There are several injured players who are potentially worth drafting next Saturday.
So there are a couple of things you should consider before possibly selecting one of them.
1. You can draft players who will open the season on the DL. You can select that player with one of your 16 picks, then immediately send that player to your fantasy DL. Then you could use one of your April moves to replace that player on your roster. Remember you have four monthly moves in April, as per league rules. You could draft two or three DL players if you want. But once the draft is over, any player on the DL cannot be acquired as a free agent.
2. You can draft players who will open the season in the minors. But remember, you have no place to put these players. They have to sit on your bench, and would be eligible to be stolen after spending four weeks on your bench. Again, any player who is not drafted, and who opens the season in the minors, will not be eligible to be acquired as a free agent.
3. After the conclusion of the draft on Saturday and before the start of games on Monday, you may drop players and acquired replacements with being charged an April move. However, you can't use one of these "free" moves to select a player who will open the season on the DL or in the minors. You must use one of your 16 draft picks to do that.
Things to think about.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Injured players
Injured NL players you should keep an eye on this spring.
Lance Berkman, 1b, Hou: Berkman had surgery on his knee last week. With 2-4 week recovery, he could be ready by opening day. He wants to be ready, but it's questionable.
Ted Lilly, sp, Chi: Recovering from offseason shoulder surgery; not expected back with the Cubs until late April at earliest.
Brandon Webb, sp, Arz: Webb had a setback in his recovery from shoulder surgery; he's now talking about opening the season on the DL with a mid to late April season debut.
Russell Martin, c, LA: Tested out his strain groin and responded well; still remains questionable for opening day, however.
Freddy Sanchez, 2b, SF: The Giants have said that Sanchez is aiming for a late April/early May return.
Jose Reyes, ss, NY: The clock is running on the one to seven weeks of rest for Reyes to get his thyroid levels back to normal. Then he needs to get back in playing shape. That puts his return likely at anywhere from late April to late June.
Carlos Beltran, of, NY: Beltran is aiming for a mid-May return from knee surgery.
Chien Ming-Wang, sp, Wash: Pitcher aiming for a late April/early May season debut after shoulder surgery.
Jesus Flores, c, Wash: Rehabbing shoulder; no timetable on return, but he won't be ready by Opening Day
Edinson Volquez, sp, Cin/Jordan Zimmermann, sp, Wash: Both had Tommy John surgery, both hoping to return this season. Neither likely back until August.
Huston Street, rp, Col: MRI on shoulder came back clean, but Rockies will take his return slowly; possibly opening season on DL
Lance Berkman, 1b, Hou: Berkman had surgery on his knee last week. With 2-4 week recovery, he could be ready by opening day. He wants to be ready, but it's questionable.
Ted Lilly, sp, Chi: Recovering from offseason shoulder surgery; not expected back with the Cubs until late April at earliest.
Brandon Webb, sp, Arz: Webb had a setback in his recovery from shoulder surgery; he's now talking about opening the season on the DL with a mid to late April season debut.
Russell Martin, c, LA: Tested out his strain groin and responded well; still remains questionable for opening day, however.
Freddy Sanchez, 2b, SF: The Giants have said that Sanchez is aiming for a late April/early May return.
Jose Reyes, ss, NY: The clock is running on the one to seven weeks of rest for Reyes to get his thyroid levels back to normal. Then he needs to get back in playing shape. That puts his return likely at anywhere from late April to late June.
Carlos Beltran, of, NY: Beltran is aiming for a mid-May return from knee surgery.
Chien Ming-Wang, sp, Wash: Pitcher aiming for a late April/early May season debut after shoulder surgery.
Jesus Flores, c, Wash: Rehabbing shoulder; no timetable on return, but he won't be ready by Opening Day
Edinson Volquez, sp, Cin/Jordan Zimmermann, sp, Wash: Both had Tommy John surgery, both hoping to return this season. Neither likely back until August.
Huston Street, rp, Col: MRI on shoulder came back clean, but Rockies will take his return slowly; possibly opening season on DL
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Fantasy rankings: Relievers
Top ranked relievers, according to Sports Weekly's fantasy preview.
