I am so frustrated right now I could just take my aggression out on all of these little twerps on W.O.W. Between the injuries and the underachieving, my team has fallen from the middle of the pack down to the bottom. Thanks a lot, Murphy’s Law. Oh, well, enough of my wild ramblings – let’s get to my picks!
Overachievers (Use them while you can since they could fizzle)Position Players:Jason Bartlett, Rays - SS:
Now, let’s preface this by saying that we believe in the Rays – they are pretty dang good. Then why is their shortstop on our list of overachievers? Look where he is at: he had a preseason rank of 310 and has only played more the 100 games twice in his previous 5-seasons. As of today he has 22 RBIs which is 20 shy of his season high. I just don’t think that he will continue this tear – or he could have an MVP season and I will eat my mouse…and yes we will post pictures.
Brandon Inge, Tigers – C, 3B, OF:
Inge will remain on this list as long as he is ranked in the top-50 overall in Yahoo! leagues. (And as long as he is leading my team in most major categories) He isn’t hitting .300, but he has 10 HRs and 27 RBIs. Pretty solid season so far.
Pitchers:Zack Greinke, Royals – SP:
Zack called e the other day will quite a bbit on his mind. He said: “You know, Rodge [he is the only one who can call me that] I have been watching your lists and I am flabbergasted that I have yet to make it! I have pitched 60 innings, have an ERA of 0.60 and have 65 Ks to go along with my 7 wins.” I told him that I was appalled that he would say flabbergasted and that he would make the list this time – you know, seeing as how he is ranked 1-overall in Yahoo! leagues.
Andrew Bailey, Athletics – RP:
This guy won’t get you any saves (he currently has 1) but he will add to you innings, Ks and ERA. He currently has 28 Ks to complement his 1.54 ERA in 23.1 innings. That is pretty good for a middle reliever. So good that he is ranked 33rd-overall by Yahoo!. Don’t be surprised if he falls off, though – use him now, while you can.
Underachievers (Hold tight, they will come around)
Position Players:
Jimmy Rollins, Phillies – SS:
The ex-MVP us off to a slow start, ut don’t be surprised to see it turn around soon. His last four seasons have looked like this (Average): .290, .277, .296, .277. So if he holds sway (I know my calculations) then he will hit around .300 this season. Who knows…but I am a firm believer that if you want to see how a player is going to play, just flip over his baseball card and look at the career numbers. Rollins? .276 – respectable.
David Ortiz, Red Sox – Util:
Anytime I can put a Red Sock (or is it Soxck?) on this list, I am a happy man. Ortiz is showing his age as he has only 27 hits in 130 Abs. He is having so many problems, that he was sat against the Mariners last weekend – and really, they are not the most dangerous team. He should come around (at least get a few HRs) but as of now, I wouldn’t touch him…you might get excess steroid juice on you! (TABBBBOOOOOOO!!!!!)
Pitchers:
Francisco Liriano, Twins – SP:
This kid has been through so many problems so far in his career it is almost sad to have ot mention him here – but when you are ranked 70th preseason and you end up at 810 at the quarter-pole, then you are having some problems. He is still owned by 93% of Yahoo! users because he has to break out, right? He does have a WHIP of 1.37…if that helps at all…
Carlos Marmol, Cubs – RP:
Ouch. Marmol is not doing so well this season, what with his 4.00 ERA in only 18 innings – not something you want from a relief pitcher.
Pick him up (A couple guys I think you should look at)
Position Player:
Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays – 2B, 3B, SS:
When you have someone who can take three infield spots, is only owned by 82% of players and has 5 HRs, 20 RBIs and 36 Runs, you should take a look. Especially if you are like me and have lost Ricky Weeks for the season. Oh, and his OPS is .873 – I’ll take it.
Pitcher:
Jason Frasor, Blue Jays – RP:
Another undervalued Blue Jay. You say: “But Roger, he only has 14 innings!” and I say: “yes, sir.” But look at his ERA, his WHIP, his K/BB and his WINS. He is a long reliever who doesn’t get a lot of play, but if he keeps up his 9 strikeouts per walk, his 0.64 ERA and keeps winning games (4 thus far) he will start getting more looks. So why not drop that overvalued reliever that has nothing going and pick up a guy who is owned by only 25% of Yahoo! users?
I will not see Star Trek because they have bastardized my favorite film franchise. Adding the guy from Heroes!?!? NO! I boycott! Besides, I just got a new computer version of Settlers of Catin. I am so far past excited!!!