The Fantasy Baseball Tonight Blog

Tonight's show cancelled

2010-06-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys, but RC and I decided to cancel tonight's show because of our football work. No worries, we will be back next week. With baseball and football merging, there are time constraints and we do our best to meet them all.

Thanks for understanding,
Todd

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report: May 31, 2010 End of Month Edition

2010-05-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!
Top Closers for May 2010:
Jonathan Broxton - 12 Saves
Rafael Soriano - 9 Saves
Neftali Feliz - 9 Saves
Andrew Bailey - 9 Saves
Brian Wilson - 8 Saves
Carlos Marmol - 8 Saves
Kevin Gregg - 8 Saves
Octavio Dotel - 8 Saves
Matt Capps - 7 Saves
Francisco Rodriguez - 6 Saves
Jon Rauch - 6 Saves
Leo Nunez - 6 Saves
Francsico Cordero - 6 Saves

SAVES:
Andrew Bailey (11) - Bailey finished the month of May strong with a 1.1 inning close out of the Tigers. It was his ninth save of May and he has turned into one of the hottest closers in baseball.

Octavio Dotel (11) - Dotel looked outstanding once again. He struck out two and gave up one hit in a 14 pitch save. Dotel finished May with eight saves and has proven he can close with no problems after a brutal April.

Kevin Gregg (14) - Gregg continues to rack up saves and improve his overall numbers. It looks as though his minor issues a few weeks back were a blip on his overall radar and not a regression. Tonight wasn't easy, he needed 19 pitches to get the save.

Jon Rauch (13) - Rauch got roughed up a bit securing unlucky save number 13. He gave up a run on two hits, but held on for the save.

APPEARANCES:
Jonathan Broxton (3-0) - Entered a tie score in the ninth inning and held it tied with two strikeouts. He then got the win. That is the third overall win for Broxton and second in May. He also led the month in saves with 12 saves.

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report Power Rankings 5/30/2010

2010-05-30T20:31:00.001-07:00

There is a new #1 on the power rankings.
http://www.thecloserreport.com/rankings/index.html

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report: May 27, 2010

2010-05-27T23:20:00.001-07:00

SAVES:
Joakim Soria (12) - Soria pitched a harmless 1-2-3 inning to get his 12th save of the season over the Red Sox tonight. He needed only eight pitches and over the past week he has lowered his ERA to 2.84.

BLOWN SAVES:
Matt Lindstrom (1-1, BS1) - Lindstrom finally blew a save. Granted it wasn't till May 27, Lindstrom got smoked for two runs on four hits and three walks. Just a terrible night for the up and coming closer.

Calros Marmol (11) - Marmol notched another big save and did it in "Marmol Fashion". "Marmol Fashion" is striking out two or more batters. Today Marmol struck out three including Manny Ramirez. He is now one strikeout shy of 50.

Brian Wilson (12) Wilson is another closer coming off of some tough times, but pitching far better. Tonight he struck out two getting his 12th save of the season.

Andrew Bailey (9) - Bailey finally got back to saving and pitched another perfect inning recording his ninth save of the season. Ok, it wasn't perfect. He did give up two hits and struck out one. While Bailey only has nine saves, it is his seventh save of May and he has pitched incredibly well the entire season.

Francisco Rodriguez (9) - KROD was on tonight. His slider was like his slider of old and he had no issues getting rid of the Phillies in the ninth. He set the Phillies down 1-2-3, striking out the batter to end the game. KROD and the Mets are back.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report: May 26, 2010

2010-05-27T01:02:00.001-07:00

SAVES:
Joakim Soria (11) - Soria had a quick 1-2-3 inning against the Rangers and disposed of them on 13 pitched. This was a very strong outing for Soria and lately he has been getting back to his dominant form.

David Aardsma (11) - Pitched a 1-2-3 inning and struck out one. Aardsma has pitched three straight scoreless appearances with five strikeouts. He is looking like the Aardsma of April.

Jonathan Broxton (11) - Was called on by Torre for 1.2 innings and nailed the save over the happless Cubs 8-5. He did get his his 30th strikeout of the season, only the second closer to achieve that.

Mariano Rivera (9) - Recorded his second save of the month with a 3-2 win over the Twins. While he recorded the save, he didn't strike out anyone, but did manage to not give up a run. He also looked healthy and back to form as it took only 11 pitches to upend the Twins.

BLOWN SAVES:

Brian Fuentes (2-1, BS3) - Another night, another blown save. After two consecutive saves, Fuentes couldn't make it to three. He was screwed on a Bobby Abreu error in the outfield, but a good closer would have rebounded, instead Fuentes gave up a double to John Buck. The good news, he got the win.

Heath Bell (BS3) - Heath Bell had a tough night. He blew his third save of the the season by giving up a run on three hits. He was bailed out from losing the 1-1 game by striking out the side and not letting another run score. Bell has been impressive this year, but you cannot overlook the three blown saves and his 1.38 WHIP.

APPEARANCES:
Jon Rauch (1-1) - Rauch took the loss to the Yankees, giving up a run in the top of the ninth on two hits. Rauch's ERA has slowly been rising and not stands at 3.00. His WHIPERA is now well above four at 4.22.

Billy Wagner - Got some work in a 7-3 game. Pitched a perfect inning and struck out two. Now if he can only do it in a save opportunity.

Bobby Jenks - Got rocked in a none save situation giving up three runs on three hits and three walks. It will shock me if Matt Thornton doesn't close out the next game. He did pitch the eighth in this game and pitched a perfect inning.

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report: May 25, 2010

2010-05-25T22:32:00.001-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES
Orioles spare closer Alfred Simon when on the DL with a strained left hamstring. Mike Gonzalez isn't due back till June 9th, so the Orioles will need a stop gap in the mean time. Look at David Hernandez or Will Ohman to be that stop gap.
Huston Street threw a bullpen session and had no issues. He is still hoping for a early June return.

SAVES
Jonathan Papelbon (11) - Papelbon looked sharp and was throwing hard to put down any Rays rally. While he walked one, he was in complete control and struck out Upton to end the game.

David Aardsma (10) - This has been atough season so far Aardsma. After a solid April, Aardsma has only recorded two saves in three chances in May primarily due to the poor play by the Mariners offense. Tonight he looked great with a strikeout and one hit.

Heath Bell (12) - Bell worked hard for his save tonight, but did earn it. He needed 28 pitches to clear the heart of the Cardinals order, giving up a hit to Pujols and walking David Freese. He did strikeout a batter, but don't expect to see Bell close out tomorrows game if needed.

Neftali Perez (13) - Feliz is on a tear. he locked up his 13th save of the season holding off the Royals 8-7. While he wasn't his best, needing 21 pitches and walking one. He did pick up a strikeout as well.

Carlos Marmol (10) - Marmol hit double digits in saves tonight, recording his tenth save of the season and of course struck out two with no hits. The 27-year old closer continues to impress in 2010, but even more the month of May. In the month he has seven saves and an eye popping 24 strikeouts. Most closers don't have 24 striekouts!

Manny Corpas (4) manny continues to prove rthat he should never have lost his closer job two years ago. In his four saves he has given up only one hit and his WHIP is down to 0.86.

Brain Wilson (11) - Wilson was on fire tonight. He struck out the side to secure his eleventh save of the season. Overall, 15 pitchs, nine strikes. Pretty good.

Octavio Dotel (10) - Dotel continues his incredible May. He recorded his seventh save of the month and even more incredible he has only given up one run in the month. He also has 14 strikeouts and a win to add to his resurgent May.

APPEARANCES
Leo Nunez - Not a good day for the hot Florida closer. He came in to close out the game with a four run lead and gave up two runs on three hits in the non-save situation.

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

Closer Statistic Leaders 5/25/2010

2010-05-25T10:49:00.001-07:00

Updated as of 5/24/2010.

Saves		Strikeouts
Matt Capps	16	Carlos Mármol	44
Francisco Cordero	15	Jonathan Broxton	29
Rafael Soriano	13	Matt Thornton	28
Neftali Feliz	12	Frank Francisco	26
Heath Bell	12	Joakim Soria	25
Kevin Gregg	12	Octavio Dotel	25
José Valverde	11	Francisco Rodríguez	25
Jon Rauch	10	Billy Wagner	25
Jonathan Papelbon	10	Neftali Feliz	24
Brian Wilson	10	Heath Bell	24
ERA		WHIP
José Valverde	0.46	José Contreras	0.70
José Contreras	0.63	Matt Thornton	0.72
Heath Bell	0.95	Leo Núñez	0.80
Andrew Bailey	1.02	Mariano Rivera	0.83
Rafael Soriano	1.40	Manuel Corpas	0.85
Matt Lindstrom	1.40	José Valverde	0.86
Jonathan Broxton	1.45	Rafael Soriano	0.88
Leo Núñez	1.45	Neftali Feliz	0.90
Carlos Mármol	1.59	Andrew Bailey	0.96
Chris Pérez	1.76	Jonathan Broxton	0.96
BAA		K/9
José Valverde	0.127	Carlos Mármol	17.84
Matt Thornton	0.148	Jonathan Broxton	14.34
Leo Núñez	0.156	Billy Wagner	14.06
Manuel Corpas	0.160	Matt Thornton	14.00
José Contreras	0.163	Brian Wilson	13.42
Carlos Mármol	0.165	Joakim Soria	13.24
Mariano Rivera	0.170	José Contreras	12.77
Rafael Soriano	0.182	Octavio Dotel	12.43
J.C. Romero	0.192	Frank Francisco	11.58
Francisco Rodríguez	0.193	Heath Bell	11.37

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Repot: May 20, 2010

2010-05-20T22:22:00.001-07:00

SAVES: Jose Valverde (11) - He needed 24 pitches and walked two batters, but the end result was another sweet fist pumping save. His season ERA is now at a microscopic 0.48.

Ryan Franklin (10) - Franklin joined the DD club (double digit) with his tenth save of the season. He started off by getting the first two outs on two pitches. He then walked a batter before striking out the final better to end the game.

Rafael Soriano (11) - Soriano got called into a ninth inning with two runners on. He got the first two batters out, striking out Randy Winn, but then gave up a two RBI double to Derek Jeter before getting the final out and securing the save. Overall, Soriano was outstanding. He gave up a double to one of the best clutch hitters in baseball and frankly if there were no runners, there would be no runs.

Brian Fuentes (6) - Fuentes actually had a 1-2-3 inning, READ ALL ABOUT IT! Needed 15 pitches and got the save. Yeah.

Chad Qualls (7) - It almost seems like you never hear this guys name, but today he got his first save since May 4th and only his second save of the month. He only faced one batter and struck him out.

Jose Contreras (2) - Got his second save as the Phillies closer, but made it very interesting. Allowed the first two batter to reach, but went on to strikeout two of the next three batters. Overall, he needed 31 pitches.

Jonathan Broxton (8) - Recorded his eighth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the rival Padres. Broxton needed only 13 pitches and struck out one.

BLOWN SAVES:
Francisco Cordero (1-3, BS3) - Cordero came into a disaster of an inning and was asked to stop the bleeding. The Braves had already put on three runs and had the bases loaded. Instead of doing what closers do best, he gave up a grand slam that barely cleared the wall. This is the third blown save of the season for Cordero and granted he's having a good season, this is the reason I steer clear of him.

Kevin Gregg (0-1, BS2) - Gregg didn't stand a chance tonight. After their manager got kicked out an inning earlier, the Mariners were fired up. Gregg didn't have his good stuff, and he was all over the place. The end result was 3 runs on three hits and two walks. Just a terrible outing, but you had to expect it out of Gregg eventually. It will be important to see how he reacts during his next outing.

APPEARANCES:
Manny Corpas - One inning in a 4-0 game. He looked great, giving up a lone hit.

Jon Rauch - Got some work in a losing situation against the Red Sox. Threw a perfect inning with no strikeouts.

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report: May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES:
Huston Street's recent groin injury will delay his comeback from the DL, but isn't serious.
Jonathan Papelbon's blown save broke his save streak of 22 straight saves tonight.
After throwing 23 pitches yesterday, Mariano Rivera was not available tonight.

SAVES:

Joakim Soria (10) - A wild night for Soria. He walked two and gave up a hit before finally ending the inning. Soria has been wild and inconsistent over the last month. One of the walks were intentional and he struck out one.

Heath Bell (11) - Bell worked hard (21 pitches) to get his 11th save of the season. He gave up one hit and struck out two. It wasn't his sharpest outing, but a pretty good one.

Neftali Feliz (10) - Feliz smokes the Angels on ten pitches, striking out one for his tenth save of the season.

Francisco Cordero (13) - Entered the ninth inning with the Brewers rallying and he shut it down. He earned his 13th save, one shy of the league lead.

Francisco Rodriguez (6) - Here is a name I don't bring up much. KROD finally got his sixth save, shutting down the Braves on 14 pitches for the 3-2 save. He walked one and struck out one.

BLOWN SAVES:
Carlos Marmol (BS2) - Marmol Amazes me. He entered the game with the bases loaded and ends up walking Miguel Olivo to blow the save. After that he pitched 1.2 innings striking out three.

Jonathan Papelbon(1-3, BS1) - Papelbon's streak of 22 saves ended tonight when the Yankees hit two two-run home runs off Paps to hand him the blown save and the loss. In all he pitched .2 inning and gave up four hits.

APPEARANCES:

Rafael Soriano - Pitched an innings of a tie game. Recorded a strikeout and looked outstanding as usual.

Andrew Bailey - He closed out the 8-4 game, striking out one on 12 pitches.

Kerry Wood - Pitched an inning of a tie game. He looked alright, but is not up to speed quite yet.

Matt Capps - Entered a losing game at 4-2 and when he was done it was 6-2. He gave up two runs on three hits.

Ryan Franklin - He closed out the game for a non-save. Gave up a couple of hits and recorded a strikeout.

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

The Closer Report: May 12, 2010

2010-05-13T00:39:00.001-07:00

SAVES:

Carlos Marmol (4) - Marmol finally got his fourth save this season. It was his first save since the first of May. He struck out the side for the fourth time in five appearances and his 14 Ks in those five appearances. As of today, Marmol already has 33 strikeouts for the season.

Kevin Gregg (10) - Gregg locked down his tenth save of the season, but not without taking a beating from the Red Sox. The Red Sox dropped two runs on three hits on Gregg. Two of his last three appearances he has surrendered runs. He did strikeout two in the 3-2 win.

Jose Valverde (10) - Valverde needed 15 pitches to dispose of the mighty Yankees 2-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. He struck out one and walked one in another solid performance for the elite closer. His WPE (WHIPERA) is now down to 1.34.

Heath Bell (10) - Bell recorded his third save in May with a 5-2 win over the Giants. It's his second save against the Giants in as many days and his third against them this season.

Jon Rauch (9) - Rauch looked brilliant today mowing down the White Sox batters in order for a perfect save and securing a 3-2 win. He didn't get any strikeouts, but his WHIP fell to 1.00.

Mike Capps (14) - Another outstanding appearance for Capps. A perfect inning with a strikeout for his league leading 14th save.

Matt Lindstrom (8) - Lindstrom got his second save in as many days and is getting hot. He now has eight saves and a ERA sitting at 1.65. The best thing for Lindstrom is his WHIP is slowly coming down and now is at 1.22.

Jonathan Broxton (4) - Recorded his fourth save of the season and struck out the side doing it. He did walk one and give up a hit in the process.

Rafael Soriano (9) - Recorded a perfect save and has yet to blow a save this season. He needed only 13 pitches, but recorded not strikeouts.

Alfred Simon (4) - Simon is getting hot. He has yet to give up a earned run in his appearances. Buyer beware though, Simon's WHIP is 1.43, which is petty high and that could spell danger if it catches up with him.
APPEARANCES:
Francisco Rodriguez (2-1) - Gave up a two run home run to Roger Bernadina that broke up a 4-4 tie. He completed the inning and struckout one in the loss.
Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report: May 7, 2010

2010-05-07T23:31:00.001-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES:
Kerry Wood was activated from the DL today for the Cleveland Indians.
SAVES:
Leo Nunez (6) - Nunez battled back after his blown save to close out tonight's 4-2 win over Washington. He struck out 2 and gave up a hit over 20 pitches.

Jonathan Broxton (2) - Broxton finally recorded another save. He had 18 days between saves, and broke the streak with a 6-5 win over the Rockies. Carlos Gonzalez opened the inning with a single, but was thrown out attempting to steal second. After that Broxton struck out the next two batters.

Rafael Soriano (8) - Perfect inning with two strikeouts. Soriano is finding his form and looks unhitable at this point. The Rays are dominating the American League and Soriano is part of that reason.

Trevor Hoffman (5) - I don't even care to write about this guy. He managed not to give up any runs and record a save. The only blemish was a walk. No strike outs.

BLOWN SAVES:

Francisco Rodriguez (BS2, 2-0) - Gave up a solo home run to John Bowker to blow the save in the ninth. He ended up needing 29 pitches to get out of the inning and gave up three hits and struck out a pair. He got the win with the Mets scoring a pair in the bottom of the inning.

Ryan Franklin (BS1, 2-0) - Franklin or Mr. Contact gave up a hit with runners on and blew the save. Nothing is worse for Ryan Franklin then entering the game with runners on. He pitched 1.1 innings for his second win of the season.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

The Closer Report: May 6, 2010

2010-05-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES:
Jonathan Broxton blew his first save of the and gave up his first runs of the season.
Huston Street will pitch in an extended spring training game on Friday.

SAVES:
Alfred Simon (3) - Simon got his third save of the season and pitched a perfect inning against the Twins. In all 11 pitches to get the three outs. Simon has been looking better with each appearance. You have to wonder if he gets better by the time Gonzalez gets back that he still keeps the job.

Kevin Gregg (8) - Gregg is pitching in a different world right now. He recorded his eighth save in a row and has been dominating AL batters since getting the job. In his eight saves, Gregg has given up only three hits and no runs. His ERA is down to 0.64 and his WHIP is at 0.71. I'm not sure how long Gregg can keep this up, but he is pitching outstanding ball and there's nothing that would show me that he will stop his domination.

Neftali Feliz (7) - Another great appearance by Feliz. He mowed down the Royals in order and struck out two. I've been saying that Feliz will get better with each appearance and he will continue to do so.
Brian Wilson (6) - Can't ask for much easier of a save. .1 innings and struck out the only batter he faced on four pitches.
BLOWN SAVES:
Joakim Soria (BS2) - Soria has been pitching so well lately, but today he blew up and got rocked. He got hammered for two home runs by Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero. Soria wasn't on today and his pitches had no movement whatsoever. It was just not his day.
Jonathan Broxton (BS1, 2-0) - Broxton blew his first save of the season. I have to admit it really upset me because I've been waiting so long for him to get a save. He gave up two runs on four hits, while striking out two batters. The good news is, he got the win. Congrats Jonathan, you have more wins then saves

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

The Closer Report: May 5, 2010

2010-05-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND NOTES:
Mariano Rivera missed his third straight day with a sore left side. It was a third straight save opportunity that he lost for the Yankees with his injury.
Ryan Madson will be a in cast boot for the next two weeks as he begins the healing process for his broken toe.
SAVES:

Jonathan Papelbon (8) - Papelbon disposed of the Angels on ten pitches tonight in a perfect inning of work. He looked very sharp and looked back to form after his last bad outing.

