Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

April 27, 2008 - May 3, 2008 Archives

By David Ferris

As we head into May, you should have a pretty good idea if your team is in the chase or not, but there's still plenty of time to make up room on the pack as we meander into the second furlong. Here's another peak inside our scouting notebook, starting off with a couple of hotshot young pitchers who might revitalize your staff.

Pitchers

BUY

Max Scherzer, SP, Diamondbacks: He toyed with Triple-A for a month, he embarrassed the Astros on Tuesday (13 straight outs, seven strikeouts), and he's now in the Arizona rotation, dispatching of Edgar Gonzalez. He's got the fastball, slider and smarts to dominate right away; in short, say hello to this year's Tim Linecum. Go ahead and empty out the FAAB chamber on this one, and make sure you have a scouting seat for Scherzer's Monday start against the Phillies.

Homer Bailey, SP, Reds: Get out the post-hype sleeper list and scribble his name at the top. Bailey's been mowing guys down at Triple-A (four wins, 2.29 ERA, nine walks against 32 strikeouts over 39.1 innings), and he's probably going to get another audition in Cincinnati this month. Normally that would attract a lot of attention, but Bailey will work off the nifty screen provided by Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto.

SELL

Derrick Turnbow, RP, Brewers: It's bad enough to have 13 walks against five strikeouts, but even when Turnbow is finding the plate these days, he's getting hammered (12 hits over 6.1 innings). He doesn't deserve to be cashing a major-league check right now, and you can be sure he won't be pitching in any high-leverage situations for a while. Guillermo Mota looks like the best Eric Gagne hedge for now; David Riske's command has been a problem, too.

HOLD

Takashi Saito, RP, Dodgers: He's only had one bad appearance out of 10, the night his command left him against Pittsburgh and a 2-1 fastball to Nate McLouth landed in the seats. Otherwise Saito has been dominant as ever, but the Dodgers haven't offered a lot of ninth-inning work yet (four saves). Things will normalize in the coming months; our opinion of this blue-chipper hasn't changed a bit.

Batters

BUY

Fred Lewis, OF, Giants: He's been pressed into duty with the Dave Roberts injury, and so far, so good (.419 on-base percentage, two homers, four steals). The power probably isn't real with Lewis, but everything else is -- perhaps the Giants should have given him the Roberts gig over the winter and not signed the older, more expensive veteran.

Gregor Blanco, OF, Braves: He's got a keen eye (9 walks in 45 plate appearances) and he's aggressive on the bases (even as his percentages weren't much in the minors), so get Blanco on your radar even in deeper mixed leagues. For now, he's in a platoon of sorts with Matt Diaz, but we'll get a lot more interested if and when someone goes down in the Atlanta outfield (Mark Kotsay isn't the most durable of guys).

SELL

Corey Patterson, OF, Reds: He's been unlucky on balls in play, we know that, but that's not going to gain him much sympathy from the club, especially when the opposition starts a left-hander (Patterson is a career .240 stick against southpaws). Patterson will hit some homers and run whenever possible, and there's fantasy utility to that; but he's not going to be a full-time player and you're welcoming plenty of batting-average risk here.

HOLD

Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers: He's struggling to stay over the Mendoza Line and this is a .245 career hitter to begin with, but we'll give Weeks a pass if he continues to fill the other stat areas so richly (24 runs, three homers, five steals, 17 walks). Give him a full season of health and we might see 130 runs, 25 homers and 35 steals, stats that allow us to live with the strikeouts and the collars.

Willy Taveras, OF, Rockies: His temporary benching seemed to work, because he's been on top of his game over the last six days (6-for-21, four walks, five steals). There are a lot of things wrong with the dysfunctional Colorado offense right now, but the man at the top isn't the fall guy.

By Michael Salfino

It's easy for the simple strikeout to get lost in baseball's modern sabermetric revolution.

But making contact is job one for the hitter. Those who put the ball in play generate a .300 average. Pitchers who consistently miss bats avoid the uncertainty of whether a batted ball is going to be converted by their defense into an out.

Strikeouts are much more frequent now than they were a generation ago. In 1978, the 28 teams combined for 20,058 strikeouts. Last year, 30 teams rung up 32,189 Ks. That's 1,073 per team today versus 716 per team in 1978 -- an increase of 50 percent in free air conditioning for fans in attendance.

