Movement in the Ranks (continued)
As the previous Movement in the Ranks article has featured players that have helped their rankings with a great spring. We will look at the OF, RP, and SP positions below. With just a day left before the real start to the season (sorry Australia fans), the rotations and lineups are getting solidified. This is truly my favorite time of the season. Every team is tied and positivity is just flowing from their coaching staffs. All the positive mantra’s and cliche’s about working hard, gives everyone a breath of fresh air. Sadly, we know there are teams that will be much closer to 100 loses than 100 wins, however, fantasy players are oblivious to team standings. Let’s get to the guys that stepped up this spring!
Outfield:
Billy Hamilton – One of the most debated players coming into Spring, Crazy Legs Billy, has enjoyed a very promising spring and quieted many doubters. He has shown a better eye, and patience at the dish. His extra base hits have any surprised a few. Knowing this guy has the ability to steal 100 bases with just a .325 on base percentage, my draft theory for a few of my teams just might pay off. I have Hamilton on a couple teams and because of that, I punted the SB category in the hopes that 100+ SB’s could win you that category in either format (H2H or Roto). His draft position has seen a solid rise and I am left to agree with what I’ve seen this spring.
Alex Rios – Any concerns about age have been thrown out the window. Alex has shown a continuation of last year through this spring. That is exactly what you want to see if you are an owner of Rios or looking to draft him in top 3 rounds. His draft position hasn’t necessarily improved but rather been vindicated by his solid spring, including his running. His SB’s will still be 25+ this year. Bank it.
Giancarlo Stanton – Talk about vindication…..Mr. Stanton is doing his best to shut fantasy owners like myself, up. His power has never been debated but the opportunity to show it has always worried the experts. If Bonds would have been in this Marlins lineup, Barry would have walked 400 times. If Spring is any indication on the type of pitches Stanton will see, then you should be encouraged to see your Marlin Masher is feasting! I still don’t see a top 3 round player with 35/80 potential. But if your league considers OBP, that would be tipping point for me, because I do believe his eye improves this year. I wish he and you owners that have him luck, but I’m still a tad skeptical at the price he is still getting taken at.
Kole Calhoun – Along with Nick Castellanos of the Tigers, this Buckeye, AZ product is the talk of the spring. Being slotted in leadoff position ahead of Trout, Pujols, Hamilton, etc will only add to his value. He has some go-go in the legs as well so a 20/20 season isn’t a stretch. Look for Kole to push the 100 runs category as well. The lineup is healthy this year and hungry to prove it isn’t anchored by overpaid, aging studs in Pujols and Hamilton. I have Kole on every team I have this year, which tells you to draft him or pick him up off waivers asap. You will find “Kole” in the webster’s dictionary meaning “value production” after this season.
Nelson Cruz – Being a free agent had this masher off the radar for many folks. His spring has brought his name back up and with the lineup he has around him, I don’t see how this guy doesn’t hit 30+HR’s and push the 100 RBI mark. I was able to get him at great value in the earlier drafts but he has steadily climbed accordingly.
Michael Brantley – Has to be one of the quietest studs in baseball today. He will not hit 20 HR’s but he is a doubles machine and his avg will certainly be hovering in .300 zone all season. Based on where Francona has him in the lineup will tell me what expectations to have. But let it be known, if you have a spot available or if drafting in the next day or two, Brantley will quietly be your most consistent solid guy.
Relief Pitchers
David Robertson – Yankees are left in good hands at the closer spot. The guys needed to get to Robertson have me a bit worried but Robertson and his zero’s this spring should put to rest anyone’s concerns that closing is “too big” for Mr. Hook. His K/9 and save totals should be right up there in the second tier of closers.
LaTroy Hawkins – He will not let the closing spot go without a fight. I think most folks see Rex Brothers as closer before the season ends but LaTroy hasn’t imploded by any stretch. Maturity is key here and it will be interesting to see how long of a leash Rockies leaders will have with LaTroy. If he can blow just a couple saves in first month and still be given blessing, I think LaTroy will be just fine. But disclaimer: Handcuff Brothers to Hawkins. Fair warning.
Addison Reed – Winning the closer spot for the Dbacks may have seemed like a formality but he was certainly pushed in every since of the word. That being said, he has won the job and I look for his above average stats to continue. Dbacks offense will keep them around a lot of games so look for Reed to get plenty of chances!
Starting Pitchers:
Masahiro Tanaka – I think if a few starts in spring training could ease concerns of over paying for a guy that has never pitched in the bigs, then Tanaka’s starts have. He is better than advertised. The deception is real and the swing and misses have confirmed that his stuff is well above average. His poise and demeanor in adjusting to life in the states will be most interesting to watch. His play has validated the risk the Yankees took to get him. His draft position has steadily climbed, as well it should. He will easily be your #2 starter by seasons end on most fantasy rosters.
Stephen Strasburg – Not afraid to admit that I’m not shocked he is often, the first righty off the draft board in recent mocks. His spring has been as lock-down as scouts would like to see. With innings limit and any restraints getting removed, his spring has him as an early season Cy Young favorite. Neck and neck with Scherzer, Hernandez, and Fernandez.
Michael Wacha – Another young stud that we knew would be solid but early drafts had him all over the place. His poise and production this Spring has him in my second tier of starting pitchers. He and Cole are right there together for me. Worth stretching a bit for after the first 5-10 SP’s are taken.
CC Sabathia – I saw his early stock being traded pretty low as a stock advisor would say. His spring has shown that not only has his waist line shrunk but his ERA should be heading that way too this season. His ball looks livelier and overall vibe on the mound looks healthier. Yankees needed him to bring the ACE version back and all signs are pointing to the fact he has.
Danny Salazaar – It will be wishful thinking to ask to get a complete season from him because of arm issues in the past, however, with Indians protecting him this spring and his confidence never being higher after such a dominant stretch to end last season, folks in Cleveland are excited to see the strikeout totals rise all season. His arm is full of potential but keep an eye on pitch counts and weather conditions all season as you find matchups to possibly have to keep him from. The talent is there. Let’s see if Cleveland can get that coveted “full season” from him.
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