By Jeremy Tiermini
Unlike past seasons, second base is fairly deep for mixed league players. Even beyond the top players like Chase Utley and Ian Kinsler, there are productive bats that can help fuel a contending fantasy team. In fact, you’ll find as much power here as you will at shortstop or third base. [click to continue…]
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By Thom Henninger
In 2009 with Arizona, Max Scherzer’s walk rate dipped markedly after the All-Star break, a positive development for the hard-throwing right-hander, who was 9-11 with a 4.12 ERA in his first full season in the majors. He struggled with the longball, however, after a promising first half.
Although he’s still inefficient in the number of pitches he throws per batter, the 25-year-old Scherzer should get some help in the home-run department in 2010 after being dealt from Arizona to Detroit.
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Over on www.fantasybaseball.com, HC’s Jeremy Tiermini breaks down two of the American League’s more potent top-of-the-lineup threats. Given their projections and average draft position, who would you rather have, Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford or Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury? Check out Jeremy’s comparison here.
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By James Bailey
Sometimes the best addition on a contending team is someone who was there all along. Players that can bounce back from injuries or otherwise disappointing efforts in 2009 will have a lot of say in this year’s races. We will take a look at some comeback candidates around both leagues, starting with the American League East. [click to continue…]
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By Thom Henninger
Minnesota outfielder Delmon Young has a history of being a better hitter in the second half, and that trend continued in 2009, when he hit .300-9-35 and slugged .502 in 52 games after the All-Star break. The difference last season, however, was a post-break power surge in which he turned on pitches for home runs more frequently. That’s a promising development for Young, a former first-overall pick who has been slow to develop as a power threat.
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By James Bailey
What makes a good manager? It’s a lot more than knowing when to bunt or double-switch. Chris Jaffe recognized this well before undertaking what became “Evaluating Baseball’s Managers.” Jaffe, who writes for the Hardball Times, grappled with how to quantify the softer, but essential, skills that fans don’t see every night at the ballpark. Communication, self-awareness, the ability to prioritize—in short, many of the same skills that make a good boss in any workplace. [click to continue…]
By Thom Henninger
One of the game’s top breakout candidates a year ago enjoys the same status heading into the 2010 season, though he may be on the draft-day radar of fewer fantasy owners this spring. His 2009 performance on the field has less to do with that than conditions beyond his control off it.
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By Jeremy Tiermini
Abbott and Costello famously asked “Who’s on first?” For the 2010 fantasy baseball season the answer is EVERYONE. First base is an exceptionally deep position this season; when I took a first look at the players I counted at least 20 1B-eligible players that could hit 30 HR this season. Mixed league and NL-only league owners should have no trouble drafting a solid player at many points in the draft; AL-only leagues will have a shallower 1B pool. [click to continue…]
By James Bailey
Stephen Strasburg and Jason Heyward will garner a lot of attention this spring as they head an exciting 2010 rookie class. Toss in Pedro Alvarez, Buster Posey and Brian Matusz and you’ve got yourself a great race. There’s another group of young players, however, that bears watching. These are the non-rookies, guys who used up their eligibility in 2009, but just barely. [click to continue…]
By Thom Henninger
A new season means a new rookie class, but when it comes to young players stepping up and making a significant contribution, it’s usually those with at least a few hundred plate appearances or innings pitched who provide a payoff.
A few of 2009’s top rookies are legitimate breakout candidates this spring, as are a host of other young veterans who have needed more time to cash in on their hard work. A relative unknown who may break through in 2010 is reliever Brandon League, who spent parts of six seasons with the Blue Jays before he was dealt to Seattle in December.
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