By Dalton Del Don
I’m not that worried about the Tigers’ dismal start. The fact Miguel Cabrera, Gary Sheffield and Curtis Granderson are all injured is some cause for concern, but I’d still take them over the Indians in the Central at even money. Dontrelle Willis’ recent line of no-hit ball through five innings with a 0:7 K:BB ratio is one of the strangest you’ll ever see.
With Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez looking legit, the Reds have to be taken seriously. If Homer Bailey develops, there’s a chance Cincy could boast the best 1-5 starting rotation in major league baseball during the second half of this season. They have the upside to win the National League.
Matt Kemp’s continuous exclusion from the starting lineup is simply inexcusable. Maybe there’s some politics involved not wanting to show up a GM who signed Juan Pierre for $45 million, but if Joe Torre truly is making this decision from a baseball standpoint, he’s officially lost his mind. Or maybe that’s already happened, and it’s only now becoming glaringly apparent.
Chris Young, who allowed a perfect 44-of-44 successful stolen base attempts against him last year, is already ahead of the curve, as he picked off James Loney on Sunday.
Will someone please inform Travis Buck the season began. He’s started the year in an 0-for-21 slump with a 9:0 K:BB ratio. That’s not very good.
Without a doubt, there is not a more annoying commentator than Ron Santo.
Justin Upton is batting .333 with three homers already but with nine strikeouts in 24 at-bats, he makes for a better sell-high than anything else. Of course, in a keeper format, that doesn’t apply, as he could go 35/35 one day.
When Fred Lewis is your team’s No. 3 hitter, you know you’re in trouble. Good thing the Giants combat that with an awful infield defense. I’m going on record right now: the Giants won’t win 50 games this season. Forward thinking owners might want to pick up Justin Germano now for his Wednesday start against the Littles. Same with Kyle Lohse after that.
Last season, J.D. Drew didn’t hit his third homer until June 8. This year, he has two bombs in four games played. Additionally, his 6:0 K:BB ratio might be construed as a good thing, as it shows he’s taking a much more aggressive approach at the plate. He’s going to go down as a serious steal in fantasy leagues.
Jered Weaver and Ian Snell are two young pitchers ready to post monster 2008 seasons. Don’t forget, Snell entered last year’s All-Star break with a 2.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP before wearing down in his first 200-inning season. Weaver, meanwhile, was hampered by a loss of velocity after a spring training injury last season. Now that a few extra mph has returned, he’s going to be extremely difficult to hit, especially against right-handers.
I wouldn’t be too concerned with Josh Beckett’s poor first start; his stuff was there, and he was bound to be shaky early on after a stunted spring. If someone in your league is uneasy with his health and bad outing Sunday, go make a legitimate offer.
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