With about an eighth of the season in the books, let's look at some pitchers who currently are extreme when it comes to strikeouts.

Buy

Max Scherzer, Diamondbacks: He was 38:3 in K:BB ratio in the minors before striking out seven in 4.1 perfect innings in relief. Expect him to replace Edgar Gonzalez in the rotation soon.

Wandy Rodriguez, Astros: Just starting to rehab off his strained groin, but that provides a buying window. This lefty looks finesse, but misses bats with the best of them. He's averaging 9.7 Ks/9 innings this year; last year, he averaged an impressive 7.9. He's been lucky in stranding runners this year (87 percent; average is 70), but was unlucky in 2007 and thus is a good bet to keep his ERA under 4.00.

Scott Baker, Twins: Last year in the majors, 102 Ks, 29 walks. This year, 27 and 5, respectively. His has a tender groin (day-to-day), but that 4.50 ERA is unlikely to last given those kind of peripherals.

Randy Wolf, Padres: He probably won't make it past 100 innings again this year. And the last 20 or so before a DL stint are usually brutally bad. But 9.4 Ks/2.7 walks per 9 innings demands some faith. I'll forgive that 30.7-percent line-drive rate because he's in the best pitching park in baseball.

Nate Robertson, Tigers: Yes, the ERA currently sits over 6.00, but Robertson's K/BB ratio is 7:2. Just over 57 percent of his baserunners have scored; that's very unlucky; Robertson was over 70 percent each of the past two seasons. And guys are hitting .350 on balls in play; they were under .300 in 2005 and 2006. The only caveat is a line-drive rate that's an unsightly 24 percent.

Hold

Carlos Zambrano, Cubs: He's made a deal with the devil and cut his walk rate in half. With guys like Zambrano, the rule of thumb is to expect his walk rate to match his ERA. Right now, he's walking 2.2/9 innings and his ERA is 2.21 -- perfect. He hasn't sacrificed Ks: still 7.9/9 innings (better than last year).

Ervin Santana, Angels: The guy is 25 years old and has had success in the majors but everyone wanted to write him off for a bad year while pumping up minor leaguers just a year or two younger. That's foolish. Santana was unlucky last year given his 2:1, K:BB ratio. This year, it's about 3:1. And his K-rate is a career high 7.5/9 innings.

Cliff Lee, Indians: Very small things provide the tipping point from poor to average performance and from average to good. So there's not the chasm we imagine from Lee last year to this year. Remember, he was very good in 2005. Of course, his ERA will climb probably to somewhere in the 3.00s. But there's nothing fluky about a 29:2, K:BB ratio.

Sell

Edinson Volquez, Reds: Notice how the Rangers always look for pitchers but trade guys like Volquez and Chris Young? I love the 10.8 Ks/9 innings. But the 5.2 walks will get him murdered eventually. That 1.23 ERA will jump up three runs or more unless he significantly cuts down those walks. Still useful, but not a Cy Young candidate.

Fausto Carmona, Indians: How do you have a 2.89 ERA when you've allowed 34 hits and 26 walks in 34 innings? He's stranded well over 80 percent of base runners and allowed homers on less than 7 percent of fly balls. With average performance in these categories, his ERA would be about 6.00.

Scott Olsen, Marlins: He has 13 Ks/13 walks in 35 innings. That's terrible strikeout efficiency. The control is OK, but nothing great. He's not going to strand 85 percent of base runners forever. Back when he was a K-pitcher in 2006, he stranded 70 percent. That would give him an ERA right now of about 5.30.

Kyle Lohse, Cardinals: I've always thought Lohse could pop as a fourth or fifth starter for some contender. But he'll never be more that that. Only extreme ground-ball guys (which Lohse isn't) survive Lohse's current 3.9/9 innings K-rates. He gave up 22 homers last year in about 193 innings. This year, zero in 34.3. They're coming. Also expect him to allow a .300 average on balls in play prospectively, not his current .276 -- a big difference in hits allowed when you're not missing bats.

By David Ferris

All rankings assume 5x5 format (wins, saves, strikeouts, ERA, ratio).

