By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com
Word has been very mum on the recovery of Brandon Webb from shoulder surgery. After being placed on the sixty day disabled list March 26th, little has been discussed on how well he is doing. It’s coming to the point that owners may have too cut ways with Webb.  The only thing to come out recently on Webb is that he has taken another trip out to the infamous therapist Dr. James Andrews on flaws in his throwing motion.

These next few weeks will prove pivotal if he is worth keeping or not. With most leagues tight on DL spots and time of the esscence he may have to be giving the green light for waivers. All star break is around the corner and rehab assignments are not even close to being of realization. With the Diamondbacks trading for Dontrelle Willis it could be another sign of Webb not returning any time soon.

If you’re in the middle to bottom tier of your league and need to make an improvement we’re saying make that gut call and cut Webb. His contributions on this season if any may not be until August. That is not going to be enough of an impact for your team to close a tremendous gap in the span of two months. Now if you’re towards the top of your league you can be a little more patient. Even at that if by All Star break the same scenario we’re seeing now is going on release him and tinker with your lineup a bit.

By Zack Cimini

Stats as of 5/13/2010: Avg: .254/HR-4/RBI-12/R-18/SB-2

For those looking for somewhat of a bat in a sparse pool take a look at David Dejesus. He has had an up and down start to the year but is putting up numbers in all categories. His average is not where you’d like it to be, but he is getting on base, and is performing well since being moved from leadoff to the three hole.

Dejesus has solid value and is available in 65% of Yahoo leagues. Snatch him up as a bargain now and see how long you can get performing numbers from him to keep give your current roster a boost.

Fantasy Week in Review (4/4-4/11):
By: Raymond Ayala

The J-Hey Kid: The Future of Fantasy Baseball

If you were lucky enough to take a gamble on an outfielder from Atlanta who is probably younger than you in the later rounds this year, then you must have had a solid first week one in your fantasy league.
Move over Justin Upton, you are no longer the only young OF fantasy owners are drooling over. Some people compare him to Darryl Strawberry, while I see more of a Ken Griffey Jr. in this kid. Folks I want you to meet Jason Heyward the future of fantasy baseball and the potential successor to Albert Pujols as your No. 1 overall pick for seasons to come.
Heyward was selected 14th overall in the 2007 MLB Baseball Amateur Draft. He was drafted by his hometown Atlanta Braves and has quickly become one of the best hitting prospects in baseball. The Braves decided they could no longer wait on this phenom, who not only has plus power, but has probably some of the best bat speed in the majors right now. The Braves decided to give him the starting RF job out of Spring Training this year, and the kid cannot even buy a beer yet (20 years old).
After watching him play in his first week, I have to say he seems pretty comfortable. Most 20 year old kids would struggle in their first week of the bigs, but Heyward not only didn’t struggle, he probably had one of the best weeks of any ML-player (.292, 3 HR’s, 8 RBI). Why do I think he will continue to dominate like this? Because this kid is for real, and his swing is like that of a 3-4 year veteran. He is the most major league ready player to hit the Majors since Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez.

Brian Matusz a.k.a The Second Coming of the Big Unit

I had the luck of watching Brian Matusz play at my school for three years. During those three seasons, I thought he was the best lefty I had ever seen in my life and I had seen both Johan Santana and Barry Zito in his prime. Matusz is a 23 year old crafty lefty, who has a 94 MPH fastball with very balanced breaking pitches.
Matusz lost his status of “sleeper” last season when he capped his short 2nd half stint with the Baltimore Orioles, by throwing 7 innings of shutout ball against the New York Yankees. Ever since that game, fantasy owners are no well aware of the fact that this kid is for real.
The only downfall for Matusz may be the fact that he has trouble finding the win column, since he does play for the Orioles. Even though he may not get you the wins like Lincecum, Halladay, Beckett, etc. get you, the strikeouts will be right there with those guys if not more. Look for Matusz to maintain an ERA below 3.50 this year and top the 180 strikeout mark as well. The Orioles pitching staff is quickly becoming something to be reckoned with.

Chris Young: A Possible Resurgence?

Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder Chris Young is one of those players you scratch your head and wonder if he will ever get his groove back. Largely ignored by most fantasy baseball players, reassured he will be one of the most popular waiver wire pickups after this first week.
Young started off this week strong, hitting .292 with 3 HR’s, 11 RBI. While those numbers look fantastic on paper, remember 9 of those RBI’s and 2 of those HR’s came against the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. Do not be fooled by this hot start, Young is another example of a player who got paid and is now taking it easy. After hitting 30 HR’s in 2007, Young was demoted to AAA last season after his terrible hitting display. While there is still a chance he continues this pace, I just don’t see it happening. My suggestion would be to pick up Delmon Young (MIN) or Rick Ankiel (KC) before possibly considering Chris Young.

Chapman and Strasburg dominate first Minor League Starts

While this may not apply to your current fantasy team, there are those who drafted these two pitchers in hopes of a call-up sooner than expected. While these two probably will be talked about the most of all the pitchers in the 2011 Fantasy Draft crop, right now they could be mid-season league changers if drafted properly.
My suggestion is draft neither if you are in a relatively shallow league (10 teams or less). If you are in a deep league (10 teams or more), then you may want to spend a late round pick on one of these two. While they probably will get limited ML starts this season, I suspect both will see ML time at some point this season. Both pitchers are similar in the fact that they will be good for monster strikeout numbers, but Strasburg seems to be the more likely of the two to see the majors first.
The only reason Stephen Strasburg is in the minor leagues right now is because of a technicality in his contract, which pays him less if he stays in the minors. The Washington Nationals aren’t going anywhere, anytime this season, so Strasburg is what Nat’s fans are cheering for this season. Equipped with a fastball that touches 99 MPH, Strasburg has begun to develop the breaking pitches that needed refining in his arsenal. Look for Strasburg as a pick up around May if he is still available in your league.
Aroldis Chapman is probably the only pitcher right now who has a faster fastball than Strasburg. Chapman’s fastball is the best in the league, and I’m confident in saying that. Chapman has the ability to hit triple-digits regularly, but his main issue will be developing his off speed stuff and fixing some control issues. Chapman is younger than Strasburg, and was signed knowing he was a project. I think Chapman is off limits this season in fantasy baseball, especially since I am very high on their current No. 5 starter Mike Leake. Keep an eye out on Chapman though, and if you hear any news about injuries to the starting pitchers in Cincinnati, pick up Chapman right away.

2010 Fantasy Top 20 Baseball Third Basemen
By Raymond Ayala

1. Evan Longoria (TB) – While some may chose A-Rod, I like Longoria better because he is a decade younger than Rodriguez, and the baseball schedule is 162 games long. Look for Longoria to top his Homerun numbers this season, while those RBI’s stay in the same range.

2. Alex Rodriguez (NYY) – At this point all A-Rod has left to do is break the Home Run Record. He has hit for 30 Homeruns and at least 100 RBI in his last 11 seasons, and to expect different would be ridiculous.

3. Mark Reynolds (ARZ) – Another of the many duplicate names on these lists. Reynolds is the only 3rd baseman that has a shot at a 30-30 season. The good thing about him is once you draft him, you can wait a little bit before picking your next 1st basemen or 3rd basemen. His versatility is only topped in fantasy this season by V-Mart.

4. Ryan Zimmerman (WAS) – Last seasons Zimmerman is the one we should all get used to seeing. While the Nationals are still a year away from contending, Zimmerman will continue to put up 30 homerun and 100 RBI seasons in a similar way to Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria.

5. Aramis Ramirez (CHC) – The Cubs hold an option on Ramirez, and right now are probably leaning on not using it. Ramirez could quickly change those thoughts though if he reverts back to his old power-hitting self. I think he does and has a monster year with 30 plus Homeruns and 100 RBI.

6. Pablo Sandoval (SFG) – Similar to Reynolds is also 1st base eligible. Sandoval’s numbers will only increase as he continues to grow up in the major leagues. While he led all 3rd basemen in batting average last year, I expect him to focus more on power in 2010.

