Hey guys. Hopefully you are doing well in your fantasy baseball leagues. Today, I wanted to discuss a few sleeper/discount player picks and some players to avoid in this year's draft. Enjoy:
Brandon Roy: He was a late first round pick last year for a reason. He can help in every category (high assist numbers and decent rebounding numbers for a SG (he can also be plugged into the SF and F slot on your team). The reason he is going so low is because of his injury problems, but when healthy is potentially a top 10 player. (Yahoo ADP 23)
Al Jefferson: 20/10 with a couple of blocks. Sign me up. Here's another last first/early second round pick last year who was disappointing, but still put up decent numbers. The move for Minn to Utah should help Jefferson a lot since he'll now be playing with all-star point guard Deron Williams. (Yahoo ADP 26)
Kevin Martin: Another injury prone player, but again if healthy is a top 25 guy. He and Brooks will be the focal points of the offense and both should put up great numbers. (Yahoo ADP 48)
Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter: I'm not saying that Lewis and Carter will be top 20 players this year. However, all three (especially Lewis and Carter) are great value picks right now since the price is so low. (Yahoo ADP 77, 88, 91)
Roy Hibbert: Usually, if a player is going to break out, it will happen in their third year. Also, it doesn't hurt for a big man to have a good point (Collison) instead of Watson and Ford. Look for Hibbert to have a big year. (Yahoo ADP 98)
Elton Brand: I know he had a horrible year last year, but Philly does have a new coach who is going to play Brand more. I know this pick could be a flop, but it is a low risk/high reward pick since he is going so cheap come draft day. (Yahoo ADP 89)
Now for some players to avoid:
Stephen Curry: Top 20? Yes, though he is only a sophmore. However, top 6?? Over players like Kobe Bryant and Danny Granger. If you want to waste a first round pick or overpay for the kid, go ahead, but I would rather have a proven player to lead my team. (ADP 6)
David Lee: Don't overpay for the career year. He will put up good number is GSW, but unlike NY, he is not the number 1 option on the team. Monta Ellis and Curry are both going to get their shots, and Beidrins will get a lot of the boards from Lee. Finally, Lee doesn't block shots. (Yahoo ADP 11)
Gerald Wallace: He was a great draft pick last year since he was going so late, but this year I don't see any I wouldn't pick him for two reasons. One reason is that he is very injury prone. The second reason is that Wallace doesn't have a good PG to give him easy baskets and is not a very good ISO player. (ADP 14
Derrick Rose: Why is this player always taken so early? Fantasy Basketball is not real basketball. He doesn't shoot for high percentages and doesn't shoot 3s. Why do everyone want him on their team? (Yahoo ADP 36, AVG pick 28!?!?)
Darren Collison: His draft day value has sky rocketed the past week to the point is some drafts he is being taken in the third round?!?! He will be good, but he will cost too much if you try to acquire him on draft day. ( Yahoo ADP 47)
If you have any more sleeper picks or players to avoid, don't be afraid to share them :)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Need a Hitter for the Weekend??
In most H2H leagues, the playoffs start next next week. Hopefully you're already safely in, but if you're not, here are some hitters that could give you a boost this weekend:
Priates:
Jose Tabata and Neil Walker: Walker has been a top 15 player the past 2 weeks and both have been top 70 the past month. The pitchers they are facing: John Lannan and Jason Marquis.
Cubs:
Starlin Castro, Fukudome: Both have been hot latley (Fukudome especially) and are facing Pat Mitsch on Saturday
Nationals:
Ian Desmond, Roger Bernandina: Both have been top 100 the past month players and are facing Charlie Morton and Paul Maholm.
So if you need an extra run or RBI and are holding on to disappointing veterans, pick up one of these players ASAP. Also, if you need cheap saves, look no farther than Juan Gutierrez, the new closer in ARI. He has a 1.45 ERA and a WHIP under 1 the past month and always has been better in September than the beginning of the year. Good luck, and hope you make the playoffs. Also, if you need advice, feel free to leave a comment and I'll answer them ASAP.
Priates:
Jose Tabata and Neil Walker: Walker has been a top 15 player the past 2 weeks and both have been top 70 the past month. The pitchers they are facing: John Lannan and Jason Marquis.
