Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickup Alert: J.P. Arencibia (C)

Power hitting catchers are always a nice commodity. Tonight in his first major league, J.P. Arencibia lived up to his minor league power numbers by launching 2 home runs. He may or may not have a playing time issue, but if you have roster room can you afford not to take a gamble?

2010 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings: Part 2

In part 1 of the Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings for 2010 we showed what the most reputable websites had as the consensus rankings. Then I went over what actually happened in a mock draft I took part in. I can’t stress enough how important taking part in a mock draft can do for your preparation. You get an idea of what other fantasy managers are targeting. Who is being reached for and who is being passed over. Now based on the consensus rankings, and the mock draft results, I am going to go through them round by round, when each player will most likely be available. I’ll comment on who I am going to target, why and why I pass on others. These are just my strategies for this year, so take them with a grain of salt but I hope they help you. Remember this is based on a 14 team league. 10 team leagues will allow players to drop to the later rounds obviously.

The first round I will not comment on because I would take any of these top tier quarterbacks after pick 6 or 7, depending on who fell to those picks. If you are in a league where passing touchdowns are worth 6 points, you really should draft one of the top quarterbacks after missing out on the top running backs. If you check the fantasy points over the last few years you will find Brees, Rodgers, Manning, etc. were easily in the top 10 of all fantasy scoring in those type leagues. Don’t pass them up for a lesser fantasy point contributor like a 2nd tier running back.

Round 1

1. Aaron Rodgers – GB: Any of these three can be the backbone to a championship season.
2. Drew Brees – NO
3. Peyton Manning – Ind

Round 2 – There are still some great Quarterbacks on the table, but with the top three off the board it might be wiser to draft an elite WR or another RB that can set you apart from the rest, while still having options at QB that are desirable. Here I will target one or two guys if I am drafting near or at the turn of round 2 since I will have a couple of picks close together.

1. Tom Brady – NE: I take a gamble on Brady returning to Brady-esque form now that his leg issues are behind him. Again, if i’m near the turn

Round 3 - No need to panic, still a handful of great Quarterback options. Remember to check your cheat sheet and pick that will guarantee you the most points. If it’s a Quarterback, great if not so problem take that play then.

1. Tony Romo – Dal: Dez Bryant will add an element Tony hasn’t had since T.O.
2. Matt Schaub – Hou: Him and Johnson just keep lighting up offenses.

Round 4

1. Brett Favre – Min: Risky pick. Does he play, if so when? If he does play..he is a good pick for late round 4, steal in round 5…again if plays. I won’t be targeting, unless I hear definite news.
2. Philip Rivers – SD: I pass on Rivers. I see SD turning to the run a little bit more. Rivers will still be good, just not round 3 good when I can grab a stellar WR or add depth to my running game.
3. Kevin Kolb – Phi: I have no doubt Kolb will be great this season, but it’s not been proven just yet. Likely some other manager is going to reach on him. Let it go. You can get Eli Manning or Joe Flacco later with same numbers.

Round 5 – If I don’t have a late pick in round 4 or early one in round 5, I probably draft Eli or Flacco.

1. Eli Manning – NYG: Poised for a repeat or better of his 2009 breakout season. His receivers will be better, and more importantly the run game will be back.
2. Joe Flacco – Bal: Fantasy pundits are all over this guy, so why not. With Anquan Boldin, I like his chances.
3. Jay Cutler – Chi: Pass…I have no faith. What more can I say. He was great in Denver with Marshall. He should have been quiet and stayed.

Round 6 and 7 – Most everyone has taken their starting Quarterback by now and if you haven’t, well don;t waste it now on Matt Ryan.

1. Matt Ryan – Atl: Solid pick, nothing sexy. I probably pass though, not convinced he deserves to be selected this high. Gotta love Roddy White though.

Round 8 and9 – If you haven’t gotten a Quarterback yet, then you’ve been unlucky or just been stocking up on great picks at other positions. No problem. You can afford to spend two middle draft picks on Quarterbacks. One for sure should pan out. Best case scenario, you have depth and that means solid backup and you have the options to trade one or play matchups.

1. Matthew Stafford – Det: I pass. I like Calvin Johnson as a target, but he is still feeling his way out. Too risky.
2. Carson Palmer – Cin: I like him as a sleeper candidate, but in years past he has let me down. i think I let my emotion get the better of me andpass. Having said that, if you don’t have a starter yet, spend a pick here.

