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February 26, 2006

High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Middle Infielders

Week number 5 of the baseball show season and we get your ready for your drafts by running down the top Middle Infielders...Don't forget to call and leave us voice mail at (631) 458-0536...

Updated Player Team Pos. Injury Status
2/25/06 Kip Wells
PIT SP Arm fatigue Will be examined by specialist
2/25/06 Brian Lawrence
WAS SP Shoulder Out until All-Star break
2/25/06 Kevin Correia
SF SP Back Pitched 2/24 pain free
2/25/06 Bobby Crosby
OAK SS Shoulder Day to day
2/25/06 Russ Springer
HOU RP Ribs Day to day
2/25/06 Paul Wilson
CIN SP Shoulder Return unknown
2/25/06 Derrek Lee
CHC 1B Triceps Limited throwing of late
2/25/06 Ken Harvey
KC DH Achilles' tendon Out until at least June
2/25/06 Matt Miller
CLE RP Elbow Now throwing batting practice
2/25/06 Edgar Renteria
ATL SS Back Day to day
2/25/06 Carl Crawford
TB OF Wrist Now taking batting practice
2/25/06 Frank Thomas
OAK DH Ankle Cleared to intensify workouts
2/25/06 Kerry Wood
CHC RP Shoulder Threw off a mound 2/24
2/25/06 Barry Bonds
SF OF Knee Opening day in question
2/25/06 Justin Speier
TOR RP Finger strain Will resume pitching next week
2/25/06 Reed Johnson
TOR OF Elbow Will rest for a few days
2/25/06 Vernon Wells
TOR OF Quadriceps Should be fine for opening day
2/25/06 Luis Ayala
WAS RP Elbow Not considered serious
2/25/06 David Wells
BOS SP Ankle Return unknown
2/25/06 Brian Roberts
BAL 2B Elbow Hopes to play opening day
2/24/06 Ramon Nivar
STL OF Knee No timetable for return
2/24/06 Brandon Medders
ARI RP Shoulder Day to day
2/24/06 Chin-hui Tsao
COL RP Shoulder Hopes to return in June
2/24/06 John Van Benschoten
PIT SP Shoulder Throwing again, but limited
2/24/06 William Bergolla
CIN 2B Hernia No return date set
2/24/06 Pedro Martinez
NYM SP Toe Day to day
2/24/06 Carl Pavano
NYY SP Back Could throw off mound 3/1
2/24/06 Rafael Furcal
LAD SS Knee Could play week of 2/27
2/24/06 Eric Gagne
LAD RP Elbow Opening day still a question

Bill Powers Second Baseman

1) Chone Figgins – 8 HR, 57 RBI, 113 Runs, 290 Avg, 62 SB
2) Chase Utley – 28 HR, 105 RBI, 93 Runs, 291 Avg, 16 SB
3) Alfonso Soriano – 36 HR, 104 RBI, 102 Runs, 268 Avg, 30 SB
4) Jeff Kent – 29 HR, 105 RBI, 100 Runs, 289 Avg, 6 SB
5) Marcus Giles – 15 HR, 63 RBI, 104 Runs, 291 Avg, 16 SB
6) Jorge Cantu – 28 HR, 117 RBI, 73 Runs, 286 Avg, 1 SB
7) Brian Roberts – 18 HR, 73 RBI, 92 Runs, 314 Avg, 27 SB
8) Mark Loretta – 3 HR, 38 RBI, 54 Runs, 280 Avg, 8 SB
9) Richie Weeks – 13 HR, 42 RBI, 56 Runs, 239 Avg, 15 SB
10) Tadahito Iguchi – 16 HR, 79 RBI, 74 Runs, 281 Avg, 16 SB

Player to Watch – Ian Kinsler – Texas
Possible Drop – Off – Robinson Cano

Shortstops

1) Michael Young – 24 HR, 91 RBI, 114 Runs, 331 Avg, 5 SB
2) Miguel Tejada – 26 HR, 98 RBI, 89 Runs, 304 Avg, 5 SB
3) Derek Jeter – 19 HR, 70 RBI, 122 Runs, 309 Avg, 14 SB
4) Jose Reyes – 7 HR, 58 RBI, 99 Runs, 273 Avg, 60 SB
5) Jimmy Rollins – 12 HR, 54 RBI, 115 Runs, 290 Avg, 41 SB
6) Jhonny Peralta – 24 HR, 78 RBI, 82 Runs, 292 Avg, 0 SB
7) Rafael Furcal – 12 HR, 58 RBI, 100 Runs, 284 Avg, 46 SB
8) Felipe Lopez – 23 HR, 85 RBI, 97 Runs, 291 Avg, 15 SB
9) Edgar Renteria – 8 HR, 70 RBI, 100 Runs, 276 Avg, 9 SB
10) Julio Lugo – 6 HR, 57 RBI, 89 Runs, 295 Avg, 39 SB

