We're all guilty of it from time to time.  You draft a guy to your fantasy team, 100% sure that he will be this year's Ryan Braun.  1 month later that same player is floating in the Free Agent Pool, with numbers closer to that of Hensley "Bam Bam" Muelens.  Never heard of him?  Well, that is because he never did crap in the majors.  All to often though, those same players who start off slow, actually BELONG on fantasy rosters.  Here is a quick list of players who started off slow this year, quite possibly hit the wire waiver...and if you can grab em', GET EM! 

1.  Brad Hawpe:  Make no doubt about it.  This guy can hit.  The entire Colorado squad started off extremely slow, but Hawpe will soon be a quiet contributor to a solid 30 homer, 100 RBI year.  With Taveras, Podsednik and even Holliday running this year, not to mention doubles machine Garret Atkins hitting in front of him...Hawpe should see a ton of RBI oppurtunities this year.  GRAB EM!

 

2.  Josh Willingham:   Not that this guy was having a bad season, but players who hit the DL this early in the year often land on the waiver wire, especially ones with a limited fantasy history such as Willinghams.  Another solid contributor who can eclipse the 30 homer, 100 RBI mark while batting clean up for a very young, yet talented Florida Marlins squad.  This boy got game.  GRAB EM!

 

3.  Ryan Garko:  This guy can flat out knock the poop out of the ball.  One problem though, the entire Cleveland offense can't see the ball this year.  Sizemore, Vic Martinez, Pronk...all of these guys are under performing and trying too hard, much like cheap porno film actresses (don't act like you don't know what I mean)!!!  It won't be long until he turns it around and all of those singles and doubles turn into RBI singles and doubles.  GRAB EM! 

(Garko belongs on your fantasy team!  What are you doing, run out there and pick him up!)

 

4.  Gary Sheffield:  OK!  So Moses signed this guys yearbook.  I know Sheff is old, but he still possesses a great eye and even better bat speed.  Look at Detroit's lineup.  Not one guy on there has ever had a bad season.  I doubt they all tank in the same year.  Grab him and stash him on the bench.  Eventually the homers and steals will come pouring in.  GRAB EM!

 

5.  Frank Thomas:  This has to be the most difficult guy to pick up off the wire because your timing has to be just right.  Sometime in the middle of summer, the "Big Hurt" is gonna start putting a "Big Hurt" on opposing pitching.  He no longer hits for a great average, but delivers in the clutch and will be a solid RBI man down the stretch.  If you have an extra bench spot, save Frank for a rainy day and once you notice a few homers/doubles in the stat sheets...plug him into your starting lineup and enjoy the cheap production.  GRAB EM!

 

6.  Troy Tulowitzki:  This guy should never have been dropped in the first place, but if some idiot in your league caught a quick case of the Keppinger Fever and decided to drop Tulo for him....capatalize off his dim witted mistake and stash him away.  I know he is on the DL, but this guy is going to be a stud for years to come at the sacred position of SS.  GRAB EM!

Nothing wrong with having a little fun at Andruw's expense:

10. He can't even get motivated to work hard in a contract year. 

9. He faked is age when signing and he is really 54.

8. He is now making throwing all that money at Juan Pierre look like a REALLY good decision.

7. He is making C.C. Sabathia look skinny.

6. He titled his recent 36.2 mil, 2-year guaranteed contract "my retirement plan".

5. He hit 51 homers in 2005 and has only once hit more than 40 one other time in his career.  Let's see, 2005 coincides when MLB starting cracking down on....on never mind...

4. His career batting average is .263 and now he is past his peak.

3. Making a basket catch every time so you don't have to run all the way to the ball just looks lazy now.

2. Joe Torre can't pull him for not hustling to first.  He only has one speed now....slow.

and the last reason....

1. Chipper Jones has already put up better numbers in 1 month that Andruw will put up this year and is Chipper is 104.

"What?  I'm playing myself into shape!"

April is over so you know what that means!  Post-season award time fantasy style!