1. Jonathan Broxton, LA
2. Brian Wilson, SF
3. Francisco Rodriguez, NY
4. Heath Bell, SD
5. Huston Street, Col
6. Trevor Hoffman, Mil
7. Francisco Cordero, Cin
8. Billy Wagner, Atl
9. Carlos Marmol, Chi
10. Ryan Franklin, StL
11. Chad Qualls, Arz
12. Brad Lidge, Phi
Commish's take: Broxton is the class of this position. He even withstood Scott's penchant for killing off relievers. Wilson, K-Rod, Bell form the next group on this list. After that, it's a hodge-podge of players. Street will open the season on the DL. Hoffman is getting a late start to spring. Cordero looks like a better option than both. Wagner is a risk, but could pay off big. And that's really true for Lidge. If you don't get No. 1-4 on this list, it may be a position that you wait to fill.
1. Jonathan Broxton, LA
2. Brian Wilson, SF
3. Francisco Rodriguez, NY
4. Heath Bell, SD
5. Huston Street, Col
6. Trevor Hoffman, Mil
7. Francisco Cordero, Cin
8. Billy Wagner, Atl
9. Carlos Marmol, Chi
10. Ryan Franklin, StL
11. Chad Qualls, Arz
12. Brad Lidge, Phi
Commish's take: Broxton is the class of this position. He even withstood Scott's penchant for killing off relievers. Wilson, K-Rod, Bell form the next group on this list. After that, it's a hodge-podge of players. Street will open the season on the DL. Hoffman is getting a late start to spring. Cordero looks like a better option than both. Wagner is a risk, but could pay off big. And that's really true for Lidge. If you don't get No. 1-4 on this list, it may be a position that you wait to fill.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Fantasy rankings: Starting pitchers
Fantasy rankings, based on Sports Weekly fantasy preview
1. Tim Lincecum, SF
2. Roy Halladay, Phi
3. Dan Haren, Arz
4. Adam Wainwright, StL
5. Chris Carpenter, StL
6. Josh Johnson, Fla
7. Johan Santana, NY
8. Jair Jurrjens, Atl
9. Clayton Kershaw, LA
10. Ubaldo Jimenez, Col
11. Tommy Hanson, Atl
12. Wandy Rodriguez, Hou
13. Matt Cain, SF
14. Cole Hamels, Phi
15. Yovani Gallardo, Mil
16. Chad Billingsley, LA
17. Ricky Nolasco, Fla
18. Roy Oswalt, Hou
19. Brandon Webb, Arz
20. Randy Wolf, Mil
21. Jonathan Sanchez, SF
22. Edwin Jackson, Arz
23. Ryan Dempster, Chi
24. Jorge De La Rosa, Col
25. Hiroki Kuroda, LA
26. Ted Lilly, Chi
27. Johnny Cueto, Cin
28. Joe Blanton, Phi
29. Tim Hudson, Atl
30. Carlos Zambrano, Chi
31. Bronson Arroyo, Cin
32. Aaron Harang, Cin
33. Charlie Morton, Pit
34. J.A. Happ, Phi
35. Barry Zito, SF
36. Stephen Strasburg, Was
37. Bud Norris, Hou
38. Ross Ohlendorf, Pit
39. Jason Hammel, Col
40. Mat Latos, SD
41. Kenshin Kawakami, Atl
42. Randy Wells, Chi
43. Chris Young, SD
44. Zach Duke, Pit
45. John Maine, NY
46. Kyle Lohse, StL
47. Brad Penny, StL
48. Derek Lowe, Atl
49. Kevin Correia, SD
50. Anibal Sanchez, Fla
Commish's take: There are certain tiers to this list. The first is the top 18. You really want to make sure you come away from the draft with at least two of these players. No. 19, Webb, should be in this tier, but there are just too many questions. The next tier runs from No. 19 and No. 32. These players would make good No. 3 pitchers on your staff. There are some good gambles in this tier, most notably Ted Lilly, Johnny Cueto, Carlos Zambrano and Aaron Harang. The last tier is from No. 33 and on. Notable players in this tier: Randy Wells, Chris Young, John Maine, Brad Penny and Derek Lowe.
