2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Advice & Analysis
 
Picture
A quick recap of the remaining races using bar analysis:
 
Brewers melting down?  I have a friend named Greg, skinny, perky always happy and cheery up until 10:00 on a Saturday night.  I always warn him not to start taking stunt men shots too early in the evening, inevitably, he doesn't listen and I'm calling him a cab at 10.  Essentially, he tends to peak early.  The Brewers, unfortunately seem to have the same look as Greg when he belly's up to the bar.  After an incredible run from late July through the end of June they are crashing back to earth.  Up six games with fifteen left would be quite the meltdown, but let's not forget we thought they had this wrapped up a few weeks ago.
 
To continue with the bar analogies, we have the Angels and Rangers out west.  The Angels are that quintessential lady that just hangs around.  There is nothing sexy about her, you have no interest in her but you know that she will be around at the end of the night.  Here we are, with just a few weeks left and the Angels are once again on the cusp of stealing the American League West after a victory and another Rangers loss.  Like that girl you took home from the bar, the Angels won't look that sexy when you see them in the morning, but they get the job done.
 
Finally, we come to the Tampa Bay Rays and their attempt to steal a wild card spot from one of the two evil empires, the Red Sox or Yankees.  If the Rays steal the spot from the Yankees or Red Sox and they find themselves on the outside looking in, they will feel like I did after downing one too many red bull and vodka's.  Namely, waking up in a strange bed, in a strange part of town, only to stumble out of bed into the bathroom and then forget what room I came from.  Said simply, all would feel disoriented and wonder what the f@&! just happened?
 
Stars of the Day:
 
Chris Denorffia of the Padres, 4-for-5 with 2 runs and Chris Heisey of the Reds, 3-for-4 with 2 home runs and 2 RBI's.  The first time since high school either of these two were considered a star.
 
Dan Haren threw a 4-hit shutout in a must game for the Angels as that "unsexy" chic continues to make the Texas Rangers a lit hot under the collar.
 
Tim Hudson, Jon Lester and CJ Wilson are the top starters for today.  CJ Wilson's start will be pressure packed as he attempts to stop the bleeding and defeat the A's.  The Rangers need a big start as they attempt to hold off the Angels over the next few days.
 
In a year when Josh Beckett looked like that young man that defeated the Yankees so many years ago, he is going to leave you hanging in the closing weeks of the season.  Just like that girl at the bar that lets you buy her a few drinks, chat her up only to leave with the guy in the BMW.
 
The Arizona D-Backs continue to roll stretching their home win streak to 15 games.  The last time they were this good was 10 years ago, speaking of...
 
10-years ago today, the world witnessed a barbaric act that reshaped history.  Today, in the midst of the opening weekend for the NFL, everyone will be reminiscing about what they were doing on that day we shall never forget.  I remember, I was a few months out of college, in that limbo between school and finding a job.  My father woke me up after the first plane hit the tower, the previous night's festivities left me unable to grasp the enormity of the situation so I fell back asleep.  After the second plane hit, my father came back into my room and with the gravest face I've ever seen he shouted "Get your ass out of bed, another plane just hit."  My father is not a swearing man.  He lived through the depression,  he was alive during World War II, the look on his face told me all I needed to know.  So today, remember those who died, remember those who risked their lives to try to save them and remember those boys and girls on the front lines trying to make sure my father never has to swear like that again.

Written by Chris Summers exclusively for www.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!
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix, Injury Updates

Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Justin Verlander (credits below)
Justin Verlander continues to roll, winning his 22nd of the year and making a solid case for AL MVP. He is the key to Detroit's confidence and literally keeping them in first place. Not only has Verlander only given up four runs or less in each of his last ten starts, he has won each of those games.

Guillermo Moscoso of the Oakland A's just completed an amazing streak where he retired 30 straight batters over the last two starts.  That included taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning against the Kansas City Royals.
 
If Guillermo Moscoso was the pitching star, then Shelly Duncan was the hitting star after a 3 for 4 day with 2 home runs and 4 RBI's.
 
