Batters Report

Week 21 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:05:35 +0000

Pick Up
Chris Davis, 3B, TEX – After striking out an eye-popping 114 times in 258 ABs, Chris Davis was sent down to the minor leagues to work on his swing. Needless to say, it looks like he fixed it with a batting average of .327 and striking out only 23% of the time (opposed to 44% earlier in the bigs). He’s back with the big league club and is a monster source for power numbers. Pick him up if another owner gave up on him when he was sent to AAA.
Adam LaRoche, 1B, ATL – This pickup is mostly intended for those of you in shallow leagues since Adam LaRoche is likely gone in deeper leagues. Since being traded to the Braves, LaRoche has averaged a HR every 10.5 ABs and nearly an RBI per game. If you are in need of power numbers, the older LaRoche brother is a great pickup.
Take a Shot At
Ross Ohlendorf, SP, PIT – Have you seen this guy’s home numbers? Pitching for the lowly Pirates at PNC Park, Ohlendorf is 8-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He’s 4-1 in his last 7 starts and if you want a spot-starter who will steady your ERA/WHIP and has a decent chance of picking up a W, Ohlendorf is your man.
Vicente Padilla, SP, TEX – While Ohlendorf is a safe pickup, Padilla is more of a risk/reward free agent acquisition. Padilla was released by the Rangers, but don’t let that scare you away. He has three things going for him now: he’s bound to get run support with a great Dodgers’ lineup, he’s now pitching in an easier league, and has moved from a hitter’s park to a pitcher’s park. He comes with some risk, but the reward could be great. If you need to gamble to make up some points in the standings, Padilla is your man.
Keep an Eye On
Matt LaPorta, OF, CLE

Week 20 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:08:42 +0000

Pick Up
Travis Snider, OF, TOR – After sticking with the big league team through May, 21 year-old OF Travis Snider was sent down to work on his game and has been recalled to the Blue Jays. He hit a HR in his first game back and the best is yet to come for one of the game’s best prospects. He is a solid add in all leagues and could very well be an important contributor to your fantasy championship.
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, COL – Talk about being on fire! Gonzalez hit a HR in 4 straight games from the 16th to the 19th and has 9 hits in his last 7 games. He is an important part of the Rockies’ surging lineup and it looks like this former top prospect is starting to put it all together. He is an extra base machine and if he can keep his K/BB ratio under control, he will be a great fantasy outfielder for years to come.
Take a Shot At
Derek Holland, SP, TEX – This young lefty has a 1.29 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in his last 3 starts, including a complete game shutout against the Angels – impressive! This top prospect (notice a common theme in this week’s report?) is becoming the leader of the Rangers’ pitching staff and could do the same for your fantasy staff.
Keep an Eye On
Tim Hudson, SP, ATL

Week 19 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:48:13 +0000

Pick Up
Alcides Escobar, MI, MIL – The Brewers cleaned house today by sending SS J.J. Hardy to the minors and releasing 3B Bill Hall and the main beneficiary is (former) minor league middle infielder Alcides Escobar. Escobar has massive SB potential (42 SB in 420 minor league AB this season) and can hit for a great average (.298 this year). He’ll get every day ABs in the second half and is a great pickup to start at your MI position.
Take a Shot At
Randy Ruiz, DH, TOR – Called up to become the designated hitter for the Blue Jays, Randy Ruiz is a powerful minor league hitter who hit for a good average and hit the ball out of the park. He batted .320 with 25 HR in 462 ABs in AAA this season and hitting in the middle of the Toronto batting order, he could be a great second-half source for HRs and RBIs.
Keep an Eye On
Trent Oeltjen, OF, ARI

