Fantasy Baseball: Between the White Lines

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome to the very first edition of Between the White Lines.  BTWL is an inside look at the numbers from the previous week and how they translate into pick up trends, and players who should be on your radar.  BWTL will be a weekly entry that comes out on Wednesday morning that takes a harder look inside the numbers.  While Chad did a great job leading off Monday and letting us know who the best and worst players are for the first week, I want to take a look and provide you some insight on what you can expect for the near and distant future.  

Let me first start with the pick up trends I've seen during the first week of the season.  I'll review the top 5 added and dropped players each week and let you know what you can expect going forward.  The top 5 added and dropped players will be taken from the Fantasy Baseball section of ESPN.com.  

(Editor's note: Also be sure to check out more must-have fantasy baseball information Fridays every week.)

Top 5 Added:

1. Emilio Bonifacio (2b, 3b) Florida Marlins

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.500	9	1	5	4

Bonny has been the hottest player in the majors through the first week.  Before the season he was only on 12% of fantasy teams, but has shot up to 89% after the best week of his life.  He also had a hot start after he joined the Nationals, but pitchers quickly learned how to throw to him.  He'll be good in the short term, but don't think you're going to get .300, 10+HR, 75+RBI, with an OBP of .380+.  It looks like he's going to get plenty of playing time at third, and is also eligible at second which is a big upside.  I wouldn't be surprised with 20+ steals though.  He'll soon cool down, so trade him now if you have the chance.

2. Brandon Inge (C, 3b, Of) Detroit Tigers 

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.269	7	4	7

I've long been a fan of Inge because of his catcher eligibility, but you have to know what you're getting from him.  He'll never hit for average, but will get you 15 homers and 75 RBI when healthy.  He was drafted in only 7%, but is now on 73.5% of fantasy teams.  He's a decent overall player and good to have at the end of your bench.  His production is sure to cool down, but I'd hold onto him if you have the spot on your bench.  

3. Marco Scutaro (ss, 2b, 3b) Toronto Blue Jays

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.333	10	2	5	0

Scutaro is another one of those players you don't mind having on your bench, especially in an AL only league.  Scutaro was only owned in 2% of leagues going into the season.  He's still a free agent in nearly 50% of all leagues so make sure to grab him if you need someone to spot start in the infield.  As I'm sure you know already, I am a sucker for multi positional eligibility.  Last year was the first of his career that he had more than 500 at bats and ended up being the 16th most productive shortstop in fantasy.  I think it's safe to say he'll have a .270, 7 HR, 60RBI type season again.  Don't look for him to put up much more than that.

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

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.450	9	3	10	0

Chicago White Sox fans must be besides themselves right now.  Swisher had his worst season in the bigs during his only season with the Sox, and looks to be revitilized in New York.  He's still availalbe in 54% of ESPN leagues so grab if you can. He should be a very good utility player this season playing all three outfield positions, first base and DH.  He's had a strong start to this season in a deep lineup, and shouldn't lose any time when Arod returns.

5. Jordan Schafer (Of) Atlanta Braves

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.348	6	2	3	0

Schafer, the exciting rookie centerfielder, is still eligible in 69% of leagues.  I doubt he's still out there in NL only leagues, but make sure to double check in your league.  Despite the fact he hasn't stolen a base yet, he should easily swap 20 bags this season.  His 1.110 OPS should drop into the .7oo's, if not lower as the season goes on.  He's only hit 10 homer once in his minor league career so don't expect much more than that as well.  I would suggest waiting if you can.  Let's see how he's doing in early/mid May.

Top 10 Dropped:

1. Joey Devine (RP) Oakland A's

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
0-0	0	0	0.00	0.0

Don't look at all the zeros and questions why someone would drop Devine.  He's on the 60 day DL and have no conclusive tests on his right elbow.  For all anyone knows he could be out for the season.

