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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 147  0 |
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Positives/Upside:
The AL batting champ 3 of the last 4 years and will give you a definitive advantage in that category. He throws in some quality numbers in HR, RBI and runs as well, making him, hands down, the best catching option on the board. .345-100-30-100-5 in 550 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Mauer may have trouble replicating his 2009 stat line, which was one of the best for catcher in the history of baseball. He won't contribute much in the speed department and, being a catcher, will play fewer games than the rest of the top-25 players. .310-90-20-90-3 in 490 AB |
Analysis:
Mauer missed the first month of the 2009 season due to a back injury and still hit a remarkable .365-94-28-96. If your fantasy team wants to have the #1 catcher, this is your man, but you'd better be looking to draft him late in the first or early in the second round or he will be gone. The problem is that there is no value in selecting him that high. He will clearly be the best catcher, but he will not live up to the draft spot where you take him. .330-95-25-95-3 in 530 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 13 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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$ |
39 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 146 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Things couldn't have gone better for V-Mart in 2009. He bounced back from a disappointing 2008 and was dealt out of Cleveland to the Red Sox, where he'll have ample RBI opportunities and score a lot of runs. A full year in Boston could result in career highs in runs, home runs, and RBI. V-Mart is an elite option at catcher. .300-90-25-100-0 in 570 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Whenever a player has a down year like Martinez did in 2008, at least some concern exists that another poor season is a possibility. While Martinez's 2008 can be explained by the injuries he struggled with that season, the chance of another injury does linger, especially since Martinez will be play primarily behind the plate in 2010. .275-80-15-90-0 in 520 AB |
Analysis:
Martinez does qualify as an injury risk in 2010, but the reward of having a catcher that can produce like Martinez outweighs the risk. Filling one of your catcher's spots with Martinez is a smart move in 2010. .290-85-20-95-0 in 540 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 30 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
33 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 226 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
McCann followed up his stellar 2008 season with another strong effort in '09, smacking out 21 homers and plating 94 RBI while batting .281. Though he has played four full seasons in the bigs, McCann is still just 26 years old and should continue to produce at a high level for years to come. His 94 RBI last year was a career best, and he is a virtual lock to be right around 20 homers and 90 ribbies again in 2010. .300-75-28-100-5 in 520 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
While that .281 last year looks nice, it represented a 20-point decline from the .301 McCann batted in 2008. His walk rate, slugging percentage and OPS all took a sharp drop as well -- leading many to wonder whether he'll ever approach the .333 he stroked out back in 2006. .275-55-20-80-0 in 470 AB |
Analysis:
McCann is a solid and reliable producer, but may not be worth his price in single-catcher leagues. There are several backstops available late in the draft that are capable of launching 20 bombs and knocking in 70-80 runs. Don't overpay for McCann, but he is a true "worry free" option as your Fantasy catcher. .290-65-25-90-3 in 500 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 43 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
30 |
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$ |
20 (1) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 126 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Wieters ended the strong and should end up as one of the top catchers in home runs, runs, RBI, and average. He's a gamble that could take the next step into the elite at the position. .300-70-20-80-0 in 530 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
We saw two sides of Wieters last season. There's the possibility that we get more of the bad Wieters in his sophomore season. .275-60-15-70-0 in 480 AB |
Analysis:
Matt Wieters may have appeared to be a bust in 2009, but he really played well from August on. Wieters will hit in the middle of this line-up and will get every chance to succeed. Consider him a post-hype sleeper. .290-65-18-75-0 in 510 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 106 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
21 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 98 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