Week 18 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:16:09 +0000

Pick Up
Rajai Davis, OF, OAK –Talk about a second half surge! Since the All-Star break, Davis has batted .341 with 16 RBI and 6 SB in only 41 ABs. If you project that over a full season, Davis is on a 60+ SB pace. He is the perfect mid-season candidate to add if you’re in need of steals and he won’t hurt you in other categories, either.
Jim Johnson, RP, BAL / Jason Frasor, RP, TOR – If you’re in need of saves help, here are two guys that are likely available on your waiver wire. Johnson has inherited the closer’s role after former closer George Sherill was traded to the Dodgers, while Frasor will handle ninth inning duties now that Scott Downs has been placed on the disabled list. Closers are hard to come by, so there’s not much explanation needed here.
Take a Shot At
Kyle Blanks, 1B, SD – This guy is huge. He does not look like a baseball player, but it’s hard to argue with his minor league numbers. It took him a while to adjust to the major league game, but it looks like he has finally figured it out. He’s raised his batting average by 60 points over the last 2 weeks and is finally getting everyday at-bats in the middle of the Padres’ lineup. He has plenty of power potential, so take a flier on him.
Brian Matusz, SP, BAL – Considered the #2 prospect in the organization, Matusz made his major league debut on Tuesday against the Tigers and picked up the W. He pitched better than fellow rookie Chris Tillman did in his first big league start and may be more ready to help your fantasy team this season. He had phenomenal control in the minor leagues and can strike out a batter per inning. Paired with a great offense, he could be a surprise second half pitcher.
Bud Norris, SP, HOU – Finally getting a chance in the bigs, Norris shut down the red hot Cardinals on Saturday and pitched seven shutout innings. He was great in AAA, striking out 112 batters in 120 innings with a 2.63 ERA. His spot in the rotation is not guaranteed, but if he pitches well in his start this week, combined with the fact that Felipe Paulino and Brian Moehler have not been pitching well as of late, he could be a fixture on the Astros’ staff for the rest of the season.
Keep an Eye On
Tom Gorzelanny, SP, CHC

Week 17 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:34:11 +0000

Pick Up
Tommy Hunter, SP, TEX – Tommy Hunter has been a very consistent pitcher since rejoining the Rangers’ pitching staff on June 28, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.00 ERA. He won’t strike out many batters in a game (season high of 6), but he will limit the other team’s hits and walks. If you’re in need of wins, ERA, and WHIP help (he has a 1.17 WHIP this season), Hunter will be a great pickup.
Luke Hochevar, SP, KC – It looks Hochevar has figured out the major league, as he’s struck out 18 batters and only walked 1 in his last 2 starts, including a 13 K, 0 BB effort last game. No, you didn’t read that wrong, he actually struck out 13 batters last game. He is 5-1 in his last 6 starts with a complete game and 6+ innings in 5 of those starts. Hochevar may finally be living up to his billing, so grab him in any leagues where he’s available.
Take a Shot At
Chris Tillman, SP, BAL – Being a Baltimore Orioles fan (and a fan of baseball in general), it’s great to finally see one of the best pitching prospects get called up to the MLB. His arrival has been much anticipated after his ridiculous stat line in the minors: 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 99:26 K:BB ratio in 97 innings. With a strong offense behind him, he could be in position to help your team in the second half.
Keep an Eye On
Michael Saunders, OF, SEA
Andy Marte, 3B, CLE

Week 14 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:19:24 +0000

Pick Up
Franklin Gutierrez, OF, SEA – Gutierrez has been hitting the ball extremely well in the last few weeks, as evidenced by his 10-game hitting streak. He is batting over .500 during this streak and is definitely hot at the plate right now. He hits for a great average and can hit a HR from time to time, so get him active while he is still on fire.
Scott Hairston, OF, OAK – While the four player deal that Oakland and San Diego made didn’t seem to matter much on the surface, if you look a little deeper you may find that Scott Hairston could be a decent pick-up in fantasy leagues. He wasn’t playing every day in San Diego, but now he will be in Oakland. When he has gotten consistent playing time in the past, he has always performed. He has some pop in his bat (he’s already hit one HR with Oakland), and with some on-base guys in front of him (Adam Kennedy reaching base around 36% of the time), he should have plenty of RBI opportunities. A great pickup in AL-only leagues.
Take a Shot At
Alfredo Aceves, SP, NYY – Chien-Ming Wang was placed on the DL (again) and instead of removing the effective Phil Hughes from the setup role, the team has decided to go with reliever Alfredo Aceves in the starting rotation. He may not stay in the rotation for long because of other options in the minors, but Girardi liked him enough to start him over the minor league players, so that’s saying something. If Aceves doesn’t implode, he could be a starter until Wang is ready to return. You know he’ll get run support, so he could be worth a flier.
David Murphy, OF, TEX – Now that Chris Davis has been sent to the minors, it opens up the DH/1B spot in the Texas lineup. With Hank Blalock expected to get most of the starts at first base, David Murphy will be the DH in most games. However, Murphy has been fielding ground balls at first in practice, so with the ability to play first, he could be an everyday player. When he played everyday last year, he had some really great stretches of production. Hitting in the middle of this powerful lineup will do him wonders again and he will prove to be useful in deeper fantasy leagues.
Keep An Eye On
Tim Hudson, SP, ATL
Fausto Carmona, SP, CLE
Shaun Marcum, SP, TOR

