by BrixenIvy » Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:07 pm
CAtcher is a notoriously weak fantasy position; if you don't have Soto, Martin or a few others, it's best to ride the hot hand or trade-up if possible.
Todd Helton is solid when healthy. The Rockie line-up is in shambles however, and I'm not sure if he is going to produce like he has in the past with Holiday and Tulowitski on the shelf. Still very solid at this position, IMO.
Brian Roberts is going to be the guy that helps you win the SB category for your team. His power #'s are where they should be (~15-17HRS/YR), but his AVG right now is low. He should heat it up over the next few weeks and get that average to where it should be, around 285-290. Roberts may be trade bait come July, as well.
Garrett Atkins is one of two guys that opposing pitchers have to be concerened with in the Rockie line-up. Right now he's pressing a bit trying to do too much. His struggles have coincided with Holiday's trip to the DL. Atkins struggles may continue until he can get some protection behind him or until opposing pitchers are forced to pitch to him. The way the Rockies have been scoring lately - scored 5+ runs in 4 of their last 16 games - it is unlikely that Atkins will produce monster numbers until Holiday comes back and the guys at the top of the order get on. Atkins is still one of the better 3B options out there, imo.
Hanley Ramirez is going to heat-up again. I wouldn't worry to much here; the Marlins are loaded with young talent (particularly hitting) and Ramirez has hot better since they dropped him from lead-off to the 3 spot in the order.
Ryan Braun is a fantasy stud and hit machine. If you are in a league that has him down for both 3B and OF, than you have a nice problem on your hands - one that can create some flexibility and open the doors for a possible trade (Atkins?)
I have never really been a big fan of Carlos Beltran. It seems to me that he is more of a "I'll play when I wanna" type guy than anything. You can forget about SBs with Beltran for the most part, and I don;t think he is going to hit 300 either. The HRs and RBI #'s should be strong. He is still one of your better sources for the aforementioned HR and RBI categories.
As much as I don't like Beltran, I love Jason Bay 10 fold. His #'s across the board are strong and right now he's starting to hit like we know hecan. Jack Wilson just came of the DL (he usually racks up hits and should be on base often) and McCloth is having a very fine season protecting Bay in the BO. I think Bay's and Beltran's #'s will look very much the same come year's end. However, Beltran is more likely to bring back more in a trade. With Jay Bruce ridding the bench (He's starting for you now, right?) on your team, you could afford to trade Beltran , IMO.
Ellisbery is alright, although not really a fantasy stud. He is better suited as a back-up in fantasy, imo.
Jay Bruce needs to be starting. He is as good as advertised.
Grienke is the best pitcher on a team that pretty much can't hit. May be a trade bait in a package deal.
Bedard will do better than his slow start has indicated he might. Seattle is a nice place to pitch, and if he's healthy he should start striking batters out. If the K's aren't pilling-up buy July, look for Bedard to head back to the DL by then if not sooner.
Smoltz, Lidge and Street are fine; Soriano is not going to close and Matt Capps isn't going to get a whole lot of chances, but should still end up with 2X Svs. See if Franklin or Torres is available and drop Soriano.
Lincecum and Dice-K are Studs. No need to do work here.
Not knowing how your league is set-up (categories) it's hard to say what you need. However, you are probably losing the W, L, K, SV, ERA and WHIP categories on the pitching side. THe HR, RBI, R and AVG on the hitting side, to name a few.
If and when you reply to this post, I'll make further suggestions for your team. If not, I hope the information I presented helps you out a bit.
Take Care
-E-
