Fantasy Baseball: Between the White Lines

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome back the BTWL.  Every Wednesday, we delve into the pickup trends of fantasy baseball and let you know what you can expect from each player.  We'll also let you know who's still out there and whether or not it's worth it to take a flyer on him.  

Top 5 Added:

1. Aaron Hill (2B) Toronto Blue Jays 

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.365	8	4	14	1

Aaron Hill leads this week's pack by being picked up in an additional  54.8% of leagues, but still only being available 32.1% of leagues out there.  If you can still get him, grab him now.  He's a former top prospect who looks like he's finally put it together.  He's put together a complete offense the past two weeks, and could provide you with a full season of .285, 15+ HR, 85+ R, 75 RBI if he can stay healthy.  He has had injury problems in the past though.  Either way, you can't pass up a 2nd basemen putting put this good of numbers right now. 

2. Nick Swisher (1b, Of) New York Yankees 

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.333	11	4	11	0

Swisher was added by an additional 46.2% of leagues this week and is now owned in 92.8% of all leagues.  As I mentioned last week, he's going to get plenty of at bats because he can play all 3 outfield positions, first base and DH.  He did slow down this past week hitting only .227, 1 HR & 1 RBI.  He's still a good 4th outfielder to have on your team.

3. Chris Duncan (1B, OF) St. Louis Cardinals

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.381	7	2	11

Duncan has really come on in the last week hitting an even .500, with 1 HR and 7 RBI.  He's only owned in 49.1 % of leagues, but there's a reason for that.  Tony LaRussa plays the hot hand, and the Cardinals plenty of other options in the Outfield for Duncan to get regular playing time.  He may be a good short term pick up, but don't lose your waiver wire spot just for him.  

4. Kyle Lohse (SP) St. Louis Cardinals 

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
2-0	0	12	2.57	0.76

Lohse followed up his stellar first two starts with somewhat of a clunker this past week.  He lasted on 5 innings, gave up 4 earned runs on 5 hits.  Not a terrible outing, but one that compounds the fact that he's too inconsistent to be a good fantasy starter.  If you really need pitching, take a flyer on him as he's still available in 40% of leagues, but understand his output will be frustrating at times.  His next start comes against the New York Mets, so you might want to shy away for now. 

5. Koske Fukudome (OF) Chicago Cubs

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.375	10	3	10	1

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I did predict a better sophomore season for Koske. After seing an increase of 37.1%, he's now owned in 73.7% of leagues.  Many people were down on him after his terrible first season in the bigs.  He's continued his hot start by hitting .313, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R and a .400 OBP this past week. The Cubs play both the Reds and Cardinals this week so he's not facing the best pitching staffs.  I say he's finally comfortable and should have a decent year.  He'll never hit 30 homers, but will hit for average, score and drive in runs and give you a few steals as well.

Top 5 Dropped:

1. Houston Street (RP) Colorado Rockies

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
0-1	1	5	9.64	2.36

Street has seriously struggled to start his first, and most likely last, season in Colorado.  He was expected to be the opening day closer for the Rox, but that hasn't worked out.  He's been relegated to the 7th inning and is still working on his mechanics.  This is not a good sign for someone who's also known for injury concerns.  I would suggest staying away from him for now, but keep an eye on Manny Corpas.  If he starts to fail, then the Rockies will have no choice to give Street save opportunities. 

2. Xavier Nady (OF) New York Yankees

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.286	4	0	2	0

The Yankees outfielder has been dropped in 23.5% of leagues this past week.  This is due to his landing on the DL.  He's still waiting for the results on his right elbow so his immediate playing future is up in the air.  Depending on the size of your league, there could still be a glut of talented outfielders left.  If you don't have the space on your DL, drop him if there's a better option.  He's a 3rd/4th fantasy outfielder at best, so don't lose much sleep.

3. Chris Carpenter (SP) St. Louis Cardinals

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
1-0	0	9	0.00	0.70

The injury prone right hander is once again on the disabled list.  This time it's due to a torn left oblique muscle.  He'll be out for 4-8 weeks, but I suggest stashing him.  He looked fantastic during his first outing, and throughout spring training, so it's worth keeping a pitcher of his stature.  I know it's alot to ask from a man who hadn't pitched in anger for two seasons, but you will be rewarded with your patience.  

4. Lasting Milledge (OF) Washington Nationals

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.167	1	0	1	1

During the spring, Milledge looked ready to have a breakout season for the Nationals.  Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to transfer his spring success to the regular season so far.  This past week, the young outfielder on had 4 hits, with an average of .167, 0 HR, 1 RBI, and OBP of .167 and an OPS of .398.  That's just god awful.  He has all the tools to be a good player in the majors, but has had trouble with the mental aspect of the game.  I'd hold off for now.  I need to see some consistency before I suggest picking him up.  

5. Melvin Mora (3B) Baltimore Orioles

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.313	1	1	7	0

We'll stay in the same part of the country for the next person on the list.  Melvin Mora has been dropped in 19.5% of leagues, so he's still out there in almost 45% of leagues.  He's just on the DL, and has had a good start to the season. Of course injured hamstrings are unpredictable, but Mora's never had much of a speed game.  If you can pick him up and stash him on your DL go right ahead.  If not, pay close attention to his return. He's had three straight solid fantasy years and can certainly help your club. 

Players who need to be on your radar: 

Jose Lopez (.195, 1, 8) has had an awful start to the season.  Despite that, he's still one of the better hitting 2nd basemen in the game and will turn it around.  He's out there in 45% of leagues, and is a good long range pickup. Ejijah Dukes (.345, 2, 8) is out to a hot start and is owned in only 45% of leagues.  If you have an injured outfielder (Vlad, Nady, etc.) grab him and insert him while he's hot.  He's got all the tools, and only needs to mature emotionally to make an impact.  Orlando Hudson (.385, 2, 8) is currently ranked 9th among all offensive fantasy players.  There's no way he maitains the power production, but looks like his hand is healthy and is in a very good place hitting in front of Manny Ramirez.  Don't underestimate what that can do for a hitter.  Travis Snyder (.290, 3, 9) was picked by several FFS staff to win the American League Rookie of the Year.  Well, he's off an running and only owned in 31% of leagues.  Get him now while you can.  The Twin's Glen Perkins (1-1, 1.50 ERA, 12 K, .83 WHIP) is remarkably only owned in 22% of leagues.  He went 12-4 last season and showed he can win games.  His ERA needs to stay below 4.41 from last year, but well worth the pick up. Edwin Jackson (1-0, 13K, 2.14 ERA, .81 WHIP) seems comfortable in his new digs in Detroit and is only owned in 31%.  He's not the most consistent pitcher, but is still young.  I'll finish up today's article be reminding everyone of Ricky Romero (2-0,  1.71, 1.10 WHIP).  He's looked very solid in his first 3 starts of his career. He hasn't allowed more than 2 runs in any of his games yet.  He doesn't have dominating stuff, but seems to get the job done.  Those pitchers concern me, but I'm an early believer on Romero.  Take a shot on him.  If I'm wrong, blast me.

Have a great week 

(Coming Friday: Frozen Ropes by Jim Ingram and Chin Music by Chad Garner)