We like Cincinnati Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs for his speed and dynamic skill set, but we also see him as having the potential to be maddeningly inconsistent. There’s more to come on the stolen base front, but can he pump the brakes on his tendencies to strike out and put up damaging 0-fers?
Free Agent Profile: Drew Stubbs, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Status: Cementing himself as Reds’ starting CF and leadoff hitter.
Basics: .250 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 5 runs, 2 SBs in 6 games.
Key Stats: Has 0 BBs and 6 Ks in his last 2 games.
What to Watch For: Contact and consistency; is prone to Ks, poor AVG.
Other Notes: Reputation precedes him as a dynamic, but volatile player … has a difficult time making contact, but has excellent speed and the potential to hit 10+ HRs … already has one clutch hit to his credit, leading the Reds to a 5-4 win over the Cubs on April 9 with an eighth-inning grand slam.
Verdict: Add for his speed in NL-only and deep mixed leagues, but dig in for some ups and downs.
We like Cincinnati Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs for his speed and dynamic skill set, but we also see him as having the potential to be maddeningly inconsistent. There’s more to come on the stolen base front, but can he pump the brakes on his tendencies to strike out and put up damaging 0-fers?
Free Agent Profile: Drew Stubbs, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Status: Cementing himself as Reds’ starting CF and leadoff hitter.
Basics: .250 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 5 runs, 2 SBs in 6 games.
Key Stats: Has 0 BBs and 6 Ks in his last 2 games.
What to Watch For: Contact and consistency; is prone to Ks, poor AVG.
Other Notes: Reputation precedes him as a dynamic, but volatile player … has a difficult time making contact, but has excellent speed and the potential to hit 10+ HRs … already has one clutch hit to his credit, leading the Reds to a 5-4 win over the Cubs on April 9 with an eighth-inning grand slam.
Verdict: Add for his speed in NL-only and deep mixed leagues, but dig in for some ups and downs.
New York Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur fell out of favor in Atlanta and was shipped to New York last season. Since then, he’s been a .326 hitter, including this season when he is hitting .476 and reaching base at an unprecedented clip. Is his production a short-term boom or the sign of a once-hyped prospect finally turning the corner?
Free Agent Profile: Jeff Francoeur, OF, New York Mets
Status: Tearing the cover off the ball and showing improved patience.
Basics: .476 AVG, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 runs in 6 games.
Key Stats: Has 4 BBs to just 2 Ks, compared to 142 BBs to 524 Ks in his career.
What to Watch For: Power and RBIs - his bread and butter as a fantasy player.
Other Notes: Has been a different player since being traded to New York last season … has a .326 average, 12 HRs and 47 RBIs in 81 games with the Mets … in the early going, is walking at a higher rate, but seeing the fewest pitches per at-bat (3.1) in his career … over the winter, predicted he would hit 27 HRs this season.
Verdict: Worth an add in all formats; change of scenery just may have revived his career.
New York Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur fell out of favor in Atlanta and was shipped to New York last season. Since then, he’s been a .326 hitter, including this season when he is hitting .476 and reaching base at an unprecedented clip. Is his production a short-term boom or the sign of a once-hyped prospect finally turning the corner?
Free Agent Profile: Jeff Francoeur, OF, New York Mets
Status: Tearing the cover off the ball and showing improved patience.
Basics: .476 AVG, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 runs in 6 games.
Key Stats: Has 4 BBs to just 2 Ks, compared to 142 BBs to 524 Ks in his career.
What to Watch For: Power and RBIs - his bread and butter as a fantasy player.
Other Notes: Has been a different player since being traded to New York last season … has a .326 average, 12 HRs and 47 RBIs in 81 games with the Mets … in the early going, is walking at a higher rate, but seeing the fewest pitches per at-bat (3.1) in his career … over the winter, predicted he would hit 27 HRs this season.
Verdict: Worth an add in all formats; change of scenery just may have revived his career.
What’s in the water in Toronto? Veteran shortstop Marco Scutaro burst onto the fantasy scene last season, now Gonzalez is doing the same in the early part of 2010. Can he sustain his hot start like Scutaro did? We’ll take a deeper look.
