Risers & Decliners: Week 1

The Fantasy Sports Forum.com
This week's Risers & Decliners lists the players who have had their stock rise in value by emerging as winners from their spring training position battles. Conversely, you'll also find the players with declining stock, due to loss of their starting job, ineffectiveness or injury.
RISERS
CatcherGerald Laird won his battle over Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the primary catcher for the Rangers. If you have Laird on your team, he's a good second catcher option, but that will be temporary until Texas recalls their future star catcher from the minors.
First BaseNick Johnson has emerged as the full time first baseman with Washington after missing almost all of last year recovering from injury. If you drafted him, you probably got him late or at a very low cost because of his injury history. If he stays healthy, he has the potential to hit 20 homers, knock in 90 runs and bat .300.
Second BaseJason Nix won the spring training battle in a crowded competition to succeed Kaz Matsui in Colorado. Nix won the job partially due to his excellent defense, but he's never been given the chance to be a full time starter before, so if you're thin at 2B, he might be worth a flier to store on your bench.
ShortstopAlex Gonzalez of Cincinnati was expected to start the season on the DL and miss the first 3-4 weeks. This news scared off many owners who considered drafting him, but he's recovered much quicker than originally projected and is reported to be ready by the end of week one. If he's available, grab him and put him on your injured list. His recent results with the Reds indicate that he is capable of hitting 20 dingers, especially playing his home games in a very hitter friendly home park.
Third BaseJorge Cantu easily won the third base competition over Jose Castillo and Dallas McPherson in Florida with a huge spring. If he can come close to his 2005 numbers, when he belted 28 home runs and drove in 117 for Tampa, then he'll be a steal.
OutfieldCorey Patterson was a dark-horse candidate to grab the starting spot, but he emerged the victor over rookie Jay Bruce and utility man Ryan Freel. Patterson is a Dusty Baker favorite from their days with the Cubs and if can get come close to the player who had previously displayed a power/speed combination, then he can be a valuable player in NL only leagues and a decent 4th OF in mixed leagues. Speed has always been evident with him, as he has posted SB totals of 37, 45 and 32 in three of the last four seasons. He just needs to consistently get on base. Now he'll have the chance - at least until Bruce is called up.
Nate McLouth won the center field duel with Nyger Morgan in Pittsburgh. The battle wasn't even close as McLouth put together solid numbers across all categories. In just 329 at bats last season, he posted 13 HRs, 38 RBIs and 22 steals. If he can improve on that with a full season as the starter, then the Pirates may actually have a player worth talking about. However, he must do better than his .258 batting average to be considered a complete fantasy star.
Scott Hairston was named the starting LF when rookie Chase Headley was sent down. Now with Jim Edmonds starting the season on the DL, Headley is assured of being a full timer in the Padres outfield. If you project his stats from last year over a full season (263 ABs, 11 HR, 36 RBIs) you may have a pretty solid player. He'll be 28 in May, so maybe his time to flourish is now. He's a solid NL only bench player, with a chance to crack a starting lineup if he gets hot.
Starting PitcherJohnny Cueto made the Reds rotation and impressed many spring observers with his impressive stuff. He has great keeper potential, so he's worth watching as the season progresses. He's probably still available in many mixed leagues.
Edinson Volquez will also be in the the Reds rotation after a stellar spring showing. He posted a 2.79 ERA in 20 innings and an even more impressive 26K/4BB ratio. Volquez was acquired in the Josh Hamilton trade, so it is becoming clear that the Reds got something valuable in return.
Carlos Villanueva will start the season in the Brewers rotation after the release of Claudio Vargas and injury to Yovani Gallardo. In 114 innings last season (mostly as a reliever) he had 99 Ks and a respectable 3.94 ERA. He's a solid pitcher for NL only leagues.
Relief PitcherJeremy Accardo will close games for Toronto until B.J. Ryan returns. Ryan suffered a minor setback in his comeback this spring and is projecting a mid to late April return, but that it uncertain. Grab Accardo and get the saves for as long as they last.
Kerry Wood was named as the Cubs closer, edging out Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol. It would be optimistic to think that Wood will make it through the season without escaping the DL, since he has only pitched 110 innings in the last three years. But when he's healthy, he's very good. Just make sure that Marmol and Howry are within reach.
Tom Gordon will be the Phillies closer until at least April 5th, which is when Brad Lidge is eligible to come off the DL after recovering from knee surgery. If you need saves for the first week, Gordon will fill the bill.

Click here for our list of Decliners