CATCHER
Geovany
Soto missed several games with a sore shoulder. Recent throwing drills went well, he should return this
week. Backup Koyie Hill, has a .235 AVE
with 1 HR over 17 ABs. Joe Mauer
started to do some light running.
There's no set deadline for his return although early-May is a good
guess. John Baker is being slotted in
the second spot of the lineup when he starts.
He's 4 for 13 (.308 AVE) during the first week and should be considered
in NL-only leagues.
FIRST
BASE
Nick
Swisher has filled in nicely with Mark Teixeira out of the lineup batting .471 with 2 HRs and 9 RBI. Mark Teixeira is battling tendonitis but is set to return soon. If Swisher keeps hitting, Joe Girardi will
find room for him somewhere. Fantasy
prospect Chris Davis 1 for 22 (.045 AVE) in the early going. Obviously, don't
drop him. Just show him the bench until
he works out the April kinks.
SECOND
BASE
Aaron
Hill has 2 HRs and 8 RBI through the first week of the season. He missed most of last year with concussion
symptoms, only amassing 205 ABs. In
2007, he hit 17 HRs while posting a .291 AVE, so there's definitely some
mixed-league potential. Kaz Matsui is battling a sore back, the same issue he
had last year. Owners need to keep a
close eye on the injury-prone second baseman, even this early in the season.
SHORTSTOP
True
to form, JJ Hardy has puttered out of the gate. He's historically bad in April, so his 2 for 23 start isn't
shocking. Jed Lowrie did little to help
his chances to hold off Julio Lugo for the primary shortstop role. Lowrie batted 1 for 18 (.056 AVE) and was
subsequently placed on the DL. Lugo is
about 1-2 weeks away from returning. Marco Scutaro is 10 for 26 with 2 HRs as
the Jays leadoff hitter. He’s hitting
leadoff and qualifies for multiple positions, so he can serve as some bench
depth.
THIRD
BASE
Emilio
Bonifacio was a hot waiver wire pickup after hitting 14 for 28 (.500) with 4
SBs during the first week. He's
intriguing option, particularly in NL-only leagues. Mixed leaguers can use him while he's hot but expect some
regression to his career-norms. Reports
out of New York say Troy Glaus admitted to using steroids in 2003 and 2004
during his recovery from various injuries.
Evan Longoria batted .467 with 5 HRs and 12 RBI earning him AL Player of
the Week honors. He’s going to miss a
few days due to some family issues.
OUTFIELD
Jordan
Schafer is off to a fast start hitting .348 with 2 HRs. Last year, he hit 10 HRs over 297 ABs in
Triple-A, so he’s displayed a little pop.
The Braves outfield still has plenty of options, but Schafer will
continue to get the nod. Jose Guillen
landed on the 15-day DL with partially torn groin/hip flexor. The Royals expect him to return on April
25. Adam Lind hit 3 HRs and racked up
12 RBI. He’s hitting .286 vs.
left-handers, helping him stay in the lineup pile-up the stats. Milton Bradley is already hurt. Expect the hot-hitting Fukodome to pick up
the extra time.
STARTING
PITCHER
Last
year’s CY Young Award winner Tim Lincecum has scuffled in both starts. One was against the Padres in San Diego, as
game he should have dominated. His
velocity is fine but his control was awful, he’ll work it out soon. Normally, the same could be said about Cliff
Lee’s terrible outings. However, Lee’s
past troubles make his owners a little more nervous. Josh Johnson completely shutdown the Mets on Saturday. He looked quite sharp and matched Johan
Santana every step of the way – Johnson’s mixed league owners are feeling quite
good.
RELIEF
PITCHER
Kevin
Gregg had trouble in both of his outings.
Sweet Lou remains publicly committed to Gregg, but Carlos Marmol is
inching closer to his shot. David
Aardsma picked up a save for the Mariners.
Brandon Morrow is the default closer, but Seattle probably wanted to ease
him in and not pitch him on consecutive days.
Jason Motte gave up 4 runs in his first save opportunity. The Cardinals have turned to a committee
leaving fantasy owners with very little to target. Trevor Hoffman has begun throwing and all went well. Assuming no setbacks, he should return in
early-May.