Free Agent Profile: Alex Gonzalez, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Status: Tied for the Major League lead with 7 XBHs.
Basics: .346 AVG, 4 HRs, 4 RBIs, 1 SB in 6 games.
Key Stats: Has 4 HRs; all other Major League shortstops have combined for just 10.
What to Watch For: Sustainability, of course; career years don’t often happen at age 33.
Other Notes: Is well beyond expectations now, namely in power but in batting average as well … is a .248 career hitter, but does have some solid power seasons to his credit … hit 23 HRs and drove in 79 runs with the Marlins in ‘04 … plate discipline, or lack there of, makes anything better than a .250 average look unrealistic.
Verdict: Ride the hot streak in AL-only leagues; know that 20-plus HRs is achievable, but with a poor AVG.
What’s in the water in Toronto? Veteran shortstop Marco Scutaro burst onto the fantasy scene last season, now Gonzalez is doing the same in the early part of 2010. Can he sustain his hot start like Scutaro did? We’ll take a deeper look.
Free Agent Profile: Alex Gonzalez, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Status: Tied for the Major League lead with 7 XBHs.
Basics: .346 AVG, 4 HRs, 4 RBIs, 1 SB in 6 games.
Key Stats: Has 4 HRs; all other Major League shortstops have combined for just 10.
What to Watch For: Sustainability, of course; career years don’t often happen at age 33.
Other Notes: Is well beyond expectations now, namely in power but in batting average as well … is a .248 career hitter, but does have some solid power seasons to his credit … hit 23 HRs and drove in 79 runs with the Marlins in ‘04 … plate discipline, or lack there of, makes anything better than a .250 average look unrealistic.
Verdict: Ride the hot streak in AL-only leagues; know that 20-plus HRs is achievable, but with a poor AVG.
The secret is out on Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported after Go-Go’s 4-for-5 effort on Opening Day. This would be the season of change for the ever-dynamic, constantly-struggling young outfielder. Then, reality set in, a scenario that fantasy owners have grown quite accustomed to.
Gomez dangled his promise and tantalized owners, but came crashing back down to Earth. He’s gone 1-for-16 in the four games since his Opening Day effort and has continued his well-documented struggles reaching base. No walks, four strikeouts in five games.
The Opening Day performance may have bought Gomez time to work through his struggles, but his leash is getting shorter by the day. First, he could, and should, be bumped from the all-valuable No. 2 spot in the Brewers’ lineup. Next, if his problems continue, Gomez could be platooned with Jody Gerut, Corey Hart or Jim Edmonds in center field; the kiss of death for would-be fantasy contributors.
Gomez brings energy, speed and outstanding defense to center field, but eventually, the kid has to produce at the plate. Since he’s got virtually no clue how to work a count, he’d better get a grasp on how to keep the ball on the ground and use his speed to let out singles. Only then will Gomez remain a big-league regular and a viable starter in fantasy baseball.
";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:137:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/11/milwaukee-brewers-outfielder-carlos-gomez-is-on-shaky-ground-after-falling-into-sudden-slump/feed/";}s:7:"summary";s:391:"The secret is out on Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported after Go-Go’s 4-for-5 effort on Opening Day. This would be the season of change for the ever-dynamic, constantly-struggling young outfielder. Then, reality set in, a scenario that fantasy owners have grown quite accustomed to. Gomez dangled his promise and tantalized owners, [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:1505:"The secret is out on Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported after Go-Go’s 4-for-5 effort on Opening Day. This would be the season of change for the ever-dynamic, constantly-struggling young outfielder. Then, reality set in, a scenario that fantasy owners have grown quite accustomed to.
Gomez dangled his promise and tantalized owners, but came crashing back down to Earth. He’s gone 1-for-16 in the four games since his Opening Day effort and has continued his well-documented struggles reaching base. No walks, four strikeouts in five games.
The Opening Day performance may have bought Gomez time to work through his struggles, but his leash is getting shorter by the day. First, he could, and should, be bumped from the all-valuable No. 2 spot in the Brewers’ lineup. Next, if his problems continue, Gomez could be platooned with Jody Gerut, Corey Hart or Jim Edmonds in center field; the kiss of death for would-be fantasy contributors.
