This was an interesting week; it featured the promotion of two future stars Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. They both possess immediate fantasy value. Trout is a solid all-around player with speed, while Harper is known for his tape measure power. In keeper leagues their value is even greater as they are considered can’t miss prospects.
Yu Darvish impressed me with his 10 strikeout zero run effort versus the Yankees. He was able to work out of tight situations; in the 3rd he loaded the bases and escaped by striking out Curtis Granderson looking then getting Alex Rodriguez to ground into a double play. He featured a 93MPH fastball with late movement, a slow curve which he spotted for strikes, and a changeup that was effective against left-handed hitters. He moves the ball up and down, in and out, and lives on the edges of the strike zone.
Adrian Beltre returned to the Rangers this week with no restrictions and picked up where he left off. He’s started at third base the past 4 games after suffering a minor hamstring injury and went 6-16 with 2HR/6RBI’s. Beltre is a MVP candidate for Texas.
It appears Carl Crawford will be out for an extended period of time. He visited with Dr. Andrews and will reportedly be out at least 3 months. He had been taking batting practice for the Red Sox, but was unable to throw the ball. It is never a good sign when a player visits Dr. Andrews and you have to seriously consider Crawford’s season is in jeopardy.
Marlon Byrd’s career seems to be rejuvenated after being traded to the Red Sox. He struggled mightily for Cubs but has produced as a member of the Sox. With Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury missing significant time Byrd has found a regular lineup spot and has produced at least a hit in every contest.
The Red Sox have two interesting starting pitching candidates in their minor-league system in Daisuke Matsuzaka and Aaron Cook. Dice K is almost back after suffering Tommy John surgery, and veteran Aaron Cook has been pitching effectively for AAA Pawtucket. Cook has a contract clause which specifies he can opt out if he is not promoted to the big leagues by May 1st. This situation needs monitoring; will the Red Sox bring up Cook and place Daniel Bard in the bullpen?
Jon Jay returned from injury to the Cardinals outfield and produced immediately. He has been batting 2nd in a productive lineup and merits a roster spot in deeper leagues.
Who’s Hot
Aramis Ramirez (3B) Milwaukee Brewers
Desmond Jennings (OF) Tampa Bay Rays
Carlos Gonzalez (OF) Colorado Rockies
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C) Boston Red Sox
Luke Hochevar (SP) Kansas City Royals
Billy Butler (1B) Kansas City Royals
David Ortiz (DH) Boston Red Sox
Jay Bruce (OF) Cincinnati Reds
José Altuve (2B) Houston Astros
Brandon Morrow (SP) Toronto Blue Jays
Wandy Rodriguez (SP) Houston Astros
Alfredo Aceves (RP) Boston Red Sox
Who’s Not
Albert Pujols (1B) L.A. Angels
José Reyes (SS) Miami Marlins
Mark Teixeira (1B) N.Y. Yankees
Giancarlo Stanton (OF) Miami Marlins
Nelson Cruz (OF) Texas Rangers
Yovani Gallardo (SP) Milwaukee Brewers
Heath Bell (RP) Miami Marlins
Jordan Walden (RP) L.A. Angels
Shaun Marcum (SP) Milwaukee Brewers
By PDGACO GaballaLoans