1. Tim Lincecum, SF
2. Roy Halladay, Phi
3. Dan Haren, Arz
4. Adam Wainwright, StL
5. Chris Carpenter, StL
6. Josh Johnson, Fla
7. Johan Santana, NY
8. Jair Jurrjens, Atl
9. Clayton Kershaw, LA
10. Ubaldo Jimenez, Col
11. Tommy Hanson, Atl
12. Wandy Rodriguez, Hou
13. Matt Cain, SF
14. Cole Hamels, Phi
15. Yovani Gallardo, Mil
16. Chad Billingsley, LA
17. Ricky Nolasco, Fla
18. Roy Oswalt, Hou
19. Brandon Webb, Arz
20. Randy Wolf, Mil
21. Jonathan Sanchez, SF
22. Edwin Jackson, Arz
23. Ryan Dempster, Chi
24. Jorge De La Rosa, Col
25. Hiroki Kuroda, LA
26. Ted Lilly, Chi
27. Johnny Cueto, Cin
28. Joe Blanton, Phi
29. Tim Hudson, Atl
30. Carlos Zambrano, Chi
31. Bronson Arroyo, Cin
32. Aaron Harang, Cin
33. Charlie Morton, Pit
34. J.A. Happ, Phi
35. Barry Zito, SF
36. Stephen Strasburg, Was
37. Bud Norris, Hou
38. Ross Ohlendorf, Pit
39. Jason Hammel, Col
40. Mat Latos, SD
41. Kenshin Kawakami, Atl
42. Randy Wells, Chi
43. Chris Young, SD
44. Zach Duke, Pit
45. John Maine, NY
46. Kyle Lohse, StL
47. Brad Penny, StL
48. Derek Lowe, Atl
49. Kevin Correia, SD
50. Anibal Sanchez, Fla
Commish's take: There are certain tiers to this list. The first is the top 18. You really want to make sure you come away from the draft with at least two of these players. No. 19, Webb, should be in this tier, but there are just too many questions. The next tier runs from No. 19 and No. 32. These players would make good No. 3 pitchers on your staff. There are some good gambles in this tier, most notably Ted Lilly, Johnny Cueto, Carlos Zambrano and Aaron Harang. The last tier is from No. 33 and on. Notable players in this tier: Randy Wells, Chris Young, John Maine, Brad Penny and Derek Lowe.
Fantasy rankings: Outfielders
Fantasy rankings, according to Sports Weekly fantasy preview
1. Ryan Braun, Mil
2. Matt Kemp, LA
3, Matt Holliday, StL
4. Jasyon Werth, Phi
5. Justin Upton, Arz
6. Manny Ramirez, LA
7. Jason Bay, NY
8. Carlos Lee, Hou
9. Shane Victorino, Phi
10. Andre Ethier, LA
11. Michael Bourn, Hou
12. Nate McLouth, Atl
13. Raul Ibanez, Phi
14. Hunter Pence, Hou
15. Andrew McCutchen, Pit
16. Carlos Gonzalez, Col
17. Nyger Morgan, Was
18. Alfonso Soriano, Chi
19. Brad Hawpe, Col
20. Mark DeRosa, SF
21. Dexter Fowler, Col
22. Chris Coghlan, Fla
23. Ryan Ludwick, StL
24. Conor Jackson, Arz
25. Carlos Beltran, NY
26. Lastings Milledge, Pit
27. Jay Bruce, Cin
28. Josh Willingham, Was
29. Chris Young, Arz
30. Marlon Byrd, Chi
31. Corey Hart, Mil
32. Cody Ross, Fla
33. Colby Rasmus, StL
34. Scott Hairston, SD
35. Jeff Francoeur, NY
36. Garrett Jones, Pit
37. Matt Diaz, Atl
38. Kyle Blanks, SD
39. Drew Stubbs, Cin
40. Melky Cabrera, Atl
Commish's take: Justin Upton has loads of talent, but is still young. Ramirez, Bay and Lee seem like safer picks. And I'd take Bay over the unpredictable Man-Ram. Bourn's ability to steal bases makes him a big commodity in other fantasy leagues that value SBs. In ours, in just another stat category. He should shifted down a few spots. Sports Weekly must be expecting Carlos Gonzalez to take a big leap forward. Corey Hart was hurt last year. If he's healthy, he's a top-2o OF.