Round 10

1. Donovan McNabb – Was: Waning years, 20-22 TD’s are a high estimate for a fantasy quarterback with little to no passing options besides double teamed Cooley. Pass.
2. Chad Henne – Mia: This is a player I have targeted all along, he should be available in this round, if not someone overpaid. Brandon Marshall only improves upon what Henne did in his last few games last year.

Remaining Rounds

1. Ben Roethlisberger – Pit: After suspension, will be his normal productive self, could be a steal here as long as you have something to start the season with.
2. Alex Smith – SF: Supposedly sleeper, If no better pick available before my next selection, I might give Smith a shot.
3. Vince Young – Ten: Gained fantasy relevance again…barely.
4. Mark Sanchez – NYJ: Possible Flacco proto-type
5. David Garrard – Jac: Serviceable as a backup for the bye week.
6. Matt Leinart – Ari: This wouldn’t be the worst pick to see if he can take advantage or Fitz and Breaston.
7. Matt Cassel – KC: I really don’t care for any of the remaining Quarterbacks. If I have no backup so be it, one of these guys will there when I need them come bye week. Draft a player at another position with upside. Keep your eye on the wire to see if any of these guys turn out to be productive.
8. Matt Hasselbeck – Sea
9. Kyle Orton – Den
10. Jason Campbell – Oak
11. Matt Moore – Car
12. Josh Freeman – TB
13. Trent Edwards – Buf

I’ll try and get into a coupe more mock drafts and see how things turn out. I suggest you do the same or just check back. Next we’ll look at the guys these Quarterbacks will be tossing deep bombs to.

2010 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings: Part 1

Welcome to 2010 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings Part 1 of 2. We’ll take a look at what most standard rankings will look like, and if that’s all you need awesome. But then we look at a snapshot of one mock draft I was involved in and breakdown any anomalies that occurred there. In part 2, I’ll provide my drafting strategy for this year’s class of quarterbacks and see we can isolate some great value picks should you miss out on a top tier fantasy quarterback or just want depth. And let’s honest, we should all want depth. We’ll start with the consensus rankings of fantasy quarterbacks.

2010 Consensus Fantasy Quarterback Rankings

1. Drew Brees – NO
2. Aaron Rodgers – GB
3. Peyton Manning – Ind
4. Tony Romo – Dal
5. Matt Schaub – Hou
6. Tom Brady – NE
7. Philip Rivers – SD
8. Jay Cutler – Chi
9. Kevin Kolb – Phi
10. Brett Favre – Min
11. Eli Manning – NYG
12. Matt Ryan – Atl
13. Joe Flacco – Bal
14. Matthew Stafford – Det
15. Carson Palmer – Cin
16. Donovan McNabb – Was
17. Chad Henne – Mia
18. Ben Roethlisberger – Pit
19. Alex Smith – SF
20. Vince Young – Ten
21. Mark Sanchez – NYJ
22. David Garrard – Jac
23. Matt Leinart – Ari
24. Matt Cassel – KC
25. Matt Hasselbeck – Sea
26. Kyle Orton – Den
27. Jason Campbell – Oak
28. Matt Moore – Car
29. Josh Freeman – TB
30. Trent Edwards – Buf

I actually think this is a pretty solid Fantasy Quarterback Ranking. I do think a few guys are being overvalued like Rivers, Cutler, Young, and you know what even Tom Brady somewhat. Yes, Brady is great, but who is he going to throw to? And the run game is suspect still, with no help from the draft. Too big of question to take as the #4 overall Fantasy Quarterback. There are guys way after them I rather have rostered. The undervalued picks that pop out at me immediately are Sanchez and Henne. He finished strong at the end of last year and now he has Brandon Marshall. All systems are go. Now, all Sanchez did was take his team to the playoffs in his rookie campaign. I know that doesn’t matter in fantasy, but it does implicitly if you figure he conquered some major growing pains early. Consider Sanchez a Flacco proto-type, with a slightly less powerful arm. If I had to pick sleepers I might say, and starting from biggest reach downward…Leinart, remember Fitzgerald and Breaston? Alex Smith…same O-Coordinator and honestly he needs to perform or he might be done. Henne could easily out perform his rank by 4-5 spots.

Now let’s take a look at a mock draft I was involved in and see how managers selected when under a little pressure and 13 other managers are hawking after the same guys. This is a 14-team league and 15 rounds so lots of picks.

