Fantasy Sports Advice, Analysis and Projections | The Fantasy Fix
Filling The Void: Dustin Pedroia 06/27/2010
 Freddy Sanchez This article should be called Tulowitzki Two for obvious reasons. For starters, one of the Top 3 Second Baseman just landed on the DL with a broken foot. Second, this position like Short Stop has very few Elite players on Top, and then a tremendous drop off in talent and statistical production. It’s important to remember that replacing this kind of player for the long run is a difficult task. So let’s approach this a little differently than we did with Tulo because it doesn’t sound like Pedroia will be out as long. What we want to find here in not so many words is Rent-A-Player to fill the void of Pedroia’s absence. I’ve done the research as usual, you make the choice and take credit for all the success. Here is a look at what we lost, what we need to replace, and a base to build from: Dustin Pedroia (Season): 52 Runs-12 HRs-41 RBIs-8 SBs-.292 BA (295 ABs) (Month): 19 Runs – 4 HRs - 16RBIs - 6 SBs - .330 BA (103 ABs) The players below can be found on your Free Agent/Waiver Wire and will be welcome additions to your battered lineup: (Statistics for the Past 30 Days Displayed) Freddy Sanchez SF: 16 Runs – 1 HR – 15 RBIs – 0 SB - .330 BA = Welcome back to the Bigs Freddy, he may be the spark the Giants needed to take a leap in the West. VERY CONSISTANT. Jose Lopez SEA: 15 Runs - 3 HR - 11 RBIs - 0 SB - .287 BA = I’ve promoted Lopez a lot this season, but many have waited, and he sits available in over half of Fantasy Leagues. No Guts No Glory. Neil Walker PIT: 16 Runs - 3 HRs - 11 RBIs - 2 SB - .288 BA = Here is one of those players that you put on your watch list, and wait for him to slow down, but he never does. Will you be the last to leap? Mike Aviles KC: 15 Runs - 0 HRs - 7 RBIs - 1 SB - .286 BA = Runs Runs & more Runs. Mike is an excellent table setter and gets around the bases quickly. Carlos Guillen DET: 10 Runs - 4 HRs - 13 RBIs - 0 SB - .264 BA = When he is healthy I’d put Carlos as the #1 replacement. But he gets banged up a lot, and that type of risk is not what we need from an injury replacement player. Clint Barmes COL: 8 Runs - 1 HR - 12 RBIs - 2 SBs - .263 BA = Clint has a history of playing very well when given a short term starting role. His continued utility role in Colorado relies on this opportunity. Pedroia Owners: Who is available on your wire? How do you plan on replacing DP? Leave a comment at the top of this article, or hit us up on Twitter! Twitter.com/FantasyFix_FM Twitter.com/TheFantasyFix Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Advice, Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox, Freddy Sanchez, San Francisco Giants, Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals, Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners, Neil Walker, Pittsburgh Pirates, Carlos Guillen, Detroit Tigers, Clint Barmes, Colorado Rockies  Angel Pagan Every week aside from my standard Fantasy Baseball dealings I practice a little exercise to improve my research and team management skills. On Sunday evenings I comb through who is available on the waiver/free agent wire, regardless of need, to familiarize myself with the current inventory. Next, I try and create an entire starting team from all available players to compete against my current starting squad. This helps me on a broad spectrum for watching the trends of potential replacements, upgrades, and the occasional spot starter. Below are the players I feel have the best chance of competing against my Starters. FYI: It’s a Yahoo – 12 Team - H2H - 5X5. Included are the previous 4 weeks stats (R-HR-RBI-SB-AVG): Week 12 Hitters C = Ronny Paulino FLA (11-1-15-1-.333): With John Baker on the 60-day DL until Aug., Ronny has been very productive playing every day, and is worth the start with the hot bat. 1B = Lyle Overbay TOR (10-3-11-0-.298): Lyle has had 4 mutli-hit games in the past 10 days. I’ll take that over the inconsistency of rookie Justin Smoak, even though his numbers are better over the month. 2B = Neil Walker PIT (12-2-9-2-.299): WHO??? That’s right Neil Tops my list at a VERY weak position. He was the 11th overall pick in 2004, but is still only 25. Needing Runs from this position, he fits the bill because of his ability to get on base while hitting 2nd in the order. 