P1 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Scott, Luke OF BAL 18s

R22 P2 Fireman68 Blanton, Joe SP PHI 26s

R22 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Coghlan, Chris OF FLA 18s

R22 P4 Horton's Who's on First DeRosa, Mark 3B, OF SF 29s

R22 P5 chata Niemann, Jeff SP TB 7s

R22 P6 Clean Streets Slowey, Kevin SP MIN 4s

R22 P7 thetrueguru Bedard, Erik SP SEA 13s

R22 P8 Bay State Scout Davis, Wade SP TB 12s

R22 P9 Smokin' Balls Feldman, Scott SP TEX AutoSelect

R22 P10 Andrea Theriot, Ryan SS CHC 5s

R22 P11 Real Chance Ruiz, Carlos C PHI AutoSelect

R22 P12 Dan Buehrle, Mark SP CHW AutoSelect

Round Twenty-Three

R23 P1 Dan Varitek, Jason C BOS AutoSelect

R23 P2 Real Chance Hernandez, Ramon C, 1B CIN AutoSelect

R23 P3 Andrea Hanrahan, Joel RP PIT 26s

R23 P4 Smokin' Balls Torrealba, Yorvit C SD AutoSelect

R23 P5 Bay State Scout Kuroda, Hiroki SP LA 3s

R23 P6 thetrueguru Moylan, Peter RP ATL 5s

R23 P7 Clean Streets Lowe, Derek SP ATL 31s

R23 P8 chata Teahen, Mark 3B, OF CHW Predrafted

R23 P9 Horton's Who's on First Arroyo, Bronson SP CIN 28s

R23 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Saunders, Joe SP ANA AutoSelect

R23 P11 Fireman68 Santana, Carlos C CLE 4s

R23 P12 Jason Swist (FantasyBaseballSearch.com) Shoppach, Kelly C TB 14s

 
Pro Fantasy Baseball Final Team
 
R1 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Teixeira, Mark 1B NYY

R2 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Sizemore, Grady OF CLE


R3 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hernandez, Felix SP SEA


R4 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Granderson, Curtis OF NYY


R5 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Nathan, Joe RP MIN


R6 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Hill, Aaron 2B TOR


R7 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Quentin, Carlos OF CHW


R8 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Wieters, Matt C BAL


R9 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Ramirez, Alexei SS CHW


R10 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Beckham, Gordon 3B CHW


R11 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Span, Denard OF MIN


R12 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Webb, Brandon SP ARI


R13 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Stubbs, Drew OF CIN


R14 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Zambrano, Carlos SP CHC


R15 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Gonzalez, Mike RP BAL


R16 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Peralta, Jhonny 3B CLE


R17 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Happ, J.A. SP PHI


R18 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Posey, Buster C SF


R19 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Porcello, Rick SP DET


R20 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Izturis, Maicer 2B ANA


R21 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Lindstrom, Matt RP HOU


R22 P3 Pro Fantasy Baseball Coghlan, Chris OF FLA


R23 P10 Pro Fantasy Baseball Saunders, Joe SP ANA

 
Bay State Scout Final Team
 
R1 P5 Bay State Scout Utley, Chase 2B PHI



R2 P8 Bay State Scout Mauer, Joe C MIN


R3 P5 Bay State Scout Gonzalez, Adrian 1B SD


R4 P8 Bay State Scout Upton, B.J. OF TB


R5 P5 Bay State Scout Hamilton, Josh OF TEX


R6 P8 Bay State Scout Ramirez, Aramis 3B CHC


R7 P5 Bay State Scout Figgins, Chone 3B SEA


R8 P8 Bay State Scout Gallardo, Yovani SP MIL


R9 P5 Bay State Scout Jimenez, Ubaldo SP COL


R10 P8 Bay State Scout Bartlett, Jason SS TB


R11 P5 Bay State Scout Bruce, Jay OF CIN


R12 P8 Bay State Scout Wagner, Billy RP ATL


R13 P5 Bay State Scout Baker, Scott SP MIN


R14 P8 Bay State Scout Francisco, Frank RP TEX


R15 P5 Bay State Scout Rasmus, Colby OF STL


R16 P8 Bay State Scout Hardy, J.J. SS MIN


R17 P5 Bay State Scout Doumit, Ryan C PIT


R18 P8 Bay State Scout Cameron, Mike OF BOS


R19 P5 Bay State Scout Liriano, Francisco SP MIN


R20 P8 Bay State Scout Matsui, Hideki DH ANA


R21 P5 Bay State Scout Santana, Ervin SP ANA


R22 P8 Bay State Scout Davis, Wade SP TB


R23 P5 Bay State Scout Kuroda, Hiroki SP LA

Knock the Mock

As the 2010 baseball season approaches, and just as important, your 2010 fantasy draft approaches, it is nice to get in some practice with mock drafts. However, there are some dangers that you must be aware of when you do your mock drafts. Mock drafting can be both good and bad. Read the below points to get some ideas of how to use mock drafts to your advantage.