2010 Quarterback Rankings From Mock Draft Results

Round 1
6. Aaron Rodgers – GB
9. Drew Brees – NO
10. Peyton Manning – Ind

Round 3
29. Tom Brady – NE
30. Tony Romo – Dal
31. Matt Schaub – Hou
33. Philip Rivers – SD

Round 4
53. Kevin Kolb – Phi

Round 5
63. Brett Favre – Min
64. Jay Cutler – Chi
68. Eli Manning – NYG

Round 6
71. Joe Flacco – Bal

Round 7
83. Matt Ryan – Atl

Round 8
88. Carson Palmer – Cin

Round 9
120. Donovan McNabb – Was

Round 10
135. Matthew Stafford – Det

Rounds 11 – 15
Alex Smith – SF
Ben Roethlisberger – Pit
Chad Henne – Mia
Vince Young – Ten
Kyle Orton – Den
Matt Hasselbeck – Sea
Matt Cassel – KC
Mark Sanchez – NYJ
Josh Johnson – TB
Byron Leftwich – Pit

Wow, I was totally shocked that Leinart and Garrard were not drafted at all. Seriously, Leinart could prove us all stupid and just step out of the shadows and take advantage of his talented receivers. So you saw the elite 3 go in round one and I completely agree as long as those picks come after the top 6-7 running backs. Especially if you are in a league, and a lot of us are, where Quarterbacks get 6 fantasy points per passing touchdown. I think Eli Manning will repeat last years numbers, possibly increase his TD output as his young receivers improve and the running game resurfaces. So Eli is a great pick at #68.

That’s it for Part 1 of 2010 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings. Part 2 will go over some common strategies and who I plan to target this year for quarterback.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickup Alert: Brett Wallace (3B)

Brett Wallace has finally been given the opportunity to show what all the hype has been about. You had to start to question whether this was hype or not. He was traded from the Cards to the A’s, then the A’s to the Jay’s, and now to the Astros. Was it he was that wanted or simply never meeting expectations? Well, after spending all season in triple A batting plus .300 and 18 or so HRs, trust me it was his desirability that had him on the move. With the departure of aging Lance Berkman, Brett Wallace was acquired and immediately put into the the Astros’ lineup. After tonight’s game he is batting .308 (4/13), 2Rs and 2RBIs. Nothing eye popping, but clearly this kid isn’t phased. If you have room on your team, roster the kid. If you are in a keeper league, you must grab him.

2010 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings: Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of 2010 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings. So you have seen how the fantasy football mock drafts results had some very different result after round 4 (If not see part 1). You have to wonder who the heck took Felix Jones in the first round? Gotta love them Cowboy fans! OK, let’s throw together a list of running backs I might target, what round and why. Remember this is based on a 14 team league. So if you are in a 10 team league adjust accordingly.

Round 1

1. Chris Johnson – Ten: No brainer! Look picks 1-6 are pretty solid, you can’t go wrong with any of these fantasy studs.
2. Adrian Peterson – Min
3. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jac
4. Ray Rice – Bal
5. Michael Turner – Atl
6. Frank Gore – SF
7. Rashard Mendenhall – Pit: This is where I probably pass on an RB in the 1st round. I rather take one of the top rated QB’s at this point in the 1st round. Mendenhall fumbled all last year and has fumbled twice in training camp this year.
8. Ryan Mathews – SD: I probably pass here as well. Unless I am in a keeper league. He will probably be very good, but not sure if this rookie is worth my #1 pick. Now should Mendenhall or Mathews slip to the 2nd rounds, then I might pull the trigger.

Round 2

1. Shonn Greene – NYJ: is the first running back I will target for the 2nd round. Jones is gone, LT won’t do much. Greene will be a monster!
2. DeAngelo Williams – Car: The next running back I will target, BUT if I got a premier running back in the first round I will probably see if Brees or Rodgers are available here, if not grab Williams. He is a year removed from a campaign year. But if he can improve on even last year somewhat he is a solid pick.
3. Ryan Grant- GB: I pass here. Overrated.