Ian Kennedy, Ivan Nova and Cole Hamels stand above the rest of the pitchers going on Thursday.  Jason Vargas, he of the 7-13 record and the 0-2, 6.62 ERA, stats over the past 3 weeks, "stands" below the rest.
 
On this day in 1998, the baseball world reached its steroid era apex when Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run.  When he crossed home plate he was greeted by Sammy Sosa who said "I knew I shouldn't have gone with the generic brand of steroids."  Years later, Sammy would lose his ability to speak English, whether or not this was related to steroid abuse or because he was scared of the baseball version of La Cosa Nostra is still up for debate.  McGwire does not celebrate this historic achievement because he was not put on the earth to "talk about the past." 
  
Tim Wakefield failed once again to reach the 200 win plateau.  It was not his fault this time as the Red Sox bullpen gave up five runs in the eighth inning to blow the geriatrics's chance at the magical 200 win number. With the Sox losing, the Yankees still stay 2 up.
 
The Cardinals have managed to cool down the Brewers, as they have grabbed five out of six from the formerly hottest team in baseball.  We could always assume that the Cardinals would make a run, but it might be too little, too late.
 
Written by Chris Summers exclusively for www.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!


(September 6, 2011 - Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images North America)
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix, Injury Updates
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
James McDonald (credits below)
Two-Start Pitchers To Start

Henry Sosa | Houston Astros | (0.5%) – Sosa has not been anything to write home about so far this season, but his matchups this week should pad his stats.  His first start comes against the Pirates.  If the past is any indication of the future then Sosa should fare well.  Last week against the Pirates Sosa gave up only one run and allowed only three base runners through six innings and struck out seven.  His next start of the week comes against the anemic Washington Nationals lineup.  Playing in away games the Nationals are hitting a league-worst .230.

James McDonald | Pittsburgh Pirates | (5.0%) – The one-time Dodgers prospect has been rolling under the radar lately.  Over the last 30 days McDonald has thrown four quality starts and posting a 3.64 ERA.  Both of his starts this week come at home which should help keep his streak on track.  Pitching at home this year McDonald has a 3.20 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and .232 BAA (compared to 5.04 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and .300 BAA away).  McDonald will face previously mentioned Sosa in his first start.  This may seem like a conflict of interest, but with the underwhelming offense of each lineup the game will come down to the bullpens.  His next start of the week comes against the Marlins.  Current Marlins hitters are hitting .257 against McDonald through 35 career at-bats.  The heart of the Marlins’ order (Stanton, Ramirez, and Sanchez) are hitless in 11 career at-bats against McDonald.

Two-Start Pitchers To Sit

Doug Fister | Seattle Mariners | (51.1%) – Fister has been rolling lately, however he faces two obstacles in his two starts this week.  First, he’s pitching away when facing the Indians.  Away from Safeco Field Fister has a 3.92 ERA, 1.21 points higher than his at home ERA.  Fister’s next start of the week comes against the Twins.  His career against the Twins amounts to a 0-4 win-loss record, 4.10 ERA and .272 BAA.

Tim Hudson | Atlanta Braves | (100%) – Hudson faces two of the strongest lineups this week and should bring fear to the best fantasy owner’s eyes.  Both of his starts this week come on the road.  On the road Hudson has a 4.04 ERA as opposed to his 2.45 ERA at home.  His first start of the week comes against the Phillies in Philadelphia.  In five starts at Citizens Ballpark Hudson has a 3.98 ERA and 1.36 WHIP.  Hudson’s next start takes place in St. Louis against the Cardinals.  Historically the Cardinal’s sluggers have dominated Hudson.  Pujols, Berkman, and Holliday are hitting a combined .414 through 58 career at-bats against Hudson.  Pujols has three homeruns in only 29 career at-bats.  In four career starts at Busch Stadium Hudson has an alarmingly high 7.06 ERA and hitter-friendly 1.80 WHIP.



Written by James Bryce 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!