Brian Wilson (5) - Wilson finally got a save. It was his first save since April 24. He did give up a run on two hits. Wilson is looking very human lately. He did strike out two in the effort, but needs to start pitching better.
Andrew Bailey (5) -Pitched a perfect inning to record his fifth save of the season. It was his third save in May after only two in April.
Jon Rauch (8) - Gave up a solo home run to Alex Avila, but held on for the 5-3 save. He did strikeout one in the process.
Octavio Dotel (5) - Two saves in as many days for Dotel. He looked great tonight with two strikeouts and a perfect inning.
Billy Wagner (3) - Got another save and a badly needed one. It was his third of the season, which is hardly any for Wagner. He did get another strikeout and his WHIP is at a season low 0.90, which shows how effective Wagner has been.
Alfredo Aceves (1) - Got the save in place of the injured Rivera and the resting Joba Chamberlain.
BLOWN SAVES:
Francisco Cordero (BS2) - Blew another save tonight. Gave up a run on two hits. Its the second appearance in a row that Cordero has given up runs and he is 0-1 with a blown save over the last two days.
Chris Perez (BS2) - Perez got screwed by his defense. He got the third out, but Luis Valbuena's error allowed the tying run to score. Overall he gave up three unearned runs in the appearance, but did strikeout two.
APPEARANCES:
Brian Fuentes - Fuentes looked ordinary tonight. Came into a losing game to get some work and gave up a bomb to Adrian Beltre.
Matt Capps (0-1) - Big bad Matt "The Capper" Capps gave up a run on two hits in the tenth inning of a tie game and took the 5-4 loss for Washington. It was his first charged run since April 15. It wasn't a blown save.
Matt Lindstrom (1-0) - Lindstrom picked up a big win for Houston. He did walk two, but other than that gave up nothing else on 15 pitches.
Carlos Marmol - Got some work in and looked very sharp with a perfect inning. Struck out two to add to his closer leading 27 strikeouts.

The Closer Report: April 30, 2010

2010-05-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND FACTS:
Joakim Soria has saved 6 of the 9 Royals wins.
Billy Wagner Got his first save since April 7 tonight.
Brian Wilson could not pitch tonight due to a very sore groin and likely won't be available all weekend according to the Giants.
SAVES:

Billy Wagner (2)- We finally can call his name. Got the easy save with just a lone walk over the powerless Astros 4-2.

Joakim Soria (6) - Got roughed up by the Rays for a run on two walks and a hit, but secured the save and 3-2 win. He struck out one as well.

Heath Bell (7) - Heath Bell and the Padres continue to smoke in April. Bell got the 3-0 save on 24 long pitches, but struck out the side. He has been incredible over the last couple of weeks.

Jeremy Affeldt (2) - With Brian Wilson sidelined with a sore groin, Affeldt picked up his second save of the season. He pitched just 1/3 of an inning and needed only five pitches for the save.

Neftali Feliz (4) - Feliz looked great and got a much needed easy 1-2-3 save. He got a game ending strikeout and Mariners on two flyballs and ten pitches.

Mariano Rivera (7) - Got another easy save taking care of the White Sox in 1-2-3 fashion Friday night. He struck out two and gave up nothing else as he continues his incredible start to the 2010 season.

Francisco Cordero (9) - Got the easy save versus the Cardinals on Friday. He did give up what looked to be a two out solo home run, but was lucky enough that the ball bounced off the wall for a double. He retired the next batter for his ninth save.
APPEARANCES:
David Aardsma - Worked one inning in the Rangers-Mariners extra inning affair. It was a perfect inning with two strikeouts.
Jonathan Broxton - Looked outstanding pitching ,2 innings in a 6-2 game. Struck out both batters he faced.
Rafael Soriano - Got some work in against the Royals and gave up a run on three hits. He threw 24 pitches and likely won't be available on Saturday.
Jose Valverde - Got the call in a 10-6 win. He disposed of the Angels in quick fashion, striking out one and needing only ten pitches.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

The Closer Report: April 28, 2010

2010-04-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND FACTS:
Heath Bell has pitched three days in a row. He will not pitch April 29 against the Brewers if the Padres need a closer. Both Luke Gregerson and Mike Adams have pitched two days in a row, so I expect Adams to get the call.
Jonathan Papelbon has four saves since Friday April 23.

SAVES:

Matt Capps (10) - Capps secured his league leading tenth save beating the Cubs again 3-2. He did it with complete ease, needing only 10 pitches and grabbing one strikeout. He ERA dropped to 0.68.

David Aardsma (8) - Pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout. Aardsma WHIP is now at 0.81. It's his second save in as many days and he will get the day off tomorrow with the Mariners being idle.

Jonathan Papelbon (7) - After getting a one day rest, Papelbon came back with his seventh save. He finished off the Blue Jays on 13 pitches, striking out one. Again it was Varitek behind the plate helping Paps close out the 2-0 win.

Neftali Feliz (3) - Another rough outing for Feliz, but he got the save. He gave up two runs on three hits. Right now his confidence is shattered. Three appearances in a row with two runs being allowed. He definitely could use some time off.
Heath Bell (6) - Bell is on fire. He scored his second save in as many days and finished off a great Padre comeback. He struckout two batters and gave up a hit. With 36 pitches over the last two days, expect Mike Adams to close tomorrow's game if a closer is needed.

BLOWN SAVES:

Ryan Madson (BS2, 1-0) - Madson blew his second save of the season. He gave up a couple of hits to start the ending, but worked out of anymore damage and losing the game. His walk was an intentional walk. Overall two hits, a walk, and a run. The good news, he got the win.

Trevor Hoffman (BS4) - Gave up a solo home run to Ryan Doumit. Hoffman cannot continue to close for the Brewers. Hawkins should get the job on the next chance.

Octavio Dotel (BS2) - This guy is junk. Gave up a run on two hits and two walks. Granted he struck out two, he's junk.

Brian Wilson (BS1) - Wilson gave up his first runs of the season and blew his first save in the process. Wilson entered the game with one out in the ninth inning and a runner on first. He then loaded the bases and gave up a two out, bases clearing double to Jason Werth. He got charged for two of the runs and the blown save.

APPEARANCES:

Leo Nunez - Pitched a perfect inning in a losing cause against the Padres. Nunez's save drough is now one save in ten days.

Brian Fuentes (1-0) - Fuentes entered a tie game and pitched a decent inning. Gave up two hits on 17 pitches, but got the win.

Chris Perez - Didn't record an out. Gave up a bunt single (suicide squeeze) that ended the game.

Francisco Rodriguez - Struck out the side getting some work in against the Dodgers. Looking sharp.

Francisco Cordero - Pitched .2 innings and gave up a run on two hits and a walk. While he did record a strikeout, he needed 15 pitches to get two outs and no save.

Franklin Morales (0-2) - Morales was asked to go two innings and pay for it. He gave up a run (solo home run to Kelly Johnson) on two hits and two walks. Morales has been terrible lately. I have a feeling that Huston Street is rushing to get back.

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Rangers Smoak To Get Call

2010-04-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

By Chris Farino, http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

The Texas Rangers will demote 1B Chris Davis to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recall prospect Justin Smoak. Smoak is expected to start at first base.

This is a must pick up if he is available. There is no guarantee that he will become a star day one, but he is the type of prospect he can strike gold and end up being a Fantasy All-Star in 2010.

The switch-hitter batted .300 with 2 home runs with 50 at bats thus far in 2010.

Sin City Scout

Eye On: 2-Fer

2010-04-28T11:06:00.001-07:00

By Scout Monkey, http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

Two young pitchers could be making their debut in the next week. One is a highly touted prospect, the other has been lights out in the minors.

First is Jhoulys Chacin for the Rockies. Colorado had not one, but two starters go down. Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Hammel are both going to miss some action. To fill in, Chacin will be called upon to make some starts. Still unknown who will step up for the other spot.

What do we get with Chacin? He has a very nice fastball in the mid 90's, and good secondary pitches. So far in the minors, he has a 1.69 ERA in 21 innings with 21 Ks. The bad news is that he has 11 walks in that stretch. All in all, he is a typical prospect - talented and raw. The Rockies can score some runs, so even if Chacin struggles some, he is still a good bet for some wins.

Our next new starter is Jake Arrieta, maybe. The Orioles need a 5th starter. The question is who will they pick. Their best option is either Brad Bergesen or Arrieta. Bergesen has a little more experience, but has struggled for much of it. His minor league starts this year haven't been too impressive either (his last one on Sunday was decent). Arrieta on the other hand has been fantastic. 25 innings, 1 earned run. In his last start, he struck out 11. The start before that, he struck out 7. On numbers alone, Arrieta is the man to start, but we'll see.

Chacin is definitely going to get some starts and it's possible he can be decent right out of the gate. Deep leagues or NL only leagues should check him out. Arrieta is a little more difficult to predict. He may not even be called up and even if he is, it's for the Orioles who are not that good. But, if his talent translates, he could be very good.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

The Closer Report: April 27, 2010

2010-04-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

CLOSER NEWS AND FACTS:
Alfred Simon is the new Orioles closer and recorded his first save of his carer tonight against the Yankees.
Trevor Hoffman already has three blown saves and has given up runs in 5/8 appearances.
Did you know that Matt Capps nickname is "The Capper".

SAVES:
Matt Capps (9) - Capps looked great again. He handled the Cubs with ease, giving up only a single to Geovany Soto and struck out Tyler Colvin to end the game. His ERA is all the way down to 0.73.

David Aardsma (7) - Dominated the Royals. He did give up a hit to David DeJesus, but he got doubled up on the next batter and ended the 3-2 win on 14 pitches. A great comeback save for Aardsma after blowing a big save over the weekend.

Ramon Ramirez (1) - With Bard and Papelbon both overused and unavailable, Ramirez got the call and got the 2-1 versus Toronto.

Jason Motte (1) - Got the save for the resting Ryan Franklin. He pitched 1.2 innings and walked two batters, but no hits. Motte has been looking much lately. His ERA is down to 2.08 and his WHIP is steady, but high at 1.38

Alfred Simon (1) - Got his first chance to save for the Orioles and had to do it against the Yankees. He got roughed up at first giving up a hit and a walk, but after striking out Jeter he then got screwed by his shortstop for a run scoring error. Overall, he gave up 1ER on two hits and a walk. He had one strikeout on route to earning his first career save.

Jon Rauch (7) - Worked hard for the save, but in end the looked good. Two strikeouts and a hit for the 2-0 win. Despite some struggles, his season ERA looks good at 1.80.

Frank Francisco (1) - He closed out the game today with Neftali Feliz not available after pitching the last two days. I also think that Feliz needed some time off after crashing two saves in the past week. Francisco looked sharp, neededing only 10 pitches for a perfect save.

Heath Bell (5) - Bell worked hard for his fifth save of the season. He needed 20 pitches to end the game and opened the inning with two singles. Uggla almost ended the game with a three run dinger, but it stayed in the park. He then struck out Baker in a key at bat and the save was secure.
Rafeal Soriano (5) - Earned his fifth save of the season and needed only 13 pitches to finish off the A's. He did record a strikeout, but his K/9 is still terribly low for his standards.

BLOWN SAVES:
Trevor Hoffman (BS3) - Hoffman was absolutely hammered for five runs on four hits and two of those were big flys. Hoffman's days have to be numbered. If you own him or need a closer, get LaTroy Hawkins added ASAP!
APPEARANCES:
Francisco Cordero - Finished a 6-2 game with two strikeouts and a hit. Watching Cordero tonight, he was looking sharp and hitting the radar gun at 95. He is definitely looking stronger with eash season.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

The Closer Report: April 26, 2010

2010-04-26T22:35:00.001-07:00

CLOSER FACTS:
Jonathan Broxton still has only one save in one attempt for the LA Dodgers.
Jonathan Papelbon has pitched 5 out of the last 7 days. He accrued a win and three saves in that span.
Jose Valverde fists pumps with his right hand.
As of April 26, five closers still have a 0.00 ERA. Mariano Rivera, Andrew Bailey, Jonathan Broxton, Brian Wilson, and Leo Nunez.
Mike Gonzalez is expected back closing for the Orioles around mid-May.

SAVES:

Jose Valverde (6) - The always eccentric Valverde disposed of the of Rangers on ten pitches and gave his required fist pump when the game was over. It was a perfect save with no strikeouts, but two groundballs and a lineout.

Ryan Franklin (7) - Wow. Another save with hits, no strikeouts, and even better NO RUNS. Mr. Lucky continues his run of pitching to contact, but keeping the ERA down.

Brain Fuentes (3) - Just dominated the Cleveland Indian batters, but then again who hasn't? He was lucky enough to go through a bunch of lefties. He opened the inning with a called strike three, but Hafner reached on an error. He came back and struck out another lefty Branyan and then walk Kearns. He finished the game by striking out the side, but needed 27 pitches to close the game. Expect to see someone else close tomorrow, possibly Rodney.

Bruce Chen (1) - Chen came in and got the 3-1 save for the Royals over the Mariners. He was giving the overworked Soria a day off, so no worries if you own Soria. It was also a lefty/lefty matchup and he faced one batter.

Jonathan Papelbon - (6) - Paps looked much sharper tonight with Jason Varitek behind the plate. He struck out Travis Snider with a perfectly placed high fastball. He then he got Lewis on a groundball and Hill on a popup. He looked outstanding and in command. Could his problem be Victor Martinez?

Chad Qualls (5) - Got his fifth save of the season, but not without giving up a couple of hits and a RBI to Carlos Ian Stewart. He did end up striking out the side, but you can't ignore his 9.00 ERA and 2.11 WHIP. A funny fact, his ERA coming into the game was 9.00 and he gave up a run in an inning, which is a 9.00 ERA, so no movement.

APPEARANCES:

Carlos Marmol (1-0) Marmol still can't get saves, but he got his first win of the season. He pitched the tenth inning against the Nationals and gave up a lone hit with no strikeouts.

Octavio Dotel - Don't tell me he's getting hammered again. Just part of another Brewer/Pirate massacre. He gave up four runs on three hits and a walk. The big blast was a Alcides Escobar 2-run home run. Not a good night for any Pirate pitcher.

Neftali Feliz - Second game in a row that the young Texas closer has got rocked. He gave up two runs on three hits. Basically he threw two poorly placed fastballs that were hammered from home runs. His ERA has ballooned to 4.66 and his WHIP has jumped to 1.24. He also took the loss and his record stands at 1-1.

Heath Bell - Got some work in a 10-1 loss and looked great. He struck out the side on 15 pitches.

Kevin Gregg - Came into the ninth inning of a wild 13-12 game and looked outstanding against the three Red Sox hitters he faces. He got two soft groundballs and a strikeout. Though I admit the called strike three on JD Drew was a ball.

Listen to Todd "The True Guru" Farino breakdown all the closer activity three times a week on Blog Talk Radio. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 11pm PST. www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report or download the podcast on ITunes!

The Closer Report: April 23, 2010

2010-04-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

CLOSER NEWS:
N/A
SAVES:
Brian Wilson (3) Wilson finally recorded a save. It was his first save since April 6, and he went out there with a vengeance. Besides a simple single, Wilson struck out the side for his third save of the season. His ERA remains at 0.00.

Jonathan Papelbon (4) - Paps had another tough outing. He did get the save, but in the process looked wild walking two batters and giving up a hit. To put a positive spin on the save, he did intentionally walk Wiggington and he struck out Lugo to end the game. That is how expereinced closers do it.

Francisco Rodriguez (2) - Recorded his second save in as many days. He is still lacking his trademark sharpness that we haven't sen in awhile. He needed 22 pitches to close he game and gave up a hit and a walk, while striking out two. His WHIP rose to 1.27, but his ERA lowered to an impressive 1.04.

Kevin Gregg (5) - Gregg was needed for 1.1 innings, but got a clean save. He looked great giving up a hit and striking out two.

Matt Lindstrom (5) - Another 12 pitch save for Lindstrom. No hits and a strikeout. Lindstrom has clearly found his closer niche.

Briean Fuentes (2) - Fuentes was back in the closer role and frankly it was a shocker. When I saw Fernando Rodney coming into the eighth inning I was thinking someone got screwed. I did assume that since the Yankee lineup is loaded with lefties and switch hitters that maybe Scioscia went with his lefty. Thames did pitch hit for Johnson and Fuentes turned Teixeira around. Will see what he does next.

Chad Qualls (3) - Qualls had a hefty three run lead to work with and he didn't even need it. Why? He only needed one out. It was 7-3 going into the ninth and after Heilman gave up a run, Qualls entered the game with two outs and a runner on second. He dispatched of Polanco on five pitches.

