The only concerning question going forward with Strasburg is when he is going to be shutdown? Fantasy Leagues are not won in May and June, it is always the teams that get hot through the July and August and at the very least hold it together during September. This is especially true for my preferred H2H Leagues.
So we have to address Strasburg as if we know an injury is coming don’t we? Obviously in a Keeper format you take the numbers while you can and prepare to replace him come play-off time. But when will the kid call it a year? 150-160 IP seems likely, which leads to other questions - should you try to move the star arm? And if so, when? And further, what should you target as a return? I currently do not own a single Stephen Strasburg share, but I have a savvy owner consistently offering him my way for a big bat in one league. I’m avoiding now because I did in March. I didn’t want to be faced with this dilemma then, and it is only going to get tougher each start.
Strasburg was sensational last night, and he might have the most electric stuff in baseball. I have seen portions of nearly all his games and he is helping a lot of owners, but how do owners replace an Ace? You don’t. My thoughts on my approach if I owned him would be to openly shop him and try to improve my club in another area, or maybe get a buy low pitching candidate. Perhaps Yovani Gallardo and mid tier outfielder, like Adam Jones.
I really don’t know what the answers to these questions are but it is important to take notice, because as the summer comes Strasburg’s value decreases, and we all know how hard it is to replace an Ace in our Fantasy Rotation.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Get The Fantasy Advice You Need - With 20 years of Fantasy Sports Experience; in Baseball, Football and Hockey leagues this is the place to get the advice you need to compete week in and week out in your league.
Send your questions to: nparker.fantasyadvice@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter @naparker77
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Friday 11 May 2012
Thursday 10 May 2012
Two Start Pitcher Notes May 14th to 20th
Stormy Skies Ahead for Wei-Yin Chen
Usually a Two Start pitcher is a dream in weekly lineup leagues, but Chen has his work cut out for him next week. Further, Chen is a starter on one of the best teams in baseball with an ERA well under 3 - that is automatic start territory - right? We better monitor his success today against a potent Rangers lineup, because next week he matches up against red hot C.C. Sabathia and April’s NL Pitcher of the Month Stephen Strasburg. Lovely.
Just when a guy like Chen - who I have streamed successfully - might find permanent roster spots across the fantasy world, he gets three tough matchups in a row, but don’t fear there are some great fantasy starters beyond the upper echelon of must start talent.
Positive Outlooks
Yovani Gallardo - A prime buy low candidate who mows down batters and is coming off a good start this week. He lines up against Miguel Batista and Carl Pavano of the Mets and Twins respectively. Where do I sign? Gallardo should be next best thing to a fantasy ace the rest of the way.
Jon Lester - I like his chances to fully turn the page and pick up at least his 2nd win of the season. He should be able to get two wins and help prolong the sinking Beantown boat. Kevin Millwood and Joe Blanton are just not that good and their respective offenses aren’t either. Look for the Red Sox to kick start a mini run and put up some big numbers.
Anibal Sanchez - Anyone taking notice of his 2012 start? If he had any kind of run support and bullpen; he’d have 6 wins. Bedard is a health concern for their matchup and Jeanmar Gomez best just intentionally walk Giancarlo Stanton because he is streaking. Anibal is just filthy at times, I wonder how long it will last?
Zach Greinke - Remove a thrashing from my Cubbies and Zach Greinke has been dominant. He K’d 11 yesterday, allowing only 2 hits and pitched 8 scoreless without a walk. Is it time for Zach to reach must start status week in week out? Don’t worry this week though, like fellow ‘Crew member Yovani, he is facing the Mets and Twins.
Brandon Morrow - Has won his last four games with a combined 30 punchouts and only 2 earned runs and 5 walks. Cleary the Rays’ pounding on April 18th was a wakeup call and he is as hot as any pitcher in MLB. Plus he is at home facing inferior pitchers, and I guess that the Toronto Blue Jays are what you would call a potent offensive team. Enjoy the Ks and run support.