Rookie of the Year AL - Jacoby Ellsbury BOS - I'm not sure how this guy is still a rookie, but he is.  He is providing one of the hardest stats to get, stolen bases (8), and hitting for a great average(.280).  He is also at the top of one of the best lineups in the game so he is scoring a ton of runs too(20).  Honorable Mention:David Murphy, Daric Barton, Greg Smith, Nick Blackburn, Clay Buchholz

Rookie of the Year NL - Geovany Soto CHC - There is almost nothing better than an awesome rookie catcher (except maybe rocky road ice cream).  He is hitting .325, 3 HRs, and a .978 OPS.  He also has a good arm too so no worrying about moving him from behind the plate.  Although, I still have a feeling he is holding this spot warm for Jay Bruce (see my earlier entry).  Honorable Mention: Kosuke Fukodome (technically a rookie but not really!), John Lannan, Jair Jurrens, Hiroki Kuroda, Johnny Cueto

MVP AL - Manny Ramirez BOS - Manny, Manny!  Manny Ramirez, although having cooled lately, has been almost single-handedly carrying the Red Sox and possibly your fantasy team's offense.  If he does this for a full season, which I think he can, .340, 35-40 hrs, 120 R, and 120 RBIs is not out of the questions.  Honorable mention: Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, Brian Roberts, Carlos Quentin

"Next time you're mine!!!" - MVP Manny Ramirez

MVP NL - Hanley Ramirez FLA - Any time you are projected to go 50-50 after one month that isn't bad.  He won't keep it up but this is an amazing combination of power and speed.  Barring injury, mark him down for 40-40, a .320-.330, and lots of happy fantasy owners.  Honorable Mention: Chase Utley, Chipper Jones, Lance Berkman, Derek Lee

L(east)VP AL - Travis Hafner CLE - Uh-oh, Mr. Hafner is not having a bounce-back year hitting .210.  Whatever is wrong with him, it is not getting better.  I expect Hafner is on his way to washedupville, especially with better options coming along in the Indians system.  David Ortiz is a close, close 2nd.  Honorable Mention: Carlos Pena, Gary Sheffield

L(east)VP NL - Ryan Howard PHI - I always worry about big guys with long swings.  It seems like if one thing is off, then they are in trouble.  I'm sure Howard will break out of it, but .177 for a whole month is rough.  I also suspect these cold periods will get longer and longer every season.  Howard is at best a questionable keeper.  Honorable Mention(Mostly due to injury):Jimmy Rollins, Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Braun

Cy Young AL - Cliff Lee CLE - All I have to say is wow!  1 ER in 32.2 IP and for a guy that's undrafted!  He won't be this dominant all year, but he has flashed the talent before and it is real.  If you picked him up, you might have the pick up of the year, if not, you may finish last like last year.  Honorable Mention: Joe Saunders, Chien-Ming Wang, Felix Hernandez, Ervin Santana 

Cy Young NL - Brandon Webb ARI - This guy continues where he left off from last year winning his first 6 starts.  He has been the best pitcher of the last couple years.  With the Arizona offense this year, he could win 25 games and that is no exaggeration.  Honorable Mention: Jake Peavy, Ben Sheets, Johan Santana, Carlos Zambrano

Cy Yuk AL - C.C. Sabathia CLE - Haven't we picked on this guy enough?  Of course not!  For the greatness that his teammate has showed, Sabathia has done just as bad.  The good news is that he is starting to turn it around but his ERA is still 7.80.  I still think that at the beginning of the season I could've gotten a hit off of him.  Honorable Mention: Justin Verlander, John Lackey, Scott Kazmir

Cy Yuk NL - Barry Zito SF - I know this is obvious but I just wanted to throw a punch in.  We are seeing history here people! THe worst free agent ever.  Worse than Chan Ho Park, Mike Hampton, and Carl Pavano.  Now he is the highest paid reliever in the league....maybe the highest paid reliever ever!  Honorable Mention: Roy Oswalt, John Smoltz, Brett Myers

Better days....

I thought since April is almost over and the minors has been playing for about a month, it would be a great time to check in on the top prospects not in the majors:

 1. Jay Bruce OF CIN - Mr. "almost starting center fielder for the Reds" is current mashing the ball at AAA Louisville hitting .333, with 4 HRs, 6-6 in SB attempts and a .928 OPS.  You have to think with Dusty Baker trying out Patterson and now Jerry Hairston Jr. and them failing, Bruce has to be getting close to be getting called up. 

 I think Jay Bruce could be this year's Ryan Braun.  A late callup and then taking the league by storm.

2. Colby Rasmus OF STL - The good news for Rasmus is that he has walked 13 times vs. 18 strikeouts in his first 22 games.  The bad news is that he is hitting .213 and has an OPS of .648.  With St. Louis's cadre of Barton, Ludwick, Schumaker, and Ankiel hitting .333, .328, .310, and .247 respectively, the Cardinals won't hesitate to give Rasmus more seasoning until he heats up.

3. Cameron Maybin OF FLA - Maybin is currently doing his best impression of Rob Deer striking out 31 times times in 20 games in AA.  However, he is hitting .257 has an OPS of .831.  I predict he will be moved up to AAA in June and possibly see the majors sometime after the All Star break.

