***2009 Spring Training Fantasy Impact*** (1 Viewer)

[pantagrapher]

Only post #### that would matter to the average fantasy manager.

Examples: injuries, top prospect performance, eye-popping stats, disappointments, potential lineup changes, etc.

We all know we should temper our enthusiasm about what happens this time of year, so also feel free to throw cold water on any Spring training clichés you see spinning out of control.

Please anticipate and include all pertinent stats or links so we can avoid wasting posts asking for them.

May all our arguments be constructive.

GO

 

[Eephus]

Vernon Wells - hurt again

Matt Wieters - cures cancer, turns iron into gold with a SB and 2 RBI

Yonder Alonso - 0-2 with a strikeout and a huge error at 1B

 

[harryhood]

Nelson Cruz take off in 3, 2, 1...

 

[trogg78]

An A-Bomb...from..A- Freud.

 

[Oh Yes!]

surprise!

 

[prosopis]

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Chris Young went into Wednesday's Cactus League opener with very modest goals.

"Going into the first day all you want to do is go up there and not make a fool of yourself," he said.

Mission accomplished, as Young went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer in the D-backs' 5-3 win over the Rockies.

Though Young's homer was a moonshot to left-center, D-backs manager Bob Melvin was equally if not more impressed with his single in his first at-bat.

"You look over and you see [shortstop Troy] Tulowitzki move over to the hole and [Garrett] Atkins move to the hole and [Young] lines a ball up the middle and you could see them kind of look at each other like, 'Wow, that's a little different,'" Melvin said.

Going up the middle, going the other way at times and cutting down on his strikeouts are what Young hopes results from some changes in his mechanics at the plate.

Without getting too technical, Young is trying to slow himself down and move his hands back slightly as a way to improve his load at the plate. The idea is to let the ball travel farther before he swings, which gives him a longer look at it.

"In batting practice it's been feeling good, but in the games I thought it was going to take a little while to get the timing down," he said. "I honestly went into the game thinking I was going to be jammed a few times or I was going to be late, which is fine, but I was going to let the game come to me."

 

[pantagrapher]

Johan Santana (elbow) admitted Saturday morning that his Opening Day start could be in jeopardy.

Santana will throws a light bullpen session Sunday. If that goes well, he'll try a few live batting practice sessions. Manager Jerry Manuel is hopeful that his ace will be able to start a spring game during the week of March 9, but any setback at all will mean more precautionary measures. "We have 162 games," Santana said. "What we have to accomplish takes 162 games. Everything starts April 6, if it's going to be me or somebody else. It's tough to say right now."

LINK

 

[Buckfast 1]

Chris Carpenter's performance in spring training is certainly worth paying close attention to, as I think he could be a huge draft day bargain if he's healthy and manages to stay so through most of the season. I'm hoping he flies somewhat under the radar in my leagues, given that he hasn't been really healthy over the last two years.

On Saturday, he pitched 2 hitless innings against the Nationals and reportedly his stuff looked good and Carpenter felt good.

He's only a few years removed from a Cy Young, and he performed fairly well in the few games that he pitched in last year (1.72 ERA, 1.30 WHIP).

If he looks and feels good through spring training, he could be a steal on draft day.

 

[sho nuff]

Chris Carpenter's performance in spring training is certainly worth paying close attention to, as I think he could be a huge draft day bargain if he's healthy and manages to stay so through most of the season. I'm hoping he flies somewhat under the radar in my leagues, given that he hasn't been really healthy over the last two years. On Saturday, he pitched 2 hitless innings against the Nationals and reportedly his stuff looked good and Carpenter felt good.He's only a few years removed from a Cy Young, and he performed fairly well in the few games that he pitched in last year (1.72 ERA, 1.30 WHIP). If he looks and feels good through spring training, he could be a steal on draft day.

Ive been watching him closely this offseason as we have a rule where if you draft a guy in the 20th round or later, you can keep him for one year and only give up the pick in the round you used for the guy (but you have to keep the guy on your roster that whole year before being able to keep him).I took Carp with my 20th round pick last year and if he keeps this up, he will for sure be my 20th round keeper.

