2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Advice & Analysis
 
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Tyler Skaggs (credits below)
Tyler Skaggs, LH SP Arizona

At the ripe old age of 20, Skaggs has rapidly emerged as the prize possession of Arizona's farm system. Acquired as the centerpiece prospect in the Dan Haren trade, the lanky 6'4 southpaw has made waves at multiple levels this season. 

He began the campaign in the Advanced A CAL where he struck out 125 batters (11.2 per nine innings) against 34 walks in 100 2/3 innings. In eight starts since being promoted to the AA Southern League he's pitched to a 2.51 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and whiffed 54 (10.4 per nine) in 46 2/3 innings of work. 

Two of his last three pitching lines have been legit "lights out": August 12th- seven IP, two hits, one run, zero BB and 7 K, while retiring 19 straight along the way. August 23rd- complete game, two hits, one run, two BB, seven K. Not too shabby. 

Skaggs wasn't projected as a true power arm, but he's missing bats with overwhelming abundance. He continues to grow into his frame and his velocity has escalated up to 93. His prime offering is a 12-7 curve that has been termed Zito-esque, and he's rapidly growing in confidence with the essential third pitch, his change. 

Skaggs possesses mental maturity and mound presence beyond his years, however, the physical still needs to catch up. Can he make an appearance in 2012 before he hits 21? It's looking more and more realistic with each dominant outing.



Nick Barnese, RH SP Tampa Bay

What do we have here? Indeed, another Rays arm capable of major league contributions in the not too distant future. 

Barnese has battled the traditional ups and downs in his first season above A ball, but there's no questioning his ground ball inducing tendencies. The sinker baller is sporting a 1.26 GO/AO ratio on the season, 2.16 in the second half and 2.50 in August. He allowed eight HR in nearly 200 innings of work between the SAL and FSL in 2009/2010, and has surrendered eight in 115+ frames in the Southern League.  

Unfortunately, 2011 has also seen a disconcerting regression in command. After issuing an exceptional 26 walks in 122 1/3 innings in 2010, he's more than doubled that total to 54 despite fewer accumulated innings. With the absence of swing and miss stuff, he needs to limit cheap base runners. 

He's a contact pitcher, and ground balls will find holes. Barnese was rated the number 12 prospect in Tampa's system following 2010, and if he gets back to throwing strikes there's no reason he can't blossom into a middle of the rotation type. 

He could be an emergency option in the Alex Cobb mold as soon as next season. Emergency being the key word, as the Rays are absolutely saturated with arms throughout the organization. Keep a watchful eye during the spring.




Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix 

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(July 9, 2011 - Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
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Tags: The Fantasy Fix,  2011 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MiLB, The Farm Report, AA, AAA, Adam Ganeles
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Jay Bruce (see credits below)
Matt Garza and the Cubs snapped Dan Uggla’s 33-game hitting streak on Sunday. 2B Darwin Barney robbed him of a pop fly single in the 5th to reach #34. It was an especially miraculous feat given his feast or famine style at the plate.

Jay Bruce launched a three-run bomb to centerfield off Wade LeBlanc, his fifth HR in seven games. He also has nine hits, 11 runs and a dazzling 15 RBI over the sick run. His first 30/100 season is all but in the bag at this point (25/75).

Giants Rookie Brandon Belt cracked two solo homers, his first HR and RBI's since July 19th.

Hiroki Kuroda pitched seven shutout innings versus Houston earning his first home victory since May 17th (spanning eight starts). He struck out six and walked one over the course of 106 pitches, lowering his ERA to 2.88. Somehow he's managed to lose 14 games this year…

Edwin Encarnacion has a 13-game hit streak working, coming up with two hits and the GW RBI single in the tenth inning. The career underachiever is quietly putting together a roaring second half and has his BA up to .287.

Torii Hunter extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a two-run dinger off Brett Cecil in the first inning. He's 19/40 (.475) with two HR and seven RBI during the run.