Week 13 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:16:49 +0000

Pick Up
Leo Nunez, RP, FLA – Marlins’ closer Matt Lindstrom was placed on the disabled list with an elbow injury and will be out until at least August. While Dan Meyer got the first save in Lindstrom’s absence, Nunez is the guy you want on your fantasy team. Nunez has returned from a sprained ankle and converted his first save opportunity. He was effective in a setup role for Lindstrom this year, as well as in a setup role for Joakim Soria in Kansas City last year. As long as he can continue his success in the closer role, he will be a great pickup for the rest of the summer.
Casey McGehee, 3B, MIL – Since Rickie Weeks was lost for the season, Casey McGehee stepped up in his absence and has earned himself everyday at-bats. He’s batting .326, is in a run-producing lineup, and has eligibility at 2B and 3B. He would be a perfect middle infield option in deeper leagues and if his power continues to develop, he will be an excellent mid-season pickup. Keep an eye on his recent knee injury, even though it doesn’t appear to be serious.
Take a Shot At
Willie Harris, 2B, WAS – Willie Harris has been red hot since becoming a regular at the top of the Nationals’ lineup. In the last 2 weeks, Harris has batted .282 with 3 HR and 4 SB. He is eligible at 2B/3B/OF and has done this before. There was a month-long period last season where Harris was hitting everything in sight and was a valuable short-term pickup. The only thing that is concerning is the recent acquisition of Nyjer Morgan from the Pirates. If the Nats don’t trade another OF, it will be extremely tough for Harris to be in the lineup every day.
Everth Cabrera, SS, SD – Recently winning the starting SS job in San Diego, Cabrera has produced with a batting average above .300 and scoring 11 runs in 49 ABs. The kid has plenty of steals potential, as he stole 73 (!!!) bases in 121 games in Single-A ball last season. If you need some steals, Cabrera could be a cheap source.
Keep an Eye On
Chris Perez, RP, CLE
Lastings Milledge, OF, PIT
Tom Gorzelanny, SP, PIT

Week 11 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:09:33 +0000

Pick Up
Juan Rivera, OF, LAA – Rivera has been on fire for the Angels, with 11 hits in his last 7 games and raising his average to .317. He is getting everyday at-bats and is hitting in the middle of a packed Angels’ lineup. He has the power to hit 25 HRs, has an opportunity to approach 90 RBIs, and can get on base at a pretty good rate. With Torii Hunter dealing with some rib issues, Rivera will have every opportunity to produce in the near future, so grab him if you’re in need of OF help.
C.J. Wilson, RP, TEX – If someone in your league dropped C.J. Wilson after Frank Francisco was activated off of the DL, it’s time to snatch up Wilson. Big Frank has been put back on the DL with arm troubles, so Wilson will inherit the closer role until he can return.
Take a Shot At
Jason Frasor, RP, TOR – Blue Jays’ closer Scott Downs was placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained big toe, which can prove to be a troubling injury to heal. Frasor has been impressive this year, with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP in 23 innings of relief work. Early reports have Frasor filling the closer role (instead of former closer B.J. Ryan), so take a flier on Frasor if you’re in need of saves.
Jose Contreras, SP, CHW – Jose Contreras? Really? Yes, he started out 0-5 and was one of the worst pitchers in baseball before being sent to the minor leagues. However, he must have worked out whatever was wrong in his mechanics because he has come back pitching better than ever. Going 8 innings in each of his two starts since returning to the White Sox, he has allowed 0 ER and struck out 11 batters. Take a flier on him, as he may have regained his 13-15 win form of a couple of years ago.
Keep an Eye On
Bud Norris, SP, HOU