Gomez brings energy, speed and outstanding defense to center field, but eventually, the kid has to produce at the plate. Since he’s got virtually no clue how to work a count, he’d better get a grasp on how to keep the ball on the ground and use his speed to let out singles. Only then will Gomez remain a big-league regular and a viable starter in fantasy baseball.
";}i:4;a:12:{s:5:"title";s:83:"Placido Polanco off to a promising start in his return to the Philadelphia Phillies";s:4:"link";s:123:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/11/placido-polanco-off-to-a-promising-start-in-his-return-to-the-philadelphia-phillies/";s:8:"comments";s:132:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/11/placido-polanco-off-to-a-promising-start-in-his-return-to-the-philadelphia-phillies/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:00:56 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:18:"Dustin Hockensmith";}s:8:"category";s:70:"Fantasy Headlines2010 fantasy baseballPhillies PhilliesPlacido Polanco";s:4:"guid";s:35:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/?p=1876";s:11:"description";s:380:"The marriage between Placido Polanco and the Philadelphia Phillies couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. Polanco, 34, ranks second in the National League with 8 RBIs, including a 6-RBI outburst in Philadelphia’s Opening Day over the Washington Nationals. An ideal fit for the powerful, yet unpredictable and lefty-laden Phillies lineup, Polanco has all the [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1706:"The marriage between Placido Polanco and the Philadelphia Phillies couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.
Polanco, 34, ranks second in the National League with 8 RBIs, including a 6-RBI outburst in Philadelphia’s Opening Day over the Washington Nationals. An ideal fit for the powerful, yet unpredictable and lefty-laden Phillies lineup, Polanco has all the opportunities for a career season in 2010.
Polanco can play hit-and-run baseball with Jimmy Rollins ahead of him in the lineup, and he can square up numerous fastballs that come with Chase Utley in the on-deck circle. He’s also more likely to steal bases against pitchers who can ill afford to take their attention away from Utley, Ryan Howard and company, and should be a lock for his second career season with 100-plus runs.
Polanco has a .304 career average and 391 career strikeouts to 314 career walks. He’s never struck out 50 times in a single season, which means the ball is constantly in play and his .300 average is weighted over an obscenely high number of at-bats.
And let’s not forget Polanco’s return to the City of Brotherly Love, site of his two highest single-season home run totals.
In 2004, Polanco hit .298 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs in just 126 games. That was before the opening of Citizens Bank Park, one of the most hitter friendly ballparks in baseball. It’s the perfect recipe for spikes in power, contact, run-scoring and base-stealing, even as Polanco approaches the twilight of his career.
The early results are encouraging, but the stats at seasons’ end might be even more impressive.
";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:128:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/11/placido-polanco-off-to-a-promising-start-in-his-return-to-the-philadelphia-phillies/feed/";}s:7:"summary";s:380:"The marriage between Placido Polanco and the Philadelphia Phillies couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. Polanco, 34, ranks second in the National League with 8 RBIs, including a 6-RBI outburst in Philadelphia’s Opening Day over the Washington Nationals. An ideal fit for the powerful, yet unpredictable and lefty-laden Phillies lineup, Polanco has all the [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:1706:"The marriage between Placido Polanco and the Philadelphia Phillies couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.
Polanco, 34, ranks second in the National League with 8 RBIs, including a 6-RBI outburst in Philadelphia’s Opening Day over the Washington Nationals. An ideal fit for the powerful, yet unpredictable and lefty-laden Phillies lineup, Polanco has all the opportunities for a career season in 2010.
Polanco can play hit-and-run baseball with Jimmy Rollins ahead of him in the lineup, and he can square up numerous fastballs that come with Chase Utley in the on-deck circle. He’s also more likely to steal bases against pitchers who can ill afford to take their attention away from Utley, Ryan Howard and company, and should be a lock for his second career season with 100-plus runs.
