Today I'm unveiling a new weekly spot for the site with my weekly fantasy sports advice column. With the NBA and NHL starting up their playoffs, (and who really cares about their respective fantasy leagues anyway) I'll focus on baseball. Some slow starts by some big names have owners worried, so for week one I'll take a look at a few of the big name guys you should be patient with and the ones you should deal while you can.
Any day now:
Brandon Phillips, Reds 2B- One of the top 2B available and a must-start guy in all formats. He's well below the Mendoza line after another terrible day from the plate on Monday, but he's a legit 20-20 guy and should still be considered an elite 2B talent.
David Ortiz, Red Sox 1B/DH- Ortiz started to emerge from his slump with a strong outing in the Red Sox convincing win earlier today. His inability to drive the ball has caused concern in Beantown, but manager Terry Francona was encouraged by a new dent put in the Green Monster by his cleanup hitter in today's game. While his days of 35/120 may be behind him, I'd be surprised if he didn't chase 30/100.
Just need a little time to clear their heads:
Chien Ming-Wang, Yankees, SP- Call me crazy, but I don't believe Wang has forgotten how to pitch. This is a guy who combined for 38 wins in 2006 and 2007. The injury he suffered last year is not a red flag for a pitcher (shoulder/elbow), but a freak foot problem. My only concern is whether it's still affecting his ability to plant his foot. Although Wang didn't want to miss a start, the Yankees will skip his turn in the rotation this weekend. I expect he'll regain his form within the next couple weeks.
Cole Hamels, Phillies, SP- The reigning MVP of the World Series has struggled in his first two outings after having his Opening Day start pushed back due to elbow concerns. Many pundits suggest his rapid increase in innings a year ago will cause the Phillies ace to take a step back or possibly miss some time. I don't see it happening. His stuff is too good for prolonged struggles and he'll be a force in the not too distant future.
Cut 'em loose:
Hideki Matsui, Yankees DH/OF- It pains me to include a Yankee on this list, but Godzilla does not appear to be fully healed from his knee problems. He's unable to put weight on his leg and has been swinging only with his upper half. Matsui consistently is stepping out of the box and is not driving the ball to any part of the field. The Yankees will have to give him more rest and it is highly unlikely he matches the production anyone expected of him this year.
Pat Burrell, Rays, DH/OF- A 30 HR machine for years as a Phillie, the switch to the AL has been unkind to the often over-looked Burrell. He's advancing in age and it shows. One encouraging thing for Burrell owners is that he should benefit from the hot starts of Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. As pitchers start to get more careful with the two Rays sluggers ahead of him, Burrell should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. The RBI's may come as a result of opportunity, but it's hard to imagine him matching his HR productivity of recent years.
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