In just 383 at bats last season, Posada collected 22 homeruns and 81 RBI. The fact is that the guy can still hit. Batting behind the Yanks big guns, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, is going to provide Jorge with plenty of RBI chances. He is entering the season at full health and has at least one more big season left in him. .288-65-25-85-0 in 400 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
There's n,o doubt that he can still hit, but at 38 he's one of the biggest injury risks in baseball. 16 years wearing the tools of ignorance has a way of tearing the body apart. Posada represents far too much of an injury risk to qualify as a the type of guy you can pick, place into your line-up, and forget about. Take a capable alternative if you do decide to draft Jorge. .275-55-15-65-0 in 300 AB |
Analysis:
The fact that the aging Posada still ranks fifth in the catcher rankings is testament to the poor quality of the position. Posada can still hit, and will produce if he can stay in the line-up. Of course staying in the line-up could be a problem. Calling Posada an injury risk is an understatement, as you can basically guarantee that he will miss time. The question is, how much time? .285-60-20-75-0 in 350 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 140 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
19 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 84 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Montero will give you above average totals in runs, RBI, home runs and average (for a catcher). He's a young guy and should only improve on his breakout 2009. .290-68-20-75-0 in 475 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Catchers can be a fickle bunch, so it wouldn't take anyone by complete surprise if he regressed in 2010. .260-60-15-65-0 in 430 AB |
Analysis:
This season, you may be able to wait at the position and get top-five value later on in the form of Miguel Montero. The power-hitting backstop got increased reps as the season went along and turned the extra at bats into 16 HR and 59 RBI. Montero is now the D-Backs starting catcher, and with a full season under his belt comes the possibility of a big breakout campaign in 2010. If you don't feel like spending a high pick on some of the elite catchers, wait and grab Montero later on. You won't be sorry. .275-65-18-70-0 in 460 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 139 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
19 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 112 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Soto showed us what he is capable in his 2008 Rookie of the Year campaign when he hit .285, and added 23 homeruns and 86 RBI. There is no debating that his 2009 season was a huge disappointment, but even if he doesn't return to his 2008 form, he's a lock to improve in 2010. Rumor is that he has slimmed down some this offseason as well, and a more fit Soto is likely a better Soto. |
Negatives/Downside:
Last season Soto hit .218, scored 27 runs, hit 11 homeruns, and drove in 47. Quite a slide after Soto's breakout 2008 season. He'll have to correct a lot if he's going to become an fantasy asset, and anything less than a huge improvement won't make him all that desirable of an option. |
Analysis:
Soto’s 2009 was a disaster after his 2008 Rookie of the Year campaign. Soto never got it going with the bat, ended up losing at bats to Koyie Hill, and finished with a pitiful .218 average. Soto is a talented player, and I expect him to bounce back in 2010. If owners in your league are scared off by his 2009 campaign, take a chance on Soto. .270-65-20-75-0 |
| Recommended Draft Position: 147 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
18 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 101 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
The tendency will be to project Suzuki by splitting the difference between his 54 RBI in 2008 and his 88 in 2009 and between his 7 and 15 home runs. The 2008 A's mounted a .318 team OBP "good" for third worst in the majors and .369 slugging which took home the roses for slugging futility. Not to say that their .328/.397 was wonderful in 2009, but the main difference was context and this season's context should be, for Suzuki, comparable or better. .280-90-15-80-8. 575ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
Suzuki is "that" good, but how good is "that?" Points for showing up, sure...but a .734 OPS in 2009. a .421 slugging? How long can a real team continue to bat him second or even third (29 games of .221 with a .643 OPS)?
Sooner or later doesn't this mean batting 8th and all those RBI disappearing? .270-60-10-60-3. 475Abs |
Analysis:
Several years ago someone asked me about Jeremy Brown, an Oakland A's #1 draft pick in the famous (or infamous) 2002 "Moneyball" draft as immortalized by Michael Lewis in the best-seller of that name. I replied that I thought the A's had another catcher. "Daric Barton?" he asked (the 2003 first-rounder then catching in the A's system) and I replied, no, Kurt Suzuki.
