Seeing Red (5x5 Roto Bullish)
Justin Upton has 11 homers and it is only April 25th. People are asking if they should sell high. Simply put the answer is NO. His fly ball rate is right at 46% which is where it was in 2011. He is happy, in a great lineup and driving the ball, far. Do not sell Justin Upton.
Pedro Alvarez has homered in 3 of his last 5 games. Alvarez got off to a miserable start but he always has. He is possibly one of the most streaky power hitters which can cause some owners to miss his power surges by benching him. You drafted him, you knew what he was. You have to roll him out there all season to get every bit of power potential you can. He's hitting .368 over his last 7 games(7 for19 with 4 HRs).
Starling Marte is another Pirate who has been producing. He's been producing all year actually. He's batting .329 with 13 R, 1 HR, 9 RBI and 5 SBs. The power will come soon. You could be looking at a 20/40 guy in Marte this year.
Nelson Cruz has been nailz over his last 26 at bats. Nelly has 4 HR, 12 RBI and a .346 BA over that span.
Hot 7 over the last 7 Days:
Yu Darvish: 2-0 21Ks 0.00 ERA 0.84 WHIP
Mike Napoli: 2 HR, 10 RBI, .333 BA, 7 R
Kyle Seager: 11 for 22, 2 HRs, 5 RBI
Adam Wainwright: 2-0 1.76 ERA 0.97 WHIP 13/1 K/BB
Alex Cobb: 2-0 10/2 K/BB, 1.72 ERA 0.95 WHIP
Andrew Bailey: 4 Saves with 9Ks, 1.80 ERA and .80 WHIP
Jean Segura: 6 Runs, 5 SB, .321 AVG
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Deeper Creepers
I feel like I am talking about this guy too often, but he keeps putting up hits when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (really? still named that??) need them. The guyer I am referring to is 3B Luis Jimenez. The 25 year old Venezuelan rookie is hitting a robust .343 with 12 hits in 10 games. His approach needs fine tuning with 11/2 K/BB but his ability has shown through. He's been an above average defender as well. All signs point to Callaspo starting when he returns. But in deeper leagues Jimenez has been a serviceable stopgap for two weeks. I hope he stays up but a bench role is worthless for fantasy purposes. Monitor Callaspo's return. Aybar isn't expected back when eligable.
Twins Basil! Twins. Ok the Twinkies are nothing to write home about, however while playing a double header yesterday they did have to notable contributors who were unsuspecting. OF/DH Oswaldo Arcia came into yesterdays double header with little more than one hit and an error to his resume. He tripled his season hit total and blasted his first homer of the year, a three run bomb! He has pop for sure and Gardenhire put him in the three hole for the second dip of the double-header. Interesting. Mastroianni is out a few weeks which could give the Twins enough time to make Arcia a regular and/or platoon some mix of he, Parmelee and Willingham.
The second Twin is uber-post-spring-training-bust CF Aaron Hicks. After setting the strikeout world on fire from the batters box, Hicks has actually contributed the past few games. He has amassed 11 walks in 55 at bats to go along with 22 Ks. He is scoring runs(8) and swiping bags(2) when he gets on base. Over his past 3 games Hicks has gone 2-7(.285) with 2 runs scored, 2 RBI, 3 BB and 1 SB. This leads me to believe he has the plate vision to succeed, he either A. isn't liking playing in the Arctic weather of Target field or B. he's pressing too much. I think if you held onto him you will be rewarded in the next few weeks. As should the Twins be, for sticking with him. I SAY ITS TIME TO BUY!
He can't possibly keep this up can he? Fantasy eligibility gold mine and Brewers' super-utility man Yuniesky Betancourt has been slugging his ass off compared to his career avg. He is slugging .473 with 3 HRs and 14 RBI over 57 ABs thru 18 games. He cannot keep this up. No. No way. I don't care what he worked on or thinks he found in winter ball. Or do I? Jose Bautista was a 15 HR max afterthought up until the 2010 season where at the age of 29 he set the world on fire with 54 HRs and 124 RBI. Now, am I saying Yuni is going to become Bautista? Not at all, however it just goes to show a player can all-of-a-sudden "find it" in this game. Just as Rick Ankiel got the "yips." Stranger things have happened. Unfortunately the real 3B Ramirez will return soon as well as Cory Hart at some point. Ride the lightning while you can with Betancourt, if he keeps hitting...who knows? Rickie Weeks seems replaceable at this point, maybe?