Two pieces of the Padres offensive future carried the club to a win at Cincinnati. James Darnell (playing LF) picked up two hits, an RBI and a SB, while Logan Forsythe added two knocks of his own plus an RBI.

Nick Markakis and Adam Jones both notched three-hit games on Sunday afternoon. Markakis went 3/5 with a HR, two runs and four RBI, and Jones went 3/3 with a run and an RBI as the O's avoided a home sweep at the hands of Detroit.

The Michael Bourn/Jose Constanza speed combination continues to thrive. Bourn reached base four times, scored a run, drove in two and swiped two bags. Constanza (.382) reached base twice, scored two runs and stole two bases of his own.

Since regaining the closer duties, Carlos Marmol has converted nine consecutive save opportunities. He's allowed just three base hits in those 9 2/3 innings of work. It's safe to say his mechanical issues have been resolved.

Coming off a 15-inning scoreless run, Charlie Morton dazzled again at Milwaukee (albeit, in a losing effort). He allowed four hits and a run in 7 1/3 innings, walking two and whiffing five. Despite some hideous outings along the way, the right-hander's ERA is a pleasing 3.43. 

(August 11, 2011 - Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images North America)

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com. 

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix

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Zack Cox (see credits below)
AA & AAA Corner Infielders

Alex Liddi, 3B/SS Seattle Mariners

Liddi, who will turn 23 on Sunday, is attempting to become the first Italian born major leaguer since 1962. His power bat is doing the talking in AAA where he's hitting .261 with 29 doubles, 25 homers, 88 RBI and a .501 slugging percentage. Standing at 6'4 230, he's a big man with legit pop to right and right center field, but staying within an all-fields approach has been a trying task. His swing has exploitable holes and pitch recognition is not a strength. Liddi has struck out 143 times in 459 AB and is batting just .158 when behind in the count (as opposed to .328 when the count is in his favor). He's been white hot since the calendar flipped to August, posting a .349/5/13 stat line over a ten-game span, including a three-homer game on August 4th. While he hasn't displayed any regression in production from his 2010 in AA to AAA, the final hurdle to the big show will assuredly be more complicated. A long swing and inability to make swing adjustments is not a recipe for solid at bats. The Mariners envision him at 3B long term, but the organization is currently giving fellow prospect Kyle Seager a shot to impress, albeit, he is failing to do so. Keep an eye out in September.


Neftali Soto, 1B Cincinnati Reds

Defensive liabilities pushed Soto off a reasonably open position (3B) and into a first base blockade behind Joey Votto and Yonder Alonso. Nevertheless, he continues to thoroughly impress with his  stick in the AA Southern League. The 22-year old is batting .268 with 25 HR, 61 RBI and a .586 SLG%. After leaving the yard only ten times in the season's opening three months, he launched ten homers in July alone, and already has five in 31 August at bats. However, as his power continues to develop, his willingness to accept a free pass is deteriorating. Soto has drawn a paltry 20 BB against 75 K, and subsequently his batting average is well below his vast capabilities. He hit .300+ in his first two minor league stops, but as his body continues to mature he's getting suckered into a fool's gold, trigger-happy approach. With that said, it's important to remember that this is his first season above A ball and that his approach is still very much a work in progress. Soto has a bright offensive future with rare explosion thru the hitting zone, but if he breaks through at 1B it will be for a different organization. 


Zack Cox, 3B St. Louis Cardinals

Selected 25th overall in the 2010 draft, the Arkansas product's natural hitting ability was never in question. The 22-year old has performed admirably in his first full professional season, posting a .318/8 HR/25 doubles/55 RBI stat line between the Advanced A FSL and AA Texas League. His step up in class has not been without hiccups, however, hitting below the Mendoza line in June before rebounding with a .380 July (.455 thus far in August). Cox is mechanically sound at the dish, with a short, quick stroke utilizing his strong lower half. His power is predominantly the gap variety at this point, but consistent square contact is a trademark. He hangs in well against left-handed pitching and his style lends itself to quick adjustments at the ML level. Despite mediocre athleticism at the hot corner, he is the Cardinals future at third base, perhaps as soon as 2012. Current 3B, David Freese, is a free agent at season's end. If Cox finishes 2011 strong and hits during spring training, he could break camp with the squad.

