Chinstrap Ninjas » astros

FBB: Time to move on from these former sure-things

jzak — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:59:11 +0000

The other day, I was watching the cartoon “Wow Wow Wubbzy” with my five-year-old daughter.

If “watching” is the right word.

I was more glancing at the TV while wondering what ever happened to children’s entertainment in the past 20 years.

How in the world did we go from He-Man, Thundercats, Voltron and even the Smurfs to Wow Wow Wubbzy, Yo Gabba Gabba! and Zoboomafu?

Ask me what my favorite TV show is of all time, and you won’t hear House (although it is fun to watch) or Law and Order or Survivor. It was a show from the 80s called Quantum Leap. Like it or not, there is a conservative streak in all of us. A part that latches on to the old and struggles to embrace the new.

Fantasy baseball managers are not exempt from this phenomenon.

But if you want to be successful in 2010, be cautious with these old statistical studs who have seen their value drop closer to that of a soggy tuna fish sandwich than a first-round sure-fire draftee.

Johan Santana, SP, Mets. Many of us remember when Johan was the best pitcher in baseball. How he buoyed the Minnesota Twins into contenders and won two Cy Young awards with the NL-Central squad. When he was a first or second-round draft pick. However, welcome to 2010, Mr. Santana. The elbow surgery that ended Johan’s 2009 season is only the tip of the iceberg. Santana’s velocity has declined each season since 2006. His strikeouts dropped off considerably after moving to the National League. His slider has become almost nonexistent. Sure, some will look at his 2.78 ERA from last season before the injury and feel that he is a bounceback candidate. However, Santana is not the same hurler you remember, especially on a team that’s becoming the MLB’s version of the Oakland Raiders. Don’t overpay for him in your draft based only on happy memories from days gone by.

Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Rangers. Remember this fantasy first-round draftee? His star has fallen so far as to be dropped from the Angels roster. He’s now with Texas. Sure he still raked when healthy last year, but those periods have become fewer and farther between lately for this falling star. One statistic to consider was his .334 on-base percentage from last season, a major dropoff from the .403 just two years before. As with Santana and others on this list, Vlad will have some big games during 2010, but not enough to justify anything more than a late-round draft pick in most league settings.

Pedro Martinez, SP, Phillies. In nine regular-season games with Philadelphia last season, Pedro was 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA and 37 strikeouts. Hard to argue against those statistics … except that Martinez would never be able to maintain that streak during the entire season. His velocity is down – it takes a very good day for him to even near the 90 mph plateau. His three-year average gives a more realistic statline for this once-great pitcher: 11 starts, 4.67 ERA, 52 Ks. There will be people reaching for Pedro on draft day, especially how he came on at the end of last season. Don’t be one of them.

Carlos Lee, OF, Astros. Perhaps not as flashy a name as others on this list, Lee has been a fantasy staple for years now. His combination of power and speed on the base paths helped redefine the concept of a multi-category fantasy player. However, Lee is no longer a guy who can anchor your fantasy outfield. Lee averaged 14 stolen bases between 2003-2007. Last year, he had five. In 2007, Lee scored 93 runs. The past two seasons, Lee was limited to the 60s (61 in 2008, 65 in 2009). His home runs have slowly declined since 2007, too (32, 28, 26). Sure, he offers power and still hovers around .300 in batting average, but that doesn’t help much when surrounded by mostly mediocre talent in the Astros starting lineup. If I was going to draft a player on a struggling team, I’d wait a round or two or more and snag someone like Andrew McCutchen with the Pirates.

Todd Helton, 1b, Rockies. It hurts me to put him on this list because he’s been one of my favorite players for quite a while, but it is time to tread cautiously when drafting Helton. After a mediocre 2008 with a .264 batting average and only seven home runs, Helton bounced back somewhat last season with 15 round-trippers and a more typical .325 showing at the plate. However, looking closer at the numbers, only one-third of Helton’s home runs came after the All-Star break. It’s apparent that at 37, Helton can’t hold up as well as he used to. Remember that on draft day.

Ninja notes: The international edition [FBB]

ep — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:14:51 +0000

The Chinstrap Ninjas are American, but we have no biases. We know foreign countries aren’t as good at beer league softball as us, but they occasionally pop out a player who makes a somewhat minimal difference in fantasy baseball circles.

Aroldis Chapman is expected to be next. According to a report from ESPN the Magazine, Chapman defected from Cuba by walking out of his hotel room in the Netherlands. Doesn’t sound that official to me, but whatever works.