4. Clayton Kershaw P LAD - This pitcher who impressed in Spring Training is dominating AA with 31 Ks in 25.2 IP and a 1.40 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.  This guy is ready for AAA and even the majors.  If I were the GM of the Dodgers, I see no reason why not to work him in as a reliever now.  I'm thinking this guy gets to LA after the All Star break or sooner depending on their pitching health.

5. Homer Bailey P CIN - After getting hammered after getting called up last year, Bailey is getting ready for Part II of his major league career.  He is doing great in AAA with 1.95 ERA and a WHIP of .99.  This guy is ready now, he just needs a chance.  I see Cincy calling up this guy soon so that he can be their 5th starter with no pressure before the playoff race really gets going.

Keep an eye out for Homer Bailer, his second crack at the bigs should be much more successful than the first.

6. David Price P TBR - Looks like he is currently injured and is still to play this year.  He gets an incomplete but he is major league ready and he should join the Rays by the end of the season.

7. Travis Snider OF TOR - He started the year hitting the ball well at a .279 clip with a .890 OPS at A.  He is currently strugging at AA in his first 5 games.  I would say he may see a cup of tea in September but he needs to work on his strikeout/walk, which even at A ball was 22/5.

8. Matt Weiters C BAL - Just drafted last year, he is currently playing for the Single A Frederick Keys.  He is pounding the ball with a .393 average and a 1.150 OPS.  This guy is at least a year away, but keep an eye on him because he looks like a good one at a weak position.

9. Andrew McCutchen OF PIT - McCutchen is doing great at AAA hitting .294 with an OPS of .951 and a strikeout to walk ratio of 9/12.  In short, he should be in the majors right now.  Unfortunately, Jason Bay, Nate McLouth, and Xavier Nady are currently entrenched in the outfield.  I'm predicting he gets a call if there is a serious injury to one of their outfielder, but otherwise he is currently blocked and maybe he will see some time in September.

10. Jake McGee P TBR - He is currently continuing where he left off last year, AA.  He is doing well with 21 Ks in 19 IP, a 3.32 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP.  He probably will see some time in September and gets a shot to make the team next spring.    

 

Could someone please explain something to me.  Prince Fielder has a horrible start this year, but you don't expect the Brewers to cut him.  Ryan Howard can't hit a barn with his bat right now, but will the Phillies cut him?  David Ortiz, Gary Sheffield, Miquel Cabrera....all started the season off slow....do we expect any of these players to be waived from their teams?  NO!  So please explain to me, what the hell were the Toronto Blue Jays thinking when they decided that after a slow three week period, they should cut ties with Frank Thomas?  The same Frank Thomas who lead your team in RBI's, homeruns and on-base percentage last year.  Frank Thomas has clearly shown that he can still whale on the ball, and his eye is still solid as his BB/K rate has remained high over his entire career.  Since the Blue Jays apparently have "window lickers" running the show there, I will discuss the 3 best fits for this future hall of famer. 

(Frank Thomas has blown up in the 2nd half of each of the last two seasons.  He will come cheap and potentially lead his new team in HR and RBI this year.)

 

1.  Oakland A's

Oakland would be the safest bet for Frank Thomas.  He played his entire season there in 2006 and posted MONSTER numbers in the second half of the season while finishing the year with 39 homeruns and 114 RBIs, all of this in just 466 ABs....not to mention finishing 3rd in MVP voting at the same time while pushing the Oakland A's into the playoffs.  He is comfortable in Oakland, the fans love him, and the punchless Oakland A's lineup desperately needs someone to drive some runs in.  Frank fits the traditionally Billy Beane criteria when looking for a hitter.  Solid hitting with a solid OBP. 

 

2.  Baltimore Orioles

Nick Markakis has been pitched around the entire year thus far.  The Bmore Orioles need to bring in some veteran leadership to mentor some of the young up and coming talent, because Kevin Millar just isn't cutting it.  Frank can easily hold down the DH/clean up spot for a very weak offensive team in the Orioles.  It is quite possible that with mediocre offensive output this year, the Orioles could land the AL wildcard spot.  I would not be surprised to see Frank Thomas land here. 

 

3.  Kansas City Royals

Alex Gordon is never going to live up to his potential if you keep players like Mark Teahen and Jose Guillen in front of him in the lineup.  Frank is an immediate affordable upgrade for a potential AL wild card contender.  Kansas City has a great bullpen, solid starters and plenty of weak average hitters.  They need someone who can hit 30 homeruns, eclipse the 100 RBI mark and either protect Alex Gordon in the lineup or be an OBP monster for them.  If you're the GM for the Royals, and can sign Frank Thomas for considerable less money then the $12.5 million you are paying Jose Guillen, or the $4.5 million you are paying to Mark Grudzielanek....why wouldn't you sign him?