Here's the skinny:

The Good:

• Mock drafting gets you thinking in 'draft Mode'. 'Draft Mode' is the ability to make smart decisions according to your game plan in the allotted time. This is usually not done well on the first couple of drafts, but as you continue to mock draft, your game plan and approach gets stronger. This is a big plus.
• Mock drafting gives you a feel for where players will go in the draft. After a few drafts, you should kinda know who's going in the top rounds and who will be around later. This is a good time to see who might be over and under rated.
• Mock drafting is a good time to try out different strategies. Try different things and see how your team comes out in the end. May come across a new strategy!
• Mock drafting is fun.

The Bad:

• Being that the draft is not real, people may not take it too seriously. If they are not taking it too seriously, their picks may not reflect 'real' picks.
• Just like you, others may be trying out different strategies. You could end up with a false sense of how the draft went due to someone trying something bizarre.
• Take into account how many people are in the draft. Seems straight forward, but it's easy to overlook. If your real draft is 12 people but your mock drafts are 10 people, the results simply won't match up very well. It's not pointless, as you can still see who the popular picks are, but it can't be used as a guideline for what round a player will go in.

Keeping these points in mind should help you have effective and safe mock drafts. Have fun!

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

'Bargain' Brett Anderson

After doing a lot of research on Brett Anderson, I have come to the conclusion that he is a middle round pick that is going to pay off. He's too young to be a top pick (22). His numbers are not good enough to be a top pick (11-11, 4.06 ERA, 150 Ks in 175 innings). His flashes of dominance show that he could perform as a top pick.

His 'stuff' has impressed a lot of people. Not only is it good, it is accurate. It's one thing to throw a slider, quite another to throw a slider that catches the black. Anderson has shown he can do this. He has the ability to strike out a batter an inning, and has the ability to minimizes any damage by getting a lot of ground balls. Nice combo.

So what is the bad news (there is always bad news)? 1) Brett Anderson is only 22 years old and young pitchers can struggle. 2) His team is not great. I think he will pitch well enough to win plenty of games, but his team may not give him run support. 3) He threw 175 innings last year - that is a solid work load for a 21 year old rookie. I haven't seen any talk of a pitch count, so he may get worn down this year. However, at 6'4" and 235 pounds, he may have a frame that can handle it - we'll see, but it's worth mentioning.

Anderson should be picked up in most all formats. He will not be there too late, but if you can grab him after the middle round, he could really give your team a nice boost. Keep in mind, some think he can be an elite pitcher THIS year! I love potential, but I'm not riding that band-wagon yet. However, he should easily perform above (perhaps way above) his draft position making him a great 'Bargain'.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Julio Borbon - Pierre With Power

Juan Pierre with a touch more power. That is how I would describe Julio Borbon, CF for the Texas Rangers.

Borbon is young, only 24, but has shown some serious talent at the major league level. Last year, 46 games, he batted .312, 30 Runs, 20 RBIs, 4 HRs, and 19 Stolen Bases. Solid. The next time Juan Pierre hits that many homeruns in less then 50 games will be the first time.

If we calculate that Borbon played a 1/3 of a season, that would mean that over a full season he would have 90 Runs, 60 RBIs, 12 HRs, and 50+ Stolen Bases. That would be pretty sweet! Can he continue at this pace for a full year? Not sure. But he will get his chance.

Texas has made it clear that he is the starting center fielder and want him as their leadoff hitter. So what we have in Borbon is a starter with good potential, a nice sample of big league games, and plays on an offensive minded team. There is a lot to like here.

I would value Juan Pierre a little higher then Borbon just because of his stellar track record, but Borbon could out perform him - especially with a little more power. Julio Borbon is another good young outfielder that can be had late in the draft.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Spring Fever

With baseball players reporting to camps, spring training games about to start, and outside temperatures creeping towards tolerable, spring is here! Officially spring doesn't start until March 20th, but I'm not a slave to what 'The Man' says, it's here in my book. However, you can't talk about spring without mentioning the dreaded spring fever.

Spring fever manifests itself it several ways, but to fantasy baseball fans it often shows up with bad decisions. How so? For those who have had their draft, or are in keeper leagues, the desire to 'play' takes over. Since the season is still some time off, 'playing' happens in the form of trades. When you make a trade, your playing. This desire to play/trade is strong, so strong that bad offers are made in order to make a deal. For some reason we forget how good this player was, or how average that player performed and we offer lopsided trades, generally not in our favor. It's possible to 'play' your way right out of the post season without the season even starting! For those who haven't had a draft yet, you are protected as there is no bad decisions to be made... yet.

The bright side is that you are not alone. This fever affects other owners as well and this knowledge can be used to your advantage. To win the battle of spring fever and maybe come out ahead, follow these steps:

1) Know your team. There is nothing like making a trade for a player that fills a position that you already have nicely filled. Trades should always have the purpose of making your team better.

2) Research your trades. Do not be quick to pull the trigger. There is nothing wrong with offering trades this time of year, even lots of them, just do not be too hasty.

3) Test the waters. Send out trades that favor you (within reason, let's stay in the realm of fair) and see if you get any bites. Chances are, the fever is hitting someone and you can make some nice deals for yourself. Perhaps target some guys who are good but didn't perform well last year due to injuries, such as Jose Reyes, or Chien-Ming Wang.