Chapman, 21, has touched 100 MPH on the radar gun and is considered the best left-handed prospect in the world in the minds of many. I hadn’t heard of him, but I do now.

He’ll cause a big hype train when he signs with a pro squad, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him helping some Chinstrap Ninja on a pro diamond by the end of the year.

He wasn’t the only international prospect who made headlines in the Major Leagues today, but he’s the only one we’re going to talk about. There’s a lot of other stuff going on in fantasy baseball:

Infirmary report

Hold the phone, Angels SP Ervin Santana expected back Friday. He’s actually not that far away.

Jake Peavy’s status will be updated in a month. Bwuhh, that’s not good news for the Padres SP.

Carlos Quentin, White Sox OF, has increased the intensity of his workouts and has shortened his road to recovery. At this rate he’ll be back in form by 2020.

Twins 1B Justin Mourneau expects to be back Friday.

White Sox SS Alexei Ramirez will have X-Rays on his middle finger. Fantasy players have been giving the disappointing Chinstrap Ninjas sleeper the middle finger all season.

Pitching Ninjas

Angels SP Jered Weaver (7 R, 8 H, 5 1/3 IP) and Phillies SP Cole Hamels (7 R, 9 H, 4IP) were rocked.

Meanwhile, White Sox SP Jose Contreras continues his post minor-league visit renaissance. He had 8 Ks, 1BB and gave up 2 R in seven innings and change. He’s 3-2 with a 2.17 ERA since his return. He’s available in 83% of Yahoo leagues and pitching better than half the guys you’re starting every week.

Braves SP Jair Jurrjens was similarly impressive, giving up one hit and one earned run in 7 IPs to get the win. The Chinstrap Ninjas 2009 Breakout Player had 6 Ks. He’s lights-out in ERA and WHIP and available in nearly a quarter (22%) of Yahoo leagues

Reds SP Johnny Cueto retired 12 consecutive batters and gave up no runs in a win. Cueto’s available in 13% of Yahoo leagues. I can’t imagine what kind of pitchers those leagues are trotting out there on a weekly basis.

Stealthy Ninja Randy Wells earned his third straight win. The Cubs SP gave up one run and six hits. In his last three starts: 5 R, 20 2/3 IP, 2.18 ERA. One more stat: Available in 65% of Yahoo leagues.

Frank Francisco, Rangers RP, gave up three runs and blew a save, but got the win. If you want a Rangers closer you want C.J. Wilson.

Ninjas wielding bats

Quick quiz: What player leads the National League in steals, triples and IF hits? Astros OF Michael Bourn. He’s available in 36 % of Yahoo leagues, has scored 44 runs and his .289 average is a surprise.

Hank Blalock 2 HRs, including a game-winner in the ninth. Colby Rasmus also hit a walk-off homer, the first of his career. Blalock is a Ninja who gets his other Ninja squadmates killed with inconsistency. Rasmus is blossoming into a rookie of the year candidate – his 8 HRs and 29 RBIs leads all rookies.

Reds 1B Joey Votto is back, really back – 11-for-32 – and still available in 12% of Yahoo leagues. Why not type Votto into your player search and see if anyone owns him?

Braves IF Diory Hernandez hit his first career homer yesterday. He’s not a prospect and doesn’t even need to be on your deepest darkest dynasty league roster.

Braves Of Matt Diaz had three hits and a homer, but you still don’t want to buy any of it.

From the Wait, is that Really News Anymore department, Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was 0-for-3. Chinstrap Ninjas will be here to let you know when Jimmy Rollins does finally break out of this thing. I’m thinking post-All-Star break.

Manny Ramirez minute

Shhh. Hold all thoughts. Stop talking to yourself. This is Manny’s time and you all need to pay attention.

We’ve been inundated with stories so bizarre I’m amazed we didn’t get one about how Manny Ramirez’s sneeze affected the dugout in one of his minor league games. But finally, that mess is over. He’s been reinstated.

Baseball can finally resume normal operations.

What do you think? You’re ecstatic Manny’s back aren’t you? Did you miss him? I know you did. You can start a conversation about Manny (or, please, anything else) in the comments below or in our forums.

Introducing Kevin Correia, he’s a Stealthy Ninja [FBB]

ep — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:14:45 +0000

Stealthy Ninjas are back on time this week, and bringing a dose of San Diego pitching with them.

I’m referring to Kevin Correia, of course. Based on his ownership rates in Yahoo leagues you have no idea who he is.