Player to Watch – Bill Hall Milwaukee
Come Back Year – Renteria
Down Year – Lugo

Posted by billpowers at 07:43 AM

February 19, 2006

High and Tight Fantasy Baseball - Getting you geared up for your Fantasy Draft

Getting you geared up for your Fantasy Draft...We check out your Closers and First Baseman this week...Don't forget to call us at 8pm on Wednesday night at 631-458 - 0536

Bill Powers First baseman…

1) Albert Pujols – 41 HR, 117 RBI’s, 129 Runs, 16 SB, 330 Avg
2) Mark Texiera – 43 HR, 144 RBI’s, 112 Runs, 4 SB, 301 Avg
3) Derrick Lee – 46 HR, 107 RBI, 120 Runs, 15 SB, 335 Avg
4) Carlos Delgado – 33 HR, 115 RBI, 81 Runs, 301 Avg
5) Paul Konerko – 40 HR, 100 RBI, 98 Runs, 283 Avg
6) Ryan Howard – 22 HR, 63 RBI, 52 Runs, 288 Avg – 312 AB…
7) Richie Sexson – 39 HR, 121 RBI, 99 Runs, 1 SB, 263 Avg
8) Adam Dunn – 40 HR, 101 RBI, 107 Runs, 4 SB, 247 Avg
9) Jason Giambi – 32 HR, 87 RBI, 113 Runs, 271 Avg
10) Todd Helton – 20 HR, 79 RBI, 92 Runs, 3 SB, 320 Avg
11) Aubrey Huff – 22 HR, 92 RBI, 70 Runs, 8 SB, 261 Avg
12) Jim Thome – 7 HR, 30 RBI, 26 Runs, 207 Avg

Over Achiever – Lyle Overbay…
Under Achiever – Mike Jacobs

Bill Powers Relief Pitchers…
1) Mariano Rivera – 7 Wins, 43 Saves, 80 K’s, 78.1 IP,1.38 ERA
2) Brad Lidge – 70.2 IP, 4 Wins, 42 Saves, 2.29 ERA, 103 K’s
3) Francisco Rodriguez – 2 Wins, 45 Saves, 2.67 ERA, 91 K’s, 67.1 IP
4) Billy Wagner – 4 Wins, 38 Saves, 1.51 ERA, 87 K’s, 77.2 IP
5) Joe Nathan – 7 Wins, 43 Saves, 2.70 ERA, 94K’s, 70 IP
6) Huston Street – 78.1 IP, 5 Wins, 23 Saves, 2.28 ERA, 72 K’s,
7) Chad Cordero – 2 Wins, 47 Saves, 1.82 ERA, 74.1 IP, 61 K’s
8) BJ Ryan – 70.1 IP, 1 Wins, 36 Saves, 2.43 ERA, 100K’s,
9) Trevor Hoffman – 57.2 IP, 43 Saves, 2.97 ERA, 54 K’s,

Over Achiever – Ryan Dempster
Under Achiever – Todd Jones…

Posted by billpowers at 08:43 AM

February 12, 2006

High and tight fantasy baseball - New name show

New name same great show... Maybe...

