Opening Day 2011
March 31st, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |
Photo by Steve Paluch
After months of thinking about it…
After months of writing about it…
After months of talking about it…
Finally, it’s here.
Of course, the “it” is opening day, and I’m ecstatic that it has arrived.
No more ADP talk.
No more disagreements about whether to take Prince Fielder or Mark Teixeira.
No more talk of when to draft a pitcher.
Now it’s all about the games and what happens on the field.
For those of you who love the pageantry of opening day, I thought I’d give you a photo of some beautiful ladies at their festive best.
For those of you who are still basking in the glove of the San Francisco Giants first World Championship I give you Nirvana.
For those of you looking for a bunch of links to articles about Tim Lincecum’s massive food intake, the top-300 players for 2011, Player Capsules for Hitters and which players could come out of nowhere to be fantasy stars in 2011 see Link o’ Rama.
With that I’m off to watch some baseball, do my radio show on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, and get ready for what could be an epic matchup between the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Giants’ Tim Lincecum.
By Ray Flowers
By Jim on Mar 31, 2011
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like Opening Day. Unfortunately, here in Chicago I have to wait till tomorrow when my Cubs will likely be playing in wet 40-ish weather. But my heart will be warm.
That’s the perfect picture to lead off today’s column, Ray. You need to give the Photography Director a big raise.
Play ball!
By Ray Flowers on Mar 31, 2011
Jim-
I didnt take the photo, but like everything else on the site, it’s all me buddy. So I’ll give myself a raise for choosing a good photo. lol
By matt on Apr 2, 2011
hey ray. my friend just started a blog on fantasy baseball and he is a huge fan of yours. can you give him a shout out on the show or on the site. his site is rotoverdict.com..
By Joel on Apr 3, 2011
Ray, in a 5×5 h2h league, do you think Javy Vasquez is a start or a bench today?
By Ray Flowers on Apr 3, 2011
Joel- Honestly, I try not to micro manage teams to the point where I worry about one start. I’d say this in general – when in doubt bench your SP. It’s not worth the risk of starting him if you aren’t sure. I’m not sold on Javy at this point.
By Jeremy on Apr 3, 2011
Should I drop Axford for Hanrahan yet? I know you love JH, but is that too impulsive?
Also, do you like Cuddyer or Span better?
By Ray Flowers on Apr 4, 2011
jeremy- I like span better. Different players of course, might depend on need of your team, and position flexibility.
I like both those arms. If you are in a 10-team league or bigger, both should be rostered.
By Rob on Apr 4, 2011
Hi Ray,
I have a streaming pitcher question for you. I’m looking at three guys to add for today’s start, which do you like the most?
1. Beachy v. Mil
2. Nova v. Min
3. Porcello v. Bal
I could also grab Baker but he’s got the Yanks today so I’m thinking he’s a no-go.
I’m in a weekly H2H points league, 10 for Win, 3 for IP, 1 for K, -5 Loss, -1 H, -1 BB, -2 ER.
Who would you pick up?
By Rob on Apr 4, 2011
And I don’t necessarily have to add a SP today. My thinking is that with no other pitchers starting on my roster today, I don’t want to miss an opportunity to put points on the board.
Another option is to pick up Hanrahan.
Would be dropping Contreras either way.
By Dave on Apr 4, 2011
Hey Ray, in a 12 team 5×5 mixed league starting 5 SP and 5 RP. I am already light on saves and was thinking of picking up Alexi Ogando at RP to replace R. Soriano given Ogando will start now and likely outperform in K’s and wins. Expectations on Ogando in a starting role? Thanks!
By Terry on Apr 4, 2011
Ray- I drafted Gaby Sanchez,Ike Davis, and Brandon Belt as my 1Bs. I drank the Kool Aid on Belt and have been playing him so far. Is he a better option over Ike and Gaby in the long run? Do I need to be patient or does Ike or Gaby make better sense?
By Tim on Apr 4, 2011
Ray, I received the following trade proposal:
12 team 5×5 roto
I get Braun, but I have to give up Kershaw and Heyward. Too much for me since Kershaw is my best pitcher. I really need power.
I want to counter with McCutchen and Wandy Rodriguez for Braun. Does this sound fair?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Apr 4, 2011
Rob – I dont think it makes any sense to drop Contreras who will close for the Phillies. If you are going to do that, trade him and get something back.
In terms of daily pitching matchups, I’m not a huge fan of rolling guys based on solo match ups, especially this early in the year when players are really finding their group. In weekly setups, best case is to target 2-start pitchers if you need points.
Hanrahan shouldn’t be on waivers either.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 4, 2011
Dave- Ogando will be a starter for now, but team plans on moving him back to the bullpen at some point. Soriano is a more stable option of course, and will get saves if something happens to Rivera. However, if you need wins and K’s, Ogando is obviously the better option. However, if you are light on saves, do you really want to dump Soriano.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 4, 2011
Terry- I wrote an article on Rotoinfo and here is a quote: “I’m not a huge fan of giving projections out, so I’ll put it this way: if everything goes to plan for Belt this year I bet the Giants would be awfully happy if he matched the first year production of the Marlins’ Gaby Sanchez from 2010 (.273-19-85-72).”
I see all three pretty similar to one another.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 4, 2011
Tim – I understand turning down the first deal. No worries there.
I love Braun, you know that, but I also have a big love affair with McCutchen. If you have SP depth I say go for it, but make sure you can cover the SP hole cause wandy could be pretty valuable this season.