The Future Is Now For Wieters
Scout Hoffman (seniorbeisbol@gmail.com)
http://www.profantasybaseball.com/
With two words, Baltimore Orioles GM Andy MacPhail has brought joy to thousands of fantasy GMs. 'It's time.' Uber-hyped prospect Matt Wieters will be called up to join Baltimore this Friday. If he is still available in your league, grab him; but note that it is time to find a more competitive league.
As a fellow member of the card carrying 'Wieters Watchers,' I have highly anticipated his arrival. Even though we were told from the get-go that Wieters would not be called up until June 1st, there wasn't a morning that went by that I didn't check my squad, hoping to see a player note next to young Mr. Wieters name. Now that we have a date set, what should we expect from the switch hitting catcher?
Through 39 games for the Norfolk Tides, Wieters has an average of .305, 5 HRs, and 30 RBI. His 2008 numbers were very impressive for his first year of professional ball. He will most likely be inserted in the middle of a top heavy Baltimore lineup.
With Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Brian Roberts, and Aubrey Huff setting the table, Wieters should have ample RBI chances. The hitters in the bottom of the order have struggled this year, but should still bring him home enough for Wieters to supply solid numbers in four of the five standard categories. Expect an average around .300, HRs in the teens, 60-75 RBI and 50-60 runs.
Wieters has been touted as a 'can't miss' prospect by the entire fantasy world for several months now. If he lives up to at least a portion of the hype, he could easily be a top 10 catcher by the end of they year, and that is without playing in the first quarter of the season. Keep in mind that there are plenty of hyped prospects that come up and fall on their face.
The Orioles have done his fantasy owners a favor by putting a date on his arrival, as he will carry tremendous trade value over the next few days. If it is me, I am holding on and enjoying the ride.
As a fellow member of the card carrying 'Wieters Watchers,' I have highly anticipated his arrival. Even though we were told from the get-go that Wieters would not be called up until June 1st, there wasn't a morning that went by that I didn't check my squad, hoping to see a player note next to young Mr. Wieters name. Now that we have a date set, what should we expect from the switch hitting catcher?
Through 39 games for the Norfolk Tides, Wieters has an average of .305, 5 HRs, and 30 RBI. His 2008 numbers were very impressive for his first year of professional ball. He will most likely be inserted in the middle of a top heavy Baltimore lineup.
With Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Brian Roberts, and Aubrey Huff setting the table, Wieters should have ample RBI chances. The hitters in the bottom of the order have struggled this year, but should still bring him home enough for Wieters to supply solid numbers in four of the five standard categories. Expect an average around .300, HRs in the teens, 60-75 RBI and 50-60 runs.
Wieters has been touted as a 'can't miss' prospect by the entire fantasy world for several months now. If he lives up to at least a portion of the hype, he could easily be a top 10 catcher by the end of they year, and that is without playing in the first quarter of the season. Keep in mind that there are plenty of hyped prospects that come up and fall on their face.
The Orioles have done his fantasy owners a favor by putting a date on his arrival, as he will carry tremendous trade value over the next few days. If it is me, I am holding on and enjoying the ride.Labels: Matt Wieters, Scout Hoffman