Colby Lewis - A rough outing last Friday against the Tribe aside, Lewis has been 2010 Colby and not so much 2011 Colby. Lets face it, Lewis needs to throw 6 innings and give up less than four runs and he should be in line to win 75% of the time. Enjoy Mr. Colby Lewis this week, he is going to reward your confidence in him.
Tim Lincecum - Yes - He hasn’t been that bad his past 4 starts. He is striking out batters at an impressive rate and last night his command was better as he threw 73% of his pitches for strikes. Roll with Lincecum against Colorado and Oakland and their two youngsters on the mound, and hope the Giants can score some runs.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Get The Fantasy Advice You Need - With 20 years of Fantasy Sports Experience; in Baseball, Football and Hockey leagues this is the place to get the advice you need to compete week in and week out in your league.
Send your questions to: nparker.fantasyadvice@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter @naparker77
Check out my Fantasy Sports Blog: http://neilparkerfantasysportsadvice.blogspot.ca/
View my website: http://www.wix.com/gwxjm0/fantasysports
Usually a Two Start pitcher is a dream in weekly lineup leagues, but Chen has his work cut out for him next week. Further, Chen is a starter on one of the best teams in baseball with an ERA well under 3 - that is automatic start territory - right? We better monitor his success today against a potent Rangers lineup, because next week he matches up against red hot C.C. Sabathia and April’s NL Pitcher of the Month Stephen Strasburg. Lovely.
Just when a guy like Chen - who I have streamed successfully - might find permanent roster spots across the fantasy world, he gets three tough matchups in a row, but don’t fear there are some great fantasy starters beyond the upper echelon of must start talent.
Positive Outlooks
Yovani Gallardo - A prime buy low candidate who mows down batters and is coming off a good start this week. He lines up against Miguel Batista and Carl Pavano of the Mets and Twins respectively. Where do I sign? Gallardo should be next best thing to a fantasy ace the rest of the way.
Jon Lester - I like his chances to fully turn the page and pick up at least his 2nd win of the season. He should be able to get two wins and help prolong the sinking Beantown boat. Kevin Millwood and Joe Blanton are just not that good and their respective offenses aren’t either. Look for the Red Sox to kick start a mini run and put up some big numbers.
Anibal Sanchez - Anyone taking notice of his 2012 start? If he had any kind of run support and bullpen; he’d have 6 wins. Bedard is a health concern for their matchup and Jeanmar Gomez best just intentionally walk Giancarlo Stanton because he is streaking. Anibal is just filthy at times, I wonder how long it will last?
Zach Greinke - Remove a thrashing from my Cubbies and Zach Greinke has been dominant. He K’d 11 yesterday, allowing only 2 hits and pitched 8 scoreless without a walk. Is it time for Zach to reach must start status week in week out? Don’t worry this week though, like fellow ‘Crew member Yovani, he is facing the Mets and Twins.
Brandon Morrow - Has won his last four games with a combined 30 punchouts and only 2 earned runs and 5 walks. Cleary the Rays’ pounding on April 18th was a wakeup call and he is as hot as any pitcher in MLB. Plus he is at home facing inferior pitchers, and I guess that the Toronto Blue Jays are what you would call a potent offensive team. Enjoy the Ks and run support.
Colby Lewis - A rough outing last Friday against the Tribe aside, Lewis has been 2010 Colby and not so much 2011 Colby. Lets face it, Lewis needs to throw 6 innings and give up less than four runs and he should be in line to win 75% of the time. Enjoy Mr. Colby Lewis this week, he is going to reward your confidence in him.
Tim Lincecum - Yes - He hasn’t been that bad his past 4 starts. He is striking out batters at an impressive rate and last night his command was better as he threw 73% of his pitches for strikes. Roll with Lincecum against Colorado and Oakland and their two youngsters on the mound, and hope the Giants can score some runs.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Get The Fantasy Advice You Need - With 20 years of Fantasy Sports Experience; in Baseball, Football and Hockey leagues this is the place to get the advice you need to compete week in and week out in your league.
