Pujols Wants Manny

One of the most feared hitters in the game today wants Manny Ramirez to protect him in the lineup. King Albert is trying to convince ownership to try to sign free agent Manny Ramirez. What kind of lineup would this be. St. Louis would have a legit shot at playing on the same level of the Cubs and their superstar pitching staff that they are putting together. Not sure if Pujols can get the big wheels to do this kind of wheeling and dealing, but word also has that Manny might back off his demand for a long term deal. Not sure he was going to get the long term contract anyway, so this might be the best option for this slugger.

What does this do to Albert Pujols fantasy value.....If you don't realize how big this would be, well we might find a spot open for you in our up coming fantasy draft.

Are you guys ready for some BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peavy to Cubbies back on??

Peavey to the Cubs talk is back on due to the sale of the Cubs. This Cubs pitching rotation with Peavy would be rediculous.

With Peavy: All 5 starters would be fantasy studs.

Peavy
Zambrano
Harden
Lilly
Dempster

Injuries to watch during Spring Training

There are some big named players who've had surgery in recent months that you'll have to watch closely before your draft day.

Albert Pujols: Well, maybe not. He played all season with the elbow issue last year and was the NL MVP. It will be worth watching if the repaired elbow gives him any trouble.

BJ Upton: He finally got the shoulder patched up that plagued his fantasy value all of 2008. Apparently it didn't bother him too much in the playoffs though. He'll be taking it slow in the spring.

Chase Utley: After tearing up pitching in the 1st half of 2008, his hip slowed him down big time in the 2nd half. He's had it worked on so we'll have to see how the power stroke looks in the spring.

Joe Mauer: Looks like he'll be ready for spring. His repair work shouldn't be a problem but it's worth watching.

Rich Harden: Harden won't pitch in the WBC because of another shoulder surgery. He's hurt more than he's healthy so maybe this time off will help Hardin. He's a 5 to 6 inning pitcher b/c of his injury woes.

Erik Bedard: After being a top 5 fantasy pitcher in 07, we'll see if the doctors have repaired what made him a fantasy non-factor in 08.

Manny Being Manny Makes Me Sick!

I really dislike Manny Rameriz. I've never nor will I ever have him on my fantasy team and I'm thankful he'll never be a Red. This guy is asking for $25 million per year for at least 4 years. That's a joke. First, nobody, including A-Rod is worth 25 mill. At least A-Rod plays defense. Manny is a complete liability in the outfield. He couldn't catch a cold and he hustles like a 100 year old woman. Just because this guy finally decided to show some fire after he was traded to the Dodgers, he thinks he deserves this kind of money......GET REAL. Manny has always been a dangerous hitter. The problem is that he doesn't really care. Any time he's had a chance to take a day off, or pretend he's injured, he's taken full advantage. Of his 15 Major League Seasons, Manny has played more than 150 games only 7 times. That sucks and so does Manny. Good luck with $25 million Man-Ram. I wouldn't doubt see this guy sit at home next season because he won't get the money he THINKS he deserves.

Chicago Cubs Sold

I thought that 900 million was a very high price for a baseball franchise, then I thought, is the Chicago Cubs worth even LESS than a baseball stadium. The new Yankee Stadium cost well over a billion, I think closer to 1.5 billion. Which of these prices are more mind boggling. I guess I am going to have to say Yankee Stadium is. Anytime you can buy a franchise's complete package for less than the price of the place you need to play the game. I am really looking forward to seeing this cathedral to the game, when the economy is better.

New Cubs owner John Ricketts must still have deep pockets to shell out this kind of cash when the economy is in such shambles. Word is prices are going to be very steep at Wrigley this summer. Is this the right time to go crazy on the fans who are struggling to make it.

The Cubs are still not out of the Jake Peavy sweepstakes either. Peavy can pitch anywhere for sure, but mistakes will bite harder at Wrigley than at spacious Petco Park. Will it effect his fantasy value, maybe not as much as a trip to either of these two aforementioned ballparks might effect your wallet.

The McGwire Family Secret

OK, another tell all book about someone giving up someone else. This time it's a brother giving up his own brother. But these two brothers don't even speak anymore either. I'm guessing this will make Christmas dinner even more joyful, maybe will see more July fireworks as well. Ever heard about Roid Rage!!!

Mark's brother Jay writes in his new book that he gave Mark his first performance enhancing drugs in 1994. He says they started this with real low doses. He also stated that Mark just couldn't give it to himself, so he decided to help big brother.

The book, 'The McGwire Family Secret' is being shopped around New York publishers right now. So far no one has agreed to publish it. Jay McGwire said he needed to write the book to clear his conscious. Do you think it has anything to do with his bank balance as well. Not sure who is looking the worse here. Mark says he has never done performance-enhancing drugs, but also refused to testify before Congress in 2005. Or is it the disgruntled brother giving up his own blood for money. Mark hasn't been very public sense leaving baseball and I haven't heard him comment on this book deal as of yet. Stay tuned and it isn't even Spring Training yet!!!!!!!!!