Baseball is not too far off. The fever will subside. Until then, follow closely the above remedy and keep your yourself and your team healthy.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Juan 'Not Gone' Pierre

Here is another outfielder who will be available late in your draft that can give you some good numbers. Juan Pierre.

Pierre has been stuck in obscurity while in LA because they simply had too many outfielders. The Dodgers had to play Manny, Kemp, and Ethier ahead of him. However, he will not have any problems getting playing time on the White Sox. I think it was a strong/smart move for them to pick up Pierre.

What do you get with Juan Pierre? Most notably, stolen bases. Outside of his rookie year, he has never stolen less then 30 bags (even while playing part time for the Dodgers). He has stolen more then 60 bags in a season twice. Bottom line is that this guy is fast and knows how to steal (more then speed is involved with base thieving). As a full time player, expect an easy 40+ swipes. What else do you get with Pierre? You get a career .301 hitter, a guy that should give you around 90 runs, and kick in about 40 RBIs. You will NOT get the long ball. Pierre hit 13 homeruns, not last year, but in the last 10 years total. Nuff said.

As with many other outfielders, Pierre is not a high draft pick and can be had late in your draft - hence the Juan 'Not Gone' nickname.

So repeat after me, I will fill in my shallow positions before I fill in my outfield.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

UN-der-RATE-ed, UN-der-RATE-ed

One of the best words you want to hear for fantasy baseball is 'Underrated'. This means a player is not viewed as being as good as he is. This means he will be available late in your draft or even on the FA list. I have a hard time thinking of anyone who this word applies to more then Franklin Gutierrez, CF, Seattle Mariners (Although, Placido Polanco is a perennial underrated player).

Gutierrez is known for his defense, but he's even underrated with that as he was robbed of a Gold Glove last year. But that's beside the point (for fantasy). The guy can really hit. This 'defensive' player, put up a strong line last year - .283 AVG, 18 HR, 70 RBIs, 85 Runs, and 16 Stolen Bases. All of this in his first year as a full time starter. He just turned 27 (on Feb. 21) and there is no reason to think that he can't improve on all of those numbers.

Honestly, Gutierrez is not going to light the world on fire this year, but how would you like a .290+ AVG, 20 HR, 80 RBI, 90 Runs, and 20 SB from a guy you can get very late in your draft? Frankly (no pun intended), I would love it. I'm planning on it.

I've said it before, and it bears repeating, with so much young and underrated talent in the OF this year, focus your high draft picks on the shallower positions. Franklin Gutierrez is probably going to be a 'left over' that can be readily had once you fill your other needs.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Crushing Blow Branyan style

Manny Acta has Stated that newly signed Russell Branyan who hit 31 HR's for Seattle last season will start at First base this season for the Indians. Well So much for Michael Brantley or Matt Laporta being full time or even major league players this year. Laporta looked like the starting first baseman until this news, and Brantley looked to be starting in left until now.

My personal opinion is that Laporta will be with the Big club playing left and should still be on your radar. Expect some struggles from Laporta as this will be his first full season in the big leagues.(temper expectations) The Biggest loser in all of this is Michael Brantley, who I have seen touted all over the Internet as a sleeper. I have even heard people say they think he will put up Kemp like numbers from Kemp's rookie campaign.(Kemp's first year as a full time starter 2008: 606, AB's, 290 avg, 340 obp, 18 hr's, 76 rbi, and 35 steals).

Although I think Brantley could do this in a couple years I do not think he is ready to do that this season. Now, he won't even have the chance. Brantley will get full time AB's but not with the Big club. My personal opinion is that Brantley will start the year in AAA barring an injury in Spring ball. All that said, I am buying Branyan as a late round utility pick for his 30-40 hr potential. If Branyan can stay healthy I see no reason why he can't repeat what he did last year. Branyan Projection: 260 avg 60 runs 35 hrs 96 rbi and 1 SB.

The Bay State Scout (Bay_state_scout@comcast.net)
It has been confirmed by a report in the Cleveland Plain dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/02/cleveland_indians_sign_russell.html)

Outfield On The Cheap

Nolan Reimold, the 27 year old outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, had a great rookie year in 2009. For a first year player to put up a .279 AVG, 15 HRs, and sprinkle in 8 SBs in about 100 games is solid. Now a year older, 2010 can be a year for him to shine.

The book on Reimold is that he has a good combination of speed and power. Playing a full year, I think it would be a safe guess to put him at 25 HRs and 20 SBs. If he can keep his AVG up, say in the .280s, then he will be a great late round pick. You have to like a guy who can give you good numbers across the board, Runs, HRs, RBIs, AVG, SBs. I think Reimold can be a poor man's Matt Kemp.

We all know the big names when it comes to the outfield, and we know that if we want them, we need to spend a high pick. But with so many good young players, you should be able to spend your high picks on the weaker/shallower positions (like 2B), and use guys like Reimold to fill in your outfield in the later rounds.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Role Playing in M's Camp

It, was reported earlier today that Chone Figgins and Jose Lopez were spotted in a bit of a role playing exercise.