Send your questions to: nparker.fantasyadvice@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter @naparker77
Check out my Fantasy Sports Blog: http://neilparkerfantasysportsadvice.blogspot.ca/
View my website: http://www.wix.com/gwxjm0/fantasysports
Who is Scott Van Slyke ?
The Dodgers recalled Andy’s son Wednesday and the kid drove in a run on a pinch hit single in the 6th inning. A great start to any MLB career, but Van Slyke has never been a hyped prospect and you certainly wont find him near the top of any lists. But there are three reasons to keep an eye on Mr. Van Slyke Jr.
First, he has raked in Triple-A to the tune of 25 RBIs in 32 games, hitting at a .336 clip which is paired with a .411 OBP. Van Slyke has also shown legit pop with 8 bombs. Those are great minor league numbers and now he is in the show. Good on you Kid. So could he be this week’s Will Middlebrooks? I’ll answer that later …
Secondly, Van Slyke is a corner outfielder, who could also play some First Bag, and who stands in his way for playing time? Bobby Abreau, James Loney and eventually Juan Rivera when he returns; all are beacons of fantasy mediocrity. Van Slyke isn’t going to play everyday, but he could see enough at bats around the diamond in the beginning to earn more and more playing time.
Thirdly, Matt Kemp plays for the Dodgers. If you hit anywhere near Matt Kemp you are going to have a chance to benefit from his lineup presence. There is no telling what might happen or not happen with Scott Van Slyke, but he is an intriguing player to keep tabs on over the next few weeks, for the above three reasons and that his dad was a classy ball player.
Scott Van Slyke is not this week’s Will Middlebrooks though, because Middlebrooks is a hyped prospect, whereas Van Slyke has just slid under the radar en route to the big leagues. However, what is more important is that Van Slyke doesn’t have the talent blocking his playing time, to go with some position flexibility to help find his way on the diamond.
Keep Tabs on Scotty Jr.
_________________________________________________________________
Question of the Day
“Im in 16 team H2H league. I was offered J-Ham & Jeter for Tulo,King Felix & Markakis. I declined. DId I do the right thing?”
Thanks for your question.
I would have countered that deal and asked for a first tier arm to be included returning my way. As a principal I always want to get the best player in a deal, not the hottest. With that being said, I don't know who that player is right now. Josh Hamilton is absolutely on fire, but last week he sat and his resume is far from a clean bill of health. Mr. Jeter is the best Fantasy Short Stop in 2012, and his success has been well documented since his 3000 hit. So it is fair to say you’re getting two of the best players in Fantasy right now.
Here is why I agree with your decision. You invested a high pick on Tulowitzki; likely a top 5 pick and he has been decent thus far and although he is nursing a sore groin he should get back to his elite self through June, July and August. Nick Markakis is just a throw in amongst these names, however, he is a fine bottom tier starting outfielder, especially in a 16 team league. Markakis will improve as the season continues. He is a lock for 15+ dingers, 70+ RBIs and is often cited as an underrated H2H performer.
The difference in this deal is the Felix Hernandez component and the significance of your deep league. This deal isn’t even close when you consider that Hernandez is leading the league in punch outs and has a proven track record as a top notch arm. The King’s ERA and WHIP are below 2 and 1 respectively and with the Mariners flirting with .500 and some better young bats in the lineup - he is irreplaceable.
This trade boils down to the question of how you replace Felix Hernandez and the answer isn’t blowing in the wind … it is in flashing neon lights … You Can’t. You made the right decision.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Get The Fantasy Advice You Need - With 20 years of Fantasy Sports Experience; in Baseball, Football and Hockey leagues this is the place to get the advice you need to compete week in and week out in your league.
