Beyond the Boxscore–Fantasy MLB News and Notes 6/29/08
I know Troy Tulowitzki has been frustrating fantasy owners everywhere. They have got to be hoping that his homer on Sunday is the start of him getting his form back. Tulowitzki was 1-3 with this second home run of the season, which was his first since returning from the DL. You can’t expect him to repeat last season’s statistics, but this guy’s got talent, expecting 15 HRs and 55 RBI isn’t out of the question before season’s end.
Oliver Perez proved on Sunday why he is one of the most frustrating players to own in fantasy baseball. After his position in the Mets’ rotation came into question after his latest stinker, Perez went out and threw a gem against the crosstown rival Yankees. Perez allowed just a solo homer to Wilson Betemit (an impressive one if you haven’t seen it), over seven innings while striking out a season high eight. Even better for Perez owners, he did not walk a batter. If he could only do this more consistently, Perez could be a top 20 pitcher, but instead he isn’t even owned in all leagues.
Carlos Delgado finished the Subway Series with another home run, giving him three homers and ten RBI over the four game series. Of course, two homers and nine RBI came in the one game, so don’t go out and grab Delgado because of his weekend. He has still been having a very disappointing season.
After going hitless over four games this week, Stephen Drew hit his 11th homer of the season on Sunday, and hopefully this will help him get him back on track. Drew has the potential to be a .300/30/100 kind of guy, but it won’t be this season. He has the capability to hit 20-25 in 2008, however, so be patient with the young SS.
The biggest disappointment in fantasy baseball, Delmon Young connected on his second homer of the season. We were all hoping that this was the year that Delmon began living up to his vast potential after his relocation to Minnesota. His batting average and stolen bases have been pretty good, but his lack of power is completely concerning. If he is on your free agent pool, I would wait until he at least was over five homers in a month before I considered adding him.
Minnesota’s Kevin Slowey looks like he might be having a coming out party. After having three straight starts where he didn’t allow more than two earned runs, Slowey took the next step against the Brewers on Sunday and threw a complete game shutout. Slowey allowed only three hits over nine innings and struck out eight. He was one of the Twins better pitching prospects in recent years, and it appears he is ready for prime time. If you have a dead spot on your pitching staff, give Slowey a chance.
Rays’ pitcher Andy Sonnanstine continues to win despite his average statistics. Sonnanstine had a great game on Sunday, throwing seven innings of one run ball while striking out four. He generally only goes five or six innings and gives up two or three runs. Even after today’s great game his ERA sits at 4.60. I wouldn’t go crazy grabbing him, but there are certainly worse options.
Braves rookie Jo-Jo Reyes threw a great game on Sunday, and despite his inconsistencies he might be worth a look for your team. Reyes has a sub-.500 record, but he gets a pretty good amount of strikeouts and plays for a pretty decent team. He was consistently over a strikeout an inning in his minors’ career, and his record on the farm was 35-15. He is another guy that might be worth considering for your team. At worst, keep an eye on him over his next couple of starts.
Don’t forget to listen this Tuesday, July 1st to the Fantasy Baseball Scouting Report Show, starring yours truly, and Eric Stashin from rotoprofessor.com. We will be talking about all things fantasy baseball, but will focus on some minor leaguers as well as possible free agent pickups for your team. Don’t miss it, and feel free to call in if you have any specific questions, I will provide the call-in number.
As always, your questions (adds, drops, trades) and comments are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Don’t forget to check me out at mlbfrontoffice.com on Tuesdays under In The News. Also go to fantasybaseballsearch.com to find me in the Gurus Blog, and listen to The True Gurus Show every Wednesday night at 9 pm. I am a frequent guest on that show.