Check out the statistical performance from his last five starts: 4-1 in 33.2 IP, 29:3 K:BB and he’s dropped his ERA more than a point from 5.37 to 4.23.

In case you were uncertain, I’m telling you to add Correia now. He could regress, but five starts is a good enough sample for me to turn into a believer.

As far as the Stealthy Ninja part of it, he won both starts last week, struck out 16 in 13.2 IP and K’d a career-high nine in his last start. Oh, and he’s available in 92% of fantasy leagues.

What other unowned commodities were impressive last week? Let’s take a look:

Your Stealthy Ninja hitters:

Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates (owned in 32%) Key stats: .381 average, 2 HR, 5 R, 5 RBI, SB

Advice: One of the few Pirates hitters you might have a reason to own, LaRoche nearly missed the cut last week. There are better 1Bs in baseball, but good luck finding any that are as available as LaRoche.

Jake Fox, OF, Cubs (owned in 8%) Key stats: .400 AVG, 3 R, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs

Advice: The prospect is starting at 3B now, but according to MLB.com’s depth charts he’s also a reserve for both corner outfield spots and is a 1B by trade. If he keeps hitting like this they’ll have to find a spot for him when Aramis Ramirez returns from his injury. Dynasty leaguers take note.

Emilio Bonifacio, 2B/3B, Marlins (owned in 18%) Key Stats: .350, 6 R, 2 RBI, 3 SB

Advice: It’s week one all over again! Actually, Bonifacio has stole a couple other bases since then. he’s got 15 steals in 20 tries this season, 40 runs scored and he’s hitting in the .250s. That batting average, up there is also a lie. He’s also a reserve but doesn’t qualify at SS. He’ll get you steals and runs, but there are probably better options.

Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees (owned in 7%) Key Stats: .370, 4 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB

Advice: He’s not technically a starter, but got full-time at-bats last week and put up some awesome numbers. Gardner will be a fantasy contributor, but he’ll be held back until he’s a full-timer.

Casey McGehee, 2B, 3B, Brewers (owned in 10%) Key Stats: .310, 4 R, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 1 SB

Advice: McGehee is not listed as a starter on MLB.com’s Brewers depth chart, listed behind Craig Counsel at second and third basemen Mat Gamel and Bill Hall. Gamel, McGehee and Counsel are all producing so whatever rotation their using works for now. But I like McGehee’s future potential as much as Gamel.

STEALTHY PITCHERS

Ricky Romero, SP, Blue Jays (owned in 22%) Key stats: 14.0 IP, 2 W, 13 K, 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP.

Advice: The Blue Jays have some intriguing young arms. Romero, one of them, no-hit the World Champion Phillies for six innings on Friday. Definitely a spot-start candidate.

Joel Pineiro, SP, Cardinals (owned in 21%) Key stats: 9 IP, 1 W, 1 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP

Advice: Pineiro returns for a second straight edition, but hasn’t pitched since the last Stealthy Ninjas. I’d tell you to proceed with caution, but Pineiro’s easy to read: He’s ground-ball pitcher so when he’s on he’ll keep his averages down, but he’s far more likely to give you a 1K in 9 innings than 4Ks in 9 innings.

J.A. Happ, SP, Phillies (owned in 31%) Key Stats: 9 IP, 1 W, 4K, 0.00 ERA, 0.56 WHIP

Advice: Didn’t really want to, but dropped Happ in a mixed league to get Correia. Happ’s not going to get you a 9 K game. He is a decent young (i.e. unpredictable) pitcher who got the first complete game and shutout of his career. Own him in NL-only leagues, and deep mixed setups.

Felipe Paulino, SP, Astros (owned in 1%) Key Stats: 7 IP, 1 W, 9 K, 1.29 ERA, 0.43 WHIP

Advice: He was hitting 97 MPH during his win against the Tigers, and struck out 9 in 7 innings. His previous ERA, WHIP and BAA numbers scream stay away, but he’s only got 17 total games and 12 total starts under his belt. The last game was his first back from a 15-day DL vacation for a problematic groin. He’s worth a spot-start, and if he has another solid outing I’d roster him for a while.

Randy Wells, SP, Cubs (owned in 32%) Key Stats: 13.2 IP, 2 W, 9 K, 2.63 ERA, 0.95 WHIP

Advice: Wells only has five decisions in nine games for the Cubs, but he’s only had one awful game all season — against the Twins: 4 ER, 7 H, 2 BB in only 3.2 IP. He has a 2.57 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and a .235 BAA this season. Another definite spot-start candidate who deserves rosterization in deep leagues.