 

[cosjobs]

Chris Carpenter's performance in spring training is certainly worth paying close attention to, as I think he could be a huge draft day bargain if he's healthy and manages to stay so through most of the season. I'm hoping he flies somewhat under the radar in my leagues, given that he hasn't been really healthy over the last two years. On Saturday, he pitched 2 hitless innings against the Nationals and reportedly his stuff looked good and Carpenter felt good.He's only a few years removed from a Cy Young, and he performed fairly well in the few games that he pitched in last year (1.72 ERA, 1.30 WHIP). If he looks and feels good through spring training, he could be a steal on draft day.

Ive been watching him closely this offseason as we have a rule where if you draft a guy in the 20th round or later, you can keep him for one year and only give up the pick in the round you used for the guy (but you have to keep the guy on your roster that whole year before being able to keep him).I took Carp with my 20th round pick last year and if he keeps this up, he will for sure be my 20th round keeper.

I like that rule.

 

[pantagrapher]

I hate to say this, because I can't stand the guy, but Paul Konerko has looked pretty good out there this spring.

 

[Eephus]

I hate to say this, because I can't stand the guy, but Paul Konerko has looked pretty good out there this spring.

I like Konerko as a decent bounceback candidate this year. His 2008 BABIP was low (.247) and should improve a bit. He also performed much better in the 2nd half after recovering from an oblique strain and thumb injury. He's never going to be plus in AVG but should be a cheap power source in a CI slot.

 

[pantagrapher]

Edinson Volquez looking pretty bad today in the WBC.

 

[pantagrapher]

Angels right-hander Ervin Santana was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum Saturday and has had an MRI on his sore elbow. Results are not available yet and Santana dismissed the issue as “no problem.”

But he has been shut down from all throwing sessions and Angels manager Mike Scioscia admitted that Santana won’t be ready for the start of the season.

link

 

[Pip's Invitation]

If you are in an NL-only league deep enough to consider the Phils' fifth starter, JA Happ has looked good this spring. If he wins the spot, he's a good $1 flyer and will get a lot of K's.

 

[Eephus]

Angels right-hander Ervin Santana was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum Saturday and has had an MRI on his sore elbow. Results are not available yet and Santana dismissed the issue as “no problem.”

But he has been shut down from all throwing sessions and Angels manager Mike Scioscia admitted that Santana won’t be ready for the start of the season.

link

Santana also apparently has a sprained MCL

 

[E-Z Glider]

Sean Marshall looking very good this spring in his battle for the 5th starter for the cubbies. Got him pegged as a sleeper.

 

[pantagrapher]

If you are in an NL-only league deep enough to consider the Phils' fifth starter, JA Happ has looked good this spring. If he wins the spot, he's a good $1 flyer and will get a lot of K's.

Nice tip. He's officially on my radar.

 

[sho nuff]

Chris Carpenter's performance in spring training is certainly worth paying close attention to, as I think he could be a huge draft day bargain if he's healthy and manages to stay so through most of the season. I'm hoping he flies somewhat under the radar in my leagues, given that he hasn't been really healthy over the last two years. On Saturday, he pitched 2 hitless innings against the Nationals and reportedly his stuff looked good and Carpenter felt good.He's only a few years removed from a Cy Young, and he performed fairly well in the few games that he pitched in last year (1.72 ERA, 1.30 WHIP). If he looks and feels good through spring training, he could be a steal on draft day.

Ive been watching him closely this offseason as we have a rule where if you draft a guy in the 20th round or later, you can keep him for one year and only give up the pick in the round you used for the guy (but you have to keep the guy on your roster that whole year before being able to keep him).I took Carp with my 20th round pick last year and if he keeps this up, he will for sure be my 20th round keeper.

I like that rule.

Last year was the first year of it. I got to keep Granderson for a 22nd last year.