Suzuki is now the A's catcher and with 88 RBI in 2009 and for good measure 8 stolen bases, a darn good one. The question is not whether he is this good, because the former .400 hitter for Cal-State Fullerton clearly is this good and has been more or less the identical player the past two seasons. The questions are whether he can continue to catch 147 and 148 games and whether the A's will provide him with any context. The answer is barring some injury for the very durable Suzuki, yes and reservedly yes. .275-85-15-80-5. 550ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 146 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
18 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 118 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Doumit demonstrated what he is capable of in a fine finish to the 2009 season - hitting .329 with a solid .865 OPS in the final month. Like most hitters his performance is tied to his line drive rates and he's historically shown that he can sustain 20% rates there, which makes him a dangerous catcher. Pittsburgh's team outlook seems healthy going into 2010, there's no longer this fatal atmosphere within the organization. With some exciting young talent arrived (Andrew McCutchen) and close (Pedro Alvaraez, the fine 3B prospect), the potential is here for some over-achieving instead of the Bucs annual under achieving. .305-70-18-75-4sb 500ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
Because of the injury history and because it is the Pirates you have to balance the potential upside against both total failure (injury), and failure by proxy (Ryan plays well, but can't rack up R's or RBI because of the batting lineup surrounding him). .275-30-12-35-0. 300ABs |
Analysis:
In this case the Ryan Express goes straight to the DL. The man can just flat out hit, but he has been, hitherto, unable to stay on the field. Doumit posted a 1.045 OPS in his first triple-A stint earning him a trip to Pittsburgh in 2005. Since then he has managed 260 Abs per season with a high of 431 in his fine 2008 campaign. As a fantasy owner, particularly in larger formats or 2 catcher set-ups, you have to keep this in mind.
The other problem with Doumit is, of course, the quality of the lineup around him. Even if Doumit is healthy how will Garret Jones perform? Andrew McCutchen? If Doumit were to stay healthy he could still post very ordinary numbers. There's a lot of moving parts between Doumit and a big fantasy season. His 2008 numbers .318/.357/.501 seem like a peak, but are still reflective of his overall ability going into his age 29 season - but it's not all up to him.
Therefore, Doumit is a paradox for us. He's an intriguing risk/reward pick for leagues where there is something of a safety net. His upside if everything falls right places him just below the top catchers. But he's almost an "avoid" in leagues where there would be no safety net or the bench spot for a handcuff (we can't recommend carrying Jason Jaramillo even as a handcuff). .290-60-15-70-2. 475ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 160 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
17 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 95 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Power. Napoli will hit the long ball with the best of them, which should lead to some RBI as well. |
Negatives/Downside:
Despite a .272 mark in 2009, Napoli is a career .256 hitter. Look for his average to dip down closer to those numbers in 2010. |
Analysis:
Mike Napoli splits more time than you'd like out of a catcher, but he can bring the pain when it comes to the long ball. If you need your backstop to produce power, Napoli will help -- but he's not someone you should target for multi-category production. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 159 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
13 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 135 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
This is Martin's age 27 season. If the weight he has put on is indeed muscle and he can maintain a batting average, he's certainly going to have some base runners to drive in. At this price, a return to his power levels would make him a small, but welcome, profit center for your team. .290-75-22-90-5 550Abs |
Negatives/Downside:
Increased weight will kill Martin's running game and is not a guarantee of increased power. Batting towards the back of the projected Dodger line-up, Martin has almost no chance to score runs as a result his entire value is tied up in the power game and we would not at all be surprised to see all facets of his game decline badly in the second half from carrying all the extra weight on hot summer days. .260-60-10-70-2. 450Abs |
Analysis:
Russell Martin showed up in camp at a beefy 231 pounds which looks like it will stick a fork in what remained of his running game. The extra pounds are, according to Martin, extra muscle in response to his career low seven dingers last season. Time will tell.