Send your questions to: nparker.fantasyadvice@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter @naparker77
Check out my Fantasy Sports Blog: http://neilparkerfantasysportsadvice.blogspot.ca/
View my website: http://www.wix.com/gwxjm0/fantasysports
First, he has raked in Triple-A to the tune of 25 RBIs in 32 games, hitting at a .336 clip which is paired with a .411 OBP. Van Slyke has also shown legit pop with 8 bombs. Those are great minor league numbers and now he is in the show. Good on you Kid. So could he be this week’s Will Middlebrooks? I’ll answer that later …
Secondly, Van Slyke is a corner outfielder, who could also play some First Bag, and who stands in his way for playing time? Bobby Abreau, James Loney and eventually Juan Rivera when he returns; all are beacons of fantasy mediocrity. Van Slyke isn’t going to play everyday, but he could see enough at bats around the diamond in the beginning to earn more and more playing time.
Thirdly, Matt Kemp plays for the Dodgers. If you hit anywhere near Matt Kemp you are going to have a chance to benefit from his lineup presence. There is no telling what might happen or not happen with Scott Van Slyke, but he is an intriguing player to keep tabs on over the next few weeks, for the above three reasons and that his dad was a classy ball player.
Scott Van Slyke is not this week’s Will Middlebrooks though, because Middlebrooks is a hyped prospect, whereas Van Slyke has just slid under the radar en route to the big leagues. However, what is more important is that Van Slyke doesn’t have the talent blocking his playing time, to go with some position flexibility to help find his way on the diamond.
Keep Tabs on Scotty Jr.
_________________________________________________________________
Question of the Day
“Im in 16 team H2H league. I was offered J-Ham & Jeter for Tulo,King Felix & Markakis. I declined. DId I do the right thing?”
Thanks for your question.
I would have countered that deal and asked for a first tier arm to be included returning my way. As a principal I always want to get the best player in a deal, not the hottest. With that being said, I don't know who that player is right now. Josh Hamilton is absolutely on fire, but last week he sat and his resume is far from a clean bill of health. Mr. Jeter is the best Fantasy Short Stop in 2012, and his success has been well documented since his 3000 hit. So it is fair to say you’re getting two of the best players in Fantasy right now.
Here is why I agree with your decision. You invested a high pick on Tulowitzki; likely a top 5 pick and he has been decent thus far and although he is nursing a sore groin he should get back to his elite self through June, July and August. Nick Markakis is just a throw in amongst these names, however, he is a fine bottom tier starting outfielder, especially in a 16 team league. Markakis will improve as the season continues. He is a lock for 15+ dingers, 70+ RBIs and is often cited as an underrated H2H performer.
The difference in this deal is the Felix Hernandez component and the significance of your deep league. This deal isn’t even close when you consider that Hernandez is leading the league in punch outs and has a proven track record as a top notch arm. The King’s ERA and WHIP are below 2 and 1 respectively and with the Mariners flirting with .500 and some better young bats in the lineup - he is irreplaceable.
This trade boils down to the question of how you replace Felix Hernandez and the answer isn’t blowing in the wind … it is in flashing neon lights … You Can’t. You made the right decision.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Get The Fantasy Advice You Need - With 20 years of Fantasy Sports Experience; in Baseball, Football and Hockey leagues this is the place to get the advice you need to compete week in and week out in your league.
Send your questions to: nparker.fantasyadvice@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter @naparker77
Check out my Fantasy Sports Blog: http://neilparkerfantasysportsadvice.blogspot.ca/
View my website: http://www.wix.com/gwxjm0/fantasysports
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Surfing the Waiver Wire
Hot Streaks in Waiting
Yonder Alonso – OF/1B
Alonso was blocked at First Base by Joey Votto in Cinncy, so he packed his bags for San Diago as the centerpiece in the Mat Latos deal. Thus far in the pitcher friendly PETCO Park Yonder is batting at a .293 clip, and with a recent 6 game hitting streak the former Red is gearing for a red hot run in the middle of the Padres lineup.
The Padres do have a tough schedule in the immediate future facing the top notch Phillies and National rotations, but they miss Kershaw in a two game stint with the Dodgers. Alonso will be rewarded at the end of this month, when he visits hitter friendly parks Wrigley Field and Citi Field.