Polanco has a .304 career average and 391 career strikeouts to 314 career walks. He’s never struck out 50 times in a single season, which means the ball is constantly in play and his .300 average is weighted over an obscenely high number of at-bats.
And let’s not forget Polanco’s return to the City of Brotherly Love, site of his two highest single-season home run totals.
In 2004, Polanco hit .298 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs in just 126 games. That was before the opening of Citizens Bank Park, one of the most hitter friendly ballparks in baseball. It’s the perfect recipe for spikes in power, contact, run-scoring and base-stealing, even as Polanco approaches the twilight of his career.
The early results are encouraging, but the stats at seasons’ end might be even more impressive.
";}i:5;a:12:{s:5:"title";s:77:"Oops! St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus is far better than expected";s:4:"link";s:115:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/11/oops-st-louis-cardinals-outfielder-colby-rasmus-is-far-better-than-expected/";s:8:"comments";s:124:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/11/oops-st-louis-cardinals-outfielder-colby-rasmus-is-far-better-than-expected/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:30:02 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:18:"Dustin Hockensmith";}s:8:"category";s:48:"Fantasy HeadlinesColby RasmusSt. Louis Cardinals";s:4:"guid";s:35:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/?p=1873";s:11:"description";s:350:"St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus is manager Tony LaRussa’s kind of guy. A gritty gamer who plays well beyond his years (23), Rasmus is also precisely the type of player who thrives in LaRussa’s regime. In fantasy, he’s the type of player fantasy owners are kicking themselves for putting too much into his ‘09 [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1980:"St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus is manager Tony LaRussa’s kind of guy. A gritty gamer who plays well beyond his years (23), Rasmus is also precisely the type of player who thrives in LaRussa’s regime. In fantasy, he’s the type of player fantasy owners are kicking themselves for putting too much into his ‘09 stats and ignoring on draft day.
We’ve all been there. We’ve all seen talents we can’t fully trust, so we don’t believe a big year is coming until we see it. The problem is, we’re almost always going to be a year too late. Count Rasmus as the next big example.
Rasmus is flashing the all-around ability that made him Baseball America’s No. 3 prospect in baseball prior to last season. In 417 minor league games, Rasmus hit 64 home runs and stole 74 bases, but had enough problems with injuries and inconsistencies to lack the makings of a true slam dunk in fantasy.
So, when last season came and went and Rasmus finished with a lackluster .251 average, 16 home runs and 52 RBIs, he took those doubts a step further.
In the early part of the 2010 season, Rasmus has been one of the game’s best all-around hitters. He’s hit two homers, stolen a base and scored six runs in five games, but most impressively, he’s tied for the Major League lead with 8 walks, compared to 5 strikeouts. And though it doesn’t show up in a box score, Rasmus is also flashing some serious leather in center field.
Rasmus is making an impact in all phases of the game, and he’s doing so for the low, low price of a 22nd round draft choice in standard mixed leagues.
While contact could still be an issue, Rasmus remains a good bet for a .275 average, 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, 80 runs and 15-20 stolen bases. We’re starting to see him blossom now, so it’s time to believe we all made a mistake on draft day.
";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:120:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/11/oops-st-louis-cardinals-outfielder-colby-rasmus-is-far-better-than-expected/feed/";}s:7:"summary";s:350:"St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus is manager Tony LaRussa’s kind of guy. A gritty gamer who plays well beyond his years (23), Rasmus is also precisely the type of player who thrives in LaRussa’s regime. In fantasy, he’s the type of player fantasy owners are kicking themselves for putting too much into his ‘09 [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:1980:"St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus is manager Tony LaRussa’s kind of guy. A gritty gamer who plays well beyond his years (23), Rasmus is also precisely the type of player who thrives in LaRussa’s regime. In fantasy, he’s the type of player fantasy owners are kicking themselves for putting too much into his ‘09 stats and ignoring on draft day.
We’ve all been there. We’ve all seen talents we can’t fully trust, so we don’t believe a big year is coming until we see it. The problem is, we’re almost always going to be a year too late. Count Rasmus as the next big example.