Round 3

1. Pierre Thomas – NO: Thomas is a steal in the 3rd round, otherwise I fill my WR slots. You might even grab him as high as the end of the second as you’ll be able to get a top WR in the 3rd near the turn.
2. Jamaal Charles- KC: I think this kid has awesome talent. But I think KC got Thomas Jones for a reason, and thats to save Charles of a workload that will save him for next year. Let someone else gamble on a breakout season.
3. Steven Jackson – StL: Great value pick for the 3rd round.
4. Beanie Wells- Ari: I pass on Wells every time unless he slips to the 6th round or later. I’ll let someone else overpay.
5. LeSean McCoy- Phi: I really like McCoy. I want him and I think he is an OK value in round 3, but I am nervous of his size as the feature back. New QB in Kolb should be fine, Andy Reid should be able to put together a scheme that McCoy can succeed in.
6. Knowshon Moreno – Den: A lot of people are touting him as the sleeper of the draft. I have no idea. All I know is…you never draft a Denver running back. But that was under Shanahan. If I already have two backs I pass. I still might pass for a higher ranked WR or QB. I rather seem him slip into the 4th.
7. Jahvid Best – Det: If this is a keeper league, then maybe I grab him. Otherwise, I just don’t see any running back being very good in the Detriot lineup.

Round 4

1. Cedric Benson – Cin: Great value pick in round 4, should be the featured man.
2. Jonathan Stewart – Car: If Williams goes down, Stewart will be money. But if I own DeAngelo it’s hard to take a handcuff in round 4. Williams is the yardage guy and Stewart likely gets goal line touches. So, taking Stewart here has upside.
3. Matt Forte – Chi: Forte not getting enough love, good pick in round 4
4. Ronnie Brown – Mia: Grrr! Ronnie Brown has screwed me in fantasy playoffs so many times. Can he stay healthy. Will he perform huge in a contract year? I don’t know, I think I finally look elsewhere…UNLESS Brown slips into round 7…then I gamble…again.
5. Brandon Jacobs – NYG: If for some reason I do not have my 2nd running back yet. I jump on Jacobs now. He could slip to round 5 or even 6 where I drafted him in the mock draft. But why risk it. His knees are healthy and he has a chip on his shoulder to prove his and the entire Giants are better than the 8-8 team they were last year.
6. Joseph Addai – Ind: I pass. Never liked him much. Could be he really screwed me as my overall top pick on ’08. I actually want to target Donald “DUCK!” Brown in some later rounds.

Round 5

1. Felix Jones – Dal: Speedster who can rip one off to the endzone any play. Slight health risk? Depends on who all is available here, but worth a look.
2. Reggie Bush- NO: Why does anyone draft this guy? He seems to have such inconsistent fantasy relevance. I pass always.
3. Marion Barber – Dal: Could return to top form, but Dal has a three-headed monster in Barber, Jone and Choice. Touches will be an issue. Definitely worth considering here though.
4. C.J. Spiller – Buf: Tremendous back with play-making skills. Can he overcome a bad O-line and poor passing game? Depending on how soon my next pick is and who else is available will determine how I go here. By no means though am I targeting this guy high though.

After this point I better have at least two solid running backs, and possibly three. There are very few guys I will be targeting from here on out so I’ll just list the player and what round I hope he is available in but not before.

Remaining Rounds

1. Michael Bush – Oak: Maybe just maybe in the 6th if he stands out as the best option for your fantasy team.
2. Jerome Harrison – Cle: If I am desperate for a 3rd back, I’ll grab him in round 7. Otherwise wait for 8 or even 9 if you think he’ll last.
3. Ricky Williams – Mia: I’ll take him in round 8 if he is the best available, round 9 or later would be nicer.
4. Steve Slaton – Hou: He was great in ’08. If he stays healthy, can be a real sleeper in round 8 or later.
5. Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG: Surgery on both feet, so watch closely any reports. But he has prolific speed and could be pined for a comeback year. 10 th or later.
6. Donald Brown – Ind: I’m targeting this guy for sure, I’ll probably reach if available in the 9th or later.
7. Tim Hightower – Ari: The probably goal line back available in round 10. Possible starter too.
8. Willis McGahee – Bal: I don’t particular like him, but he will likely get the goal line touches. Might wait for 11th, 10th if in need of running back depth.
9. Ben Tate – Hou: He is injured right now, so a possible complete pass in the draft. However, if he returns to camp worth a late round selection.
10. If LT and Clinton Portis make it past the 9th rounds, hey give a look at least! =)