* = check status

Last Update: 4/29
Next Update: 5/5

Starting Pitchers
1. Johan Santana, Mets
2. Jake Peavy, Padres
3. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
4. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks
5. Cole Hamels, Phillies
6. Josh Beckett, Red Sox
7. Felix Hernandez, Mariners
8. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox
NOTE: Walk count still a concern.
9. Tim Lincecum, Giants
10. Justin Verlander, Tigers
11. C.C. Sabathia, Indians
12. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs
13. Aaron Harang, Reds
14. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
15. Javier Vazquez, White Sox
16. Dustin McGowan, Blue Jays
17. Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
18. John Maine, Mets
19. *John Smoltz, Braves
20. *Scott Kazmir, Rays
21. James Shields, Rays
22. Ian Snell, Pirates
23. Fausto Carmona, Indians
24. Roy Oswalt, Astros
NOTE: Sky wasn't falling after all.
25. Erik Bedard, Mariners
26. Brad Penny, Dodgers
27. Matt Cain, Giants
28. Yovani Gallardo, Brewers
29. Chris Young, Padres
30. Jered Weaver, Angels
31. Johnny Cueto, Reds
32. Chien-Ming Wang, Yankees
33. Zack Greinke, Royals
34. *Derek Lowe, Dodgers
35. *John Lackey, Angels
36. *Tim Hudson, Braves
NOTE: Velocity has been down of late.
37. Oliver Perez, Mets
38. Brett Myers, Phillies
39. Cliff Lee, Indians
NOTE: At this point, assume 2005 numbers.
40. *Ben Sheets, Brewers
41. Clay Buchholz, Red Sox
42. A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays
43. Scott Olsen, Marlins
44. Brian Bannister, Royals
45. Rich Hill, Cubs
46. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers
47. Scott Baker, Twins
48. Ervin Santana, Angels
49. Edinson Volquez, Reds
50. Joe Blanton, Athletics
51. Dana Eveland, Athletics
52. *Micah Owings, Diamondbacks
53. Phil Hughes, Yankees
54. Bronson Arroyo, Reds
NOTE: BB/SO ratio suggest a rebound.
55. Ted Lilly, Cubs
56. Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks
57. *Pedro Martinez, Mets
58. Jeff Francis, Rockies
59. Jonathan Sanchez, Giants
60. Gil Meche, Royals
61. Boof Bonser, Twins
62. Andy Pettitte, Yankees
63. Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers
64. Randy Wolf, Padres
65. *Francisco Liriano, Twins
66. Jair Jurrjens, Braves
NOTE: We've seen enough to trust here.
67. Manny Parra, Brewers
68. Tom Gorzelanny, Pirates
69. *Jake Westbrook, Indians
70. Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals
71. Shawn Hill, Senators
72. Jeremy Bonderman, Tigers
73. Carlos Villanueva, Brewers
74. Kyle Lohse, Cardinals
75. Andy Sonnanstine, Rays
76. Chad Gaudin, Athletics
NOTE: Big park, still under the radar.
77. Greg Maddux, Padres
78. John Danks, White Sox
79. *Rich Harden, Athletics
80. Shaun Marcum, Blue Jays
81. Joe Saunders, Angels
82. *Wandy Rodriguez, Astros
83. Gavin Floyd, White Sox
84. John Lannan, Senators
NOTE: Strikeout numbers get you interested.
85. Jon Garland, Angels
86. *Matt Garza, Rays
87. Max Scherzer, Diamondbacks
NOTE: Hot prospect might open in the bullpen.
88. Nick Blackburn, Twins
89. Daniel Cabrera, Orioles
NOTE: Consistency still eludes him.
90. Homer Bailey, Reds
91. *Mark Prior, Padres
92. Paul Maholm, Pirates
93. Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles
94. Greg Smith, Athletics
95. Mark Buehrle, White Sox
96. Jon Lester, Red Sox
97. Jesse Litsch, Blue Jays
98. Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies
99. Tim Wakefield, Red Sox
100. *Kevin Slowey, Twins
101. *Justin Duchscherer, Athletics
102. Brandon Backe, Astros
103. Nelson Figueroa, Mets
104. Tim Redding, Senators
105. Ian Kennedy, Yankees
106. Adam Loewen, Orioles
107. Jon Lieber, Cubs
108. Miguel Batista, Mariners
109. Odalis Perez, Senators
110. *Kevin Correia, Giants
111. Edwin Jackson, Rays
112. Justin Germano, Padres
113. Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
114. Jason Bergmann, Senators
115. Andrew Miller, Marlins
116. Hong-Chih Kuo, Dodgers
117. *Dontrelle Willis, Tigers
NOTE: A long way from the circle of trust.
118. Zach Duke, Pirates