Rasmus is flashing the all-around ability that made him Baseball America’s No. 3 prospect in baseball prior to last season. In 417 minor league games, Rasmus hit 64 home runs and stole 74 bases, but had enough problems with injuries and inconsistencies to lack the makings of a true slam dunk in fantasy.
So, when last season came and went and Rasmus finished with a lackluster .251 average, 16 home runs and 52 RBIs, he took those doubts a step further.
In the early part of the 2010 season, Rasmus has been one of the game’s best all-around hitters. He’s hit two homers, stolen a base and scored six runs in five games, but most impressively, he’s tied for the Major League lead with 8 walks, compared to 5 strikeouts. And though it doesn’t show up in a box score, Rasmus is also flashing some serious leather in center field.
Rasmus is making an impact in all phases of the game, and he’s doing so for the low, low price of a 22nd round draft choice in standard mixed leagues.
While contact could still be an issue, Rasmus remains a good bet for a .275 average, 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, 80 runs and 15-20 stolen bases. We’re starting to see him blossom now, so it’s time to believe we all made a mistake on draft day.
";}i:6;a:12:{s:5:"title";s:69:"Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett has a case of ‘home run-itis’";s:4:"link";s:103:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/04/boston-red-sox-pitcher-josh-beckett-has-a-case-of-home-run-itis/";s:8:"comments";s:112:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/04/boston-red-sox-pitcher-josh-beckett-has-a-case-of-home-run-itis/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:38:44 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:18:"Dustin Hockensmith";}s:8:"category";s:80:"Fantasy Headlines2010 fantasy baseballboston red soxJosh BeckettNew York Yankees";s:4:"guid";s:35:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/?p=1870";s:11:"description";s:324:"For fantasy owners with a stake in Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett, home runs have been the source of steady frustration. Long balls have been partially responsible for spikes in production from season to season, and they have played a large part in his shorter, more implosive outings. In his first start of 2010, [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:1691:"For fantasy owners with a stake in Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett, home runs have been the source of steady frustration. Long balls have been partially responsible for spikes in production from season to season, and they have played a large part in his shorter, more implosive outings. In his first start of 2010, home runs by Jorge Posada and Curtis Granderson helped derail a disastrous outing and send Beckett to the showers early.
As a member of the Florida Marlins, Beckett allowed 0.8 home runs per 9 innings and had a sub-4.00 ERA in four of his five seasons. Since his 2006 trade to Boston, that rate has swelled to 1.1 homers per 9 in four seasons. Certainly, there are external factors involved — the gauntlet of offenses in the AL East, Fenway Park, his transition to the American League — but some of that responsibility is on Beckett.
When he’s not going right, Beckett can miss up in the strike zone and catch the fat part of the plate on too many occasions. Posada’s line drive homer down the right field line tonight didn’t qualify, but Granderson’s long homer to the deepest part of Fenway Park did. Even average Major League hitters can put a charge into belt-high 95 mile per hour fastballs.
To his credit, Beckett has minimized the damage from home runs by posting big strikeout totals and a superb WHIP. And it’s those very contributions that make Beckett a better-than-average fantasy starter and a consistent winner. Owners may still be holding out for more, but with a chronic home run problem, Beckett’s days of Cy Young contention appear to be behind him.
";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:108:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/04/boston-red-sox-pitcher-josh-beckett-has-a-case-of-home-run-itis/feed/";}s:7:"summary";s:324:"For fantasy owners with a stake in Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett, home runs have been the source of steady frustration. Long balls have been partially responsible for spikes in production from season to season, and they have played a large part in his shorter, more implosive outings. In his first start of 2010, [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:1691:"For fantasy owners with a stake in Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett, home runs have been the source of steady frustration. Long balls have been partially responsible for spikes in production from season to season, and they have played a large part in his shorter, more implosive outings. In his first start of 2010, home runs by Jorge Posada and Curtis Granderson helped derail a disastrous outing and send Beckett to the showers early.
As a member of the Florida Marlins, Beckett allowed 0.8 home runs per 9 innings and had a sub-4.00 ERA in four of his five seasons. Since his 2006 trade to Boston, that rate has swelled to 1.1 homers per 9 in four seasons. Certainly, there are external factors involved — the gauntlet of offenses in the AL East, Fenway Park, his transition to the American League — but some of that responsibility is on Beckett.
