Around the Horn: April 20, 2011
April 20th, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |(1) Brandon Belt sent to Triple-A.
(2) Ian Stewart sent to Triple-A.
(3) Jed Lowrie to play everyday – for now. For more see: Conspiracies and Comebacks.
(4) Ryan Franklin on longer the Cards’ closer.
(5) Jason Bay (rib cage) likely to be activated on Thursday.
(6) Austin Jackson struggling mightily.
(7) David Aardsma likely to be back by end of next week.
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Austin Jackson, Brandon Belt, Brandon League, David Aardsma, Ian Stewart, Jason Bay, Jed Lowrie, Mitchell Boggs, Ryan Franklin, Todd Helton, Ty Wigginton
By matt on Apr 20, 2011
What do you think of Ryan Roberts? Could he be a fantasy relevant player if he gets solid AB? Will the D’Backs send Mora to the bench?
By Ray Flowers on Apr 20, 2011
Matt – Roberts is off to a great start. However, he’s 30 years old and has less than 450 at-bats for a reason – he’s simply not that good. Will he take PT from Mora? He easily could when he is hitting this well, and it’s not like Mora is a star or anything (Mora is also dealing with a left foot injury right now). Both guys are interesting options in NL only leagues, but both are also unlikely to be difference makers in even that format.
By Joel on Apr 20, 2011
Ray:
6×6 h2h. I’ve been offered Marcum and Bumgartner for Ian Kennedy and Drabek. I have to do that, right?
By Mike on Apr 21, 2011
The Dodgers have called up Jerry Sands. What do you think of him as a keeper prospect? I am in a 16 team dynasty league that we can keep 8-12 keepers and I have one of the top waiver priorities and don’t know if it is worth spending on him.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 21, 2011
Mike – Been talking about him a lot on the radio show, and answering question about him for days on Twitter.
Sands = 35 hrs last year. Lots of power. Average may not be great, but power is legit. He has shot at PT right now since the Dodgers need offense.
In a 16 team dynasty league he’s well worth an investment with caveat that I have no idea which other players might be there for you to pick up.
By Michael on Apr 21, 2011
Odd format question: It’s my first season playing FF Baseball and I got brought into an 8 team, 15×12 league, which I’m now realizing is quite odd.
So here’s the question: my starting Pitching staff is Weaver, Price, Gio G, Nolasco, Buchholz, and Liriano. Would you drop any of these guys in favor of any of the follwing on the waiver wire (Kuroda, Hellcikson, Arroyo, J Zimmerman, Shield, Lilly, Dempster, Masterson, or Harang).
Thanks in advance.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 21, 2011
Michael – without knowing the rules/cats in your league it’s hard to give a definitive answer.
I will say this — I would add Shields, Kuroda, Dempster and Lilly if I could.
In your situation I would dump Buchholz and add Shields.
I’d also give some thought to dumping the struggling Liriano, though he does have considerable upside.
See: http://baseballguys.com/2011/03/10/top-100-starting-pitchers
By Michael on Apr 21, 2011
Ray, thanks! I’ll grab Shields.
If it helps it’s weekly head-to-head and these are the pitcher categories (Games Started, Innings Pitched, Hits Allowed, ER Allowed, HR Allowed, Walks, Ks, Wins, Loses, Saves, ERA, WHIP).
By Ray Flowers on Apr 21, 2011
Michael – Shields will give up a lot of homers so keep an eye on that, but I really like his skills.
By Steve on Apr 21, 2011
Ray
I’ve now lost Morrison. Slim pickings. Grab Bay (safe pick?), Seth Smith (upside), Francoeur (hot streak) or Gomes? Thanks
By Ray Flowers on Apr 21, 2011
Steve – Tough news on LoMo. If we are taking about grabbing a guy who can help you right now, I’d add Seth Smith. Bay should be fine, but it will likely take a while. Gomes is out of his mind with walks right now – a slump is coming. And Frenchie? No thanks.