3B = Kevin Kouzmanoff OAK (11-3-14-1-.327): Finally….Kouz since May 31st has raised his BA 41 points from .244 to .285. It didn’t hurt that he had 7 multi-hit games in 9 days over the last 2 weeks. SS = Cliff Pennington OAK (11-0-3-3-.213): Anther Athletic making the list here. Rookies like Cliff have stats that are Volatile and Inconsistent. I’ll ride the bullish bat in a current 5 game hit streak and 7 of 8. OF = Delmon Young MIN (15-4-26-1-.360): 9th HOTTEST hitting Outfielder in ALL of baseball right now. OF = Angel Pagan NYM (16-1-13-9-.311): Pick a Met any Met…I can’t believe I’m saying that. You get a little bit of everything with Pagan. The SBs are especially nice. OF = Jason Kubel MIN (12-6-22-0-.277): The law of baseball averages is never wrong…it was only a matter of time. Hitters will hit. Week 12 Pitchers (IP – W – SV – K – ERA – WHIP) SP = Jeremy Bonderman DET (40.2 -2 -0-30-3.32-1.20): Good to see him back to form. SP = Mark Buehrle CWS (32.2-3-0-23-3.86-1.47): Probably the most consistent in baseball. 1 of only a few TRUE Aces. SP = Bronson Arroyo CIN (40.2-3-0-16-4.20-1.43): Ground ball pitcher is finally getting run support & Wins. Can’t rely on him for many or any strikeouts he’s just not overpowering enough. SP = Scott Feldman TEX (39.1-4-0-24-4.35-1.53): 17 Wins in 2009, but only 5 in 2010. The good news, 4 have been in the last month, and the Rangers are winning lots of games. May still get to 15 this season. SP = Jason Hammel COL (41.1-4-0-32-1.74-1.16): WOW I can’t believe this guy is not on a roster. RP = R.A. DICKEY NYM (32.1-5-0-29-2.78-1.39): There are NO closers available, so I felt that R.A. deserved the final spot on my roster. As my reliever (Duel Eligibility SP/RP) he has more wins than any of my starters over the past month with 5. And oh yeah…. Pick a Met any Met. Who could you use to beat your starters? Post a comment with your thoughts and your Free Agent Roster. I’ll post the results next Sunday night. Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/FantasyFix_FM Twitter.com/TheFantasyFix Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Baseball Blog, Angel Pagan, New York Mets, Jason Hammel, Colorado Rockies, R.A. Dickey, Scott Feldman, Texas Rangers, Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds, Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox, Delmon Young, Minnesota Twins, Jason Kubel, Neil Walker, Pittsburgh Pirates Filling The Void: Tough Luck Tulo 06/18/2010
 Mike Aviles Disaster struck today when the Colorado Rockies placed Troy Tulowitzki on the DL with a broken wrist. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks or approximately 30-40% of the entire Fantasy Baseball Regular Season. At an already top heavy position where the drop off is significant after the Elite players, fantasy owners need to make a quick concise decision. You don’t want to put yourself in a position where you have to pick up a new (SS) every week because of lack of production. This strategy just wastes moves, and fuels frustration. Let’s not waste any time and get to business….I’ve done the homework, you make the decision. Below is a look at who will be potentially available, and where I believe they should be ranked. (Last 30 days stats: Runs-HR-RBIs-Avg.-At Bats) Alexei Rameri CWS (18–4–12-.293-99ABs) Prime Age 28, He has a great swing, and starting to heat up, could be in line for a big 2nd half. Marco Scutaro BOS (17-2-15-.321-109ABs) Great Team with Lots of Lineup Protection, 35y/o, consistent career producer – mediocre. Jason Bartlett TB (Just off DL 4-1-2-.167-36ABs) Fresh off DL, may need a week to work on timing. Players who’s game relies on speed need healthy legs...this was the break he needed. Miguel Tejada BALT (11-0-4-.270-111ABs) Consistent Veteran, True Professional Hitter, Very Friendly Hitters Park, Decent Protection at Top of Lineup by Nick Markakis. Mike Aviles KC (16-0-9-.284-88ABs) Good Source of Runs combined with OK Average. Mike has been troubled by injuries the past 2 seasons after a monster 2nd half in 2008. Sleeper Potential. Replacing Troy Tulowitzki is truly impossible. (19 Runs-8HRs-19RBIs-.323-93ABs – 4SBs) These numbers rank him 9th Overall over the past month under Yahoo Rankings. This does not mean your season is over though. Making the correct