Every year, there are plenty of high draft choices who end
up with disappointing seasons. Some
players may be done for good, while others have a chance to bounceback to their
previous years of glory. Of course,
there is various risk levels associated with each player, so you need to make
your selection with the proper value in mind.
Ricky Nolasco - FLA
Last year was definitely a tale of two seasons for Ricky
Nolasco. He got off to a horrendous
start and was eventually sent to AAA after racking up a 9.07 ERA. After the brief stint in the minors, Nolasco
returned to his old form posting an 11-4 record for the rest of the season
while landing at 195 K's over 185 innings pitched. Nolasco certainly has the makeup to be a top-tier fantasy pitcher
in mixed leagues, so feel free to take a chance on him in 2010.
Risk Level: Medium Low
– Nolasco was extremely unlucky during the first part of the season so expect a
rebound to his normal statistics in 2010.
JJ Hardy - MIN
Wow. Where did all
of the production go? Hardy never found
that elusive hot streak last season and was eventually sent to the minors. Frankly, he showed very little progress last
year and never looked comfortable. He
finished with 11 HRs and a .229 AVE after averaging 25 HRs and a .280 line in
the previous two years. He's now has a
clean start in Minnesota and a chance for redemption. You have to pay attention to any shortstop with 20 HR power –
especially if Minnesota’s new ballpark favors hitters. In standard mixed leagues, he may not be draftable. But, keep him in mind as a bench player with
some decent upside.
Risk Level: Medium
High – Will the change of scenery really do him some good? After last season’s debacle, he will
certainly improve, but by he may not regain his previous form.
Josh Hamilton - TEX
The feel good story of 2008 took a tremendous step backwards
last year. He suffered a very public
relapse and never quite got on track during an injury-plagued season. If I decide to take a chance, I would prefer
to have him as my 3rd/4th outfielder in mixed leagues,
but his name recognition alone can cause the price to rise. However, if you’re drafting with a bunch of
risk-adverse owners, you may see his stock drop. Even though he is very susceptible to being re-injured (be thrilled
with 140 games), his raw power can't be ignored on draft day - just make sure
you have a capable backup.
Risk Level: High –
Hamilton will certainly miss some time because of injury, so be sure not to
stretch too far for him on draft day – or, you could just avoid the headache
altogether.