(August 30, 2011 - Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images North America)
Picture
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, Fantasy Baseball News, Fantasy Baseball Tips, Sit Em/Start Em, James Bryce
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Kimbrel celebrates (credits below)
RP- CRAIG KIMBREL (ATLANTA)  Kimbrel broke the rookie save record last week and now has 42 saves on the season. In addition he has a 4-2 record, a 1.57 ERA and 113 K's in 68 innings of work. On top of all this he has the major's longest scoreless streak at 36 2/3 innings and heads all relief pitchers in strike outs...  WOW !!

SP- WADE MILEY (ARIZONA) Miley has done well in his four starts going 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA. He has a high WHIP at 1.60, but that will eventually come down as he learns to pitch at the big league level. The young lefty is worth a pick up in mixed leagues if you need a decent pitcher on a first place team.

SP- HENDERSON ALVAREZ (TORONTO) Alvarez pitched a gem last night against Boston as he continues to show flashes of brilliance at the MLB level. His ERA now after six starts is 2.95. In addition he has pitched 14 consecutive scoreless innings. The Blue Jays will continue to run him out there every fifth day so grab him while you can.

SP- ZACH STEWART (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) Stewart tossed a gem last night throwing a complete game one-hit shutout, just missing a perfect game against the Twins. For the season he is 2-3 with a 4.56 ERA. Maybe Zach has turned it around after his last two starts, keep an eye on him.  

C- JESUS MONTERO (NEW YORK YANKEES) Jesus had quite a day yesterday as he hit two home runs against the Blue Jays in the Yankees win. The much heralded prospect is finally here and it remains to be seen how much the Yankees will use him in September. If you need help at catcher, take a chance, just monitor his situation to see how much playing time he will get.

OF- ALEJANDRO DE AZA (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) De Aza has been raking the ball lately since his call up to replace Alex Rios in CF for the Chi Sox. In his last 12 games he has a .364 BA, with two homers and 11 RBI's. De Aza is a 10 year minor leaguer and is finally getting his chance. Ride him while he is hot and be ready to dump him once the ride is over.


Written by John Marino exclusively for www.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!

(August 31, 2011 - Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images North America)
Picture
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, The Rookie Report, John Marino

Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Phil Hughes (credits below)
Things do not look good for the Yankees as we head into September after a 9 to 5 loss to their nemesis, the Red Sox.  The fact that they lost is not the troubling thing, the problem is that heading into September their supposedly second best pitcher has a 6.75 ERA (Phil Hughes).  So heading into the playoffs is rookie Ivan Nova, their second best option?  In addition, the rich get (somewhat) richer as the Red Sox picked up a bat from the A's, Conor Jackson.  Ok, so he is not going to set the world on fire, but he is a pretty decent player to have on your bench.
 
The Diamondbacks continue to streak toward the playoffs and the light on the Giants repeating as champions is fading faster than Charlie Sheen's career.  The Giants are now 6 games back, it looks like Carlos Beltran was NOT the magic elixir they hoped for.  In further signs of desperation, or just plain giving up, the Giants also designated Miguel Tejada and Aaron Rowand for assignment.  It looks like this year "The Beard" won't make us yearn for the days before HD TV.
 
Top Pitchers for Thursday:  Tim Hudson, CJ Wilson, Yovani Gallardo, Ervin Santana and John Lester.  Possibly the worst starter going on Thursday, following up on the Yankees theme, is AJ Burnett.  He of the 13.86 ERA over the past 3 weeks, and essentially every time he takes the mound the Yankees start off two touchdowns in the hole.  Good luck in the playoffs, if he is on the roster.  I wonder if he is due a bonus for being on the post season roster.
 
Jack Hannahan might be reaching his true potential with 3 home runs over the past two games; he only had 5 over his previous 98.  Including 2 on Wednesday against the A's, his former team.
 
Curtis Granderson is on the verge of a truly historic season.  With a month left, the Grandy-Man, could become only the second player to lead the majors in home runs, RBI's and triples.  The only other player to accomplish this is Jim Rice.
 