Figgins was playing the role of second baseman and Lopez covered third. This could be Huge for Fantasy owners. Figgins is a lower tier 3rd Baseman in my opinion due to his extreme lack of power potential. But put Figgins at second base and watch out he immediately becomes a top-six option and possibly top-five depending how you feel about Aaron Hill (who I think will hurt a lot of teams).

I put Figgins 5th in a second base ranking behind Utley, Kinsler, Cano, Pedroia and Figgins. I have Figgins ranked 9th in my third baseman rankings behind A-ROD, Longoria, Reynolds, Wright, Youk, Zimmerman, Sandoval, Ramirez, and Figgins.

I am buying Figgins at second and I think if it is confirmed that he will be the full-time second baseman he should now move into the second-round any lower makes him a great value pick.

Projections: .290 BA, 80-90 runs, 40 RBI's, 1 HR and 35 steals.

The Bay State Scout

(Bay_State_Scout@comcast.net)

The Other Dodger

When talking about the outfield for the L.A. Dodgers, two names come straight to mind, Manny Ramirez and Matt Kemp. Manny is an established super-star (although his star is fading), and Kemp has shown that he is an elite outfielder and will be for years to come. What about that other guy? Listen in on this brief conversation.

Me: I'm really looking forward to the another season of Dodger baseball! Their outfield is jammed with talent!

Friend: I know, with Manny in left center and Kemp in right center, they are loaded!

Me: Left center and right center?

Friend: Yea, how else would they play their two outfielders?

Me: What are you talking about? The Dodgers have three outfielders like everyone else.

Friend: I can only remember them playing two last year. Are you sure you are not thinking of a mascot or something?

Me: I'm quite sure. You seem to be forgetting about Andre Ethier. He plays right field.

Friend: Andre Ethier? That's a weird name for a mascot. Anyway, mascots aren't real players.

Me: You're killing me Smalls. Andre Ethier is the Dodger's everyday right fielder and was last year. I know Manny and Kemp get a lot of attention, and for good reason, but Ethier is fantastic. Lets do a little comparison.

Friend: Alright. Which do you like better, Jam or Jelly?

Me: Just stop talking. I want to compare Ethier with Kemp. Kemp had a .297 avg last year, Ethier had .272. Kemp - 26 HRs, Ethier - 31. Kemp - 101 RBIs, Ethier - 106. Kemp - 97 Runs, Ethier - 92. Kemp is much faster and had 34 SBs, while Ethier had more walks and less Ks. All in all, Ethier's fantasy value is very comparable to Kemp!

Friend: Color me impressed.

Me: Kemp is still the more valuable of the two, but Ethier is only just behind him. In fact, in my Yahoo H2H league, Kemp was the 8th best point getter (for outfielders) and Ethier was 12th. I think that he will be a steal in most leagues. Kemp will go in the top couple of rounds, while Ethier will go much later and yet perform like a high end pick.

Friend: This is good advice, and good news for the Dodgers!

Me: Glad you agree.

Friend: The Padres should pay attention, all they have is one infielder.

Me: Sigh.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Injury Bargains - Hitters Edition

Scout Hoffman (@hoffybeisbol) seniorbeisbol@gmail.com http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

Last week I discussed a few pitchers that are returning from an injury plagued 2009 season that are coming off draft boards at a bargain price. Drafting pitchers with injury risks is not for the faint of heart, a little tweak in the elbow or shoulder and you go from draft day genius to a GM scrambling to fill a roster spot. The recovery process for a hitter is not as daunting as the return for a pitcher.

Jose Reyes SS/NYM - The last thing you want from a speedster is a bad leg. Reyes was a top five pick in most leagues last year, and spent most of the year on the DL with a slightly torn hamstring. The best way to repair a torn muscle is rest, which Reyes has been doing since May. He claims to be back to 100% and could be a great bargain as he is currently going as the 22nd pick. If he is healthy you should see a .300/15HR/65RBI/100R/60SB line, which is worthy of a top five pick. Reyes is only 26 years old and has had sufficient time to recover from his injury, I expect big things from him this year.

Josh Hamilton OF/TEX - If you are looking for a guy who knows a thing or two about comebacks, Hamilton is your guy. Out of baseball and battling some inner demons for years, Hamilton burst back onto the scene in 2007 and put up MVP caliber numbers in 2008. In 2009 he was basically non-factor, missing time with various ailments and playing in only 89 games. At 28, Hamilton is still in his prime, and we have seen what he can do when he is healthy, but his health is not a sure thing. He is currently being drafted in the 5-6 round range, with an ADP of 53. He has the upside of a number one outfielder, but I still see some DL time in his future, with 130 games played being about what to expect. If you can get him as your number three outfielder and have the bench space for an injury replacement he could be a bargain in the 6th round.

Rickie Weeks 2B/MIL - Rickie Weeks started 2009 looking like he was going to finally put to use all of his potential. That was until late May when he tore a tendon sheath in his wrist. This is a similar injury to what Weeks went through on his other wrist in 2006. It may take him some time to regain his stroke, but could be an intriguing late pick if he rounds into form in the second half. He is being drafted around pick 200 so there is not much of an investment for the possibility of a good player at a thin position. I would not take him as my only 2nd baseman, but he would be a good guy to stash on your bench.

