My better half’s off to class, and I’m left in my fortress of solitude listening to ESPN radio. It’s somewhat painful to listen to Collin Cowherd, but occasionally he’ll make a valid point, and when that does happen — it’s worth celebrating. Ryen Russillo’s filling in for Cowherd today, and he’s a bright guy with a great radio-voice.
I still haven’t figured out why Cowherd’s popular, as he’s just a walking talk-radio cliche. There’s always “A BIG STORY” or “A GREAT MYSTERY GUEST” coming up after the break. I’m actually curious if anyone who was going to tune out, ever actually stays to hear the big story.
Cowherd has that aura of the kid that desperately wants to be too cool for school, but instead goes home, rubs one out to kinky japanese porn, and surfs eBay for deals on Magik Cards. Cowherd doesn’t want to talk sports, he would much rather talk about hanging out with his rich friends and getting South American bikini models to snort lines of cocaine off their taints.
Now don’t get me wrong, getting beautiful women to snort anything off the friendly confines between your nut sack and ass-crack, is pretty much awesome, but ESPN is a sports network.
Anyways, that’s the end of that rant.
Keep an Eye Out:
Kosuke Fukudome – OF – Hit a homer, a double and a couple singles last night and you should definitely keep an eye out so long as he’s batting between Soriano and Lee, in the 2-hole. 4R-4H-1HR-1RBI-1BB-1SB
Colby Rasmus – OF – Rasmus went hitless, but took two walks. Getting on base is generally the toughest adjustment for the youngsters. I’m buying Rasmsus, and LaRussa had him batting lead-off.
Elvis Andrus – SS - Andrus unfortunately struck out twice, but made use of his AB. Andrus hit a home-run, but you’re drafting him for his SB potential. I’d take a look at anyone who plays half their games in Arlington. 2 R – 2H – 2 RBI – 2K
Nelson Cruz – OF - Cruz went for 2 HR and stole a base. Everyone’s favourite sleeper is looking damn good. 2 R – 2 H – 3RBI – 1 K – 1 SB
Mike Cameron – OF - Cameron’s definitely one of the guys you want on your squad if you’re punting Batting Average. Cameron hit a homer, and walked. 1R – 1H – 1HR – 1RBI – 1BB
Pablo Sandoval – 3B/C/1B - Sandoval went hitless, but for the love of God, don’t overreact. He’s batting between Ishikawa and Molina, in the 5-spot.
Jeff Baker – C – The Marlins are still raking, and maybe it’s just the Nats pitching is that bad. Baker went 1R – 2H – 2RBI – 1BB. I still love Baker, but I’m also gaga about Paulino’s potential.
Emilio Bonifacio – 3B - Lead off for the Fish again, and managed a couple hits and stole another base. Bonifacio’s got 4 SB on the season, and his basement’s probably 20SB on the year. 2R – 2H – 0 RBI – 1BB – 1SB. The BB is nice to see out of the kid.
Chris Dickerson – OF - Cinci’s outfield is going to be interesting once Tavares starts getting full time AB. Dickerson should best Hairston for LF at-bats, and last night Dickerson hit second with 1 R – 0 H – 1 RBI – 1 BB
Jordan Schafer – OF – Schafer just won’t go away, hitting another home run. He’s still batting 8th for Bobby Cox’s Braves, but definitely should be moved up shortly. As with Benifacio, seeing Schafer take walks is the big news here. All the top-prospects can mash, but whether or not they get on base during slumps is what makes or breaks fantasy potential. 1R – 1H – 2RBI – 1HR – 1BB
Jeff Franceour – OF – Franceour definitely has all sorts of potential, and tends to get lost in the fantasy world after his horrific 2008. 1R – 1H – 2 RBI, . Franceour’s only batting .250, but he’s got power potential. I’m not sure if I’d pull the trigger on Franceour for Schafer straight up, but it’d be close.