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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(February 23, 2011 - Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
Tags: The Fantasy Fix,  2011 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MiLB, The Farm Report, AA, AAA, Adam Ganeles
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Ervin Santana (see credits below)
While Felix Hernandez did his best to slow down the Ervin Santana train, it wasn't quite good enough. "The King" struck out 12 over eight two-run frames, but Santana allowed just a single run in 8 1/3 innings of work. Santana has surrendered only three ER in his last 34 IP. Angels ROY candidate, Mark Trumbo, torched an estimated 471-foot HR off Hernandez, the longest at Angels Stadium in 2011.

 Craig Kimbrel recorded his major league leading 34th save on Sunday. He hasn't allowed a run in 24 appearances, and hasn't blown a ninth inning lead since June 8th. The term "untouchable" shouldn't be thrown around loosely, but it applies with Kimbrel.

Dan Uggla extended his hitting streak to 28 games with an opposite field single in his fifth and final at bat. If he utilized RF more frequently perhaps he wouldn't still be wallowing at .220.

Tim Lincecum was sick of watching a Phillies highlight show and stepped up like a true stopper. He tossed 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball, inducing 15 outs via ground ball. He struck out only five, but three of those K's came against Ryan Howard. The slugging lefty has whiffed six times over the last two games.

 Jake Peavy turned back the clock to his Padre days, dealing eight innings of three-hit shutout ball. He struck out six and walked none. His velocity was still 90-91 tops, however, so let's not get overly dramatic.

The Brewers 4,5, and 6 hitters ensured a series sweep at Houston, led by Prince Fielder who went 3/4 with four runs scored, a homer and two RBI. Mark Kotsay added three knocks a run and an RBI, and last but not least, Yuniesky Betancourt followed up last night's four-hit game with three hits and three rib eye steaks.

Starlin Castro collected his sixth multi-hit game in his last seven, finishing 2/5 with two runs and a bomb homer to centerfield. Since briefly dipping below .300, his batting average has skyrocketed up to .314.

Super-prospect Brett Lawrie went 2/4 with two runs and blasted his first ML home run over the right-center field wall. He's batting .455 over his first three games. Lawrie supported a brilliant effort by Ricky Romero who went eight innings allowing only two solo HR (both to Mark Reynolds).

Evan Longoria launched his 16th HR on Sunday afternoon, but he hasn't collected a multiple hit game since July 23rd (13 starts).

The 5'8 Johnny Giavotella is quickly emerging as a cult superstar in Kansas City. He picked up two more knocks and left the yard against Max Scherzer for his first big league dinger.

The Padres continue to absolutely rake. Yes, I just typed those words. San Diego scored seven runs in the series finale, and 35 during their three-game sweep of Pittsburgh. Will Venable put together a monster day, going 3/5 with two RBI and two SB. He collected three hits and two RBI in the series opener as well. Is he becoming fantasy relevant (outside of speed) once again? 


Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

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(August 6, 2011 - Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix
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Dayan Viciedo, RF Chicago White Sox

Some question Viciedo's approach at the plate (or lack thereof), while others choose to focus on his defensive shortcomings in a corner outfield spot. The bottom line is that the 22-year old hits the ball on the screws consistently, plain and simple. He's batting .307 in AAA with 24 doubles, 16 homers and 65 RBI. His BB:K rate of 31:70 might not appear significant, but it's a huge step forward from 11:78 last season and 23:89 in 2009. Viciedo proved he could square up major league pitching last year, posting a .305/5/13 split in 104 at bats. However, heavy emphasis was placed on his 2:25 BB:K ratio and staggering 15% swinging strike clip, rather than his 19% line drives, wicked bat speed and vicious all-fields pop. 