When he’s not going right, Beckett can miss up in the strike zone and catch the fat part of the plate on too many occasions. Posada’s line drive homer down the right field line tonight didn’t qualify, but Granderson’s long homer to the deepest part of Fenway Park did. Even average Major League hitters can put a charge into belt-high 95 mile per hour fastballs.
To his credit, Beckett has minimized the damage from home runs by posting big strikeout totals and a superb WHIP. And it’s those very contributions that make Beckett a better-than-average fantasy starter and a consistent winner. Owners may still be holding out for more, but with a chronic home run problem, Beckett’s days of Cy Young contention appear to be behind him.
";}i:7;a:12:{s:5:"title";s:76:"Optimism abounds for Mets’ shortstop Jose Reyes, but risks remain the same";s:4:"link";s:112:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/04/optimism-abounds-for-mets-shortstop-jose-reyes-but-risks-remain-the-same/";s:8:"comments";s:121:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/04/optimism-abounds-for-mets-shortstop-jose-reyes-but-risks-remain-the-same/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:29:32 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:18:"Dustin Hockensmith";}s:8:"category";s:71:"Fantasy Headlines2010 fantasy baseballjose reyesnew york metsshortstops";s:4:"guid";s:35:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/?p=1867";s:11:"description";s:321:"Back and forth New York Mets’ shortstop Jose Reyes went, going from a mysterious absence from training to optimism that he would be in the Mets’ lineup on Opening Day to, eventually, landing on the disabled list as expected. Still, he returned to the field in March, showed some signs of life and made a [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2225:"Back and forth New York Mets’ shortstop Jose Reyes went, going from a mysterious absence from training to optimism that he would be in the Mets’ lineup on Opening Day to, eventually, landing on the disabled list as expected. Still, he returned to the field in March, showed some signs of life and made a legitimate run at an Opening Day start, all of which are encouraging signs for his 2010 production.
A thyroid condition kept Reyes in New York while his teammates worked in Port St. Lucie, and by the time he was cleared to return to action, he had fallen too far out of baseball shape. Reyes is eligible to come off the DL on April 10 and, even if his return is delayed, he’ll be back in plenty of time to make fantasy stardom a possibility again.
There are some variables throughout the season, like how durable his repaired hamstring is and what kind of added rest, if any, his thyroid condition requires, but Reyes at least has a mathematical shot at playing 140-plus games.
The odds are against Reyes as he aims for a return to form that made him one of fantasy’s most dynamic players from 2005-08. Two significant changes are working against him. First, he had surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon in his right leg, which puts his elite stolen base total into some doubt. And second, the Mets opened Citi Field last season and proceeded to rank dead last in baseball with 95 home runs.
Owners should be a little more guarded in their power and speed projection, but Reyes remains a threat for 10 home runs and 50 stolen bases. That line is valuable in its own right, but especially at a shortstop position heavy on question marks and short on stud producers.
The ride could be a bumpy one filled with consistent “day-to-day” annoyances. Or, it could be a pleasant surprise that yields one of baseball’s best stolen base totals. Hopefully, given all the spring trials and tribulations, fantasy owners have put themselves in good position with a contingency plan in the middle infield.
";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:117:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/04/optimism-abounds-for-mets-shortstop-jose-reyes-but-risks-remain-the-same/feed/";}s:7:"summary";s:321:"Back and forth New York Mets’ shortstop Jose Reyes went, going from a mysterious absence from training to optimism that he would be in the Mets’ lineup on Opening Day to, eventually, landing on the disabled list as expected. Still, he returned to the field in March, showed some signs of life and made a [...]";s:12:"atom_content";s:2225:"Back and forth New York Mets’ shortstop Jose Reyes went, going from a mysterious absence from training to optimism that he would be in the Mets’ lineup on Opening Day to, eventually, landing on the disabled list as expected. Still, he returned to the field in March, showed some signs of life and made a legitimate run at an Opening Day start, all of which are encouraging signs for his 2010 production.