BLOWN SAVES:
Neftali Feliz (1-0 BS1) - Feliz got rocked tonight and badly. Well, maybe not that badly, but he gave up three hits, including a wacky shallow double to Johnny Damon. He couldn't close the deal on Magglio Ordonez who with two outs got the big hit to tie the game at 4-4 and blow the game for Feliz. He did manage to get the win, so it wasn't all bad.
APPEARANCES:
Carlos Marmol - Pitched 1.1 innings for some odd reason in a blowout. Still, he struck out three out of the four batters he retured.
Jim Johnson - Gave up a hit in 1/3 of an inning against the Red Sox.
Rafeal Soriano - Got some work in against the Blue Jays. Struck out two in an inning of work. His WHIP has gone down to 1.14 and his ERA is loking much better at 2.57.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Candy - April 12th

2010-04-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

April 12, 2010 JunkyardJake.Com

Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds, SP

Hey, wait a minute, did we just waste the last few weeks anticipating the future exploits of Aroldis 'The Cuban Missile' Chapman? Was this not the left-hander who could tame wild beasts, alter the weather and defeat third world illiteracy with the magnificence of his 100 mph fast ball? Then, abruptly, just after most of us all learned how to spell his first name, it was like Janet Reno sent her SWAT team to apprehend the 22 year old Cuban defector in the middle of the night, loaded him on a bus and sent him down to Triple-A Louisville. Not to fret, because the Reds have probably made much worse decisions than choosing former Arizona State wunderkind Mike Leake to fill their number five rotation spot. Leake is a two-time Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year, who really hit his stride in 2009, when he finished with a sparkling 1.71 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 142 innings. Although he doesn't make headlines with his 90 MPH fastball, it's his advanced control, plus changeup and the way he persuades hitters to constantly hit harmless groundballs which makes him an interesting prospect. Leake was especially stingy with walks over at Arizona State, granting just 1.68 free passes per 9 innings over his three-year amateur career. Certainly, if he can generate even half the success that he enjoyed at the collegiate level, he will make a worthwhile fantasy acquisition in the early weeks of the season.
Available in 50% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Ian Desmond , Washington Nationals, SS
The polls are in, and while Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, both Congressional Chaplains, the Obama family dog, Senator Blabby Blowhard from the great state of South Morontopia and even the guy who dry cleans John Roberts judicial black robe have all fallen into the teens on their approval ratings, the Washington Nationals have somehow escaped the wrath of the electorate, at least temporarily. So what's the justification for this blind optimism? Well, it can't be Washington's pitching staff as their best pitcher, Stephen Strasburg, was sent down to double-A before the season where he will work on destroying the confidence of minor league hitters for the next couple months. One possible reason for the early season enthusiasm is the arrival of rookie shortstop Ian Desmond. Drafted at the age of eighteen back in 2004, Desmond has always shown a penchant for stealing bases, but really didn't show much else for his first few years. In 2008, he started showing a bit of power hitting 12 HRs at the AA level, and then earned a promotion in 2009 to triple AAA, where he hit .354 over 55 games. He won the starting SS spot for the Nationals with a great spring, so it's his job to lose and he makes a solid fantasy pickup in the early going.
Available in 55% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Austin Jackson , Detroit Tigers, OF
Heralded as one of the top prospects in the NY Yankees farm system for the past couple years, Austin Jackson was essentially exchanged for Curtis Granderson in a trade between the Yankees and Tigers this offseason. Actually, to be fair, the trade was more confusing than that, as it also involved sending Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson to the Arizona Diamondbacks, some pork belly futures contracts, and an attempted return of Staten Island to the Lenape Indians. (They respectfully declined, and who could blame them). Time will tell if this trade works out, but amazingly enough, this might be the most frugal roster move the Yankees have made since they traded for Roger Maris in 1959. (Granderson is scheduled to make only $5.5 million this year, or about 10 million less than the typical retail price the Yankees typically pay for shiny new players.) As for Austin Jackson, he doesn't have Granderson's 30 HR power, but he is a smooth defensive player who could very well hit .280 with 10-15 HRs and 20 plus stolen bases. He's off to a good start this season and the Detroit Tigers seem committed to him for the immediate future so Jackson makes a good pickup to round out your fantasy outfield in mixed leagues.
Available in 47% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals, 1B/3B/OF
It's hard to get too excited about the rookie whose primary job on the St. Louis Cardinals is possibly backing up Albert Pujols at firstbase. That's kindof like expecting Carrot Top to fill in for Conan O'Brien, or winning the thankless and lonely job as the George Clooney stand-in who specializes in only scenes that call for the actor to get hit in the face with a barstool. So why is Allen Craig an interesting waiver prospect? Well, for one thing, he is probably funnier than Carrot Top, just by default. More importantly though, his minor league numbers suggest a player who might be ready to start launching the ball over the walls at Busch Stadium if given the chance anytime soon. Over the past three seasons as he progressed through the Cardinals minor league affiliates, Craig has demonstrated consistent power, blasting 24 HRs in 2007, 22 in 2008 and then 26 homeruns in 2009. All three seasons, his average exceeded .300, including his .322 BA at AAA Memphis last year. Although Craig is not known for his defensive skills, he does play 3rd base in addition to 1st base, and should also see time at the corner outfield spots.
Available in 98% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Other Players To Consider:
Dallas Braden,Oakland A's,SP
Available in 42% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Drew Stubbs,Cincinnati Reds,OF
Available in 44% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Gaby Sanchez,Florida Marlins,1B
Available in 77% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Carlos Gomez,Milwaukee Brewers,OF
Available in 62% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Jaime Garcia,St.Louis Cardinals,SP
Available in 69% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Pitch & Ditch

2010-04-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

Pitch & Ditch 4/11/10

2010-04-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick email tonight, I will review the week during the Sunday night game.

Pitch & Ditch 4/11/10

No Brainer : (Your staff ace or Top Pitcher)

Verlander
Burnett
Shields
J. Santana
Halladay
Lincecum

Pitch: (Good pitchers or good match ups)

Buehrle
Buchholz
Saunders
Braden
Oswalt
Jackson
Wolf
Feldman
Haeger
G. Smith
Garland

Ditch: (Bad Pitchers or bad match ups or I would like to scout the pitcher more.)

Westbrook
Millwood
Blackburn
Meche
Snell
Leake

If you feel Lucky: (A Gamble)

A. Sanchez
Marcum

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Pitch & Ditch 4/10/10

2010-04-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, Saturday starts will be the 1st time this season that we will see pitchers
there 2nd time around and we all hope our Big ace will turn things around. On Sunday night i will go over my 'If you feel lucky' picks and see how i did. Most of these pitchers are on the wavier wire or on your bench. Also on Sunday i will go over 2 start pitchers that you may want to pick up if you are in a weekly league.

***** YOU WILL BE SEEING MY PITCH & DITCH BLOG ON THE PT's PODCAST SECTION OF THE WEB********

Pitch & Ditch 4/10/10

No Brainer : (Your staff ace or Top Pitcher)

Sabathia (8.44 ERA and playing a Hot Tampa team looks like a slow start for CC this year.)
King Felix( Going to Texas will be through but I do feel SEA bats will wake up.)
Beckett (9.64 ERA and playing KC should be able to cut that ERA in half.)
Greinke ( Bad Match he will have to do it all to get the Win.)
Gallardo ( He just got paid $$$$$)
Carpenter
J. Johnson
Haren ( Always a fast starter but trade him after the All Star break.)

Pitch: (Good pitchers or good match ups)

Baker ( I thought he was overrated this preseason.)
Weaver ( Angels offense doesn't look go yet but Weaver is becoming an Ace.)
Harang( Will give you the K's but just can't win games.)
Sheets(3.60 ERA in his 1st start I want to see more but you have to start him.)
Moyer
Kawakami

Ditch: (Bad Pitchers or bad match ups or I would like to scout the pitcher more.)

Garcia (He still pitches?)
Harrison
D. Hernandez
Eveland
Bonderman
Talbot
O. Perez
Paulino ( Was one of my deep deep sleepers K's will be there but nothing else.)
Padilla ( Was one of my 'if you feel lucky' his 1st start this time I am not rolling the dice.)
McCutchen
Hammel
Gorzelanny

IF you Feel Lucky: (A Gamble)

W.Daive (The Rays look like the real deal this year and NYY bats are still sleeping. We all know what Lenny Melnick would say "A Rookie is a rookie" But I am picking him up and taking a chance.)

Lotos ( He has the stuff to be a future ace but doesn't have the head. Yes he has a through match up and at Coors but he could put things together at anytime and have a great game.0

Wellemyer ( Looked good in spring and won the 5th spot in the rotation plus he have the hottest hitter in baseball in Edgar Renteria)

Pitch & Ditch 4/9/10

2010-04-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

A lot of Ditching day but Still some gems out there.

Pitch & Ditch: 4/9/10

No Brainer : (Your staff ace or Top Pitcher)

Vazquez (Not pitching against a NL line anymore, let see how he does.)

Pitch: (Good pitchers or good match ups)

Danks
Liriano ( Everyone sleeper this all off season. Now it time to show what you got.)
De La Rosa ( Set to have a great game.)
J. Sanchez ( K machine)
Hudson (Pitching for contact so don't look for the strikeouts)
Happ (I Don't think he will be the as good as last year but this game he will)
Porcello (Low K's but gets the job done everyone else)
Wakefield
Bailey (This has to be his year or he will be out of CIN.)
Volstad ( I Picked him up in one of my leagues. Looked good this spring)
Kuroda

Ditch: (Bad Pitchers or bad match ups or I would like to scout the pitcher more.)

Huff
Morrow
Davies
Gonzalez
Palmer
Vargas
Silva ( Believe it or not, No Silva love from me.)
L. Hernandez ( If you need innings he is your man but hurting everywhere else)
Pelfrey
Norris (Can be a great source for K's but not today)
Lohse
Bush
R. Lopez
Morton
Richard ( I do like him just a really bad match up)

If you feel Lucky: (A gamble)

Price (Bad Match up but has upside)
Lewis (Tim McLeod has been pumping this guy all off season.)

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Pitch & Ditch 4/8/10

2010-04-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, OK 1st Thursday of the season a light schedule and getting into more of everyone soft ace's and 3rd and 4th starters on peoples teams. We are early in the season so no stats to work with , so most of my decisions I am making are gut feelings and pass years stats.
I feel where I am going to make it or break it with Pitch or Ditch this year will be with my "If you feel lucky " pitchers. In daily leagues with daily pick ups you know to pitch your ace's and not to pick up guys like Fister or Stammen but if you can take a gamble and work your wavier wire you can fine some cheap stats and maybe a gem if you are real lucky. I will try to get this article out the night before to give everyone time to pick up any of the pitchers you should Pitch the next day.
If you have any questions about about a pitcher or a match up post a comment and i will try to help. Good luck and have fun.

Pitch and Ditch 4/8/10

No Brainer : (Your staff ace or Top Pitcher)

Floyd
B. Anderson
T. Hanson ( Another of The True Guru Studs)
Billingsley

Pitch: (Good pitchers or good match ups)

Niemann
Slowey ( I think I am still looking at 2008 stat. He has great control but does he have it back?)
Pineiro ( No Dave Duncan and back in in the AL. Should be able to have a few good starts before batters figure him out)
Kendrick ( I believe he will pitch his way into keeping this rotation spot.)
Arroyo
R. Wells

Ditch: (Bad Pitchers or bad match ups or I would like to scout the pitcher more.)

Fister
Bannister
Willis ( I guy you can't hate but leave him on the wavier wire for someone else to grab.)
Matusz (Too young and Tampa Bay has a great line up.)
Masterson (We only know his name because he pitched for Boston.)
C.J. Wilson ( 1st Time in years as a starter so don't know what he can do yet.)
Penny ( I need to see what Dave Duncan can do with him.)
Maholm
Niese
Stammen

If you feel Lucky: (A gamble)

Romero ( I don't think he will have great stats with TEX line up & ball park but maybe he can sneak out a win with C.J. Wilson starting.)
Robertson ( Back in the NL and like Pineiro should be able to get some good starts before batters figure him out)

Jason Swist
PrimeTime21

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

First Impressions

2010-04-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

I love the first week of the season. It is great when my sleeper tators two knocks the first day so I can let everyone know how smart I was. I really like it when that top 30 player I put on my DTM (Dead To Me) list gets lit up in his first start. VALIDATION! Of course it all means nothing, the baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint.

With that being said let's look at a few of the opening day hitting stars and see if there is any legitimacy to the early numbers. Here are the Dirty Dozen

Albert Pujois Like you didn't see that coming. Great American Smallpark, Aaron Harang pitching, and no new contract. El Hombre was dialed in.
Garrett Jones Touted as the next, OK only, big thing to come out of the Three Rivers crowd, those of you who played the hunch were rewarded with two dingers. I think that is not a fluke.
Casey Kotchman Four RBIs already, can you say trade bait. Hey, he cost you a buck or a late round flyer pick. Roll with him for a few weeks.
Placido Polanco Love where he is playing, great lineup, guy can always hit but he is on a 972 RBI pace. Hack Wilson be damned. Hack holds the record for most RBIs in a season by the way. Seriously, he will give you great average and I think more pop than some people are giving him credit.
Chone Figgins Man this is why you drafted him. He takes an Ofer at the plate but still gets two runs and two steals and is playing second base which from a fantasy perspective makes total sense. This is the guy to trade for and watch him stuff those two categories and give you some steals
David Wright Dinger on first day, I am still not buyer it. Sell high.
Yunel Escobar Five RBI on opening day from a middle of the road shortstop. This kid is still young and the power stroke will come to fruition this year. Stay with him.
Carlos Gomez OK, this hacks me off. I was touting him heavy a year ago and he flops. A homer, a stolen base, and four hits. This kid is legit and the Brew Crew will play him. Grab him off the waiver wire and crow all season.
Colby Rasmus Two hits and a dinger and he is hitting between Matt Holliday and Ryan Ludwig. Most importantly he is healthy and will play everyday. Expect more of the same from him this season.
Vernon Wells Opening day dinger and probably wasn't drafted in many leagues. Could this be the year, I let you take the risk.
Jason Heyward Are you serious, with the fantasy hype machine at a fever pitch, he goes yard in hs first at bat. If you have him you won't trade him for Matt Kemp now! Let the chest thumping begin.
Yadier Molina I know, hits a granny on opening day and most of us didn't even think he would start the season. This guy just keeps hitting better but see Pujois, it is Cincy and they do play in an American Legion Park.

Pitch & Ditch 4/7/10

2010-04-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

We have a lot game on the board today but a lot of dead weight. Don't let bad pitchers or even your Deep Sleeps hurt your stats, lets wait and see on a few guys and just get your studs out there and let them do there thing. I did found a couple of gambles that could help you but they are Deep Sleepers that you do have to reach on. Good luck everyone.

Pitch and Ditch 4/7/10

No Brainer : (Your staff ace)

Lackey
Peavy
Garza (Will be Tampa's ace this year)
Kershaw ( He Should of pitched in the opener)
Cain
Wainwright
Nolasco
Hamels

Pitch: (Good pitchers or good match ups)

Harden ( Get what you can from him before he hits the DL)
Pettitte
Scherzer
E. Santana ( Mike Siano from fantasy 411 TV show Pumped him up and I am right with him)
Jurrjens
Dempster
Kennedy ( I am keeping a eye on him has upside)

Ditch: (Bad Pitchers or bad match ups or I would like to scout the pitcher more.)

Tallet
Carmona ( I am not buying him at all)
Pavano
Guthrie
Duchscherer ( Has Upside but I am want to see him stay healthy 1st)
Ohlendorf ( I am Ditching but I do like him but I don't know what I like about him)
Myers
Marquis ( Not pitching in Coors anymore, who would think that would be bad.)
Maine
Cueto (Board line gamble but I just don't like the match up)
Cook
D. Davis

If you feel Luck: (A gamble)

Hochevar ( He is one of my sleepers this year)
Rowland-Smith ( He has wide range of pitches and has a nice match up if you are gambling)
Correia ( If you are looking for K's take a chance, ARI has some free swingers in there line up)

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Spring Training Updates: Pitchers

2010-04-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

By Chris Farino, http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

Gio Gonzalez - A's
Stats: 1-2 - 2.96 ERA - 25 K's - 24.1 IP.
Outlook: The big prospect didn't do much in 2009, but he did post 109 K's with 98.2 IP. He has the makings of a very good fantasy starting pitcher, but is still young and still pitches for the A's.

Francisco Liriano - Twins
Stats: 2-0 - 2.70 - 30 K's - 20 IP.
Outlook: He has been brilliant as a starter and talk still swirls about him closing. Either Liriano may be back to his stud-self and you may want to try and swing a trade for him before the season starts.

Chris Young - Padres
Stats: 2-2 - 3.32 - 21.2 K's - 22 IP.
Outlook: He is a forgotten pitcher by many, but could be a nice veteran fantasy starter. Plays in a pitchers park, gets K's and he looks healthy.

Dana Eveland - Blue Jays
Stats: 0-1 - 1.80 ERA - 21 K's - 25 IP.
Outlook: He struggled in 2009 after a solid rookie 2008 debut. He was one of the players acquired in the Dan Haren trade, so he has talent. He is one to keep an eye on in deep leagues or AL-only for now.

Fausto Carmona - Indians
Stats: 3-0 - 1.38 - 12 K's - 26 IP.
Outlook: He has been a bum since winning 19 in 2007, but he looked sharp in Spring Training and is worth a shot if you need to fill in your last SP slot. FYI: He is not much of a K-pitcher.

Ian Kennedy - Diamondbacks
Stats: 3-1 - 2.88 ERA - 17 K's - 25 IP.
Outlook: The one-time Yankee prospect is looking good for the D'backs and will be in the rotation.

Wade LeBlanc - Padres
Stats: 4-0 - 1.96 ERA - 17 K's - 23 IP.
Outlook: He played well after his call-up in 2009 and has kept it up in Spring Training. Padre pitchers are worth picking up and taken a shot at to improve you ERA and WHIP if he can get into the rotation at some point in 2010.

Mat Latos - Padres
Stats: 3-0 - 1.59 ERA - 14 K's - 17 IP.
Outlook: Unlike LeBlanc, he is in the Padre starting rotation. He played solid as a rookie in 2009 and maintains a solid K/9-ratio and that is enough to make as a low-end fantasy starter.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Pitch & Ditch 4/6/10

2010-04-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone was able to get Zach Duke in there line up yesterday and got a cheap win but he didn't help you much anywhere else . Out of my Ditch list yesterday only Marcum had a good game but didn't get the win any how, Frasor blew save and took the lost. Plus I wanted to see him pitch before I start thinking about starting him. Out of my No Brainer list Zambrano just had a awful game. He was a board line No Brainer but i was drinking the Kool-aid and decided to throw him in there.

Pitch & Ditch 4/6/10

No Brainer : (Your staff ace)

Burnett
Lester (The True Guru Stud)
Shields

Pitch: (Good pitchers or good match ups)

Zito
W. Rodriguez (Board line No Brainer but don't want to call him a sure thing yet.)
Wolf (Can the Brew Crew and Wolf Pack work together?)
E. Jackson
Saunders

Ditch: (Bad Pitchers or bad match ups or I would like to scout the pitcher more.)

Blackburn
Millwood
Braden
G. Smith
C. Young

If you feel Luck: (A gamble)

Snell ( I am willing to gamble)

Jason Swist
PrimeTime21

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Pitch & Ditch 4/5/10

2010-04-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, I am going to do a quick Pitch and Ditch blog each day.
I will break the pitchers down into 4 categories ( No brainers, Pitch, Ditch and If you feel lucky) .

4/5/10 Pitch & Ditch

No Brainers :

Halladay
J. Johnson
Lincecum
Carpenter
J.Santana
Zambrano
Jimenez
Gallardo
Haren
F.Hernandez
Verlander
Greinke

Pitch:

Lowe
Oswalt
Baker
Weaver
Feldman
Buehrle

Ditch:

Lannan
Harang (Just Doesn't win)
Garland
Westbrook
Marcum (I am going to wait and see on him)
Sheets ( I am going to wait and see on him)

If you feel Lucky :

Duke (If you want to take a reach start him)
Padilla ( Opening day starter, someone must see something in him)

Good luck everyone with there teams.
Any feedback or ideas are welcome

Jason Swist
PrimeTime21

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Analysis: Rauch named closer in Minnesota

2010-04-02T19:03:00.001-07:00

As expected, Ron Gardenhire named a closer vefore the season started. We've known that Gardenhire was not a fan of the "committee" approach. He has always defined roles and wanted to go into the season with that established.