In part 1 we talked about strategies to be taken into consideration, don’t get too caught up in this. In my experience, if you have prepared, researched and come to the draft with a realistic group of players you will target in each round. Then you will be fine, never panic and use you instinct. It’s more fun this way. One staple of advice is to always try and draft the handcuff to one of your top 2 starting running backs. A handcuff is the next player on the depth chart. This will protect your investment. Also, keep an eye on bye weeks. I don’t know how many times I have drafted all of one position and all my guys have the same bye week. Man that’s frustrating! Remember to try and keep your emotions out of it as much as possible. If you are going to drink while drafting, try and be moderate. Keep updated on your targeted players all the way up to the day of the draft. Sucks to draft an injured guy. I will do my best to post one final quick list of rankings per position in the waning weeks of most drafts to compensate for injuries and what not! Other than that, get a good nights rest, have fun and goodluck. Draft day doesn’t have to be a make or break event for you. Shoot us a comment or email if you have any specific questions!

2010 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings: Part 1

The 2010 Fantasy Football Season looms, and we are all jonesin’ for a look at the positional rankings for the upcoming fantasy drafts. Today we will analyze Fantasy Running Backs. This is becoming a more troubling position each season as more teams move away from the feature back, and more and more NFL teams are moving to a tandem system of some sort. Whether it be the yard gainer and goal line back, or the change of pace, bull up the middle then elusive speed to the outside. Fantasy football managers will be affected one way or the other.

Drafting a running back isn’t like the old days (5 or more years ago), where you always drafted 2-3 RB’s in your first 3 draft picks. You now have to place value on carries, offensive line, passing attack and depth chart…shoot maybe even schedule. It’s really just getting more complicated than it should be. But there are some simple strategies you can take into account that should help you out. In part 1 of this segment, we’ll take a look at the 2010 Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings that seem to be the consensus across the net. Then we’ll look at which order Running Backs were selected in a mock draft that I participated in over the weekend.

In part 2 of this segment, we’ll build a ranking that reflects both lists with some sort of analysis. If all you are looking for is a quick look at a how the 2010 Running Black class is ranked. Just use the first list below. If you are interested in breaking down rankings further keep reading.

2010 Typical Running Back Rankings

1. Chris Johnson – Ten
2. Adrian Peterson – Min
3. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jac
4. Ray Rice – Bal
5. Michael Turner – Atl
6. Frank Gore – SF
7. Rashard Mendenhall – Pit
8. Ryan Mathews – SD
9. DeAngelo Williams – Car
10. Steven Jackson – StL
11. Shonn Greene – NYJ
12. Jamaal Charles – KC
13. Ryan Grant – GB
14. Pierre Thomas – NO
15. Beanie Wells – Ari
16. Jahvid Best – Det
17. Cedric Benson – Cin
18. LeSean McCoy – Phi
19. Knowshon Moreno – Den
20. Jonathan Stewart – Car
21. Joseph Addai – Ind
22. Felix Jones – Dal
23. Ronnie Brown – Mia
24. Reggie Bush – NO
25. Matt Forte – Chi
26. Justin Forsett – Sea
27. Brandon Jacobs – NYG
28. Ricky Williams – Mia
29. Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG
30. Fred Jackson – Buf
31. Marion Barber – Dal
32. Jerome Harrison – Cle
33. C.J. Spiller – Buf
34. Ladanian Tomlinson – NYJ
35. Clinton Portis – Was

For the most part, I think the 20 running backs in that list belong and are pretty appropriately ranked. But we’ll get to guys I would target instead in a moment. Now, take a look at a mock draft I was in and let’s see how close these lists are when guys are selecting under the gun of a timer, using emotion (which can be translated as passion, and that can be a good thing!), but not logic. And reaction to other positional runs.

You know how it is; you are cruising through the first round and you already to take a 2nd running back because pretty much all the QB’s are still out there. You don’t have a pick for 8 picks and all of a sudden 4 more QB’s are off the board! Panic Attack! You worry you won’t have a decent QB available, you take the next highest rated QB on your turn who you weren’t even considering. Don’t be bullied into a poor decision. It’s true you may not have a top tier QB, but you have two advantages to your side. There is always a breakout QB available in the mid tiers, so you’ll just have to target maybe 2 picks to go to QB’s in the middle rounds and hopefully your percentage play pans out. Also, that QB run their led to a lot of players on the board for you that should have not been there for you but are. Bingo! Value picks!

OK, so this mock draft results were a 14 team league, and snake ordered draft. Compare this list from the top list. You’ll notice the first two rounds are similar, but then the reaching begins.