Jeff Kent Retires-Fantasy Hall of Famer

I think there's a chance we'll see Jeff Kent in Baseball's Hall of Fame someday because he's baseball's all time leading home run hitter for a second baseman. One thing for sure, he's in the Fantasy Baseball Hall of Fame as he announces his retirement today. Kent was a career .290 hitter with 377 homers, 1,518 RBI, and is #20 on baseball's all time list with 560 doubles. He was a league MVP, won 5 Silver Slugger Awards, and was a 5 time all-star. Kent at 4246 total bases on 2461 hits. Thanks for many great fantasy years Jeff. You're in my the WOFantasy Baseball Hall of Fame.

Looking Back: My 2008 preview, the Good and Dumb

OK, I've spent some time looking over my 2008 preview. I had some good advice and some really dumb advice too. Here's a few that stuck out:

Dumb: Ryan Braun (Brewers) I'm scared of him. There's a possible move to the outfield which may make him the next Casey Blake.

Good: Aaron Rowand (Giants) Moving from a hitters park in Philly to a "Giant" park won't help. He's coming off a contract year. Stay away!

Good: Robinson Cano (Yanks) After a contract extension.........who knows.

Dumb: I don't have Albert Pujols included because I'm big time worried about his elbow. I think you're taking a big chance if you take him too early. It's something to watch closely through Spring Training.

Good: Ian Kinlser (Rangers) Kinsler may go 30/30 in 2008. You've got to think with their lineup, he'll bat anywhere 1 to 5. His K:BB ratio is really good. His 3rd year in the league will be a big one.

Good: Chipper Jones (Braves) You can't leave Chipper out. He dominated last year staying mostly healthy batting .337/29/102. He doesn't have Andruw behind him this year to bat .220 and strikeout a million times. If he stays healthy, he might even improve on last year's totals.

Really Dumb: Rich Hill (Cubs) Hill was only 11-8 in his first full season. The Cubs are better adn he'll get 200 Ks in 2008. 183 Ks in 195 innings/1.19 WHIP/3.92 ERA

Good: Geovany Soto (Cubs) PCL MVP and came up with the Cubbies and tore it up at .389. Take a chance on this young guy.

Good: Joe Mauer (Twins) Injury limited him last year batting only .293 after winning the batting title in 2006. Only 7 homers is scary but he doesn't strikeout. I expect him to comeback big in 08. He's in front of McCann b/c of place in the batting order and runs.

Kind of Funny: Jose Reyes 3.73 (Mets) .280/12/57 in 2007. Jose swiped 78 bases and scored 119 runs. Reyes also had 36 doubles and 12 triples. He got caught stealing 21 times. He does need to work on that. What I like most about Jose is his SO/BB ratio at 78/77. What I don't like about Jose is his sissy outfit and man-purse when I saw him at the all-star parade in Pittsburgh two years ago.

Pujols Healthy in 2009

Albert Pujols is apparently totally healthy heading into 2009. That's scary after the numbers he put up in 2008. Pujols finally had his elbow surjury right after the season and says he hasn't used it much at all in the off-season. It should be worth watching through spring training to see if any problems with the surgury crop up but he should be a no doubter #1 pick in every draft this season.

2010 Free-Agents

It's always important to take a close look to the soon to be free agents before analyzing the upcoming fantasy season. Here are some notibles (in no particular order) for 2010 looking to put up big numbers to cash in for big dollars!

1. Carlos Delgado: He's too old for it to matter.


2. Brian Roberts: Look for him to be dealt before the trade deadline. Another big season coming.


3. Miguel Tejada


4. Khalil Greene


5. Adrian Beltre


6. Chone Figgins


7. Chipper Jones: See Delgado


8. Jason Bay


9. Matt Holiday: Your big $ went down the tube on the way to OakTown.


10. Johnny Damon


11. Rick Ankiel


12. Andrew Jones: Looking to follow up a sub .200 average. Good luck Andruw. The Dodgers just paid $22 million for you to leave!


13. Brian Giles


14. Vlad: He'll go big in 09.


15. Xavier Nady


16. Hideki Matsui


17. Erik Bedard


18. John Lackey


19. Brett Myers


20. Rich Harden: stay healthy Rich and you'll cash in big time.

Michael Young Accepts Move to 3rd

Interesting. Perrinial All-Star Michael Young has decided to accept a move to 3rd base to make room for the Rangers big SS prospect. He has also rescended his trade demands. This will weaken the fantasy MI that much more.

Soph Slumps? Soph Studs?

Last season, the rookies of the year was Geovanny Soto and Evan Longoria. Other high vote getters included the Reds' Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Edison Volquez, Jair Jurrjens from Hotlanta, and Fukodome. On the AL side, Alexi Rameriz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Aviles, and Armando Galarraga, and Denard Span followed Longoria.

