The Fantasy Man’s In-Season Fantasy Baseball Preview, Part VI
After taking a look at pitchers last week, it is now time to turn our attention toward those for whom they make their living attempting to get out.
Beginning with their battery brethren, backstops, it is interesting to note that after enjoying a triumvirate of great fantasy catchers for nearly a decade, the only two remaining with significant value are two relative newcomers to don the tools of ignorance. To be correct chronologically, the golden age of Mike Piazza, Iván Rodriguez, and Javy López was, in reality, interrupted a couple years back by Víctor Martínez of the Cleveland Indians.
This year, though, he is joined by Josh Willingham – the sleeper of this 2006 fantasy campaign. Given his numbers (.303 average, 13 runs, 33 hits, 11 doubles, seven home runs, 27 runs batted in, a stolen base, 15 walks, and an on base plus slugging percentage of .996) and his eligibility in left field, his value is understandable. Yet due to the milieu to which we all survive and thrive, our vaunted catching prodigy has only spent two games – and just 14 innings – behind the plate the entire season.
In the infield, first base is the most disappointing of positions. Certainly Albert Pujols, David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, and Carlos Delgado are performing up to expectations, but other so-called studs – Mark Teixeira, Richie Sexson, the (mysteriously) ailing-but-now-healthy-again Todd Helton, and the broken Derrek Lee – have left their fantasy owners looking for other options. Headlining that list is the Houston Astros’ Lance Berkman and the surprisingly productive Nick Swisher (12 home runs) of the Oakland Athletics.
Second base, though, has provided some pleasant surprises. From the emerging speed of Milwaukee’s Rickie Weeks (eight stolen bases), to the consistent power of both Alfonso Soriano and Chase Utley (10 and 8 home runs, respectively), to Felipe López – an all-around dominant force currently leading the majors in the stolen bases with 15 – this position has become a reliable fantasy producer. And for those who thought highly of Marcus Giles and Jeff Kent, don’t despair. Kent’s recent two homer, nine RBI two-game span signifies the beginning of his renaissance.
When the highest ranked third baseman nearly two months into the season is Troy Glaus, you know something is amiss. Nothing against the impressive acquisition of the Toronto Blue Jays, but a position stud-heavy with Álex Rodríguez, Miguel Cabrera, and David Wright, needs to be producing more than it is so far this season.
In their stead, Houston’s Morgan Ensberg, Cleveland’s Casey Blake, and Texas’ Hank Blalock have all put up solid numbers. Most impressive, though, is Oakland’s Eric Chávez actually getting off to a hot start – he is notorious for warming up with the weather – and the play of Boston Red Sox infielders Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell. While the former is finally getting his first chance to play after long being lauded as the future of the Sox franchise, the latter has embraced the Green Monster – a major league high 19 doubles – en route to proving all his critics wrong.
Rounding out the infield are our shortstops. Similar to those at the hot corner, only two superstars – Miguel Tejada and José Reyes – are pulling their weight. Jimmy Rollins, Rafael Furcal, and Derek Jeter, meanwhile, are struggling to put up numbers expected by their fantasy owners.
All is not lost, though, thanks to three former Red Sox who are excelling for other teams. Hanley Ramírez, acquired in the Josh Beckett (and Mike Lowell) deal is hitting .315 with 30 runs scored and eight stolen bases; World Series hero Orlando Cabrera (now with the Angels) has produced 46 runs and seven steals; while his replacement, current Braves shortstop Édgar Rentería, currently sits at .340 and just saw his 23-game hitting steak come to an end.
FANTASY TIP OF THE WEEK: A one week stretch that saw him hit two triples, steal four bases on his way to scoring six runs, bore out exactly why the San Diego Padres wanted so badly to sign outfielder Dave Roberts away from Boston last off-season. And now it should be you inking him to a deal.
Next Week: Outfielders: Analyzed