The Phillies – Finally, the Phils are coming together, as they roughed up the Hot-Lanta bullpen. Country Bumpkin, Charlie Manuel broke up the lefty-brigade of Utley, Howard, Ibanez. If Werth continues to get AB between Howard and Ibanez, his value takes a nice little jump. Werth had 2 Walks and a Hit.
Dexter Fowler – OF – Super-Prospect Dexter Fowler got the nod, and impressed. Fowler will have to battle Spillbroughs for starter’s playing time. Fowler has a whole lot of speed-potential, and I’d be keeping an eye out. Fowler also showcased his power potential, which should sit around 15HR with starters AB in Coors. 2R – 1H – 1RBI – 1BB – 1HR
Ian Stewart – 2B - Stewart didn’t get the starting nod, that honor went to the much hated Clint Barmes. Stewart did manage 2AB after coming into play a lil bit o’ third base and a little bit of right field. Stewart went deep, and posted a final line of 1R – 2H – 2RBI – 1HR. If Stewart keeps finding his way into the line-up, he’ll be one of the steals of your draft. He almost has Dan Uggla potential.
The Arizona Diamondbacks - They still haven’t found a line-up that works, and sooner or later this beast is going to have to wake up. No one recorded more than a single hit against Franklin Morales.
Morales went for 6 IP, allowing 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB and 6 K and was promptly demoted for Jason Hammel. GUHHH?
Colorado Rockies
Optioned LHP Franklin Morales to Triple-A Colorado Springs and activated RHP Jason Hammel.
Robinson Cano – 2B – Cano stole a base, which is good news. I woudln’t look too much into this, as Greg Zaun brings the fail when it comes to throwing out base-thieves. Didn’t get a chance to see Uehara’s delivery from the stretch, but I doubt it’s a stellar one for holding runners on. 2 Hits and 1 RBI for Cano, who’s batting behind Jorge Posada.
Adam Jones – OF - Jones came to Baltimore in the Bedard trade, and has all sorts of 20/20 potential. Batting between Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis should really elevate Jones’ value. If he’s sitting on an owners bench, I’d definitely throw a trade offer his way. 1R-1H-1RBI
The Rays looked good, but everyone in the TB/BOS game is probably already owned.
Denard Span and Alexi Casilla are batting 1-2 for the Twins, and both should continue to have some serious value in deeper leagues, so long as they’re batting atop that line-up. Delmon Young has been riding the pine, and if you drafted him you’ve gotta hold onto him for at least a month.
Mark Teahan – 2B – got another game in at 2B, and should be eligible shortly. With the pop in his bat (~20hr,) he’ll have some use at the MI position. The ideal situation for Teahan owners is enough games at second base to gain eligibility, but enough errors to move him back to the less strenuous outfield.
Nyjer Morgan – OF – Morgan’s really proving to be quite useful. I’m a big McCutchen fan, but if Morgan continues to hit atop of that Pirates line-up, he’ll have value. 25-30 SB isn’t out of the question, and probably a fairly reliable projection. 1 R – 2H – 1 RBI
Nothing Important Out of Mets Camp – Murphy’s hitting 2nd, which is nice.
No Thanks!
Joe Crede – 3B – Crede had 3 strikeouts, and left a couple on base. I’m still not sure where to rank Crede, but if he goes on one of his HR binges; you’ll want him on your roster.
Jason Bartlett – SS - Bartlett’s leading off, and while Upton’s out he’ll have some value. I really can’t see Bartlett batting in a run-scoring position for too long. If he does continue to produce, he’ll have a lot of value batting atop that solid line-up. 1R – 3H – 1RBI – 2K. Bartlett’s strike-outs should be concerning.
Ivan Rodriguez – C – Pudge was moved down in the line-up, and ended up producing with a HR and a double. Keppinger may have some value if he can stick in that 2-hole, because he’s got a decent shot at posting a .300+ BA. 1R – 2H – 1HR – 2RBI for Pudge
Matt Diaz – OF - Diaz took over Left Field from Garrett Anderson and had a good game. Neither one has value, but you should expect to see Anderson getting his fair share of rest throughout the year. Diaz went 2R – 2H – 3RBI – 1HR – 1BB