2. Jason Motte (RP) St. Lious Cardinals

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
0-1	0	3	15.43	3.0

Motte has had a disastrous start to the season for the Cardinals.  He broke camp as the closer and the allowed 4 runs in the ninth inning of the season opener to blow the game.  He's looked better in his two outings since, but Tony La Russa loves spreading the saves around these days.  If you absolutely need a reliever pick him up, but I would suggest holding off for now.  You never know how many opportunities he'll get.  

3. Brandon Lyon (RP) Detroit Tigers

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
1-1	0	0	9.00	1.67

Have you noticed a trend within a trend here with the most dropped players.  Brandon Lyon is yet another opening day closer who has lost his job a week into the season.  Like Motte, he blew the season opener letting up 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th in Toronto.  After that, Jim Leyland gave the job to Fernando Rodney who has already notched 2 saves on the season.  Like St. Lious, the closer job in Detroit should be a fluid situation throughout the season.  Lyon is a more consistent pitcher than Rodney, so stash if you can.  If not, keep a close eye on the situation.

4. Chris Ray (RP) Baltimore

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
0-0	0	3	15.43	3.4

In 2006 Chris Ray had 33 saves and an additional 16 in 2007 before he blew out his arm.  After missing the entire 2008 season, he's just trying to return to form. He pitched well in the spring so many people assumed he'd take some save chances from George Sherrill.  That has not happened, so it's time to jump ship.  

5. Khalil Greene (SS) St. Lious Cardinals

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.276	4	0	4	1

Let's say hello to the only position player in the top 5 dropped.  To say that I strongly dislike Khalil Greene would be a major understatement.  In my opinion, he's a constant underacheiver that will never be close to his potential.  Thanks to a 3 hit day on April 12th, he was able to raise his average from .190 to .280.  Ah, the wonders of early season baseball averages.  He's had two multi hit games along with 4 runs and RBI.  The shortstop position is still thin within the majors, so keep him on the back burner.  He did hit 27 homers with 97 RBI two season ago, so don't give up on him yet. 

Players who need to be on your radar:

Chad Tracy is having an oustanding start to the season and he's finally healthy.  He's owned in only 3% of leagues and is the starting 1st baseman for the Diamondbacks.  He needs to be picked up right now.  If you need a catcher, go ahead and pick up John Baker of the Marlins.  He's owned in only 6% of leagues and is currently hitting .308 with an .855 OPS.  Ricky Romero, the rookie lefty from Toronto, should also be on your radar.  He pitched well in his major league debut.  He was the 6th overall pick in the 2005 draft and does have good upside.  Don't give up on Jamie Moyer.  I know he had a terrible first start, but does have two starts coming this week. Both starts are on the road where he had a 2.92 ERA last season.  Kyle Davies has translated his amazing spring to the regular season.  He threw 7 shutout innings against the White Sox last week and is owned in only 25% of leagues.  

Well, that's all for the first entry.  Make sure to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for in depth fantasy baseball analysis all year.

College Baseball Top 25

By Jorge Bannister
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

After a semi lackluster weekend, here’s my first Top 25 poll of the season.

I just couldn’t bring myself to put Minnesota in the Top 25. I know that Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America each have them ranked there, but they’re just not legit.

Florida doesn’t crack the top 15, and I debated about whether or not to have Miami on the outside looking in of the top 15 but they have quality series wins. That’s not to say the Hurricanes are playing great baseball, they’re just winning series.

Also, even though I gushed (sort of) about BC baseball, they aren’t ranked either. If they would’ve swept Wake Forest I would’ve had them tied for 25th. However, because they only won 2 of 3, they are the No. 26 team.