7. David Wright (NYM) –His speed numbers increased, but that drop in homerun total is too much of a dip to ignore. While Wright may be good for a plus .300 average and 30 plus stolen bases, I think his power numbers will be affected by Citi Field so long as he plays there. Do not expect more than 20 Homeruns from Wright this season.

8. Ian Stewart (COL) – I think Stewart’s upside this season will surprise most. While he was considered a top prospect, he has been stuck behind people in Colorado for the past 2 seasons. Now 3rd base is his, and I think a 30-homerun season out of him is not out of the question, especially since he plays his home games at Coors Field.

9. Kevin Youkilis (BOS) – When David Ortiz struggled last year it was Youkilis who picked up the slack and finished with fantastic all-around stats. While there is a chance he regresses, odds are last years numbers are a good indicator for this season.

10. Chone Figgins (SEA) – Figgins used to be more valuable when he was a super-utility player, but now he is just strictly an average-hitting third basemen with plus speed. If you are looking to fill your SB and Runs category Figgins is one of the best in all of fantasy baseball.

11. Gordon Beckham (CHW) – Some questioned the White Sox for calling up this 2008 1st round draft pick so quickly. The White Sox were rewarded as Beckham earned the AL Rookie of the Year award. While he is still young, Beckham could easily tally 20 Homeruns, 80 RBI, and 20 SB’s in 2010.

12. Alex Gordon (KC) – While he may have struggled in recent seasons, I see an inspired Gordon coming into this season with a chip on his shoulder. I believe he can hit 30 Homeruns and drive-in 100 RBI’s this year, even if he is playing for the Royals.

13. Michael Young (TEX) – Young will never be that same player that had 100 RBI’s a couple of years ago, but he is one of the best 3rd basemen when it comes to average. A .320 average, 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI are the numbers Young is capable of putting up this season.

14. Jorge Cantu (FLA) – Cantu qualifies as a 1st baseman as well. Has surprised the league with back-to-back productive seasons. While Cantu may have been garbage to the Rays, he has certainly been a prize for the Marlins. The Marlins offense this season will hinge on whether Cantu can repeat his performance from last season.

15. Chipper Jones (ATL) – Jones has struggled recently, but some new weapons should help him RBI’s increase by double digits. While his 30 Homerun 100 RBI days may be in the past, Chipper is still a quality first baseman who will be good for at least 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI, unless he is injured.

16. Casey Blake (LAD) – During his last three seasons he has come very close to the 20-80 mark. This season will be a tough one for the Dodgers, but with Manny in that lineup, it would be very hard for him to not equal his numbers in 2009. Blake is a solid regular in the Dodgers lineup though and does have big games in him.

17. Scott Rolen (CIN) – Rolen hasn’t been healthy in four seasons, and this season he will have to prove he can maintain his health. If he is healthy, I don’t see any reason why Rolen can’t hit at least 25 Homeruns and collect 80 plus RBI’s.

18. Pedro Feliz (HOU) – I think Feliz has a chip on his shoulder after the Phillies just let him go so easy. His bat is capable of a 20 Homerun 80 RBI season anytime, and in Houston I think he will thrive. Consider Feliz one of my top sleepers for 2010.

19. Chris Davis (TEX) – He is just barely 3rd basemen eligible. Davis struck out too much for the Rangers liking and he was demoted to AAA for it. He has to be careful because a bad spring training might equal top prospect Justin Smoak stealing his roster spot.

20. Placido Polanco (PHI) – Signed a new contract with the Phillies and now has to live up to it. The Phillies are different since the last time he played for them and a 15 Homerun 75 RBI season is not out of the question.

Future Five to Watch
1. Lonnie Chisenhall (CLE)
2. Pedro Alvarez (PIT)
3. Josh Bell (BAL)
4. Mike Moustakas (KC)
5. Josh Vitters (CHC)

2010 Top 20 Fantasy Baseball Catchers
by Raymond Ayala

1. Joe Mauer (MIN) – If he is not listed as your top catcher, then you shouldn’t be playing fantasy baseball. Mauer has a better lineup around him this year, and is entering a new hitter friendly ballpark. He will break the 30 Homerun mark this year.