The Dodgers "limited" Martin in 2009 because he had faded in the second half of 2008 and he wasn't really any worse in the second half largely because he was also bad in the first half. Martin's splits show a .330 May and a .317 July and the next high mark was .239 in August. In fact Martin's second half in 2008 was not bad as catchers go so in retrospect it looks silly unless there was a specific injury problem they were concerned with. But if the Dodgers were concerned with his endurance before, a 30+ pounds heavier Martin has to concern them a bit more. It is true that catchers have problems keeping weight on during the season, but it seems impossible that adding on the extra wear-and-tear of that poundage is going to help even if, yeah, sure, he ends up weighing more at the end of the season than otherwise.
Still, if the plan is to hit for more power, we're good with that. Even with a reduced running game, all he really needs to do is return to his power levels of 2007 and 2008 (87 RBI each year) to earn the price he is costing and then some. Given that he hit the same number of flyballs last season but had a low 5.4% HR/FB we sort of expect he will. .280-70-20-90-5. 550Abs
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| Recommended Draft Position: 222 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
12 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 117 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Yadier has really developed into a solid big league hitter. His should hit for an average around .300 again in 2010, and could see some increase in runs, homeruns, and RBI. Another thing that seperates Yadier from other catching options is his ability to steal some bases, something he displayed for the first time in 2009. His nine steals were seven more than his previous career high, but a sign that Yadier may be running more going forward. |
Negatives/Downside:
Molina's power potential is limited. The majority of the catching options that compare in draft position or perceived value to Molina will provide double digit homeruns and more RBI. Also, the nine steals last season are not something to get excited about. It's unlikely that he runs that much again in 2010. |
Analysis:
The major’s best defensive catcher is not quite as good with the bat, but offers something different than most mid-level catching options. Where as most of the guys around Molina in the rankings will offer something in the power categories, Molina will provide a nice boost in batting average, without the long balls. Depending on the make-up of your team, Molina may be a better option than guys like Iannetta and brother Bengie. .295-50-8-60-5 in 475 at bats |
| Recommended Draft Position: 224 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
12 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 118 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
If you miss out on the more exciting catching options, Pierzynski isn't a bad guy to select. He'll be good for a double-digit HRs and decent numbers in the other non-SB categories. He's also extremely durable, making him especially useful in AL-only leagues where bulk ABs have a lot of value. |
Negatives/Downside:
Pierzynski isn't exciting and is unlikely to surprise anyone with significant improvement at this point. You can draft him as a safe choice, but you'll likely spend the season looking to improve. With Tyler Flowers on the way, it's possible Pierzynski could see his ABs cut later in the season. |
Analysis:
Everyone knows what Pierzynski brings to the party by now. If you want to focus your resources on other positions, he's worth picking up later in the draft as an acceptable starter or a stable backup for a riskier selection. .275-55-10-50-1 in 450 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 233 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
11 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 132 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Not fantasy gold, but he has a job in a good lineup and park. He'll bat in front of the pitcher but the top of the Phillies lineup is able to drive people in. Whether Polanco or Victorino drops to the back of the order, it makes for a better context for RBI's for Ruiz. We have doubts that he will sustain the .300 BA he posted over the final two months of the 2009 season, but he ought to occasionally put up such stretches. .270-45-9-50-2. 425ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
We usually say that Catchers start to decline around age 32. He's 31 so he should be MONEY! (ed. Steve, sarcasm translates poorly on-line) He's a career .246 hitter in the major leagues and his minor league .275 is padded by his starting rookie ball at age 21 and being a couple of years old for each subsequent level. He was OK three years ago at triple-A and he did have those three good months in 2009 so it's not hopeless, but that's about the best we can say. .250-35-5-35-2. 350ABs |
Analysis:
Quick observation on split stats and pre- and post all-star stats. A number of people will look at the Phillies' lineup, and will have (like this reviewer) used Ruiz for those glorious Aug. and Sept months where at the very least he was not an absolute negative as some NL catchers are and get visions of something that just isn't so. They will cringe at his .255 but then look at the splits and say that his .276 post all-star isn't that bad and then point at three of his five months as a starting catcher over .300 as "proof" that it's now Ruiz time.
