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Fantasy Baseball Tip Sheet - June 6

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By James LoPresti / The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 6, 2008

INJURY REPORT

David Ortiz, 1B (Red Sox) - Ortiz is expected to miss at least a month with a small tear in his left wrist tendon. In Ortiz's absence, Coco Crisp, Sean Casey and recently recalled prospect Chris Carter will receive more playing time. In 57 games at Triple-A Pawtucket, Carter hit .310, with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs as a first baseman. He is worth a look in AL-only leagues.

Jorge Posada, C (Yankees) - Posada returned to the Yankees' lineup Thursday and went 1-for-3. You might want to keep Posada on the bench until it is clear he has recovered completely from an injured right shoulder.

Jake Peavy, SP (Padres) - Peavy threw a 45-pitch bullpen session Wednesday without pain in his injured right elbow, and he is expected to rejoin the Padres next week. However, you might want to give Peavy at least a week before inserting him into your starting lineup, since he likely will face the Yankees in New York in his first start coming off the disabled list.

TRADE HIM OR KEEP HIM

KEEP: Jay Bruce (Reds) - Unless you are offered a deal that is too good to pass up, I would suggest hanging on to him for the rest of the season. His potential for monumental success is just too great. Yes, he could turn into another Justin Upton and see his average drop 70 points, but he could put up similar stats to Ryan Braun. My advice is to hang on to him this year and for years to come.

TRADE: Dan Uggla (Marlins) - If Chase Utley wasn't smashing multiple home runs every other day, the clear choice to start at second base for the NL All-Star team would be Uggla, who is hitting .302 with 18 home runs. However, Uggla is hitting nearly 40 points above his career average, and he has struck out 63 times in 56 games. He isn't likely to keep up this pace.

KEEP: Mark Teixeira (Braves) - Don't get discouraged by Teixeira's lack of power numbers to start the year. He is traditionally a much better fantasy contributor after the All-Star break. In 2006, he smacked 24 home runs after July 12, and he had 18 home runs after the break last season.

TRADE: Xavier Nady (Pirates) - Nady has posted fantastic numbers for a player who was hardly selected on draft day. The troubling thing is that he has never played more than 125 games in a season. Each year he has been injured at least once, and he often is out for an extended period.

KEEP: Erik Bedard (Mariners) - Bedard has been disappointing, especially to owners who expected him to be their ace. He has had a few solid outings, but he has yet to find consistency. Don't panic, Bedard is clearly a second-half pitcher. Expect his strikeout numbers to rise, his walks to fall, and the Mariners to get it going.

TRADE: Micah Owings (Diamondbacks) - Owings has faltered in his last two outings, and it seems like hitters are beginning to figure him out. After June 1 last year, Owings struggled with his control and saw his ERA rise from 3.86 to 4.78 by September.

WAIVER-WIRE PICKUPS

Wandy Rodriguez, SP (Astros) - Rodriguez held the Pirates scoreless on five hits in his second start since returning from the disabled list. In six starts, he has allowed three or more runs just twice. Sunday, Rodriguez faces St. Louis at home, and he is a strong play if you are looking for a spot starter to fill your rotation.

John Banks, SP (Padres) - Entering Thursday, Banks had pitched 17 scoreless innings and had a 2-0 record since being called up from the minors. He isn't likely to be able to keep this up for an extended time, but while he is baffling hitters, he is a good pickup.

Randy Winn, OF (Giants) - During the past month, Winn is the 24th-best player according to Yahoo's ratings. He has become a complete threat, hitting for power and also swiping bases. If he is available, he must be picked up.

Russell Branyan, 3B/OF (Brewers) - Branyan has hit a home run in three consecutive games and has a .321 average in eight games since being called up from Triple-A. He will hurt you in strikeouts, but he should hit 20 home runs and drive in 60 runs.

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