Cliff Lee just finished off a perfect 4-0 August which also included 32 strikeouts in 31 innings and a minuscule 0.58 ERA.  He extended his winning streak to 6 games.  Also serving up a perfect August was Ricky Romero at 5-0 with a 2.06 ERA, he was the best pitcher in the American League over the past month.
 
Unfortunately, going into September the only real pennant race is in the American League West.  The Angeles failed to take advantage of a great game from Dan Haren and a loss by the Texas Rangers.  The deficit is still 3.5 games.

On this date in 2001, Sammy Sosa hit the longest (Steroid/corked bat fueled) home run in Turner Field history, a day that no baseball fan can forget...Sammy who?

(August 30, 2011 - Photo by Elsa/Getty Images North America)


Written by Chris Summers exclusively for www.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!
Picture
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix, Injury Updates
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Carlos Gonzalez (credits below)
Just when it seemed time to write off Carlos Gonzalez and the Colorado Rockies in 2011, the sweet-swinging outfielder has propelled his team to an outside shot at division leading Arizona. Gonzalez has swung to the tune of a .423 average over the last week, driving in 12 runs through Sunday’s action.

Following an April that saw Gonzalez post a .222 average, the Colorado outfielder battled through two separate DL stints before hitting at a .317 clip in August. Along with the struggle to stay healthy, Gonzalez has also struggled against lefty pitching. 2010 saw CarGo hit .320 against lefties compared to a pedestrian .250 this year. Even with such callous lefty/righty splits, Gonzalez will still finish the season as a top 10 outfielder and currently 11 games back of the Diamondbacks entering week 22 of the season. “CarGo” and the Rockies may be too late in their playoff push but a strong September will avoid making 2011 a regression for the Colorado outfielder.

Gonzalez is surely one of the game’s high profile players, but he heads a list complete with other lesser names who have ameliorated wayward performances. Here’s a glance at some August rallies that have saved face for a handful of intriguing talents.

Among that list is Los Angeles’ James Loney whose 2011 campaign is a career worst. After posting a .171 average in July, Loney’s August has been a stark contrast boasting a .381 average and hitting .577 (15/27) in the month’s final week. Scouts have long awaited Loney to compliment his exceptional contact rate (a mere 13% strikeouts/AB) with an infusion of power but it looks as if he will never eclipse his career high of 15 home runs as a rookie in 2007. Even with his torrid August, Loney will need a brilliant final month in order to approach his career norms and secure his job as the Dodger first baseman in 2012.

Entering the spring training of 2009 there was a frenzied debate: Which rookie would you rather build a team around: David Price or Matt Wieters? Those who had seen glimpses of Wieters crush ACC pitching at Georgia Tech considered the question a no brainer. At 6’5’’ the Orioles rookie catcher seemed to be using 2009 as a launching pad to a career akin to Joe Mauer. Instead Wieters has struggled to adjust to major league pitching, but this past month has given hope that the young catcher has turned the corner.

Wieters has already posted a career high with 14 big flies in 2011 and with an additional 100-110 at bats coming in September, the Orioles are finally getting what they hoped for in 2009. At only 25 Wieters is still a long ways from a finished product and his .389 average in his last seven games gives rise that perhaps David Price isn’t the runaway favorite to win the great debate of a few seasons ago.

With only a few weeks until Michael Lewis’ bestselling book Moneyball hits the big screen, the films’ star of Oakland Athletics’ GM Billy Beane has gone against his own principle: pursuing athleticism and overt skill above on-base percentage and other sabermetric stats like WHIP and WAR.  Oakland’s rookie second baseman Jemile Weeks offers the flash of speed and athleticism typically absent from the A’s lineup. In a mere 292 at bats Weeks has compiled a .295 average, .333 in his last 7, and 19 stolen bases to boot.

Beane has long shied away from players like Weeks who offer skills like speed and power that are rewarded with a premium price opposed to skills like batting eye and contact rate which are often overlooked. The Oakland philosophy has rubbed off on the 24 year old whose walk rate has nearly doubled since the first half of the season. Getting on base will be the key to Jemile’s future in Oakland and his base-burning speed is a refreshing additional to the traditional grind of Athletics’ baseball. 