The 2007 winners were Dustin Pedroia and Ryan Braun. Braun edged out Troy Tulowizki, Hunter Pence, and Chris Young. Braun had a great Soph season but the other three were pretty average. Well below average in fantasy terms. Delmon Young, Brian Bannister, and Daisuke Matsuzaka followed Pedroia on the AL side. Young is a non fantasy factor. I don't think we have to even talk about Bannister, and Dice K is was a 2008 walk machine but found ways to escape and get Ws. I don't know if it was a year for Soph slumps, it was just a lousy rookie class when you got past Pedroia and Braun.

This year's 2nd year players should prove out to be some fantasy studs. Longoria is a can't miss. Bruce and Votto are going to bat in 2 of the first three spots in the order for the Reds. It's their time to take off this season. I'd be surprised if Volquez can match his 2008 campaign. He'll be a top notch fantasy pitcher still though. I don't know if Soto's average will keep up but he's obviously a very good hitter. On the AL side, I love Denard Span and Alexi Rameriz. You're always looking for middle infield fantasy help and those two will provide it.

Michael Young....On The Move ???

There seems to be some noise down Texas way that has Michael Young asking the Rangers to be traded. All of this is over the club asking him to accept a move from shortstop to third base. Young has given the club a small number of teams he would waive his no trade clause to go to. Young would not disclose the teams he would waive the no trade clause for. Third base isn't an easy move and Michael did just win his first Glove Glove award at shortstop, so in his terms why risk this kind of move.

Michael Young has always been a very good player and one that I myself try to get on my fantasy team. Does this move, if it happens, mess with his fantasy numbers. Does it mess with his head. Hey they are paying him sixteen million a year, maybe the team should have some say in where he plays. Young is signed for the next five years, and that's a whole lot of cash coming his way no matter who or where he plays.

All of this is in response to the Rangers wanting prospect Elvis Andrus to be their shortstop very soon. The Rangers want this to happen sooner rather than later so as to not disrupt things mid season. They are thinking Young could learn third base during spring training and be ready to go at the start of the season. There seems to be no discussion here just team demands.

Does Michael Young end up in another club house very soon. Do we see a New York home coming in his future. He did already play second base and could make this move fairly easy. I have heard rumors that New York isn't in love with Robinson Cano. What does this do to his fantasy value. I know one thing if he stays in Texas and is forced to play third base, how do we expect the same numbers from him as usual.

Henderson and Rice Elected to Hall of Fame

Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice were elected to Baseballs Hall of Fame today. Rickey is baseball's all time steals leader and made it on his first ballot. Jim Rice was actually in his final year of eligibility.

Rickey Henderson got over 94% of the vote cast by the Baseball Writers. Of the 539 votes cast Ricky was named on 511 of them. Jim Rice was named on 412 of the 539 cast and passed the seventy five percent required by seven votes.

Rickey was the all time steals leader and also the all time runs leaders and banged out over 3,000 hits as well. The 1990 AL MVP also won World Series titles with the Oakland A's in 1989 and added another one in 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays. His single season stolen base record of 130 in 1982 may never be broke. He also led off 81 games by smashing home runs, that's an amazing stat.

Jim Rice is on the four letter network as I write this and he is saying one of the reasons it took him so long to get elected was because he ran his mouth too much. Take that for what it's worth. Rice played sixteen years in Boston and had pretty good stats, you be the judge if they are Hall of Fame stats......382 career home runs.......1451career RBIs.....2452 career hits these are very good numbers are they Hall of Fame numbers.......what do you think.

How many players from the 1975 World Series can you name that are in the Hall of Fame......I can one that should be in there.....PETER EDWARD ROSE

Starting my Championship 09 Team

If I could start with any three position players this season, I'd definitely start my fantasy team with Pujols, Pedroia, and Mauer. Even though two of these guys are MVPs, I think you could realistically get these three guys in the first three rounds of your 09 draft. You get these three guys in rounds 1,2,3 and you can sit back, relax, and pound cool ones the rest of the draft.
Pujols: I marked this guy off my draft board last year because all of the elbow speculation. .356/37/115 and 43 doubles. Walked 49 more times than he struck out. . He went 9th in our 2009 draft if I remember correctly. That won't happen again.
Pedroia: .326/17/83 and 54 2-baggers. You know I love the 52BB/50K more than anything. Throw in 20 steals and 118 runs. Expect more of the same from this spark plug this season.
Mauer: After a couple of injury plauged years, Mauer waws back at it. .328/9/81 and well over a .400 OBP from the catching position is alright with me. Getting on base and hitting in front of Morneau produced nearly 100 runs. He also walked 34 more times than he struck out. Joe never hurts you.
Good drafting! Best day of the fantasy year.

It's Time to Start Thinking Fantasy Baseball!

Pitchers and Catchers report in a little over a month! Player notes and rankings coming soon. RoseFan and I are ready to dominate all of our leagues yet again this season!