1) Johan Santana – 231.2 IP, 16 Wins, 238 K’s, 2.87 ERA, .97 WHIP
2) Roy Oswalt – 241.2 IP, 20 Wins, 184 K’s, 2.94 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
3) Pedro Martinez – 217 IP, 15 Wins, 208 K’s, 2.82 ERA, .95 WHIP
4) Chris Carpenter – 241.2 IP, 21 Wins, 213 K’s, 2.83 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
5) Jake Peavy – 203 IP, 13 Wins, 216 K’s, 2.88 ERA, 1.04 WHIP
6) Randy Johnson – 225.2 IP, 17 Wins, 211 K’s, 3.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
7) Roy Halladay – 141.2 IP, 12 Wins, 108 K’s, 2.41 ERA, .96 WHIP
8) Ben Sheets – 156.2 IP, 10 Wins, 141 K’s. 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
9) Bartolo Colon – 222.2 IP, 21 Wins, 157 K’s, 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
10) Carlos Zambrano – 223.1 IP, 14 Wins, 202 K’s, 3.26 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
11) Felix Hernandez – 84.1 IP, 4 Wins, 77K’s, 2.67 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
12) Roger Clemens – 211.1 IP, 13 Wins, 185 K’s, 1.87 ERA, 1.10 WHIP
13) Dontrelle Willis – 236.1 IP, 22 Wins, 170K’s, 2.63 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
14) Andy Pettite – 222.1 IP, 17 Wins, 171K’s, 2.39 ERA, 1.03 WHIP
15) John Smoltz – 229.2 IP, 14 Wins, 169K’s, 3.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
16) Mark Buehrle – 236.2 IP, 16 Wins, 149K’s, 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP
17) Jon Garland – 221 IP, 18 Wins, 115K’s, 3.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
18) John P atterson – 198.1 IP, 9 Wins, 185K’s, 3.13 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
19) Barry Zito – 228.1 IP, 14 Wins, 171K’s, 3.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
20) Mark Prior – 166.2 IP, 11 Wins, 189K’s, 3.67 ERA, 1.21 WHIP
21) AJ Burnett – 209 IP, 12 Wins, 198K’s, 3.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP
22) Cliff Lee – 202 IP, 18 Wins, 143K’s, 3.79 ERA, 1.22 WHIP
23) Zach Duke – 84.2 IP, 8 Wins, 58K’s, 1.81 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
24) Rich Harden – 128 IP, 10 Wins, 121K’s, 2.53 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
25) Curt Schilling – 93.1 IP, 8 Wins, 87K’s, 5.69 ERA, 1.53 WHIP

Posted by billpowers at 08:56 AM

February 09, 2006

Fantasy Focus - Baseball call in show

Team fantasy focus take on some callers for the first time. Here is the number 631-458-0536. Call and leave us a voice mail or call during the next showtime and get on the show.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Ramon Hernandez will take over the catching duties after landing a hefty four-year, $27.5 million contract, Jeff Conine signed for a year to play wherever the O's need him, and former Boston first baseman Kevin Millar landed a one-year pact to pick up a moody clubhouse. Cubs castoff Corey Patterson probably will start in center. And the O's now have the best pitching coach in the business: former Atlanta rocker Leo Mazzone. They lost closer B.J. Ryan to Toronto .

Lowdown: The Orioles have had it hard this winter. White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko turned down huge money to stay in Chicago for less. Jeromy Burnitz was close to a deal, but turned his back on the O's at the last second. Star shortstop Miguel Tejada complained, demanded a trade, then retracted the demand. If Patterson works out, if Conine and Millar can be productive at first, if the O's keep Javy Lopez as a designated hitter, and if Chris Ray or newly acquired LaTroy Hawkins can close, the Orioles haven't lost any ground. Any way you look at it, though, they sure haven't gained any.

BOSTON RED SOX

The Sox took advantage of the Marlins' payroll chopping and landed potential ace Josh Beckett in a trade; they also got third baseman Mike Lowell and reliever Guillermo Mota in the deal. Boston took San Diego for a ride, too, getting second baseman Mark Loretta while giving up only backup catcher Doug Mirabelli. The Sox shored up the bullpen by signing free-agent relievers Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez. They traded disappointing shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Braves for infield prospect Andy Marte . But they lost center fielder Johnny Damon to the Yankees, and a bunch of other stalwarts from their '04 title team -- including Millar and Bill Mueller -- left in a wild, uneven offseason.

Lowdown: The Yanks' offer for Damon just proved to be too rich, so now the Sox have to find a replacement in center, a good leadoff man, and (after trading away Renteria) a shortstop. Manny Ramirez is staying, it seems, but the Sox still are looking to deal lefty David Wells. For this offseason to be successful, Lowell will have to have a bounceback year at third, and the combination of Kevin Youkilis and free-agent pickup J.T. Snow must be good at first. And, of course, there are still those center-field and shortstop problems ...