 

[eoMMan]

Ryan Howard is lighter but still hitting bombs.

Look for 50 homers and at least 170 K's.

 

[pantagrapher]

Ryan Howard is lighter but still hitting bombs.Look for 50 homers and at least 170 K's.

I've noticed he's having a good spring. He might even hit .250 this year.

 

[Michael Brown]

Ryan Howard is lighter but still hitting bombs.Look for 50 homers and at least 170 K's.

I've noticed he's having a good spring. He might even hit .250 this year.

Well that would represent a drop from last year when he hit .251. I doubt he'll hit .215 through the first three months again, so I agree with you that he'll be at least that high.

 

[s_ezy]

http://www.rotoauthority.com/2009/02/spring-training.html

 

[E-Z Glider]

http://www.rotoauthority.com/2009/02/spring-training.html

some of those are great

 

[pantagrapher]

Another 6 strong innings from Carp yesterday. Looking more and more like a solid late-round pick than a flyer.

 

[eoMMan]

Anyone know anything on Justin Masterson of the Red Sox?

Early word was that if Penny goes on the DL, Masterson would get the 5th spot but it's looking like Penny might avoid the DL. Masterson has great stuff but I don't want to draft a set up RP. If Papelbon goes down, I would think that he might have a shot at the closer's role too, though.

 

[Eephus]

Willy Taveras watch: 3 SBs in 7 spring training games (20 PAs). Currently "hitting" .222/.300/.278

 

[pantagrapher]

Willy Taveras watch: 3 SBs in 7 spring training games (20 PAs). Currently "hitting" .222/.300/.278

He's making Joey Gathright look like a beast.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Sean Marshall looking very good this spring in his battle for the 5th starter for the cubbies. Got him pegged as a sleeper.

Sweet Lou named Marshall 5th starter today. One earned run in 13+ innings so far this spring.

 

[shadyridr]

Yankee news: Expect Brett Gardner to win the CF job. He has the ability to hit .300 and steal 40 bases. Also, in leagues with holds I think Brian Bruney will be a stud this year,

 

[Eephus]

Yankee news: Expect Brett Gardner to win the CF job. He has the ability to hit .300 and steal 40 bases. Also, in leagues with holds I think Brian Bruney will be a stud this year,

I drafted Gardner in uber so I'm at least sipping the Kool-Aid, but let's get real. He hasn't hit .300 since A ball and hit only .228 in his cup of coffee last year.Gardner has shown ability to take a walk so he's not hopeless in OBP leagues. In most 5x5 leagues, he's a 1 1/2 category cheap speed guy at best. If you can get 30 SBs from him, he's worth a roster spot. But he's not going to make anyone forget DiMaggio, Mantle or even Bernie Williams. He's still better than Melky though.

 

[shadyridr]

Yankee news: Expect Brett Gardner to win the CF job. He has the ability to hit .300 and steal 40 bases. Also, in leagues with holds I think Brian Bruney will be a stud this year,

I drafted Gardner in uber so I'm at least sipping the Kool-Aid, but let's get real. He hasn't hit .300 since A ball and hit only .228 in his cup of coffee last year.Gardner has shown ability to take a walk so he's not hopeless in OBP leagues. In most 5x5 leagues, he's a 1 1/2 category cheap speed guy at best. If you can get 30 SBs from him, he's worth a roster spot. But he's not going to make anyone forget DiMaggio, Mantle or even Bernie Williams. He's still better than Melky though.

He has a lifetime avg of .291 in the minors. Im not saying the guy is gonna be a stud but hes fast and is a good cheap option for SBs and he probably wont hurt your BA.

 

[pantagrapher]

Update: Mauer has pretty much ruled himself out for Opening Day, which has been speculated about but something no one with the club wanted to address. Mauer admitted that it’s, “frustrating,” that it has taken so long to heal and that he’s been unable to learn why he has soreness there in the first place.

linkDoesn't sound too bad, but the uncertainty is cause for concern.