What do you think? Is Paulino merely using mirrors to trick us? Are you drinking Emilio Bonifacio’s Kool-Aid again? What players have you targeted? Let us know in the comments, or visit our forums and start a conversation.

Stealthy: The A’s edition. How does that happen? [FBB]

ep — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:30:47 +0000

Email to: ep(at)chinstrapninjas(dot)com

Searching through the waiver wire and making the right pickups at the right times can result in huge fantasy baseball benefits. The Stealthy Ninjas column is here to let you know the kinds of players you’ll find available on your wire and whether it’s worth wasting a roster spot on them or not.

Each week, I’ll outline a couple hitters and a couple pitchers that had great weeks and are more than likely available on your waiver wire based on ownership rates in Yahoo’s leagues. This week’s hitters:

Ian Stewart, 2B, 3B, Rockies (25%) Key stats: .435 average, 4 HR, 7 R, 12 RBI

Advice: Stewart leads the Rockies in homers with 11. He’s 10 for his last 17 over the course of four games. He won’t keep up the smoking average — he was hitting .177 on June 2 and has never hit above .259. Add with caution, but his streaks have been good this year.

Aaron Rowand, OF, Giants (19%) Key stats: .480 AVG, 6 R, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 1 SB

Advice: Owner of a 15-game hit streak. Rowand is a career .284 and had 27 homers a few years ago. He’ll finish with at least 20 HRs and 70 RBIs.

Scott Podsednik, OF, White Sox (2%) Key Stats: .321, 5 R, 2 RBI, 4 SB

Advice: There was a time when Podsednik was the name associated with baseball speed. But he’s only had 12 steals in each of the last two seasons. Podsednik is the starting left fielder in Chicago, but his lack of speed the last few years is disheartening because he will do nothing else to help your team.

Adam Kennedy, 2b, OF, A’s (17%) Key Stats: 7 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI

Advice: A career .277 hitter, Kennedy is hitting .343 so far this year, so a correction for the rest of the season could be expected. He recently broke out of a 10-game slump, but Kennedy is not going to win your fantasy baseball league for you. He hasn’t had more than 4 homers or 7 stolen bases in each of the last three years. If your desperate for a middle infielder who also plays outfield, you could pick up Kennedy, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Jason Giambi, 1B, A’s (22%) Key Stats: 4 R, 3 HR, 8 RBI

Advice: Here’s what you need to know about his numbers above: He only had five total hits. So, three of his five hits were homers. His batting average will bring you down, but his power will cycle up and down based on his medication cycles. Also, he left Saturday’s game with calf tightness, but played Sunday and went 1-for-3 with a double.

STEALTHY PITCHERS

Mike Hampton, SP, Astros (3%) Key stats: 14.1 IP, 2 W, 15 K, 0.68 ERA, 1.12 WHIP.

Advice: Consecutive starts against the Pittsburgh Pirates “hitters” will make you look like the 12th best player in fantasy baseball. If you picked him up, like I did for one start, now’s the time to drop him for your next spot starter.

Matt Thornton, RP, White Sox (11%) Key stats: 4.0 IP, 2 W, 8 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP

Advice: As great a pitcher as Thornton is, I can’t recommend him to most fantasy players. He stole two wins this week, but he doesn’t typically get saves or wins. He does have 30ks in 21 IP. Players in deeper leagues and leagues that reward relievers in other categories should already have added him.

Jeff Niemann, SP, Rays (7%) Key Stats: 9 IP, 1 W, 9K, 0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP

Advice: The 4th overall pick in the 2004 draft has a 3.77 ERA and 39 Ks in 59.2 innings this year. Niemann’s start this week netted him a career-high 9 Ks and his first complete game. At the end of April I told you to let Niemann on the wire and give him time to develop. You should probably add him now, especially if you’re in a keeper league.

Carl Pavano, SP, Indians (22%) Key Stats: 16.1 IP, W, 10K, 1.65 ERA, 0.73 WHIP

Advice: And Yankees fans grimace. Pavano’s complete game on Friday was his first since May 2005. He’s 6-4 and an option for mixed leaguers.

Dallas Braden, SP, Athletics (15%) Key Stats: 13 IP, 1 W, 7 K, 2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP

Advice: Those wacky A’s had a good week. Braden’s managed five wins on this horrible team and has a 3.41 ERA this year. Obviously, his team is not going to win every one of his starts, but he’s a decent enough pitcher (50 Ks in 74 innings) to add. He’s better than some pitchers who are rostered on a lot of teams. I’m looking and pointing a menacing finger at you Manny Parra.

