Category: Baseball

This is a New Carlos Zambrano, Fantasy Managers Take Notice

 

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

Carlos Zambrano is making himself at home in Miami.  He finally picked up his first win of the season last week with a three-hitter, which pushed his ERA down to 1.98.  The ERA only declined further, to 1.88, after seven solid innings against the Mets on Sunday.  Zambrano fanned seven batters while walking three in yet another no-decision.

 

With his control in check, Zambrano is one of the better hurlers in baseball right now.  Aside from one outing in which he issued six walks, Zambrano has walked three batters or fewer in every start this season.

 

When playing for the Cubs, part of the job description was to handle Wrigley Field in every home start.  Sometimes the wind would push the ball out of the stadium, adding yet another component to his performance.  This season, Zambrano will call home to a pitcher-friendly Marlins Park.  Yet, so far most of Zambrano’s starts have come on the road, where he has offered a 1.55 ERA.

 

Though his volatile personality will always carry some risk, this is also the same pitcher that has won 16 or more games on three different occasions.  Having shed a great deal of weight during the off-season and with his control and temper in check, Zambrano is a pitcher you can invest in.

 

For more baseball insight visit BloombergSports.com for access to Front Office 2012.

Jordany Valdespin Not Getting Much of a Look In New York

 

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

After six fruitless at bats, Jordany Valdespin launched his first hit of his Big League career and it was one to remember, a three-run homer against Jonathan Papelbon to win the game for the Mets against the rival Phillies.

 

A 24-year-old five-tool talent, Valdespin could end up as a super sub, similar to Orioles third baseman Wilson Betemit, but with a bit more upside.  Last season, Valdespin played at the high levels of the Minor Leagues and responded with 17 home runs and 37 stolen bases.  Though he hit .294, Valdespin only drew 25 walks compared to 93 strikeouts, which raises fears about his plate discipline in the Major Leagues.

 

So far this season for the Mets, Valdespin has played second base, shortstop, and the outfield.  He definitely gives the Mets a solid glove at second base, which he displayed on Sunday against the Marlins, but he is not about to displace the steady hitting Daniel Murphy.

 

It looked as though Valdespin would get a crack at shortstop with Ruben Tejada on the DL, but the Mets recently took veteran utility man Ronnie Cedeno off the disabled list.  While Valdespin offers a great deal of promise, it is premature to call on him for any fantasy value.

 

For more fantasy baseball insight visit Front Office 2012 at BloombergSports.com.

Brandon Snyder is Little More than Insurance for the Rangers

 

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

A former first round pick in 2005, Brandon Snyder is a 25-year-old that only had 14 at bats in the Big Leagues entering last Monday.  During his time in the farm system, Snyder proved to have little plate discipline, but he does have some power.

 

Snyder became a fantasy trend last week as he blasted a home run with six RBI in a big win against the Baltimore Orioles.  Truth is, even last week it was clear that the big performance was no more than a career day than anything else.  Snyder was playing third base, a position that is handled by Gold Glove winner Adrian Beltre.  It’s not as if the designated hitter spot is open for Snyder either as Mike Napoli, Michael Young, and Mitch Moreland take turns in the Rangers lineup.

 

Since the big performance, Snyder has only had two appearances.  He went 0-3 with a strikeout against the Orioles a few days later.  He then managed a single in four at bats on Saturday against the Angels.  With just 26 at bats this season, Snyder is little more than an insurance policy for the Rangers.

 

For more fantasy baseball insight visit BloombergSports.com.

Solid Start for Red Sox Hurler Felix Doubront

 

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

A 24-year-old southpaw, Felix Doubront is finally getting his shot as a starter in the Big Leagues.  Though he has been a strikeout artist so far this season, he has also been a bit too hittable.  Fellow southpaws were hitting an all too comfortable .295 against him coming into the week.  He had also has struggled at Fenway to the tune of a 6.00 ERA.

 

Based on his minor league statistics, one can expect Doubront’s control to improve.  He was a popular fantasy option this week as he visited the Royals on Monday, then hosted the Indians on Saturday.

 

In the Kansas City start, Doubront was far from his best.  He surrendered seven hits and five runs, but since only three were earned, it qualifies as a quality start.  Doubront was much better five days later when he held the Royals to just three hits in six innings, surrendering one earned run.  He picked up a second straight win, improving his record to 3-1, while the ERA fell to 4.46.

 

Doubront’s home ERA is now comparable to his road splits, and left-handed batters are now hitting just .278 against him.  The Red Sox hurler will find an increase in strength of schedule, as he next takes on the Rays before a start against Baltimore.  It will be more important for Doubront to keep the walks down against two of the best teams in the American League this season.

 

For more fantasy baseball insight including access to Front Office 2012, visit BloombergSports.com.

Tigers Hurler Doug Fister Picking Up From 2011

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

If you’re lucky your rival fantasy managers may have forgotten about Doug Fister and what he offered last season.  The Tigers right-hander returned this week from the disabled list and was offered a dream fantasy week.