White Sox fans have been crying out for a Viciedo promotion since June, but with Carlos Quentin staying put at the deadline that appears unlikely prior to September roster expansion. Right or wrong, team brass is riding it out with high-priced busts Alex Rios and Adam Dunn until the train officially comes off the tracks. The two-time Futures Game participant has been out since July 23rd with a right thumb injury, calming the "Viciedo Watch" for the time being. As has been the case for most of 2011, continue to monitor this tension-filled situation. His bat could be mighty useful in the final month. Additionally, he's shed much needed weight (was a stocky 230) that should better his cause on both sides of the diamond. 

Josh Vitters, 3B Chicago Cubs

The former third overall selection in the 2007 draft has been disappointing in the face of enormous expectations. While the soon to be 22-year old has shown statistical improvement in his fifth minor league season, very real concerns remain at the forefront of his resume. Vitters is batting .278 with 11 HR and 51 RBI in the AA Southern League, numbers that are a welcome sight following his .223/7/26 2010 in 206 plate appearances. However, his walk total of 13 and .314 OBP are borderline unacceptable, especially given his uninspiring power production (.442 SLG%). 

Few, if any, baseball people doubt his pure swing or contact skills (38 K), but he'll never tap into his average or power potential with the absence of plate discipline. Vitters has shown himself to be a clutch stick, hitting .327 with runners in scoring position. He has struck out just six times in 98 RISP at bats. It will be intriguing to see if the 6'2 200-pounder gets a look in September, as it appears the Cubs are uncertain what exactly they have in Vitters. A step up in class could help clarify the picture. *Aramis Ramirez has a $16 million club option for 2012 at the hot corner. 

Scott Van Slyke, 1B LA Dodgers

The late blooming Van Slyke has finally "seen the light" in his seventh MiLB campaign. The 25-year old son of former major league OF Andy Van Slyke, Scott is absolutely torching the AA Southern League: .323, 35 doubles, 13 HR, 69 RBI, .413 OBP and .553 SLG%. He's maintained a .300+ average in every calendar month, and is batting .355 with runners in scoring position. To make matters more extraordinary, he hit .235 with four homers and 29 RBI at the same level last season (217 AB). In fact, 2011 has been his first productive statistical season above A ball. 

Van Slyke put the hard yards into shortening his swing, which has allowed him to let the ball travel deeper into the zone (56 BB) and utilize his athletic 6'5 frame to supply much of the power. His decision to skip college baseball back in '05 may have hindered the development process, but Van Slyke has found his way. An afterthought entering this season, he's certainly opened organizational eyes with his MVP-caliber 2011 and earned himself a long look in the spring.

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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Johnny Cueto (see credits below)
It's not often a major league leading 1.72 ERA flies under the radar, but that's clearly been the case with Johnny Cueto. The right-hander tossed a three-hit shutout as the Reds completed a sweep of San Francisco, walking one and striking out six. He hasn't allowed more than three ER in any start this season, and now has sufficient innings to qualify for the official leaders.

 Raul Ibanez produced a monster line on Sunday, finishing 3/5 with two runs, two HR and 4 RBI, including the game winning double in the tenth inning. He came to the aid of Vance Worley who allowed four ER in six innings after having allowed only six ER in seven prior starts. 

 Justin Verlander lost his no-hit bid in the eighth inning, but earned his 15th W in a 3-2 win over Jered Weaver and the Angels. Verlander allowed a lone base hit and struck out nine over eight powerful frames. Weaver was ejected in the seventh inning after throwing towards the head of Alex Avila in retaliation for a Carlos Guillen showboat performance.

Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman extended hitting steaks to 22 and 18 games respectively. Their teammate Jason Heyward has endured a miserable month (.198) and season (.223), but he snapped out of a 4/29 skid with two knocks against Ricky Nolasco.