I feel like I am talking about this guy too often, but he keeps putting up hits when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (really? still named that??) need them. The guyer I am referring to is 3B Luis Jimenez. The 25 year old Venezuelan rookie is hitting a robust .343 with 12 hits in 10 games. His approach needs fine tuning with 11/2 K/BB but his ability has shown through. He's been an above average defender as well. All signs point to Callaspo starting when he returns. But in deeper leagues Jimenez has been a serviceable stopgap for two weeks. I hope he stays up but a bench role is worthless for fantasy purposes. Monitor Callaspo's return. Aybar isn't expected back when eligable.
Twins Basil! Twins. Ok the Twinkies are nothing to write home about, however while playing a double header yesterday they did have to notable contributors who were unsuspecting. OF/DH Oswaldo Arcia came into yesterdays double header with little more than one hit and an error to his resume. He tripled his season hit total and blasted his first homer of the year, a three run bomb! He has pop for sure and Gardenhire put him in the three hole for the second dip of the double-header. Interesting. Mastroianni is out a few weeks which could give the Twins enough time to make Arcia a regular and/or platoon some mix of he, Parmelee and Willingham.
The second Twin is uber-post-spring-training-bust CF Aaron Hicks. After setting the strikeout world on fire from the batters box, Hicks has actually contributed the past few games. He has amassed 11 walks in 55 at bats to go along with 22 Ks. He is scoring runs(8) and swiping bags(2) when he gets on base. Over his past 3 games Hicks has gone 2-7(.285) with 2 runs scored, 2 RBI, 3 BB and 1 SB. This leads me to believe he has the plate vision to succeed, he either A. isn't liking playing in the Arctic weather of Target field or B. he's pressing too much. I think if you held onto him you will be rewarded in the next few weeks. As should the Twins be, for sticking with him. I SAY ITS TIME TO BUY!
He can't possibly keep this up can he? Fantasy eligibility gold mine and Brewers' super-utility man Yuniesky Betancourt has been slugging his ass off compared to his career avg. He is slugging .473 with 3 HRs and 14 RBI over 57 ABs thru 18 games. He cannot keep this up. No. No way. I don't care what he worked on or thinks he found in winter ball. Or do I? Jose Bautista was a 15 HR max afterthought up until the 2010 season where at the age of 29 he set the world on fire with 54 HRs and 124 RBI. Now, am I saying Yuni is going to become Bautista? Not at all, however it just goes to show a player can all-of-a-sudden "find it" in this game. Just as Rick Ankiel got the "yips." Stranger things have happened. Unfortunately the real 3B Ramirez will return soon as well as Cory Hart at some point. Ride the lightning while you can with Betancourt, if he keeps hitting...who knows? Rickie Weeks seems replaceable at this point, maybe?
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Two-fer Tuesday
Prospect Watch April 16:
Miami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton should probably just go on the DL to heal his sore shoulder. That could open up the door for OF stud, 21 year old, Christian Yelich. However, Yelich has been injured (plantar fasciitis) and was only recently reinstated to the Minor League roster.
The Los Angelos Angels of Anaheim called up Luis Jimenez when Erick Aybar and Alberto Callaspo went down last week. They are putrid right now and I think Jimenez could stick around.
Tampa Bay's newly aquired prospect Wil Myers is still in Triple-A despite the Rays early offensive struggles. I doubt that lasts much longer.Myers however, is yet to show his power stroke this year with zilch in the homer category.
Pirates Pitcher James McDonald has been dreadful early on. Some speculation has been swirling around the "Twitterverse" leaving many questioning his health. If he is injured, could we see one of the top pitching prospects? Cole or Taillon? Maybe?