Fister took on the hapless Mariners offense and the A’s offense both in big-time pitcher’s parks.  Though the Tigers did not offer the run support that we expected, Fister was sensational even if his record is just 0-1.

In his return to the mound, Fister stymied the Mariners for seven innings, allowing just four hits and no walks through seven innings.  The Tigers eventually lost that contest 3-2.  Next, Fister went six innings against the A’s, allowing nothing more than a first inning run.  The right-hander fanned eight batters, but again lacked the run support for a win.

Through 16.2 innings, Fister now boasts a 0.54 ERA and 14:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio.  He has dominated in his 14 appearances since joining the Tigers.  Fister’s value should only improve throughout the season as the offense should eventually awake and offer the run support that allowed the 6’8” right-hander to go 8-1 down the stretch a season ago.

For more fantasy baseball insight enjoy Front Office 2012 at BloombergSports.com

Were they April Fools, Or Legitimate Stars?

 

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

Here’s a look at the best fantasy players of April and whether they are sustaining their production or regressing to a less impressive level of play. 

 

Best April Catcher: Yadier Molina, Cardinals

April Stats: 14 runs, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 2 SB, .316 AVG

Update: Since the change of month, Yadier Molina has only one RBI.  Molina hurt his left hand in a game on May 8 and hopes to return to the diamond.

Conclusion: One of the most well-rounded catchers in baseball, Molina will remain one of the game’s best at his position, though Orioles masked marvel Matt Wieters may overtake him.

 

Best April First Baseman: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

April Stats: 15 runs, 7 HR, 20 RBI, .298 AVG

Update: Four hits and 3 RBI against the A’s on Thursday got Cabrera back in rhythm.  His statistics have gone down a bit, but he remains amongst the best in baseball.

Conclusion: Cabrera is 100% legitimate and the best corner infielder in baseball right now. 

 

Best April Second Baseman: Ian Kinsler, Rangers

April Stats: 24 runs, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 2 SB, .298 AVG

Update: Though riding a six-game hit streak, Kinsler’s batting average has declined and he does not have an extra base hit during that stretch. 

Conclusion: What makes Kinsler so valuable is the combination of power and speed.  If he can keep the batting average closer to .300, he’ll be in the MVP conversation. 

 

Best April 3rd Baseman: Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays

April Stats: 15 runs, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 4 SB, .322 AVG

Update: One of the biggest surprises in April, Encarnacion remains a valuable power bat in May, though the batting average has returned to normalcy. 

Conclusion: Encarnacion should finally swat 30-home runs, but it may come with a disappointing average. 

 

Best April Shortstop: Mike Aviles, Red Sox- 18 Runs, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 3 SB, .291 AVG

April Stats: 18 Runs, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 3 SB, .291 AVG

Update: Aviles has not been immune to the Red Sox struggles.  His power numbers have come back to earth and his average has been in free fall this May.

Conclusion: Aviles is a fine middle infielder, but he is not the best.  He over-performed in April. 

 

Best April Outfielder: Matt Kemp, Dodgers

April Stats: 24 runs, 12 HR, 25 RBI, 2 SB, .417 AVG

Update: Kemp has slowed down a bit and has yet to go deep this month.  He remains one of the best hitters in baseball and likely MVP contender, but he is no longer running away with the honor.

Conclusion: He was bound to slow down as pitchers were bound to adapt.  Josh Hamilton is now challenging him for supremacy in the Big Leagues. 

 

Best April Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, White Sox

April Stats: 3 Wins, 33 K, 1.67 ERA, 0.69 WHIP

Update: With two quality starts already this month, Peavy continues to dominate the fantasy scene.  He has pitched at least seven innings in each of his last five starts and has only quality starts this season.  He is 1-0 in May so far. 

Conclusion: It’s been several years since we’ve seen this type of dominance from Peavy.  Let’s hope he can avoid the injury-bug for the first time since he’s left San Diego. 

 

Best April Reliever: Fernando Rodney, Rays

April Stats: 1 Win, 7 SV, 9 K, 0.87 ERA, 0.77 WHIP

Update: Rodney has added a win and two saves to his record this month without surrendering a single run. 

Conclusion: This is looking pretty real and it all has to do with control.  Rodney boasts a 14:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.  He’s the latest reliever to enjoy a renaissance after joining the Rays bullpen.

 

 

Pirates Have Their Ace in Right-hander James McDonald

 

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

If the Pirates are finally going to creep above mediocrity this season it will require James McDonald to evolve into a staff ace.  The Pirates hurler who touches the low 90s went 9-9 last season with a 4.21 ERA.  He would have been much better if he was able to do better than a walk every other inning. 

 

This season McDonald has been better.  The opposition has had a hard time hitting him, to the tune of a .213 average.  Plus, his walks are way down this season resulting in a 1.09 WHIP and a 2.70 ERA.  He is riding a hot streak, allowing just one hit in seven innings in a tough no decision against the Rockies, then picking up a win with 10 K’s in Atlanta, followed by another win with one crossing the dish against him by a solid Reds offense. 