Juan Nicasio rebounded from a poor showing at LA with seven dominant innings against the Padres. He allowed five hits and one ER, striking out ten against two walks. Unfortunately the Rockies pen coughed up the game, but take nothing away from the power-armed rookie.

 Colby Rasmus, welcome to Toronto. After starting out 0/12 with five K in his first three games in a new league, Rasmus picked up two hits, two RBI and a run (against a tough left-hander, no less) as the Jays took the rubber game against Texas. Any positive sign has to be embraced at this juncture.

With Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence no longer with the franchise, the door is wide open for Jason Bourgeois to roam the Houston outfield. The speedster launched his first HR of the season, a three run shot, scored two runs and swiped two bags (22 total) in a comprehensive effort. Mixed league owners: the race to the computer is on.

Ben Zobrist’s hit streak has reached 11 games, as the second baseman went 3/5 with three RBI in the series finale at Seattle. Over that stretch he’s batting .413 (19/46) with three dingers and 13 runs batted in.

The Reds Todd Frazier and Indians Jason Kipnis both connected on their first big league homers on Sunday afternoon. A much needed breakthrough for Kipnis who was batting just .118 in his first six starts.

Despite entering the game in the 7th inning, Scott Hairston was responsible for the entirety of the Mets offense. He went 2/2 with two HR, and tied the game in the 9th with a blast off Drew Storen. It wasn't enough, however, as NY fell short in the bottom of the inning.

(July 30, 2011 - Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)


Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix
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Carlos Martinez (see credits below)
Welcome again to Mr. MiLB's Week 17 Farm Report. This week Adam Ganeles discusses 3 strong arms with some kick to watch in Advanced A & AA. Be the first kid on your block to know about...

Carlos Martinez, RH SP St. Louis
The 19-year old flamethrower still has the scouts buzzing following his lone Future's Game frame. The 6'0 165 pound right-hander, nicknamed "Little Pedro" because of his filthy "stuff" and similar mound mannerisms, tossed a clean inning at Chase Field lighting up the radar gun with 96-98.

Martinez is more than simply an exceptional arm, however, blessed with a free and easy delivery and natural movement. His sharp curve and change-up are still rough around the edges, but both have the makings of devastating pitches over time.

Martinez was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2010, and his 12 starts in the DSL (Dominican Summer League) last season were unfathomable: 59 IP, 0.76 ERA, 28 hits allowed, 78 K and .144 BAA. He began 2011 in the Midwest League (A) where he pitched to a 2.33 ERA in eight starts, striking out 50 (14 BB) in 38 2/3 IP and generating a 2.21 GO/AO ratio.

He's had some control issues upon his promotion to the FSL (Advanced A), issuing 14 walks in 24 1/3 IP. Still, his 1.45 GO/AO is highly encouraging. Martinez has surrendered only two long balls in over 120 MiLB innings.

While secondary offerings are in need of refinement, his progression through the Cardinals system can expect to be accelerated. Get as much out of that arm as possible at the highest level.

Nate Eovaldi, RH SP LA Dodgers
The Dodgers 11th round steal in 2008 is finding tremendous success in the AA Southern League, having recently been named a mid-season All-Star.

Eovaldi underwent Tommy John surgery in High School which deflated his draft stock, but three plus years later he appears no worse for the wear. Through 98 innings in 2011 he's working to a 2.66 ERA, allowing a measly 73 hits (.204 BAA) and striking out 95. His BB total of 43 is a bit disconcerting, but at 21 years of age he's working out the kinks in competitive AA ball.

In four July starts his ERA stands at 1.99 with a ridiculous 2.92 GO/AO ratio. His strikeout totals have been muted given his electric arm, but he's piling up the ground balls. Further development of breaking stuff would alleviate concerns over inability to miss bats and provide more two-strike options.

He's an athletic 6'3 195, boasting a four-seam fastball that sits comfortably in the mid 90's, a two-seamer in the low 90's and useful slider. Eovaldi disappointed somewhat at lower levels, but there's little doubt he's finally tapping into his potential this season.