Relief Pitchers
1. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
2. Joe Nathan, Twins
3. Mariano Rivera, Yankees
4. Billy Wagner, Mets
5. Takashi Saito, Dodgers
6. J.J. Putz, Mariners
7. Francisco Rodriguez, Angels
8. Bobby Jenks, White Sox
9. Joakim Soria, Royals
10. Francisco Cordero, Reds
11. Jose Valverde, Astros
12. Matt Capps, Pirates
13. George Sherrill, Orioles
14. Kevin Gregg, Marlins
15. Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals
16. Huston Street, Athletics
NOTE: Tidy start but trade possibility looms.
17. Brad Lidge, Phillies
18. Kerry Wood, Cubs
19. C.J. Wilson, Rangers
20. Todd Jones, Tigers
21. Trevor Hoffman, Padres
22. Rafael Betancourt, Indians
23. Brian Wilson, Giants
NOTE: Electric stuff, command still an issue.
24. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays
25. Troy Percival, Rays
26. Brandon Lyon, Diamondbacks
27. Eric Gagne, Brewers
28. Brian Fuentes, Rockies
NOTE: Welcome back to the big chair.
29. *Rafael Soriano, Braves
30. *Chad Cordero, Senators
31. Jon Rauch, Senators
32. Heath Bell, Padres
33. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers
NOTE: He'll be valuable no matter the role.
34. Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks
35. Manny Acosta, Braves
36. *Joe Borowski, Indians
37. Joba Chamberlain, Yankees
38. Jeremy Accardo, Blue Jays
39. Carlos Marmol, Cubs
40. Joey Devine, Athletics
41. *Mike Gonzalez, Braves
42. Tyler Walker, Giants
43. Manuel Corpas, Rockies
44. Scot Shields, Angels
45. Guillermo Mota, Brewers
NOTE: The hunch play after Gagne.
46. Doug Brocail, Astros
47. Dan Wheeler, Rays
48. Blaine Boyer, Braves
49. Tony Pena, Diamondbacks
50. Hideki Okajima, Red Sox
51. Santiago Casilla, Athletics
52. David Riske, Brewers
53. Duaner Sanchez, Mets
54. Jesse Carlson, Blue Jays
55. Masa Kobayashi, Indians
56. Leo Nunez, Royals
57. Octavio Dotel, White Sox
58. John Grabow, Pirates
59. Pat Neshek, Twins
60. Scott Linebrink, White Sox
61. Tom Gordon, Phillies
62. Brian Bruney, Yankees
63. Andrew Brown, Athletics
NOTE: So many good arms here.
64. Renyel Pinto, Marlins
65. Scott Downs, Blue Jays
66. Bob Howry, Cubs
67. Juan Cruz, Diamondbacks
68. Aaron Heilman, Mets
69. Pedro Feliciano, Mets
70. Mark Lowe, Mariners
71. Matt Lindstrom, Marlins
72. Anthony Reyes, Cardinals
73. Matt Albers, Orioles
74. Luis Ayala, Senators
75. Matt Guerrier, Twins
76. Justin Speier, Angels
77. Mike Wuertz, Cubs
78. Cla Meredith, Padres
79. Joaquin Benoit, Rangers
80. Alan Embree, Athletics
81. Jason Frasor, Blue Jays
82. Salomon Torres, Brewers

By David Ferris

All rankings assume 5x5 format (average, runs, homers, RBIs, stolen bases).

* = check status

Last Update: 4/29
Next Update: 5/5

First Base/DH
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
2. Prince Fielder, Brewers
3. Ryan Howard, Phillies
4. Mark Teixeira, Braves
5. *David Ortiz, Red Sox
6. Justin Morneau, Twins
7. Lance Berkman, Astros
8. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
9. Derrek Lee, Cubs
10. Carlos Guillen, Tigers
NOTE: He'll relax more on other side of diamond.
11. Carlos Pena, Rays
12. Travis Hafner, Indians
13. James Loney, Dodgers
14. Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks
15. Paul Konerko, White Sox
16. Jim Thome, White Sox
17. Mike Jacobs, Marlins
18. Casey Kotchman, Angels
19. Carlos Delgado, Mets
20. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
21. Billy Butler, Royals
22. Todd Helton, Rockies
23. Adam LaRoche, Pirates
NOTE: Go get him in May.
24. Joey Votto, Reds
NOTE: Starting to shove Hatteberg out of way.
25. Frank Thomas, Athletics
26. *Gary Sheffield, Tigers
27. Daric Barton, Athletics
28. Kevin Millar, Orioles
29. Richie Sexson, Mariners
30. Nick Johnson, Nationals
31. Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays
32. Jason Giambi, Yankees
33. Ryan Garko, Indians
34. Ross Gload, Royals
35. Ben Broussard, Rangers