2010 Running Back Rankings From Mock Draft Results

1. Chris Johnson – Ten
2. Adrian Peterson – Min
3. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jac
4. Ray Rice – Bal
5. Michael Turner – Atl
6. Frank Gore – SF
7. Felix Jones – Dal
8. Rashard Mendenhall – Pit
9. Ryan Mathews – SD
10. Steven Jackson – StL (End of 1st Round)
11. Jamaal Charles – KC
12. DeAngelo Williams – Car
13. Shonn Greene – NYJ
14. Ryan Grant – GB (End of 2nd Round)
15. Pierre Thomas – NO
16. Beanie Wells – Ari
17. LeSean McCoy – Phi
18. Knowshon Moreno – Den
19. Jahvid Best – Det (End of 3rd Round)
20. Jonathan Stewart – Car
21. Cedric Benson – Cin
22. Joseph Addai – Ind
23. Ronnie Brown – Mia
24. Matt Forte – Chi (End of 4th Round)
25. Reggie Bush – NO
26. Marion Barber – Dal (End of 5th Round)
27. Thomas Jones – KC
28. Clinton Portis – Was
29. Brandon Jacobs – NYG (End of 6th Round)
30. Michael Bush – Oak
31. Ricky Williams – Mia
32. C.J. Spiller – Buf
33. Laurence Maroney – NE (End of 7th Round)
34. Chester Taylor- Chi (Rounds 8 – 11 follow)
35. Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG
36. Justin Forsett – Sea
37. Fred Jackson – Buf
38. Jerome Harrsion – Cle
39. Ben Tate – Hou
40. LaDainian Tomlinson – NYJ
41. Montario Hardesty – Cle
42. Steve Slaton – Hou
43. Carnell Williams – TB
44. Arian Foster – Hou
45. Darren Sproles – SD
46. Donald Brown – Ind
47. Darren McFadden – Oak
48. Julius Jones – Sea
49. Kevin Smith – Det (Rounds 13-15 follow)
50. Willis McGahee – Bal
51. Tim Hightower – Ari
52. Dexter McCluster – KC
53. Marshawn Lynch – Buf
54. Glen Coffee – SF
55. Tashard Choice – Dal
56. Larry Johnson – Was

Soak it all in. Then ask yourself…how does Tim Hightower slip to round 13, pick 182? I’ll start with the top 3 running back most slighted in this fantasy mock draft selected after round 8 and note who shouldn’t have slipped this far and at what pick.

1. Tim Hightower round 13, pick 182: This guy is a goal line hawk. He is going to compete with Wells for the starting gig, but he has stated he is motivated to keep his starter label. Wells has also been criticized by teammates as “soft.” That can’t be good. You really want to take a gamble on Hightower after the 10th round or so but don’t expect him to slip this deep in most leagues.
2. Jerome Harrison round 10, pick 129: This is just a slap in th eface to Harrison and the entire Browns squad. Hardesty just injured his knee, so Harrison is definitely the feature back. He had a solid end of season. I suppose the big scare is injury proneness and a lack of a passing game…like seriously none.
3. Steve Slaton round 10, pick 136: OK, maybe everyone is afraid of the fumbles, the neck surgery and the selection of Ben Tate in the NFL draft by Houston. Still, until otherwise noted, Slaton is the starting RB for a great passing team, that has red zone issues at times and turns to the run.

We’ll stop here, and pick up in part 2 just some simple strategies to take advantage of some of the poor moves almost always made by other managers.

Jeremy Hellickson Conundrum

So if you are in a weekly or day to day or even a daily fantasy baseball league, you might have jumped on Jeremy Hellickson MLB career preview Monday night. It was great, 3 hits, 6 Ks, retired the first 10 batters, and a win. And then he promptly shipped back to triple A. Ugh! Don’t fret…he will be back, but maybe only as a reliever. Still I would keep him on your roster if you have the room. He could make a few spot starts and get promoted is Wade Davis struggles again. And if you are in a keeper league this is a no-brainer!