A youth movement could be imminent in Los Angeles, and he is certainly among the names at the food chain apex.

*Eovaldi hit 100 MPH in the final pitch of his lone relief appearance this year. In fact, he and Aroldis Chapman threw back-to-back pitches at triple digits.

Manny Banuelos, LH SP NY Yankees
In his fourth MiLB campaign, the 20-year old Banuelos is getting his first taste of adversity (high ERA of 2.64 first three). His overall AA numbers look acceptable with a 3.74 ERA in 89 innings pitched, but positive performances have been few and far between as of late. Since finishing April with a 1.56 ERA and May with a 2.59 ERA, he's posted a 5.20 mark in June and 5.03 in July.

Known for his plus command that he demonstrated at Low and Advanced A levels, he's walking a batter every 1.8 innings in 2011 (49). Nevertheless, Banuelos is an extremely polished product for his age and experience level. He has clean mechanics and a repeatable delivery, but he's still raw in terms of mental and physical maturity.

Not surprisingly, the Yankees have been exceedingly cautious with his workload, as he's yet to surpass the 5 2/3-inning mark since June 1st. He's added strength to his 5'11 155 frame, and a jump in velocity from low 90's to mid 90's has been the result. His repertoire also includes a lights out change-up rated amongst the minors best, and a tight curveball.

Banuelos' name has been thrown around in trade deadline talks, however, he's unlikely trade bait in a weak pitchers market. When/if he puts the full package together (and he has it), his upside is enormous.

(July 9, 2011 - Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America)

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix 

or for Free Fantasy Sports Advice use our Quick Fix to get help with your team!


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Tags: The Fantasy Fix,  2011 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MiLB, The Farm Report, AA, AAA, Adam Ganeles, Carlos Martinez, Nate Eovaldi, Manny Bauelos
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Justin Upton (see credits below)
A day after going 3/5 with a HR and six RBI, Justin Upton went 4/4 with two doubles, a triple, two runs scored, three RBI and a SB on Sunday. He collected nine hits in the three-game set versus Colorado and his average has quietly risen to .301. 

Emilio Bonifacio extended his hitting streak to 23 games with two singles in five at bats. The versatile speedster also stole his 22nd base in 26 opportunities. He's reaching base a shade under 50% of the time in July and has been a revelation under "Trader Jack".

Former Marlin Cameron Maybin has raised his BA .24 points since July 14th, from .259 to .283. He's 19/49 (.387) over that stretch with a jaw dropping ten stolen bases. His raw talent is suddenly reaping on-field results, and that's a scary thought for the NL West. 

Chad Billingsley tossed a seven-inning gem against the Nationals, allowing two hits and one run while striking out ten. His mid-season hiccup is a thing of the past with a 2.57 ERA in four July starts.Roy Halladay overcame the 94-degree Philadelphia heat to throw 116 pitches over eight innings to earn his 12th victory. He wasn't at his best allowing eight hits and three runs (2 ER) to a depleted Padres lineup, but 21 of his outs were recorded via K or ground out.

Speaking of keeping balls on the infield, Edwin Jackson's 12:1 GO/AO ratio on Sunday was a recipe for success. While he was able to notch his third W in four starts, his continued inability to miss bats is a very real concern going forward (3 K: 3 BB).

Hideki Matsui has been reborn since the All-Star break. "Godzilla" went 5/5 in the rubber game against the Yankees, and now has 15 base hits in his last 32 plate appearances. He also has two homers and 11 RBI in that seven game span.

Mike Trout has struggled to produce at the tail end of the Angels lineup, but the uber-prospect launched a three-run game changing HR in the eighth inning for his first big league bomb. He's batting just .179 in 39 AB, and could be demoted with the activation of Peter Bourjos from the DL.

Mariners rookie Michael Pineda was roughed up for a third consecutive start, allowing eight hits and seven runs in 4 1/3 IP at Boston. He appears to be hitting the proverbial wall, and being surrounded by losing certainly isn't aiding his cause. His ERA has spiked from 2.58 to 3.64.