Second Base
1. Chase Utley, Phillies
2. Brandon Phillips, Reds
3. Brian Roberts, Orioles
4. Robinson Cano, Yankees
5. Ian Kinsler, Rangers
6. Rickie Weeks, Brewers
NOTE: Average stinks but production still there.
7. Michael Young, Rangers
8. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays
9. Kelly Johnson, Braves
10. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
11. Howie Kendrick, Angels
12. Mark Ellis, Athletics
13. Dan Uggla, Marlins
14. Ryan Theriot, Cubs
15. Orlando Hudson, Diamondbacks
16. Kaz Matsui, Astros
17. Jeff Kent, Dodgers
18. Placido Polanco, Tigers
NOTE: So underrated, he's overrated.
19. Jose Lopez, Mariners
20. Freddy Sanchez, Pirates
21. Luis Castillo, Mets
22. Clint Barmes, Rockies
NOTE: Nix is gone but Baker looms.
23. Mark DeRosa, Cubs
24. Jeff Keppinger, Reds
25. Ray Durham, Giants
26. David Eckstein, Blue Jays
27. Adam Kennedy, Cardinals
28. Eugenio Velez,, Giants
29. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians
30. Brendan Harris, Twins
31. Tad Iguchi, Padres
32. *Mark Grudzielanek, Royals
33. Matt Tolbert, Twins

Shortstop
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
2. Jose Reyes, Mets
3. *Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
4. Rafael Furcal, Dodgers
5. Derek Jeter, Yankees
6. Miguel Tejada, Astros
7. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
NOTE: Too early for rash move.
8. Edgar Renteria, Tigers
9. Orlando Cabrera, White Sox
10. Yunel Escobar, Braves
11. Jhonny Peralta, Indians
12. Khalil Greene, Padres
13. Julio Lugo, Red Sox
14. Bobby Crosby, Athletics
15. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks
16. Felipe Lopez, Nationals
17. J.J. Hardy, Brewers
18. Yuniesky Betancourt, Mariners
NOTE: Strictly vanilla, but it's a thin spot.
19. Cristian Guzman, Nationals
20. Maicer Izturis, Angels
21. Erick Aybar, Angels
22. *Jack Wilson, Pirates
23. *Omar Vizquel, Giants
24. Cesar Izturis, Cardinals
25. *Alex Gonzalez, Reds
26. *Adam Everett, Twins
27. Tony Pena, Royals
28. Luis Hernandez, Orioles

Third Base
1. *Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
2. David Wright, Mets
3. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
4. Ryan Braun, Brewers
5. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs
6. Chone Figgins, Angels
NOTE: Locked in since fingers healed last summer.
7. Chipper Jones, Braves
8. Garrett Atkins, Rockies
9. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
10. Alex Gordon, Royals
11. Adrian Beltre, Mariners
12. Evan Longoria, Rays
13. Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres
NOTE: A good buy-low target.
14. Edwin Encarnacion, Reds
15. Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks
16. *Mike Lowell, Red Sox
17. Joe Crede, White Sox
18. *Ty Wigginton, Astros
19. Akinori Iwamura, Rays
20. *Scott Rolen, Blue Jays
21. Troy Glaus, Cardinals
22. Jorge Cantu, Marlins
NOTE: Regaining confidence in Florida.
23. Pedro Feliz, Phillies
24. Melvin Mora, Orioles
25. *Chad Tracy, Diamondbacks
26. *Hank Blalock, Rangers
27. Casey Blake, Indians
28. Jose Bautista, Pirates
29. Mike Lamb, Twins
30. Jose Castillo, Giants
31. *Eric Chavez, Athletics