Week 10 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:06:19 +0000

Pick Up
Ryan Madson, RP, PHI – With the recent struggles of Brad Lidge, the Phillies decided to place the #1 closer from 2008 on the disabled list. Insert Ryan Madson into the closer role, the hard-throwing setup man in Philadelphia. He has been dominant in the Philadelphia bullpen and he will have immediate value in all leagues while Lidge is on the DL. Pick him up in leagues where you need saves. Heck, pick him up even if you don’t need saves, he’s that good.
Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL – The stud pitching prospect in Atlanta finally arrived in the big leagues last weekend and was promptly welcomed by the Brewers. Torched for 6 runs and 3 HRs, Hanson was said to have been tipping his pitches, an explanation for his less-than-stellar outing. However, this kid has the stuff to be an ace for years to come and should be grabbed in all leagues where he’s available.

Take a Shot At
Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT – McCutchen was called up when Nate McLouth was traded to the Braves and he has stepped right in without missing a beat. He is batting .379 in his first 6 major league games and is an extra-base machine right now. We won’t see his full potential this season, but he will be a useful borderline #3 OF in most leagues.
Gordon Beckham, 3B, CHW – This kid has all the tools needed to be a successful hitter: he can hit for power, bat for average, and draw walks. He has been unimpressive so far since being called up (1 hit in 17 ABs), but his talent will break through sooner rather than later. He may also gain multiple position eligibility, so he is a great candidate to take a flier on.

Keep an Eye On
Charlie Morton, SP, PIT

Week 9 Free Agent Report

Brian Jester — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:21:25 +0000

Pick Up
Ben Francisco, OF, CLE – Since Grady Sizemore has placed on the DL, Ben Francisco will be the main beneficiary since he will be able to start in either LF or CF. He is extremely hot right now (10 hits in his last 7 games), will be a table setter hitting in front of Victor Martinez and Shin-Soo Choo, and can even swipe some bags (9 SB this season). He’s also the magical age of 27, so he should have some upside to his game.
Cody Ross, OF, FLA – While he won’t help you with his batting average, Cody Ross will be sure to help your team with HRs and RBIs. He had 22 HR in only 471 AB last year, and could approach 25-30 if he gets 550+ ABs this season. Pick him up while he’s hot.
Carl Pavano, SP, CLE – Pavano was likely picked up last week for his two-start status and subsequently dropped this week in your league. Take advantage of another owner’s mistake because Carl Pavano is back. He is 5-1 in his last 7 starts, and has quality starts in 5 of them. His K numbers are increasing and his control is excellent right now. If the Indians’ lineup finally starts hitting, he could prove to be a nice source of wins for your rotation.
Take a Shot At
Antonio Bastardo, SP, PHI – Bastardo was called up to take Brett Myers’ spot in the rotation and pitched great in his MLB debut, throwing 6 shutout innings with 5 strikeouts. There’s a couple reasons to take a shot at him: 1) We know that he will get ample run support from the Phillies, and 2) He has a somewhat secure spot in the rotation because the #4 starter J.A. Happ is a converted reliever and could be moved to the bullpen if someone else pushes into the rotation, but since the minor league prospects are not pitching well right now, that’s not even likely.
Randy Wells, SP, CHI – Well it looks like Randy Wells won the rotation spot over Sean Marshall with his superb pitching so far this season. Once Harden returns, Wells will remain in the Cubs’ rotation. His numbers are great (1.69 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 27K in 32 INN), even if his 0-2 record doesn’t show it. Wells could be a sneaky pickup and a fixture on Chicago’s pitching staff this summer.
Andy LaRoche, 3B, PIT – The top prospect traded in the Manny Ramirez/Jason Bay deal last year is starting to hit the ball in Pittsburgh. After changing his batting stance early in the season, LaRoche has been tearing it up. He’s batting .297, is second on the team in RBIs with 25, and his power numbers should come around eventually. He is a great pickup for those of you with a struggling 3B (read Chris Davis).
Keep an Eye On
John Smoltz, SP, BOS – Targeting a June 16 return date
Jeremy Bonderman, SP, DET – Dominant in rehab start
Chien-Ming Wang, SP, NYY – Joining the rotation, moving Phil Hughes to the bullpen
Sean Rodriguez, 2B, LAA – One of the top AAA hitters, could be called up soon