Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Re: Fantasy Baseball News 2008
Cano heats up, Igawa stinks up
Rookie and Veteran struggles, the ugly return of Igawa, and ruminations from Schultz in this week's Week That Was.
Kei Igawa: In what has to be the most predictable event of the baseball season this year, Kei Igawa was chewed up and spit out by the Detroit Tigers last night. I told a friend before the game that Yankee fans should be happy if they get 4 innings and 4 runs (imagine, happy with a 9.00 ERA?). Well, "Not even close to O" Kei could not even meet that miniscule standard, allowing 6 runs and 11 hits in only three innings. That Mike Mussina has turned it around and put his miserable 2007 in the rear view mirror and there is no reason to Razz Rasner just highlights what a disappointment Igawa continues to be. The "Kei that opens no locks" continues to leave the Yankees and their fans out in the cold. Please tell me there is no one in fantasy land crazy enough to invest in Igawa. Please!
Jim Edmonds: In a surprising move (at least to this author), the Padres released Jim Edmonds. Sure, Edmonds is a mere shadow of his former self. However, one would think the Padres would have had more patience after spending $6 Million to lure Edmonds in the off season. From a fantasy perspective, there are two things to do. First, hold onto Edmonds if your league has a reserve list. He will land somewhere, and if it is a ballpark with a short right field porch, he may yet hit some dingers. Second, wait for the arrival of Chase Headley. While Jody Gerut got the first call, it is Headley who is heating up in AAA and will be up to stay before too long. (Footnote: I figure that Headley must be good because Doug Dennis tried very hard to convince Rick and me to include Headley in a LABR deal. We held Headley and, if you own him, you should too.)
Bill Bray: The Reds recalled Bill Bray from AAA just days after he was sent down. Those in NL-only leagues should jump on Bray (Rick and I grabbed him in both LABR and Tout). Bray looked good before being sent down and has been absolutely lights out in AAA. Thus far, Bray has blown down 15 hitters in just 9 AAA innings. Another reason to grab Bray now is that his value will go up as the year goes along. Keep in mind that Francisco Cordero faded badly down the stretch last year. Bray could very well steal a bunch of saves before the year is out. Either way, the K's will be there big time.
Freddie Bynum: According to reports, Dave Trembley anointed Freddie Bynum the O's starting shortstop. Tough call on what to do here. Luis Hernandez did nothing to keep the job, however, Bynum is a good bet to hit under .250 in regular duty and is not a great fielder. Bottom line, grab Bynum in AL-only leagues or if you are just bone desperate for speed. If you own or are thinking of acquiring a Baltimore hurler, you might want to consider the effect of the downgrade in infield defense taking the field at Camden Yards.
Evan Longoria: Evan Longoria hit a walk off dinger to beat the Angels yesterday. Despite the dramatic blast, Longoria is struggling mightily with a batting average under .230. The uber-hype notwithstanding, Longoria's subpar average is hardly a surprise. Longoria has never managed to hit even .270 at the highest level at which he played in any year. If you own Longoria in a keeper league, you have to keep him. However, if you own him in a one year league, market him now. Take advantage of the walk-off and the hype and get a quality player for one who is a couple of years away from producing top flight roto stats.
Ben Broussard: The Rangers cut bait on Ben Broussard, designating him for assignment. This seems to be a bit quick to me. Broussard is just 31 and can hit. He is just two years removed from a .289/21 HR season. Look for Frank Catalanotto and Chris Shelton to platoon at first base. Both could have value once the ball starts flying out in the heat of the Texas summer. If you own Broussard and can reserve him, do it. He could very well land in a platoon situation and get quality AB's.
Mariano Rivera: In something that hardly seems like news, Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth Thursday to notch his 9th save of the year. Those who thought he was done or had fallen out of the top echelon of relievers were just plain wrong. Thus far, Mo has given up only 5 baserunners in 14 scoreless innings. Very rarely does one get to go to the ballpark or turn on the TV and know one is watching the best there's ever been. However, that is exactly what you get when you have the privilege of watching Mo take the hill. If there is a Mo owner in your league who is ready to move Rivera, pounce. Not only is Mo sharp as ever, the Yankees will come alive when ARod returns, Igawa leaves and the weather finally stays warm. Mo should finish with 35+ saves and great stats.
