- Don't give up on Milton Bradley in 2010 fantasy - Rubenstein
Livan Hernandez as an early season fantasy Cy Young candidate and Milton Bradley in therapy headline some of the most interesting up-to-date fantasy baseball news.
Seattle Mariners- Fire Hitting Coach Alan Cockrell, Promote AAA Coach
Milton Bradley gets some time on the couch to work on anger issues, but the hitting coach plays the scapegoat for M’s inept offense. Since even the most prepared fantasy owners tend not to scout minor league hitting coaches, what if any spark can switch mean for Chone Figgins, Jose Lopez, Ken Griffey, and Mr. Bradley?
Forecast- Offense wakes up. Figgins will push .OBP up to .370 range and other hitters will loosen up. Don’t sell low on Jose Lopez in mixed leagues and don’t release Ken Griffey yet in AL-only formats. As for Bradley, fight to remember his upside and reserve him if league rules permit. A week or so away from baseball can’t hurt him.
Chicago White Sox- Closer Bobby Jenks Blows Save, Job Status Uncertain
Manager Ozzie Guillen has consistently and publicly supported closer Bobby Jenks, but yesterday’s ninth inning implosion may finally force Ozzie to make a change. Though this was Jenks first blown save and no injury reports (sore calf in spring) have resurfaced, he’s now allowed 19 hits and 7 BBs in only 12 IPs.
Forecast- Matt Thornton takes over as closer. Thornton has continued to dominate in set up role (25 Ks, 3 BBs in 15.1 IPs) and would shine in closer role. If he’s somehow still on free agent wire, scoop him up immediately. The change is imminent.
Washington Nationals- Livan Hernandez Remains on a Roll
Mixed leaguers who took draft day flyer on Livan and his kitchen sink arsenal can take a bow. After holding the Marlins yesterday to 1 run in a 7 inning no decision, Livan now cards a 1.04 ERA, .99 WHIP, and 4 wins in 43.1 IPs for the surprising 2nd place Nats.
Forecast- Magic ends. Livan's career low 2.9 K/9 rate will bite him as year unfolds. Expect mounting hits and HRs, beginning with next start in Colorado. Pull trigger if possible on a ‘sell high’ deal. SF's Barry Zito is better bet to maintain strong start.
San Diego Padres- NL Best 37 Stolen Bases
The go-go Padres? San Diego is running wild to start 2010, especially shocking since big SB threat Everth Cabrera hasn’t played since April 26th (on DL with strained hamstring). Chase Headley, Will Venable, and Tony Gwynn Jr. have emerged into big 3 on the base paths, combining for 24 steals in 25 attempts.
Forecast- Slowdown for 2 of the trio. It’s logical for SD to try aggressive offensive approach in pitcher haven Petco, but Headley and Venable remain more opportunistic SB guys than real threats. Neither gets more than 20 this year. Gwynn, however, could break 30 SBs playing regularly against righties if he hits just enough to stay in lineup.
Los Angeles Dodgers- Clayton Kershaw Finally Pitches a Gem
Coming off a nightmare (7 earned runs in 1.1 IPs) vs. the Brewers, Kershaw provided big boost to his fantasy owners and real team on Sunday, with 8 shutout innings and 9 Ks in a dominating win. He’s down to a 3.96 ERA and 1.47 WHIP for the year.
Forecast- Continued tease. Kershaw fantasy owners wonder why the top talent can’t string together more games like last night, blowing guys away with fastball and freezing them with his sharp curve. Kershaw owners will keep wondering. Outings of 5-6 innings with ongoing control issues will remain norm, keeping Ws down and WHIP up.
Enjoy other articles to help win 2010 fantasy baseball championship:
NL April Awards for Hitters and Pitchers
AL April Awards for Hitters and Pitchers
Peter Oltchick - Peter Oltchick is a freelance writer based in New York. After an extensive career in marketing/advertising, he switched gears to become a ...