1. Ryan Braun, Mil
2. Matt Kemp, LA
3, Matt Holliday, StL
4. Jasyon Werth, Phi
5. Justin Upton, Arz
6. Manny Ramirez, LA
7. Jason Bay, NY
8. Carlos Lee, Hou
9. Shane Victorino, Phi
10. Andre Ethier, LA
11. Michael Bourn, Hou
12. Nate McLouth, Atl
13. Raul Ibanez, Phi
14. Hunter Pence, Hou
15. Andrew McCutchen, Pit
16. Carlos Gonzalez, Col
17. Nyger Morgan, Was
18. Alfonso Soriano, Chi
19. Brad Hawpe, Col
20. Mark DeRosa, SF
21. Dexter Fowler, Col
22. Chris Coghlan, Fla
23. Ryan Ludwick, StL
24. Conor Jackson, Arz
25. Carlos Beltran, NY
26. Lastings Milledge, Pit
27. Jay Bruce, Cin
28. Josh Willingham, Was
29. Chris Young, Arz
30. Marlon Byrd, Chi
31. Corey Hart, Mil
32. Cody Ross, Fla
33. Colby Rasmus, StL
34. Scott Hairston, SD
35. Jeff Francoeur, NY
36. Garrett Jones, Pit
37. Matt Diaz, Atl
38. Kyle Blanks, SD
39. Drew Stubbs, Cin
40. Melky Cabrera, Atl
Commish's take: Justin Upton has loads of talent, but is still young. Ramirez, Bay and Lee seem like safer picks. And I'd take Bay over the unpredictable Man-Ram. Bourn's ability to steal bases makes him a big commodity in other fantasy leagues that value SBs. In ours, in just another stat category. He should shifted down a few spots. Sports Weekly must be expecting Carlos Gonzalez to take a big leap forward. Corey Hart was hurt last year. If he's healthy, he's a top-2o OF.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Fantasy rankings: Catcher
Fantasy rankings, according to Sports Weekly fantasy baseball preview:
1. Brian McCann, Atl
2. Miguel Montero, Arz
3. Bengie Molina, SF
4. Yadier Molina, StL
5. Russell Martin, LA
6. Geovany Soto, Chi
7. Chris Iannetta, Col
8. Ryan Doumit, Pit
9. Carlos Ruiz, Phi
10. John Baker, Fla
11. Jesus Flores, Was
12. Nick Hundley, SD
Commish's take: This is not a particularly strong position, and it thins out very quickly. Bengie Molina is No. 3, but he's not likely to get as many at-bats this season as the Giants plan to give him more rest. Martin will start the season on the DL, dropping his value. Soto has lost weight and hoping to rebound. Iannetta will now battle Miguel Olivo for playing time. Flores may need surgery on his shoulder that could sideline him for a while.
1. Brian McCann, Atl
2. Miguel Montero, Arz
3. Bengie Molina, SF
4. Yadier Molina, StL
5. Russell Martin, LA
6. Geovany Soto, Chi
7. Chris Iannetta, Col
8. Ryan Doumit, Pit
9. Carlos Ruiz, Phi
10. John Baker, Fla
11. Jesus Flores, Was
12. Nick Hundley, SD
Commish's take: This is not a particularly strong position, and it thins out very quickly. Bengie Molina is No. 3, but he's not likely to get as many at-bats this season as the Giants plan to give him more rest. Martin will start the season on the DL, dropping his value. Soto has lost weight and hoping to rebound. Iannetta will now battle Miguel Olivo for playing time. Flores may need surgery on his shoulder that could sideline him for a while.