Six different Red Sox collected multi-hit games, and four more collected multi-RBI games in a 17-hit, 12-run outburst to complete the sweep of Seattle. If the Sox get any production out of the catcher's spot (Jarrod Saltalamacchia 3/4 4 RBI), that lineup is downright filthy to navigate.

Alex Cobb soft-tossed the Royals to death, pitching seven innings of shutout ball as the Rays escaped Kauffman Stadium with a W. Despite striking out only two, he took advantage of the Royals over-aggression from the word go and lowered his ERA to 2.57. In what's turned out to be a theme of the day, he recorded 15 outs on the ground. 


Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

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(July 23, 2011 - Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix

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Derek Norris
Progress Notes on Three Eastern League (AA) Sticks 

Derek Norris, C, Washington Nationals

The fall from grace of Derek Norris over the past two seasons has been painful to monitor. Following the 2009 season he was widely rated amongst the top prospects in the sport, but 2010 provided nothing but setbacks. Norris broke the Hamate bone in his left hand (by all accounts an injury that saps power for a full year) and was struck in the head by a 96 MPH fastball. 

While his numbers took a massive nosedive, his futility levels have reached an all-time low through 64 games this year. His first taste of AA ball has resulted in a .196 average with seven doubles, 12 HR (.407 SLG) and only 29 RBI. The lack of square contact has been frightening: .218 BABIP, .143 versus left-handed pitching and .169 with RISP. 

The Nationals believed they had corrected a weight shift flaw in his stride, but no consistent progress has been evident. Despite his struggles, the 22-year old remains a potential superstar in the eyes of many because of his sublime patience and hand-eye coordination. He's drawn 46 walks in 204 at bats (18%) and his OBP of .352 is tremendous given his struggles collecting base hits. It's quite possible that he's become patient to a fault, however, allowing too many fat pitches go by and putting himself behind the eight ball with regularity. A more aggressive approach from the struggling backstop would be a breath of fresh air. An ETA is difficult to project until his mental/mechanical issues are straightened out. 

Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Boston Red Sox

Perhaps the Red Sox farm system isn't bereft of top-level talent after all. Middlebrooks, who was a recent participant in the All-Star Futures Game, is quickly emerging as a legitimate high ceiling prospect. 

In his first season in the AA Eastern League he's batting .314 with 18 doubles, 11 homers and 52 RBI. He's been particularly menacing in RISP situations where he's hitting .403 with a 1.067 OPS and driven in 40. The knock on the soon to be 23-year old has been pitch recognition and plate discipline. In 261 plate appearances this season he's drawn just 17 walks (6%) against 64 strikeouts (23%). This is not a new development for Middlebrooks who posted a 35:121 BB:K ratio in 2010. When he makes contact the result is screaming line drives (.378 BABIP), but there are simply too many swings and misses. 

Since arriving in the organization he's added 40 pounds to his frame (from 180 to 220), and the power development is clearly evident. Balls he was driving for doubles are now leaving the yard. While still a raw product in his fourth MiLB season, his bat speed and plate coverage are impossible to ignore. It's difficult to project when Boston will begin to infuse young talent onto their established roster, but he's opening eyes. Over his last ten games Middlebrooks is batting .381 with three HR and 15 RBI. 

Jordany Valdespin, 2B/SS New York Mets

The 23-year old middle infield product out of the Dominican Republic is a classic case late bloomer. Originally signed by New York to fill out a Dominican Summer League roster in 2007, Valdespin is now thriving in his fifth minor league campaign. 

He's obliterating previous statistical highs in the AA Eastern League, batting .294 with 11 HR (14 total in previous four seasons), 40 RBI (previous high of 41 in 2010) and 29 stolen bases (previous high of 17 in '10). His body has matured significantly and his raw energy on the diamond is slowly being channeled in the proper avenues. 