Jamie Moyer, SP, Phillies (9%) Key Stats: 13 IP, 1 W, 7 K, 2.08 ERA, 0.54 WHIP

Advice: I could write a whole column of Jamie-Moyer-is-old jokes, but instead we’ll concentrate on his performance. Moyer got win No. 250 this week, and I’m sure you all heard about that. What you might not have heard is that Moyer’s been downright youthful in his last three starts: 3.60 ERA, 14 Ks, 25 IPs.

J.P. Howell, RP, Rays (14%) Key Stats: 3.1 IP, 1 W, 1 SV, 6 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.90 WHIP

Advice: There’s a saying in fantasy baseball that somebody’s got to get the saves. Well in Tampa Bay it’s not quite that simple. Six players have saved a game for the AL’s representative in the 2008 World Series. Howell got his second of the season this week. Add him if you’re desperate in a deep league, but you’re not getting into a very good situation. [Edit]Scratch that, dude’s got back-to-back blown saves. It’s a bad situation.

What do you think? Is Rowand worth a pickup? How about Giambi? Is Carl Pavano officially a fantasy option again? What players have you targeted? Let us know in the comments, or visit our forums and start a conversation.

Stealthy Ninjas: Luke Scott is back [FBB]

ep — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:15:46 +0000

Email to: ep(at)chinstrapninjas(dot)com

Luke Scott, OF, Orioles (36%) Key stats: .533 average, 6 HR, 7 R, 14 RBI

Advice: Since returning from the DL, Scott’s been on a tear. More than likely, if you’re looking on the waiver wire for a player it’s because you just put one of your starters — Grady Sizemore anyone? — on the DL. Scott will not be able to keep up this pace, he’s homered in four consecutive games, but he had 23 homers last year so even after he cools off he could be an option for some teams.

Ryan Garko, 1B, Indians (6%) Key stats: .389 AVG, 6 R, 8 RBIs, 3 HR

Advice: Garko had 21 homers two years ago and hit .289, but regressed last year. His OPS is up from last year but still far from that great 2007 campaign. Add at your own risk.

Gary Sheffield, OF, Mets (24%) Key Stats: .467, 2 HR, 5 R, 9 RBI, 1 SB

Advice: Sheffield’s best years are behind him, and he doesn’t play full games because of his defensive liability in the NL, but he has hit well so far. I’m not in any hurry to pick him up in any of my leagues.

Jerry Hairston Jr., 2B, 3B SS, OF, Reds (36%) Key Stats: .348 AVG, 6 R, 3 HR, 6 RBI

Advice: Last we saw Hairston, I was calling out the return of starter Alex Gonzalez and a likely return to a utility role. Since then, he’s qualified at 3B and continues to get healthy ABs. Check out those numbers. Compare them with your MI backups and tell me he shouldn’t be owned in more than 36% of leagues.

Reed Johnson, OF, Cubs (1%) Key Stats: .389 AVG, 5 R, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB

Advice: He finished with four and five steals the previous two years so don’t pick him up for speed. He also had 2 and 6 homers, so scratch the power. He’s not even a starter in that bloated Cubs outfield. He should stay at 1 % ownership.

STEALTHY PITCHERS

Brandon McCarthy, SP, Rangers (4%) Key stats: 15.0 IP, 2 W, 8 K, 0.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP.

Advice: How is it that there’s a Rangers pitcher on this list every week. (Yuck) But McCarthy did the most with a two-start week. He hasn’t been awful this season, but he’s probably not going to help your fantasy team unless you grab him for a two-start week when he has decent matchups like he did against the As and the Astros.

Phil Hughes, SP, Yankees (28%) Key stats: 8.0 IP, W, 6 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP

Advice: Hughes was solid against Texas, but gave up four earned runs in five innings today against the Tribe. If you’re in a deep keeper league and he’s available, you should add him now. If not, you’re going to have to deal with some decent ups and unhelpful downs. Wait until next year.

Joe Blanton, SP, Phillies (5%) Key Stats: 7 IP, 1 W, 11K, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

Advice: The numbers from his last start fly in the face of his career stats. Oh, but a sneaky ninja has to occasionally turn away from such information. I picked up Joe Blanton today. It’s only for a spot start. He had some really strong numbers in his last start and he’ll face that squishy San Diego Padres lineup. I’ll drop him for the pitcher du jour after his game Monday.

