ATTN: BASES AND BETS IS MOVING

Bases and bets will be moving it’s site over the weekend. Your questions have been great and I hope I have helped most of you in the process. Fear not though, I WILL STILL BE ANSWERING ALL QUESTIONS ON THE NEW SITE. For those of you who have bookmarked this site, I thank you, BUT DON’T FORGET TO ADD THE NEW SITE. You can access the new site here:

http://nationalfantasysports.blogspot.com/

I look forward to you visiting my new blog and I gladly welcome more fantasy questions there. Thanks!

Prospect Watch (5.29.09)

 

The day Orioles fans have been waiting for has finally come.

Matt Wieters (Catcher, Baltimore Orioles)– Have you heard of this guy yet? It seems you can’t talk prospects without Wieters’ name coming up first. He appears to be challenged a little bit more at the Triple-A level than he was in Single and Double-A. Wieters still has good numbers (.305 AVG, 5 HR, 30 RBI, .891 OPS) and in all likelihood will make is pro debut tomorrow night against Detroit. Excluding Manny Ramirez’s unique situation, Wieters is highest owned inactive player (69%) in fantasy baseball history. Follow the trend and add him.

Jake Fox (Outfield, Chicago Cubs)– Fox was called up Wednesday partly due to the numerous amount of Cubs who can’t stay healthy. The big reason why; He is arguably the hottest minor league player at the moment (.423 AVG, 17 HR, 50 RBI). Pinella says he wants to get him in at 3B and 1B but for now, Fox only has OF eligibility. Still only owned in 7% of leagues, he is worth a pickup at the moment. 

Fernando Martinez (Outfield, New York Mets)– Martinez is the Mets highest rated prospect and was called up on Tuesday. With Ryan Church on the DL, Martinez will get a good amount of playing time. However, as I write this article, he is still hitless (0/7) with 1 RBI and 2 K’s. Stay away until he shows that he is not overwhelmed being in the majors which could be the case since he is merely 20 years old. 

Tommy Hanson (Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves)– Many fantasy players and Braves fans are wondering when Hanson will get the call-up. With the promotion of Kris Medlen and a solid outing from Glavine in Triple-A (5 scoreless innings), Hanson fans may have to wait a while. Medlen was called up temporarily and view Hanson as a “long-term” solution. So if a starter struggles or goes down for an extended period of time, that would be the time to get him. Until then, simply keep him on your “watch list”.

Nolan Reimold (Outfield, Baltimore Orioles)– A top prospect called up on May 14th, Reimold has carried over his power numbers from Triple-A Norfolk right into the Majors(.264 AVG, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 K’s in 13 games). He is only owned in 5% of leagues and has proven to be a nice replacement for Felix Pie. Like any rookie, he will have his struggles but its hard to ignore his great minor league numbers. Keep close watch of Nolan Reimold.

Buy or Sell (5.29.09)

Lester is trying to regain his 2008 form.

BUY

Jon Lester (Starting Pitcher, Boston Red Sox)– We all know what Lester is capable of. The problem is, we are still waiting for the young left-hander to take the next step in being “ace quality”. Lester has a knack for running into a bad inning and that is what makes his numbers look so terrible. His K per 9 and K:BB ratio are still outstanding. Lester has fallen victim of the longball which induces his tendency for the “big inning”. Fantasy owners are likely to trade him for a compliment given his ERA hovering just above 6 and a WHIP around 1.60. Try and buy low on Lester as I see him getting things straightened out and finding his form from last season. 

Alexei Ramirez (2B, SS, OF, Chicago White Sox)– Ramirez came onto the scene early last year and many thought he would be one of the top fantasy middle infielders in 2009. Well he has done nothing but disappoint his fantasy owners through the first month and a half of the season (.240 AVG, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 15 RUNS, 9 SB). However, within the last 10 days he has raised his average from .214 to .240 and has hit all three of his homers in that span. The speed is still there with 9 and should get you around 30 for the year. Maybe the last 2 weeks has been a turning point for Ramirez.

Matt Holliday (Outfield, Oakland A’s)– Don’t look now but the player who most people thought would go to Oakland and struggle, has finely found his comfort zone. After a slow start he has 5 HR in the month of May and raised his AVG from .240 to .273. He still isn’t putting up the stolen bases like he was last year but those days might be numbered. I would try and trade for him before he gets hotter.

SELL

Aaron Hill (Second Base, Toronto Blue Jays)– Aaron Hill, as all fantasy players know, has had one of the best starts to the season. His team has also started off hot but are mired in a terrible losing streak due to his team’s inability to hit. This puts more pressure on Hill to do it all and if no one else steps up, Hill may begin to press. His value doesn’t get any higher than right now so try and unload him on someone who is willing to sell the farm to do get him. 

Zach Duke (Starting Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates)– Duke has probably been a pleasant FA surprise for many fantasy owners so now I say that there is no better time than to sell him. Duke has proven he has been good at one thing throughout his career; Inconsistency. There is no better time than now to deal him for someone a bit more consistent.

Free Agent Pitchers to Pick Up (5.28.09)

Hughes is looking to finally live up to the lofty expectations this season.

Rick Porcello (Detroit Tigers)– Pick him up while you can. He throws strikes and doesn’t try and strike everyone out. He is showing why he was a first round pick and is assuming his role in the rotation quite nicely. Picked up yet another win today and will continue to do so in my opinion. His ERA hovers around 3.50 and a WHIP of around 1.20. Leyland will continue to watch his pitch counts to prevent him from burning out at the end of the year. 