Cubs:
Starlin Castro, Fukudome: Both have been hot latley (Fukudome especially) and are facing Pat Mitsch on Saturday
Nationals:
Ian Desmond, Roger Bernandina: Both have been top 100 the past month players and are facing Charlie Morton and Paul Maholm.
So if you need an extra run or RBI and are holding on to disappointing veterans, pick up one of these players ASAP. Also, if you need cheap saves, look no farther than Juan Gutierrez, the new closer in ARI. He has a 1.45 ERA and a WHIP under 1 the past month and always has been better in September than the beginning of the year. Good luck, and hope you make the playoffs. Also, if you need advice, feel free to leave a comment and I'll answer them ASAP.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What I've Learned....
Hopefully you've made the playoffs in your H2H league by now or are doing well in your roto league. If not, there's always next year. Here are some tips to help you win it all next year.
1)Don't pay for saves: K-Rod. Broxton. Qualls. Trevor Hoffman. Saves are too unpredictable to waste a high draft pick on. Who have been the best closers this year? Billy Wagner, Soriano, Bell and Rivera. I'd rather go pick up pitchers like Axford, Gregg, Feliz during the season than overpay for closers like Broxton and K-Rod
2)Draft your infield first: I made this mistake this year when I drafted Matt Kemp and Jacoby Ellsbury with my first two picks. The reason behind this is that there are a lot of good replacement outfielders on the WW while there are far fewer infielders that will help your team.
3)Offense before pitching: I'm sure that people will be drafting Wainwright, Josh Johnson and Ubaldo in the first round of two next year. I'm not. Why?? Just look at Tim Lincecum. People used their first round pick to get him when they could of had players like Ryan Howard, Miggy, Tulo, etc. Pitching is very volatile and you can always find good pitching on the WW. For example C.J. Wilson has been a top 50 player this year, right around where Haren was drafted.
4)Avoid players who only had one good year: I'm not saying that players like Cargo will be bad next year. However, I'd rather draft the player who have been good for years than a player who had a break out season the year before. I'm sure that Ellsbury, Lind, and Aaron Hill owners would agree with me on this point.
If you have any tips that you have learned over the year or draft strategies, feel free to share.
1)Don't pay for saves: K-Rod. Broxton. Qualls. Trevor Hoffman. Saves are too unpredictable to waste a high draft pick on. Who have been the best closers this year? Billy Wagner, Soriano, Bell and Rivera. I'd rather go pick up pitchers like Axford, Gregg, Feliz during the season than overpay for closers like Broxton and K-Rod
2)Draft your infield first: I made this mistake this year when I drafted Matt Kemp and Jacoby Ellsbury with my first two picks. The reason behind this is that there are a lot of good replacement outfielders on the WW while there are far fewer infielders that will help your team.
3)Offense before pitching: I'm sure that people will be drafting Wainwright, Josh Johnson and Ubaldo in the first round of two next year. I'm not. Why?? Just look at Tim Lincecum. People used their first round pick to get him when they could of had players like Ryan Howard, Miggy, Tulo, etc. Pitching is very volatile and you can always find good pitching on the WW. For example C.J. Wilson has been a top 50 player this year, right around where Haren was drafted.
4)Avoid players who only had one good year: I'm not saying that players like Cargo will be bad next year. However, I'd rather draft the player who have been good for years than a player who had a break out season the year before. I'm sure that Ellsbury, Lind, and Aaron Hill owners would agree with me on this point.
If you have any tips that you have learned over the year or draft strategies, feel free to share.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Stretch Run (H2H Leagues)
Hey guys. If you're in a league like mine, the playoffs are only a couple weeks weeks away. In this article I'll give you some pickup tips that will give you the upper hand in your league.
Hopefully you were able to snag a buy low or two at trade deadline. However, if you never all is not lost. Here are some players that I would pick up for the stretch run:
Batters:
Jose Tabata and Coco Crisp: If you just lost Jacoby Ellsbury for the season or just need AVG,Runs and SB, go pick up one of these guys.
Ramon Hernandez: Do you own Bengie Molina or a catcher that's even worst. If so go pick this guy up (at least short term). Did you know in the past month, in a potent Red offense, he has put up a .364 AVG with 3HR and 12 RBI?