Look for some power to join Alonso’s already solid batting average and he will quietly sneak into competition for a spot on most fantasy team’s starting roster. It is a buy low opportunity to get a middle of the order, former top prospect who can contribute in RBIs, OPS and Batting Average. Alonso is available on the Waiver Wire in the majority of leagues.
Ryan Doumit – C/OF
Doumit can hit; he has always hit for average and power. His lowest batting average is an even .250 back in 2009, and although he has never topped 15 round trippers, he also has never been healthy enough to get 450 ABs. Currently, Doumit has Catcher and Outfield eligibility and should see 500 ABs.
It could be argued that the best attribute of a fantasy catcher is not catching, and Doumit is obviously not an everyday catcher with teammate Joe Mauer around. The opportunity to DH and play in the outfield should allow the switch hitting 8 year veteran to contribute his first 20 HR and 75 RBI season, which means he is a starting fantasy backstop.
Doumit started a little slow, but he has 3 bombs in his last two games and sits in the middle of the Twins lineup. He will avoid the wear and tear on his body this season in the AL and could even land 1B eligibility by the end of the season. Doumit should be on your roster unless you have one of the elite catchers, and he is available in almost all leagues.
Proceed with Caution
Josh Reddick – OF
Reddick is hot right now, but he owns an ugly home vs. away split and is far from a consistent hitter week to week. Although, he has an everyday job, and is likely a serviceable player at times, it is a concern that his best statistical minor league season is similar to his statistics thus far in 2012. Also, Reddick wont be confused as a patient hitter either, his KO to BB rate (20/5) is concerning, as is his OBP.
Reddick is the perfect sell high candidate right now, he was never a hyped prospect, plays in a pitcher friendly ball park and doesn’t mind stringing together a few days of 0 for’s. He is a popular Waiver Wire target on a number of lists, but I’m not buying it. He does chip in each category across the board, but he has never played this good at any level. Which leads you to wonder when the bottom will fall out?
If Reddick keeps up this pace he is going to finish with a respectable stat line, but I don’t project that he will. Often times the most touted prospects, who have banner rookie years fall victim of the sophomore slump, Reddick will hit the wall. He is a temporary fix when hot, which is a streak that likely has just passed. Are you willing to wait it out for the next one?
Joe Blanton – SP
Blanton has been serviceable so far this season, only twice has he allowed more than 3 earned runs, and he has 21 Ks in his last three starts. Blanton is an experienced starter, at 31 years old he has only twice had an ERA under 4.50 since 2006, and only once struck out more than 150 batters. Joe Blanton is not worth a permanent roster spot.
The second major issue with Blanton is that the Phillies aren’t providing him with any run support, and although Howard and Utley will return at some point, they’re far removed from their 2009 primes. Blanton has been mediocre for almost a decade, but you just don’t own mediocre starters on below average offensive ball teams that don’t strikeout a lot of batters.
Blanton is worth streaming and spot starting based on matchups, but there have to be better options available. He may be back after his injury plagued season last year, but Blanton is just not worth a roster spot with so many available arms on better ball teams. Look for an option with a higher upside because Blanton has already reached his ceiling, and is likely on his way down.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Get The Fantasy Advice You Need - With 20 years of Fantasy Sports Experience; in Baseball, Football and Hockey leagues this is the place to get the advice you need to compete week in and week out in your league.
Send your questions to: nparker.fantasyadvice@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter @naparker77
Check out my Fantasy Sports Blog: http://neilparkerfantasysportsadvice.blogspot.ca/
View my website: http://www.wix.com/gwxjm0/fantasysports
Yonder Alonso – OF/1B
Alonso was blocked at First Base by Joey Votto in Cinncy, so he packed his bags for San Diago as the centerpiece in the Mat Latos deal. Thus far in the pitcher friendly PETCO Park Yonder is batting at a .293 clip, and with a recent 6 game hitting streak the former Red is gearing for a red hot run in the middle of the Padres lineup.
