TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Fantasy Baseball Tip Sheet - May 2

ADVERTISEMENT

By James LoPresti / The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 2, 2008

This week has featured an assortment of wild plays as well as injuries to some of the most dependable players in the game. In this edition of the fantasy tip sheet, we'll take a look at some of the players who have been bitten by the injury bug and some who are on the road to recovery. I'll also share my take on up-and-coming prospects to watch for in the coming weeks and we'll take a look at a few players you'll want in your lineup for the coming week.

Injury News And Notes

Alex Rodriguez, 3B (Yankees) - A-Rod, fantasy baseball's consensus No. 1 pick, will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a strained right quadriceps. Owners shouldn't be worried, since it's merely a precautionary procedure. Morgan Ensberg and Alberto Gonzalez will fill in for Rodriguez.

John Smoltz, SP (Braves) - After returning to the DL because of an inflamed shoulder, Smoltz hinted he could return as a reliever, rather than Atlanta's No..1 starter. Smoltz will probably get a chance to close once he has recovered, especially with the health concerns for Atlanta's relievers this year.

Jorge Posada, C (Yankees) - Posada was placed on the DL for the first time in his career. Don't expect him to return until his shoulder problems cease to exist. Jose Molina will take over catching duties, but he's not worth picking up in any format.

John Lackey, SP (Angels) - Lackey pitched in his second rehab start for the Cucamonga Quakes on Tuesday, and he pitched well. He gave up one run in three innings and struck out two. Lackey is well on his way to an early- to mid-May return.

Chad Cordero, RP (Nationals) - Cordero will miss four to six weeks with a muscle tear below his right pitching shoulder. Cordero did not regain his velocity and control in limited action for the Nationals. Jon Rauch will continue to close for the Nats, with Luis Ayala backing him up.

Prospect Watch

Max Scherzer, SP (Diamondbacks) - Scherzer is the National League's version of Joba Chamberlain. He has up to a 97 mph fastball that runs in on hitters, and he can throw both a devastating slider and a nasty changeup that perplex hitters. He shows incredible control for a young pitcher. In four starts in the Pacific Coast League this year, Scherzer averaged just more than one walk every nine innings. In 23 innings in the minors, he gave up two runs and struck out an amazing 38 batters. Tuesday night, Scherzer was absolutely filthy in his major-league debut. He pitched 4 1/3 perfect innings and struck out seven Astros hitters. You'll want to have Scherzer in your lineup all year. He's a must pickup in all leagues.

Nick Adenhart, SP (Angels) - If you miss out on Scherzer, take a flyer on Adenhart. He was called up Thursday to make at least three starts before John Lackey returns from injury. In four starts in Triple-A, Adenhart is 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA. If Adenhart performs well, he could stay in the majors and make a run at AL Rookie of the Year honors.

Jay Bruce, OF (Reds) - Bruce has shown signs he might be ready for the next level. In 22 games with Triple-A Louisville, Bruce is hitting .316 with five homers and 19 RBIs. If Corey Patterson continues to struggle at the plate, look for the Reds to bring up Bruce. Keep an eye on him for mixed leagues and especially keeper leagues.

Jeff Clement, DH (Mariners) - Clement was called up Wednesday to platoon with Jose Vidro in the designated hitter spot. He also could split time at catcher with Kenji Johjima. In 20 games in the minors, Clement hit a blistering .397 with five homers and 20 RBIs. He is worth grabbing in AL-only leagues and deep mixed leagues.

Popular Pickups

Willy Taveras, OF (Rockies) - Taveras has been a speed demon this week, stealing five bases, including three Wednesday vs. the Giants. Rockies manager Clint Hurdle recently challenged Taveras to steal more, meaning Taveras is likely to get the green light every time he's on base. If you lack steals, grab Taveras while he's hot.

Franklin Gutierrez, OF (Indians)- During the last week and a half, Gutierrez is hitting .377 and has multiple hits in three of his last four games. With games against the Royals and Yankees this week, Gutierrez will have opportunities to drive in runs and swipe a few bases.

Jair Jurrjens, SP (Braves) - Jurrjens, a former Tigers prospect, has been a pleasant surprise this year for the Braves. He was dominant Wednesday against the Nationals, pitching seven innings, giving up one run and three hits. Jurrjens plays in a good pitcher's park and has the luxury of having both a good offense and bullpen behind him. If he is still available in your league, pick him up.

Jonathan Sanchez, SP (Giants) - After a rough start to the season, Sanchez has performed very well for the offense-challenged Giants. Sanchez is tied for third in the majors in strikeouts and has a 3.48 ERA despite giving up seven runs in his first start. It's unlikely Sanchez will pick up a lot of wins with the Giants, but he still should maintain a decent ERA and continue to rack up strikeouts.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT