Did you know that ...
Washington Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard has as many wins (7) as Felix Hernandez (2), Cliff Lee (2), Josh Beckett (1), Zack Greinke (1) and Carlos Zambrano (1) combined?
Nats closer Matt Capps has as many saves (16) as Mariano Rivera (8) and Francisco Rodriguez (8)?
The Blue Jays' Jose Bautista has as many homers (14) as Matt Holliday (5) Aramis Ramirez (4), Jason Bay (3) and Manny Ramirez (2)?
The Brewers' Casey McGehee has as many RBIs (39) as Derrek Lee (20) and Prince Fielder (19)?
Just saying.
Fantasy's a funny game.
Showing posts with label Mariano Rivera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mariano Rivera. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
No Nathan in 2010
The list of elite fantasy closers got a little shorter with the news that the Twins' Joe Nathan will miss 2010 with a bum elbow.
There are very few guys (Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon) you can draft as your closer, pencil in 40 saves and not even worry about it. Nathan was one of those guys. In fact, he led the big leagues in saves (264) since 2004 - it doesn't get more consistent than that.
But now Nathan's done, and who knows if he'll ever be effective again. The Twins could turn to Jon Rauch (26 career saves) or one of their other fine set-up men with little or no closing experience. There's also been talk of a potential deal for Padres closer Heath Bell, but for the time being, Rauch is probably the best bet if you're already stuck with Nathan or just speculating for saves.
There are very few guys (Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon) you can draft as your closer, pencil in 40 saves and not even worry about it. Nathan was one of those guys. In fact, he led the big leagues in saves (264) since 2004 - it doesn't get more consistent than that.
But now Nathan's done, and who knows if he'll ever be effective again. The Twins could turn to Jon Rauch (26 career saves) or one of their other fine set-up men with little or no closing experience. There's also been talk of a potential deal for Padres closer Heath Bell, but for the time being, Rauch is probably the best bet if you're already stuck with Nathan or just speculating for saves.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Spring Preview: New York Yankees
TAMPA, Fla. - Rain washed out my visit to New York Yankees spring training practice Saturday, although that didn't stop a few hundred pinstriped fans from loitering around George Steinbrenner Field to perhaps get a glimpse of one of their heroes from under an umbrella.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS: The Yanks weren't afraid to do some major tweaking to their championship roster, most notably staying goodbye to left fielder and World Series Game 4 star Johnny Damon over the offseason. His departure creates an opportunity for two new faces to have big years in 2010: New left fielder Curtis Granderson and DH Nick Johnson, back for his second tour of duty with N.Y. There have been whispers of Granderson's diminished defensive abilities and loud sirens signalling his ineffectiveness against left-handed pitching (.183 vs. southpaws in 2009), but he did also jack a career-high 30 homers last year, and he could easily duplicate that thanks to a swing that's tailor-made for the new Yankee Stadium's friendly right-field porch.
BUYER BEWARE: Jorge Posada has to eventually break down, and though he's shown no warning signs yet, the man is 38 years old and will be behind the plate yet again for New York. In many ways he's the surest thing at the position this side of Joe Mauer if he performs up to his level of consistency, but one of these days Father Time will catch up with him (pun intended), and some fantasy owners are going to get burned. Is this the year?
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Joba (almost) goes the distance
Those who've been calling for Joba Chamberlain to pitch the eighth inning for the Yankees got their wish last night, but not how they expected.
Chamberlain, a favorite topic of sports media talking heads, lasted a career-high eight innings Monday night in the Yankees' 5-2 win over the Indians (And also made a heck of a play - see video). He needed only 106 pitches to make it through eight and hand the ball to closer Mariano Rivera, a plan the Yanks would ideally stick to every time he takes the mound. But they've treated young Joba's arm like a vintage sportscar, only to be used sparingly and without putting too many miles on it. Chamberlain won't always be able to breeze through eight innings in an easy 106 pitches like Monday. But if he can begin to work deeper into games and be more efficient, the speculation of him moving back to the bullpen (which the Yanks have given no indication they'll do this year) will quiet down.
That's a good thing for anyone who has him on their fantasy roster, except if you're in a league that counts holds and you're desperate for help there. Joba is much more valuable as an effective starter than a lights-out setup man. If he's capable of more outings like Monday's, you're looking at a pretty nice No. 3 fantasy starter.
Chamberlain, a favorite topic of sports media talking heads, lasted a career-high eight innings Monday night in the Yankees' 5-2 win over the Indians (And also made a heck of a play - see video). He needed only 106 pitches to make it through eight and hand the ball to closer Mariano Rivera, a plan the Yanks would ideally stick to every time he takes the mound. But they've treated young Joba's arm like a vintage sportscar, only to be used sparingly and without putting too many miles on it. Chamberlain won't always be able to breeze through eight innings in an easy 106 pitches like Monday. But if he can begin to work deeper into games and be more efficient, the speculation of him moving back to the bullpen (which the Yanks have given no indication they'll do this year) will quiet down.
That's a good thing for anyone who has him on their fantasy roster, except if you're in a league that counts holds and you're desperate for help there. Joba is much more valuable as an effective starter than a lights-out setup man. If he's capable of more outings like Monday's, you're looking at a pretty nice No. 3 fantasy starter.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Joba's fantasy outlook
SARASOTA, Fla. - Joba Chamberlain has been a popular fantasy pick this year, going somewhere around the 10th-12th rounds in many leagues. That's a little surprising for a No. 5 starter, except when you consider hey, he's a Yankee and a bit of a sensation - from his college phenom days to his compelling relationship with his polio-stricken father to the "Joba Rules" to his off-field, um, activities. So what's his deal for fantasy?
I had a front-row seat Tuesday at Ed Smith Stadium as Chamberlain made his final start of the spring against the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched into the sixth inning, allowing five hits and two runs and reportedly reaching up to 96 mph with his fastball (they don't display the radar gun readings at Ed Smith). He walked three and struck out six.
It's been a pretty successful spring for Joba - 3.60 ERA, eight runs and 20 hits allowed in 20 innings - and the Yankees are adamant about keeping him in the fifth-starter role throughout the year despite his past success as a reliever. There are some legit concerns, however. He's got just two pro seasons on his resume and hasn't pitched more than about 100 innings in either of them. That leads me to believe Chamberlain's going to hit a wall at some point in the second half of the season. The real question is whether the Yanks will be tempted to shift Joba back to the bullpen as Mariano Rivera's setup man - especially if the team is out of the playoff picture or the Damaso Marte/Brian Bruney bridge to Rivera collapses.
The bottom line is Joba's going to have value, but you might want to use him as trade bait in the second half. I'm penciling him in for about 12 wins and more than a strikeout an inning (as his career trends would indicate), assuming he remains in the rotation all season. But I do think New York will have to limit his workload at some point, either by removing him early from games or skipping some turns in the rotation.
Ultimately I believe Joba will be Rivera's heir as closer, but that's another story. If you can get him as a No. 3 or 4 fantasy starter this year, don't hesitate.
I had a front-row seat Tuesday at Ed Smith Stadium as Chamberlain made his final start of the spring against the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched into the sixth inning, allowing five hits and two runs and reportedly reaching up to 96 mph with his fastball (they don't display the radar gun readings at Ed Smith). He walked three and struck out six.
It's been a pretty successful spring for Joba - 3.60 ERA, eight runs and 20 hits allowed in 20 innings - and the Yankees are adamant about keeping him in the fifth-starter role throughout the year despite his past success as a reliever. There are some legit concerns, however. He's got just two pro seasons on his resume and hasn't pitched more than about 100 innings in either of them. That leads me to believe Chamberlain's going to hit a wall at some point in the second half of the season. The real question is whether the Yanks will be tempted to shift Joba back to the bullpen as Mariano Rivera's setup man - especially if the team is out of the playoff picture or the Damaso Marte/Brian Bruney bridge to Rivera collapses.
The bottom line is Joba's going to have value, but you might want to use him as trade bait in the second half. I'm penciling him in for about 12 wins and more than a strikeout an inning (as his career trends would indicate), assuming he remains in the rotation all season. But I do think New York will have to limit his workload at some point, either by removing him early from games or skipping some turns in the rotation.
Ultimately I believe Joba will be Rivera's heir as closer, but that's another story. If you can get him as a No. 3 or 4 fantasy starter this year, don't hesitate.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Undroppables
They are known as the Undroppables.
Not to be confused with the untouchables – either the outcasts of Indian society or the pretty decent Kevin Costner flick – the Undroppables are the fantasy players who can’t be touched. Most leagues impose a short list of guys who cannot be released under just about any circumstances in the name of fair play. Makes sense. We wouldn't want to see some last-place team cutting ties with Alex Rodriguez just so a partner in crime can pick him up.
Another positive about the undroppables list is it forces owners to curb their George Steinbrenner tendencies and practice patience. No matter how much David Wright's homerless April hurt you, and regardless of how many sleepless nights you've had thinking about Alfonso Soriano's nine RBIs, you have no recourse but to stick with those two since they're on just about every undroppable list.
The idea is a good one, but it can only take you so far. Usually there are about 20 or fewer undroppables, which leaves about 90 percent of your roster up in the air. And that's great, because it creates lots of room for uncertainty and strategy we love in fantasy sports. It also leaves the door open for some really bad decisions. But that's where I come in.
Here are a few players who, while perhaps not officially undroppable, should be considered as such:
• Mariano Rivera: There was a stretch earlier this year when The Sandman's skills seemed to have eroded. His two blown saves and bloated ERA surely weren't what we signed up for when drafting the greatest closer ever. But it's hard to justify cutting bait on a guy who has been so dominant for so long, especially when others are banking on Joe Borowski and Octavio Dotel for saves. Show Mo some love.
• Carlos Delgado/Paul Konerko: These two are kind of NL and AL versions of one another. Both could hit 30 homers in their sleep. Both ended April hitting under .200. While neither will win a batting title, the power potential is still there. They've gone deep a combined 211 times the past three seasons. And isn't that why you drafted them in the first place?
• Richie Sexson: If you thought the previous two sluggers were having aggravating seasons, you obviously don't own Mr. Richmond Lockwood Sexson, a guy who can't even see the Mendoza Line from where he's sitting (.180 through Friday). The funny part is, you suffer through Sexson's ups and downs all year, then you look back and realize he had the most frustrating 35-homer, 100-RBI season ever.
• Scott Kazmir: Young Kaz hasn't quite been the emerging stud we expected this season. He's throwing way too many pitches because, he says, his mechanics are off, and he hasn't won at home since last July. The good news is that first part can be corrected easily enough. As for the second part, he does pitch for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Don't hold it against him. The Ks will come.
• Bobby Abreu: He hasn't been hitting much lately, but more disturbingly, he hasn't been walking. Expect that to change soon (career .409 on-base percentage). While he may never be a 30-30 guy again (can a Home Run Derby really mess you up that much?), he can still run a little, and he'll get lots of RBI chances wherever he hits in that New York Yankees lineup.
P.S. After I wrote this, Delgado hit two bombs, Sexson hit a three-run shot, and Abreu was 1-for-5 with a game-ending strikeout representing the tying run in a 3-1 loss. Two out of three ain't bad, I guess.
Not to be confused with the untouchables – either the outcasts of Indian society or the pretty decent Kevin Costner flick – the Undroppables are the fantasy players who can’t be touched. Most leagues impose a short list of guys who cannot be released under just about any circumstances in the name of fair play. Makes sense. We wouldn't want to see some last-place team cutting ties with Alex Rodriguez just so a partner in crime can pick him up.
Another positive about the undroppables list is it forces owners to curb their George Steinbrenner tendencies and practice patience. No matter how much David Wright's homerless April hurt you, and regardless of how many sleepless nights you've had thinking about Alfonso Soriano's nine RBIs, you have no recourse but to stick with those two since they're on just about every undroppable list.
The idea is a good one, but it can only take you so far. Usually there are about 20 or fewer undroppables, which leaves about 90 percent of your roster up in the air. And that's great, because it creates lots of room for uncertainty and strategy we love in fantasy sports. It also leaves the door open for some really bad decisions. But that's where I come in.
Here are a few players who, while perhaps not officially undroppable, should be considered as such:
• Mariano Rivera: There was a stretch earlier this year when The Sandman's skills seemed to have eroded. His two blown saves and bloated ERA surely weren't what we signed up for when drafting the greatest closer ever. But it's hard to justify cutting bait on a guy who has been so dominant for so long, especially when others are banking on Joe Borowski and Octavio Dotel for saves. Show Mo some love.
• Carlos Delgado/Paul Konerko: These two are kind of NL and AL versions of one another. Both could hit 30 homers in their sleep. Both ended April hitting under .200. While neither will win a batting title, the power potential is still there. They've gone deep a combined 211 times the past three seasons. And isn't that why you drafted them in the first place?
• Richie Sexson: If you thought the previous two sluggers were having aggravating seasons, you obviously don't own Mr. Richmond Lockwood Sexson, a guy who can't even see the Mendoza Line from where he's sitting (.180 through Friday). The funny part is, you suffer through Sexson's ups and downs all year, then you look back and realize he had the most frustrating 35-homer, 100-RBI season ever.
• Scott Kazmir: Young Kaz hasn't quite been the emerging stud we expected this season. He's throwing way too many pitches because, he says, his mechanics are off, and he hasn't won at home since last July. The good news is that first part can be corrected easily enough. As for the second part, he does pitch for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Don't hold it against him. The Ks will come.
• Bobby Abreu: He hasn't been hitting much lately, but more disturbingly, he hasn't been walking. Expect that to change soon (career .409 on-base percentage). While he may never be a 30-30 guy again (can a Home Run Derby really mess you up that much?), he can still run a little, and he'll get lots of RBI chances wherever he hits in that New York Yankees lineup.
P.S. After I wrote this, Delgado hit two bombs, Sexson hit a three-run shot, and Abreu was 1-for-5 with a game-ending strikeout representing the tying run in a 3-1 loss. Two out of three ain't bad, I guess.
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