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Fantasy Baseball Tip Sheet - May 9

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By JAMES LoPRESTI

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

HOT PICKUPS OF THE WEEK

David DeJesus, OF (Kansas City Royals) - DeJesus leads the team in RBIs with 16 despite only having 77 plate appearances. He won't hit too many home runs, but he is sure to score a lot of runs and pick up 10-15 steals hitting leadoff for the Royals.

Felipe Lopez, 2B/SS/OF (Washington Nationals) - Lopez is valuable to owners because of his position flexibility. He has hits in seven of his last eight games and has picked up four stolen bases this year. Two years ago Lopez stole 44 bases while with the Reds. If you are comfortable in power and need steals, Lopez is a viable option.

Chris Iannetta, C (Colorado Rockies) - Iannetta started his fourth game in a row Thursday, the longest of his career. During the past week, he's hitting a blistering .438 and has eight RBIs in his last five games. It looks like Iannetta has taken over the starting catching position from Yorvit Torrealba. Iannetta is a great pickup this week because he will hit for both power and average.

Moises Alou, OF (New York Mets) - Yes, Alou is 41, but that doesn't mean he can't help your fantasy team in average and power. I expect Alou to bat .300, hit 15-20 home runs and drive in 60-70 RBIs while hitting in the six spot in the Mets lineup.

Greg Smith, SP (Oakland Athletics) - Smith has been the most consistent rookie pitcher thus far. He has a 2.54 ERA and was dominant Sunday against the Rangers. Until hitters begin to react to Smith's pitches, he is a solid No. 4 or 5 starter in your rotation.

Andy Sonnanstine, SP (Tampa Bay Rays) - Sonnanstine's numbers may look ugly, but he is 5-1 for the underrated Rays. I would ride Sonnanstine until he begins to cool off. In his next start he faces the Angels and is a solid starter if you need a win and are comfortable in ERA and WHIP.

CLOSERS IN WAITING

Having trouble with underachieving closers? Here are some setup men to keep an eye on who may steal some saves.

Santiago Casilla (Oakland Athletics) - Casilla has been perhaps the most dominant relief pitcher this season, pitching 171/3 innings without allowing a run. He picked up his first save Tuesday night and if Huston Street continues to give up runs, he could steal the position away. If Casilla is available, pick him up. He will help you greatly in ERA, WHIP and strikeouts.

Salomon Torres (Milwaukee Brewers) - Eric Gagne has blown five saves already and although Manager Ned Yost confirms Gagne will remain the closer, I believe Gagne is on a short leash. It is possible that setup man David Riske will take over the closer's role, but I believe Torres has the better shot because he has had experience closing while with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Torres also has a much lower ERA than any of the other Brewer relievers. I would pick up Torres as insurance to Gagne.

Ryan Franklin (St. Louis Cardinals) - Cards closer Jason Isringhausen already has blown more saves this year (four) than he had all of last season (two). With Izzy's ERA floating in the high 6 range, I believe the Cards will turn to Franklin, who has been a great setup man to Isringhausen the last several years.

Mike Gonzalez (Atlanta Braves) - Gonzalez is a dark-horse candidate for saves in Atlanta. With John Smoltz, Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan on the DL, Gonzalez is the only Brave with closing experience. Gonzalez is currently on the DL himself, but is expected back in about a week. Manny Acosta has struggled since being inserted into the role and looks to be losing Bobby Cox's trust. If you have an open spot in your fantasy lineup and need a few saves, take a shot with Gonzalez.

STREAMER PITCHERS

If you are in need of some wins, here are a few lesser-known pitchers who have a good shot at pulling out a win in their next start.

Tim Wakefield (Boston Red Sox) - Wakefield plays a Twins team that has struggled to score runs lately. Wakefield's knuckleball will baffle hitters all night. This should be an easy victory. He is a strong play.

Justin Duchscherer (Oakland Athletics) - When healthy, Duchscherer is a solid No. 3 starter. In four starts, he has given up only six earned runs. Following an impressive start against the Orioles, Duchscherer will travel to Cleveland and face an offense that has struggled to find the same swagger it had last season. He is a moderately strong play.

Shawn Hill (Washington Nationals) - Hill pitches at home Sunday against the Florida Marlins. The Marlins strike out a lot as a team and should struggle to score runs against Hill. I expect a low-scoring game with Hill's Nationals getting the victory.

Sidney Ponson (Texas Rangers) - Ponson squares off against the Athletics at home Sunday for the Rangers. Ponson's numbers have been superb so far. He has allowed only one run in each of first three starts since being recalled from Triple-A. I wouldn't go as far as saying Ponson could return to be a staff ace like he was with the Baltimore Orioles, but I like him this week in a close one against the A's.

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