Wilson Betemit: Wilson Betemit is swinging a hot bat since coming off the shelf earlier this week. Perhaps he really was having trouble with his eyes early on. Wilson homered Thursday and followed that up with two hits on Friday. Betemit is a quality major league hitter just waiting for a chance to play (he has spent his career backing up Chipper, Furcal and now Jeter and ARod). Yes, ARod will reclaim his 3B slot immediately upon returning from the DL. However, Betemit is a far better choice than Jason Giambi or Shelly Duncan to play 1B. Giambi will hit the occasional homer, but is a weak fielder who will struggle to summit the Mendoza line all year. Duncan, while he is a feel good story, is nothing more than a pinch hitter from baseball family. Joe Girardi is very smart and will see that Betemit deserves to play often. Once he does, Betemit will produce double digit roto value for a much smaller price tag. Add in the fact that Betemit will likely qualify at SS and maybe even 2B by the end of the year, and you have a BUY situation.
Robinson Cano: Robinson Cano is starting to hit. Robbie, who has been mired in one of the ugliest slumps imaginable, is 7-22 with 4 runs and 4 RBI in his last 5 games. The opportunity to buy low is quickly fading. Do it now. By years' end, Cano will have Cano numbers ? 290+ average with 20 dingers and 80-90 runs and RBI. If you buy now, you get most of that on your stat sheet. Bottom line, Cano is only 25 and has already posted three top quality seasons in the big leagues. He is a special talent. BUY.
Barry Zito: Barry Zito returned to the rotation Wednesday and posted a decent start, giving up two earned runs in five innings while striking out five. What to do? Well, if you own Zito, you have to hold. Never sell at the bottom of the market. If someone in your NL-only league cut Zito (as happened in LABR), he makes a very interesting free agent acquisition. Full disclosure here ? Rick Wolf and I were the ones who gambled and grabbed Zito in LABR. Here are our reasons. First, in a deep league, there is precious little pitching that comes available and we needed another starter. Second, while Zito has hardly been worth 126 Million, he did post a 1.35 WHIP last year while striking out 131. If he makes a few more adjustments, he could post the same WHIP from here on out this year while adding 100+ strikeouts. If so, you have added a decent starter when those are just so hard to find. Also, there is the possibility that a contending team will need pitching come summertime and be willing to take some of that absurd contract off the Giants hands.
And finally, more wisdom from that Indian fan who still hopes they make a Major League IV and there is room for him to be one of the thousand of extras crooning Wild Thing. Schultz Says: "It was easy to write off Gavin Floyd's first no-hit bid against Detroit as it came on a frigidly cold day but after taking another no-hitter into the ninth against the Twins, it may be time to start taking him seriously. Many moons ago, Floyd was the pride of the Phillies farm system and just as quickly became one of their biggest disappointments. Nothing but his reputation suggests that his current 2.50 ERA and .96 WHIP are sustainable numbers. However, right now, he's pitching better than most and if you wanted to believe that he's a late bloomer, he wouldn't be the first highly touted pitcher to bloom later than everyone expected.
The real star of Moneyball, Kevin Youkilis, is off to a momentous start and with 7 HR, 27 RBI and a .313 average, seems poised for a career year. His owners have to be salivating as given the depth at the 1B position, Yuke probably came pretty cheap. Before you dislocate a shoulder congratulating yourself, keep this in mind: he traditionally starts off hot and usually tapers off near the end of the year - at least from a roto-perspective. While a homer a day is probably too much to expect for the rest of the season (duh), I think he may be headed for a 25 HR, 100+ RBI season and keep the average comfortably above .300. He will at least pick up the considerable slack being caused by David Ortiz' lousy start.
Excited about Edinson Volquez' hot start and Johnny Cueto's impressive ratios? Just look at how many pitches Dusty Baker is letting them throw this early in the season. Somewhere Mark Prior and Kerry Wood must be cringing with deja vu. Homer Bailey may be lucky to still be in the minors.
Can't help myself here: I for one enjoyed Kei Igawa's return last night. Mostly because I imagined the slow burn his performance was causing in Colton. Almost as much fun as watching my prediction of Joba giving up a 8th inning, 3-run home run to the Indians come true . . . just 7 months later than I thought."
Response: First, what slow burn? Igawa's conflagration was so quick and so complete that any arsonist would have been proud of his work. As to Joba, the kid is something truly special and everyone knows it ? even Schultz.
Enjoy the weekend and be good to your Mothers on Sunday.
Cano heats up, Igawa stinks up
Rookie and Veteran struggles, the ugly return of Igawa, and ruminations from Schultz in this week's Week That Was.
Kei Igawa: In what has to be the most predictable event of the baseball season this year, Kei Igawa was chewed up and spit out by the Detroit Tigers last night. I told a friend before the game that Yankee fans should be happy if they get 4 innings and 4 runs (imagine, happy with a 9.00 ERA?). Well, "Not even close to O" Kei could not even meet that miniscule standard, allowing 6 runs and 11 hits in only three innings. That Mike Mussina has turned it around and put his miserable 2007 in the rear view mirror and there is no reason to Razz Rasner just highlights what a disappointment Igawa continues to be. The "Kei that opens no locks" continues to leave the Yankees and their fans out in the cold. Please tell me there is no one in fantasy land crazy enough to invest in Igawa. Please!
Jim Edmonds: In a surprising move (at least to this author), the Padres released Jim Edmonds. Sure, Edmonds is a mere shadow of his former self. However, one would think the Padres would have had more patience after spending $6 Million to lure Edmonds in the off season. From a fantasy perspective, there are two things to do. First, hold onto Edmonds if your league has a reserve list. He will land somewhere, and if it is a ballpark with a short right field porch, he may yet hit some dingers. Second, wait for the arrival of Chase Headley. While Jody Gerut got the first call, it is Headley who is heating up in AAA and will be up to stay before too long. (Footnote: I figure that Headley must be good because Doug Dennis tried very hard to convince Rick and me to include Headley in a LABR deal. We held Headley and, if you own him, you should too.)
Bill Bray: The Reds recalled Bill Bray from AAA just days after he was sent down. Those in NL-only leagues should jump on Bray (Rick and I grabbed him in both LABR and Tout). Bray looked good before being sent down and has been absolutely lights out in AAA. Thus far, Bray has blown down 15 hitters in just 9 AAA innings. Another reason to grab Bray now is that his value will go up as the year goes along. Keep in mind that Francisco Cordero faded badly down the stretch last year. Bray could very well steal a bunch of saves before the year is out. Either way, the K's will be there big time.
Freddie Bynum: According to reports, Dave Trembley anointed Freddie Bynum the O's starting shortstop. Tough call on what to do here. Luis Hernandez did nothing to keep the job, however, Bynum is a good bet to hit under .250 in regular duty and is not a great fielder. Bottom line, grab Bynum in AL-only leagues or if you are just bone desperate for speed. If you own or are thinking of acquiring a Baltimore hurler, you might want to consider the effect of the downgrade in infield defense taking the field at Camden Yards.
Evan Longoria: Evan Longoria hit a walk off dinger to beat the Angels yesterday. Despite the dramatic blast, Longoria is struggling mightily with a batting average under .230. The uber-hype notwithstanding, Longoria's subpar average is hardly a surprise. Longoria has never managed to hit even .270 at the highest level at which he played in any year. If you own Longoria in a keeper league, you have to keep him. However, if you own him in a one year league, market him now. Take advantage of the walk-off and the hype and get a quality player for one who is a couple of years away from producing top flight roto stats.
Ben Broussard: The Rangers cut bait on Ben Broussard, designating him for assignment. This seems to be a bit quick to me. Broussard is just 31 and can hit. He is just two years removed from a .289/21 HR season. Look for Frank Catalanotto and Chris Shelton to platoon at first base. Both could have value once the ball starts flying out in the heat of the Texas summer. If you own Broussard and can reserve him, do it. He could very well land in a platoon situation and get quality AB's.
Mariano Rivera: In something that hardly seems like news, Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth Thursday to notch his 9th save of the year. Those who thought he was done or had fallen out of the top echelon of relievers were just plain wrong. Thus far, Mo has given up only 5 baserunners in 14 scoreless innings. Very rarely does one get to go to the ballpark or turn on the TV and know one is watching the best there's ever been. However, that is exactly what you get when you have the privilege of watching Mo take the hill. If there is a Mo owner in your league who is ready to move Rivera, pounce. Not only is Mo sharp as ever, the Yankees will come alive when ARod returns, Igawa leaves and the weather finally stays warm. Mo should finish with 35+ saves and great stats.