Phil Hughes (New York Yankees)– It’s hard not to at least take a look at this guy. Has just come off of an outstanding outing at Texas where he allowed only 3 hits, his last two starts have been great, and is showing signs of continual improvement. The K:BB ratio has steadily improved but just needs to limit the longball (6 HR allowed in last 23.2 IP). With the struggles of Wang and the injuries to Joba, Hughes could find himself cemented into the Yanks rotation soon enough. 

Joel Zumaya (Detroit Tigers)– I really think this guy is back. He is healthy, is hitting triple digits on the radar gun, and is sporting a nice 12:1 K to BB ratio. Zumaya is worthy of an add because he sits next in line to Fernando Rodney for the closers role. Rodney has had his highs and lows this season so I expect the resurgence of Zumaya to shorten the leash for Rodney from here on. 

Kiko Calero (Florida Marlins)– Similar situation to Joel Zumaya’s in that he is next in line to assume the closers job. Lindstrom appears to have settled down a little bit but his walks are still high which means he is susceptible to getting in trouble and blowing saves. Calero comes with a high K per 9 and a low ERA/WHIP. Only owned in 8% of yahoo leagues so keep an eye on him. 

Ryan Madson (Philadelphia Phillies)– Again, what can be said for Zumaya and Calero is the same for Madson. Lidge is no doing anything right in the ninth inning right now and you only wonder how much longer Charlie Manuel will stick with him. This is where Madson comes into the picture. When the phillies need a big out, he has been there to get it. A great ERA/WHIP/K per 9. If holds are a category then this is a must have. 

Carl Pavano (Cleveland Indians)– You may think I am crazy with this pick but take a look at his last 6 starts: 37.2 IP, 5-1, 3.58 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 30 K’s. He has quietly become Cleveland’s second best starter next to Cliff Lee, and the bullpen doesn’t blow HIS games the way they do Lee’s. Only owned in 8% he is definitely worthy of an add. 

Nick Blackburn (Minnesota Twins)– With Nick Blackburn you’re certain to get one thing; Wins. He does a great job at keeping his team in the ball game and this year, while his WHIP remains high, he has managed to bring down his ERA considerably. Taking out one atrocious start against Detroit, he carries a solid 2.85 ERA. Owned by 5% he will be around for you to grab.

Free Agent Outfielders to Pick Up (5.27.09)

Gary Sheffield (New York Mets)– Sheffield will look to be the second or third best run producer in a Mets lineup that can’t seem to stay healthy. He is hitting .357 in the month of May and his power is beginning to come around having hit 3 homers in his last 6 games. Sheff is also sporting a great .965 OPS and would make a great addition on many fantasy teams. He is owned by just 15% of yahoo players so I would pick him up immediately. 

No one denies Rowand's effort, but the numbers need to follow.

Aaron Rowand (San Francisco Giants)– Has had a rather pedestrian start to the 2009 season and given his low power numbers to start, he has fallen off many fantasy player’s radar. However, he seems to have found his power stroke as of late and could put together a nice season as he gives a combo of power and the ability to drive in runs. Only owned in 7% of leagues, you should definitely give him a look. 

Cody Ross (Florida Marlins)– Had a pretty good season last year but started this year just flat out awful. Within the month of May he has raised his batting average almost 40 points (.217 in April; .288 in May). He supplies a decent amount of power and can get a solid amount of RBI’s. 20-25 homers and 90 RBI’s are still well within reach for this guy. 

Jonny Gomes (Cincinnati Reds)– The ex-Tampa Bay slugger has finally made his way back to the Majors. He is splitting time with Laynce Nix and if he continues to hit, could see plenty more AB’s. Back in ’07 he hit 17 homers in just 107 games so he has the ability to hit the long ball and he will also be playing in a hitters ball park (Great American). If Cincy can get him to stay patient at the plate (172/50 K:BB ration in last 184 games with Tampa) then he will hit for a healthy average and continue to drive in runs.

Free Agent Infielders to Pick Up (5.26.09)

 

Injuries have given Zobrist the playing time he has been looking for.

Catcher- John Baker (Florida Marlins); Only owned in 32% of Yahoo leagues, I was very surprised at how little respect this guy has been getting. His first full year in the big leagues and is showing he can hit for average and for power (.284 avg, 6 HR). This is the type of guy who can give you a solid OPS, 20-25 homers, and maintain a good average.

 

First Base- Nick Johnson (Washington Nationals); The guy who could never put it all together in NY appears to be healthy and is back to playing everyday. The power numbers are down a bit but he has shown in the past that he has the ability to hit the long ball (23 in ’06). He can draw the walk with the best of them as is evident by his .445 OBP. He will hit for a great average, drop about 18-22 bombs, and knock in around 85-90 RBI’s.

Second Base- Jerry Hairston, JR. (Cincinnati Reds); Such a thin position, it is hard to find a true diamond in the rough but Hairston would make a great fit on most fantasy teams. He has eligibility at several positions, so you know Dusty Baker is going to get him in the lineup somewhere. He has a little bit of pop in his bat but more importantly, has the ability to swipe a bag and make things happen. Hitting in front of Votto, Bruce, and Phillips should also get him pitches to hit as well as a lot of runs scored

Short Stop- Ben Zobrist (Tampa Bay Rays); All this guy needs is a chance. With the limited at bats he has been given thus far, things look great for this utility guy. 5 homers in 70 ABs with a .619 SLG! It looks like Iwamura will be done for the season with an ACL injury so this may be the time to pick him up. Definitely has 20-25 HR potential 

Third Base- Joe Crede (Minnesota Twins); It appears that Crede is finally getting comfortable in his new surroundings (.271 avg, 5 HR, 15 RBI, .576 SLG). With the revamped Cuddyer as well as the M and M boys hitting around him, Crede could have a great rest of the season, hitting 30 homers and driving in 90+.