Rauch looked good once he came to the Twins last year going 5-1 with a 1.72 ERA. Rauch's biggest problem is consistency and his stuff. He will come out in the ninth throwing 91-92 MPH fastball and will mix in a slider and curveball. His weakest pitch is a changeup, which he only throws about 8% of the time and the velocity of 85 MPH isn't that much slower than his fastball.

Ruach will put guys on base and rely on double plays, striekouts and defense to bail him out. He does not have the stuff to get himself out of trouble.

Keep a tight eye on Matt Guerrier. He still figures to get into the mix for saves and if Rauch fails at all, expect Gardenhire to make changes quickly. Even Jose Mijares has a chance to get a save or two.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Tout Wars Style League - Fantasy Baseball Trade Market

2010-03-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

Bay State Scout, (bay_state_scout@comcast.net) of http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

I am participating in a tout wars style auction league run by Fantasy Baseball Trade Market. This league has writers from multiple sites competing in it and I am going to make sure to keep everyone involved as I go through this season.

First thing, for those who don't know the tout wars scoring system here it is.

Standard rotisserie scoring with your basic 5X5 categories runs, RBI, steals, HR, AVG, wins, saves, K's, WHIP, and ERA. we had 260 dollars for the draft and will have a 100 dollar free agent budget to fill out a 28 man roster. starting roster is 2 C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, MI, CI, 5 OF, UTL, and 9 P.

Well, the draft was interesting it took 4 hours to complete and it was obvious early that bidding was a little high. My goal originally was to land at least one of the big boppers Hanley or Pujols but this plan quickly dissolved.

Once my plan had crumbled I changed direction and decided to spend the big bucks on Lincecum $38 and Halladay $37 which should give me a nice edge in the pitching categories. I now needed to try and piece together an offense with duck tape and sticks, which sucked but I was pleased with the results.

My roster:

Bay state scout (PFB)

C. Chris iannetta $3

C. Jorge Posada $4

1B. Billy Butler $20

2B. Scott Sizemore $3

3B. Aramis Ramirez $15

SS. Derek Jeter $21

CI. Carlos Pena $14

MI. Elvis Andrus $10

Of. Jacoby Ellsbury $27

Of. Alex Rios $15

Of. Matt Laporta $6

Of. Chris Coghlan $6

Of. Raul Ibanez $10

UTL. Hedeki Matsui $1

P. Tim Lincecum $38

P. Roy Halladay $37

P. James Shields $6

P. Carlos Zambrano $3

P. Roy Oswalt $2

P. Jeff Nieman $1

P. Ervin Santana $1

P. Matt Capps $1

P. Jose Valverde $8

BN. Conor Jackson $1

BN. Nick Johnson $4

BN. Kelly Johnson $1

BN. CJ Wilson $1

BN. Joel Pinero $1

Overall I am pretty balanced on offense with high average guys Jeter and Ramirez and 20 home run caliber players Butler and Rios nice sprinkle of speed with Andrus and Ellsbury leading the way. My weaknesses are most definitely saves and I would say RBI but I think I should be very competitive with this team as is. If I am able to pull off a couple solid deals I think I could win this thing but only time will tell.

I will update what is going on for me as I represent the PFB in this league. I will do a weekly article to fill everyone in on my free agent moves and possible trades and keep you all informed of my position in the standings.

Bay State Scout

(bay_state_scout@comcast.net)

RotoCommunity's MIC Wars Draft Recap

2010-03-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

I completed my final draft of the season tonight in RotoCommunity's MIC wars league. It is comprised of podcast and radio show hosts, hence "MIC". There were several top experts that I had to battle including Ray Flowers, Mike Kuchera, Johnny Archive, and David Gawron. I've already contended that I'm a great drafter, but running the team in-season is my weakness. I have to say that I've had good drafts, and then there are great drafts. This draft was a great one for me.

I had the #1 overall pick, which meant I'd get Albert Pujols and then have to wait 22 picks before I'd go again. Since I wasn't familiar with the drafting style or knowledge base of several of the managers in the league I used the first two rounds to guage what my strategy would be. I figured out real quick that there were a couple of H2H novices in the group and that allowed quality players to fall to the rest of us all night. I had a great first half of the 30 round draft, but the second half saw me lose several key players I wanted. In the end, I still had the most dominating head-to-head team in the league.

Just note the following:

It's a H2H league draft, not 5x5 roto.
I had a wheel pick.
ADP's noted below are 5x5 Roto ADPs and not H2H.
I bolded the picks that I thought were the best and colored RED the steals.

(1) FB Tonight - Albert Pujols 1B - ADP 1
(24) FB Tonight - Grady Sizemore CF - ADP 29
(25) FB Tonight - Mark Reynolds 3B - ADP 17
(48) FB Tonight - Kendry Morales 1B - ADP 51
(49) FB Tonight - Jonathan Broxton RP - ADP 64
(72) FB Tonight - Aaron Hill 2B - ADP 52
(73) FB Tonight - Yovani Gallardo SP - ADP 87
(96) FB Tonight - Alex Rios CF - ADP 119
(97) FB Tonight - Cliff Lee SP - ADP 57
(120) FB Tonight - Jason Bartlett SS - ADP 105
(121) FB Tonight - Jason Heyward RF - ADP 211
(144) FB Tonight - Huston Street RP - ADP 153
(145) FB Tonight - Rafael Soriano RP - ADP 151
(168) FB Tonight - Jorge De La Rosa SP - ADP 187
(169) FB Tonight - Brian Matusz SP - ADP 290
(192) FB Tonight - Yadier Molina C - ADP 203
(193) FB Tonight - Garrett Jones 1B - ADP 197
(216) FB Tonight - Marco Scutaro SS - ADP 191
(217) FB Tonight - Jason Frasor RP - ADP 284
(240) FB Tonight - Cameron Maybin CF - ADP 244
(241) FB Tonight - John Baker C - ADP 257
(264) FB Tonight - Jon Rauch RP - ADP 294
(265) FB Tonight - Jeff Niemann SP - ADP 215
(288) FB Tonight - David Freese 3B - ADP N/A
(289) FB Tonight - Brett Gardner CF - ADP 300
(312) FB Tonight - Matt Guerrier RP - ADP 302
(313) FB Tonight - Michael Brantley CF - ADP N/A
(336) FB Tonight - Cliff Pennington SS - ADP N/A
(337) FB Tonight - Chris Dickerson LF - ADP N/A
(360) FB Tonight - Fernando Rodney RP- ADP 219

Let me know what you think.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

2010 Fantasy Baseball Trade Market Premiere League Draft Recap

2010-03-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the privilege of drafting in Bob Sikon's 2010 Fantasy
Baseball Trade Market Premiere League. There were many talented minds drafting
as well and it was a challenge the whole way through. I had the fourth overall
pick and I was sandwiched in-between Rob Reed and Bob Sikon, so I spend the
draft in Mexican stare downs with those two.

My strength has always been drafting as far as my leagues go. I prepare a ton
for the draft and I make sure that my strategies are in line with the managers
I'm drafting against. I always commit to my pre-draft rules and I change
strategies on the fly whenever I needed. I think that allows mw to always come
out of the draft with a strong team. Of course, drafting is only about 60% of
your fantasy baseball experience with actually running the team, making pick
ups, and pulling off monster trades that will eventually make a champion.

Here is the draft recap:

Rounds 1-4

I couldn't be happier with my first four picks. I was hoping to get
Ryan Braun (1-4) in the first and he fell to me. Rob Reed claims his
computer froze, but be happy with AROD. After Getting Braun I
didn't pick till late in the second round. There was only two guys I were
interested in at that pick, Grady Sizemore or Mark
Reynolds. For my second pick I decided to go with last year's sixth
overall pick, a healthy Grady Sizemore (2-9) with the hope that
Mark Reynolds would remain six picks later. Getting setup with
two outfielders early is outstanding, but I next needed one of the corners
covered and I got my wish with Mark Reynolds (3-4) in the third
round. I didn't think he'd get past Rob Reed, but I got lucky. I followed up
that pick with my third outfielder B.J. Upton (4-9). I wasn't
happy having to take three outfielders in the first four rounds, but I got four
guys I wanted and I can't complain about that. I did want Jonathan
Broxton here, breaking a rule of mine, but he was gone early in the
round.
2010 Projections: 125 Hrs, 110 SBs, .269 Avg

Rounds 5-8

Round five was my last round before taking pitchers and I secured a strong MI
with drafting Aaron Hill (5-4). He was a top sleeper of my
last year and getting him in the fifth round was a steal in my book. I then
changed my strategy on the fly and took an unprecedented 4 straight pitchers
starting with Adam Wainwright (6-9). I'm not the biggest fan
of Wainwright, but there is no denying his skill and his value in the sixth
round. I wanted Tommy Hanson in the 6th, but passed on him
ONLY to get him in the seventh round. I live my an age old rule, fi you are
trying to decide between two players and the one you didn't choose falls to the
next round, take him. Tommy Hanson (7-4) will be a Cy Young
candidate and have a huge season for the Braves. When my pick came in the late
eighth round I was shocked to still see Cliff Lee sitting out
there. His abdominal strain has people worried, but it's not a serious injury.
SO instead of getting a shortstop or closer, I took my third straight starter in
Cliff Lee (8-9). When healthy, that three man rotation could
be one of the best in fantasy baseball.
2010 Projections: 28 Hrs, 6 SBs, .287 Avg. 54 Wins, 570 Ks, .298 ERA.

Rounds 9-12

I couldn't go any longer without a closer, so in round nine I drafted A's
closer Andrew Bailey (9-4). His arm concerns are not a worry
and he will be ready to start the season and give me a strong K/9 rate. I did
lose one of my favorites in Carlos Gonzalez to get Bailey. I
got back to offense with strong support for batting average with outfielder
Chris Coghlan (10-9). He will leadoff for the Marlins and
should score plenty, have a .300+ batting average, and add in a few home runs
and steals. After Coghlan, I went right back to my bullpen and took a player
that I think will be a top three closer in 2010, Rafael Soriano (11-4).
He is healthy and brings one of the better K/9 rates amongst closers. He is a
poor man's Jonathan Broxton and I got him seven rounds later.
The Rays wear out their bullpen, so Rafael Soriano will see
plenty of action. In round 12 I felt compelled to complete my bullpen and
drafted stud closer Huston Street (12-9). He was one of the
best values on the board and after losing out on shortstops there was nothing
else I wanted. I did plan on grabbing Franklin Morales later in the draft. So
that makes 6/7 picks with pitchers. I've never done that, but my
excellent early offensive picks allowed me to make such picks. I won't be the
guy putting up LOST/REWARD signs for closers all season.
2010 Projections: 12 Hrs, 11 SB, .305 Avg. 124 Saves, 278 Ks.

Rounds 13-16

I got back to my offense roots with big-tie support players in these rounds.
Round 13 I selected my shortstop Marco Scutaro (13-4). He
wasn't my first choice for shortstop, but he should have a strong season hitting
in Fenway and provides average, runs, and stolen bases to my teams. Round 14 I
selected one of my breakout players and my CI James Loney (14-9). At
27, I'm expecting a big season from Loney. Round 15 I invested in my first
catcher, Miguel Montero (15-4). It's the earliest I've taken a
catcher, but I wanted at least one strong catcher that wouldn't be an average
killer. In round 16 I took one of my favorite sleeper picks in Garrett
Jones (16-9). He isn't a typical sleeper, but a guy his upside
shouldn't be going this late. He qualifies at 1B/OF and brings power, some
speed, and average to the table. Overall I really made up on average in these
rounds.
2010 Projections: 80 Hrs, 35 SBs, .294 Avg.

Rounds 17-20

I used these rounds primarly to bolster my pitching staff, but I opened round
17 with a key pick in outfielder Chris Young (17-4) from the
Diamondbacks. He had a solid second half last season and I have to hop he
continues on that pace for 2010. I followed that up with another starting
pitcher in Jeff Niemann (18-9), who has looked outstanding this
spring and will be the 4th starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. The next
two picks were spent on my bullpen with Matt Guerrier (19-4)
and Franklin Morales (20-9). Guerrier will likely be the
closer for the Twins this year and Morales is my backup for Huston
Street. Franklin Morales is expected to close until
Street comes back in late April.
2010 Projections: 19 Hrs, 15 SBs, .255 Avg. 14 Wins, 250 Ks 25 Saves.

Rounds 21-24

This group of picks were all offense. In round 21 I grabbed one of my
biggest sleepers in 2010, Cameron Maybin (21-4). He will start
for the Marlins and has 20/20 potential if he can stay healthy. In round 22 I
when for a middle infielder and one I like allot, Clint Barmes (22-9).
He will start at second base in the Rockies potent offense and the savvy veteran
should produce well in my MI slot. My next pick was another outstanding sleeper
pick in Austin Jackson (23-4). Jackson is taking over the
leadoff spot and centerfield for Curtis Granderson for the Detroit Tigers and I
expect big things from this rookie. In round 24, I grabbed my second and final
catcher John Baker (24-9) a.k.a. Seven-Mary-Three. Baker is a above average
offensive catcher hitting in the Marlins strong lineup.
2010 Projections: 42 Hrs, 57 SBs, 275 Avg.

Remaining Picks:
25-4 - Cliff Pennington - Solid hitting sophomore shortstop for the Oakland
A's. I expect decent production from him with 10-15 SBs and 7-9 home runs.
26-9 - Gaby Sanchez - He's been on fire this spring and with nothing to prove
in the minors, Sanchez should has the starting slot all sewn up. Sanchez can
produce high average and some pop.
27-4 - Erik Bedard - When he's healthy, he is a great pitcher. I'll stash
him on the DL and pick up another starter, but Bedard could be a great pick if
he can remain healthy. It's a BIG IF.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our
weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us
LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Draft Day Distractions

2010-03-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

With less than a week to go before draft day in the Gateway Fantasy League, for the first time in a long time I am having trouble focusing on my last minute details. After playing fantasy baseball for twenty five years, I know how important "tech week" is when preparing for the big day. NOTE: Tech Week is a theater term that refers to the week before the show. Kudos to my wife, Laura and daughter Abigail, for enlightening me with that term. Draft day is still awesome and I cannot wait to see all the league owners but it sure seems like their is alot more going on this year. Let's take a look.

NCAA TOURNAMENT comes around the same time every year but has this tournament been great or what! My bracket is busted, thanks Roc Chalk Jayhawk, but I don't care. The games are great, the Cinderellas continue to grab at the slipper, and the level of competitive basketball seems to be at an all time high. How can I focus on Tiering out my middle relievers when Xavier and Texas A&M are dueling it out in OT!
THE MASTERS I can't concentrate until I know that Tiger Woods can regain the trust of all that endorsement money and the networks woes of making golf relevant without his presense. Poor Tiger, he has only made a gazillion dollars, has a hot wife, and is the best golfer on the planet. I am torn between preparation and writing unhealthy blogs on my "Tiger is god" fan blog.
HEALTH CARE REFORM The poor Democrats have control of the House, Senate, White House, and Press and STILL can't pass health care reform and more importantly, can't even get the message out about the really good points of the bill. Say what you want about Dick Cheney and Karl Rove (and we can) but they would have had this done and spun long ago. Sounds like my catcher quandry on Tier Four.
THE PALM COMMERICAL Hey, the gal in the red dress walking down the street playing with her phone is distracting! I'm just saying.
"EXPERT" PREDICTIONS I have read alot of information but at this point, I have to make a decision. These pundants will be talking me out of Hanley Ramirez at number two if I listen too much longer.
SPRING TRAINING STATS They may be the most misleading stat in fantasy baseball. It happens every year, my linchpin pitcher gets rocks in the Cactus League and panic strikes my draft board. It makes no difference how many years I see, I still get distracted by it.
THIS PARENTING AND MARRIAGE THING Now that my kids are older and my wife more tolerant, they know that tech week is a big week for me but that doesn't stop, plays, basketball practice, laundry, dinner, and the daily grind. One guy in our league always takes this week off so he can have time to himself. I think I may take a day off myself for that reason.
THE PETER, PAUL AND MARY GUY singing about his colon in that commercial. Now that is not distracting but it sure is uncomfortable. I have this vision of Puff the Magic Dragon having a colonoscopy...disturbing!
EARTHQUAKES Between Chile and Haiti, the volcanic eruption in Iceland, and my recent viewing of 2012, I am wondering if we will make it through the 2010 season alive!
FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTS I am in the middle of a dynasty league slow draft that has 36 rounds. By Round 28 you are trying to not be the guy that drafts anyone cut, deceased, or retired.

More than anything, I am ready for the season to begin. With a little over fourteen days until the first pitch, I want to see if my sleepers blossom, my keepers produce, and my DNDs (Do Not Drafts) are validated.

Best of luck in your 2010 season.

Player Spotlights - Luke Hochevar and Chris Coghlan

2010-03-20T04:11:00.000-07:00

Luke Hochevar and Chris Coghlan March 20, 2010

Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com

SP Luke Hochevar,Royals, - Luke Hochevar's professional career has indeed gotten off to a tumultuous start, not unlike the chaotic process that brought him into the big leagues in the first place. Originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2002, Hochevar declined this option to pitch for the University of Tennessee instead. He went on to have a very successful college career, culminating in 2005 with a 15-3 record, an ERA of 2.26, Whip of 1.13 and 154 strikeouts in 139 innings. He was then selected by the Dodgers once again in the 2005 amateur draft, but couldn't reach an agreement. Finally, in 2006, the Royals made him the #1 selection and he began his professional career at the age of 22. Now 26, Hochevar has turned into somewhat of an enigma, with an accumulated 5.88 ERA, 1.47 WHIP over three major league seasons. Also surprising is how his K per rate has fallen from over 8 during his minor league seasons, to 5.8 at the major-league level. Hochevar has pretty good stuff, with a fastball that can reach the mid-90's, a hard slider and a good curve. On the basis of upside potential, he's worth a flier in the final rounds of fantasy drafts this year.

OF/2B Chris Coghlan, Marlins, - After getting the call in early May 2009 it took a little while for the 24 year-old Chris Coghlan to make an impression for the Marlins. He had a rough May, batting an anemic .212 in that month. By the All-Star break, he was hitting just .245, with 2 HRs and 4 SBs, and many fantasy teams had given up hope at that point. For those with patience, Coghlan went on to show significant improvement after the break, proceeding to hit .372, with 7 HRs and adding another 4 SBs in the second half of the 2009 season. He earned the NL rookie of the year award for his efforts, and now enters the 2010 season as the starting left-fielder for Florida. Coghlan's minor league history suggests that we probably shouldn't expect much improvement over his 2009 BA and HR numbers, but he does seem to have untapped 20 SB potential that failed to emerge last year. With his ADP still hovering around the 18th round area, Coghlan makes a solid player to add as your 4th or 5th fantasy outfielder in 2010.

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com

Joba the 'What' (Yet Again)?