NEW YORK YANKEES

The Yanks lost setup man Tom Gordon , so they signed free-agent Kyle Farnsworth (three years, $17 million). They needed a boost in center, so they went out and bought Damon (four years, $52 million -- ouch). They shored up their bullpen with the signings of Octavio Dotel and lefty Mike Myers.

Lowdown: Strangely under control most of the winter, the Yankees did well in replacing Gordon, strengthening their bullpen, and finding a top replacement for Bernie Williams in center. They still have a lot of ifs in their rotation, and there's no telling how Jason Giambi will hold up as an everyday first baseman. A new starter would have helped, but the market was thin, and the Yanks smartly didn't overpay for someone -- for once.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

The Rays have been a little slow, but they're moving some. They recently swapped their long sought-after closer, Danys Baez, and one-time All-Star reliever Lance Carter to the Dodgers for a couple of much-needed starters. Earlier, they picked up discarded third baseman Sean Burroughs in a trade with San Diego for disappointing starter Dewon Brazelton, and signed Japanese reliever Shinji Mori. Nothing franchise-shattering, but these are, after all, the Devil Rays.

Lowdown: It's all about baby steps for the Rays. They had a surprisingly good second half last season (39-34) and now have new ownership, a new manager (Joe Maddon), a lot of new faces ... and, alas, some of the same old problems. They may still trade shortstop Julio Lugo or outfielder Aubrey Huff to get more starting pitching and bullpen help (someone has to close now that Baez is gone). Then they'll hope guys like Carl Crawford, Jorge Cantu, a healthy Rocco Baldelli and up-and-coming shortstop B.J. Upton can hit enough to stay close in the division.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

The biggest movers of the winter, the Jays signed what they needed: another top-tier starter ( A.J. Burnett) and a stopper (lefty B.J. Ryan). They traded for power in third baseman Troy Glaus and a good hitter in first baseman Lyle Overbay . All the action came at a price, of course. Burnett cost the team $55 million, Ryan $47 million.

Lowdown: The Jays overpaid, sure, but they now have arguably the most reliable rotation in the division ( Roy Halladay , Burnett, Ted Lilly, Gustavo Chacin and Josh Towers ) and some of the power they lost when Carlos Delgado left after the 2004 season. Toronto won 80 games last year and came awfully close to winning a lot more than that (the Jays were a horrific 16-31 in one-run games). These moves could -- no, they should -- put the Jays into wild-card territory, at least.

AL CENTRAL

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

The world champs had a couple of touchy moves to make, and they pulled them off flawlessly. They enticed first baseman Paul Konerko back with a five-year, $60 million deal (he turned down $65 million from the Orioles). They traded for slugger Jim Thome, who should make a terrific designated hitter. They strengthened an already ridiculously strong rotation with a trade for Javier Vazquez. They traded for a good utility man, Rob Mackowiak. Did they make a misstep at all?

Lowdown: This team is stronger, which should be absolutely scary. The biggest question mark is in center field, where Brian Anderson takes over for Aaron Rowand (traded to Philly in the deal for Thome). Other than that, every area is at least as strong as it was when the Sox whipped through the postseason with just one loss.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Free-agent right-hander Paul Byrd, a crafty sort, was signed to take the place of last year's ace, ERA champ Kevin Millwood (who was eventually handed the keys to the Rangers' kingdom). The Indians replaced Scott Elarton (signed by the Royals) with free-agent Jason Johnson of the Tigers. Cleveland didn't get the closer it was after ( B.J. Ryan, Trevor Hoffman), but is fine bringing back aging Bob Wickman (45 saves in '05). Still, the loss of bullpen standout Bobby Howry (signed with the Cubs after 79 games and a 2.47 ERA) is going to hurt.

Lowdown: Arguably the best team in baseball during the second half of the season, their final week slide was an absolute killer. But the Indians still have all that young offensive talent ( Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta, Grady Sizemore) and a rotation second only to that one in Chicago. The Tribe will challenge for the title again. But that questionable 'pen is going to have to do its share.

DETROIT TIGERS

The Tigers hope free-agent lefty Kenny Rogers , with all his baggage (and his two year, $16 million contract), helps prop up the rotation. They're counting on Matt Mantei (from Boston) and resurrected closer Todd Jones (Florida) to do the same for the bullpen. Rogers may be a step up from Jason Johnson, but the rotation is still lacking. Detroit made a run at a lot of free agents this winter, but talking top talent into moving to Motown is still not an easy task, even if new manager Jim Leyland is doing the pleading.