Fantasy rankings: Third basemen
Fantasy rankings, according to Sports Weekly fantasy baseball preview
1. David Wright, NY
2. Ryan Zimmerman, Was
3. Mark Reynolds, Arz
4. Pablo Sandoval, SF
5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi
6. Chipper Jones, Atl
7. Ian Stewart, Col
8. Scott Rolen, Cin
9. Casey Blake, LA
10. Casey McGehee, Mil
11. Andy LaRoche, Pit
12. Chase Headley, SD
Commish's take: Wright remains the class at 3B, despit a sub-par season last year. Zimmerman has closed the gap on Wright, and Reynolds might as well if he didn't kick the ball around the infield so much. There's a definite drop after Sandoval. A-Ram has injury issues, and Chipper says if he doesn't bounce back, he'll retire. Stewart could be an up-and-comer, but the Rockies' signing of Melvin Mora could cut into playing time. LaRoche could lose his job to top prospect Pedro Alvarez.
1. David Wright, NY
2. Ryan Zimmerman, Was
3. Mark Reynolds, Arz
4. Pablo Sandoval, SF
5. Aramis Ramirez, Chi
6. Chipper Jones, Atl
7. Ian Stewart, Col
8. Scott Rolen, Cin
9. Casey Blake, LA
10. Casey McGehee, Mil
11. Andy LaRoche, Pit
12. Chase Headley, SD
Commish's take: Wright remains the class at 3B, despit a sub-par season last year. Zimmerman has closed the gap on Wright, and Reynolds might as well if he didn't kick the ball around the infield so much. There's a definite drop after Sandoval. A-Ram has injury issues, and Chipper says if he doesn't bounce back, he'll retire. Stewart could be an up-and-comer, but the Rockies' signing of Melvin Mora could cut into playing time. LaRoche could lose his job to top prospect Pedro Alvarez.
Fantasy rankings: Shortstop
Fantasy rankings, according to Sports Weekly fantasy baseball preview
1. Hanley Ramirez, Fla
2. Troy Tulowitzki, Col
3. Jose Reyes, NY
4. Jimmy Rollins, Phi
5. Stephen Drew, Arz
6. Yunel Escobar, Atl
7. Rafael Furcal, LA
8. Alcides Escobar, Mil
9. Everth Cabrera, SD
10. Orlando Cabrera, Cin
11. Ryan Theriot, Chi
12. Brendan Ryan, StL
Commish's take: Last year's big three of Ramirez, Reyes and Rollins is down to one: Ramirez. Reyes has been told to take 2-8 weeks of rest to treat at hyperactive thyroid. No baseball activities. Given that he is coming off a serious hamstring injury, you've got to add a month after he returns to baseball activities. So we're looking at late April return at the earliest, but he may not be back until July. That drops him on this list. Everth Cabrera's ranking here is quite curious. Orlando Cabrera and Ryan Theriot are better options.
1. Hanley Ramirez, Fla
2. Troy Tulowitzki, Col
3. Jose Reyes, NY
4. Jimmy Rollins, Phi
5. Stephen Drew, Arz
6. Yunel Escobar, Atl
7. Rafael Furcal, LA
8. Alcides Escobar, Mil
9. Everth Cabrera, SD
10. Orlando Cabrera, Cin
11. Ryan Theriot, Chi
12. Brendan Ryan, StL
Commish's take: Last year's big three of Ramirez, Reyes and Rollins is down to one: Ramirez. Reyes has been told to take 2-8 weeks of rest to treat at hyperactive thyroid. No baseball activities. Given that he is coming off a serious hamstring injury, you've got to add a month after he returns to baseball activities. So we're looking at late April return at the earliest, but he may not be back until July. That drops him on this list. Everth Cabrera's ranking here is quite curious. Orlando Cabrera and Ryan Theriot are better options.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Fantasy rankings: Second basemen
Ranking of second baseman, by Sports Weekly fantasy baseball edition.