A thyroid condition kept Reyes in New York while his teammates worked in Port St. Lucie, and by the time he was cleared to return to action, he had fallen too far out of baseball shape. Reyes is eligible to come off the DL on April 10 and, even if his return is delayed, he’ll be back in plenty of time to make fantasy stardom a possibility again.
There are some variables throughout the season, like how durable his repaired hamstring is and what kind of added rest, if any, his thyroid condition requires, but Reyes at least has a mathematical shot at playing 140-plus games.
The odds are against Reyes as he aims for a return to form that made him one of fantasy’s most dynamic players from 2005-08. Two significant changes are working against him. First, he had surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon in his right leg, which puts his elite stolen base total into some doubt. And second, the Mets opened Citi Field last season and proceeded to rank dead last in baseball with 95 home runs.
Owners should be a little more guarded in their power and speed projection, but Reyes remains a threat for 10 home runs and 50 stolen bases. That line is valuable in its own right, but especially at a shortstop position heavy on question marks and short on stud producers.
The ride could be a bumpy one filled with consistent “day-to-day” annoyances. Or, it could be a pleasant surprise that yields one of baseball’s best stolen base totals. Hopefully, given all the spring trials and tribulations, fantasy owners have put themselves in good position with a contingency plan in the middle infield.
";}i:8;a:12:{s:5:"title";s:72:"2010 Fantasy Baseball Draft Profile: Dan Haren, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks";s:4:"link";s:109:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/02/2010-fantasy-baseball-draft-profile-dan-haren-sp-arizona-diamondbacks/";s:8:"comments";s:118:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/2010/04/02/2010-fantasy-baseball-draft-profile-dan-haren-sp-arizona-diamondbacks/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:30:35 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:13:"Jared Shanker";}s:8:"category";s:86:"2010 Draft Profiles2010 fantasy baseballArizona DiamondbacksDan Harenstarting pitchers";s:4:"guid";s:35:"http://imaginarydiamond.com/?p=1864";s:11:"description";s:270:"We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, [...]";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:2366:"We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, draft kit information, rankings, sleepers, busts, etc. as the regular season approaches.
Dan Haren, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Overview: An underrated fantasy ace who boats a 3.61 career ERA and 1.18 career WHIP … ERA and WHIP numbers have improved in three straight seasons, and he’s won 14 or more games in the last four straight campaigns … finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting last season when he went 14-10 with a 3.14 ERA …has a dominating split-finger fastball, precise control and a growing ability to make hitters swing and miss … finished second among starters in K/BB ratio last season.
2009 numbers: 14-10, 3.14 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 223 Ks in 229.1 IP.
Key splits and trends: Limped to the finish line last season, posting a 4.62 ERA after the All-Star break and allowing five earned runs in each of his last three starts … tossed three complete games before the break and none after … has proven durable, with at least 215 innings pitched in each of the last four seasons … has improved his Ks per 9 every season in the big leagues, highlighted by a career-best 8.8 mark last season.
Strengths: A top-tier No. 1 in the D-backs’ rotation who moves into the No. 2 slot with a healthy Brandon Webb … will still be only 29 this season … has a terrific mix of unhittability and control, which should again produce an elite ERA and WHIP combo in 2010.
Weaknesses: Struggled mightily after the All-Star break … five-straight years of 200+ IP could have been reason for second-half slide … is backed by fourth-worst offense in NL; only 16 NL pitchers received worse run support last year … with little improvement in Arizona’s lineup, his wins total may suffer again.
Bold prediction for 2010: Haren will struggle to match his career season from 2009, but he’ll still provide top-five fantasy numbers with the exception of wins.
We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, draft kit information, rankings, sleepers, busts, etc. as the regular season approaches.
Dan Haren, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Overview: An underrated fantasy ace who boats a 3.61 career ERA and 1.18 career WHIP … ERA and WHIP numbers have improved in three straight seasons, and he’s won 14 or more games in the last four straight campaigns … finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting last season when he went 14-10 with a 3.14 ERA …has a dominating split-finger fastball, precise control and a growing ability to make hitters swing and miss … finished second among starters in K/BB ratio last season.