Written by Conor Gereg exclusively for www.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!

(August 28, 2011 - Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Picture
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, Conor Gereg
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Dayan Viciendo (see credits below)
SP-ERIC SURKAMP (SAN FRANCISCO) - Surkamp who was 10-4 with a 2.02 ERA for AA Richmond, pitched well against the Astros last week in his major league debut, giving up only one run in six strong innings. Eric is expected to pitch again September 6th and stay with the club through September. He may be a sleeper pitcher down the stretch for your team if you need pitching help, especially since he has been a dominant pitcher in the minor leagues. Keep an eye on him.
 
SP- BRANDON BEACHY (ATLANTA) - Brandon has quietly put a stellar rookie season in for the Braves. In his last four games he is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA. For the season he is 7-2 with 128 K's in only 114 innings. He also sports just a 3.31 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Beachy is a converted reliever and an early season DL stint should benefit fantasy owners because he will not reach his innings limit by the end of the year.
 
RP- STEVE CISHEK (FLORIDA) - Cishek has picked up two saves in the past week for the Marlins. For the season the 6'5" righty has a .278 ERA while averaging over one K per inning. With closer Leo Nunez struggling badly right now this might just be your chance to pick up some saves for your roto team. Hard to say what the Marlins will do for the month of September but why not give Cishek a chance?
 
3B- DAYAN VICIEDO (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) - Viciedo made quite an impact in his first major league game of 2011 hitting a three run home run Sunday against the Mariners. Dayan was hitting .296 with 20 HR's and 78 RBI in AAA before the call up. Also he hit .308 with five HR's in limited action for the Chi Sox in 2010. This guy can hit and the White Sox are committed to playing him here on out. He is a MUST pick up if you need help at the corner position.

3B- MIKE MOUSTAKAS (KANSAS CITY) - Moose is finally coming along in his third month at the major league level. He is currently 19 for his last 39 with seven RBI's. He has raised his BA from .181 to .231. Mike is a top prospect for the Royals and he seems to be finding his stroke now. I still recommend leaving him on the waiver wire although if you are in a deep league and need help grab him while he is hot!
 
3B- KYLE SEAGER (SEATTLE) - Seager is currently the number one waiver wire pick up in CBS leagues following his .769 batting in a series versus Cleveland last week. Kyle is a .328 career minor league hitter and should join fellow rookie second baseman Dustin Ackley in the Seattle infield for years to come. He has a great track record and is another case of "get him while he is hot".

(February 20, 2009 - Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.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!
Picture
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, The Rookie Report, John Marino
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Dexter Fowler (See Credits Below)
Start ‘Em

Matt Wieters |Baltimore Orioles| (93.5%) – Wieters has suffered from streak-itus all year long.  He’ll play hot for a week then take a couple weeks off and repeat.  It looks like this next week might by the peak of his current hot streak.  Over the last 15 games Wieters is hitting .317 with three homeruns.  Fortunately for Wieters, of the seven games next week, four come against left-handed starters.  Against lefties this year the switch-hitting catcher has a .340 average (101 points higher than vs. righties) and .417 OBP (122 points higher than vs. righties).  Against lefties Wieters’ slugging and OPS splits are nearly double that of his vs. righties splits.  Wieters is hitting .371 through 35 career at-bats against the three Rays starters that he faces this next week.

Dexter Fowler |Colorado Rockies| (27%) – Fowler has turned his season around since the break hitting 62 points higher and posting an OBP of .400.  He is one of the few Rockies that actually shows regression in his stats while playing at home which is good news for this upcoming week.  All six of Fowler’s games this week are on the road.  First stop is Chase Field.  While playing at both Chase Field and PETCO Park this year, Fowler is hitting .351 through 37 combined at-bats.  Fowler could be a nice waiver pick-up for the week offering your lineup speed and hits to help close the standings gap in your league.

