Really? Andruw Jones? Really?

This is an article I didn't think I would write, certainly didn't want to write it, but I can't ignore what Andruw Jones is doing in Chicago.

Remember Jones on the Braves? Great fielder, great hitter, exciting, just a great player. Then the Dodgers got him for a bunch of money and he proceeded to go into the toilet. Completely abysmal. As a Dodger fan, I went from, 'Yes! We got Andruw Jones!' to 'What did we do? Just spent a load of money and got nothing.' Complete disappointment. Whatever happened to him from the Braves to the Dodgers seemed to have ended his career.

Not so fast my friend. The 33 year old outfielder is having a bit of a turnaround. So far this year, he is hitting .293, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs, and 3 SBs. I'm not sure he did that his entire time in L.A. If Jones is regaining some of his old form, he is a must watch and a potential waiver wire pickup that can pay off big time. He is owned in about 5% of leagues, so he is probably available for you. Shallow leagues need to watch and see if he keeps up these numbers (if so, then he becomes a must own in almost all formats), deep leagues should seriously consider picking him up and hope he is the old Andrew Jones again.

Why oh why could he have not done this for the Dodgers?

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Jose Guillen: Fantasy Stud!

There are different reasons why a player is underrated. One of the main reasons is injury. A guy is real good, but doesn't play consistently enough to really show you his skills. Jose Guillen, OF, KC Royals, falls in this category. I have had him on my fantasy teams past and had mixed feelings. When he was healthy and played, he would put up solid numbers (from a guy I picked late in the draft or off of waivers), but when hurt (fairly often), he would struggle at the plate or miss time altogether. The up and down was frustrating.

Well, Jose Guillen is up now. He is healthy and swinging a mighty bat. Through his first 9 games, he is hitting .361, 5 HRs, and 9 RBIs. In my H2H points league, he is in the top 5 for point getters for all hitters! Yes, a fantasy stud! And of course, he is on the waiver wire.

Let's be real for a moment. Guillen will not be a top 5 point person in my H2H league at the end of the year. He won't be top 5 even among just outfielders. What will he be? He will likely be a .275 hitter with 25-30 HRs (based on his history). Well, that's not bad, but that's not great either. Correct. What we are probably looking at here is a rental type player, or a spot starter. Guillen has always been kinda streaky. Right now he is on a great streak and it's worth playing him until the streak fades. The only question at that point is whether or not to keep him for his next streak or drop him. Honestly, if you drop him, he will probably be available on waivers for his next hitting streak.

One last thing. The unknown. Sometimes a guy comes out of nowhere to put up a great year. A good start doesn't mean that will happen, but it is a start. Jose Guillen has talent, even at 33 years old. Maybe he has a last hurrah in store before his declining baseball years.

-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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Harvesting the Farm - Part 1

I could tell you that Hanley Ramirez should be drafted very high, Albert Pujols is arguably the best hitter in baseball, and Tim Lincecum is a monster pitcher, but you know all of that. I would like to help you out on more of the up-and-comers. The farm systems are ripe for picking.

Part 1 of this 3 part series is about the top prospects. May not be too many surprises here, but these are names you must know (and will know, for better or worse) by the end of the season.

Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals - One of the most super hyped pitchers I can remember. The guy can throw 100+ MPH and had an amazing strikeout rate in college. When he plays in the majors and how well against big league hitting is yet to be seen, but the potential is there. Downside of Strasburg is that he could be a serious injury risk. Barring injury, he will be in the majors before year end, and I wouldn't be very surprised to see him on the opening day roster.

Aroldis Chapman, SP, Cincinnati Reds - After Strasburg, Chapman was the leader in hype. A young lefty that can throw 100+. Visions of the next Randy Johnson danced in teams heads. Again, when he will show up in the majors and how well he will do is unknown. Good thing about Chapman is that he is said to throw an 'easy' fastball, meaning that he is less of an injury risk. I give Chapman an outside shot at making the opening day roster, but see him as a late call up.

Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta Braves - Generally considered the best non-pitching prospect, Heyward could contribute right away. My favorite description is that he does everything good, but nothing great. This is not a bad thing, good average, good power, good speed, good defense - this adds up to making an immediate impact. However, he is only 20 and does not have a guaranteed spot in the OF. He will battle in spring for one, and even if he makes the team he could share time as the Braves have some good options. If he gets full time play, he could be a solid player on your team, if he gets part time play, he might be nice off the bench, but would be more of a keeper prospect for 2011.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Hot in SoCal: Juan Rivera

Juan Rivera is heating up in Los Angeles. The Angel's outfielder has really put together a nice string of games at the plate. In his last 9 games, he is hitting .428 (15/35), 3 HR, 7 RBIs, and 5 Runs. Considering how well he is hitting, the 7 RBIs and 5 Runs seem very low for that kind of AVG. Rivera showed glimpses of his hitting potential throughout last year but never did it consistently. Right now he seems to be more of a streaky hitter then a guy who is turning the corner to become a premier outfielder. If he was younger, I would say grab him now and reap the hitting rewards, but at 30 years old, he is not likely going to blossom into greatness. If you need some OF help, Juan Rivera is one of the hottest right now. He's worth a rent in most formats (if you have a spot for him - don't drop a lot of value to get him). In deep leagues, he has the potential to be one of those mid-season sleepers that might just put you over the top. -Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)