 

 

 

So recently the new "Boss" Hank Steinbrenner goes to the media and says Joba Chamberlain should be a starter ASAP.  However, the GM, Brian Cashman,  gets word of this and quickly says that they will stay the course and keep him setup for Mariano Rivera.  The whole reason for the early complaining is because Steinbrenner wanted to trade for Johan Santana and Cashman shot him down.  Guess what?  Even though Steinbrenner has a big mouth, HE IS RIGHT!!!  I know the Yankees are trying to build from within but how do you pass on Santana.  They would've had to give up Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy but pitchers are unpredictable and these guys may both be busts (they have been so far!)  As far as fantasy goes, I would keep Chamberlain around if you have the room but in leagues with not alot of roster room you are paying alot for a setup man.  I think, as in the past, Steinbrenner will eventually win this one and Joba will be a starter again, but you may have to wait until next year.  Also, if Mariano gets hurt we may have the next Jon Papelbon.

I am a "Self-Proclaimed Fantasy Expert".  And with my 15 years of fantasy play, not to mention a plethora of fantasy baseball/football championships under my belt, it would be wise for the younger more formidable folks to lend an ear, sit down, shut up and listen to what I have to say.  Unlike my payed counterparts at espn, yahoo and cbssportsline, I know what I'm talking about.  Let's get started!

 

 "Rough Start" Pitchers to Target and Avoid: 

 

 

1.  C.C. Sabathia (Cleveland Indians)

You heard it here first folks, fat people can't pitch, but they sure can down their fair share of Krispy Kreme Donuts.  Sabathia has logged close to 200 innings in each of the past 7 years, with a career high 240 innings last year.  He looked very hittable towards the end of last year and I believe his stamina has to eventually come into question.  His offense is hitting close to nothing this year as well...and don't get my started on the closer situation in Cleveland.  If you can afford to trade for him cheap and bench him for awhile, go ahead.  Otherwsise, my vote is to let him be someone else's problem. 

AVOID

 

(It is rumored that Sabathia was quoted saying "I am in shape, round is a shape")

 

(Notice the correalation between Sabathia's Stomoch shape, and his favorite dinner item, the donut, shape)

 

2.  Roy Oswalt (Houston Astros)

Roy has slowly watched his strikeout total decrease in each of the last 4 years, while eating up close to 200 innings in each of the last 4 as well.  The main difference Oswalt and his counterpart (C.C. McDonut), is that Oswalt can still pitch.  His velocity is still there as well as his stamina/endurance.  Put out a flier in your league and try to land this guy for cheap while you still can.  Oswalt has a very potent offense behind him and it's a safe bet that he will destroy National League hitters in the second half of the season. 

TARGET

(This guy is good!)

 

3.  Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers)

Verlander could still easily win a Cy Young award this year.  This year it seems that most of his problems have been self inflicted.  He has already coughed up 4 gopher balls, while hitting an unprecedented 6 batters already and walking 16 as well.  Look for Verlander to fix the mechanical issues that have thrown him off and look for HUGE numbers the rest of the way.  Remember, he can still pitch bad and get 20 wins this year due to his offense which should be good for about 6 runs a game when he is on the mound.  Get him while you can, and then be sure to ridicule the idiot who traded him to you after Verlander blows up and wins you a fantasy championship this year. 

TARGET

 

4.  Chris Young (San Diego Padres)

Don't get me started on this guy.  If you were one of the morons who wasted a mid-round pick on a pitcher who has posted nothing more then average numbers, you should be punched in the ovaries.  He gives up the long-ball (last year aside) and he can't stay healthy.  His offense sucks, and his closer has not looked good this year.  Leave him be, and if he hits the waiver wire, pick him up and trade him to someone who is dumb enough to want him. 

AVOID

 

5.  Brett Myers (Philadelphia Phillies)

Myers is a great pitcher who suffers from playing in a hitters park.  If it weren't for his "launching pad" of a stadium that he pitches in, Myers could easily post a 3 ERA with 200K+.  BUT, the sad reality is that he does pitch in a hitters park, so procede with caution.  He can win you 15 games while posting 200K, but look for an ERA closer to 4 then to 3.  Take him off a nervous league mates hands, and be sure to send them an email each and every time Myers delivers a quality start with 8K plus.  If you aren't annoying your fellow league members, then you aren't doing your job. 

TARGET