The Twins brought up slugging OF prospect Oswaldo Arcia for a sip of a cup-of-coffee. No sooner did he burn his lip on hot coffee, get his first hit and commit his first error, the Twins sent him packing back to AAA. I think it speaks volumes for where they value him within the system. Although brief, his stay shows that he is next in line were something to happen to a corner OF in the show.
Jurikson Profar is roadblocked for the foreseeable future in Texas. They locked up Andrus with a huge long term deal and Kinsler isn't moving from second base. He may not make the impact in fantasy we had hoped for in 2013...unless traded for, maybe say for Oscar Taveras? That would help both clubs and fantasy owners like me who own Profar or Taveras in keeper leagues.
Notable 2013 Prospects already making an impact in MLB:
Shelby Miller SP STL: 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 12K thru 12.3 IP
Jose Fernadez SP MIA: 2 Starts with 0-0 record (remember its MIA), however 13Ks in 11 IP (only 3 BB) and a sparkling 0.81 ERA & 0.72 WHIP are no joke.
Prospect BUST?
Twins OF Aaron Hicks' start to the 2013 season after jumping up from AA, not so hot. Actually, it has been historically bad. Hicks set a record for most Ks through his first 10 games. That would be great if her were a pitcher. Right now Hicks stands at 20 Ks thru 43 ABs with 2 hits. He did come in as a pinch hitter yesterday and walked, stole a base and scored. That's the lone bright spot. And yes, I drafted him.
Prospect Watch April 16:
Miami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton should probably just go on the DL to heal his sore shoulder. That could open up the door for OF stud, 21 year old, Christian Yelich. However, Yelich has been injured (plantar fasciitis) and was only recently reinstated to the Minor League roster.
The Los Angelos Angels of Anaheim called up Luis Jimenez when Erick Aybar and Alberto Callaspo went down last week. They are putrid right now and I think Jimenez could stick around.
Tampa Bay's newly aquired prospect Wil Myers is still in Triple-A despite the Rays early offensive struggles. I doubt that lasts much longer.Myers however, is yet to show his power stroke this year with zilch in the homer category.
Pirates Pitcher James McDonald has been dreadful early on. Some speculation has been swirling around the "Twitterverse" leaving many questioning his health. If he is injured, could we see one of the top pitching prospects? Cole or Taillon? Maybe?
The Twins brought up slugging OF prospect Oswaldo Arcia for a sip of a cup-of-coffee. No sooner did he burn his lip on hot coffee, get his first hit and commit his first error, the Twins sent him packing back to AAA. I think it speaks volumes for where they value him within the system. Although brief, his stay shows that he is next in line were something to happen to a corner OF in the show.
Jurikson Profar is roadblocked for the foreseeable future in Texas. They locked up Andrus with a huge long term deal and Kinsler isn't moving from second base. He may not make the impact in fantasy we had hoped for in 2013...unless traded for, maybe say for Oscar Taveras? That would help both clubs and fantasy owners like me who own Profar or Taveras in keeper leagues.
Notable 2013 Prospects already making an impact in MLB:
Shelby Miller SP STL: 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 12K thru 12.3 IP
Jose Fernadez SP MIA: 2 Starts with 0-0 record (remember its MIA), however 13Ks in 11 IP (only 3 BB) and a sparkling 0.81 ERA & 0.72 WHIP are no joke.
Prospect BUST?
Twins OF Aaron Hicks' start to the 2013 season after jumping up from AA, not so hot. Actually, it has been historically bad. Hicks set a record for most Ks through his first 10 games. That would be great if her were a pitcher. Right now Hicks stands at 20 Ks thru 43 ABs with 2 hits. He did come in as a pinch hitter yesterday and walked, stole a base and scored. That's the lone bright spot. And yes, I drafted him.
