Fantasy Baseball Preview
This is my preview of players to pick up or trade for, players to stay away from, and big surprises and letdowns to look for.
Surprises
Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets
Carlos had a rough year last year. Between injuries and slumps he feel from a top 3 pick to a 6-7th round pick. I actually picked him up the the 11th round in one draft. He'll be in his second year in New York, so he'll be more comfortable, but more importantly, he'll be healthy. Look for Beltran to return to his old form.
Jim Thome, 1B, CWS
Thome has been phenomenal this Spring. His return to the AL will be a great thing for his career. He is happy to be in Chicago and, like Beltran, he's healthy after a rough year last year. Look for some huge numbers from Thome.
Eric Gagne, CL, LAD
Gagne has looked terrific this Spring. He isn't going to be the best closer in the league anymore, but he'll still but up very good numbers.
Barry Bonds, OF, SF
Yes, yes I know the sterroid talk, and the injury concern. I know he'll be rested alot more this year. I know, I know, I know. But look at it this way: he hits the ball. Even if he starts 100 games and pinch hits for 1 AB in another 40-50, the man will put up very good numbers.
Mike Lowell
He's going to have a major comeback year in my opinion. He's in a great park for rightys, there's always going to be runners on for him, he'll be in the middle of a rivalry with the Yankees (with the added incentive of screwing over the team that traded him away when he was a prospect). He just looks primed for a comeback year. No, I wouldn't invest too much in him, but if he's there in the 14th round or so and you need a backup at 2B-3B, go ahead and pick him. If he can play as good as I think he will, he'll definately be worth it.
Disappointments
Johnny Damon, OF, NYY
For all the hype he's been getting, he hasn't done diddly since Spring Training started. He his .081. How can he steal bases and score runs (his only 2 real contributions) if he isn't getting on base? I wouldnt take him before the 20th round in any of my leages.
Dontrelle Willis P, Fla
He looked awful at the WBC. He seems to alternate between good and bad years. Great rookie season, not so great sophomore season, terrific 3rd year...need i say more? As good as he was last year, I expect him to be just as bad this year. Stay away.
Felix Hernandez, P, Sea
The Mariners are already talking about limiting his innings and the season just started. What is the point of having a great pitcher if you aren't going to use him? He's going to put up numbers, but he's not going to pitch enough to have a significant impact.
Rafael Furcal/Nomar Garciaparra, IF, LAD
Furcal's knee has been bothering him. No speed, no good. As for Nomar, he hasn't been healthy in years and he's nowhere near the player he used to be. He's also playing in a park notorious for keeping th eball in the park. The only reason I'd take him is in the late rounds in my draft as a backup because he'll be eligable at 3 positions.
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