Omar Infante: I actually picked this guy up almost a week ago for the struggling Elvis Andrus and he has not disappointed me. He will get a lot of runs, very high AVG, a few SB and even a HR or two. Also, he can be plugged into almost any position, so he is a great bench player to have.
David Murphy: He is ranked 66th the past month. Guess who is ranked 63-65. Robinson Cano, Carl Crawford and Carlos Lee. He has been a 5 tool player the past month and should get plenty of playing time as long as Nelson Cruz is out.
Pitchers:
I don't value pitching as much as hitting since you can usually finally good pitchers who have great match ups on the WW (for example Neise @Pit today). So instead I'm going to give you some relievers that can help your team. Here are some guys I would pick up:
Brandon Lyon: Need saves? Go get him, he is the new closer in Houston with Lindstrom gone to the DL.
Ryan Madson: Over the past month, he has a 0.55ERA and a 0.73WHIP. If you still own a reliever like Clippard, drop him and pick Madson up.
Matt Belisie: Here's another reliever who can help out with ERA and WHIP. Over the past month he has a 0.50 ERA an a 0.89 WHIP
If you're like me and fighting for a playoff seed, you are going to have to take chances. Me? I just picked up Lyon, Crisp and Infante and have not looked back. It's not the name, it's the numbers that count.
Oh, and if you need more help, go to http://www.fantasysportsthief.com/.
Hopefully you were able to snag a buy low or two at trade deadline. However, if you never all is not lost. Here are some players that I would pick up for the stretch run:
Batters:
Jose Tabata and Coco Crisp: If you just lost Jacoby Ellsbury for the season or just need AVG,Runs and SB, go pick up one of these guys.
Ramon Hernandez: Do you own Bengie Molina or a catcher that's even worst. If so go pick this guy up (at least short term). Did you know in the past month, in a potent Red offense, he has put up a .364 AVG with 3HR and 12 RBI?
Omar Infante: I actually picked this guy up almost a week ago for the struggling Elvis Andrus and he has not disappointed me. He will get a lot of runs, very high AVG, a few SB and even a HR or two. Also, he can be plugged into almost any position, so he is a great bench player to have.
David Murphy: He is ranked 66th the past month. Guess who is ranked 63-65. Robinson Cano, Carl Crawford and Carlos Lee. He has been a 5 tool player the past month and should get plenty of playing time as long as Nelson Cruz is out.
Pitchers:
I don't value pitching as much as hitting since you can usually finally good pitchers who have great match ups on the WW (for example Neise @Pit today). So instead I'm going to give you some relievers that can help your team. Here are some guys I would pick up:
Brandon Lyon: Need saves? Go get him, he is the new closer in Houston with Lindstrom gone to the DL.
Ryan Madson: Over the past month, he has a 0.55ERA and a 0.73WHIP. If you still own a reliever like Clippard, drop him and pick Madson up.
Matt Belisie: Here's another reliever who can help out with ERA and WHIP. Over the past month he has a 0.50 ERA an a 0.89 WHIP
If you're like me and fighting for a playoff seed, you are going to have to take chances. Me? I just picked up Lyon, Crisp and Infante and have not looked back. It's not the name, it's the numbers that count.
Oh, and if you need more help, go to http://www.fantasysportsthief.com/.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Need a spot starter??
Here are some possible spot start options for tomorrow (Tuesday):
Randy Wells vs. SD (vs. Garland)
Bonson Arroyo @Ari (vs. Daniel Hudson)
Daniel Hudson vs.Cin (vs. Bronson Arroyo
Kevin Millwood vs. Sea (vs. Luke French)
Dallas Braden vs. Tor (vs. Brandon Morrow)
Mike Minor vs. Was (vs. Scott Olsen)
-Randy Wells has a 4.17 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP at home this season
-Bronson Arroyo has a 4.37 ERA at home, but on the road his ERA drops to 3.53 with a 1.07 WHIP
-Hudson and Minor are both promising rookies, but are you ready to trust them with playoffs only a couple of weeks away??