Pray for Boston
As a former US Marine and father of two boys, days like yesterday hit me hard. Senseless acts of death and destruction have become daily occurrences in the Middle East and countries ruined by dictatorial rule. The United States of America is not one of those places, we are a land of Patriots, workers, teachers and a place where a child has the opportunity to be whatever their heart desires. When anyone's life is taken from them it is tragic. Lives and families shall forever remain altered due to the gruesome attack yesterday. Whether it be foreign or domestic threat, I pray that the person(s) responsible are caught and rue the day as they meet their maker face to face. Justice shall be done.
Monday, April 15, 2013
42 Day
Everyone in baseball honors a legend today. Jackie Robinson not only broke the color barrier, but he was a great player and human being.
Jackie Robinson Day started with a bang. The Rays' stagnant offense fought back against Andrew Bailey after being stifled by Ryan Dempster (7.0 IP, 10K, 1 ER) all day. Tampa Bay scored to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the ninth only to have Mike Napoli deliver the game winning hit off the Green Monster to score Pedroia from first base.
Starters for today 4/15/13:
Floyd CHW @ Buehrle TOR
Bedard HOU @ Milone OAK
Blanton LAA @ Correia MIN
Gee NYM @ Nicasio COL
Lee PHI @ Arroyo CIN
Stults SD @ Billingsly LAD
Lynn StL @ McDonald PIT
Zimmerman WAS @ LeBlanc MIA
Hellickson @ Dempster BOS (3-2 BOS W) Hellickson ND, Dempster ND, Peralta L, Bailey BS/W(blown save/bullshit win)
Moves:
Reds: J. Cueto to DL, contract purchased RHP Justin Freeman
Pirates: Irwin sent back to AAA, OF Alex Presley gets the call
Twins: Purchase contract of OF Oswaldo Arcia, Wilkin Ramirez on paternity leave
Everyone in baseball honors a legend today. Jackie Robinson not only broke the color barrier, but he was a great player and human being.
Jackie Robinson Day started with a bang. The Rays' stagnant offense fought back against Andrew Bailey after being stifled by Ryan Dempster (7.0 IP, 10K, 1 ER) all day. Tampa Bay scored to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the ninth only to have Mike Napoli deliver the game winning hit off the Green Monster to score Pedroia from first base.
Starters for today 4/15/13:
Floyd CHW @ Buehrle TOR
Bedard HOU @ Milone OAK
Blanton LAA @ Correia MIN
Gee NYM @ Nicasio COL
Lee PHI @ Arroyo CIN
Stults SD @ Billingsly LAD
Lynn StL @ McDonald PIT
Zimmerman WAS @ LeBlanc MIA
Hellickson @ Dempster BOS (3-2 BOS W) Hellickson ND, Dempster ND, Peralta L, Bailey BS/W(blown save/bullshit win)
Moves:
Reds: J. Cueto to DL, contract purchased RHP Justin Freeman
Pirates: Irwin sent back to AAA, OF Alex Presley gets the call
Twins: Purchase contract of OF Oswaldo Arcia, Wilkin Ramirez on paternity leave
Friday, April 12, 2013
Snap Greinke and Pop
A West Side Story
So there I was, watching the A's dominate the Angels, again, when I get a three word text which read: "Dodgers Padres Brawl." It was a commercial break so I turned the MLB.tv "channel" to LAD @ SD, much to my surprise it wasn't the ole' benches clear and nothing happens brawl. Carlos Quentin saw red after standing in the way of a Zack Greinke heater. Quentin stared him down, Greinke said something and then...Quentin went all American Gladiators on the Dodgers number two starter. Quentin bull rushed Greinke and a dog pile ensued. After all the dust settled Jerry Hairston was shown running BACK out of the dugout and once again a mosh pit. Matt Kemp seemed madder than the night Rhianna went back to Chris Brown, but he didn't smack a bitch. All told; Kemp, Quentin and Hairston were ejected. Greinke was or wasnt ejected, but who cares? What we found out moments after the brawl was that Greinke's clavicle was fractured and he would be missing significant time. That's a tough loss for the Dodgers but they have depth at SP. I assume at this point that Capuano would be his replacement. Where it really hurts is in fantasy. Many owners drafted Greinke as a number 1 or 2 SP. No timetable has been set for his recovery as of yet, he is seeing a specialist in LA on Friday. Quentin will most likely receive the max suspension for mound mauling. If it were up to Donny Baseball, Quentin wouldn't play again until Greinke can pitch again. That wont happen.