A Kick to the Groin

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to be a prospect on the cusp of making it to the bigs and then your team signs a veteran at your position. Gotta be like a kick to the Groin.

Austin Jackson, OF, Tigers - He was the main piece of the Curtis Granderson trade and was going to be the starting center fielder for the Tigers. That is until the Tigers just signed Johnny Damon. The Tigers no longer need to rush Jackson, and can field a solid outfield with Magglio Ordonez, Johnny Damon, and Carlos Guillen. To add insult to injury, Damon will probably be the leadoff guy, the spot that the Tiger's were looking to put Jackson in. As far as Damon goes, expect similar numbers to last year, with a few less HRs (he is in a pitchers park now as opposed to the New Yankee Launch Pad). Austin Jackson's value takes a hit. His playing time will probably be cut some, and his position in the lineup will probably be in the latter half. You have to keep an eye on him, but his big contributions may not come until next year.

Josh Thole, C, Mets - A double insult here. Thole is one of the best prospects that the Mets have, catcher or otherwise, but with TWO catcher signings, he probably won't sniff the bigs this year. The recent signing of Rod Barajas, and the past signing of Henry Blanco shows that the Mets are clearly not looking for Thole to make an impact this year. Thole is still a good prospect, but don't even look his way until 2011. Barajas is the epitome of average (when it comes to hitting), should hit around .250 with 15-20 HRs, and around 60 RBIs. Nothing here to get too excited about.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Over Looked

Last year many players that had all the pre draft hype may have failed miserably. What does that mean to me, you ask? Well it means you can get these guys much cheaper in the draft this year and ride them to glory.

Here are two of my Favorites that I feel are going to out produce many players taken before them.

1. SP Francisco Liriano: Liriano is coming off a season where he just fell off the map going 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA. He was in and out of the rotation with arm issues and just couldn't put it together. I know his 2ND half last year was not good going 1-4 with a +6 ERA and everyone is backing off because of it. That is good for you, according to Mockdraftcentral.com his current ADP has him being drafted at 215 as the 57Th pitcher off the board and he is being undrafted in about 14% of leagues.

Am I inspiring you to take him yet? I should be because he was at times Dominant in winter league ball. In his last game for his Dominican winter league club he struck out 10 over 5 well allowing just 1 hit and was consistently hitting 95 MPH with his fastball and showing a tight break on his slider.

Grab him as a number 3 and by mid year you will have a Fantasy ACE.

2. SP Ervin Santana: Santana is another player who destroyed many a fantasy team last year. He finished 8-8 with a 5.10 ERA and battled arm issues all season. His current ADP is also in the 200's at number 227 the 63rd pitcher off the board.

The angels lost Lackey and to be competitive this guy needs to pitch like he did in 2008 and I think he will. He finished last year very strong going 7-3 with a 3.90 ERA 77 K's in 99 innings and 2 CG while allowing a 260 BA Against for the Angels.

I think Santana, like Liriano, should be drafted as a potential fantasy ACE.

The Bay State Scout
(bay_state_scout@comcast.net)

Unknown Jose Julio Ruiz

Jose Julio Ruiz was unknown to me until recently when his name popped up in an article about an impending signing. Since reading that article and several others, I'm a little surprised that I'm only starting to know about him now. The attention he is receiving from major league clubs shows that he is definitely not unknown around baseball circles.

Jose Julio Ruiz is a 25 year old Cuban ball player who defected and appears nearly ready for the bigs. Generally listed as a first baseman, he has the athleticism to play the outfield. Not bad a for a guy who is 6'3" and weighs around 230 (Arod size). Not bad indeed as he has been known to steal 30+ bases in a season. Can he hit? Playing for Cuba, he has a lifetime average of .330 (5 years), and has decent power (I would put him at 20 to 25 a year). I think he could be a slightly stronger, faster version of James Loney.

Ruiz believes he is ready to start very soon. In fact, that is a huge part of his decision as to where to sign (which is believed to happen in the next week or so). He feels he is ready to go (expect at least some time in AAA, but who knows). Regardless of how he is listed on your fantasy site (1B or OF or whatever), consider him a very strong prospect and draft accordingly. Being that there is a very good possibility that he will contribute sooner then later, he should definitely be considered in most formats that aren't too shallow. I imagine that he will be drafted rather late due to the 'unknown factor' - be ready to pounce. Now it is true that Ruiz is unproven when it comes to MLB, but the talent in Cuba is very good, so the transition shouldn't be too bad (I expect a much faster transition then Kendry Morales).

Jose Julio Ruiz may have been unknown to you, his playing position may be unknown, and how good he will be in the majors is still unknown, but don't be scared. Unknown Jose Julio Ruiz will not be unknown for too long.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Ode to Daisuke Matsuzaka

Time to cash in on a wasted season.

Target Dice-K in your draft for good reason.

Dice-K was side tracked by injuries last year,

Now with no WBC, and better prep, there is nothing to fear.

He will not be valued too high,

others will just pass him by.

But, a mid to late round decision

should give you strength at this position.

In 2008 he pitched rather great.

Lost only 3 and won 10 plus 8.

A 2.90 ERA kept the hitters at bay,

striking out about 1 an inning along the way.

