The Fantasy Man’s All-May Team
In a bit of an upset, Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera has been named The Fantasy Man's Player of the Month. His sterling stats complemented by the abject lack of protection in the Florida lineup, and – most importantly – his emerging role as a formidable leader, allowed him to eke by perennial contenders Alfonso Soriano and Albert Pujols, both of whom made their second appearance of the season on this prestigious list.
C Joe Mauer, Twins – With his dominant May, Joe Mauer has rightfully claimed stake to the major’s second best offensive catcher, finally fulfilling years of fantasy promise. In the past month, he hit .392, with 16 runs, 38 hits, eight doubles, three home runs, 18 runs batted in, three stolen bases, nine walks, for an über-impressive 1.006 on base plus slugging percentage. A dominating span by any standard.
1B Ryan Howard, Phillies – Some may feel St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols has this position locked up in perpetuity. Such a sentiment is not far off. And while his May was nearly as impressive as his April, Pujols’ numbers don’t quite equal that of Philadelphia Phillies phenom Ryan Howard. Over the last 27 games, he put up scary power numbers: .284, 17, 29, 3, 13, 35, and 1.017.
2B Alfonso Soriano, Nationals – Speaking of in perpetuity . . . no player has a firmer hold on a fantasy player-of-the-month position than Alfonso Soriano. And until next year when – barring his new team having a worse defensive pivot than he – he loses his second base eligibility, he’ll be accorded this honor more often that not. To wit, he is the first repeat performer (at the same position) in 2006.
3B Miguel Cabrera, Marlins – For all his on-field, offensive production, the most impressive attribute may be his leadership ability. Despite his tender age – he turned 23 but a month and a half ago – Miguel Cabrera is the undisputed leader of a team that has been much more competitive than most thought. And with virtually no established hitters protecting him in the lineup, he has still managed to dominate National League pitchers to the tune of .389, 23, 42, 14, 5, 30, 3, 10, and 1.100. Based on those stellar numbers – he led the league in doubles, was third in hits – and the intangibles discussed above, Cabrera is our month’s top player.
SS Nomar Garciaparra, Dodgers – .370, 24, 40, 13, 1, 4, 28, 1, 9, and 1.044 in May. Take that critics! And Cubs fans!
LF Jason Bay, Pirates – Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay’s May numbers – .324 average, 21 runs, 34 hits, two doubles, a triple, 12 home runs, 35 RBI, two stolen bases, 14 walks, and a 1.112 OPS – speak for themselves. ‘Bout time he starts producing; though never a big fan (or a believer), those who selected him in high in fantasy drafts can rest easy – until the consistently inconsistent Bay frustrates again.
CF Carlos Beltrán, Mets – I doubt anyone will ever doubt Carlos Beltran’s talent – or fantasy moxie – ever again.
RF Álex Ríos, Blue Jays – Here is yet another emerging superstar on the Toronto Blue Jays. In May, Alex Rios hit .358, scored 19 times, added 11 doubles, two triples, and six stolen bases from any one of the top three positions in the batting order.
UTIL Albert Pujols, Cardinals – The consummate team player that Albert Pujols is, I’m sure he won’t mind manning the utility post. Though sub par to Howard’s May numbers, Pujols remains the best pure hitter in the game today. And his .298, 24, 11, 33, and 1.077 are nothing to slouch at.
SP C. C. Sabathia, Indians – Brandon Webb’s two consecutive shutouts and Johan Santana’s stunning return to form notwithstanding, C. C. Sabathia owned the month of May. His numbers – 5-1, two complete games, one shutout, 4.75 K/BB, .93 WHIP, and 1.20 ERA – are startling. Alone, he has rescued the Cleveland Indians season.
RP Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals – As Jason Isringhausen goes, so go the St. Louis Cardinals. In May, that maxim proved truer than ever. While the Cardinals posted a 17-11 mark, Isringhausen was dominant. In 11 appearances, he threw 11.2 frames, struck out 14, and was a perfect 10-for-10 in save chances while posting a 1.75 K/BB, 1.29 WHIP, and .77 ERA.
FANTASY TIP OF THE WEEK: Gary Sheffield has been hurt a lot lately. Now is the ideal time to buy him low before stashing him away on your team until playoff time rolls around.
Next Week: More Sage Advice from The Fantasy Man
Disagree with the TFM? Believe his advice not so sage? Think you could easily dominate him in a round-robin fantasy tournament? Email him – fantasy_man@atomicsportsmedia.com – to talk smack or set the record straight.