After the game Kemp and Quentin had to be separated by Clayton Richard and security in the parking lot and Kemp was quoted saying "We''ll see, bitch!" to Quentin. The two teams meet again on Monday in LA. If you recall, a Giants fan was shot at Dodger Stadium not too long ago. Hope that it doesn't get stupid.
This was posted by the Dodgers Official Twitter account and is still up actually. I LOL'd
See you on Monday in Los Angeles: twitter.com/Dodgers/status…
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 12, 2013
I didnt forget about the Pop part! As I said, I was watching the A's "beat up on" the Angels before the brawl in Petco. As a Cespedes owner I actually missed a Yo-Bomb from La Potencia! Wow, that dude has POP! He hit the ball mid way up onto the rocks in Anaheim. A total no-doubter from my favorite Cuban defector.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26207083&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_26207083&v=3
A West Side Story
So there I was, watching the A's dominate the Angels, again, when I get a three word text which read: "Dodgers Padres Brawl." It was a commercial break so I turned the MLB.tv "channel" to LAD @ SD, much to my surprise it wasn't the ole' benches clear and nothing happens brawl. Carlos Quentin saw red after standing in the way of a Zack Greinke heater. Quentin stared him down, Greinke said something and then...Quentin went all American Gladiators on the Dodgers number two starter. Quentin bull rushed Greinke and a dog pile ensued. After all the dust settled Jerry Hairston was shown running BACK out of the dugout and once again a mosh pit. Matt Kemp seemed madder than the night Rhianna went back to Chris Brown, but he didn't smack a bitch. All told; Kemp, Quentin and Hairston were ejected. Greinke was or wasnt ejected, but who cares? What we found out moments after the brawl was that Greinke's clavicle was fractured and he would be missing significant time. That's a tough loss for the Dodgers but they have depth at SP. I assume at this point that Capuano would be his replacement. Where it really hurts is in fantasy. Many owners drafted Greinke as a number 1 or 2 SP. No timetable has been set for his recovery as of yet, he is seeing a specialist in LA on Friday. Quentin will most likely receive the max suspension for mound mauling. If it were up to Donny Baseball, Quentin wouldn't play again until Greinke can pitch again. That wont happen.After the game Kemp and Quentin had to be separated by Clayton Richard and security in the parking lot and Kemp was quoted saying "We''ll see, bitch!" to Quentin. The two teams meet again on Monday in LA. If you recall, a Giants fan was shot at Dodger Stadium not too long ago. Hope that it doesn't get stupid.
This was posted by the Dodgers Official Twitter account and is still up actually. I LOL'd
See you on Monday in Los Angeles: twitter.com/Dodgers/status…
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 12, 2013
I didnt forget about the Pop part! As I said, I was watching the A's "beat up on" the Angels before the brawl in Petco. As a Cespedes owner I actually missed a Yo-Bomb from La Potencia! Wow, that dude has POP! He hit the ball mid way up onto the rocks in Anaheim. A total no-doubter from my favorite Cuban defector.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26207083&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_26207083&v=3
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thursday Throw Down:
"Heeeere's Jorge!"
Cubs' expensive AA OF & Cuban defector Jorge Soler could be facing a suspension after an indecent resulting in his ejection Wednesday night. Benches cleared during their bout with Phillies' affiliate Clearwater Threshers. Allegedly, Soler went to the bench and got a bat then pointed it at the other bench, or charged the other bench, or swung on mad fools, or maybe he went all "Here's Johnny" on them? --"Soler was caught by Cubs teammates before he made it to the opposing dugout and never swung the bat, according to the News Journal." Multiple accounts have surfaced so who knows the whole truth, what I do know is that this cant be good for his reputation going forward.