Outfield
1. Matt Holliday, Rockies
2. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
3. Carl Crawford, Rays
4. Nick Markakis, Orioles
5. Grady Sizemore, Indians
6. Carlos Lee, Astros
7. Nick Swisher, White Sox
8. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox
9. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
10. B.J. Upton, Rays
11. Carlos Beltran, Mets
12. Alex Rios, Blue Jays
13. *Alfonso Soriano, Cubs
14. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
NOTE: Professional hitter in every sense.
15. Torii Hunter, Angels
16. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks
17. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays
18. Curtis Granderson, Tigers
19. Corey Hart, Brewers
20. Josh Hamilton, Rangers
21. Hunter Pence, Astros
22. Jeff Francoeur, Braves
23. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox
24. Nate McLouth, Pirates
NOTE: We believe, but explore a sell-high anyway.
25. Bobby Abreu, Yankees
26. Adam Dunn, Reds
27. Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs
NOTE: Would be better served in different lineup slot.
28. Michael Bourn, Astros
29. Chris Young, Diamondbacks
30. Hideki Matsui, Yankees
31. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks
32. Jermaine Dye, White Sox
33. Willy Taveras, Rockies
34. Raul Ibanez, Mariners
35. Josh Willingham, Marlins
36. Matt Kemp, Dodgers
NOTE: Still a major upside here.
37. Pat Burrell, Phillies
38. Michael Cuddyer, Twins
NOTE: Lineup slot guarantees production.
39. Jason Bay, Pirates
40. Brad Hawpe, Rockies
41. Ken Griffey, Reds
42. Rick Ankiel, Cardinals
43. Jeremy Hermida, Marlins
44. Johnny Damon, Yankees
45. Andre Ethier, Dodgers
46. Bill Hall, Brewers
47. Carlos Gomez, Twins
48. Delmon Young, Twins
49. Lastings Milledge, Nationals
50. Gary Matthews, Angels
51. J.D. Drew, Red Sox
52. Aubrey Huff, Orioles
NOTE: Somehow, he's underrated again.
53. Fred Lewis, Giants
NOTE: Good player on a bad club.
54. Aaron Rowand, Giants
55. Luke Scott, Orioles
56. Jason Kubel, Twins
57. Adam Jones, Orioles
58. Xavier Nady, Pirates
59. *Mike Cameron, Brewers
60. Ryan Church, Mets
61. *Shane Victorino, Phillies
62. Carlos Quentin, White Sox
NOTE: Nice grab by the Pale Hose.
63. Mark Teahen, Royals
64. Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
65. Skip Schumaker, Cardinals
66. David DeJesus, Royals
67. *Moises Alou, Mets
68. Austin Kearns, Nationals
69. Jose Guillen, Royals
70. Joey Gathright, Royals
71. Andruw Jones, Dodgers
72. Corey Patterson, Reds
73. John Bowker, Giants
74. Jayson Werth, Phillies
75. Coco Crisp, Red Sox
76. Jonny Gomes, Rays
77. Chris Duncan, Cardinals
78. Milton Bradley, Rangers
79. Jack Cust, Athletics
80. David Murphy, Rangers
81. Melky Cabrera, Yankees
82. Brian Giles, Padres
83. Ryan Freel, Reds
84. Matt Diaz, Braves
85. Juan Pierre, Dodgers
86. Scott Hairston, Padres
87. Garret Anderson, Angels
88. Wily Mo Pena, Nationals
89. Matt Stairs, Blue Jays
NOTE: More time with Thomas gone.
90. Angel Pagan, Mets
91. Frank Catalanotto, Rangers
92. Jacque Jones, Tigers
93. Franklin Gutierrez, Indians
94. *Travis Buck, Athletics
95. Randy Winn, Giants
96. Jim Edmonds, Padres
97. Cliff Floyd, Rays
98. Reed Johnson, Cubs
99. Emil Brown, Athletics
100. Geoff Jenkins, Phillies
101. Gregor Blanco, Braves
NOTE: Sleeper; consider Kotsay's injury history.