The Red Sox are good and should give him plenty of support.

15+ wins, 3.40 ERA, and 150+ Ks sounds like a reasonable 2010 report.

Despite a soar back,

Dice-K remains on track.

He should be ready by the opening bell.

Have him on your fantasy team and you should do well.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Wang Nats!

Chien-Ming Wang has signed with the Washington Nationals. It's hard to believe, but I like how the Nationals are shaping up! With the latest addition of Wang, they could have a good rotation, dare I say excellent (especially with the potential of Strasburg).

What should we expect from Wang? I am willing to overlook his unbelievably bad stats from last year and just chalk it up to injuries (9.64 ERA, 1W, 6L). If I am right, then he will be back to his old form - ace (or near ace) capabilities! Prior to injury, he pitched stongly in a very tough AL division (2007 - 3.70 ERA, 104 Ks, 199.1 innings). Now he is in the NL, still a good division, but he will now have the advantage of no DH to go up against. Also, lets face it, in general the NL is a weaker hitting league (I hate to say it, I'm an NL guy, but it is what it is).

Now you still have to be concerned about run support, but I believe the Nationals will be alright, after all, it wasn't their biggest problem last year. *cough*bullpen*cough*

I can't really say that you should draft Wang as a top pitcher (especially since he will miss at least a month recovering from surgery), but he has the potential to be that, especially if he keep his pitches down. A mid to late round pick could deliver in a big way. Do I hear come-back player of the year?

Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Harvesting the Farm - Part 3

On the farm, some things take longer to grow then others. Baseball players are no different. Part 3 of this series is going to focus on some players that will more then likely be late call ups at best but are still considered top prospects. You want to know these names as they may surprise us this year, and should be on your radar for next (especially those of you in keeper leagues).

Justin Smoak, 1B, Texas Rangers - I must admit, I am very impressed with what the Rangers have going. They have some good young pitchers (including some real studs in their farm), and they continue to have great hitting. It's almost unfair that they have Justin Smoak. Smoak is a switch hitting 1B - ala Mark Texeira. At 23 he has nice power which should keep increasing. The only thing that has slowed him down is good AAA pitching. Before AAA he had a .320+ AVG, but it took a dip down to .244 in 54 games when he reached the Pacific Coast League. As talented a hitter as he is, expect him to adjust. Another concern is that his strikeout rate is about 25% (in AAA). Not too good (but better then Texas' current 1B, Chris Davis). Again, he needs some adjustments. If/when he adjusts, it will be hard for the Rangers to not bring him up - but they just don't have a spot for him yet. However, unless Davis improves, Smoak may overtake him as soon as this year.

Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates - Alvarez is all about power. It is easy to see him as a 40 HR guy. It was much easier to see that before last year. His fast track to the majors took a major detour to the tune of a .234 AVG. Not sure why he struggled so much, but assuming he turns it around in the minors this year, he could be huge in 2011. At 23, it's also not far fetched to see him contribute this year, but not likely until after the All-Star break, and even then not likely as an everyday player. With all that said, the potential of Alvarez commands our attention.

Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants - Of the three guys mentioned in this article, Bumgarner has the best chance to play the most in the majors. He is a left handed pitcher who throws in the low 90's (he's been clocked above 95, but did not show that kind of velocity for much of the year). He got a taste of the bigs last year with a spot start and faired well (but one start is not much to gauge). He has a chance to make the rotation, but he will have a serious innings limit (he is only 20 years old). My guess is that they will wait to bring him up and use him for a late fall push (or at least to get his feet wet for 2011). How good is he? In the last two years (AA and A+), he has an ERA of 1.65 and strikes out almost a batter an inning (8.4 per nine). You have to imagine that those numbers will not be that good against big league hitting, but the potential for success is there. Depending where he ends up when camp breaks, he may just be a guy to keep an eye on, or he may be worth a late round flier.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Injury Bargains

Fantasy baseball tends to be a ‘what have you done for me lately’ game. If a player puts together a few good games in a row he will be added by thousands of leagues across the country, but if he goes hitless in two games he will be tossed back into the free agent pool. Same goes for a fringe pitcher who throws seven shutout innings followed by a rough four inning outing.

Ask any owner who drafted Chris Carpenter in the 17^th round last year, taking a late round flier on a player coming off injury can pay off big. Of course, if you nabbed Francisco Liriano in the 7^th round last year, you know that it is no sure thing for a pitcher to regain his form post surgery.

These three pitchers started a combined eight games in 2009, but are all expected to be healthy to begin 2010. If they can stay healthy they could provide a great bargain in the later rounds.

Brandon Webb (Arizona Diamondbacks) – A former Cy Young award winner, Webb started only one game last year before having minor shoulder surgery last August. Webb was a top ten pitcher from 2006-08, compiling 56 wins and 555 Ks during that span. He threw off a mound last week for the first time since surgery and declared himself pain free. The Diamondbacks have every reason to be cautious with Webb as he returns from injury, but he insists he will be ready to go by opening day. Right now his ADP is 127 (28^th pitcher). If he proves healthy after a few Spring Training outings I would find it hard to believe that there will be 27 pitchers better by the end of the season.