 

[the moops]

Yankee news: Expect Brett Gardner to win the CF job. He has the ability to hit .300 and steal 40 bases. Also, in leagues with holds I think Brian Bruney will be a stud this year,

I drafted Gardner in uber so I'm at least sipping the Kool-Aid, but let's get real. He hasn't hit .300 since A ball and hit only .228 in his cup of coffee last year.Gardner has shown ability to take a walk so he's not hopeless in OBP leagues. In most 5x5 leagues, he's a 1 1/2 category cheap speed guy at best. If you can get 30 SBs from him, he's worth a roster spot. But he's not going to make anyone forget DiMaggio, Mantle or even Bernie Williams. He's still better than Melky though.

He has a lifetime avg of .291 in the minors. Im not saying the guy is gonna be a stud but hes fast and is a good cheap option for SBs and he probably wont hurt your BA.

I think the point is a guy who struggled to hit .300 in any level of the minors does not necessarily "have the ability to hit .300" in the majors.Not too often do 25 year old rookies see a bump up from their numbers in the minors.

 

[shadyridr]

Yankee news: Expect Brett Gardner to win the CF job. He has the ability to hit .300 and steal 40 bases. Also, in leagues with holds I think Brian Bruney will be a stud this year,

I drafted Gardner in uber so I'm at least sipping the Kool-Aid, but let's get real. He hasn't hit .300 since A ball and hit only .228 in his cup of coffee last year.Gardner has shown ability to take a walk so he's not hopeless in OBP leagues. In most 5x5 leagues, he's a 1 1/2 category cheap speed guy at best. If you can get 30 SBs from him, he's worth a roster spot. But he's not going to make anyone forget DiMaggio, Mantle or even Bernie Williams. He's still better than Melky though.

He has a lifetime avg of .291 in the minors. Im not saying the guy is gonna be a stud but hes fast and is a good cheap option for SBs and he probably wont hurt your BA.

I think the point is a guy who struggled to hit .300 in any level of the minors does not necessarily "have the ability to hit .300" in the majors.Not too often do 25 year old rookies see a bump up from their numbers in the minors.

Since when is hitting .291 struggling to hit .300? You realize thats like 5 extra hits during the season.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Mike Fontenot of the Cubs has been hitting the crap out of the ball this spring.

Could he be another Pedroia?

 

[harryhood]

Have Maholm penciled in as my #5 SP(Lackey,Grienke,harden,jair) and the news on the kid keeps getting better and better. I know it is still ST, but 20 innings and 1 ER is something to take notice of. Especially with the home park he pitches in.

 

[pantagrapher]

Ozzie names Chris Getz the starting 2B.

 

[pantagrapher]

Jeter to lead off in NY. Damon batting second.

 

[Buckfast 1]

Rick Porcello, one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, was named to the Tigers' starting rotation today. He's got a mid-90's fastball with good control and successfully mixes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. He typically draws comparisons to Roy Halladay. He had a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 innnings pitching in spring training this year. He's only 20 years old and the promotion was earlier than most expected, but if he is available in any keeper leagues, I think he is a must pick-up right away. If you've got wasted space on the end of your bench in a yearly league, I'd probably pick him up this year as well, at least to start for favorable matchups, as it will be hard to beat his upside potential.

 

[Eephus]

The Athletics will be starting the season with a rotation with combined experience of 57 Major League starts

Dallas Braden, Trevor Cahill, Dana Eveland, Brett Anderson and Josh Outman

 

[PatsWillWin]

Anyone know anything on Justin Masterson of the Red Sox?Early word was that if Penny goes on the DL, Masterson would get the 5th spot but it's looking like Penny might avoid the DL. Masterson has great stuff but I don't want to draft a set up RP. If Papelbon goes down, I would think that he might have a shot at the closer's role too, though.

I know this is a couple weeks old, but Masterson will likely spend most of the year in the pen. I think eventually he'll be a starter, but if Penny were to go down (before Smoltz comes back especially) I think they'll want to give Bucholz another shot.