Catchers
1. Victor Martinez, Indians
2. Russell Martin, Dodgers
3. Brian McCann, Braves
4. Joe Mauer, Twins
5. Bengie Molina, Giants
6. Kenji Johjima, Mariners
7. Ryan Doumit, Pirates
8. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox
9. Mike Napoli, Angels
10. Geovany Soto, Cubs
NOTE: Love the power but contact issues a concern.
11. Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers
12. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics
13. Jason Varitek, Red Sox
14. J.R. Towles, Astros
15. *Jorge Posada, Yankees
16. Ramon Hernandez, Orioles
17. Josh Bard, Padres
18. Dioner Navarro, Rays
NOTE: Has a shot to be in top dozen.
19. Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks
20. Carlos Ruiz, Phillies
21. Yorvit Torrealba, Rockies
22. Yadier Molina, Cardinals
23. Gerald Laird, Rangers
24. Jeff Mathis, Angels
25. Gregg Zaun, Blue Jays
26. John Buck, Royals
27. Rod Barajas, Blue Jays
28. Ronny Paulino, Pirates
29. Brian Schneider, Mets
30. *Dave Ross, Reds
31. Kelly Shoppach, Indians
32. Chris Iannetta, Rockies
33. Jason Kendall, Brewers
34. *Paul Lo Duca, Nationals
35. Jose Molina, Yankees
36. Chris Coste, Phillies
37. Paul Bako, Reds

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week April 28 through May 4, unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox: Finally receiving regular playing time, Ellsbury ranks among the league leaders in runs and stolen bases. He’s started off his career perfect in steal attempts (17 for 17), longest in the majors to start a career since Tim Raines started 27 for 27. He’s also already matched his major league home run total from last season in half the at-bats, which shows potential for more power. Facing the Jays and the Rays next week, he should be a solid play.

Johnny Damon, OF, Yankees: After starting off the year in a funk, Damon seems to have turned the corner with a string of multi-hit games last week that included two home runs. Always a good source of runs at the top of a potent offense, Damon is on pace for more than 20 walks this month, something he did only once in ’07. Prior to last season, he’d strung together nine straight seasons of more than 100 runs, and should get back to that level again this year. He’s a must play in all formats.

Bench 'em

Delmon Young, OF, Twins: Although an amazing talent, Young hasn’t been able to put it all together for his fantasy owners thus far. He’s still not taking walks, hitting for power or stealing bases, necessary skills lacking thus far in his young career. He hit only 13 home runs last season, making many expert predictions of 20 homers look like a reach. If you’re in a mixed league, you should consider moving him; a more valuable piece could be had for the former top prospect.

Phil Hughes, SP, Yankees: After returning last season from a hamstring injury, Hughes left such a positive impression on Yankee ownership that he was nearly untouchable during the Johan Santana trade discussions. At this point, that is looking like a huge mistake, as Hughes is off to a terrible start and the Yankees are in need of an ace. He’ll face the Tigers next week, a lineup that is just starting to heat up after their own dismal start. This doesn’t look to be the week Hughes turns it around, so keep him on your bench until he straightens himself out.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Reds: What a difference a week makes, as the red-hot Encarnacion looks to continue his hot-hitting ways for the Reds. He leads the team in home runs thus far, and is starting to realize the potential fantasy owners have been hoping for after his second-half surge in ’07 (.309 average, 10 home runs, 40 runs batted in after the All-Star Break). He faces the Cards and the Braves next week, two teams he hit very well against last season (4 home runs and 12 runs batted in).

Conor Jackson, 1B, Diamondbacks: One of the biggest surprises in the NL so far, Jackson is finally realizing the potential that so many people were raving about during the ’03 draft. His strong on-base skills (.368 on base percentage in ’07) and high contact rate (88 percent in ’07) make him a candidate for a strong batting average on a yearly basis. Add in his power potential and rising fly-ball rate, and he could exceed 20 home runs this season if he finally gets 500 at-bats. He’s a solid play this week against the Astros and the Mets.

Bench 'em

Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals: A notoriously slow starter (.236 average and 1 homer in April ’07), Zimmerman is off to another slow start this year, hovering around the .210 mark for the past few weeks. Offseason wrist surgery could be the culprit, as he could still be trying to work himself back into shape following the procedure. He mashed six home runs last May, but wait until he starts to show signs of heating up before getting him back in your lineup.

Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates: Another player who probably wishes for the season to start in May, LaRoche again finds himself mired in an April slump. He could actually post a lower batting average this year than he did last April (.133). LaRoche faces a tough Mets staff this week, making a rebound less likely. Stash him on your reserves until he
emerges from his spring slumber.