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FREE FANTASY BASEBALL REPORT

May 6, 2008

CATCHERS - Kurt Suzuki hit 7 HRs in 213 ABs in 2007, but hasn't gone long yet. However, his average is now .287, he can be of some help in AL leagues. Mike Napoli pounded 7 HRs in 2008 but sports an average of .242. He's averaged 13 HRs over past 2 seasons, so he's well above that pace, but don't expect his average to go up. Arizona's backstops, Chris Snyder & Miguel Montero, posted a nice week going a combined 10 for 24 (.417 AVE). Both are only options in NL leagues.

FIRST BASE - Much has been made of Adam LaRoche's notoriously slow starts. He went 6 for 20 last week (.300), so he might be getting ready to bust out. Owners always give up on him, check your waiver wires. Carlos Delgado belted 3 HRs last week on his way to a .333 AVE & 1.288 OPS. He's much older and not as dominant, but he still deserves some attention. Paul Konerko has been battling a sore thumb. But, he’s actually managed to raise his average 30 points to .227 over the past 8 games. After a nice debut, the Giants moved rookie John Bowker to 1B & he went into a terrible slump. He’s picked it up as of late hitting .316 (6 for 19). It appears headed to a Rich Aurilia-righty/Bowker-lefty platoon.

SECOND BASE - Augie Ojeda batted 10 for 27 (.370 AVE) in place of Orlando Hudson. Hudson missed a couple of games with a hamstring. His return is still uncertain, but he's out for a few more days at least. Plácido Polanco hit .406 last week, raising his season average to .248. His injury problems look to have subsided. Rickie Weeks has 4 HRs, 5 SBs, and plenty of runs, but a .197 average. Weeks’ owners knew the auxiliary production comes at a cost. Akinori Iwamura sports a .221 average. He’ll improve, but he’s a MI in AL leagues at most.

THIRD BASE - Another slow starter, Ryan Zimmerman is only batting .217 with 3 HRs. He had his consecutive games played streak ended in May for a much needed day off. Joe Crede has faltered as of late with 5 hits in his last 34 Abs. He has been experiencing migraines and missed a couple of games - at least it’s not his back. Ty Wiggington returned this week from a broken thumb. He qualifies at multiple positions, even 2B in some leagues, so you might find some help from his power. Jose Castillo hit his first homerun since 2006 – enough said.

SHORTSTOP - Jimmy Rollins is expected to return this week. Eric Bruntlett has been an option for fantasy owners in the meantime, but will return to the bench. Omar Vizquel began a minor league rehab assignment. The Giants should send Brian Bocock down once Vizquel returns instead of Manny Burress. Khalil Greene is having eye problems and is day-to-day. He only has 1HR and a .220 average this year. The White Sox anticipate moving Orlando Cabrera to the leadoff spot to try to generate more offense. He’s batting .213 with a .289 OBP this season, but has 5 SBs. In very limited time, he’s 8 for 25 (.320) as the leadoff hitter over the past 2 years.

OUTFIELD - Jack Cust had a nice bounce back last week accumulating a .762 SLG %. He's very hot & cold, so owners will need to stay on top of his streakiness. Vernon Wells was slumping mightily, but started to pick it up going 6 for his last 13 along with 4 RBI. Jim Leyland said there would be changes, and he delivered. Jacque Jones was designated for assignment. The veteran Jones will gain interest and land somewhere as a fourth or fifth outfielder. A pair of Angels outfielders, Gary Matthews Jr. (.220) & Garret Anderson (.222), just can’t seem to get in the swing of things. You can’t really anticipate Matthews’ average to go beyond .250. But, Anderson is a career .290+ hitter, so there’s definitely room for upside. Mike Cameron retuned from a 25 game suspension. Most likely he is on your waivers, and 20 HRs & 20 SBs are still possible in Milwaukee despite the shortened season.

STARTING PITCHERS - Phil Hughes was placed on the DL; the poor performances make more sense. Ian Kennedy was demoted and all eyes may be on Joba Chamberlain to take over, but Kei Igawa and Jeff Marquez are also on the radar. Dontrelle Wills had knee problems in his rehab assignment and his return is delayed by at least a week. As predicted, Armando Galarraga's performance will cause the Tigers to take their time with Willis. Max Scherzer dazzled in his middle relief debut, and will start for Arizona this Tuesday. The Diamondbacks are being very smart by easing the golden child in and as a hedge to Doug Davis' return in May. Jesse Litsch improved his record to 4-1 for the Blue Jays. He’s only walked 7 batters to 23 K’s, but his 4.32 ERA indicates he’s not quite ready for mixed league play, yet. AL only owners can take a shot.

RELIEF PITCHERS - Eric Gagne has really looked terrible this year. The Brewers forked over 10 million to Gagne, so they’ll give him even more room than usual. Saloman Torres is next in line especially considering Milwaukee released Derrick Trunbow. Kerry Wood chunked a few save opportunities, but still has the job. Carlos Marmol is the heir-apparent. Brian Wilson had a few choppy outings. The Giants will give him every chance possible - Tyler Walker is just insurance. Scott Downs picked up a save for Toronto. The Blue Jays will be cautious pitching BJ Ryan too many days in a row since he’s still somewhat fresh off an injury.

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