I think if he stays in Colorado, and depending on the depth of the keeper, Atkins could indeed be a nice keeper option. A ton of upside there, especially in roto leagues. At this point, he's the perfect 3B platoon candidate for home games, though right now he's batting just as good (better, in fact) away from Coors as he is at the launchpad (see: small sample size). I think as long as he's a Rox, he's a lock for .310, and is the type of guy who is going to give you plenty of both Runs and RBI, and 20-25 HRs, and be a fine fantasy 3B for all league formats.
bigh0rt wrote:I think if he stays in Colorado, and depending on the depth of the keeper, Atkins could indeed be a nice keeper option. A ton of upside there, especially in roto leagues. At this point, he's the perfect 3B platoon candidate for home games, though right now he's batting just as good (better, in fact) away from Coors as he is at the launchpad (see: small sample size). I think as long as he's a Rox, he's a lock for .310, and is the type of guy who is going to give you plenty of both Runs and RBI, and 20-25 HRs, and be a fine fantasy 3B for all league formats.
I really like Atkins as well, and also think hes a great a platoon option. I traded away Blalock and have no problem with platooning him and Chad Tracy while Atkins is at home.
I have a 3b logjam with Glaus, Tracy and Atkins, but I still play Garrett when he is at Coors and never have a problem with it. He's a real good hitter and I think that if he can stay healthy, he will be a good, consistent player for many years to come.
bigh0rt wrote:I think if he stays in Colorado, and depending on the depth of the keeper, Atkins could indeed be a nice keeper option.
Maybe this thinking is too long term, but either Atkins or Ian Stewart are going to have to switch positions or one will get traded out of Col. Stewart is pretty highly regarded as a prospect (30 hr, age 19 in A ball), but I think I remember some talk about moving him to 1B. Atkins will probably be safe next year, but after that the Rockies will probably want to find a place to play Stewart IMO. Atkins value would take a dramatic plunge if he were to leave the thin air.
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Ok, Atkins is good but the Rockies won't move Stewart unless Atkins keeps this pace all season long. And as much as potential Atkins has, Stewart has the potential to be like Helton (pre back injuries) at 3b.
It will be intresting to see what the Rox do with the logjam at 3B.
We have 3 very good options, potentially great in Atkins, Stewart, and Baker. Now Baker has basically transitioned to OF because there was no place at 3B for him. I've heard Stewart could move to RF sometime, probably pending how Atkins does.
Either way, its a great dilhema to have, and if Atkins has to be moved we know we'll get value for him.
I'm liking Atkins this year. I picked him up to replace Chipper while he was on the DL but now I might hold onto him even now that Chipper is back. He's got a nice swing and should hit for 300+ average in a strong Rox lineup that should provide plenty of RBI and runs.
The knock on him has been relative lack of power for a 3B but he's shown a power spike so far. Too early to tell if its flukey or a natural power progression of an improving "26 year old with experience," but I would not be surprised if he hits 20 HR this year. That's still below-average for a fantasy 3B, but coupled with 300+ BA and 90+ RBI and runs he's a good option in deep leagues or for teams that missed out on the elite 3Bs.
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by Zito is God » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:40 pm 