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Search: Week 18

Week 18 of most fantasy baseball formats begins tomorrow, time to scour the waiver wire for roster upgrades or replacements. Some notable losses to injury were Johnny Damon, Chris Coghlan, Joel Pinero, Joe Mauer, Jason Bay, Shane Victorino, Milton Bradley and Ben Zoebrist. We’ll try and look at suitable pick-ups for each spot in the lineup. We’ll select players who have been hot in the last week to month, and will be typically owned by half of the leagues or less out there. Taking a look at batting first:

First Base

 Lyle Overbay- TOR: With his job safe now that Brett Wallace has been traded, he is rewarding management with a decent last month.
Melvin Mora- COL: If you need a spot start 1B Mora would make an adequate addition, and soon as he cools though, take notice. Mora may be eligible in your league for 2B and 3B.
Ike Davis – NYM: Not a great week at the plate, but still leading all rookie with 52 RBIs and his 15 are right there at the top as well.
Michael Morse – WAS: Hit .400 this week, though no power.  Adam Dunn trade never happened, so playing time will continue to be an issue.

Second Base

Jeff Keppinger- HOU: With the trade of Berkman, Keppinger has recently been slotted as the #3 hitter. He has always maintained a plus .300 average, so this could afford him some decent production. (SS/3B)

Third Base

Chris Johnson- HOU: OK, Johnson has gone from watchable to pretty much get on your roster. This is the 2nd week in a row is has batted near .500, also providing weekly line of  3Rs, 2HRs, 5RBIs and 1SB. Roster him!

Short Stop

Ian Desmond- WAS: A highly touted rookie who hasn’t provided eye-popping stats, but plays a scarce position and will provide some steals. a possible consideration for keeper in those formats. (2B)
J.J. Hardy- MIN: Hardy looks like he has found his productive swing again, albeit no power. Still he has maintained close to a .350 avg. for about a month so if you are hurtin’, you might wanna give him a shot. And if his power returns…score!

Outfield

Dexter Fowler- COL: Leadoff man for the Rox, that’s always a plus for Run and Stolen Base production. He has had a solid month and batted plus .300 this week.
Mike Stanton- FL: A rookie noted for his power. It’s been his avg. that has kept him on the waiver wire inmost leagues. Well this week he hit .292 with a couple more bombs for nine on the year. His numbers could really start to rise as he gets more comfortable. In keeper formats definitely take a closer look.
Matt Joyce- TB: I watch an absolute moonshot against the Yankees last night. This guy has serious power. Playing time has been the issue, but it’s been regular lately. He sports a career .500 slugging percentage in 350 plus at bats you know the power is legit.

Catcher

Yorvit Torrealba- SD: Was 6 for 11 this week, so still keeping avg. conscious owner happy.
Kurt Suzuki- OAK: A very capable player, who won’t deliver anything spectacular but is consistent.
Carlos Ruiz – PHI: Has been on an a tear this week 3Rs, 1HR, 7RBIs, 1SB and batting .400. Not likely to maintain these numbers but could keep them close.

Now let’s switch to pitching:

Starters

Bronson Arroyo- CIN: Just about 50% owned, Arroyo has returned solid dividends for owners over the last month. 4Ws, 19Ks, 3.02ERA, 0.89WHIP.
Vincente Padilla- LAD: Still available for the stretch run. He is very likely available in your league and has provided a line of 2 Ws, 27 Ks, 1.42 ERA and .85 WHIP in his last 31 innings.
WadeDavis- TB: Perhaps with prospect Jeremy Hellickson looming over his shoulder, Davis has delivered an admirable line. Over the last month he has 4 Ws, 18Ks, 3.03ERA and 1.19 WHIP.

Closers

Joel Hanrahan- PIT: With the trade of Octavio Dotel, Hanrahan is more than likely to get the job.
Drew Storen -  WAS: Another trade likely promotes this man. Considered for a long time to be the closer of the future, Matt Capps no longer stands in the way.
Chris Perez – CLE: And after another trade, Kerry Wood, another promotion. OK, Perez actually has done this job most of the year, but Wood was an obstacle.

Relievers

Sean Marshall- CHI: If his 2nd half is a good as his first his line would look something like 10-12 Ws, 120Ks, 1.80 ERA and1.00 WHIP. Pair him up with another quality reliever and you have a staff ace in the two.

Other mentionable relievers are Hong-Chih Kuo,  Luke Gregerson, Johnny Venters and Scott Downs.

Fantasy Baseball Reliver Round-up

After the myriad of trades, it seems no position has made more changes than closer. Here is a quick list of what has transpired:

• Matt Capps to Min. Jon Rauch gets a demotion, Drew Storen likely gets the closer job in Was.
• Octavel Dotel to LAD. Dotel will be a setup man now, Joel Hanrahan will be the closer in Pit.
• Kerry Wood to NYY. Wood now a setup man, Chris Perez solidifies the closer  job in Cle.

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