Fantasy Baseball Friday: May 7th

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome back for another week of fantasy baseball review. Beginning next week we'll finally start looking toward the week ahead.

Weekly Top 10: Hitters

1. Andre Ethier (Dodgers) - He has a line of .480, 5, 13 this week. Wow! It's nice to see the ankle healthy.I really never thought he was going to be that good, but it looks like I was wrong. It doesn't hurt he's also one of the most clutch hitters in baseball.

2. Alfonso Soriano (Cubs) - Is he back from the dead? He might be, but he still doesn't steal bases anymore. My suggestion is to trade him while he's hot and get the most you can. He will get hurt sometime soon.

3. Brett Gardner (Yankees) - In case you haven't noticed, the young lefty is having a stellar season so far. He has a .430 OBP and 13 stolen bases. Looks like he'll stick in the Yankees outfield

4. J.D. Drew (Red Sox) - Ho hum. He has one good week, he has one bad week. He might even get you two good weeks and then hit the DL. Stay away

5. Hanley Ramirez (Marlins) - Hanley has been his usual self with the bat, but only has 2 steals so far. Really? H-Ram has got to start using his legs.

6. James Loney (Dodgers) - He's off to a very good start this season, and even has some people using him as a starter in deep leagues at first. I am a huge fan of his, but do not expect power numbers.

7. Evan Longoria (Rays) - As you may know, he's one of my favorite players and a fantasy baseball star. Why else would one of my sons be named Evan.

8. Jason Heyward (Braves) - I am very impressed with the rookie. He's been able to adjust after seeing opponents a second time. He's shown patience, and is driving the ball to all fields. There is no doubt he'll be a fantasy super start for the next 12 years.

9. Jayson Werth (Phillies) - Talk about getting ready for a big payday. It looks like he won't get it from the Phillies, but he'll get it from someone. He keeps getting better and better.

10. Denard Span (Twins) - Is turning around after an awful start. He's getting on base more, scoring more runs recently, but needs to start snagging more bags.

Weekly Top 10: Pitchers

1. Roy Hallady (Phillies) - What can you say about the man. In his first 3 starts at Citizens Bank Ballpark he's only allowed 1 homer. That will surely keep him in the Cy Young race all year

2. Neftali Perez (Rangers) - The young phenom has solidified the closer situation in Texas. He should have no trouble doing that the rest of the year.

3. Matt Cain (Giants) - While I certainly hate the Giants, I've always been a fan of Cain. After a breakout season last year, he's keeping it up so far this season.

4. Scott Olsen (Nationals) - While he may be a DB, apparently he can actually pitch. He's allowed only 2 runs (1 earned) over his past 20.1 innings pitched amassing two wins in those three games. Keep an eye on him.

5. Rich Harden (Rangers) - Don't look now, but Harden is pitching pretty well so far. I still would be scared of his history of injuries.

6. Brett Cecil (Blue Jays) - 2.61 ERA, 21 K, 4 BB, .77 WHIP & a .167 OBA? Damn, I might just have to pick him up myself.

7. Andrew Bailey (A's) - I have to admit when I'm wrong. After he was injured in Spring Training I declared he'd be somewhat of a bust this season. Boy was I wrong as he hasn't allowed a single run so far along with a perfect 5 for 5 in saves

8. Robinson Tejeda (Royals) - Tejeda has been one of the best middle relievers in the game in 2010. If you need one, he's a pretty good one to pick up as he already has 15 appearances.

9. Jeff Neimann (Rays) - I'm pretty sure every member of the Rays has a horseshoe stuck up you know where. This kid has been stellar, especially in his last two starts where he's allowed just one run in 14 innings.

10. Justin Verlander (Tigers) - He seems to be turning things around after a rough start. He's a true ace, so don't panic too soon.

The David Ortiz Disappointments of the Season (so far):

Gil Meche (Royals) - Wait, how much does this guy make? Ouch. His WHIP 2.28 would be a might nice ERA. In his 5 starts he's allowed 26 earned runs.

Edwin Jackson (Diamondbacks) - In his last two starts he's allowed 18 runs in just 6.2 innings. Not really worth the trade if you ask me.

Javier Vasquez (Yankees) - Speaking of bad trades. It didn't work the first time round in the Bronx, and it looks like it wont work this time either.

Chris Coghlan (Marlins) - The 2009 Rookie of the Year is having a serious sophomore slump. Is he Jerome Walton? I doubt it.

Aramis Ramirez (Cubs) - Is he the NL version of David Ortiz? In half of a season in 2009, he did put up very good numbers, so I don't think so. I hope you have a backup 3rd basemen until he returns to form.

Gordon Beckham (White Sox) - Beckham is a very good ball player. He will turn around the season, and I specifically look at Dustin Pedroia's rookie season as a parallel.

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

1. Please tell me it’s not true, L.T. I’m talking about the real L.T., too, Lawrence Taylor. While he was a superstar on the field – he’s one of my all-time favorite players and the reason why I wore No. 56 in high school football – he’s a real loser off the field. After a career with run-ins with the law, he’s now being accused of raping a 16-year-old. I love L.T. the player, but I really hate the person (if he’s found guilty).
2. Kudos to the Oakland Raiders for making a great decision by cutting No. 1 pick and franchise QB JaMarcus Russell. Can you say one of the all-time biggest busts in the NFL?
3. Adam “Pacman” Jones to the Bengals. Are we really surprised that they took another gamble on another low-character player? The Bengals are an NFL franchise and rehabilitation center.
4. What a huge blow to the Bruins: David Krejci out of the rest of the season. If you thought the B’s had a chance to win it all before, do you have a difference of opinion now? A great playoff run will end in the conference finals if the B’s have to play the Penguins. But here’s hoping Montreal and Pittsburgh play an epic 7-game, physical series with a few double-OT games sprinkled in. I never wish for injuries, but (watch out Crosby)….
5. Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox. Regardless of what game you’re going to watch, I’m betting the Sox are the No. 3 choice right now. They just don’t have any star power.
6. LeBron James and that fake injury to his elbow. Are you taking the bait on this so-called injury?
7. The World Cup is fast approaching, are you excited? Do you even know when it starts? Didn’t think so.
8. How hot are the Tampa Bay Rays? Well, they lead all of baseball with a 21-7 record going into tonight, but what’s more impressive is they are 12-1 on the road. Yes, only one loss on the road which is absolutely amazing. I’m still not buying that they are the best team in baseball, or even the AL East, because I don’t think that bullpen will hold up. Rafael Soriano will get hurt and then it will be a closer-by committee (which never works). They are much better than Boston, however. Everyone should agree with that.
9. A boxing fans’ dream: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Make it happen. I’d be rooting for “Money” Mayweather no doubt!
10. Thumbs up or thumbs down with this weekly column?