2010-03-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

By Scout Monkey, http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

New year, same argument. What is Joba Chamberlain? Is he a relief pitcher/future closer or a starter? This debate continues to rage in New York state (my current home) and around baseball.

The arguments for both sides are simple:

He's a reliever - His body of work as a reliever is stellar. He has shown to be one of the best setup men in baseball and should take over when Mo finally retires. His body of work as a starter is average, not bad, but not great. (Not that it matters, but I agree with this argument)

He's a starter - Why take a guy with this much talent and limit him to one inning? Relief pitchers are easier to come by then starters. He may not be the ace of the Yankees, but he doesn't have to be. He's a solid starter and with potential to get much better.

Regardless of how you or I feel, the problem is that this issue is not resolved, not even close. With Phil Hughes and Chad Gaudin still pitching for the Yanks, the question will linger for most of spring training, if not beyond. Your draft is probably coming up soon, and no one knows for sure what we are going to get with Joba - a starting pitcher for one of the best teams in baseball, or a reliever. Depending on your league, one of those could be good while the other a waste.

I say leave this headache for someone else. I'm not against gambling with picks, but this gamble doesn't make sense to me. Unless he is available very late, and you have a deep bench, avoid him. If he becomes a reliever (oh by the way, his first spring start was awful), he will have little value in most leagues. If he becomes a starter (best case scenario for fantasy) he has shown himself to be average. By average I mean, sporadic. He has had great outings (which is the potential that people keep talking about) but he has also had terrible outings. Put the good with the bad, and you get average. Why gamble on a pick to get an average player?

Again, unless he is there very late, avoid him. There are plenty of pitchers with upside that will start this year that should be picked instead of Joba.

Joba the 'What'? How about Joba the 'Not on Your Team'!

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Player Spotlights - James Shields and Garrett Jones

2010-03-16T05:05:00.001-07:00

James Shields and Garrett Jones March 16, 2010

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SP James Shields,Rays, - A very consistent fantasy option during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Tampa Bay's James Shields fell victim to an uncharacteristically substandard second half in 2009, ending the year with a disappointing 4.14 ERA, and only 11 wins. While he started the 2009 season looking like the reliable pitcher we had become accustomed to, with 6 wins a 3.42 ERA and a Whip of 1.26 through the All-Star break, his 2nd half ERA 5.16 was an unpleasant surprise for fantasy owners. As a consequence, his fantasy value has taken a significant hit in 2010, with his ADP dropping from the 7th round in 2009 to about the 11th round in most recent 2010 drafts. Shields is never going to overwhelm hitters with his 90 MPH fastball, but it's his skill in combining this pitch with his excellent 80 MPH change-up and impressive control that makes him effective. Slated to be the Rays opening day starter, Shields seems undervalued and is a likely rebound candidate to target in fantasy drafts this year.

OF/1B Garrett Jones, Pirates, - Before his breakout season last year, 28 year old Garrett Jones seemed destined to languish as a career minor leaguer. Originally drafted by the Braves in 1999, Jones was shipped off to the Twins organization a few years later, and didn't begin to show his power potential until 2004 when he hit 30 HRs for Minnesota's AA affiliate that year. Still, up until last year, Jones had compiled just a .258 average during his time in the minors, and doubts remained about his ability to consistently handle major league pitching. After a trade to the Pirates in 2009, Jones received his first opportunity of significant playing time when the team traded Nyjer Morgan to the Nationals. He responded with 10 HRs and a .310 BA during the month of July, and finished the season with 21 HRs and a .293 average in 314 at-bats. It remains to be seen if Jones can follow through in 2010, and his .208 BA against left-handers last year is a concern, but he should represent a decent source of mixed-league power at a 15th round price.

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com

Following Kendry - Brandon Wood

2010-03-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

By Mark King, http://www.profantasybaseball.com/

A talked about prospect who hasn't put it together in the bigs yet. That sentence could be used for a lot of players. Last year, that was what could have been said (and no doubt was) for Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels. He finally lived up to the hype and became a stud in fantasy. Yes, there are better 1B then Morales, but that list got dramatically shorter. And how good was it for you who grabbed him late or off the waiver wire? This year, we have someone on the same team who could do the same thing. Brandon Wood.

Brandon Wood has been the future SS or 3B for the Angels for what feels like many years now. Well, the future is now, barring injury or a terrible spring, he will be the starting 3B this year. Third base, like first base, is a position that demands attention in fantasy sports. These are positions that teams count on for production. So any starting player at these positions, even unknowns, should be watched closely. Wood, however, is not a complete unknown.

Wood's minor league stats shows great talent, with a good AVG (.280+), and above average power (30 HR potential). But in his 224 big league at-bats over the last 3 years he has only managed a .192 AVG, 7 HR, and 19 RBIs - not very exciting. But his playing time was sporadic at best, not the way to get into a groove. Being an everyday player, he has the potential to start to put it together and be the guy the Angels have been looking for. Which is exactly what happened with Morales last year.

Having two guys breakout in a big way, in back to back years, is unlikely, but not impossible. Even if Wood doesn't reach his full potential, he can still have good value as a late round pick (It's worth noting that Woods has already gone deep in spring training). He's not worth overpaying for, but is worth a bench spot in moderately deep leagues. These are the type of guys that can make your fantasy year - a late pick that produces like a high one. Learn from Morales and take a chance on Wood.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

2010 Closer Profile: Joakim Soria, Royals

2010-03-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Team: Kansas City Royals
Projections: 37-3-1.98-1.08-81(SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)

Average Draft Position: 99th pick No Change

Recommended Draft Round: 9

Team Saves Projection: 43

Injury Risk/Stability: 8/10

Top 50 Rank: #14

Check out the entire draft kit by clicking here

Soria had a tough year statistically in 2009 due to injury and some bad luck, which is good news for managers who draft him in 2010. Soria's biggest problem was the lingering injury he had last season, yet he still he finished with 30 saves, 2.21 ERA, and a much improved K/9 rate of 1.3. His last two seasons averaged a 1.04 K/9. Expect Soria to continue to dominate with his excellent control, zippy fastball, and nasty breaking ball. He is one of the elite closers in the league and would be rated much higher if he was on a better team.

The True Guru Strategy: Most owners won't notice Soria's improved K/9 rate because he got about the same amount of strikeouts. His numbers will also drop him in the draft a tiny bit. Don't be afraid to take Soria in the ninth round. Only the Royals can hold him back at this point and even they are improving.

Analysis: FBS Expert League Draft Part 3

2010-03-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

Continued from Part 2
View Draft results here

The final ten rounds were used to fill the final holes I had left, which were a third basemen, catcher, and starting pitching. After that I then grabbed as many prospects and breakout players I could get in positions that I needed for my bench. Some people feel this part of the draft isn't worth much, but you can get a ton out of it if you draft it correctly. Forget the Casey Blakes, Willy Bloomquists, or the Mike Lowells. They'll all be there in free agency, but some of these picks could produce outstanding results I listed the final 10 picks with my thoughts on them.

21. Casey McGehee, 2B/3B - He's been a constant late round sleeper for me in all my drafts. He qualifies at 2B and 3B and should have big production this year.

22. Matt LaPorta, OF/1B - LaPorta was a risk pick to fill the corner infielder position, and qualifies in the outfield as well. I expect a great season out of LaPorta and the Cleveland Indians.

23. Ricky Romero, SP - This was a stretch pick, but a solid 5th starter.

24. Pedro Alvarez, 3B - A definite stretch, but I can't pass on the chance that he can provide 25+ home run potential in the 24th round.

25. Brian Matusz, SP - Great young starting pitcher and a fantastic 6th pitcher.

26. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C - Finally got my second catcher in Salty. I'm expecting him to pull away with the Texas job this year and see better stats.

27. Clayton Richard, SP - He's a sleeper of mine and I had to have him.

28. David Murphy, OF - What a steal in the 28th round. He may not have a starting spot, but he will see plenty of playing time.

29. Cliff Pennington, SS - I wanted a backup shortstop on my roster, and getting the young shortstop for the A's was a low risk, high reward pick in the 29th round.

30. Michael Brantley, OF - My last pick was future stud outfielder Michael Brantely. If Brantley breaks camp with the team and he should, he could have 40+ stolen base, 100 run potential.

Conclusion
This was a great draft from round 1 to 30, and all managers came out with strong teams to start the season. The strategies I employed worked very well for me, but I'll need some help from some of my prospects. Kicking catchers and building my middle infield and outfield worked great. I'm looking at around 120 home runs and 115 SBs from my outfield alone. My middle infield is solid with Bartlett, Rollins, and Phillips, but I'm more excited to see how my corner infielders workout in Garrett Jones and Casey MeGehee.

On the pitching front, I can't complain. My starting rotation Tommy Hanson, Jon Lester, Brett Anderson, and Jorge De La Rosa is very strong with Romero, Richard, and Matusz on the bench. As always, my bullpen is dominant with 5 closers ready to run up saves on any team, any week.

In the end, the draft is only about 60% of the battle. In order to win you need to get some good free agents, absorb injuries, and get a little luck from time to time. I feel I put together a good balance of youth and veterans that should serve me well and give me the depth I'll need.

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Analysis: FBS Expert League Draft Part 2

2010-03-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

Continued from Part 1
View Draft results here

Rounds 11-15 got crazy. I still couldn't nail down any of these guys or what they'd do next. Everyone had draft pretty well and I was in a sandwich show down with RC Rizza and Jason Swist. Swist got to see allot of good pitches with Tim McLeod drafting right behind him.
11. Huston Street
12. Brett Anderson
13. Leo Nunez
14. Garrett Jones
15. Frank Francisco
I quickly decided at round eleven that I was going to pursue a dominating bullpen with outfield and middle infield taken care of. I drafted Huston Street in the eleventh round. I felt he was the best available closer left on the board and is a bonified #1 closer in my book. Round twelve was a strange round for me. I so caught up in strategy that I forgot that Carlos Gonzalez was still out there, but lost him to Johnny Archive. Then John Lackey, Brian Fuentes, and one of my favorites Bill Wagner went off the board. I decided to throw a wrench into the draft and selected Brett Anderson. I could have taken a catcher, corner infielder, or another closer, but Anderson was a player I know other managers wanted, so the wrench was tossed. It did cost me a few more catchers, but I was kicking them at this point. In the end it paid off because in the 13th round I got my third closer Leo Nunez. While it was a bit early for him, closers were flying off the board and there wasn't many left with little risk at this point. I got my first corner infielder in round 14 with Garrett Jones. He qualifies in the OF/1B and has tremendous breakout ability. I ended the first half of the draft with probably the worst pick, Frank Francisco. I would have taken Bengie Molina, but he was taken by Rhett Oldham two picks earlier.

The next five rounds were still a challenge and still required some sneaky moves and big picks.
16. David Ortiz
17. Jorge De La Rosa
18 Chris Young
19. Ryan Madson
20. John Baker
In round 16 I got into a 3-way discussion with Rhett Oldham and RC Rizza about David Ortiz, where Rizza felt Ortiz wasn't worth taking. That upset me a bit, being I love David Ortiz, so I draft the slugger in the 16th round. I feel Ortiz still has 25-30 home runs in him and 100 RBI and a good OBP. It might have been a heart homer pick, but a good one. Then I had some fun. Before the 17th pick, I asked the chat room who liked Jorge De La Rosa. Jason Swist and Bob Sikon both let me know they liked the guy and at that moment I drafted him. Not much of a victory, but a solid pick in that round. In round 18 I was targeting a corner infielder and looking at Nick Swisher and Adam LaRoche. Swist got his revenge by taking LaRoche and Ryan Lester snatched Swisher leaving me a sneak pick in Chris Young, OF from the Diamondbacks. He was another player who came on strong last year and is poised for a breakout. I then made a bold pick, by taking the Phillies closer Ryan Madson, long after Jason had drafted Brad Lidge. This was a key pick for me cause it completed my bullpen and hopefully knocked Swist back a step. He did end up drafting two more relievers, I felt to compete with my over-sized bullpen. In the 20th round I finally got my first catcher John Baker. I kicked catchers for 19 rounds and I felt I had a pretty good catcher and a very good offense.

To be continued....
To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Analysis: FBS Expert League Draft Part 1

2010-03-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/
View Draft results here

Tonight I had the privilege of drafting a fantasy baseball team with some of the top minds in the industry. In my 18 or so years of drafting in fantasy baseball leagues I was never so spun around. This draft was so I know you and lets see who blinks first that the suspense continued into the very late rounds. The 12 managers each came into the draft with different strategies and philosophies, but one thing was for sure, it would be a chess game. This wasn't your mix-mosh industry pals expert league. These guys each have proven themselves in the industry and each bring a different style to the table.
(draft order)
Chris Farino - Pro Fantasy Baseball
Matt Lutvosky - The Sporting News
Rhett Oldham - Fantasy Baseball Search
RC Rizza - Junkyard Jake
Todd Farino The Closer Report
Jason Swist - Fantasy Baseball Search
Tim McLeod - RotoRob.com
Bob Sikon - Fantasy Baseball Trade Market
Ryan Lester - Lesters Legends
Mike Kuchera - The Fantasy Man
Roy Fantasy Baseball Hub
Johnny Archive - Johnny Archive

When I entered the draft room, I said my "hellos" and my "good lucks" chatted with my buddies, and even called RC Rizza for draft chat. Then I promptly told everyone that was listening that I'm drafting with a completely different strategy, so what you know about me, toss it out. That was partially a bluff to get them thinking, but I wasn't going to practice what I preach. When you draft against guys that are not only experts, but people who know you well, you just have to throw a change-up.

I threw out every rule I've ever developed or used. I decided I would play the draft like a game where I had to call out "plays" or "strategies" as the draft progressed. The ride I took for the next 2 hours and 45 minutes was wild and at times a bit too tense. Maybe I'm over doing it a bit, but if you've ever drafted in a good fantasy baseball draft, then you know you had a good time, paced off two pounds, pounded a few fists, and gave five minutes silent treatments to friends who stole your picks. Ok, maybe I only do it, but we all have our traditions and reactions. This was one of the best drafts I've ever participated in.

I started the draft out with the fifth pick and two strategies, get as many 30/30, 30/20, and 20/20 guys I could, while keeping a respectable On Base Percentage(OBP). And a hold back from last year, no pitchers till the sixth round. The first five rounds were going to be used to establish a dominant offense.

1. Matt Kemp
2. Grady Sizemore
3. Jimmy Rollins
4. Curtis Granderson
5. Brandon Phillips

In those rounds I feel a took allot of risk, but with big payoff. Last year, four of these guys were taken before the 3rd round, and three were #1 draft picks. Matt Kemp, Grady Sizemore, and Curtis Granderson are all 30/30 candidate players. Kemp surged over the past two years to a top pick and Grady Sizemore was hurt most of last year. Add in that Granderson has moved to now friendly Yankee Stadium with a jet stream in right field. I did decide to Jimmy Rollins after Mark Reynolds left the board because I just didn't feel like chasing middle infield the whole draft. At this point I decided to kick catchers till way later and push corner infielders back. Doing that allowed me to focus on the rest of the team, but just a little help. I like Rollins, who came on strong last year and I feel still has some in his tank. I followed up with my fingers crossed and took Brandon Phillips, completing my 2B/SS combo. There were a few surprises that effected me. I wasn't happy seeing Jason Swist taking Broxton in the fourth round. While it was a great pick, I wasn't going to get him since I wasn't taking pitchers in the first six rounds.

In the next 5 rounds I knew I'd get plenty of pitching and continue to build on outfield and middle infield.

6. Tommy Hanson
7. Jon Lester
8. Carlos Marmol
9. Hunter Pence
10. Jason Bartlett

By this part of the draft I had gotten what type of players I wanted, but not the guys I wanted. In round six I made sure I got who I wanted in Tommy Hanson. Similar to Jason's move 2 rounds earlier, I went a round early on Hanson. When my pick came I had a tough time deciding between Hanson and Jon Lester. I decided that Hanson just wouldn't be there so I took the Cy Young candidate. To my surprise Jon Lester was still there in the seventh round, so I grabbed him as well. In two quick picks, I had one of the stronger pairs of SPs in the draft. I continued on the pitchers run by getting my first closer, Carlos Marmol and his 100+ strikeouts. Interestingly, my nemesis Jason Swist too Rafael Soriano directly before me, triggering me to take Marmol next and maybe a tad earlier then I wanted too. I could have drafted another worthy closer like Huston Street, but after I missed out on another third basemen in Michael Young I decided to go with my fourth outfielder in breakout stud Hunter Pence. In round ten I filled my MI spot with speedster shortstop Jason Bartlett. I would have liked to get another closer like Francisco Rodriguez or Josh Valverde, but they were gone and Bartlett was a good fit.

To be continued.....

2010 Closer Profile: Francisco Cordero, Reds

2010-03-07T23:39:00.000-08:00

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Team: Cincinnati Reds
Projections: 38-2-2.69-1.39-54(SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)

Average Draft Position: 106th pick No Change

Recommended Draft Round: 11

Team Saves Projection: 45

Injury Risk/Stability: 8/9

Top 50 Rank: #13

Check out the entire draft kit by clicking here

Francisco Cordero is an anomaly in my eyes. He's such a risky closer because of his history of inconsistency for big chunks of seasons. Last year was one of the best years of his career, but owners should take a step back and consider some of the liabilities of drafting Cordero as a #1 closer in 2010. Here are a few. On average, Cordero blows close to eight games per year. Last year he blew 4. His career era is 3.18, last year 2.16. Even more bad news, his K/9 rate declined significantly in 2009 and turning 35 in May isn't helping the possibility of injury or further regression. The good news is the Reds will improve a ton in 2010. Cordero will pitch 70+ innings and get 38-40 saves, but don't expect the great numbers to go along with it.

The True Guru Strategy: I don't like drafting closers like Cordero. He is too much of a wild card and just too old. His ADP has him going in the ninth round and that is too high for Cordero. There are several closers I'd take before him. He is a good value in the 11th round and no sooner.

2010 MLB Breakout Player Profile: Hunter Pence, OF Astros

2010-03-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/.

Player: Hunter Pence
Team: Houston Astros

Bats: Left

Position: OF

FBS Breakout Rank: 11/30

You are probably wondering why Hunter Pence is a breakout? He had a great year numerically and passed a big fantasy milestone. Pence is another one of the players who crossed the 1500 at bat milestone and gave us a glimpse of what to expect in 2010. For the months of August/September, Pence hit 12 home runs and 29 RBIs. In September, he batted .309 with 30 hits, five of them home runs.

Hunter Pence will turn 27 at the start of the season and is in store for a breakout season. Expect his home runs, RBI, and batting average to continue an upward trend. More surprising I expect Pence to get 20 stolen bases. The Astros lineup just doesn't have the pop it use to, so expect the Astros to run more and manufacture runs. Pence did attempt 25 swipes last season.