However, Valdespin remains a free swinger (17 BB:55 K) and needs to slow the game down on the bases and in the field. He's been caught stealing 11 times and has committed an unacceptable 24 errors at shortstop for Binghamton. Criticisms aside, it's hard to argue with his .330 batting clip in June and .333 in July. He's flat raking right now. 

Valdespin is a likely September call up for the Mets, and will undoubtedly get a long look next spring at SS or 2B (depending on team's decision on Jose Reyes). *He's broken team rules in the past, making a number of enemies in the prior regime. Those attitude issues appear to be behind him.

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix,  2011 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MiLB, The Farm Report, AA, AAA, Adam Ganeles, Jordany Valdesin, Will Middlebrooks, Derek Norris

(February 24, 2011 - Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
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Daniel Hudson (see credits below)
Daniel Hudson took matters into his own hands in earning his tenth victory on Sunday afternoon. He pitched a complete game on 113 pitches, allowing one run, five hits and issuing zero BB. Hudson wasn't done there, however, going 2/3 at the dish with a HR and three rib eye steaks. Dinner is served.

Brett Gardner picked up his third 3-hit game in four days, scoring three runs and stealing his 25th and 26th bases. After a .194 April, he's above .300 for the third consecutive month.

It took him long enough, but Hanley Ramirez appears to FINALLY be hitting his stride. Ramirez picked up another two hits, blasted his 9th homer and swiped his 16th bag in the Marlins 7-5 triumph. He's driven in 11 runs over the past nine games and 41 total.

Gio Gonzalez rebounded from a poor outing at Texas (4 IP 7 R 3 ER) to shutout the Angels over seven, four-hit innings. The southpaw whiffed eight against two walks, and his 2.32 ERA speaks for itself. With any run support he'd have the peripherals of a legit ace.

Daniel Murphy went 2/3 with two runs and two BB in the series finale against Philadelphia, and has now hit in 19 of 21 games. He's batting .384 in July and .315 overall. Defense, you say?

Zack Cozart notched two hits, including his first major league HR, and scored two runs in the Reds 3-1 victory over St. Louis. The 25-year old has a .400 BA through 25 plate appearances. He came to the support of Homer Bailey who pitched 7 1/3 innings of three-hit one-run ball. Bailey isn't missing bats (4 K: 3 BB) or recording outs on the ground (9 FB outs), but for today his effort was more than sufficient.

Freddie Freeman's only hit was a critical one, a two-out walk off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat Washington in comeback fashion. He also drew two walks on the afternoon. Freeman has driven in 13 runs in 13 July contests and looks supremely confident right now.

Hitting in the number three spot must appeal to Jeff Keppinger. He left the yard for a second straight game, going 3/5 with three runs and two RBI. Nevertheless, do not expect continued power output from the punching Judy second baseman.

Pirates’ batters struck out 16 times in an 11-inning victory over Houston. Five different hitters took the whiff multiple times, including four from Chase d'Arnaud who went 0/6. Wandy Rodriguez K'd 11 in 5 2/3 innings, but surrendered eight hits, three free passes and four ER. That’s one bizarre pitching line.

A hot Sunday in Baltimore=long balls. The Orioles and Indians combined to leave the park six times in the O's 8-3 win. The Birds have now won back-to-back games following their nine game stretch of futility. 

Felipe Paulino can't buy a W for the Royals, but the K's keep coming. He struck out eight in seven innings at Minnesota, and now has 32 in his last 28 innings of work. Despite giving up a lot of hits, the hard thrower is beginning to harness his stuff and command the zone more effectively.

Mitch Moreland, who had been an 0'fer machine as of late, made his one knock count smacking a three-run dinger to account for the entirety of the Rangers offense. On June 16th he was hitting .300 on the button, and is now wallowing at .267. His overtly pull-happy approach is getting him in serious trouble.


Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

or  for Free Fantasy Sports Advice use our Quick Fix to get help with your team


(July 3, 2011 - Photo by Mark Hirsch/Getty Images North America)
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix
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