Fantasy Baseball: Frozen Ropes

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It's Friday, so you know what that means on Fan Fanatic Sports. Yes, it's the Friday Fantasy column!

The Good:

1. Albert Pujols - .474, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB

Big Al is a monster beast. He hit another 4 homers this past week to give him a total 30 with a good week and a half before the All Star break. If he can keep the average up, he's currently hitting .335, he has an amazing chance for the Triple Crown. I've always wanted to see someone do it in my lifetime, so I'll be rooting hard for Pujols.

2. Hanley Ramirez - .500, 2, 11, 4, 1

Han the Man has been on fire this past month, not just this week. He has the most RBI in the majors, 33, over the past month as well. The only person close to him is Albert Pujols. As I mentioned last week, he's done exactly what the Marlins wanted him to do when they put him 3rd in the order. He's driving in runs.

3. BJ Upton - .316, 2, 7, 7, 3

It's about time the older Upton brother hits this list. His average is still only .246, but he does have 29 stolen bases on the year. Over the past month he's hit .308 which would indicate he's finally turned his season around. Look for him to continue his pace, increase his power numbers and put together a fine season.

4. Ichiro Suzuki - .385, 0, 2, 7, 5

Ichiro has played so far under the radar this season. Just because he doesn't hit home runs and doesn't drive in a ton of runs, many fantasy players may forget about him. What they don't realize is that his .370 average leads the majors. They also don't realize that his 6 home runs this season is nearly on pace to eclipse his career high of 15 in 2005. His stolen base numbers are down a bit, but he still has 17.

5. Bobby Abreu - .308, 2, 8, 8, 1
Rounding out the top 5 this week is Bobby Abreu. He's really been the steal of the 09' free agents. For only $5 million, the Angels got a guy who's hitting .299, 6, 48, 39, 17. Yes, that last number is the total of stolen bases this season. He's doesn't hit a lot of homers anymore, but he's a complete player. He still plays a very good Right Field and has that great throwing arm.

The Bad:

1. Shane Victorino - .217, 0, 1, 4, 1

The Flyin' Hawaiian has been anything but lately. He's only driven in 7 RBI in his last 92 at bats. Not good, but he has been either 1 0r 2 in the lineup, so they're not really asking him to drive in runs. That's what Utley, Howard and Ibanez are for.

2. Ian Stewart - .190, 1, 1, 2, 1

Is Stewart back in his slump? I doubt it. He won't hit for a high average, but has been knocking the ball out of the park and driving in runs, so the low average doesn't bother me too much. Of course he's losing a bit of playing time as the Rockies showcase Garrett Atkins for a trade.

3. Mark Teixeira - .208, 0, 3, 4, 0

Big Tex has hit a bit of a slump lately, but it hasn't hurt the surging Yankees. If he and Arod can ever hit their stride at the same time, than the rest of the AL better watch out. Don't worry too much, he'll be back to his old self in no time.

4. Cody Ross - .158, 1, 3, 2, 0

Normally I wouldn't include Ross in this part of the article, but he's having a pretty darn good season so far. .274, 14, 48, 40, 3 is nothing to scoff at. So, why did I include him here? For one he's having a bad week, and two I just traded for him. He's a very streaky player, but has been pretty consistent this season. Of course he hits the skids as soon as I get him.

5. Casey Blake - .150, 1, 1, 3, 0

Let's talk about another player I just traded for. Blake has been terrible since he entered my lineup. Am I worried? Heck no! Why? As much as I can't stand it, Manny Ramirez makes his "triumphant" return to the lineup tonight, so it's about time for Blake to see some better pitches. Also watch our for Andre Eithier to take off with Manny's return as well.

Under the Radar:

In case you didn't realize it, Adam Laroche has started his yearly second half surge a bit early. Over the past month he's hit .323, 5, 16 & is only owned in 36% of leagues. Now's the time to pick him up, or make a low end trade. I've mentioned Casey McGehee (god I love that name, it just makes me giggle) before and it's about time you start looking at him for fantasy baseball. He's eligible at 2B & 3B, and over the past month has put up a .355 average with 5 home runs and 17 RBI. He's only owned in 19% of leagues. Get him now! Some might think this is a stretch, but keep an eye on Lasting Milledge. He's in a new city, and is going to get the opportunity to play full time. He has all the tools, but just needs to mature. Maybe the low lights of Steel City will allow him the opportunity to blossom. If you pay attention to baseball, you should know the name Nolan Reimold. He's the young left fielder for the Orioles. He's also been playing pretty well too. He's hitting .287 on the year and has 9 home runs in only 143 at bats. He's also driven in 20 RBI already.

(Stay tuned for Part 3, AL West, of the Trade Season review on Saturday)