The inconsistency that we've all seen in the past from Hunter Pence will be almost gone. Like all players, he will have his slumps, but when he's hot one of the most exciting players to watch in baseball.

The True Guru Projections: .316 BA, 28 Hrs, 98 RBI, 85 Runs, 19 SB

Player Spotlights - David Aardsma and Kendry Morales

2010-03-07T11:13:00.001-08:00

David Aardsma and Kendry Morales March 7, 2010

Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com

RP David Aardsma,Mariners, Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2003, David Aardsma progressed rapidly to the AAA, where he was being groomed as the clubs future closer. In 2004, he saved 11 games for AAA Fresno, but struggled with his control. That same year, he made it to the Giants, but continued to have trouble pitching strikes in his limited debut. From 2005-2008, Aardsma bounced between the minor and major league teams of 4 different organizations with erratic results. After seizing the closer assignment for Seattle in 2009, the 27 year old pitcher was finally able to produce a noteworthy season, with 28 saves, an ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.164. Aardsma has decent stuff, and his pitch selection/velocity is almost identical to Boston's Jonathan Papelbon. Both pitchers mix in a splitfinger fastball and slider while primarily relying on a 94-95 MPH fastball. Aardsma's 4.3 walks per nine innings wasn't awful in 2009, but the biggest potential liability associated with him remains the possible reemergence of control problems.

1B Kendry Morales, Angels, - It's safe to say the Angels look like geniuses after replacing the uber-expensive Mark Teixeira with farmhand Kendry Morales last year. That transition could not have worked out better, as Morales finished up his first season as the Angels new first-baseman with 34 HRs, 109 RBIs and an impressive .306 BA. Before 2009, Morales had exhibited 30 HR power in the minors, but it had never translated to expected performance when he was called up major league auditions during those years. Morales obviously quieted all doubts concerning his abilities last season, and looked especially good after the All-Star break, when he hit .330 with 19 HRs compared to .284 with 15 HRs in the first half. While there are always doubts and risk inherent with young players who generate sparkling fantasy numbers seemingly out of nowhere, when you consider his second half performance along with his minor league resume, Morales looks to be a legitimate rising star.

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: David Freese, 3B Cardinals

2010-03-04T23:24:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: David Freese
Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Bats: Right
Position: 3B

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 10/30

David Freese is one of the intriguing rookies entering the season. He has a history of power and hitting for average. He's also likely to be the starting 3B in a very good St. Louis Cardinal lineup. Freese posses the ability to hit 25 home runs and bat .300+ and that makes him a tantalizing sleeper for 2010.

Freese came up last year and in 31 at bats scored 10 hits, a home run, and 7 RBI. I think that was a small sample of what to expect from the 27 year old third basemen this year. The Cardinals know what they have and Freese isn't your typical rookie. He is fully developed and ready to enter the big leagues in his prime. There are two issues that he will have to work through this season and you have to expect it. First, he is a rookie and he will have issues adjusting to major league pitching, but those slumps should be short. The other is he has the tendency to strikeout allot. However, throughout the minors he averaged one strikeout per five at bats. That isn't bad overall, but it could be a problem for him if not watched and corrected by his coaches.

Expect Freese to make a run at rookie of the year. Consider him a slightly smaller Chris Davis, only hits better, strikeouts less, and has better hair. As long as he doesn't get into any prolonged slumps and plays the full season, Freese will hit 25 home runs and clear 80 RBIs. He has the capability to hit over .315, but will likely finish ed a sub-.300 average.

2010 Projections: .297 BA, 25 Hrs, 81 RBI, 70 Runs, 1 SB

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza and Rhett Oldham, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

Russell Martin, Warren Buffett and Fantasy Baseball

2010-03-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

By Joe Werner (www.ThoughtsFromTheTeePee.com)

We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy when others are fearful
- Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, billionaire tycoon extraordinaire, has made fortunes living by that simple mantra. People in general seem to lack the courage to buck modern trends and go against public opinion while falling prey to “mob mentality” thinking. Well, if so-so said it is bad then it HAS to be bad. It happens every day. Look at stock market activity or current fashion trends or most importantly, fantasy baseball tendencies. Reaction – Over Action – Market Correction.

Everyone can agree that Russell Martin is not the same offensive player he was when he broke into the league. Way back in 2006 Martin made fantasy waves by hitting .282/.355/.436 with 10 HR and 10 SB in 415 AB and followed that up in his second season with a .293/.374/.469 line while narrowly missing the 20-20 mark. He regressed in 2008 and crashed head first in 2009 with sub average stats. The masses yell out Do not draft Russell Martin – there are better options. Joe Torre has ruined him - too much time behind the plate. But if you listen closely enough Warren Buffett is shuffling around.

We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy when others are fearful
– Warren Buffett

Martin may or may not ever reach his 2007 production again but that does not mean he is not being undervalued right now. Since he broke into the league in 2006, catchers have scored 60 or more runs 28 times – Martin has done it 4 of those time. Again, catchers reached double digit steals only 5 times since ‘06- Martin has done it 4 of those times. He may not hit like Joe Mauer or have the potential of Matt Wieters’ but Russell Martin still remains a viable fantasy option. According to my own projection algorithms which have been developed over the past 4-5 years, Martin should hit to the tune of .270/.376/.417 with 16 HR, 71 RBI, 59 R, 15 SB. Only 12 times since 1954 has a catcher put up double digit steals and homeruns – look for Martin to be the 13th time. Reaction – Over Reaction – Market Correction.

Some of the world’s most intelligent people can be swayed by popular opinion but its independent thinking that leads to greatness. Fantasy GMs will over react on Martin’s down year but his projected numbers are solid-above average for catchers and you should take advantage of his down year to pounce on his declining stock before there’s a market correction. If the upper echelon of catchers have already been taken…sit back and enjoy knowing that Russell Martin and his falling stock can help bring a fantasy championship to you.

We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy when others are fearful
– Warren Buffett

BIG Closer Report Podcast Tonight! 9:30PM EST!

2010-03-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

Check out the big 90 minute podcast tonight. I'll be covering all top 50 relief pitchers for the season and tell you who to draft and when. 90 minutes of fatasy baseball closer talk!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-closer-report

Tonight at 9:30 EST!

Player Spotlights - Brett Anderson and Scott Sizemore

2010-02-28T20:56:00.001-08:00

Brett Anderson and Scott Sizemore February 28, 2010

Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com

SP Brett Anderson,A's, - While fellow left-hander David Price received more publicity in 2009, it was Oakland's rookie Brett Anderson who ended up looking like the more accomplished rookie pitcher. Originally drafted in the 2nd round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Anderson was traded to the A's in 2008, and had only 6 starts at the AA level before joining Oakland’s rotation in 2009. The 21-year old didn't disappoint, compiling 11 victories with 150 K's in 30 starts. Most encouraging was the rookie's ability to improve in the 2nd half of the season, lowering his ERA from 4.64 to 3.48, and his WHIP from 1.37 to 1.19 in the 2nd half. Anderson consistently throws strikes and his fastball is usually seen in the 92-93 MPH range. He also mixes in an effective 80 MPH slider about 30% of the time, and rounds out his arsenal with an excellent curve and solid changeup. Anderson generally pitches to contact, but still generated 7.7 K/9 while walking just 2.3 batters per 9 innings in 2009.

2B Scott Sizemore, Tigers, - Scott Sizemore was relatively quiet during his first three years in the minors, compiling a .289 average and only 11 HRs in 248 games over the 2006-2008 timeframe. In 2009, after reaching the Tigers AA affiliate at the age of 24, Sizemore turned his game up a notch, hitting .307 with 9 HRs in only 59 games. After his promotion to the AAA level, Sizemore continued his offensive surge hitting another 8 HRs while maintaining a .308 average through 71 games at Toledo. Along with his good average, and recent HR power, Sizemore also offers some speed on the base paths, notching 58 steals in 378 career minor league games. With Placido Polanco being shipped out of Detroit this past offseason, and only the light-hitting Ramon Santiago seemingly in his way, Scott Sizemore has an opportunity to capture significant playing time for the Tigers at 2nd base in 2010. You should be able to snag Sizemore past the 25th round in your fantasy draft as a solid sleeper pick.

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com

The Dreaded DND

2010-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

Preparation in March means victory in October and you can quote me on that. Most people who play fantasy baseball are aggregators. We find sites that can provide in depth analysis with projections, opinions, and data that can facilitate maximum knowledge that we can use on draft day. Part of this process validate what we already know; some players are posed for that breakout season and we want them at almost any costs while others need to show on someone else's sqaud because they are on my DND (DO NOT DRAFT) List.

There are just some players that are primed for a big fall no matter what the experts say or what the analysis from the Saber Heads requites. The bottom line, I just don't want them.

David Wright, 3B, Mets Power outage with no injury. The Mets sign Jason Bey but still did not address issues in the everyday lineup and Beltran will not start the season.
Ichiro Suzuki, OF Mariners This guy hits for average and steals bases. He is 36 years old and his mammoth ego now has to share locker space with some other big money people. This guy is on the decline. He will still hit .300 but will not steal 30 bases and will not have over 50 RBI.
Manny, OF Dodgers He wants to play then doesn't want to play. he can't field or throw and his big money days are behind him. The second half decline may be chemically induced or a result of a slower bat. Either way, people are still taking him in the 5th round. Not me
Bobby Abreu, OF Angels See Ichiro. At 36, and still is a stolen base threat, don't count on it. Wheels slow down and so does the bat.
Carlos Quentin, OF, ChiSox Injury plagued in Arizona so they ship him to Chicago for practically nothing. He has a great 5 months and guess what, gets hurt. Next season, gets hurt. Now here we are and I am thinking, oh yea, I think he will be great and play a full season. Not me.
Alex Rios, OF ChiSox Some interesting facts on Rios. He has only hit over 20 home runs ONE TIME in his career. He has never hit over 85 RBI. He has only stole more than 20 bases twice. Just because Toronto gave him mad money doesn't mean I will buy into the hype.

Next week I will be looking over the DND Pitcher List

2010 MLB Breakout Player Profile: Francisco Rodriguez, RP Mets

2010-02-27T23:49:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/.

Player: Francisco Rodriguez

Team: New York Mets

Throws: Right

Position: RP (Closer)

FBS Breakout Rank: 10/30

This is probably the easiest breakout call this season. Anyone who knows this closer, but closers in general (shameless plug: www.thecloserreport.com ), can see what a great season Francisco Rodriguez will have. Let's face it, Rodriguez had a bad season. But consider that the Mets were terrible as a team and he still recorded 35 saves. Before 2009, Rodriguez never had an ERA above 3.00, less then 40 saves, less than 77 Ks, or a WHIP above 1.30.

Consider 2009 a bad season and a wash. I watched Francisco Rodriguez many times last season and he just didn't have it. It seemed as he was never comfortable on the mound in New York. I'm going to assume whatever was bothering him on the mound last season will be gone. Just chalk it up as another disappointing performance during a WBC year.

The Mets will be a much better team this year and after last season that isn't saying much. Rodriguez will have the chance to redeem himself by getting plenty of opportunities with a playoff competitive team. Last year was such an anomaly that I am willing to bet my expertise on closers that Rodriguez will have a big comeback year in every statistical rotisserie sabermetric category.

The True Guru Projections: 44 Saves, 5 wins, 2.84 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 81 K

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

2010 MLB Breakout Player Profile: James Loney, 1B Dodgers

2010-02-27T22:46:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/.

Player: James Loney

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Bats: Left

Position: 1B

FBS Breakout Rank: 9/30

James Loney was a 1st round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002. After several seasons in the minors, he displayed the ability to hit for average with power and some speed. Since making is MLB debut in 2006, Loney has developed his power, matured into a consistent hitter, and he has surpassed the growth milestone of 1500 at bats and finished strong last season. At the age of 26, expect Loney to emerge as one of the elite major league first basemen in 2010.

Loney is primed and ready for a breakout season, entering the prime of his career. Though his stats have been consistent over the past three seasons, Loney has underachieved in average and home runs to this point in his career and will reach those expectations this season. To start, Loney will have a stable Dodger lineup and improved experience against NL pitching. With added protection in the lineup and vital improvements to the Dodger lineup, Loney will increase RBIs, runs, average, and home runs. He can even reach 10 stolen bases if things work out perfect in 2010.

The Dodgers are a young team hungry for the World Series. With the prospect of an emerging Matt Kemp, a full season with Manny Ramirez, and other offensive improvements James Loney will breakout with the rest of the Dodger offense.

The True Guru Projections: .311 BA, 20 Hrs, 101 RBI, 80 Runs, 9 SB

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Brandon Wood, 3B Angels

2010-02-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: Brandon Wood
Team: LAA Angels
Bats: Left
Position: 3B

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 15/30

Brandon Wood will open the 2010 season and age 25 and is ready for primetime. Drafted out of high school by the Angels, Wood has spent 6 years maturing in the Angels farm system compiling fantastic numbers that he is now ready to turn into major league numbers. He has had three stints with the Angels, including last year. In just 224 at bats he's totaled seven home runs and a poultry .192 average. Clearly that is not the sleeper I expect him to be this year.

Wood will be the Angels third basemen with Chone Figgins departing for rival Seattle. This will be the first season that Wood will be a full spring training in and then have consecutive at bats all season as the regular third basemen. This should have a dramatic impact on his numbers and you will see a jump in all stats including average.

Throughout his minor league career, Wood was known for his power, belting 31 home runs in AAA in only 395 at bats and 41 dingers in a full season at A+. Scouts love everything about Wood. They rave about his ability to make contact, his power, and his glove. If Wood truly is ready for the majors, he will be a breakout in 2010. The Angels are not known for rushing up their prospects and Wood was given plenty of time to mature. He is entering his prime years and you can expect big numbers from him as the Angels will likely bat him in the middle of that lineup and give him ample opportunity for RBIs. Although he's not known for his speed, expect him to steal a few bases, especially since the Angels run allot.

If you draft Brandon Wood, you can get him late. Don't be afraid to take him in the 18th round or beyond. If you didn't get one of the stud third basemen, forget looking until later and get Wood. Like all rookies their is risk associated with him, but it's minimal. I'm giving my conservative projections on average, but not home runs.

2010 Projections: .264 BA, 25 Hrs, 86 RBI, 79 Runs, 7 SB

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Travis Snider, OF Blue Jays

2010-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: Travis Snider
Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Bats: Left
Position: OF

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 13/30

Last year, Snider's name was tossed around like a rag doll. Frankly, he deserved it. He started the season as an everyday player for the Blue Jays, but got nothing done. By the time he got sent down in late May, Snider was batting .242 with two home runs.

While he was in Las Vegas I got in a few games and watched him excel. Travis Snider a true hitter, what I'd call a professional hitter. He is very hard on himself when he makes mistakes and his frustration snowballs for him and thusly creates slumps and inconsistency. He found his grove in AAA hitting .337 with 14 homeruns before getting called up back to the Blue Jays in August.

While his average didn't improve, his power did. He pounded seven home runs in less then two months and showed he can stick in the majors. In 2010 and the young age of 22, Snider will continue to improve as a player and adjust well to major league pitchers. If you draft him, draft him as a late deep sleeper and you will get excellent value for him. He is going relatively unnoticed by most managers and could provide your fantasy team with 20 home runs and some RBIs to boot. Don't expect a huge improvement in batting average, while he is certainly capable of batting .300 he's not quite ready. Also consider his value to the Blue Jays as a left-handed hitter. Besides Lyle Overbay and Adam Lind, the Blue have no other lefties on their roster.

2010 Projections: .272 BA, 23 Hrs, 80 RBI, 71 Runs, 2 SB

Player Spotlights - Stephen Strasburg and Gordon Beckham

2010-02-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Stephen Strasburg and Gordon Beckham February 23, 2010

Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com

SP Stephen Strasburg,Nationals, - One of the most anticipated pitching prospects to come along in recent memory, Stephen Strasburg certainly appears to have the talent to match the accolades that have been showered on him since the Washington Nationals made him the #1 pick in the 2009 amateur draft. Anyway you chose to look at his pitching performance at San Diego State, the numbers are gaudy. Last season, he went 13-1 with an ERA of 1.32, striking out 195 batters in 109 innings. His career WHIP in college ball is just under .80, and he once struck-out 23 batters in a single game. His fastball has been clocked as high as an obscene 103 MPH, and he consistently throws in the high-90's with superb control and good location. Strasburg complements his heater with a hybrid curve/slider breaking pitch that typically freezes hitters, and his recent development of a change-up makes his arsenal even more imposing. For fantasy purposes, Strasburg is well worth a pick in his current 20th round ADP.

2B/SS/3B Gordon Beckham, White Sox, - A standout college middle infielder at the University of Georgia, Gordan Beckham was selected by White Sox in with the 8th pick in the 2008 amateur entry draft. This was also the year that scouts really began taking notice of Beckham, when he ultimately ended up leading the SEC in hits, slugging percentage and homeruns (28). The stocky SS also finished 2nd in the league with a .411 average that year, while displaying some skills on the basepaths with 17 swipes . During his brief stay in the minors, Beckham didn't show much power or speed, but made enough contact to generate a .322 BA in 59 games. Called up in June last year, Beckham started off slow, but ended up batting .270 with strong power/speed numbers that translate into 22 HRs/11 SBs over 162 games. Beckham's 8th round ADP in early baseball drafts seems a bit high, but if he qualifies at 2B/SS this could be a fair price to pay for a middle infielder with 20 HR potential.

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com

Battle of The Fantasy Gods Expert League Auction Draft Review Pt 4/4

2010-02-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday night I had the opportunity to participate in The Fantasy Man's expert league auction draft. I played in the league last year and faired all right, but this year has a new batch of experts, analysts, and reporters duking it out in 2010. The participants are:
Todd Farino, RC Rizza, Rhett Oldham - Fantasy Baseball Tonight
Tim McCleod - Rotorob.com
Mike Kuchera - The Fantasy Man
Scott White - CBS Sports
Scott Swanay - Fantasy Baseball Sherpa
Lenny Melnick, Paul Greco FantasyPros 911
Fantasy Sports Empires - Jeff Boggis
Grey Albright, Rudy Gamble - Razzball.com
Tony Cincotta - Blog Talk Radio Podcaster

Overall I thought it was a great draft and all the managers drafted well. There were some big surprises and some bad moves. I'll share them all with you team by team and then grade the overall team. I am basing scores on my 2010 projections for the players drafted.

Definitions:

Best Buys - These are players who the manager got a great deal on and includes
steals.

Bad Buys - These are players that I feel based on my 2010 projections that the
manager overpaid for.

