Early Impressions
Well, the 2006 season is here and some players are already establishing themselves as good bargains:
C - Josh Willingham, Florida: the question with Willingham didn't involve his bat, it was about his glove. Going into Spring Training he wasn't guaranteed consistent at bats because the team wasn't sure where he would play. As it turns out, he'll be behind the plate enough to have eligibility as a catcher, but he'll get most of his time in the outfield. That combination should make him an outstanding option for fantasy teams. Full-time status, but not the wear-and-tear of catching all the time. He now looks like a good bet to hit .270 with 18-20 home runs. Grab him if he's available in your league.
1B - Jim Thome, Chicago (A): he was low on many draft lists because of concerns about his back. Well, he went on a tear at the end of Spring Training and it has continued through the first few games of the season. So far he doesn't look like a guy with health issues. Obviously that can change in an instant, but so far he looks like a guy who could easily swat 35 home runs and post a respectable average. The back issues will always be an area of concern, but for now he looks like the Thome of old.
2B - Dan Uggala, Florida: the Marlins have several players who probably came at a bargain rate in the draft or are still available as free agents. Uggala is one of them. He brings decent pop to the position and looks to have a firm grip on the starting job.
OF - Brandon Watson, Washington: he's holding down the leadoff spot and that's worth something in fantasy baseball. It means he should be a very cheap source of runs (75-80 minimum if he's leading off all season) and probably around 20 stolen bases. In competitive leagues, he's probably already on someone's roster. In less competitive leagues he'll probably be available for a little while so you don't have to claim him immediately and can wait to see if he tightens his grip on the job.
CL - Chris Reitsma, Atlanta: people seem to be afraid of this guy, but why? Sure, he's not going to be in the same category as Billy Wagner or Mariano Rivera, but he's closing for the Braves and that has to be worth something. Even if he's only keeping the spot warm for Joey Devine, he should at least have the job long enough to get 20 saves. Those are 20 saves that could come to you at a low cost.
CL - Jose Valverde, Arizona: he's the guy for the D'backs, at least for now. In 2005 the closer role was a revolving door. Brandon Lyon had a shot, Brian Bruney took a turn, then Valverde stepped up and claimed the job down the stretch. It's still unclear whether he is viewed as the the closer of the future, but he's definitely the one for the present. If you need saves and some strikeouts from your relievers, take a shot on Jose. You won't be sorry.
There are obviously many other players out there who are making an early impact, so keep an eye on your free agent lists. Also, watch the waiver wire for established players who get dropped by impatient owners who jump on the flash-in-the-pan players. Don't be surprised when a guy like Jose Guillen gets dumped for a reserve outfielder who happened to have two good games in a row (and will be sent to Triple-A one week later). That sort of thing happens every year.
C - Josh Willingham, Florida: the question with Willingham didn't involve his bat, it was about his glove. Going into Spring Training he wasn't guaranteed consistent at bats because the team wasn't sure where he would play. As it turns out, he'll be behind the plate enough to have eligibility as a catcher, but he'll get most of his time in the outfield. That combination should make him an outstanding option for fantasy teams. Full-time status, but not the wear-and-tear of catching all the time. He now looks like a good bet to hit .270 with 18-20 home runs. Grab him if he's available in your league.
1B - Jim Thome, Chicago (A): he was low on many draft lists because of concerns about his back. Well, he went on a tear at the end of Spring Training and it has continued through the first few games of the season. So far he doesn't look like a guy with health issues. Obviously that can change in an instant, but so far he looks like a guy who could easily swat 35 home runs and post a respectable average. The back issues will always be an area of concern, but for now he looks like the Thome of old.
2B - Dan Uggala, Florida: the Marlins have several players who probably came at a bargain rate in the draft or are still available as free agents. Uggala is one of them. He brings decent pop to the position and looks to have a firm grip on the starting job.
OF - Brandon Watson, Washington: he's holding down the leadoff spot and that's worth something in fantasy baseball. It means he should be a very cheap source of runs (75-80 minimum if he's leading off all season) and probably around 20 stolen bases. In competitive leagues, he's probably already on someone's roster. In less competitive leagues he'll probably be available for a little while so you don't have to claim him immediately and can wait to see if he tightens his grip on the job.
CL - Chris Reitsma, Atlanta: people seem to be afraid of this guy, but why? Sure, he's not going to be in the same category as Billy Wagner or Mariano Rivera, but he's closing for the Braves and that has to be worth something. Even if he's only keeping the spot warm for Joey Devine, he should at least have the job long enough to get 20 saves. Those are 20 saves that could come to you at a low cost.
CL - Jose Valverde, Arizona: he's the guy for the D'backs, at least for now. In 2005 the closer role was a revolving door. Brandon Lyon had a shot, Brian Bruney took a turn, then Valverde stepped up and claimed the job down the stretch. It's still unclear whether he is viewed as the the closer of the future, but he's definitely the one for the present. If you need saves and some strikeouts from your relievers, take a shot on Jose. You won't be sorry.
There are obviously many other players out there who are making an early impact, so keep an eye on your free agent lists. Also, watch the waiver wire for established players who get dropped by impatient owners who jump on the flash-in-the-pan players. Don't be surprised when a guy like Jose Guillen gets dumped for a reserve outfielder who happened to have two good games in a row (and will be sent to Triple-A one week later). That sort of thing happens every year.
posted by Russ Simeone at
12:16 AM
2 Comments:
How do you think Adrian Beltre will do this year? I'm expecting a Chase Utley-like breakout.
Hey, Doc, I think you should prescribe something strong to yourself. Beltre is solid option in deep leagues, but he's nothing to get excited about. At a position like 3B he will be nothing more than average. Utley should be in the top three when it comes to 2B, possibly the best at the position when the season ends. Remember, Alfonso Soriano is playing with the Nats (half his games in a pitcher's park) so his totals should go down. Jeff Kent is another year older and one of these days age has to catch up to him. That leaves the door open for Utley. He's just entering his prime and plays in a hitter-friendly park for his home games. No, I don't think Beltre is in his league.
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