1. Even the worst player has some good months. For a catcher we're talking about 60-65 Abs.
2. .276 in a half a season is proof of what exactly?
What you have is a 31 year old veteran (his previous reported birthdate was pushed back from Jan. 1980 to Jan. 1979) back-up catcher. He didn't hit an .800 OPS until his second try at double-A Reading when he was 25 years old (pretty old for that circuit). His only other minor league achievement is a .300 & .505 SLP in triple-A Scranton in 2006 as a 27 year old - again, second time through and old for the circuit. Yes he hit .300+ in three of his five months as the starter, but the other two he hit in the .170's.
Yes, a good lineup and a good park, but this one is a reach even if you pay next to nothing.
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| Recommended Draft Position: 232 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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$ |
11 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 117 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
No real upside, but should turn in .280-15 HR- 70 RBI. Not cripplingly bad. |
Negatives/Downside:
Molina is faster than molasses, but it was a photo finish. Molina's lack of quickness hurts his run total just as much as his stolen bases.
Even more damaging may be the emergence of rookie Buster Posey, who could end up forcing Molina to the bench faster than we think. |
Analysis:
He's a pretty solid choice and should finish as a top-20 catcher. He's not great at any one thing but, unlike a lot of catchers, won't kill you in RBI, average and home runs. Because of his speed, which rivals an gammy legged octogenarian, his run total won't match the rest of his stats. Molina will make a nice second option in two catcher leagues, but you'll be in trouble if Benji is the leader of you're catching platoon. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 223 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
9 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 124 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
He's slightly better than the bottom rung of catchers, but that's about it. |
Negatives/Downside:
Hernandez is below average in basically every category. That should send you in the opposite direction. |
Analysis:
Ramon Hernandez will eventually be on your team this season -- he's always a go-to replacement when your backstop hits the DL. His ability to play first base will give him more at bats than your average catcher, so keep him on the radar for deeper leagues. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 234 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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$ |
9 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 116 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
His power is really his only upside. |
Negatives/Downside:
Newly added Miguel Olivo could even force an even time-share with Iannetta. His hilariously low average and speed won't endear him to fantasy owners. |
Analysis:
Big things were expected from Chris Iannetta, but all his failures from 2009 resulted in was a brand new three-year contract. He’s still young and could have that long-awaited breakout season, but don’t count on it. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 247 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
7 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 95 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
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Negatives/Downside:
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Analysis:
Sure, why not? .270-10-50 |
| Recommended Draft Position: 260 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
5 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 120 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Baker quietly (which is the way baseball-related things happen in south Florida) became a serviceable fantasy catcher in 2009, batting .271-59-9-50-0 in 373 AB. He batted .287 after the Break -- at a time of year when most catchers are slowing down. Baker also batted .299 in his rookie year of 2008, so the above-average BA may be here to stay. .280-65-12-60-0 in 385 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Baker's defensive skills are less than great, and he'll likely lose playing time to backup Ronnie Paulino as a result. He was only a career .277 hitter in the minors, so a fallback to .250-something would not be at all surprising. .260-45-8-45-0 in 275 AB |
Analysis:
Baker is a fine low-end No. 2 fantasy backstop in two-catcher formats, but his upside is limited. .270-55-10-55-0 in 335 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 300 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
5 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 67 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Posey is one of the best prospects in baseball, and the Giants surefire catcher of the future. In two stops in the minor last season Posey hit .325 with 80 runs, 18 homeruns, 84 RBI, and 6 stolen bases in just 422 at bats. He will start the season in the minors, but it's highly unlikely that the Giants will be able to keep him there all season. When he does get the call, he will have a huge impact. |
Negatives/Downside:
He has nowhere to play. Posey's value to a monster hit when the Giants resigned Bengie Molina, all but assuring that he would start the season in the minors. As long as Molina continues to be an asset to the Giants line-up, Posey will have to play the waiting game. |
Analysis:
With Molina on board, Posey's 2010 value will be limited. He could make his way to the majors, but it is hard to project as to when the promotion would occur. For that reason, he can't be relied on in 2010. In keeper league, he is a must grab. He has the potential to be the game's best catcher not named Joe Mauer within a few seasons. .280-25-5-25-3 in 200 at bats |
| Recommended Draft Position: 363 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
4 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 124 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
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Negatives/Downside:
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Analysis:
You basically settle for him if you miss out on better options. .260-10-50 |
| Recommended Draft Position: 250 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
4 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 116 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
C eligible, Clement has slugged 22 homes run per 500 Abs in the minors, 7 in his 219 major league at-bats when he was overmatched. Check his health as there are reports he is not 100%, but he will given every chance to win the first base job (moving Garret Jones to the outfield. .280-60-20-75-1. 525ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
Clement was given an extended run by the Mariners in 2008 and was exposed by major league pitching to the tune of .227 with a .655 OPS, striking out nearly one in three. Clement had been scheduled to start September as the Pirates first baseman, but what had been termed just sprains kept out of even joining the big league club after call-ups. He has not had injury problems, but it's a situation to watch closely. He could very easily succeed, but his last failure was spectacular. .230-20-7-25-0. 150ABs |
Analysis:
Clement retains C eligibility and will be given a chance to win the first base job. That equals POUNCE. Even in an off year in 2009 that ended with a series of injuries (that prevented him from getting an extended September look at PNC Park), he still compiled 21 home runs, 90 RBI and 60 extra base hits in 119 triple-A games. Major league pitchers have consistently got him to chase outside stuff down and if that doesn't change, Clement's stay on the big club will be very short. But if he can close the hole in his swing (and it was hardly in evidence in the minors) he puts a near zero-cost 20 home runs into play for your fantasy team.
You probably don't want to roll this dice if there is no fall back, but the potential upside is intriguing to say the least. .260-50-18-65-1. 425ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 364 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
4 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 101 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Shoppach has accumulated 33 homers over the past two seasons, and his power stroke should be a welcome addition in Tampa Bay. He'll likely split time with Dioner Navarro, but should see plenty of at-bats. .260-50-18-55-1 in 350 AB |
Negatives/Downside:
Shoppach's power numbers dropped precipitously in 2009, and Navarro's superior defensive skills may relegate the former Indian to a relief role. .235-25-8-35-0 in 200 AB |
Analysis:
If Shoppach wins the starting job, he becomes a serviceable fantasy backstop in two-catcher leagues. .245-40-15-50-0 in 300 AB. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 300 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
4 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 110 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
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Negatives/Downside:
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Analysis:
He will rebound some this year. .250-15-50. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 270 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
4 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 83 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Pudge revived a bit in Houston and now stands to have the lions share of playing time. Even if he is ineffective at the plat, his durability will translate into some contribution for the runs and RBI. He won't hit the 20+ home runs of his salad days, but he still punishes mistakes. .255-50-10-45-1. 425ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
The end is near....but the contract will keep him in the lineup. Strikeouts going up and up, walks going down. .240-30-5-25-0. 275ABs |
Analysis:
The tank is just about empty for Pudge. Hidden behind 10 home runs and 55 runs in 2009 is an increasing strikeout rate (nearly one in four) dropping on-base numbers (.280) and a decreasing ability to get the ball in the air (ground ball rates well over 50% now). It's pretty much a blue-print of a batter losing control of the plate. He will begin the season as a starter and can still punish a mistake. The time is not long for what was a great, great career. .250-45-8-40-1. 400ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 415 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