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

Fanball, Ray Flowers

HR/RBI- 7	SB/Run- 10	Avg- 10	51/60
Win/SO- 8	ERA/WHIP- 7	Saves- 9	51/60

Great Buys

Yadier Molina, C - $3

Michael Young, 3B $9

Stephen Drew, SS - $7

Johnny Damon, OF - $5

Bad Buys

Lance Berkman, 1B - $18

Chad Qualls, RP - $8

Overall:

Ray drafted one of the more balanced offensive teams in the league. He has
tremendous batting average potential, and could end up with more home runs then
expected. I think he overpaid for only two players, that will likely haunt
him in 2010, Berkman and Qualls. On the pitching front, he went with Josh
Beckett to lead his staff with James Shields and Tim Hudson to follow. I'm
not impressed with his starting staff, but if Max Scherzer plays to his
potential that changes the dynamic of his rotation. He drafted three closers
(Nathan, Wilson, Qualls) and then Matt Thornton. Wilson and Nathan are great picks and make his bullpen an instant contender. Qualls is a candidate to
lose the job and Thornton is a candidate to get the job at some point this year.
He could end up with two true closers or possibly four.

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

FantasyPros911.com, Paul Greco, Lenny Melnick

HR/RBI- 8	SB/Run- 8	Avg- 5	40/60
Win/SO- 7	ERA/WHIP- 7	Saves- 5	40/60

Best Buys

Chris Young, OF - $3

Martin Prado, SS,2B - $1

Bad Buys

Adam LaRoche, 1B - $11

Overall:

This was a balanced team by any means. It was drafted on the foundation of
a strong outfield that should produce heavily for this team. Most of the
picks were good ones and their offense should keep them in it all season, except
for average. They'll need to find help there during the season. The
pitching staff is very good, but will depend on the health of Brandon Webb.
If he is healthy and pitches well, they will have Cliff Lee and Adam Wainwright
to add for a dominant starting staff. The bullpen will need help.
Francisco, Lindstrom, and Capps all have risks, but all could also pay off.
There are allot of question marks on this team, but a well constructed team
overall.

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

CBS Sports, Scott White

HR/RBI- 10	SB/Run- 7	Avg- 7	42/60
Win/SO- 8	ERA/WHIP- 7	Saves- 3	42/60

Best Buys

Chris Coghlan, OF $2

Edwin Jackson, SP $5

Nick Swisher, OF/1B - $2

Ervin Santana, SP - $1

Leo Nunez, RP - $4

J.A. Happ, SP - $1

Bad Buys

Ryan Howard, 1B - $38

Joe Mauer, C $29

Overall:

Scott had a all or nothing draft strategy and it worked out solid for him.
He put the mass of his money into his offense, which is very good with purchases
of Troy Tulowitzki, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Howard, Victor Martinez, and Joe Mauer.
I don't think it was wise to spend $53 on catchers, but he couldn't ask for two
better ones. He spent all of $22 on his pitching staff, but drafted a
solid one. His most expensive pitcher was A.J. Burnett at $7, but I liked
Edwin Jackson and J.A. Happ the best. His bullpen has one closer, Leo
Nunez. That is a weak position to start from, but he will likely attempt
to improve it during the season.

DRAFT DAY APPROACHETH....WHO IS IN YOUR LEAGUE

2010-02-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

Pitchers, catchers, and would be non roster invitees are preparing for the 2010 season so that means your draft day preparation begins as well. As you prepare, you need to know who is in your league and how they may be preparing. Each league is made up of different components. See if you can identify who may be in your league this year.

LAZY GUY If you are drafting online, do not use the rankings the queue gives you. After all, the rankings are from one source and the half of the league that was too lazy to rank their own players becomes incredibly predictable. Don't be part of that half. Since you are going to be working this league for six months take an extra few hours to pre rank your players.
EXPERT GUY Refrain from the mantra of, "I did alot of research so I want to show everyone how smart I am." These player are the king of the reach. They draft players earlier than most everyone has them rated and has to comment on every pick with a brush off or stamp of approval. These guys are annoying.
PRESEASON GUY Pre-draft standings are the most worthless piece of information ever invented. Immediately after the draft, their is software that will tell you who will win your league based on projections. Hey Roto breath, let's play the season first before we anoint a champion. Do not fall into that trap
SABER GUY Sabermetrics is a crutch. Saberheads will justify every pick with some obsure stat that comes from another language. I get it, you mathmeticians can read numbers and apply them. I also get that if I put twelve sabermetrics guys in one league one of them will finish last. Sabermetrics stats are a great tool, but only that, a tool for success.
HOMER GUY Before every online draft, I like to find out where everyone is from or who their favorite team is because invariably the hometown guy will tip his hand. When a guy names his team, Yankee Fanatic 26, he might as well say, man crush.
ROOKIE GUY There always seems to be one guy who drafts all rookies and young players early so he can be the guy that says, "I discovered Gordon Beckham when he was a rookie." In reality you are the guy who drafted him seven rounds earlier than anyone else. We all know about him, just didn't want him that early.
NO RESEARCH GUY This guy shows up and after every pick says, "Man I didn't have time to do any research." I never believe these guys except when they ask to borrow my notebook of information!"
SCOUT GUY This guy drafts every player on a hunch...they are a dying breed. Whether the scout guy wants to admit it, he still is using WHIP for pitchers and on base percentage for hitters. Stats and scouts are not mutually exclusive.
GIMMICK GUY These guys are fun to be in a league with because every year that show up with a draft strategy that is off the wall. They show up and draft nine pitchers in a row or the next year they take all hitters who only steal bases and hit for average. The next year they only draft relievers. Heaven forbid they win your league because from that point on they will be bragging about their league title in 1993 when they won with one of those crazy strategies.

Obviously, I am taking the most extreme cases here. Most importantly, don't fall into one of these catagories. Best of luck in your leagues this year.

Battle of The Fantasy Gods Expert League Auction Draft Review Pt 3/4

2010-02-19T21:20:00.001-08:00

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

Fighting Baseball Sherpa, Scott Swanay

HR/RBI- 9	SB/Run- 8	Avg- 7	48/60
Win/SO- 7	ERA/WHIP- 8	Saves- 9	48/60

Great Buys

Matt Wieters, C - $13

James Loney, 1B - $5

Nyjer Morgan, OF - $6

Jake Peavy, SP - $16

Bad Buys

Bobby Abreu, OF - $17

Bobby Jenks, RP - $8

Chris Davis, 1B - $11

Overall:

Great draft for Scott. One of the more balanced teams. on offense he
took some chances on some players who could provide a serious boost to his team
with guys like Chris Davis, Escobar, and Morgan. I think they will all do
just fine. On the pitching front, he again took some chances I think with
Vasquez and Peavy, but I love it. Peavy should be outstanding in 2010 and
lead his staff with Dan Haren. His bullpen is crazy. He drafted 4
relief pitchers in Jenks, Lidge, Rivera, and Dotel. The problem is Lidge,
Jenks, and Dotel might not get many saves. I gave him credit that they
will, but I have a feeling Scott will be scouring the waiver wire for closers
all year.

FantasyBaseball.com, Chris McDonnell

HR/RBI- 10	SB/Run- 7	Avg- 6	37/60
Win/SO- 8	ERA/WHIP- 5	Saves- 1	37/60

Best Buys

Michael Cuddyer, OF - $6

Miguel Tejeda, SS - $1

Bad Buys

Brain McCann, C - $21

Alex Rodriguez, 3B - $38

Derek Lee, 1B - $16

Carlos Lee, OF - $21

Overall:

I have to say I didn't like this strategy. Chris completely booted saves
and for that matter pitching. I'm sure he has a great in-season strategy
to make up for it, but for now it's not looking good. With nine starting
pitchers, four of which cost $1, it will be hard for him to maintain a stable
ERA and WHIP. He should be fine in wins and strikeouts. His offense
is outstanding and one of the stronger. He drafted a dominating catcher in
McCann and has a stellar infield of Youkilis, Pedroia, AROD, and Kinsler .
Chris's team can still win the eague, but it will be a struggle all year with
him chasing saves, ERA, WHIP, and average.

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

The Fantasy Man, Mike Kuchera

HR/RBI- 9	SB/Run- 10	Avg- 7	49/60
Win/SO- 9	ERA/WHIP- 7	Saves- 7	49/60

Best Buys

Jeff Clement, C - $2

B.J. Upton, OF - $20

Pablo Sandoval, 3B - $23

David Price, SP - $7

Chris Carter, 1B/OF - $2 (Thief and he knows it).

Nolan Reimold, OF - $3

Bad Buys

David Wright, 3B - $32

Francisco Cordero, RP - $9

Overall:

Mike drafted another excellent well balanced team. He has a great mixture
of youth and veterans poised for a big season. He got great values on
several offensive players that should have gone for more like B.J. Upton and
Nolan Reimold. His pick of David Price was excellent and he stole Chris
Cater from RC and I because I wasn't paying attention and did bid $3.
Carter could be a big player this year for the Athletics. His bullpen is
average with Cordero and Soriano though both are trade deadline trade risks.

Battle of The Fantasy Gods Expert League Auction Draft Review Pt 2/4

2010-02-19T03:30:00.000-08:00

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

Fighting Chance Fantasy, Ryan Hallam

HR/RBI- 9	SB/Run- 8	Avg- 7	44/60
Win/SO- 7	ERA/WHIP- 5	Saves- 5	44/60

Great Buys

Clint Barmes 2B - $2

Yunel Escobar, SS - $3

Alex Gordon, 3B - $1

Colby Rasmus, OF - $3

Rich Harden, SP - $4

Brain Matusz, SP - $3

Bad Buys

Chase Utley, 2B $40

Evan Longoria, 3B $37

Billy Butler, 1B $15

Ryan Franklin, RP - $6

Homer Bailey, SP - $2

Overall:

Ryan blew his wad early in the draft with his first three purchases, big time
fantasy powerhouses in Albert Pujols, Chase Utley, and Evan Logoria. They
cost him $131/$260, so he had to spend wisely for the remaining 20 players he
needed. He did just that. Ryan was able to secure several
serviceable players for $3 or less and built a very good team to enter the
season.

Fantasy Baseball Tonight, RC Rizza and Todd Farino

HR/RBI- 10	SB/Run- 9	Avg- 8	49/60
Win/SO- 6	ERA/WHIP- 7	Saves- 9	49/60

Best Buys

Mark Reynolds, 3B - $28

Brandon Wood, 3B - $3

Ryan Braun, OF - $37

Johan Santana, SP - $22

Cameron Maybin, OF - $2

Casey MaGehee, 3B - $3

Bad Buys

Jason Barlett, SS - $9

Aaron Hill, 2B - $17

Scott Kazmir, SP - $8

Andrew Bailey, RP - $11

Jonathan Broxton, RP - $19

Overall:

I'll be a bit bias towards the team RC and I drafted. We spread our money
around very well, spending $165/$260 on the offense. Across the
board we have power topped by Ryan Braun, Mark Reynolds, Matt Holiday, and Aaron
Hill. We also drafted 6 players who can steal 15 bases or more and then
Russell Martin and Elijah Dukes. Our primary weakness is in our pitching where
we have 3 very young pitchers who could have problems getting wins and
strikeouts in Davis, Latos, and Buchholtz. We do have a stellar bullpen
with Broxton, Marmol, and Bailey, but there is some risk with those closers.

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

Razzball.com, Grey Albright, Rudy Gamble

HR/RBI- 9	SB/Run- 10	Avg- 4	43/60
Win/SO- 6	ERA/WHIP- 8	Saves- 6	43/60

Best Buys

Jason Heyward, OF - $2

Grady Sizemore, OF $24

Russell Branyan, 1B - $1

Scott Sizemore, 2B - $1

Curtis Granderson, OF - $25

Jose Valverde, RP - $7

Chad Billingsley, SP $10

Neftali Perez RP, $1

Bad Buys

Carlos Pena, 1B - $17

Jose Reyes, SS - $27

Ian Stewart, 3B - $9

Kerry Wood, RP - $6

Brandon Lyon RP, $3

Overall:

I like the team that Grey and Rudy built here. They filled it up with
plenty of power and speed, but sacrificed average. In my opinion they have
the fasted team so far and scored a 19/20 between steals and home runs.
They have a solid starting staff led by Tim Lincecum and Zack Grienke. The
only problem is the lack of wins his staff as a whole can produce. His
bullpen is weak with Valverde and Wood. I believe the closer in Houston
wil be matt Lindstrom, but if Brandon Lyon wins the job their bullpen score
raises to an 8.

Battle of The Fantasy Gods Expert League Auction Draft Review Pt 1/4

2010-02-19T03:27:00.000-08:00

Click here for our expert team-by-team draft results

Fantasy Sports Empires, Jeff Boggis

HR/RBI- 7	SB/Run- 8	Avg- 4	40/60
Win/SO- 6	ERA/WHIP- 6	Saves- 9	40/60

Great Buys

Nelson Cruz OF- $21

Rajah Davis OF- $3

Garrett Jones 1B/OF- $3

Billy Wagner RP- $6

Bad Buys

Josh Johnson SP - $16

Overall:
Jeff build a strong offensive team that has plenty of power and speed. Average will be a struggle for him to score big in along with RBIs. On the pitching front, Jeff has a solid bullpen that can hang with the best, but his starting staff which includes Liriano, Sheets, and Josh Johnson has risk written all over it. So much in fact that his other starters Yovanni Gallardo and Wandy Rodriguez aren't enough to make up if he has injury issues with those three guys.

Tony Cincotta, Blog Talk Radio Podcaster

HR/RBI- 5	SB/Run- 8	Avg- 5	45/60
Win/SO- 10	ERA/WHIP- 10	Saves- 7	45/60

Best Buys

Rod Barajas, C -$1

Julio Borbon, OF - $2

Mike Cameron, OF - $1

Bad Buys

Adam Dunn, OF - $18

Brian Fuentes, RP - $10

Michael Bourn, OF $15

Andre Either - $23

Overall:
Tony drafted one of the best and the most expensive pitching staff in the league. $133/$260 was invested into his staff
and it scores him 27/30 according to my grading scale. However, that is
allot to put into your staff and you can see its impact on the offense. Outside of Fielder, Dunn, and Either his squad lacks home runs and RBI.
He has plenty of speed, but it's "risky speed" with guys like Gardner and Bourn.
His average is lacking, but has potential to come out strong.

RotoRob, Tim McLeod

HR/RBI- 6	SB/Run- 7	Avg- 8	46/60
Win/SO- 9	ERA/WHIP- 7	Saves- 9	46/60

Best Buys

Erick Aybar, SS - $1

Andrew McCutchen, OF - $11

Franklin Gutierrez, OF - $3

Brett Anderson, SP - $11

David Aardsma RP, $9

Bad Buys

Kurt Suzuki C - $12

Paul Konerko, 1B - $6

Overall:

Tim had a very good draft. Across the board his pitching looks excellent
with a consistent number of quality pitchers who can chalk up wins and
strikeouts. He balanced his pitching with an offense based on speed and
average. He will suffer a bit in the home runs and RBI, but he has some
players that can out produce expectations.

2010 MLB Breakout Player Profile: Matt Wieters, C Orioles

2010-02-17T02:23:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/.

Player: Matt Wieters

Team: Baltimore Orioles

Bats: Switch

Position: C

FBS Breakout Rank: 8/30

Matt Wieters is one of a group of young hitters I'm excited to watch in 2010. Everyone knew last season that it wouldn't be long before Wieters was brought up to the big leagues. The wait wasn't long with Wieters making his major league debut May 29th. In an abbreviated season, Wieters compiled 9 home runs and 43 RBI in 354 ab bats at catcher. He provided the Orioles with an offensive spark with a .288 rookie average and started 84 games.

As the Orioles #1 draft pick in 2007, Wieters has done major damage in the minors. He consistently hits for power and supported it with a tremendous batting average nearly every year. He in smashed into a young and growing Orioles lineup with other emerging players like Adam Jones and Nolan Reimold. He will find plenty of opportunities for RBIs and see allot of good pitchers. Also, a often overlooked plus for the power hitting catcher is he's a switch hitter.

In the 2010 drafts, managers are paying high prices for McCann, Martinez, and Mauer. The M&M&M brothers are great as my friend Rhett Oldham says, but Wieters is a far superior value for his cost. In auction drafts he's going for roughly $13 and his ADP is 96th overall. Wieters will provide your 2010 fantasy team with excellent power and average from the catcher position, which gives your team the advantage. Most catchers are missing speed, average, and in most cases both. Wieters closes the gap for you with a near .300 batting average according to my projections. At 23 years old, Wieters is one of the best developed hitters at his age.
The True Guru Projections: .299 BA, 20 Hrs, 80 RBI, 69 Runs, 0 SB

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Cameron Maybin, OF Marlins

2010-02-16T00:51:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: Cameron Maybin
Team: Florida Marlins
Bats: Right
Position: OF

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 11/30

Cameron Maybin is only 23 years old (April 4), let's keep that in mind. He made his first major league appearance in late 2007 after being drafted by the Tigers in the 1st round. Over the past 3 years the Maybin has floundered a bit or at the very least hasn't lived up to expectations primarily because of off-field problems and coaching issues. That makes Maybin a fantasy baseball risk.

This year he is slated to start the season in centerfield for the Marlins, assuming he has a good spring. It will be his first chance to start and that will give Maybin the necessary stability and consistency he needs to produce excellent fantasy stats.

Maybin has tremendous upside and some may say I'm understating. Let's be honest, he only has 257 spread out major league at bats to grade him on. We haven't yet had a full and consistent season from Maybin and that is the gold in this sleeper. If Maybin can keep his head clear and out of trouble he will be stellar in 2010. He a gem pick late in the draft and should end up a 20/20 player if all goes well. Draft Maybin as your 4th outfielder.

2010 Projections: .289 BA, 21 Hrs, 84 RBI, 77 Runs, 26 SB

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Rick Porcello, SP Tigers

2010-02-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: Rick Porcello
Team: Detriot Tigers
Throws: Right
Position: SP

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 9/30

Rick Porcello broke onto the scene at the age of 20 during the 2009 season and never looked back. In his rookie season he made 31 starts with 171 innings. He had a remarkable season and showed tremendous poise at that age. I'm excited to see what Porcello will do this year with a full MLB season under his belt. Going on 22, Porcello should improve this season for several reasons one being familiarity with all the teams. He will also have an improved bullpen and offense, which should add to his win totals. He deserved his nomination for ROY, but it wasn't a perfect year for Porcello. In several bad games, he had problems establishing hit two fastballs that contributed to his high number of walks and some very bad innings. Improving his control will be the biggest improvement we'll see from Porcello this year.
From August 28th and on Porcello was great. He was 4-1 with a .ERA, 22 strikeouts in 42 innings. Porcello even improved his BB/9, which was 2.14 during that period as to 2.73 for the season. Porcello will be a great late round draft pick for your fantasy team. He will increase his strikeouts and decrease his walks. He will continue to develop into a far more dominant pitcher in his sophomore season. Draft Porcello as your number #3 fantasy starter, but expect a #2 starter performance .

