The Good:

Kurt Suzuki, C, A’s: 2 runs, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .278 AVG

Just 27 years old, Suzuki is one of the few young catchers who will get 500 at bats thanks to durability and high placement in the A’s batting lineup.  He regressed a bit last season, perhaps because of injuries, but this season, he’s been somewhere in between.  He has just two homers and 7 RBI, but his average is a decent .256 plus a stolen base.  He’s been better than Jorge Posada, but his upside is limited. 

Luke Scott, OF, Orioles: 5 runs, 3 HR, 6 RBI, .389 AVG

One of the most underrated power bats in the Majors, Luke Scott blasted 27 home runs last season and it would not surprise me if he reaches 30 this season.  He doesn’t get any steals and his career average is average at best at .268, but he is one of the few players who has increased his power output every single season in the Major Leagues.  This is now his 7^th season in the Big Leagues. 

Jack Hannahan, 3B, Indians: 4 runs, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB

This 31-year old journeyman came out of nowhere to blast four home runs through 22 games with 14 runs and 14 RBI.  Warning, he is a career .228 hitter with limited speed.  Enjoy it while it lasts, but I don’t see it lasting all season. 

The Bad:

Nick Swisher, OF, Yankees: .174 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI

With a .218 average and just one home run, there is some disappointment with Swisher.  Truth is that you should have seen this coming.  His batting average per ball in play was out of whack last season, so you should expect him to bat around .250 this year, after all, his career average is .251.  The power should bounce back, but this is not a hitter that offers much in fantasy baseball. 

Carlos Pena, 1B, Cubs: 1/11, 1 run

The Cubs took a gamble and it does not seem to be working.  Pena has yet to go deep and his average has fallen to .167, which is actually just 30 points lower than last season.  He’ll get some homers though it may be a race against time… the Cubs will eventually have to push Pena on the bench if he can’t hit above the Mendoza line. 

Jason Bay, OF, Mets: 3 Runs, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .200 AVG

After a nice return to the Mets that led to a six game winning streak, Bay has gone on to have just one hit in his last 17 at bats.  He is striking out a ton and has just 3 RBI in 10 games.  He should find himself a home on the fantasy waiver wire.