Top 25 (Records through April 12)

1. LSU (26-9)
2. Georgia (29-6)
3. UC Irvine (25-8)
4. Rice (25-8)
5. North Carolina (27-9)
6. Fullerton (22-9)
7. Arizona State (25-8)
8. Arkansas (24-8)
9. Texas (24-8)
10. Georgia Tech (21-8-1)
11. Virginia (28-7-1)
12. Oklahoma (28-8)
13. Baylor (23-10)
14. Miami, Fla. (25-10)
15. Ole Miss (25-10)
16. Florida (23-12)
17. Florida State (21-11)
18. Oregon State (20-7)
19. Cal Poly (24-8)
20. Coastal Carolina (29-7)
21. Clemson (23-12)
22. TCU (22-10)
23. West Virginia (25-7)
24. Vanderbilt (21-13)
25. Kent St. (24-7)

The Mock Draft Season is in full swing!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

With less than two weeks left before the 2009 NFL Draft, it's prime time for mock drafts.  I love this time of the year.  I love the NFL Draft, and I especially love reading the experts prognosticate on how the first round of the draft will shake out.  

As you'll see over the next few weeks, FFS will be covering the draft and providing our own Mock Drafts.  For the past few years, Chad & I have had a gentleman's bet on who has the more accurate mock draft for the first round.  I have yet to beat him, so hopefully this will be my year. This year, our picks, as well as Matt, Josh and Jorge's will be out in front of the world for everyone to "mock" (full pun intended). You'll also see a "beat the expert" contest launched next week.  We would like our readers to send us your own mock drafts and see if you can beat the FFS staff.  Each winner will receive a Fan Fanatic Sports prize pack.  

In the meantime, you can follow these links to read some of the "so called experts" around the country.  NFL.com, ESPN, Yahoo & FoxSports.

Have a great day!

Tampa Bay fumbles on Leftwich signing

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I'm already sick and tired of hearing how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a great signing by inking journeyman quarterback Byron Leftwich to a deal.

Are you serious?

Don't we all remember what he's done in this league? Nothing.

This isn't Marshall, this is the NFL -- which stands for Not For Long if you play like he's done throughout his pro career. And he still has a job. It's like the weatherman who's wrong 75 percent of the time and is laughing while walking to the bank to cash his check.

I am going to laugh so hard if this joker gets the starting nod in Tampa. Well, he's got a good shot -- sort of like the Bruins making a run at the Stanley Cup -- because the Bucs currently have a boatload of stiff QB likes Brian Griese (he's good for one good game every year, however), Luke McCown (yes, he's still in the league) and Josh Johnson (doesn't he pitch for the Florida Marlins?).

What are the Bucs doing?

Maybe it will be a good signing if Tampa wants to lose now. Write it down: he's not going to lead the Bucs to the playoffs. 

His career has been nothing short of disappointing. Just look at his career stats ... gross!!!

He was a first-round bust with the Jacksonville Jaguars. But he already got a Super Bowl ring the only way he could -- by being a backup in Pittsburgh.

The Bucs better have a plan in place. They better draft a QB this year that has more upside than the crew they have now. I'm not saying that Tampa has to take a QB with its 19th pick in the first round, but if they can somehow trade up and land USC's Mark Sanchez, that's the guy you want to try to help rebuild the franchise.

You need a good quarterback to win in this league, and no one should think that Leftwich, McCown, Griese or Johnson are "good quarterbacks."

Legendary Voice of NFL Films passes away at 73

By Jim Ingram 

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Harry Kalas, one of the most legendary and recognizable voices in all of sports passed away this afternoon at the age of 73.  Kalas, who broadcasted Phillies game since 1971, was found unresponsive in the broadcast booth this afternoon prior to the Phillies away game in Washington DC, and was pronounced dead not long after.

For people who grew up outside of Philly, he's better known as the voice of NFL Films.  He took on that role in 1975.  I remember watching ESPN after school and marveling at his wonderful voice.  I used to try imitating it, but quickly realized my feeble excuse of a voice would never get deep enough.  He will be greatly missed by Philadelphia fans and NFL fans from all over the country.  

For more information on Kalas, please use this link to ESPN's story.