Jeremy Guthrie, SP, Orioles (20%) Key Stats: 13.0 IP, W, 14 K, 2.77 ERA, 1.23 WHIP

Advice: In case you pitchers out there haven’t noticed, having a two-start week will get you on this list. Guthrie only got one decision out of the deal, but had solid numbers overall. His ERA, WHIP and Batting Average Against are all up this year compared to his previous two year’s stats. *Sniff, sniff.* Do I smell correction coming.

Josh Outman, SP, Athletics (11%) Key Stats: 14.1 IP, 1 W, 9 K, 2.51 ERA, 1.05 WHIP

Advice: I went back and double-checked twice (that’s four checks if you’re scoring at home) and it’s official, an As pitcher made the list. he only got one win and had a stark contrast in strikeouts between his two starts — he had nine in his last game, zero in the game before. He’s been getting 4,5,6 Ks in all of his starts this year, but he’s kept the ERA, WHIP and BAA down considerably compared to 2008. If he got more wins on a better team he’d be worth a lot more. Somebody get Giambi back on the ‘roids.

What do you think? Is Guthrie starting to turn it around? Are you going to dive into Ryan Garko’s pool and swim until he pulls you under and drowns your team? What players have you targeted? Let us know in the comments, or visit our forums and start a conversation.

Stealthy: LaTroy is the answer. What’s the question?[FBB]

ep — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:00:45 +0000

Email to: ep(at)chinstrapninjas(dot)com

Searching through the waiver wire and making the right pickups at the right times can result in huge benefits. The Stealthy Ninjas column is here to let you know the kinds of players you’ll find available on your wire and whether it’s worth wasting a roster spot on them or not.

Willie Bloomquist, SS/OF, Royals (4%) Key stats: .476 average, .1.214 OPS, 3 SB.

Advice: He was a one-percenter last week. His MI/OF eligibility is enticing. He’s never earned full-time ABs since his 2002 debut. If he gets 500 ABs, .280 average and 30 steals are not out of the question. That makes him a bit of a side salad, but if you need speed help, he’ll fit the bill.

Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins (4%) Key stats: .391 AVG, 1.114 OPS, 2B, 3B, HR, 7 RBI

Advice: I’m still buying on Cuddyer, he was a 1% ninja last week. He’s up to 4% now. Pick him up, or maybe you have no need for an 80-run, 80 RBI, 20 homer outfielder?

Jesus Flores, C, Nationals (16%) Key Stats: .384 AVG, 1.254 OPS, 2 HR, 4 RBI

Advice: His .311 season batting average is only .004 points above his career OBP. He’s probably not going to stay this hot all season, but 10 to 15 homers, 80 RBIs and a .270 average are not necessarily out of the question. For those of you using the rotating method to fill your C category, Flores has to be considered an option.

Michael Bourn, OF, Astros (25%) Key Stats: .296 AVG, .763 OPS, 2 2Bs, 2 SB

Advice: Another speed side salad for you this week. He’ll steal away, but you’re going to need a counter for his batting average.

STEALTHY PITCHERS

Matt Harrison, SP, Rangers (1%) Key stats: 14.0 IP, 2 W, 10 H, 1 BB, 8 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.79 WHIP.

Advice: The spotless ERA and 2 wins still feel a little fluky. Give him one more start before biting.

Matt Palmer, SP, Angels (2%) Key stats: 11.2 IP, 2 W, 7 K, 1.54 ERA, 0.86 WHIP

Advice: Palmer is the No. 4 starter on a good team. His Ks are pedestrian, let him go for a couple more starts.

Shairon Martis, SP, Nationals (2%) Key Stats: 14.1 IP, 2 W, 1 CG, 14 H, 12 K, 1 BB, 2.51 ERA, 1.12 WHIP

Advice: Complete game, 12 K in 14.1 IP is intriguing. Then again, so are the 14 hits. But Martis’ Ks still make him a better option than Harrison or Palmer.

LaTroy Hawkins, RP, Astros (35%) Key Stats: 3.2 IP, 2 BB, 7 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.55 WHIP

Advice: Need relief help? This Astros reliever is very available and he racked up almost 2 Ks per inning last week. Last year Hawkins had 25 Ks in 21 innings.

What do you think? Going after Davis? How about Fontenot? What players have you targeted? Let us know in the comments, or visit our message boards and start a conversation.

Chinstrap Ninjas » astros

FBB: Time to move on from these former sure-things

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