decision now can and will keep you right in the playoff/championship hunt. Tulo Owners: Who is available on your wire? How do you plan on replacing Troy? Leave a comment at the top of this article, or hit us up on Twitter! Twitter.com/FantasyFix_FM Twitter.com/TheFantasyFix Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Advice, Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies, Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals, Miguel Tejada, Baltimore Orioles, Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays, Marco Scutaro, Boston Red Sex, Alexi Ramirez, Chicago White Sox Gettin' The Call: Carlos Santana 06/11/2010
 Carlos Santana Sure ThINgDIAN Word on the street is (via Cleveland Plain Dealer) that the Indians may call up ELITE Catching prospect Carlos Santana before the All Star break. He has spent the entire 2010 season playing for the AAA Columbus Clippers of the International League. Last season, he played at the AA level in the Eastern League for the Akron Aeros, and started in the AA - All Star Game. Here’s what you need to know about how good he is: (AA) Akron (2009) : 130 Gms – 428 ABs – 91 Runs – 23 HRs(30-2B/2-3B) – 97 RBIs - 90 Walks - .290 AVG (3A) Columbus (2010): 56 Gms – 192 ABs – 36 Runs - 12 HRs(12-2B/1-3B) - 48 RBIs – 44 Walks - .307 AVG This is important to know on so many levels. He will immediately be an impact hitter at an offensively scarce position. In keeper leagues you will be able to lock him up at a very low price, or just steal him off of the free agent/waiver wire. Remember about 3 weeks ago when all of the hype was about Buster Posey Catcher for the SF Giants. Everyone jumped on him because it is so difficult to get such talented youth at the Catcher position. Let’s put this into perspective how good Santana is: Buster Posey (skipped AA level) (A) San Jose (2009) : 80 Gms – 291 ABs – 63 Runs – 13 HRs(23-2B/0-3B) – 58 RBIs - 45 Walks - .326 AVG (3A) Fresno (2009) : 35 Gms – 121 ABs – 21 Runs – 5 HRs(8-2B/1-3B) – 22 RBIs - 17 Walks - .321 AVG (3A) Fresno (2010) : 47 Gms – 172 ABs – 31 Runs – 6 HRs(13-2B/2-3B) – 32 RBIs - 28 Walks - .349 AVG From a production standpoint Carlos Santana looks like he should produce across more categories than Posey because he has considerably more power. Posey has not disappointed since his call up, batting .444 in 45 ABs, but only has 1 HR & 4 2Bs. Look for Carlos to eclipse Posey’s statistics by year’s end. Keep your eyes peeled for the news of the impending call up and grab him IMMEDIATELY!!!!! Tags: Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Sports Blog, The Fantasy Fix, Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians, Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants  Corey Hart It’s a strange feeling losing Grady Sizemore for the year because for all intense and purposes he never really showed up. His name alone had him owned in upwards of 90% of leagues entering Week 9. Yet in 128 at bats Grady was hitting .211 with only 15 Runs 0 Homers 13 RBIs, and 4 stolen bases. To put things into perspective Kyle Blanks in 103 at bats had 14 Runs 3 Homers 15 RBIs, and 1 Stolen base (he also hasn’t played in 2 weeks, and is currently in the minors). Being the optimist that I am I ask myself what it the upside to this loss? This was a blessing in disguise, and literally picking up ANY other starting Outfielder will give you an immediate boost. That’s not good enough though, you want the best available player on the wire to fill your void. There are 2 things you can look at:
H/AB-Runs-HR-RBI-SB-Avg
Runs Seth Smith = Scored 19 times in the last month, huge beneficiary of Dexter Fowler’s demotion. Fred Lewis = Scored 18 times in the last month, Leading off for a team full RBI machines. Home Runs Corey Hart = has 11 HRs in the last 30 days. Enough said. RBIs Delmon Young = He may not have the pop we would like, but he still drove in 18 over the last month. Hideki Matsui = More like a Gecko than Godzilla, but still hits 5th on a very good team driving in 18 over the last month. Stolen Bases Juan Pierre = 22 Swipes this year Nyjer Morgan = 12 SBs in 2010 so far, and heating up Average David DeJesus = 33 for his last 94 (.351) Chris Coghlan = 36 for his last 113 (.319) Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Sports Blog, Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians, Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers, Drew Stubbs, Cincinnati Reds, JD Drew, Boston Red Sox, Nyjer Morgan, Washington Nationals Filling the Void: Kendry Morales 06/02/2010
