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Radio, Mailbag and a King

By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer

I mentioned this before but was under the assumption it was a one-time deal. Apparently, I haven’t messed up too badly, because they keep asking me back. So if any of you are interested and have XM Radio, I have a regular guest time slot Wednesdays at 11 a.m. on Channel No. 144. Check it.

I wanted to try out a mailbag: We have a RotoScoop e-mail, but in truth, it’s not checked all that often, so if you have any questions and/or general comments e-mail me at seven3d@aol.com. I’ll respond to all of them, but a few may end up on the site as well.

Over the last two years, I’ve played in five main fantasy baseball leagues. Of those five, I drafted Felix Hernandez in every single one of them. While last year was construed as a disappointment, it wasn’t that bad for a 19-year-old. Considering he’s the best prospect of my lifetime, I was still underwhelmed. Good thing I kept on the bandwagon, because fantasy owners this year look like they have a top-5 pitcher. A complete game, one-hit shutout at Fenway Park? It’s safe to say those extra pounds he shed during the offseason is showing up in the results. Getting knocked around during his second year may prove to be the best thing for him, as he entered last offseason with a little extra motivation.

If anyone watched Wednesday night’s game, they know how filthy his stuff is. In fact, we need to come up with a new word to describe it, as filthy just doesn’t cut it. Not only does his fastball approach 98-99 MPH, but it has a significant amount of movement as well. His slider, curve and changeup are also plus pitches. I’m not giving him the Cy Young after two starts, after all, his command will likely be inconsistent this season, but he does have the ability to enter next year as a legitimate first round pick in fantasy leagues.

After two starts this year, he has 17 shut out innings with a respectable 0.47 WHIP. Of the 51 outs he’s recorded, 29 have been on the ground and 18 have been punch-outs. That’s just four flyball outs in total – flat-out dominance. In keeper leagues, there isn’t a fantasy player I’d rather own. The King has arrived.

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11 responses to “Radio, Mailbag and a King”

  1. Lister Avatar
    Lister

    That slider was unfair.

  2. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    I still think his first game was better…12K’s and 12 ground outs in 8 innings makes it next to impossible to score against you. Getting that many grounders, and keeping his K rate up, basically means surefire success. If those middle-infielders keep playing great D behind him (I think Ellis would have gotten that Drew single, but Lopez still played great overall), and with Safeco helping keep balls in the yard (on the very rare occassion a ball actually makes it into the air), and you’ve got a legit competitor to Johan. Johan’s K rate should help him, but Felix looks like he just decided to skip from good to incredible in one off-season. I always figured it would be he or Harden to challenge Santana (still think Harden has a chance, but he was a little disappointing at the home opener, and he doesn’t get as many ground balls), so I hope this year is a healthy one for all 3 of them so we can see a fantastic race.

    So, is there a new prediction for Giant’s W-L record this year? Bring up Lincecum now!

    Oh, and I don’t want to jinx them…but the Warriors…could it really happen? Nevermind…I didn’t even bring it up.

  3. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Oh, and now I HAVE to get my XM receiver installed!

  4. Jeremy Avatar
    Jeremy

    one thing I have to say as a Red Sox fan though, is that the bottom of their lineup is absolutely horrible right now. Thankfully they have a great staff, but on nights when Ortiz, Manny, and Drew don’t have it, good starters are gonna blow right through them…

  5. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Keith – Ellis def. could have gotten to Drew’s hit, but still, the MI did play real good D overall like you mentioned. And I completely agree Harden could make it a three guy race, but he obviously has the most to prove healthwise.

    The Giants are awful. The bullpen is bad enough, and I didn’t love their offense to begin with, but their bats are in a coma. It’s pathetic, really. Lincecum needs to get the call.

    I’m def. pulling for G. State. Big game tonight – gotta be a Laker fan against the Clips. Hopefully Dallas rests all their starters next week, b/c the Warriors other three games are all winnable.

  6. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Jeremy – Good point. Boston’s offense in general has been slumping early on. Even Manny and Ortiz have yet to get going. I’m thinking it will be much harder to shut this team out at home come July. And like you said, the bottom of the order is especially weak. Not only is Dustin Pedroia an easy out right now, but Varitek looks like he’s swinging in slow motion – he’s lost all bat speed. Still, I wouldn’t worry too much as a Boston fan, they have more than enough offense to complement that staff.

    When is my main man Wily Mo going to get more than 1 at-bat per week?

  7. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Gomes and Willy Mo are two guys that need to get 500 at bats somewhere…Ensberg too, though it looks like he might get the chance. I don’t understand why some smart teams don’t make moves for players like that. You see some of the horrendous players starting in other teams, and watch quality guys wasting away on benches…and not living up to their fantasy potential!

    I hated rooting for the Lakers, and then Kobe dropped a deuce in the 4th…ugh, that sucked.

  8. Jeremy Avatar
    Jeremy

    I agree on Willy Mo. I know on Sons of Sam Horn they were begging for Pena to get that last at bat instead of Coco Crisp. Sure he might have struck out, but on the other hand, he’s got a better chance of hitting a homerun and forcing Putz into the game, then Swing and Miss Crisp

  9. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Big blow for the Warriors’ chances. Lakers had that game too. Kobe took some pretty bad shots at the end, but obviously, he carried them otherwise.

    I still think Wily Mo will get some quality PT. It would take Drew, Crisp, Manny and Ortiz all staying healthy for him not to. Is Crisp still hurt? He doesn’t look right.

  10. Jeremy Avatar
    Jeremy

    No one’s sure about Crisp. He apparently was complaining it was sore early in Spring Training, then there’s the report of his shoulder being wrapped on March 20th. On the other hand its still not even 30 at bats so who knows…

  11. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Yeah, exactly.

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