2009 numbers: 14-10, 3.14 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 223 Ks in 229.1 IP.
Key splits and trends: Limped to the finish line last season, posting a 4.62 ERA after the All-Star break and allowing five earned runs in each of his last three starts … tossed three complete games before the break and none after … has proven durable, with at least 215 innings pitched in each of the last four seasons … has improved his Ks per 9 every season in the big leagues, highlighted by a career-best 8.8 mark last season.
Strengths: A top-tier No. 1 in the D-backs’ rotation who moves into the No. 2 slot with a healthy Brandon Webb … will still be only 29 this season … has a terrific mix of unhittability and control, which should again produce an elite ERA and WHIP combo in 2010.
Weaknesses: Struggled mightily after the All-Star break … five-straight years of 200+ IP could have been reason for second-half slide … is backed by fourth-worst offense in NL; only 16 NL pitchers received worse run support last year … with little improvement in Arizona’s lineup, his wins total may suffer again.
Bold prediction for 2010: Haren will struggle to match his career season from 2009, but he’ll still provide top-five fantasy numbers with the exception of wins.
We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, draft kit information, rankings, sleepers, busts, etc. as the regular season approaches.
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Seattle Mariners
Overview: A contender for the AL batting title every season … records a ton of hits over a ton of at-bats, so his average carries weight in fantasy … few can match his speed on the base paths … had the second-highest average of his career in 2009, but also made his first career trip to the DL … hit double-digit home runs for the first time since 2005 … can be penciled in for 200 hits; has reached that mark in nine straight seasons.
2009 numbers: .352 AVG, 11 HRs, 46 RBIs, 88 runs, 26 SBs in 146 games.
Key splits and trends: Hit .376 in Safeco Field last year … was consistent with at least a .306 average in every month … steals and runs totals tumbled to career-low levels in ‘09, perhaps the product of aging legs.
Strengths: Could be the best pure hitter in baseball … doesn’t strike out often, meaning he puts the ball and in play and has the speed to beat out should-be outs … also means he racks up hits and at-bats like no other player in baseball … is one of fantasy’s best contributors in average … despite his DL stint, is as durable as it gets.
Weaknesses: Is starting to get up there in age and will be 36 this season … has become more of a “one-trick pony” in fantasy as a result … teammates have often singled him out as a “me-first” player … stolen bases and runs scored decreased dramatically last year … is mostly a singles hitter.
Bold prediction for 2010: The former MVP will challenge for another batting title, but his .345 average will just fall short. He’ll swipe 30 bags and score 100 runs after missing both marks last year, though.
We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, draft kit information, rankings, sleepers, busts, etc. as the regular season approaches.
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Seattle Mariners
Overview: A contender for the AL batting title every season … records a ton of hits over a ton of at-bats, so his average carries weight in fantasy … few can match his speed on the base paths … had the second-highest average of his career in 2009, but also made his first career trip to the DL … hit double-digit home runs for the first time since 2005 … can be penciled in for 200 hits; has reached that mark in nine straight seasons.
2009 numbers: .352 AVG, 11 HRs, 46 RBIs, 88 runs, 26 SBs in 146 games.
Key splits and trends: Hit .376 in Safeco Field last year … was consistent with at least a .306 average in every month … steals and runs totals tumbled to career-low levels in ‘09, perhaps the product of aging legs.
Strengths: Could be the best pure hitter in baseball … doesn’t strike out often, meaning he puts the ball and in play and has the speed to beat out should-be outs … also means he racks up hits and at-bats like no other player in baseball … is one of fantasy’s best contributors in average … despite his DL stint, is as durable as it gets.
Weaknesses: Is starting to get up there in age and will be 36 this season … has become more of a “one-trick pony” in fantasy as a result … teammates have often singled him out as a “me-first” player … stolen bases and runs scored decreased dramatically last year … is mostly a singles hitter.
Bold prediction for 2010: The former MVP will challenge for another batting title, but his .345 average will just fall short. He’ll swipe 30 bags and score 100 runs after missing both marks last year, though.