2. Brian McCann (ATL) – I think this could be the year McCann breaks the 100 RBI mark for the first time. I like the Braves as a sleeper team, and I think McCann carries them this season.

3. Matt Wieters (BAL) – His slow start, was due to typical growing pains rookie catchers have, now you can steal him in your fantasy league. In his second season Wieters is going to show the league why he was so highly touted in the minors. I think 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI’s are too be expected.

4. Victor Martinez (BOS) – Homerun numbers dropped, but is still the 2nd best catcher in fantasy. Let’s not forget what a contract-year does for a player. Another season like last, and Martinez is staring at 15-million a year at least.

5. Jorge Posada (NYY) – Ballpark definitely has given Posada’s career a much-needed recharge. Pretty easy to drive in all those RBI’s when you play for a team with an offense that is stacked from top to bottom.

6. Kurt Suzuki (OAK) – This may be a bit of reach, especially in the ballpark, but Suzuki showed a lot of promise last season. Suzuki is a dark horse candidate to go 20-20 this season, which would make him the only catcher to do so since Ivan Rodriguez (WAS).

7. Russell Martin (LAD) – Martin slumped last year, but he is still young and will bounce back this season. The Dodgers are not much weaker on offense, and they will need to put up runs if their pitching staff remains what it is.

8. Benjie Molina (SFG) – He wasn’t expected to return to San Francisco, but has and has to be considered one of the most consistent fantasy catchers out there. He has three straight seasons of at least 15 Homeruns and 80 RBI’s.

9. Miguel Olivio (COL) – Yah he will be battling with Ianetta, but if he can hit 23 Homeruns in Kansas City, he could easily hit 25 Homeruns at Coors Field. I would be shocked if Olivio isn’t able to pry the starting catcher job from Chris Ianetta (COL).

10. Miguel Montero (ARZ) – Montero broke out last season and showed an unexpected jump in power. Mark me down as one person that believes he can reach the 20 Homerun plateau this season.

11. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (TEX) – There are fourteen letters in his last name, and I expect him to hit a homerun for every letter in his last name this season. In that ballpark he may even hit 2 for every letter. Pretty much has a chance to be the best catcher in baseball not named Mauer.

12. Geovany Soto (CHC) – Completely fell off the map this year, and could lose the job this season if his struggles continue. I look for Soto to revert back to the All-Star Soto we saw during his rookie season.

13. A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) – Call him old reliable. All 5 years with the White Sox, A.J. has been good for at least 50 runs, 10 Homeruns, and 50 RBI each season. If you’re looking for a catcher with upside though, he’s not your guy.

14. Yadier Molina (STL) – Power seems like it will never come, but he is the 2nd fastest catcher behind Kurt Suzuki. Could see him nabbing 10-15 SB’s, as well as hitting for a .300 average. Would be a good choice in the later rounds.

15. Dioner Navarro (TB) – Navarro has a top prospect when he was with the Yankees, before he was traded to the Devil Rays. I expect better power numbers from him this season. At least double the 8 Homerun output he had last season.

16. Mike Napoli (ANA) – Showed potential power early last year, but then completely fell off. If Napoli isn’t careful, Angels top prospect Hank Conger is nearly ready to go after an amazing season in the minor leagues.

17. Chris Ianetta (COL) – Look I really like Olivio, even though the Rockies are going into Spring Training with Ianetta as a starter. If there is a tandem of catchers to have on your team, it is Ianetta and Olivio. One of them will prosper in that ballpark guaranteed!

18. Ryan Doumit (PIT) – Could increase value if the Pirates trade him to a contender at the deadline. As crazy as this sounds, a contender with a need for a catcher might give up a lot for him at the deadline. Doumit can flat out hit, period.

19. Carlos Santana (CLE) – Might not start the season with the big club, but he is going to get the call up very soon this year and when he does, your going to wish you had him. Why? Because this kid has a lot of raw power. He is Victor Martinez Version 2.0.