There's talent here, but the rotation isn't much stronger than it was last season (4.85 ERA, 10th in the AL ). And in this division, the Tigers have to get a lot better in every phase of the game to even start thinking about competing with the Indians and White Sox.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

With $22 million to spend, the Royals went after big names galore. What they got was an entirely different story. Lots of new starting pitching, veterans all ( Joe Mays, Elarton, Mark Redman) will help, though finding an ace in that group is impossible. Reggie Sanders, Mark Grudzielanek and Doug Mientkiewicz are wonderful clubhouse guys and solid in the field, but are any of them difference-makers?

Lowdown: Losers of 106 games in '05, the Royals are looking up. But it's one heck of a view from down there. They're better, no doubt, and with all the graybeards, it'd be difficult to think that this team would tank for any length of time. But in this division, a rotation filled with Nos. 3s and 4s isn't going to cut it. And the bullpen is iffy, too.

MINNESOTA TWINS

It has not been a kind winter for the Twins, who find themselves falling behind badly in the division. Talks for Alfonso Soriano and many others went nowhere. So Minnesota had to settle for getting second baseman Luis Castillo, one of the Marlins' castoffs, to help its leaky infield. The Twins signed Rondell White to serve as a designated hitter/right fielder (taking Jacque Jones' spot). Tony Batista, after a season in Japan, will assume duties at third base.

Lowdown: With Johan Santana, Brad Radke and Carlos Silva at the top of the rotation, the Twins won't get blown out of the division. But they need to be stronger in the infield. When the White Sox and Indians sport much deeper rotations, it will be tough. Real tough.

AL West

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Pitchers Paul Byrd (to Cleveland) and Jarrod Washburn (Seattle) found big money outside of Southern California. The Angels offset their pitching losses, a little, with 36-year-old Hector Carrasco (from Washington ) and a trade for lefty reliever J.C. Romero (from Minnesota ). Still, hitting -- power hitting -- is where the Angels needed the most help, and they've whiffed. They traded light-hitting outfielder Steve Finley to the Giants, getting light-hitting infielder Edgardo Alfonzo in return, and they'll lose catcher Bengie Molina to free agency. That's not getting them anywhere.

Lowdown: The AL West champs have spent the offseason gabbing and rearranging but getting little done. They couldn't pull the trigger on deals for Konerko or Manny, so they'll try to get more oomph in their lineup (which hit just .175 in the loss to the White Sox in the AL Championship Series, scoring just 11 runs in five games) by moving first baseman Darin Erstad back to center, giving young Casey Kotchman the first base job, hoping Dallas McPherson heals from hip surgery sooner rather than later, and trying to work Juan Rivera into a regular designated hitter role. They did well in locking up super utility guy Chone Figgins (he'll start at third), but Vladimir Guerrero is still looking for some help.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

Never turn your back on GM Billy Beane. A three-year, $21 million deal for pitcher Esteban Loaiza surprised quite a few -- since when do the A's shell out that kind of dough for free agents? The trade for often-in-trouble outfielder Milton Bradley bowled over anyone left standing. Plus, despite all the early talk, Barry Zito wasn't traded. The A's lost relievers Octavio Dotel and Ricardo Rincon to free agency. But this is still a pitching-rich team with one of the best rotations (Zito, Dan Haren, Rich Harden, Joe Blanton and Loaiza) in baseball and a rock of a bullpen. The lineup may not be especially powerful, but it's deep with a lot of versatile, moving pieces.

Lowdown: The No. 1 priority was a middle-of-the-order bat to go with lefty-swinging Eric Chavez (the team was 10th in the AL in OPS), and what they came up with was Bradley, a career .269 switch-hitter coming off surgery. Bradley has never hit more than 19 homers or 67 RBIs in a season and has worn out his welcome everywhere he's been. (Backup infielder Antonio Perez came in the deal, too.) The A's are hedging their bet on Bradley by still talking about slugger Frank Thomas as a possible DH, but Beane insists he's content with his team as is. With that pitching, it's no wonder.