Source: ESPN Chicago
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/9158972/chicago-cubs-prospect-jorge-soler-tossed-bat-wielding-incident
Mets eyeing Rockies' CarGo and/or Giancarlo "Don't call me Mike" Stanton:
With the Marlins in obvious disarray as expected, teams around MLB are setting their crosshairs on slugger Giancarlo Stanton. One team is openly discussing their interest, the New York Metropolitans. GM Sandy Alderson seemingly has a good relationship with Marlins Beinfest after the spring when the two were seen "courting" one another in a golf cart. I wouldn't sleep on this story. Stanton for Wheeler, d'Arnaud plus other players to be named could be a real possibility. Alderson has no sentimental connection, he made that obvious with dealing Cy Young winner RA Dickey in the offseason. --"Alderson is also said to be eager to accelerate the construction of a winning team, and open to all possibilities -- including bringing Giancarlo Stanton to New York, the most alluring possibility of all. Keep an eye on that one."
Source: NY Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/baseballinsider/2013/04/ny-mets-monitoring-marlins-giancarlo-stanton
Probable Starters 4/11:
Aceves BOS @ Tillman BAL Aceves first start
Axelrod CWS @ Haren WAS Haren looks to bounce back after homers ruined Nats' debut
Feldman CHC @ Vogelsong SF
Fister DET @ J. Johnson TOR
Geinke LAD @ Marquis SD
Griffin OAK @ Vargas LAA (OAK going for sweep and have won 7 straight after an 0-2 start)
Grimm TEX @ Hernandez SEA Grimm first start / Felix 12-16 lifetime vs TEX w/ 3.76 ERA
"Heeeere's Jorge!"
Cubs' expensive AA OF & Cuban defector Jorge Soler could be facing a suspension after an indecent resulting in his ejection Wednesday night. Benches cleared during their bout with Phillies' affiliate Clearwater Threshers. Allegedly, Soler went to the bench and got a bat then pointed it at the other bench, or charged the other bench, or swung on mad fools, or maybe he went all "Here's Johnny" on them? --"Soler was caught by Cubs teammates before he made it to the opposing dugout and never swung the bat, according to the News Journal." Multiple accounts have surfaced so who knows the whole truth, what I do know is that this cant be good for his reputation going forward.
Source: ESPN Chicago
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/9158972/chicago-cubs-prospect-jorge-soler-tossed-bat-wielding-incident
Mets eyeing Rockies' CarGo and/or Giancarlo "Don't call me Mike" Stanton:
With the Marlins in obvious disarray as expected, teams around MLB are setting their crosshairs on slugger Giancarlo Stanton. One team is openly discussing their interest, the New York Metropolitans. GM Sandy Alderson seemingly has a good relationship with Marlins Beinfest after the spring when the two were seen "courting" one another in a golf cart. I wouldn't sleep on this story. Stanton for Wheeler, d'Arnaud plus other players to be named could be a real possibility. Alderson has no sentimental connection, he made that obvious with dealing Cy Young winner RA Dickey in the offseason. --"Alderson is also said to be eager to accelerate the construction of a winning team, and open to all possibilities -- including bringing Giancarlo Stanton to New York, the most alluring possibility of all. Keep an eye on that one."
Source: NY Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/baseballinsider/2013/04/ny-mets-monitoring-marlins-giancarlo-stanton
Probable Starters 4/11:
Aceves BOS @ Tillman BAL Aceves first start
Axelrod CWS @ Haren WAS Haren looks to bounce back after homers ruined Nats' debut
Feldman CHC @ Vogelsong SF
Fister DET @ J. Johnson TOR
Geinke LAD @ Marquis SD
Griffin OAK @ Vargas LAA (OAK going for sweep and have won 7 straight after an 0-2 start)
Grimm TEX @ Hernandez SEA Grimm first start / Felix 12-16 lifetime vs TEX w/ 3.76 ERA
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Hitters: Hot, Hotter and Hottest vs. Not, Notter and Nottest
by Shawn Caswell
HOT: (Scarlett Johansson level)
John Buck, C NYM
With catching prospect Travis "lower-case" d'Arnaud waiting in the wings the Metropolitans' loyal may have been wondering just what they were going to get from the catcher spot early this season. Buck, a career .236 hitter with 121 bombs over an 11 year journey in the bigs, has stepped up with a torrid start to 2013. The 33 year old backstop now has 3 dingers to go along with 12 RBI and a .375 BA through his first 24 ABs. Buck wont wow you with this type of production all year but he is only 2 years removed from a 20 homer campaign and hit 12 long balls in the cavernous Marlins stadium in 2012.