20. John Baker (FLA) – Will have higher power numbers with increased at bats. Baker has some upside.

Future Five to Watch:

1. Buster Posey (SFG)
2. Jesus Montero (NYY)
3. Hank Conger (ANA)
4. Derek Norris (WAS)
5. Jason Castro (HOU)

By: Raymond Ayala

The 2009 MLB season introduced us to a new crop of young, up and coming pitchers. No young pitcher surprised more this year then Kansas City Royals pitcher Zach Greinke. Grienke should be the runaway candidate for the AL Cy Young Award this year, and will continue to dominate like he did in 2009. While Grienke gets my number two spot, I am putting a very familiar name at my number one spot. Tim Lincecum was the 2008 NL Cy Young Award Winner, and has a shot to win the 2009 award as well. Even though he only had 15 wins this season, he still led the league with over 250+ Strikeouts. Lincecum has also decided for the time being to go year-to-year with an arbitrator, which equals big bucks for big performances. Lincecum goes into the 2010 season as the best pitcher in baseball, and he is only 26.

My Top 20 Fantasy Pitchers for 2010:

1) Tim Lincecum (SF) – The freak is the real deal.
2) Zach Greinke (KC) – A breakout season exposed him for the pitcher he truly is.
3) Felix Hernandez (SEA) – Only 23 years old, will win a Cy before his 25th birthday.
4) Roy Halladay (TOR) – May not be playing for Toronto, but that doesn’t change the fact that he has the some of the nastiest stuff in the game.
5) Justin Verlander (DET) – Probably will be the best strikeout pitcher in the American League for the next 5 seasons.
6) Cliff Lee (PHI) – His time with Philadelphia has shown what happens when you put an AL pitcher in the NL.
7) Dan Haren (AZ) – Arizona will improve next year, which means Haren’s ridiculous WHIP numbers won’t go to waste in 2010.
8) Clayton Kershaw (LAD) – Kershaw was only 21, and maintained an ERA under 3, get him now before it is too late.
9) Chris Carpenter (STL) – 09 Comeback player of the year will vie once again for the 2010 Cy Young Award.
10) Adam Wainwright (STL) – Repeating 19 wins shouldn’t be a problem for him next season.
11) Matt Cain (SF) – Cain had a 2nd half slump, but still carries a high K/9 rate, as well as a low ERA.
12) Tommy Hanson (ATL) – He was called up late, but his stuff was fantastic.
13) C.C Sabathia (NYY) – Had an amazing 2nd half for the Yankees and a full season of this will guarantee him a Cy Young during his tenure in New York.
14) Javier Vazquez (ATL) – He has been a great asset in fantasy for K’s, now he adds a low ERA to the mix in 2010.
15) Josh Johnson (FLA) – This season was just the start. Next season he is in a contract year and will be fighting with Cain for best contract of 2011.
16) Jair Jurrgens (ATL) – Will be number 3 in a very powerful Braves rotation in 2010; a great gift for Bobby Cox in his final season.
17) Jon Lester (BOS) – Really has started to show signs of being a superstar pitcher, but may always be that really good sidekick.
18) John Lackey (Free Agent) – Pitchers in 1st years of their contracts usually struggle at 1st, but I think Lackey becomes a star wherever he lands.
19) Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) – Was key to the Rockies run down the stretch, and is still very young.
20) Yovani Gallardo (MIL) – The Brewers are expecting this kid to be an all-star next year, as should everyone in baseball.

Five Starting Pitcher Sleepers

1) Brian Matusz (BAL) – This kid is young, but in his short stint with Baltimore put up a win against the Yankees and had plus strikeout ability.
2) Jonathan Sanchez (SF) – The no-hitter last season was no joke. His numbers continued to improve after the All-Star break.
3) Neftali Feliz (TEX) – If you were smart you picked him up as a relief pitcher in 09. In 2010 he should become a K-machine similar to Seattle’s King Felix.
4) Aroldis Chapman (Free Agent) – Chapman defected from Cuba and will get the Dice K treatment, which means no minor leagues.
5) Stephen Strasburg (WAS) – The Nationals will peg him as their opening day starter and he will have 10 K’s in that game. Take it to the bank.