-Millwood has been pretty awful this year, but he is facing Luke French and Sea
-Braden is coming off a complete game gem, but he is facing a red hot Blue Jays offense
If I had to pick, I would pick Bronson Arroyo because
-his numbers are way better on the road
-has always been a second half pitcher
-He has the best chance for the win
What do you think??
Randy Wells vs. SD (vs. Garland)
Bonson Arroyo @Ari (vs. Daniel Hudson)
Daniel Hudson vs.Cin (vs. Bronson Arroyo
Kevin Millwood vs. Sea (vs. Luke French)
Dallas Braden vs. Tor (vs. Brandon Morrow)
Mike Minor vs. Was (vs. Scott Olsen)
-Randy Wells has a 4.17 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP at home this season
-Bronson Arroyo has a 4.37 ERA at home, but on the road his ERA drops to 3.53 with a 1.07 WHIP
-Hudson and Minor are both promising rookies, but are you ready to trust them with playoffs only a couple of weeks away??
-Millwood has been pretty awful this year, but he is facing Luke French and Sea
-Braden is coming off a complete game gem, but he is facing a red hot Blue Jays offense
If I had to pick, I would pick Bronson Arroyo because
-his numbers are way better on the road
-has always been a second half pitcher
-He has the best chance for the win
What do you think??
Saturday, August 14, 2010
First Post
Hey guys. First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to this site. I'll be covering both fantasy baseball and basketball (sorry no football). I'll be covering waiver pickups, good buy lows and sell highs, drafting, etc. In other words everything that you need to know to be able to win your league this year! On to the post..
In most yahoo leagues, the trade deadline is this Sunday. Here are some players to target (and to avoid)
Ryan Howard: I just traded Aubrey Huff and Bobby Abreu for him. That's right, Aubrey Huff. This guy is one of the best home run hitters in the league, and possibly could win you the league if you can get him.
Jimmy Rollins: Rollins has been horrible, but do you really expect him to hit less than .250 for the rest of the season. And once Utley and Howard come back (which is soon), expect A LOT of runs.
Adam Lind and Aaron Hill: I started with two Phillies and now I'll talk about two Blue Jays. If Lind is in your WW, ADD HIM. Both have been hitting the ball hard and look more confortable at the plate. Lind might soon be eligible for first base as well.
Bobby Abreu: It's amazing how people undervalue him. This dude almost has identical numbers as Matt Kemp!!! He's a .300 hitter hitting .260. Let's move on.
Matt Kemp: I must admit I'm a bit worried. But while his value is so low, how could you say no? All of his numbers are good, except average. Go get him!
Elvis Andrus: The guy has no power and his SB have gone down, but I still like him as a .290 hitter with a lot of runs. You certainly could do worst.
Evan Longoria: I know he has been struggling, but do you really think that this will continue? Buy low on him with confidence.
A-Rod: Even though the SB have disappeared, he will still get a lot of RBI,HR,R and his AVG should increase.
Avoid:
Jason Bay: He'll be a good draft pick next year if you can get him cheap enough, but for this year I'll stay away. Concussions are a tricky injury. If you have a DL spot, I'd say keep him but I don't see him being productive any more this year.
Sell High:
Casey McGehee: Haven't we seen this before? This guy is hitting in a great spot in the lineup and is 2B/3B eligible, but is prone to cold streaks (the past month and a half) and hot streaks (right now). Do you want to take a chance that he goes on a cold streak during the playoffs.
Tim Hudson: He's good but he is NOT a top 20 fantasy player.
Dan Uggla: .284 avg?? Dan Uggla? Maybe, but I'd rather have Pedroia down the stretch.
Aubrey Huff: He will produce for the rest of the year, but he will not hit many more HRs. You probably got him off the WW, and I'd cash in on him now.
Also, do you need a spot starter tomorrow: If so, check this out:
Kevin Slowey vs. Oak (vs. Mazzaro)
A.J. Burnett @KC (vs. Bullington)
J.A. Happ vs. Pit (vs.Karstens)
Vincente Padilla @Atl (vs. Mike Minor)
Justin Masterson vs. Sea
Dice-K @Tex (vs. C.J. Wilson)
C.J Wilson vs. Bos (vs.Dice K)
Anibal Sanchez @ Cin (vs. Homer Bailey)
-Slowey has a 3.73 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP at home
-J.A. Happ splits doesn't help much, but is facing a bad team with a poor offense
-Wilson has a 3.29 ERA at home, and is facing an offense without Pedroia, Youkilis and maybe Ellsbury (why did I draft him grrr....)