Suggestion: Roll with Buck until he cools off, which could be sooner rather than later. Prospect Travis d'Arnaud may push his way into the Show by May or June.
HOTTER: (like...Mila Kunis)
Jed Lowrie, SS OAK
When the A's brought Lowrie in from Boston they hoped to solidify a week middle infield with under achievers like Jemile Weeks, Eric Sogard and Scott Sizemore juggling time at second last year. Cliff Pennington had been a mediocre player at best. Lowrie once a heralded prospect has been oft injured over his career but put together a 16 homer season for Houston in 2012. Now A's property he has lit up the box score "like errrry-single-day." Starting off with a cool .500 BA thru 7 games and 26 ABs with 3 taters, 6 ribs and 4 BBs his OBP is a whopping .566. I am sure he will cool off, but Lowrie could potentially put up 20+ homers in 2013. He's an everyday starter who needs to be moved up in the lineup to 2 or 3 ahead of Cespedes.
HOTTEST: (Megan Fox in the first Transformers Movie)
Justin Upton, OF ATL
The Diamondbacks have to be kicking themselves on a daily basis. Daily? Yeah, because that's about the rate the now Atlanta Braves' Justin Upton is homering. Only seven games in the books and already "J-Up" has blasted 6 moonshots, including a pair in one game where he and older brother BJ played hero in the bottom of the ninth. Upton was no slouch in 2012 after a slow start he still hit over .270, hit 17 HRs and scored over 100 runs. None the less, Arizona gave him up cheap basically getting Randall Delgado in return. Upton has been united with his brother and the fresh scenery of Atlanta has served him well. Look for Upton to return to Elite status in 2013 where he may produce MVP type numbers.
_________________________________________________________________________________
NOT:
B.J. Upton, OF ATL
Unlike younger sibling and teammate Justin, new Braves Center Fielder B.J. Upton has not flourished early on in 2012. Other than his game tying homer in the ninth against Cubs' former-closer Carlos Marmol on Saturday, the elder Upton has been a disappointment thus far and has failed to get on base often as shown by his .241 OBP. Being utilized as a lead-off man while Simmons was out for a few days did not suit him well. He belongs in the six spot in the order. He should provide decent power and speed numbers this year, just be patient. This Atlanta team will be a force in 2013.
NOTTER: (Encino Man)
Matt Kemp, OF LAD
The MVP snub from 2011, the shoulder injury and resulting surgery, the lack of Hanley in the lineup? Matt Kemp got off to a ridiculous start last year but 2013 is the polar opposite. Through 20 at bats Kemp has 2 hits, 2 RBI and zero steals to go along with 6 strikeouts. Kemp may be weary of his shoulder, or maybe just isnt locked in yet after a lengthy rehab. Either way, it has to be a worrisome beginning for those who took him early in drafts.
NOTTEST: (Ice Age Continental Drift)
The Houston Astros, HOU
Want some eye opening stats? The Houston Astros are on pace to set a new record for strikeouts. They are on pace for 1,999 K's collectively. Once they face Texas again it could get worse. Ankiel, Carter and Wallace have combined for 38 strikeouts thru 57 collective at bats. That's a staggering 66.6%. Jose Altuve and Justin Maxwell look like the only Major Leaguers on the team aside from Bud Norris (who probably can hit better than 80% of the offense at this point.) Its going to be a long and painful season for the Houston hopeful. But hey, at least you get a great draft pick.