2 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 118 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
With a tenuous hold on the starting C job in Detroit, Laird can offer some ability to produce bulk numbers, especially if you're playing in a deep league that, say, starts two catchers. |
Negatives/Downside:
Laird doesn't produce even average numbers in any category, and his poor batting average offsets any modest HR and RBI he might produce. Prospect Alex Avila is closing in on the starting gig, meaning Laird may only start the year with regular ABs. |
Analysis:
There's really no reason to draft Laird, unless you're playing in a unique league where just getting some bulk numbers at a shallow position will be advantageous. Almost everyone can safely ignore Laird. .240-25-2-20-0 in 200 AB |
| Recommended Draft Position: 413 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
2 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 105 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Olivo will challenge 20+ HR again in 2010 as he makes the move to the hitter friendly Coors field. He even has a bit of speed. |
Negatives/Downside:
He'll be in a time share and has an average that no one looks forward to. |
Analysis:
He'll split time with Chris Iannetta, but he should still do enough to consider as your second catcher in NL only leagues. Those 5 stolen bases could come in handy. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 414 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
2 |
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0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 110 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Incredible Power for itty-bitty price for an end game catcher. Mets are healthy, Barajas should get good PT, half the games are outside of Citi. .250-40-12-60-1. 425ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
Will lose time to Omir Santos and if Santos can prove that he deserves regular playing time he may be relegated to the bench. Barajas derives all of his fantasy value from his power game, precisely the thing Citi hurts the most. .235-20-8-25-250ABs. |
Analysis:
Barajas moves to the healthier (one hopes) Mets from a team that was powered by two guys (Adam Lind and Aaron Hill). It's true he moves to Citifield which suppresses home runs (Rod's primary fantasy skill), but he enters a situation with only limited competition for playing time (Omir Santos) and will get to play half his games on the road. Even if he hits half the 19 home runs he did last season that's worth a more than just a couple of bucks. .240-40-12-60-0. 425ABs
|
| Recommended Draft Position: 412 |
Recommendation: Go the extra dollar |
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$ |
2 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 138 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Maybe he gets DFAed and moves to another team? There's not much here except some excellent minor league results. |
Negatives/Downside:
Thrid string to start the spring and no ,longer in the organization's plans. |
Analysis:
Last year put the last nail in the coffin of Towles prospect days. The Astros were willing to allow J.R. to languish for long stretches on the major league bench rather than get playing time in triple-A..but they sent him to triple-A as well and could have done so as many times as they liked. Sure markers of a player no longer in the organizations plans. Jason Castro will be given every chance to win the starting job and should he fail, Towles is not first in line, Humberto Quintero would play.. .250-5-2-5-0. 50ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 417 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
2 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 65 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Has the potential to score and drive in some runs in a potent Rangers line-up. |
Negatives/Downside:
Playing time. Being on the wrong end of a catching platoon makes him undraftable. |
Analysis:
Teagarden will start the year as the Rangers' back up catcher. Even if he can take over full time catching duties, don't expect too much offense. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 418 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
2 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 81 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Torrealba is up against Nick Hundley for playing time, which improves his chances. He only plays half his games in PetCo. .250-35-8-40-0. 375ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
The only reason we put in 2 dollars is that Torrealba might start. He *ought* to be a major league back-up and a pretty good one at that. His numbers are so bad in PetCo and so modest outside of it that failure IS an option. .235-20-2-25-0. 250ABs |
Analysis:
Yorvit moves from Coors field to PetCo and probably the wrong end of a platoon (although both he and Hundley are right-handed).He was really good last year in stretches, Hitting .286, .341 and .313 from July on. And he actually was as good on the road as he was in Coors .290/.345/.387 in Denver, .292/.360/.371 elsewhere.
But this is not where you want to go.
Even if he wins a full time job he looks like a .245 hitter with little power in Petco where he has batted for his career .156 with a .431 OPS(!)