1. Chase Utley, Phi
2. Brandon Phillips, Cin
3. Martin Prado, Atl
4. Rickie Weeks, Mil
5. Dan Uggla, Fla
6. Skip Schumaker, StL
7. Kelly Johnson, Arz
8. Clint Barmes, Col
9. Luis Castillo, NY
10. Kaz Matsui, Hou
11. Jeff Baker, Chi
12. Freddy Sanchez, SF
Commish's take: These rankings are the reason you need to watch out for fantasy rankings. Most fantasy baseball leagues value things that don't help much in our league. Dan Uggla should not be slotted at No. 5. In leagues that value average or on-base percentage, Uggla does not score high. But he hits high in the order. So in our league, as long as he gets his ABs, his average doesn't matter much. In other words, a guy who goes 1 for 4 is just as valuable as a guy who goes 1 for 5. Prado ranks high on this list because in some fantasy leagues, he carries eligibility at 1B and 3B as well. But in our league, he'll be a 2B because that's where the Braves plan on playing him. The one thing you need to know is if you don't take Player No. 1 or Player No. 2, you are taking on some bit of a risk. Prado takes over as a full-time starter this year. Weeks has loads of talent, but can't seem to stay healthy for a full season. Kelly Johnson is a good player coming off a bad year. If Luis Castillo doesn't hit near the top of the order (like he did last year with Jose Reyes out), he won't score. And even though he has injury issues, I'd take Freddy Sanchez higher than he's slotted here.
1. Chase Utley, Phi
2. Brandon Phillips, Cin
3. Martin Prado, Atl
4. Rickie Weeks, Mil
5. Dan Uggla, Fla
6. Skip Schumaker, StL
7. Kelly Johnson, Arz
8. Clint Barmes, Col
9. Luis Castillo, NY
10. Kaz Matsui, Hou
11. Jeff Baker, Chi
12. Freddy Sanchez, SF
Commish's take: These rankings are the reason you need to watch out for fantasy rankings. Most fantasy baseball leagues value things that don't help much in our league. Dan Uggla should not be slotted at No. 5. In leagues that value average or on-base percentage, Uggla does not score high. But he hits high in the order. So in our league, as long as he gets his ABs, his average doesn't matter much. In other words, a guy who goes 1 for 4 is just as valuable as a guy who goes 1 for 5. Prado ranks high on this list because in some fantasy leagues, he carries eligibility at 1B and 3B as well. But in our league, he'll be a 2B because that's where the Braves plan on playing him. The one thing you need to know is if you don't take Player No. 1 or Player No. 2, you are taking on some bit of a risk. Prado takes over as a full-time starter this year. Weeks has loads of talent, but can't seem to stay healthy for a full season. Kelly Johnson is a good player coming off a bad year. If Luis Castillo doesn't hit near the top of the order (like he did last year with Jose Reyes out), he won't score. And even though he has injury issues, I'd take Freddy Sanchez higher than he's slotted here.
Fantasy rankings: First basemen
Ranking of first basemen, based on Sports Weekly fantasy baseball edition.
1. Albert Pujols, StL
2. Prince Fielder, Mil
3. Ryan Howard, Phi
4. Adrian Gonzalez, SD
5. Joey Votto, Cin
6. Lance Berkman, Hou
7. Derrek Lee, Chi
8. Adam Dunn, Wash
9. Todd Helton, Col
10. James Loney, LA
11. Adam LaRoche, Arz
12. Aubrey Huff, SF
Commish's take: This list looks about right from here. Berkman could be a steal at No. 6, but his health issues from last year leave lingering questions. Curious to see if Dunn lasts the spring as the 1B for the Nationals, or whether he picks up some OF eligibility. Helton also could be a steal, but comes with much bigger risks than Berkman. Loney may be a safer pick. Also, Jorge Cantu of the Marlins seems a better No. 12 than Huff.
1. Albert Pujols, StL
2. Prince Fielder, Mil
3. Ryan Howard, Phi
4. Adrian Gonzalez, SD
5. Joey Votto, Cin
6. Lance Berkman, Hou
7. Derrek Lee, Chi
8. Adam Dunn, Wash
9. Todd Helton, Col
10. James Loney, LA
11. Adam LaRoche, Arz
12. Aubrey Huff, SF
Commish's take: This list looks about right from here. Berkman could be a steal at No. 6, but his health issues from last year leave lingering questions. Curious to see if Dunn lasts the spring as the 1B for the Nationals, or whether he picks up some OF eligibility. Helton also could be a steal, but comes with much bigger risks than Berkman. Loney may be a safer pick. Also, Jorge Cantu of the Marlins seems a better No. 12 than Huff.
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