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Fantasy Baseball Tip Sheets 8-28-08

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 29, 2008

Well, baseball fans, it's been an intriguing season filled with blockbuster trades, comeback players, underachieving talent and, yes, a few diamonds in the rough. However, with fantasy football season starting soon, this will be my final article in print for the 2008 season. New articles will be accessible every Friday at TBO.com until the end of the regular season. If you have questions on who to start/bench, add/drop, etc., or you want to share an opinion, you can e-mail me at jlopresti@tampatrib.com. With that said, let's take a look at what's going on now and what to expect the rest of the season.
INJURY REPORT
J.D. Drew, OF (Red Sox) — The injury bug has caught up with Drew again, and he is out with a herniated disk in his back. The acquisition of Braves outfielder Mark Kotsay suggests Drew's injury could be serious enough to sideline him for the rest of the season. Kotsay should see a spike in most offensive categories, particularly runs scored, making him a valuable late-season pick-up.
Victor Martinez, C/1B (Indians) — Martinez is likely to be activated from the DL this week after missing nearly 21/2 months because of elbow surgery. The surprising play of catcher Kelly Shoppach will force Martinez to either DH or play first base, which could help him stay healthy.
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BARGAIN PICK-UPS
Frank Francisco, RP (Rangers) — Eddie Guardado's trade to the Twins gives Francisco the closing job and sudden fantasy value for the last month of the year. Don't anticipate him saving too many games for Texas, but five to six saves and a sub-2.00 ERA can be expected.
Kevin Correia, SP/RP (Giants) — Based on Correia's 3-7 record and 5.11 ERA, he doesn't sound like someone you'd want in your lineup on a regular basis. However, looks can be deceiving. He has five straight quality starts, and he faces a Cincinnati team that has struggled to score runs, in his next scheduled start.
Nyjer Morgan, OF (Pirates) — Morgan has earned a starting spot after going 8-for-16 while starting outfielder Nate McLouth was sidelined with an illness. Since his call-up Aug.19, Morgan is hitting .400 and already has swiped three bases. He is a must pick-up for anyone who wants to gain some ground in stolen bases.
Nelson Cruz, OF (Rangers) — Cruz is back in the majors after obliterating minor-league pitching for most of the season. In 112 games in Triple-A, Cruz hit a league-best .342, with 37 home runs, 99 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. He already has a home run and three RBIs in three games for Texas, and he is likely to hit several more this season.
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Here are some top prospects who likely will be called on when rosters expand Monday: Sept. 1:
David Price, SP (Rays) — Just about everyone is expecting Price to be called up soon, especially since it looks like the Rays will be playing well into October. Assuming Price is called up, he most likely will be the Rays' No. 4 or 5 starter or a long reliever. Either way, he needs to be owned in all leagues. Monitor him closely in the next few weeks.
Brandon Morrow, SP/RP (Mariners) — Some might remember Morrow from when he was up this season as a setup man and part-time closer. After spending a few weeks in the minors preparing for an extended workload, he is back as a starter. He has electric stuff, comparable to pitchers Joba Chamberlain and Tim Lincecum and should be owned in all leagues.
Matt Wieters, C (Orioles) — Wieters is the top catching prospect in the minor leagues, and he could get the starting job right away if Orioles management decides to part with Ramon Hernandez. In 125 games between Double-A and Triple-A, Wieters has a .349 average, 26 home runs and 88 RBIs.

James LoPresti

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