Sit ‘Em

Jose Tabata |Pittsburgh Pirates| (57.2%) – Since coming off the DL Tabata has not only signed a long-term extension, but proved that he’s worth the money as well.  A closer look at his splits might help you prepare for the inevitable, a regression to his means.  This week Tabata and the Pirates play seven games, with only one being at home.  The other six will be played at both Houston and then Chicago.  On the road this year Tabata is a different person.  Away from PNC Tabata is hitting only .219 with a .303 OBP.  Those are drop-offs of nearly 100 points in each category.  Between home and away games his OPS drops nearly 250 points.  In 122 combined career at-bats against both Houston and Chicago Tabata is hitting .246 with a .308 OBP, 32 points lower than his career batting average and 44 points lower than his career OBP.  At both Minute Maid Park and Wrigley Field combined, Tabata is hitting .215.  Wait for a string of home games before giving him the green light again.

Adam Jones |Baltimore Orioles| (100%) – The same reasons that make Jones’ previously mentioned teammate Wieters a savvy pick this week, are the same reasons why Jones should be benched for the week.  Against left-handed pitchers Jones is hitting 69 points lower (.244).  Furthermore, of his 22 total homeruns, only four have come against left-handed pitchers.  This is evident in the 140 point drop in his slugging percentage against lefties.  Against the three Toronto starts that Jones faces, he’s hitting .213.  In 43 career at-bats against the Rays starters, Jones is hitting .233.  Furtering the case to bench Jones is his horrendous average at Tropicana Field.  While playing there Jones is hitting .202 in 94 career at-bats.

Written by James Bryce 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 24, 2011 - Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images North America)

Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, Fantasy Baseball News, Fantasy Baseball Tips, Sit Em/Start Em, James Bryce
Picture
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Ugh Dykstra... (credits below)
Lenny Dystrka… what are we going to do with you? Exposing yourself, how high brow. It's well noted how insane the '86 Mets were and how many drugs they were taking, but… you have easily surpassed Dwight Gooden & Darryl Strawberry as the craziest of the bunch. Mazel Tov!

Mr. Jeter you playa you. Done with Minka and on to the next? I will gladly take your sloppy seconds, unfortunately the sloppy seconds have higher standards that I can offer. A man can dream.

Speaking of Pinstripe Playas, the Yankees made history last night in a 22-9 romp over none other than the not-so-Athletics. The Yankees became the first team in the history of baseball to hit 3 grand slams in a game. Robinson Cano, Russell Martin & Curtis Granderson all connected for grand salamis, with Martin going a perfect 5-5 with 2 home runs and 6 runs driven in. 

With the Red Sox winning 6-0 over Texas, the Yankees still stand 1 game behind. On the year the Yankees have scored 6 more runs than the Sox and 259 more than the Giants who have scored the least runs, but are shockingly only 3 games behind the Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West.

Adrian Gonzalez slammed 2 out of the yard for his 22nd and 23rd on the year and is now hitting .348.

Who would you vote for AL MVP? Granderson, Adrian Gonzalez or Verlander?

Brandon Beachy continues his run, winning his 4th in a row without a loss and improving to 7-2 on the year. 

If you haven't checked out rookie JD Martinez yet, please do. He is riding a 5 game hitting streak, with 1 HR & 9 RBI. With little to no pressure playing in Houston, Martinez could blossom into a real fantasy stud by next year.

Speaking of rookies, check out Paul Goldschmidt who hit his 5th homer of the year.

It's all a game of averages. Remember when Albert Pujols was hitting .231 in May? Well he's up to .290 and proven that even on a down year, he is better than 99% of the players in the league.

Today's pitching duel of the day goes to Dan Haren vs Derek Holland. Also hurling today is James Shields, Madison Bumgarner, Roy Oswalt & Obaldo Jimenez.

Written by Evan Marx 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!


(March 31, 2008 - Photo by None/Getty Images North America)
Picture
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Daily News, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Tips, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Advice, The Daily Fix, Injury Updates

Add Comment
 
 
Picture
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 

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

(July 9, 2011 - Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Picture
Tags: The Fantasy Fix,  2011 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MiLB, The Farm Report, AA, AAA, Adam Ganeles
1 Comment