The Padres do have a tough schedule in the immediate future facing the top notch Phillies and National rotations, but they miss Kershaw in a two game stint with the Dodgers. Alonso will be rewarded at the end of this month, when he visits hitter friendly parks Wrigley Field and Citi Field.
Look for some power to join Alonso’s already solid batting average and he will quietly sneak into competition for a spot on most fantasy team’s starting roster. It is a buy low opportunity to get a middle of the order, former top prospect who can contribute in RBIs, OPS and Batting Average. Alonso is available on the Waiver Wire in the majority of leagues.
Ryan Doumit – C/OF
Doumit can hit; he has always hit for average and power. His lowest batting average is an even .250 back in 2009, and although he has never topped 15 round trippers, he also has never been healthy enough to get 450 ABs. Currently, Doumit has Catcher and Outfield eligibility and should see 500 ABs.
It could be argued that the best attribute of a fantasy catcher is not catching, and Doumit is obviously not an everyday catcher with teammate Joe Mauer around. The opportunity to DH and play in the outfield should allow the switch hitting 8 year veteran to contribute his first 20 HR and 75 RBI season, which means he is a starting fantasy backstop.
Doumit started a little slow, but he has 3 bombs in his last two games and sits in the middle of the Twins lineup. He will avoid the wear and tear on his body this season in the AL and could even land 1B eligibility by the end of the season. Doumit should be on your roster unless you have one of the elite catchers, and he is available in almost all leagues.
Proceed with Caution
Josh Reddick – OF
Reddick is hot right now, but he owns an ugly home vs. away split and is far from a consistent hitter week to week. Although, he has an everyday job, and is likely a serviceable player at times, it is a concern that his best statistical minor league season is similar to his statistics thus far in 2012. Also, Reddick wont be confused as a patient hitter either, his KO to BB rate (20/5) is concerning, as is his OBP.
Reddick is the perfect sell high candidate right now, he was never a hyped prospect, plays in a pitcher friendly ball park and doesn’t mind stringing together a few days of 0 for’s. He is a popular Waiver Wire target on a number of lists, but I’m not buying it. He does chip in each category across the board, but he has never played this good at any level. Which leads you to wonder when the bottom will fall out?
If Reddick keeps up this pace he is going to finish with a respectable stat line, but I don’t project that he will. Often times the most touted prospects, who have banner rookie years fall victim of the sophomore slump, Reddick will hit the wall. He is a temporary fix when hot, which is a streak that likely has just passed. Are you willing to wait it out for the next one?
Joe Blanton – SP
Blanton has been serviceable so far this season, only twice has he allowed more than 3 earned runs, and he has 21 Ks in his last three starts. Blanton is an experienced starter, at 31 years old he has only twice had an ERA under 4.50 since 2006, and only once struck out more than 150 batters. Joe Blanton is not worth a permanent roster spot.
The second major issue with Blanton is that the Phillies aren’t providing him with any run support, and although Howard and Utley will return at some point, they’re far removed from their 2009 primes. Blanton has been mediocre for almost a decade, but you just don’t own mediocre starters on below average offensive ball teams that don’t strikeout a lot of batters.
Blanton is worth streaming and spot starting based on matchups, but there have to be better options available. He may be back after his injury plagued season last year, but Blanton is just not worth a roster spot with so many available arms on better ball teams. Look for an option with a higher upside because Blanton has already reached his ceiling, and is likely on his way down.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Get The Fantasy Advice You Need - With 20 years of Fantasy Sports Experience; in Baseball, Football and Hockey leagues this is the place to get the advice you need to compete week in and week out in your league.
Send your questions to: nparker.fantasyadvice@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter @naparker77
Check out my Fantasy Sports Blog: http://neilparkerfantasysportsadvice.blogspot.ca/
View my website: http://www.wix.com/gwxjm0/fantasysports
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