Ben Sheets (Oakland A's) – Sheets did not don a uniform for all of 2009 after having surgery on his throwing elbow. The Oakland A’s gave him a very healthy contract for a guy who has had trouble staying healthy over the past few years. Sheets is a career .500 pitcher spending his entire career on a Brewers team that has usually been below that mark. His WHIP, ERA, and K/9 rate are solid when he is healthy, but health is not a sure bet for a power pitcher coming off major surgery. He is being drafted as the 51^st pitcher overall, meaning he is a 5^th starter on most fantasy teams, with the upside of being a solid number 3 starter.

Tim Hudson (Atlanta Braves) – The Braves were so confident in Hudson’s return from Tommy John surgery that they gave him a three-year extension this offseason. Although pitchers return in as little as nine months after Tommy John surgery, they tend to need at least 18 months before a full recovery. Hanson went under the knife in August of 2008, putting him at 20 months to start this season. 2009 saw him start only seven games down the stretch for the Braves, finishing with a 2-1 record and never allowing more than 4 ER in any start. Hudson has never piled up the strikeouts, but should be a good source of ratios and get 11-14 wins in 2010. Not bad for a guy who is being drafted 203^rd overall in recent drafts.

While pitchers tend to be much more risky when it comes to returning from injury, hitters can just as easily be draft day bargains. Next week I will review three hitters coming back from injuries that could produce some solid return on investment.

www.profantasybaseball.com

seniorbeisbol@gmail.com

Harvesting the Farm - Part 2

The prospects growing in the farm systems are a must know for your fantasy team. Not all will make the majors, and some that do will not produce well - that said, some will be the next stars.

In part one of 'Harvesting the Farm' I brought your attention to the top of the top of prospects, Stephen Strasburg, Aroldis Chapman, and Jason Heyward. The next three are still highly touted and nearly guaranteed to play this year.

Neftali Feliz, SP/RP, Texas Rangers - A young right hander who throws some serious heat (in the area of 98 MPH). The Rangers could always hit, but now are adding some good young pitching to the mix. Feliz has already pitched well in the big leagues, albeit in the bullpen (31 innings, 39 Ks, 1.74 ERA). Texas would like him to be a starter, but hasn't made any final decisions. He could be a great starter, an excellent late innings guy, or even a closer this year. He is worth a mid to late draft pick as long as he is a starter or a closer.

Alcides Escobar, SS, Milwakee Brewers - Not every prospect is going to hit like Pujols, but that doesn't mean they can't help your team, even significantly. Escobar falls into that category. He is a speedy hitter with excellent defense. His defense will keep him as a starter for the Brewers, but his bat is where he needs to show he can be their new leadoff guy. If all things go to plan, count on a .280 hitter, 40 SB, and around 80 runs - there is so much potential for more SBs and runs with his speed. If you miss out on the top tier SS in your draft, Escobar should be available in the later rounds.

Austin Jackson, OF, Detroit Tigers - The corner stone in the Curtis Granderson trade, Jackson's time is now. He has been the top prospect for the Yankees for awhile, and now he is going to actually start for Detroit (what Yankee fans were hoping the Yanks would do for much of last year). With his speed and what he has shown as a contact hitter, the initial plan is for him to be their leadoff man. However, his bat has not been as consistent as one would like. He really seems to be a streaky hitter so far. If he is able to show a little more consistency he will deliver in a big way. If he increases his power some, he could be a super-star. The ceiling is high on Jackson and is definitely worth a late round pick.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Following the Offseason Moves

Senior Beisbol (@HoffyBaseball) seniorbeisbol@gmail.com http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

As we dig our way out of a seemingly countrywide snowstorm, one phrase warms my soul – Pitchers and catchers report.

Next week ballfields throughout Arizona and Florida will be filled with well over one thousand of baseball players vying for 750 spots on Major League rosters. From those rosters less than half of those players will end up on fantasy rosters, and as a fantasy GM, those are the ones that concern me.

Spring training in baseball is all about position battles, rotation spots, line-up juggling, and blending the free agents and rookies with the veteran talent. Fantasy baseball looks at many of the same things. The best fantasy GMs started preparation for the 2010 season months ago, but for those that haven’t, there are people like me who can catch you up.

One of the best ways to find sleepers and undervalued players is to pay attention to how the offseason changes have played out. I will take you on a quick spin around the league, starting with some of the players who switched teams this offseason.

Chone Figgins 2B/3B – From the Los Angeles Angels to the Seattle Mariners

- Figgins was the jewel of the free agent market according to many GMs. You will not see much of a change in the fantasy stats for Figgins after his move north. Normally you would be worried about the spacious SafeCo field, but Figgins is purely a singles hitter with good stolen base numbers, so you will not see any power drain.

John Lackey SP – From the Los Angeles Angels to the Boston Red Sox - Lackey switched coasts from one contender to another. He is going to a slightly more hitter friendly ballpark so there might be a slight bump in his ratios, but he will be backed by a more powerful lineup and a very solid defense. He will also no longer be counted on as the ‘ace’ of the staff and will be slotted in the third spot in the rotation making him probably the best number 3’s in the league. The main issue with Lackey over the last two seasons has been health, as he has spent time on the DL in both seasons. If he remains healthy he should be in for a solid year.