 

[The Hank]

If you have a free bench spot (until early May-ish), put PIT - OF - Andrew McCutchen on it.

He got sent down (a day after going 5-5) to AAA, but will not be there for long (ala Evan Longoria of a year ago).

We're looking at someone who can do:

.280-.300 AVG - 20+ HR - 60-80+ RBI - 20-30+ SB

He led the team in walks this pre-season too, the guy is going to be a OBP machine at the top of the lineup with suprisingly decent guys behind him in the lineup who can move baserunners/manufacture runs (Sanchez, McClouth, Doumit).

Pirates may be making some noise in the not too distant future (maybe not 2009, but 2010-2013 looks promising w/ McCutchen, Alvarez, Tabata, N. Walker, B. Lincoln, B. Morris, etc.)

 

[eoMMan]

Rick Porcello, one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, was named to the Tigers' starting rotation today. He's got a mid-90's fastball with good control and successfully mixes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. He typically draws comparisons to Roy Halladay. He had a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 innnings pitching in spring training this year. He's only 20 years old and the promotion was earlier than most expected, but if he is available in any keeper leagues, I think he is a must pick-up right away. If you've got wasted space on the end of your bench in a yearly league, I'd probably pick him up this year as well, at least to start for favorable matchups, as it will be hard to beat his upside potential.

Dropped old, man Jason Giambi and picked up Porcello.

 

[Oh Yes!]

Mike Fontenot of the Cubs has been hitting the crap out of the ball this spring.Could he be another Pedroia?

if i remember correctly he had a .900 ops...or close

 

[pantagrapher]

Mike Fontenot of the Cubs has been hitting the crap out of the ball this spring.Could he be another Pedroia?

if i remember correctly he had a .900 ops...or close

He has a short, compact swing that sort of reminds me of Utley. I like Fontenot, but he's so small I just don't think his power is sustainable. I hope he proves me wrong.

 

[pantagrapher]

Ichiro to the DL with bleeding ulcer.

 

[Mike Shanahan Fan]

Rick Porcello, one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, was named to the Tigers' starting rotation today. He's got a mid-90's fastball with good control and successfully mixes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. He typically draws comparisons to Roy Halladay. He had a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 innnings pitching in spring training this year. He's only 20 years old and the promotion was earlier than most expected, but if he is available in any keeper leagues, I think he is a must pick-up right away. If you've got wasted space on the end of your bench in a yearly league, I'd probably pick him up this year as well, at least to start for favorable matchups, as it will be hard to beat his upside potential.

Dropped old, man Jason Giambi and picked up Porcello.

Terrible move.

 

[shadyridr]

Rick Porcello, one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, was named to the Tigers' starting rotation today. He's got a mid-90's fastball with good control and successfully mixes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. He typically draws comparisons to Roy Halladay. He had a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 innnings pitching in spring training this year. He's only 20 years old and the promotion was earlier than most expected, but if he is available in any keeper leagues, I think he is a must pick-up right away. If you've got wasted space on the end of your bench in a yearly league, I'd probably pick him up this year as well, at least to start for favorable matchups, as it will be hard to beat his upside potential.

Dropped old, man Jason Giambi and picked up Porcello.

Terrible move.

In a keeper league?

 

[eoMMan]

Rick Porcello, one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, was named to the Tigers' starting rotation today. He's got a mid-90's fastball with good control and successfully mixes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. He typically draws comparisons to Roy Halladay. He had a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 innnings pitching in spring training this year. He's only 20 years old and the promotion was earlier than most expected, but if he is available in any keeper leagues, I think he is a must pick-up right away. If you've got wasted space on the end of your bench in a yearly league, I'd probably pick him up this year as well, at least to start for favorable matchups, as it will be hard to beat his upside potential.

Dropped old, man Jason Giambi and picked up Porcello.

Terrible move.

In a keeper league?

Yes, and Giambi is riding my bench for the time being. I had Helton starting over him.