 

McDonald’s success is entirely dependent on his control.  He has the stuff to keep batters off edge at the plate, but he has to keep them off the bases via free passes.  With the Pirates looking to develop young talent with the hope of contending in the short-term, McDonald will have to lead a staff that is comprised of retreads such as Erik Bedard and AJ Burnett.

When Will Tigers Hurler Duane Below Get a Chance?

 

 Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

A little over a week ago, the Tigers announced that Duane Below would earn his first crack at starting this season.  The southpaw had certainly earned the opportunity in his second season with the Tigers.  Below had yet to issue a walk and the opposition was hitting just .167 against him in 12 scoreless innings.  Alas, the opportunity never came as rain pushed the game back and Tigers manager Jim Leyland was not about to alter his rotation just to get Below a spot start. 

 

Since then Below has continued throwing darts.  He has added an additional two innings of work to his season total and the opposition has offered just a hit and walk against him without cracking the scoreboard in his last three appearances.  Through 14 innings, Below now boasts a 0.00 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and .174 average against.  Simply put, he has been one of the best hurlers in baseball this season. 

 

The big question is whether the Tigers have lucked out with this year’s version of Doug Fister?  To answer that we look at Below’s stats in the minor leagues.  Though he was a tad too hittable early in his professional career, the numbers have drastically improved in recent years.  In fact, in 2011, Below was 9-4 in 18 starts with a 3.13 ERA in Triple-A.  He does not get many strikeouts, but he has great command of the strike zone. 

 

Despite some big prospects in the Tigers system, Below has earned the next spot start needed in Detroit.  It’s about time for his fantasy managers to hope for an opportunity in Detroit.

Mets Starting Pitcher RA Dickey Is More Than Just a Good Story

 Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

Mets starting pitcher RA Dickey is more than just a great a story.  He is a solid hurler who earned his billing as the number two pitcher in the Mets rotation.  April is traditionally not a good month for the knuckleball, and yet Dickey has five brilliant performances and one disastrous outing.  On that note, he is 4-1 with a 3.76 ERA and 1.20 WHIP.  Though he remains susceptible to the home run (seven in six starts), Dickey is also something of a strikeout artist this season with 32 K’s in 38.1 innings of work. 

 

Considering the knuckleball is an all-or-nothing pitch, ERA and WHIP may not be the best indicators for his performance.  After all, when a knuckleballer doesn’t have his pitch, he is left with a very hittable fastball.  That explains why after six starts, half of Dickey’s earned runs came in one ugly implosion. 

 

A statistic that is better in tune with Dickey’s performance is quality start percentage.  It requires six or more innings while allowing three or fewer runs to score.  In his breakout 2010 season, Dickey offered a quality start in 18 of his 26 starts (69%).   Last season he finished on a tear and offered a solid 68% quality start percentage.  Finally, this season Dickey has taken it to a whole new level at 83%. 

 

Dickey’s next two starts won’t be slam dunks.  He faces the Marlins in Miami, then heads north for the Blue Jays in Toronto.  What’s interesting is that both games could be played indoors.  This could have an impact for a knuckleballer who relies on the wind to keep the ball moving.  Regardless, Dickey has proven to be an every week start in fantasy baseball leagues, and now that he is also getting strikeouts there are very few holes in his game.   

 

For more fantasy baseball visit BloombergSports.com.

Mike Minor Making A Home On the Fantasy Waiver Wire

 

Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

 

After a rough opening start against the Mets, Mike Minor responded with three consecutive quality starts.  Minor was suddenly a fantasy star on the rise, which was much-needed for a Braves team that had already demoted hurler Jair Jurrjens to the minor leagues. 

 

Through four starts, Minor boasted respectable numbers including a 2-1 record with a respectable 3.42 ERA.  Most impressive was the 0.99 WHIP as a result of his fine control and .233 opposing batting average.  Minor had not walked a batter in the previous two games and allowed just one home run all season.  Then he hit a rocky road.

 

The Pirates were supposed to be an easy win for Minor.  Instead, the contest marked his second loss of the season, as after hurling two shutout innings he surrendered two runs in three of the next four innings and then another run in the seventh before he was removed.  The good news for fantasy managers were the nine strikeouts, but he also walked three batters and allowed two home runs. 

 

Minor’s next start might as well have been at death row.  He visited the Rockies in Coors Field and while the good news was that the Braves eventually won, the bad news including 10 hits, four walks, and eight earned runs in just five innings of work.  His ERA has skyrocketed to 5.97 and the once impressive WHIP has lost its luster at 1.35. 

 

Things may get worse before they get better as Minor next takes on a very good Cardinals offense.  This is a pitcher that may have a bright future, but for now should make his home on the waiver wire. 

 

For more fantasy baseball insight visit BloombergSports.com for access to Front Office 2012.