-Burnett ERA jumps to 5.35 and 1.53 WHIP on the road, but he is facing a KC offense that has been gutted by injuries and trades.
-Padillia is definately a home pitcher as his ERA is 5.14 on the road
Lots of intriguing options, but I don't think you can go wrong with Slowey. If you're a gambler and need ks, go with Burnett. Good luck. As well, if you have any questions, just leave a comment and I'll answer them all.
Also check out: fantasysportsthief.com, great site which I have found very helpful.
In most yahoo leagues, the trade deadline is this Sunday. Here are some players to target (and to avoid)
Ryan Howard: I just traded Aubrey Huff and Bobby Abreu for him. That's right, Aubrey Huff. This guy is one of the best home run hitters in the league, and possibly could win you the league if you can get him.
Jimmy Rollins: Rollins has been horrible, but do you really expect him to hit less than .250 for the rest of the season. And once Utley and Howard come back (which is soon), expect A LOT of runs.
Adam Lind and Aaron Hill: I started with two Phillies and now I'll talk about two Blue Jays. If Lind is in your WW, ADD HIM. Both have been hitting the ball hard and look more confortable at the plate. Lind might soon be eligible for first base as well.
Bobby Abreu: It's amazing how people undervalue him. This dude almost has identical numbers as Matt Kemp!!! He's a .300 hitter hitting .260. Let's move on.
Matt Kemp: I must admit I'm a bit worried. But while his value is so low, how could you say no? All of his numbers are good, except average. Go get him!
Elvis Andrus: The guy has no power and his SB have gone down, but I still like him as a .290 hitter with a lot of runs. You certainly could do worst.
Evan Longoria: I know he has been struggling, but do you really think that this will continue? Buy low on him with confidence.
A-Rod: Even though the SB have disappeared, he will still get a lot of RBI,HR,R and his AVG should increase.
Avoid:
Jason Bay: He'll be a good draft pick next year if you can get him cheap enough, but for this year I'll stay away. Concussions are a tricky injury. If you have a DL spot, I'd say keep him but I don't see him being productive any more this year.
Sell High:
Casey McGehee: Haven't we seen this before? This guy is hitting in a great spot in the lineup and is 2B/3B eligible, but is prone to cold streaks (the past month and a half) and hot streaks (right now). Do you want to take a chance that he goes on a cold streak during the playoffs.
Tim Hudson: He's good but he is NOT a top 20 fantasy player.
Dan Uggla: .284 avg?? Dan Uggla? Maybe, but I'd rather have Pedroia down the stretch.
Aubrey Huff: He will produce for the rest of the year, but he will not hit many more HRs. You probably got him off the WW, and I'd cash in on him now.
Also, do you need a spot starter tomorrow: If so, check this out:
Kevin Slowey vs. Oak (vs. Mazzaro)
A.J. Burnett @KC (vs. Bullington)
J.A. Happ vs. Pit (vs.Karstens)
Vincente Padilla @Atl (vs. Mike Minor)
Justin Masterson vs. Sea
Dice-K @Tex (vs. C.J. Wilson)
C.J Wilson vs. Bos (vs.Dice K)
Anibal Sanchez @ Cin (vs. Homer Bailey)
-Slowey has a 3.73 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP at home
-J.A. Happ splits doesn't help much, but is facing a bad team with a poor offense
-Wilson has a 3.29 ERA at home, and is facing an offense without Pedroia, Youkilis and maybe Ellsbury (why did I draft him grrr....)
-Burnett ERA jumps to 5.35 and 1.53 WHIP on the road, but he is facing a KC offense that has been gutted by injuries and trades.
-Padillia is definately a home pitcher as his ERA is 5.14 on the road
Lots of intriguing options, but I don't think you can go wrong with Slowey. If you're a gambler and need ks, go with Burnett. Good luck. As well, if you have any questions, just leave a comment and I'll answer them all.
Also check out: fantasysportsthief.com, great site which I have found very helpful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)