Adrian Beltre 3B – From the Seattle Mariners to the Boston Red Sox - Beltre is another player bothered by injuries and switching coasts. He is going from one of the best pitchers ballparks to one that favors the hitter. He is reportedly healthy and at 31 years old should still have enough pop in his bat to post a respectable offensive season, think .265/27/85. Mike Lowell is still on the Red Sox roster and may steal a few ABs, but the Red Sox have been trying to trade him all offseason.

Milton Bradley OF – From the Chicago Cubs to the Seattle Mariners - Bradley was supposed to be the spark plug that the Cubs needed to add some fire in the clubhouse and take them to their first World Series 1945. Instead his attitude and poor performance has him backing his bags to the Pacific Northwest. He is back in the American League where he had a career year in 2008, leading the league in OPS and OBP. Until he proves that he can keep his mind clear and mouth shut, he is no better than a 4^th outfielder on a fantasy roster.

Cliff Lee SP – From the Philadelphia Phillies to the Seattle Mariners - Part of a blockbuster trade this offseason, Lee is on his third team in 8 months. Normally a pitcher moving from the NL to the AL would see a jump in his ratios, but Lee only spent a few months with the Phillies. He is also moving to SafeCo, where flyballs go to die. I will continue to treat Lee as a Fantasy Ace.

Roy Halladay SP – From the Toronto Blue Jays to the Philadelphia Phillies - After years of rumors, Halladay finally leaves Canada to join the two time defending National League champion Phillies. Going to the homer happy ballpark in Philly would normally be a bad thing for a pitcher, but Halladay is special. He will continue to pile up the innings, wins and K’s.

Matt Capps RP – From the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Washington Nationals - Capps had two suitors chasing him this offseason, each offering different roles. The Cubs wanted him to pitch the 8^th inning for them, the Nats offered him the closing job, and that is what he took. In the fantasy world, the Nats job makes him relevant. He had some elbow issues last season, but he seems to be healthy now. Saves can come from anywhere and I look for Capps to a viable closer you can get on the cheap.

Mike Cameron OF – From the Milwaukee Brewers to the Boston Red Sox - Cameron will patrol CF for the Red Sox and will likely have another solid, underappreciated fantasy year. Fenway Park is a dream for a right-handed, dead-pull hitter like Cameron. He has been a virtual lock for 20-25 HR, 70-80 RBI, 15-20 SB, and a .250 average his entire career. Not flashy stats, but very respectable for a 3^rd fantasy outfielder that usually lasts longer in the draft than he should.

Rich Harden SP – From the Chicago Cubs to the Texas Rangers - Harden has the stuff of an ace, but a body made of balsa wood and rubberbands. The Cubs babied him, often giving him six days off between starts and only starting him on the road and at night. He has only surpassed 30 starts once, and never won more than 11 games. His K’s and the off-chance that he can finally stay healthy keep fantasy owners coming back for more. Just keep in mind if you draft him you are likely getting only ¾ of a season from him.

Curtis Granderson OF – From the Detroit Tigers to the New York Yankees - Granderson was moved to New York after the Tigers grew a bit tired of watching his average against lefties steadily drop over the past few seasons. The new Yankee stadium proved to be quite the bandbox in its first year, especially favoring lefties with power. Slotted at the top of a powerful lineup, he should see another year of 100+ runs, 25 HR, 70 RBI and 10-15 SB. If Granderson can adjust to the bright lights of New York he could be in for a great year in pinstripes.

Edwin Jackson SP – From the Detroit Tigers to the Arizona Diamondbacks - Jackson’s 2009 was a tale of two halves. Prior to the All-Star break he had a stellar ERA of 2.52. In the final months, it ballooned to 5.07. He ended the year with a respectable stat line, but is now gone from the pitcher friendly Comerica Park. Instead he will spend his summer pitching in Arizona where the ball flies in the summer. 2010 should end with a mix between first and second half Jackson, and ERA around 4, a K/9 rate of 6.5 and double digit wins. Don’t think of him as a 2^nd or even a 3^rd fantasy starter quite yet. Let someone else overpay for him in the draft.

Rafael Soriano RP – From the Atlanta Braves to the Tampa Bay Rays - Soriano was a part time closer with the Braves in 2009, splitting time with Mike Gonzalez. He will get a chance to be the closer in Tampa Bay, a spot that was and Achilles heel for the Rays in 2009. He has struggled with some elbow problems in his past, but was able to pitch virtually pain free last year. His high K/9 rate (12.13 in 2009) makes him a very valuable 2^nd tier closer if he secures the job and remains healthy.

Javier Vazquez SP – From the Atlanta Braves to the New York Yankees - ‘Big Game’ Javy is back in New York for his second go-round. His first stint in 2004 went so well, he was shipped out after only one season. This time is a bit different. He is not coming to be the ace; he is coming to be the 3^rd or 4^th starter. 2009 was his best year as a pro, posting his lowest ERA and WHIP and compiling 15 wins and 238 Ks. The move back to the AL should push his ratios back up to his career averages, but Vazquez should be a good source of wins and Ks.