Fantasy Baseball Updates:
Bryce Harper – ESPN Magazine recently held an anonymous pole as 143 Current MLB Players participated. Bryce Harper was voted as the “Most Overated Player” in the Bigs with Yasiel Puig and ARod trailing closely behind. On another note, Mike Trout took home the crown, being voted the “Most Valuable Player” in the MLB, notching 56% of the votes. Harper currently sits at 16/1 Odds to win the NL MVP. We like him in the running for the award and would grab him early in drafts.
Yasiel Puig – Dodgers Manager, Don Mattingly was quoted sarcastically commenting on Puig’s injury. When asked about the severity of the recent injury and what was the cause for leaving the game, Don Mattingly responded with, “I guess his back. Shoulder yesterday, back today … So I’m not sure if they’re going to get him tests or get him to the MRI Monday or a bone scan on Tuesday. I’m not quite sure what we’ll do. We may not do anything. I’m not sure.”
Chris Johnson – Braves Manager, Fredi Gonzalez is looking to bat Chris Johnson clean-up. Evan Gattis was originally expected to hold the spot, but a poor spring going 9 for 43 (.209 Avg. with a 12/0 K/BB Ratio) has led the manager to make adjustments. Johnson was solid last season for ATL, hitting .321 in 514 ABs. Johnson also tallied 12 HRs and 68 RBIs. He doesn’t do much in the Power Dept., but we think his RBI Numbers should see an uptick with an obvious decline in AVG.
Alex Wood – ATL has seen an onslaught of Pitcher Injuries already (Medlen, Minor, Beachy) which has opened the door for the 23 Year Old Southpaw. Wood has been nothing short of impressive this Spring in the Grapefruit League, posting a 0.45 ERA and earning a rotation spot and projected as the Number 2 Starter. Wood is a talent capable of bringing Ks to any fantasy roster. The caveat here is that ATL will more than likely look to limit his Innings. That isn’t any reason to pass on Wood though. PICK HIM UP!
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George Springer – If you’re in a Keeper League, take our word and nab Springer. Last September, he declined a 7-Year Offer worth $23 Mil. If he would have accepted, he would be starting the year of in HOU, but as he hasn’t he will head back to AAA until June more-than-likely. Last Summer, Springer crushed going .303 with 37 Doubles and 45 HRs in 135 Games split between AA and AAA. He has a big swing, which equates to bunches of Ks. Springer will also hit for power and swipe bases. Tabbing him with Mike Trout potential is a big much, but the power/speed combo is comparable. Grab this guy and be a constant near the top of your league for years to come!
Yu Darvish – Bad news in Texas! Darvish is expected to miss his opening day start with an apparent neck issue. It has been reported that the problem could lead to worries as Darvish has not responded well to treatment thus far. The Rangers are slowly appearing to have caught the 2013 New York Yankees injury bug. It’s not out of question that Darvish could see a brief DL stint until he gets back on track.
Prop Bet – Most interesting line we see from Bovada is Bryce Harper over/under on HRs: 26.5 – Take It!