 Troy Glaus The dust has settled, the pain feels fresh. When I wake up in the morning to check my lineups I must tell myself to get past the loss of Kendry Morales. Staring at the First base position he left empty for the foreseeable future reminds me of one thing , that replacements are very readily available. There is truly no time to mourn it being 2 full months into the season. To fill the gap left behind 100% may be an unreasonable request. The good news, quality hot bats at first base are plentiful. Let’s take a look who you should pick up to take a little bit of the sting away. Reminder: Kendry Morales: 2009: 86 Runs - 34 HRs – 108 Rbis - .306 AVG (566 Abs) 2010: 29 Runs – 11 HRs – 39 Rbis - .290 AVG (193 Abs) Replacements (All First Basemen/2010) (Runs-HR-RBIs-AVG) (At Bats) Troy Glaus ATL 27- 9-40-.277 (177ABs) Aubrey Huff SF 26 -6-23-.297 (175ABs) Luke Scott BAL 22-9-20-.271 (144ABs) Ike Davis NYM 23-6-17-.265 (136ABs) Daric Barton OAK 25-4-22-.280 (186Abs) (15th in MLB for Hits, & 25th in Runs, by a 1st Basemen) If they are ALL gone don’t be afraid to pick up Jose Lopez SEA. Contrary to some feedback I’ve received he is a good hitter for his position versatility (1st, 2nd, & 3rd). At the prime age of 26 with 7 seasons of MLB experience, the next 3 years should be very productive for the young now 3rd basemen. Plus if you look at his last week he is really heating up. (10 for 23 with 7 Runs - 2 HR - 4RBI – batting .435). If you were a Morales owner, who did you pick up? Leave a comment or reply to us on Twitter. Twitter.com/thefantasyfix Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Blog, Kendry Morales, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Troy Glaus, Atlanta Braves, Aubrey Huff, San Francisco Giants, Luke Scott, Baltimore Orioles, Ike Davis, New York Mets, Daric Barton, Oakland Athletics, Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners Predicted Power - Count on Dunn 05/25/2010
 Carlos Pena One of the mistakes I see lots of fantasy owners make it falling in love with a player’s current statistics. Many will look at their teams coming up to on the All Star break, and mentally double their numbers in the anticipation of a duplicate second half. This will cause you to make 3 mistakes: 1) holding on to a player beyond productivity 2) continuing to start a cold player without a history of consistency 3) unwillingness to trade a current statistical league leader. No doubt the first statistic the average fantasy owner looks at first is Homeruns. It’s the most exciting, and in many cases if you hit Homeruns, the Runs Batted In & Runs scored are close to follow. Yet this year I look at the Top 5 in ALL of baseball for HRs and the list is as follows: 1. Jose BautistaTOR 14 2. Paul Konerko CHW 14 3. Ty Wiggington BAL 13 4. Kelly Johnson ARI 12 5. Dan Uggla FLA 12 In most years there is a certain level of predictability with who will club the most HRs. Where are they this year (Ryan Howard, Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols, or Alex Rodriguez), not even 1 is in the Top 5 (actually the highest is ranked 39th with only 8 long balls). We have seen the beginnings of a power swing over the past couple of years with everyone being watched for supplements, but this may be the year were we see this come to a head. Players are starting to hit HRs the old fashion way with mechanics, practice, and a more controlled approach at the plate. If HRs are going to be tougher to come by then as fantasy owners we will have to make similar changes. We need to start focusing on the finer details: Stadiums Friendly to Power, Health, Lineup Protection, Pitching Matchups for the Week, Home/ Away Schedules, New Hitting Coach?, Team’s Standing (are they in a Playoff Race/ Potential Trade)? These are just some reminders of things that you can look at for determining future predictability. All of them can be easily researched, and will give you a greater edge on the waiver wire, and in the trade market. True Homerun hitters get streaky; keep an eye on some of the historically better HR hitters due for a streak.