Wilson Betemit: Wilson Betemit is swinging a hot bat since coming off the shelf earlier this week. Perhaps he really was having trouble with his eyes early on. Wilson homered Thursday and followed that up with two hits on Friday. Betemit is a quality major league hitter just waiting for a chance to play (he has spent his career backing up Chipper, Furcal and now Jeter and ARod). Yes, ARod will reclaim his 3B slot immediately upon returning from the DL. However, Betemit is a far better choice than Jason Giambi or Shelly Duncan to play 1B. Giambi will hit the occasional homer, but is a weak fielder who will struggle to summit the Mendoza line all year. Duncan, while he is a feel good story, is nothing more than a pinch hitter from baseball family. Joe Girardi is very smart and will see that Betemit deserves to play often. Once he does, Betemit will produce double digit roto value for a much smaller price tag. Add in the fact that Betemit will likely qualify at SS and maybe even 2B by the end of the year, and you have a BUY situation.
Robinson Cano: Robinson Cano is starting to hit. Robbie, who has been mired in one of the ugliest slumps imaginable, is 7-22 with 4 runs and 4 RBI in his last 5 games. The opportunity to buy low is quickly fading. Do it now. By years' end, Cano will have Cano numbers ? 290+ average with 20 dingers and 80-90 runs and RBI. If you buy now, you get most of that on your stat sheet. Bottom line, Cano is only 25 and has already posted three top quality seasons in the big leagues. He is a special talent. BUY.
Barry Zito: Barry Zito returned to the rotation Wednesday and posted a decent start, giving up two earned runs in five innings while striking out five. What to do? Well, if you own Zito, you have to hold. Never sell at the bottom of the market. If someone in your NL-only league cut Zito (as happened in LABR), he makes a very interesting free agent acquisition. Full disclosure here ? Rick Wolf and I were the ones who gambled and grabbed Zito in LABR. Here are our reasons. First, in a deep league, there is precious little pitching that comes available and we needed another starter. Second, while Zito has hardly been worth 126 Million, he did post a 1.35 WHIP last year while striking out 131. If he makes a few more adjustments, he could post the same WHIP from here on out this year while adding 100+ strikeouts. If so, you have added a decent starter when those are just so hard to find. Also, there is the possibility that a contending team will need pitching come summertime and be willing to take some of that absurd contract off the Giants hands.
And finally, more wisdom from that Indian fan who still hopes they make a Major League IV and there is room for him to be one of the thousand of extras crooning Wild Thing. Schultz Says: "It was easy to write off Gavin Floyd's first no-hit bid against Detroit as it came on a frigidly cold day but after taking another no-hitter into the ninth against the Twins, it may be time to start taking him seriously. Many moons ago, Floyd was the pride of the Phillies farm system and just as quickly became one of their biggest disappointments. Nothing but his reputation suggests that his current 2.50 ERA and .96 WHIP are sustainable numbers. However, right now, he's pitching better than most and if you wanted to believe that he's a late bloomer, he wouldn't be the first highly touted pitcher to bloom later than everyone expected.
The real star of Moneyball, Kevin Youkilis, is off to a momentous start and with 7 HR, 27 RBI and a .313 average, seems poised for a career year. His owners have to be salivating as given the depth at the 1B position, Yuke probably came pretty cheap. Before you dislocate a shoulder congratulating yourself, keep this in mind: he traditionally starts off hot and usually tapers off near the end of the year - at least from a roto-perspective. While a homer a day is probably too much to expect for the rest of the season (duh), I think he may be headed for a 25 HR, 100+ RBI season and keep the average comfortably above .300. He will at least pick up the considerable slack being caused by David Ortiz' lousy start.
Excited about Edinson Volquez' hot start and Johnny Cueto's impressive ratios? Just look at how many pitches Dusty Baker is letting them throw this early in the season. Somewhere Mark Prior and Kerry Wood must be cringing with deja vu. Homer Bailey may be lucky to still be in the minors.
Can't help myself here: I for one enjoyed Kei Igawa's return last night. Mostly because I imagined the slow burn his performance was causing in Colton. Almost as much fun as watching my prediction of Joba giving up a 8th inning, 3-run home run to the Indians come true . . . just 7 months later than I thought."
Response: First, what slow burn? Igawa's conflagration was so quick and so complete that any arsonist would have been proud of his work. As to Joba, the kid is something truly special and everyone knows it ? even Schultz.
Enjoy the weekend and be good to your Mothers on Sunday.