SEATTLE MARINERS

Kenji Johjima will become the first Japanese catcher in the Major Leagues after signing a three-year contract worth nearly $17 million. He fills a big hole for a team that struggled in '05. The Mariners, tweaking their rotation, went hard after AL ERA champ Kevin Millwood, but had to settle instead on reliable but unspectacular lefty Jarrod Washburn. They also got some lineup pop -- not a lot, but some -- with the signings of free agents Matt Lawton and Carl Everett.

Lowdown: It seems like only yesterday that the Mariners won 116 games. But that was 2001, and by last year, the M's were an aging, powerless, 93-loss team. They still have a steady bullpen, with Everyday Eddie Guardado at the back end, and their rotation with Washburn, sensational Felix Hernandez and steady Jamie Moyer, will be OK. The M's are banking on Everett, Lawton and a much better year from one of last season's big additions -- third baseman Adrian Beltre -- to spark the offense. And that may be banking on too much.

TEXAS RANGERS

The Rangers needed pitching, so they spent big -- not A-Rod big, but still big -- on Kevin Millwood ($60 million for five years). He'll be the new ace of the rotation, which lost Kenny Rogers (the camera-shy lefty ended up in Detroit), but now boasts Adam Eaton (trade from San Diego ) and Vicente Padilla (trade from Philadelphia). The Rangers freed up some money by finally dealing slugging Alfonso Soriano to Washington, getting top-of-the-order outfielder Brad Wilkerson in the swap. And they've added pieces in the bullpen ( Akinori Otsuka came in the Eaton deal). Millwood's the key, and he's a good one.

Lowdown: Hitting is not a problem Texas, especially in that ballpark, but by trading Soriano, the Rangers have left themselves with a hole at second base (prospect Ian Kinsler is a front-runner for that spot). The Rangers still will be scary at the plate, with newly reminted first baseman Mark Teixeira, third baseman Hank Blalock, shortstop Michael Young and the rest. No matter how you cut it, the pitching, from the starters to the back end, is better. No, they're not as good as the A's or the Angels yet, but the Rangers are getting there.

Posted by billpowers at 09:03 PM

February 07, 2006

Remember the call in show

Reminder that we are having our call in show on 2/8 at 8:00 east coast time. Here is the number 631-458-0536.

Be prepared to get made fun of for all to hear!

Posted by billpowers at 07:30 PM

February 01, 2006

Fantasy Focus for now - Kick off the baseball season

Hello again everybody and welcome to Fantasy Focus for now…I'm Bill Powers…With Darren Porterhouse DiPrima bringing you the world of Fantasy Baseball…This is the first show of the season where we will bring you the latest and greatest in Fantasy Baseball through Spring Training, the World Baseball Classic and of course the regular baseball season…This week, we'll take a look at the hot stove moves made by the National League teams and how they will effect the Fantasy stars in the League…

Are you ready to roll Porterhouse?
Some business we need to cover first…Next weeks show, we want your phone calls…We will be doing the show beginning Wednesday Night at 8pm….Just call into_____and you will be able to speak with Darren and I…The show will then be available via the regular download on Thursday Night…You can also email us at Fantasyfocus@gmail.com.
Another thing we ask is that you go to Fantasyfocuspodcast.com where you will answer the questions, what should the
new name of the baseball show be…You choices are…

Rawhide Wrap-up...
Outside the Stike Zone...
Around the Horn Fantasy Baseball
Grand Slam Fantasy Baseball
High and Tight Fantasty Baseball...
High and inside Baseball Podcast

Take your pick…Some of these names have been submitted by you the listeners…If your choice wins we'll send you an F Porterhouse Beer Stein…So vote now…The new name will be announced in two weeks…

You can also buy your F Porterhouse Merchandise when you go to Fantasyfocuspodcast.com…Also, make sure you subscribe to the show which you can do easily through Itunes and also by going to our website Fantasyfocuspodcast.com.