Fantasy Baseball: Garner's Greatest Top 25

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So you need to know who are the top players in fantasy baseball every week? Well, you've come to the right place at Fan Fanatic Sports. Throughout the rest of the Major League Baseball season, I'll be bringing you my top 25 fantasy player rankings every Monday, along with my Alive (players who are producing and you might want to grab) and Dead (guys who are just plain killing your team or are underperforming) lists that hopefully will help during your quest of chasing down that elusive fantasy baseball championship trophy. 

(Editor's note: Also be sure to check out more must-have fantasy baseball information on Wednesdays and Fridays every week.)

GARNER'S GREATEST TOP 25

1. Hanley Ramirez, SS, FLA 

Can do it all. Expect HRs to increase and steals to drop off slightly since he's hitting in No. 3 hole.                     

2. Jose Reyes, SS, NYM

Can't go wrong here. He has some pop and runs like the wind. Just a fantasy stud.

3. Albert Pujols, 1B, STL

Best hitter in baseball ... by far. We love those HRs and RBIs.

4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, DET

REAL early choice for MVP.

5. David Wright, 3B, NYM

My preseason NL pick for MVP. 

6. Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX

Five-tool player in real life and fantasy.

7. Grady Sizemore, OF, CLE

He's legit and still young -- a scary combo.

8. Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX

Every time he's up he has chance to go yard.

9. Evan Longoria, 3B, TB

Best young player in baseball. Dangerous fantasy producer with 5 HRs already.

10. Mark Tiexeira, 1B, NYY

Starting to get comfortable with Yanks, but wrist injury a little concerning.

11. Ryan Braun, OF, MIL

Let's see what he does this year, I'm not sold completely, yet.

12. Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI

Expect a bounce-back year.

13. Ryan Howard, 1B, PHI

When he finds his power stroke, watch out. He'll carry your team for weeks at a time.

14. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, BOS

What's in store for Pedroia owners in 2009?

15. Alfonso Soriano, OF, CHI

A streaky fantasy player. One week he's awful, next he should be in Cooperstown.

16. Lance Berkman, 1B, HOU

Sweet swing, sweet stats. Not just a pretty face:)

17. Carlos Beltran, OF, NYM

One of the most underappreciated fantasy players.

18. Carl Crawford, OF, TB

Watch out if he can stay healthy.

19. Chase Utley, 2B, PHI

Probably got good value since owners were scared about injury before the draft.

20. Carlos Lee, OF, HOU

Consistent production all year long.

21. Johan Santana, SP, NYM

Looks like he's in mid-season form, already.

22. Matt Holliday, OF, OAK

Not in Colorado anymore. How good is he really?

23. Manny Ramirez, OF, LAD

Can get out of bed and rake. Gladly take the HRs, RBIs, AVG.

24. CC Sabathia, SP, NYY

One poor start, one great start ... everyone would love to have CC on their team.

25. Nick Markakis, OF, BAL

Currently tearing cover off the ball (.364, HR, 7 RBI, 7 R).

ALIVE

Kevin Millwood, SP, TEX

Yes, Millwood is still pitching in MLB. Usually, pitchers go to Texas to die, but he's twirled two great ballgames and currently boasts an eye-popping 0.64 ERA. He's got 11 Ks in 2 starts and a 0.71 WHIP. Get Millwood on your team immediately, he doesn't want to let Nolan Ryan down. He'll cool off eventually --maybe next start -- but he's worthy of a immediately pickup. He's only owned in 24 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Emilio Bonifacio, 2B-3B, FLA

The leadoff hitter from the Marlins has been the talk of fantasy circles during the first week of the season. And why not. The speedster, ranked No. 1 in standard 5X5 Yahoo! leagues, is hitting  .500 with four stolen bases. He's the man right now. If you haven't heard of him by now, you're not a real fantasy fanatic.

Adam Lind, OF, TOR

Through Saturday, the youngster had popped 3 HRs and driven in 12 runs while batting .462. He's ranked No. 2 overall. If he's available, get him quick. In keeper leagues, get him even quicker.

Marco Scutaro, 2B-3B-SS, TOR

He's a utility player at best, but not this year. Scutaro deserves a spot on most rosters since he qualifies at three positions, but he could be a starter now since he's outperforming just about everyone. Caution: This won't last much longer.