Tags: Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Baseball Blog, Fantasy Sports Advice, The Fantasy Fix, Adam Dunn, Cincinnati Reds, Carlos Lee, Houston Astros, Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays, Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays Buy Low-Sell High Week 8 05/22/2010
 Jose Lopez Beginning Week 8 (5.24-5.30) we sit here and ask ourselves a few questions. When is he going to finally catch up to his typical career numbers? Can he keep up this pace all season? Why is there nobody on the waiver wire? Here are a few answers to those questions. The waiver wire 2 months in is not about picking up an everyday All Star to plug into a starting roll. It’s simply about making calculated moves, and grabbing the player currently in or about to go on a hot streak. What your probably seeing available are players who are underachieving starters, young unproven prospects, bench, and platoon players. None of which would be considered must starts. Next, you’ll find that “out of nowhere” player who has been mediocre his whole career, but for whatever reason (change of team, contract year, consistent playing time) is EXPLODING! This type of player must be ridden into the ground like a 1990 Civic. When the well runs dry (slumping for a period of 2 weeks), then you unload them, but NOT until then. They will still carry intrinsic value at that point, but not for much longer. Finally, pace is a matter of guessing. My predictions tend to be usually pretty accurate, but at the end of the day I’m using very educated guessing from years of watching and studying statistics. Below I’ve include my research as to who are excellent buying opportunities, and who you should considering moving because the flame is about to go out. Buy Low (Runs-Homers-RBI-SB-AVG.) Jason Bay (25-1-16-5-.281) – All that’s missing are HRs, and they will come. Pablo Sandoval (20-3-14-2-.283) – Pablo is a .324 career hitter (that’s no accident) Nick Markakis (20-2-14-1-.304) – Nick is a potential (100-20-100) guy every year. Yunel Escobar (10-0-8-3-.200) – He’s 27, prime for a break out, and is on a better team than their record. Jose Lopez (9-1-15-3-.217) – eligible at 1st, 2nd, & 3rd, and hit cleanup all last season. Sell High (Runs-Homers-RBI-SB-AVG.) Marlon Byrd (26 -7-25-3-.325) – Then end of these numbers may be near. Paul Konerko (21-14-30-0-.262) – Great first 2 months, NOT typical for most 34 year olds (Raul Ibanez? ) BJ Upton (27-5-19-13-.224) – Of All Rays the 1 I expect to crash first (still strikes out too much) Alfonso Soriano (24-7-23-2-.323) – Another Cubby to fall. No more speed, 34y/o, Cubs, heart? Jose Guillen (25-9-28-1-.259) – The Royals provide no protection. Another 34y/o here…162 games makes for a long season. Who are some other buy low and sell high candidates? Leave a comment or reply to us on Twitter. Twitter.com/fantasyfix_fm or Twitter.com/thefantasyfix Tags: Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Baseball Blog, Fantasy Sports Blog, The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Mechanic, Jason Bay, New York Mets, Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners, Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox, BJ Upton, Tampa Bay Rays, Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs, Jose Guillen Kansas City Royals, Marlon Byrd, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants, Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles, Yunel Escobar, Atlanta Braves Quick Hits: Don't Delay on Gorzelanny 05/17/2010
 Tom Gorzelanny If you are struggling for pitching you MUST pick up Tom Gorzelanny. He has been viewed as a potential breakout player for the past 4 years. In 2007 he threw 200 innings with 14 wins and 135 K’s as a 24 year old. Don’t be misled by his numbers the past 2 years he was battling injuries. Young pitchers typically aren’t experienced enough to battle through injuries and still be effective. Now in 2010 he has regained his health and command. In his past 4 starts he has thrown 25 innings, and struck out 29...RIDICULOUS! Pick him up NOW! On a side note: Brett Myers has in 7 starts this year not thrown less than 6 innings, owns a 3.52, and sat down 32 batters in 46 innings. A nice compliment to the Gorzelanny move, adding the veteran will provide you some consistency and reliability. Tags: Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Sports Blog, The Fantasy Fix, Tom Gorzelanny, Chicago Cubs, Brett Myers, Houston Astros, The Fantasy Mexhanic Managing Pickups 04/27/2010
 Marlon Byrd Every now and then it’s important to remind yourself that the Fantasy Baseball season is only 3 weeks in, and has about 22 weeks left. Being prepared with an outline for how you want to use your allotted moves can be very beneficial. Now….every league is different with their preferences. Some of mine allow you as little as 5 moves all year, and others up to a max 60. (I realize some leagues allow unlimited pickups, but this article is about management). Knowing the specifics at the draft is very important, but we are passed that, and it’s a great time for the reminder. There are 3 times during the season I like to use my moves:
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Sports Blog, Garrett Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates, Marlon Byrd, Chicago Cubs, Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays, Kelly Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks, Fantasy Mechanic |  The Mechanic
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