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Fantasy Baseball Tip Sheet - May 23

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By James LoPresti / The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

INJURY REPORT

Pedro Martinez, SP (Mets) - Martinez is expected back in the Mets' rotation as early as next week. He has said his arm feels great and he is throwing his fastball "well over the 90 miles-per-hour mark." This is great news for Mets fans. Martinez will be a huge boost to New York's struggling rotation, and he should be a solid No. 3 starter the rest of the year.

Chris Young, SP (Padres) - Young was hit in the face by an Albert Pujols line drive Wednesday, breaking his nose. It is unclear how much time Young will miss, but a trip to the disabled list is almost certain. The Padres could activate right-hander Clay Hensley from the disabled list to take Young's spot in the rotation.

Yunel Escobar, 2B/3B/SS (Braves) - Escobar was involved in a nasty collision with Mets outfielder Ryan Church on Tuesday, and he had to be helped off the field. He insisted he would not require time on the DL, but as a precautionary measure he could be sidelined for a few games. Put him on your bench for a couple of games until he is fully recovered.

BUY LOW

Jeff Francoeur, OF (Braves) - A day after being benched by Manager Bobby Cox for his lack of offensive spark, Francoeur responded by going 3-for-4 with four RBIs, falling a double short of the cycle. Francoeur is a streaky hitter, and this game should be his turning point, and my projection for the rest of the year is .303, with 22 homers and 89 RBIs.

Brad Hawpe, OF (Rockies) - Hawpe, usually a fast starter, has only three home runs and 17 RBIs in 42 games. He still should hit 30 home runs and drive in at least 100 runs, but his average likely won't get much higher than .280. I would pick Hawpe up and stash him on the bench until he starts to get hot.

Justin Verlander, SP (Tigers) - Verlander had perhaps the highest fantasy expectations for a pitcher coming into the year, but he has not performed at the same level as last season. Verlander has shown signs he could be turning it around, but he has yet to find consistency. My bet is Verlander will begin to find his pitching groove and go on to win 16 or 17 games this year, with an ERA in the mid-3.00 range. If you're in a league with a frustrated Verlander owner, try to trade for him before he starts heating up.

SELL HIGH

Cliff Lee, SP (Indians) - No player has surprised fantasy owners more this year than this left-hander. A year after being demoted to Triple-A because of control issues, a 5-8 record and 6.29 ERA, Lee has shown superb command of all his pitches, walking only five in 59 innings. Despite Lee's mastery, I am not confident he will continue his pace. Only once in his career has he finished a season with an ERA lower than 4.00.

Joe Saunders, SP (Angels) - Saunders is another pitcher who has come out of nowhere and baffled batters. Saunders is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA, and he is tied for the AL lead in wins. However, there is reason to fret: Saunders has never finished a year with more than eight wins or an ERA under 4.40. Don't expect Saunders to keep up this pace. I anticipate Saunders winning 12 to 14 games, but having an ERA somewhere around 4.50.

Jayson Werth OF (Phillies) - Werth was the most targeted player on most fantasy sports owners' minds after smacking three home runs and eight RBIs last Friday night against the Blue Jays. Since that amazing offensive performance, Werth is 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts. Now is the time to try to trade Werth, because he will lose at-bats now that outfielder Shane Victorino is back.

WAIVER-WIRE PICKUPS

Jose Guillen, OF (Royals) - Guillen is Kansas City's lone bright spot this week. In his last seven games, Guillen is batting .406 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. Don't expect his average to be great, but he is a good bet to hit 25 HRs and drive in 90 runs hitting cleanup for the lowly Royals offense.

Randy Winn, OF (Giants) - Winn has quietly been the most reliable hitter and run scorer for the Giants this season. He had a 15-game hitting streak snapped Wednesday, raising his average in that span to .291. He also has picked up two steals and five runs in his last four games.

Chris Perez, RP (Cardinals) - Perez is a dark-horse candidate to replace Ryan Franklin as the closer for the Cardinals. Since being called up from Triple-A, Perez has pitched three innings, picked up a win, and has yet to give up a hit. Even if Perez does not become the closer for St. Louis, he would be good to have because of his high strikeout rate and low WHIP.

Jose Contreras, SP (White Sox) - Contreras outdueled C.C. Sabathia on Tuesday, leading the White Sox to a 4-1 victory. Contreras is 5-3 with a 3.17 ERA and has won three consecutive starts. He is a good play Sunday against the Angels at home.

Bartolo Colon, SP (Red Sox) - Colon's Red Sox debut was a success. He tossed five innings, giving up two runs and striking out four, to pick up the win. Even more promising is that Colon showed he could throw strikes consistently, and he kept his fastball at 93 to 95 mph. He is a solid play his next two starts, when he faces the Mariners and Orioles.

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