Fantasy frenzy: Don't jump ship
By Nick Masuda
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Managing Editor of Visuals
Sunday, April 15, 2007
In perusing recent transactions in the three fantasy baseball leagues in which I own a team, I was a little alarmed at some of the quality players being released.
Remember, 10 days mean nothing in the big picture. Stick to your guns. At least for a month.
This goes for guys on the disabled list, as well. Don't mortgage your future for success now. It's a long season and you need to hold onto fantasy producers.
Here are 10 players on the DL or playing sluggishly that you should hold onto. The stats are through Wednesday night.
1. Nomar Garciaparra, 1B, Dodgers. Yes, he has no homers and only four RBIs. And he is hitting .200. But, the Dodgers are by far the best team in that division and he'll see plenty of pitches to hit this season. Stay calm.
2. Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates. His .097 average, one homer and two RBIs are nothing earth-shattering, but he is notoriously a guy that gets hot when the weather does. Hopefully that is soon.
3. Ramon Hernandez, C, Orioles. One of the top eight catchers in the league. His spell on the disabled list shouldn't lead to you cutting him. Put him on the bench and let him sit there.
4. Octavio Dotel, RP, Royals. Another guy on the DL, but the Royals will flirt with .500 this season and Dotel will see plenty of save opportunities.
5. Garret Atkins, 3B, Rockies. If you drop this guy, I want in on your league. His past numbers don't lie and he plays at Coors Field. Duh.
6. Milton Bradley, OF, A's. A couple of injuries have limited his effectiveness. But, he says he is back to health and is hitting the ball hard. Those hits will find holes soon.
7. Willy Taveras, OF, Rockies. Leadoff guy with speed. You need stolen bases in most leagues. This guy is good for 50. 8. Stephen Drew, SS, D'backs. Arizona has a great offensive lineup; he'll hit better than .214 with two RBIs.
9. Jacque Jones, OF, Cubs. Chicago's lineup is lethal and Jones is great for home runs.
10. Kenny Lofton, OF, Rangers. Yes, this guy still plays. Another guy for stolen bases. Fantasy Frenzy is a biweekly column targeted at beginning, intermediate and advanced fantasy sports owners. Have a question, e-mail nmasuda@ sunjournal.com |