Remember, the first three weeks only represents a fraction of the season.  Most batters are in the 50-60 AB range while many starting pitchers have only 3-4 outings under their belt.  Nevertheless, we all want answers, and we want them now.  We’re here to please, so let’s try to get some direction on whether a player’s performance is fact or fiction for the rest of the season.

Barry Zito – His mind, attitude, and confidence are more delicate than you can imagine.  He’ll never be a Cy Young Award candidate again, but he can be an asset in mixed leagues if he keeps his head on straight.  I’d do the “Happy Dance” if he could be a #4 mixed league starter.

Carlos Silva – We’re not buying a turnaround for Silva.  Sure, go ahead and use him while he’s hot, but there will be a free-fall in the worst way.

Colby Lewis – The AL League leader in strikeouts is sure enjoying his time back in the states.  The opposition may have had a tough time scouting him during his time in Japan and the furnace known as Arlington is right around the corner, so expect some regression.  However, there’s a chance he can man a spot in a mixed league rotation – take a shot.

Austin Jackson – Something doesn’t add up.  Jackson sports a gaudy .307 AVE with 13 runs scored in 18 games, but he still strikes out way too much (30K: 7BB).  Is he this year’s Mark Reynolds? Likely not.  But, I wouldn’t mind having him on my bench rotation spot just in case.

Jake Peavy – Is it the new league? New Stadium? Or, is he covering up some sort of injury?  We expected Peavy to have some trouble adapting to his new surroundings but a 6.00 ERA is ridiculous.  He’ll improve and we’re still holding out hope that he can be a solid 3-4-fantasy starter.

Carlos Zambrano – Big Z will make a return to the rotation and work his way out of the early-season slump.  He’s in a contract year and he has something to prove.  If he’s released, find a way to stash him away until the dust settles.

Justin Verlander – Verlander is a notorious slow-starter.  Last April, he went 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA before finishing the season at 19-9 with a 3.45 ERA.  That doesn’t make his current 6.95 look as bad now does it?

Dan Haren – Actually most expect him to tail-off in the second half rather than posting a 5.19 ERA through his first 4 starts.  No word on injury, so chalk it up and stay the course.

Livan Hernandez – If you pick up Livo in hopes for a late career resurrection, then you deserve what you get.

Colby Rasmus – Sounds like a post-hype prospect to me – especially since he’ll receive his fair share of time in a potent lineup.