Follow on Twitter: @NWBL2006
by Shawn Caswell
HOT: (Scarlett Johansson level)
John Buck, C NYM
With catching prospect Travis "lower-case" d'Arnaud waiting in the wings the Metropolitans' loyal may have been wondering just what they were going to get from the catcher spot early this season. Buck, a career .236 hitter with 121 bombs over an 11 year journey in the bigs, has stepped up with a torrid start to 2013. The 33 year old backstop now has 3 dingers to go along with 12 RBI and a .375 BA through his first 24 ABs. Buck wont wow you with this type of production all year but he is only 2 years removed from a 20 homer campaign and hit 12 long balls in the cavernous Marlins stadium in 2012.
Suggestion: Roll with Buck until he cools off, which could be sooner rather than later. Prospect Travis d'Arnaud may push his way into the Show by May or June.
HOTTER: (like...Mila Kunis)
Jed Lowrie, SS OAK
When the A's brought Lowrie in from Boston they hoped to solidify a week middle infield with under achievers like Jemile Weeks, Eric Sogard and Scott Sizemore juggling time at second last year. Cliff Pennington had been a mediocre player at best. Lowrie once a heralded prospect has been oft injured over his career but put together a 16 homer season for Houston in 2012. Now A's property he has lit up the box score "like errrry-single-day." Starting off with a cool .500 BA thru 7 games and 26 ABs with 3 taters, 6 ribs and 4 BBs his OBP is a whopping .566. I am sure he will cool off, but Lowrie could potentially put up 20+ homers in 2013. He's an everyday starter who needs to be moved up in the lineup to 2 or 3 ahead of Cespedes.
HOTTEST: (Megan Fox in the first Transformers Movie)
Justin Upton, OF ATL
The Diamondbacks have to be kicking themselves on a daily basis. Daily? Yeah, because that's about the rate the now Atlanta Braves' Justin Upton is homering. Only seven games in the books and already "J-Up" has blasted 6 moonshots, including a pair in one game where he and older brother BJ played hero in the bottom of the ninth. Upton was no slouch in 2012 after a slow start he still hit over .270, hit 17 HRs and scored over 100 runs. None the less, Arizona gave him up cheap basically getting Randall Delgado in return. Upton has been united with his brother and the fresh scenery of Atlanta has served him well. Look for Upton to return to Elite status in 2013 where he may produce MVP type numbers.
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NOT:
B.J. Upton, OF ATL
Unlike younger sibling and teammate Justin, new Braves Center Fielder B.J. Upton has not flourished early on in 2012. Other than his game tying homer in the ninth against Cubs' former-closer Carlos Marmol on Saturday, the elder Upton has been a disappointment thus far and has failed to get on base often as shown by his .241 OBP. Being utilized as a lead-off man while Simmons was out for a few days did not suit him well. He belongs in the six spot in the order. He should provide decent power and speed numbers this year, just be patient. This Atlanta team will be a force in 2013.
NOTTER: (Encino Man)
Matt Kemp, OF LAD
The MVP snub from 2011, the shoulder injury and resulting surgery, the lack of Hanley in the lineup? Matt Kemp got off to a ridiculous start last year but 2013 is the polar opposite. Through 20 at bats Kemp has 2 hits, 2 RBI and zero steals to go along with 6 strikeouts. Kemp may be weary of his shoulder, or maybe just isnt locked in yet after a lengthy rehab. Either way, it has to be a worrisome beginning for those who took him early in drafts.
NOTTEST: (Ice Age Continental Drift)
The Houston Astros, HOU
Want some eye opening stats? The Houston Astros are on pace to set a new record for strikeouts. They are on pace for 1,999 K's collectively. Once they face Texas again it could get worse. Ankiel, Carter and Wallace have combined for 38 strikeouts thru 57 collective at bats. That's a staggering 66.6%. Jose Altuve and Justin Maxwell look like the only Major Leaguers on the team aside from Bud Norris (who probably can hit better than 80% of the offense at this point.) Its going to be a long and painful season for the Houston hopeful. But hey, at least you get a great draft pick.
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