.235-20-2-25-0. 250ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 411 |
Recommendation: Only at a discount |
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$ |
2 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 111 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
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Negatives/Downside:
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Analysis:
He has some power, so he can definitely help you, but beware a potentially low BA. .250-20-60 |
| Recommended Draft Position: 500 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 99 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
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Negatives/Downside:
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Analysis:
He was really bad last year |
| Recommended Draft Position: 270 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 89 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
He could put up some servicable HR, R, and RBI number, but don't count on too much. |
Negatives/Downside:
playing time, speed and average. |
Analysis:
There's some upside here playing in the Rangers' line-up. Although he's the starter to begin the year, it's entirely possible that he loses reps to Taylor Teagarden as the season goes on. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 298 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 135 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
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Negatives/Downside:
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Analysis:
He won't hurt you, going .270-5-35 in 150 AB. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 380 |
Recommendation: Buy at cost |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 91 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Flores has the power he showed in high-A ball, and he seemed like he was coming into his own last season before injuries sidelined him. .265-35-10-40-0-375Abs |
Negatives/Downside:
It's not clear that his shoulder will hold up and it is not thought that he will be ready for opening day. |
Analysis:
With the signing of Pudge Rodriguez, any potential value that Flores has is probably gone. Flores was great in rookie ball and then for Brooklyn in the New York Penn League (low-A), He was terrible in the Sallie league, but was given a chance in St. Lucie where he connected for 21 home runs. A catching shortage in washington forced him to the big leagues where he was not much good. He was terrific last year for a short period before being injured.
It's not fair that he was called up too early, but it doesn't mean that he will be any better. In a time share with Pudge, you can't take him unless he is shown to be healthy and has the job. .255-25-8-30-0. 275ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 384 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 67 0 |
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Positives/Upside:
Buck hit 18 HR in 2007, that's about the extent of his upside. |
Negatives/Downside:
Buck will kill your batting average, all while underproducing across the board. |
Analysis:
Even for a catcher, Buck has some pretty dismal stats. Even in two catcher leagues, you'll want to avoid Buck. |
| Recommended Draft Position: 383 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
0.0 (0) |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 82 0 |
|
Positives/Upside:
The power is real, and if he bats 7th instead of 8th as he did for much of 2009, he could continue to steal bases. (no need to play station to station with the pitcher on-deck). Torrealba is no spring chicken and handled lefties very poorly last season, so it would make some sense to start working Hundley back in or even take the job back outright if he got hot. .245-40-16-55-5. 400ABs |
Negatives/Downside:
Although he batted a bit higher in the low minors, he would have to alter his game almost entirely to hit much more than .250 and lower is more likely. He had stolen a grand total of two bases as a professional before last season so projecting any number of steals for Hundley is just a guess at Bruce Bochy's coaching behaviour. Batting close ahead of the pitcher means fewer runs, batting behind the Padre's poor on-base hitters equals fewer RBI chances. Add in PetCo and a timeshare and the end result is something to avoid. .235-20-10-30-2. 275ABs |
Analysis:
We actually like Hundley. He averaged over 20 HRs per 500 ABs in the minors and probably would approach that in the majors on occasion. His five stolen bases in 2009 were more than double his career total as a pro before that, but as we all know, running for players like this is largely a matter of coaching decisions rather than speed, he might do that again (for whatever it is worth).
But the Padres signed Yorvit Torrealba in the off season to cover left-handers (against whom Hundley batted a rousing .159 with a .587 OPS). Hundley has the good side of the platoon, but PetCo, plus a sub .250 BA and hitting back close to the pitcher? There just has to be something better. .240-25-10-35-4. 325ABs |
| Recommended Draft Position: 387 |
Recommendation: Avoid |
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0.0 (0) |
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Hits: 51 0 |
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Hits: 45 0 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 89 0 |
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Hits: 68 0 |
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Hits: 63 0 |
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Hits: 66 0 |
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Hits: 81 0 |
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Hits: 88 0 |
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Hits: 65 0 |
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Hits: 73 0 |
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Hits: 81 0 |
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Fantasy Baseball » Hitters
Hits: 67 0 |
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