Jordan Schafer, OF, ATL

The rookie doesn't appear intimidated with being in the majors. Schafer has a nice smooth stroke from the left side of the plate with some pop for a 6-foot-1, 200-pound outfielder. He's a starter in NL only leagues, borderline starter in mixed leagues. I just don't understand why he's available in 71 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Yunel Escobar, SS, ATL

Two years ago, Escobar was a hot sleeper on draft day. Now, people don't even want to draft him. I'll gladly take him as a reserve and if my starter goes down, I have no worries with Escobar in the lineup. He can be had in 50 percent of leagues. He's no doubt a breakout candidate in my book.

DEAD

Carlos Gomez, OF, MIN

I know he's still young, but he didn't live up the hype last year and he's off to a terrible start. If you can't get on base, you can't use your speed. And that's all that Gomez is good for at this stage of his career.

Chris Davis, 1B-3B, TEX

Davis popped 17 HRs in only 295 at-bats last year, so his draft status skyrocketed this year. Unfortunately, Davis can't hit his way out of a paper bag so far. He's not even hitting .100 and since he's batting 7th in the lineup, don't expect heavy RBI numbers from a guy who's currently swatting flies. You just hope his confidence isn't getting shaken, if so, Davis could be a gigantic bust. Boy showed he could swing the war club last year, so I'm not giving up on him yet, but he better get a base hit soon.

Asbrubal Cabrera, 2B-SS, CLE

A hot pick before the draft, so much for that. Cabrera's offense is nowhere to be found. He's hitting .133, but does have two swipes. Until he proves he can contribute on a fantasy team, find someone --anyone -- with more upside.

Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY

A-Fraud may be out for a few more weeks at the earliest, or until mid-May. Until he's able to help your team, he's dead in my book since he's got a DL tag listed by his name. When he returns, he'll be immediately off the list and maybe crack Garner's Greatest Top 25.

Brandon Webb, SP, ARZ

After giving up 6 earned runs in 4 innings in his first start against Colorado and an ERA at 13.50 and 2.00 WHIP, Webb has the makings of being a bust since he's now complaining or shoulder pain and was recently put on the DL. I called it on this site last week, Webb's late-season collapse last year was concerning and it carried over into his first start. He's hurt now and who knows what he'll offer for the rest of the season. If you can trade him, do it but don't release him yet.

(Photo by Reuters/Rhona Wise)

Josh Beckett is a scumbag!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Sorry Sox fans, but what Josh Beckett did yesterday to Bobby Abreu was uncalled for.  I have been a baseball player and fan all of my life. I understand and have practiced baseball code and the "unwritten" rules of the game, but throwing at, or over, a person's head because he called time in the batters box is unacceptable.

First off, Abreu is the wrong person to be mad at. It took Beckett 11 1/2 seconds to come to the plate.  Any other hitter would have called time after standing in the box that long.  If you want to blame someone, blame the umpire for granting time in the first place.   Yes, he was practically in the middle of his windup.  It's the umpires job to grant, or not grant time.  He has no obligation to the hitter.  If the pitcher has started his motion, then the umpire let's the pitch go.  

If you haven't seen what happened, or need to view it one more time, I have attached the youtube link to the photo above.  As Josh, Chad and Matt will tell you I was an uncaged animal on the ball field.  I couldn't tell you how many times I've ripped up batting gloves, smashed a batting helmet over my head, or yelled at an umpire for a bogus call.  What I would never do is throw at someones head.  That type of action can end a person's career.  I have no problem with a pitcher taking offense to styling after a home run or taking too long to run the bases, but you throw at a person's back, butt or legs.  Not their head.  That is just plain bush league.  

So, I have a bit of advice for Josh Beckett.  Stop trying to be Pedro, simmer down and play the game the right way.  Maybe I should also send this to Joba "Crown Royale" Chamberlain as well.