2010 Projections: 16 wins, 123 Ks, 3.23 ERA, 1.24 WHIP

Player Spotlights - Wade Davis and Jason Heyward

2010-02-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

Wade Davis and Jason Heyward February 15, 2010

Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com

SP Wade Davis,Rays, Wade Davis isn't the type of pitcher who overwhelms you with his stuff, but he was an effective pitcher at the minor league level, and he continued to impress when he got the call for a major league audition in September last year. In fact when you compare his minor league numbers compiled over 6 seasons (3.28 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, 8.7 K/9) to his composite stats over his six major league starts in late 2009 (3.72 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9, 8.9 K/9), they are remarkably similar. Especially encouraging was Davis's ability to sustain his minor league trend of avoiding the longball. In 36 innings with the Rays he gave up only two HRs, and 14% of the flyballs hit off the 24 year-old righty turned into harmless infield outs. Davis primarily throws a 92 MPH fastball, but perhaps his best pitch is his 75 MPH, big-breaking curveball. The rookie makes an excellent fantasy pitcher to add in the late rounds of your mixed league draft.

OF Jason Heyward, Braves, - Jason Heyward entered the Braves farm system at the precocious age of 17, advancing rapidly to a limited AAA level audition at the age of 19 in 2009. Considered by many scouts to represent the best pure hitting prospect in the 2010 prospective big-league class, Heyward will be given a fair chance by the Braves to win the right-field job out of Spring Training. Judging from his minor league career, the left-side hitting Heyward has demonstrated an uncanny ability to hit almost equally well against both left and left-handed pitching. Through last year, Heyward had a .318 minor league average, while showing the type of power and speed that projects him as a possible 20HR/20SB player once he reaches the majors. More reasons for optimism concerning Heyward 1) his strong work ethic, and 2) the fact that he is an exceptional fielder with a strong arm. In early drafts, the aspiring right-fielder is going in the 24th round, but that will no doubt change if he gets the call on Opening Day.

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com

Halladay Value in the Late Rounds

2010-02-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

By Joseph Werner, contributor

As many experienced fantasy players know the key to winning
is value, value, value.

Many players – even the most seasoned – ignore the value
that middle relievers can present to championship caliber drafts. Fantasy GM’s
would rather grab a low-end 5^th outfielder and stash him on the bench
than then use a quality middle reliever every day.

Middle relievers offer the potential for cheap pitching
stats that when combined with mid-to-late round starters can often equal or even
surpass the production of some of the first pitchers taken. Compare the
following pitching stats:

Comparison #1	IP	ER	SO	W	ERA	WHIP
Set A	239	74	208	17	2.79	1.13
Set B	242	74	189	17	2.75	1.17

The top stats represent new Phillies ace Roy Halladay. But
what about the second set of numbers? If you guess (which I know you haven’t)
the bottom numbers belong to the combination of Halladay’s teammate, J.A. Happ
and Cincinnati reliever Nick Masset. GM’s could have found the same production
Halladay represented as a 3^rd-5^th rounder last year
through waiver-wire pickups. Value, value, value.

Think that was just a fluke? Let’s look at two more
comparisons.

Comparison #2	IP	ER	SO	W	ERA	WHIP
Set A	217.2	70	171	14	2.90	1.18
Set B	224.0	68	160	14	2.73	1.21

Set A is San Francisco hurler Matt Cain while Set B is the
combination of Randy Wells and former New York Mets castoff (another one of
Omar’s astute moves) turned relief specialist Darren O’Day.

Name	IP	ER	SO	W	ERA	WHIP
Set A	230.0	86	197	19	3.37	1.15
Set B	236.3	81	210	18	3.08	1.08

Finally, the first pitcher is New York Yankees ace C.C.
Sabathia. Sabathia posted near Cy Young numbers but those stats are surpassed
by the vastly underrated Ted Lilly and lefty reliever Pedro Feliciano. Breakout
seasons by no-name middle relievers happen every year and fantasy owners seem to
turn a cold shoulder toward their underrated production. For instance, say your
fantasy team combines for a 3.75 ERA in 1300 IP. Good production but it could
have been improved by playing someone such as Jeremy Affeldt which would have
lowered your team ERA to 3.66 – which could be the difference between 1^st
and 2^nd place.

2010 Closer Profile: Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox

2010-02-15T02:52:00.001-08:00

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Team: Boston Red Sox

Projections: 39-2-1.99-1.10-76 (SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)

Average Draft Position: 68rd pick

Recommended Draft Round: 6

Team Saves Projection: 46

Injury Risk/Stability: 9/10

Top 50 Rank: #9

Check out the entire draft kit by clicking here

Papelbon is your quintessential stud closer. Every year you know just about what output to expect from him. Likely 38-40 saves, ERA under 2.00, and 75+ strikeouts. He is one of the more consistent, healthy, and reliable closers and worth a high draft pick. The only thing that needs to be considered with Papelbon is the secret innings limit the team sets for him to avoid wearing out his arm with "tired arm". That limit is assumed to be 70 innings and does help in keeping him healthy and rested all year. I do know that he will never pitch three games in a row and likely only three out of five straight games. However, the limit could impact your team near the end of the season where saves can mean life or death for your fantasy team. Papelbon is a hard throwing closers who pounds the high strike zone to get the outs and keeps the hitters thinking with his average splitter.

The True Guru Strategy: His ADP has him at the right spot. Personally I'd pass on him with better fantasy closers later in the draft, but if you want him round six is your spot.

A MOCKING WE WILL GO

2010-02-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend will be the last time to participate in a mock darft before pitchers and catchers report. This is significant in the fact that all of us have been using the mock draft based on flat out projections and whatever sabermetrics, hunches, or hometown inside information you may have.

Because of this, I have limited my participation in mock drafts this off season because many people are only using the mock drafts to enhance a view point or to inflate a player's value to throw you off track. Playing head games in early mock drafts is a poor lesson in futility that I participate in as a bystander only.

But now the preseason is over and daily reports will be coming out of Florida and Arizona. The news will not change the minds of many that are in mock drafts but those in between players that will win your fantasy league for you need to be disected and scrutinized. Not only that but I have to look at the sure things of the early rounds as well. With that being said, let's look at some players that I am going to take a strong look at during the Grapefruit and Cactus League season.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE INJURIES

Albert Pujois had offseason elbow surgery and is said to be 100%. As a Cardinal fan I want to believe and he is the consensus first pick overall. Don't discount the power outage late in 2009, I want to see something that tells me he is ready to go and lead my team to the Yahoo shower.
Jose Reyes is a runner with bad hammies. I want to see some steals or at least him go from first to third like the Reyes of old.
Grady Sizemore is said to be fully healed from abdominal and elbow surgeries and has already resumed baseball activities. After a subpar 2009 season, I sure hope so.
Aramis Ramirez has an ailing left shoulder and did not have any surgery in the offseason. I want to believe but he is a Cub!

REHAB OF A CAREER-TAKE NOTICE

Brad Penny is under the watchful eye of pitching guru Dave Duncan. Can he demonstrate he is a pitcher and not just a thrower.
J J Hardy goes to the Twins with a new start and a damaged reputation. As streaky as they get but in 2007 and 2008 he had 50 home runs combined. Still alot of power and only 27 years old.
Garrett Atkins goes to the Orioles as the forgotten man. He averaged over 100 RBI a season for three years until 2009 and is looking for a fresh start. This one time keeper now has an ADP of 269.
David Ortiz is 34 years old, had a nice rebound, but is being looked at as an afterthought in most drafts. People draft him and then write in the chat room, "I had to take him here (ADP 181), didn't I." Usually silence ensues.

HE CAN STILL PITCH, CAN'T HE?!?!

Joel Pinero was a great story last year but now he goes to the Angels and the American League. Skeptics abound and Joel is getting no love.
Rich Harden also goes to the American League in the hotbox that is Texas. We all know the injury story, can he make past 150 innings, let alone 200. We will find out in August when it is 100 degrees in the shade.
Erik Bedard seems to be letting everyone know that his three-quarters of a season two years ago was just a fluke. Seattle resigns, let's him know he is the third or fourth starter with a much stronger team. Do you believe? Not right now. (ADP 215)
The Entire Reds Rotation Johnny Cueto (ADP 217), Homer Bailey (ADP 283), Edison Volquez (NR) , Aaron Harang (ADP 291), and Bronson Arroyo (ADP 308) Volquez says he will pitch in 2010 but with a rotation like this, I am not sure I want him too. The Reds think they will be better but someone will have to step up and be the man.

SOMEBODY SIGN ME PLEASE

Felipe Lopez fired Scott Boras. He might find a job now
Willy Taveras was release by the A's last week. Didn't he used to be a base stealer extraordiare not too long ago.
Carlos Delgado is old but still wants to play. Get in line
John Smoltz is old but still wants to play. Get in line

This list just scratches the surface but I love the intrigue of this season. This is the most volatile offseason I think I have ever seen. There just doesn't seem to be very many sure things in 2010.

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Clayton Richard, SP Padres

2010-02-13T02:29:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: Clayton Richard
Team: San Diego Padres
Bats: Right
Position: OF

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 7/30

Clayton Richard is a fascinating fantasy 2010 baseball pitcher. In 2009, Richard completed his first full season in the majors starting 38 games for two teams in two leagues. After coming over from the White Sox in the Peavy deal, Richard started 12 games for the Padres posting a 5-2 record and a 4.08 ERA.
I don't expect Richard to be a high strikeout or low WHIP pitcher this year. Richard pitches to contact and when he pitches his game, he cannot be beat. He uses an assortment of off-speed pitches to get batters out, and has a crazy change-up. He is naturally progressing and his pitches are getting more movement and speed difference. Add in the improvement being traded to a pitchers park and Clayton Richard makes a great sleeper.

At 26 (27 in Sept.), Richard has entered his the prime of his career and with a strong pitching coach Darren Balsley he will have a great season. Expect an above average number of wins, increased K/9, and a low ERA from Richard.

2010 Projections: 14 wins, 159 Ks, 3.41 ERA, 1.30 WHIP

Player Spotlights - Adam Lind and Leo Nunez

2010-02-11T15:18:00.001-08:00

Adam Lind and Leo Nunez February 11, 2010

Live Fantasy Baseball Mock Drafts, Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings, Player Trade Calculator, Fantasy Forums and more ! at FantasyBaseballXtreme.Com

OF Adam Lind,Blue Jays, The path to notoriety as a reputable power hitter certainly wasn't smooth for Adam Lind, but after three previous tries at the major-league level the young slugger finally settled in and produced an impressive stat line in 2009, finishing with 35 HRs, 114 RBI with a batting average of .305. Lind had always been a standout hitter in the minors, showing good patience at the plate, and ultimately finishing with a very respectable .318 BA, and 55 HRs in 419 minor league games. However, what was most surprising about Lind's terrific season last year, is that he had never shown 35 HR power before. For example, his minor league stats translated into about 22 HRs per season, while his pre-2009 major league numbers suggested 18 HRs over 162 games. If you are going to draft Lind this year, it will likely cost you a 4th round pick, but it may be realistic to expect a slight drop in HR's to the 25-30 level.

RP Leo Nunez, Marlins, - Leo Nunez pretty much inherited the Marlin's closer position out of default in 2009, but the results were generally good across the board - 26 saves, an ERA of 4.06, a WHIP of 1.25 and a .230 BAA. This of course is not to say that Nunez can now be considered a reliable closer, as he did have 7 blown saves last year. However, with the ability to throw in the mid-90's with decent control, he is off to a good start. The Marlins unloaded their 2009 opening day closer Matt Lindstrom in the offseason, and although they did recently sign Derrick Turnbow, Nunez enters 2010 as the clear favorite to close games for Florida. The really good news for fantasy purposes is that Nunez seems like one of the better values in drafts this year. He is currently being taken in about the 19th round, right after closers like Matt Capps and Kerry Wood.

The True Guru 2010 Projections: 37 saves, 4 wins, 3.60 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 65 K

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com

Future Stars: Drew Storen, Washington Nationals

2010-02-10T02:10:00.001-08:00

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Player: Drew Storen

Round Picked: 1

Position: RP

Team: Washington Nationals

MLB Chances in 2010? Date?: 65% / September call-up

Drew Storen is as hyped as they come. A commanding closer in college for Stanford, Storen has shown a brilliance that is hard to find in a 22 year old player. The Nationals drafted him in the first round of last years draft.

Scouting Storen you can see that he has complete command of his fastball and a hard curve and both can easily get players out. His fastball tops out at 94 and that is hittable for a closer. His curve isn't the best closer pitcher. Storen will have to develop his rarely used changeup to be effective in the majors. Once developed Drew Storen could close for the Nationals and even be converted into a starter.

All the hype that I'm hearing is that by the end of 2010 Storen could be the Washington Nationals closer. I'm here to tell you to snipe the hype. This kid, this outstanding prospect will probably not see the field this year and at best a September call-up. The reason is simple, he's not ready. Getting college outs is a whole lot different from major league outs. He needs to get more muscle on his fastball and develop a sneaky changeup. Most MLB batters can spot a curve or fastball if they know that's all that is coming. Then he needs to mature, learn the system, and handle the pressure. All of that and the rest of the maturation process could easily take 1 year. Also, rushing the kid up to the majors could do more harm than good.

Don't get me wrong, if the Nationals take a major plunge and have massive injuries, sure they will bring him up. I know that there is a large group of people who seem to think that he will close this season. Here's my question to all of you, Why would the Nationals sign Matt Capps for two years?

We are already assuming he will be major league ready at some point this season, but that doesn't explain the Capps signing. Why sign a closer and why for two years? The answer is they don't know what they have and they have to find out. Will Storen close or will he start. Whichever it is, he should be an outstanding pitcher, just not in 2010.

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Jordan Schafer, OF Braves

2010-02-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: Jordan Schafer
Team: Atlanta Braves
Bats: Right
Position: OF

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 20/30

Schafer came onto the scene last season and belted a home run in his first at bat. He cooled off after a hot start, but that was expected with a rookie. The reason for his downward spiral was his bad wrist, which he had surgery on to remove bone spurs in August effectively ending his season. He is back to hitting and hitting with full power. Schafer has a lot of competition for a starting gig in the Braves OF with Gregory Blanco, Nate McLouth, Matt Diaz, and Melky Cabrera. He’ll even have some pressure from top prospect 21-year old Jason Heyward. Still, Schafer looked great last year in his rookie season. I have no doubt that he will make the roster, unless the Braves choose to give him at bats in the minors. Either way he will come up at some point if he isn’t on the roster and he could give your fantasy team some much needed power and offense.

His best chance to make the roster is to out play Matt Diaz in spring training and that is very possible. My projections are very conservative and can change depending on his role. Schafer has the talent to be a 20/20 if he gets the playing time. You should be able to draft Schafer extremely late in the season, seeing his injury and shorten season went by quite last year.

2010 Projections (assuming 400 at bats): .288 BA, 11 Hrs, 46 RBI, 64 Runs, 8 SB

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Erik Bedard, SP Mariners

2010-02-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

Team: Seattle Mariners

Throws: Left

Position: SP

FBS Sleeper Rank: 16/30

So far Bedard has being traded to the Mariners. Part of his problem has been injury compounded with lack of confident. Bedard is a talented pitcher, we've seen what he can do. In his first two years with the Mariners, Bedard is 11-7 with 162 strikeouts in 164 innings. He's pitched well, just not much over the two year span. 2010 will be the year he turns it around. Bedard is

finally healthy, feeling good, and has a real team around him. Good pitching, and energetic team always help a struggling veteran.

Going forward, Bedard is still recovering from season ending surgery to repair a torn labrum and in the off-season was denied arbitration by the Mariners. Eventually the Mariners wised up and signed Bedard to a one year deal. It’s likely he wouldn’t be ready to pitch until late May or early June, but when healthy he is an extremely effective starting pitcher.

At 31, Erik Bedard is still in his prime and with Cliff Lee and Felix Hernandez, he will help the Mariners dominate the American League West. The stars are aligning over Seattle and I expect big things for Bedard once he gets going..

2010 Projections: 12 wins, 168 Ks, 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP

I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.
Check out the rest of our breakouts here

To get more from Todd Farino and RC Rizza, catch our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight . Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.

2010 MLB Sleeper Player Profile: Brandon Morrow, SP Blue Jays

2010-02-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/

Player: Brandon Morrow
Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Throws: Right
Position: SP

Fantasy Baseball Search Sleeper Rank: 6/30

Brandon Morrow came to the Blue Jays as part of the Roy Halladay trade and the Blue Jays may have gotten a steal. Morrow was a #1 draft pick in 2006 and quickly moved through the Mariners farm system. He was set to be the closer, but it didn't go well and his health allowed David Aardsma to take the job.

Now with the Blue Jays and 100% healthy, Morrow will try to establish himself as a stud starting pitcher. He will still have some health issues throughout the season as he and the Blue Jays balance his diabetes, but that won't stop him from finding success. Morrow has dominating stuff, including a 98-mph fastball and a knee-buckling curveball. The change of scenery and a new pitching coach should benefit him and expect a big season from Morrow. He could be the #1 or #2 started for the Blue Jays.
The True Guru Projections: 15 Wins, 186 Ks, 3.42 ERA, 1.31 WHIP

I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.

Check out the rest of our breakouts here

2010 MLB Breakout Player Profile: Grady Sizemore, OF Indians

2010-02-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/.

Player: Grady Sizemore

Team: Cleveland Indians

Bats: Left

Position: OF

FBS Breakout Rank: 7/30

Grady Sizemore had an injury plagued season, that was the worst of his career. Most of 2009 Sizemore was fighting off an injured left elbow and an abdominal strain that ended his season in early September. He had surgery on both and should be 100% come spring training. Sizemore is one of the more undervalued players this year. Last season he was a 1st round pick and this year he is falling to the third or fourth round. He no longer will bat leadoff with Brantley taking over there. Sizemore will either bat second or third and that bodes well for his RBI totals, but there won't be a lot behind him.

The Indians are in a rebuilding year, so it will be interesting to see how some of their young players turn out like Brantley and LaPorta. Overall the Indians offense is an interesting one and it should be able to put up some runs, especially with speed. All that is good news for Grady Sizemore, who is the captain of his team and will be in-charge of making sure those players develop and form a chemistry.
At age 27 and 100% healthy, Sizemore is a big time breakout candidate and should not be ignored past the third round and is an acceptable pick in the 2nd round. He will bring plenty of power and speed to your fantasy team, but will hurt your average.

Of course, there are whiney people out there who won't consider Sizemore a breakout. You guys go ahead and skip drafting him until the fourth or fifth rounds.

The True Guru Projections: .269 BA, 27 Hrs, 86 RBI, 103 Runs, 40 SB

To get more from Todd Farino, RC Rizza, and Rhett Oldham. Listen to our weekly podcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-baseball-tonight. Listen to us LIVE every Wednesday at 10pm EST for 90 minutes of pure fantasy baseball talk.