It's hard to believe we need to start getting ready for another baseball season…

Porterhouse…

I think we need to take on our listeners once again…So if your interested in taking us on in a fantasy baseball league, just send us your request at Fantasyfocuspodcast.com…First come first serve…

This week P, we will run down some of the moves in the National League and how they will effect the fantasy values of some of the top players in the league…Next week, we will cover the American League…Then we will start running things down by position…Who you should draft and who you need to stay away from…Each week we will cover another position and maybe two…


Their was a great article by John Donovan at SI.com…He really covers things well and we will reference his article to run everything down…
NL EAST
ATLANTA BRAVES : The Braves took a double hit when shortstop and leadoff man Rafael Furcal grabbed the Dodgers' big money and closer Kyle Farnsworth took big bucks from the Yankees. The defending NL East champs also saw Julio Franco , a key bench player and half of their first-base platoon, sign with the rival Mets. Atlanta rebounded a bit by trading prospect Andy Marte to the Red Sox for shortstop Edgar Renteria, and bolstered the bullpen somewhat by trading catcher Johnny Estrada to the Diamondbacks for Lance Cormier and Oscar Villarreal. Strangely for the Braves, though, they've been more reactive than proactive.
Lowdown: Second baseman Marcus Giles is penciled in at leadoff right now, and the Braves are still looking for a closer. Chris Reitsma is about all they have. Renteria should return to his All-Star form in the NL. The rest of the team is largely intact, including a solid rotation, a lot of good, young position players and some outstanding veterans such as Giles, Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones. That all bodes well for a run at a 15th straight division title. But as far as getting better, the Braves didn't.

FLORIDA MARLINS Gone are first baseman Carlos Delgado (Mets), pitcher Josh Beckett (Red Sox), infielder Mike Lowell (Red Sox), catcher Paul Lo Duca (Mets), center fielder Juan Pierre (Cubs) and second baseman Luis Castillo (Twins). Free agents Jeff Conine (Orioles), A.J. Burnett (Blue Jays), Todd Jones (Tigers) and Juan Encarnacion (Cardinals) left too.
Lowdown: The franchise's two youngest and best stars, pitcher Dontrelle Willis and now-third baseman Miguel Cabrera, are about all that remains. They'll be joined by a load of possibly talented but definitely untested prospects that the Marlins got in all those trades. The Marlins signed Joe Borowski to close, and Pokey Reese to play second base, but for the most part, you're going to need a scorecard to figure out who these guys are.
NEW YORK METS No NL team benefited more from the Marlins' selloff than the Mets, who traded for first baseman Carlos Delgado and catcher Paul Lo Duca, both of them All-Stars who plug gaping holes. Mets GM Omar Minaya also landed the closer he needed, signing free-agent lefty Billy Wagner (four years, $43 million), cleared some salary by trading right fielder Mike Cameron to the Padres for new right fielder Xavier Nady, and signed solid bench players in Julio Franco and Jose Valentin. A late trade sent Jae Seo to the Dodgers in exchange for righty relievers Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll added depth to the bullpen.
Lowdown: Minaya didn't get Manny Ramirez after all that talking, but that is about the only significant player the Mets wanted who wasn't lured to Queens. With a blockbuster offseason, every part of this team is better, with the possible exception of the starting pitching depth now that Seo is gone. The shortcomings at catcher and first base have been filled wonderfully, the bullpen problems are addressed and the bench is better. If the Mets stay relatively healthy and their creaky rotation doesn't fall apart, the Braves will face their toughest test in more than a decade. Horrible deal sending Kris Benson to the Orioles for Jorge Julio…They will be in big trouble in Heilman cannot start…Zambrano does not improve…Any remaining start breaks down…
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES : New GM Pat Gillick completed his biggest offseason task when he traded first baseman Jim Thome to the White Sox for center fielder Aaron Rowand. Gillick couldn't talk closer Billy Wagner into staying, so the Phils settled on former Yankees setup man Tom Gordon. The Phils also traded starter Vicente Padilla, signed starter Ryan Franklin and versatile infielder Abraham Nunez and brought in a few bullpen arms in various trades and signings. They also bought a backup catcher.
Lowdown: The Phils spent much of the winter dangling right fielder Bobby Abreu, only to find no takers, and dabbling in other blockbuster talks, only to come up empty. They lost out on Wagner, the closer they really wanted, and are still hurting in the bullpen. They also could have used more help in the rotation (Philly starters had a 4.20 ERA in '05, ninth in the NL). The Thome trade was good, though, because it filled a trouble spot in center, cleared up the first base problem and helped ease the payroll.
Players to watch…
Jason Michaels, Chase Utley, Aaron Rowand, Bobby Abreu…
WASHINGTON NATIONALS t: Indefatigable GM Jim Bowden pulled off a whopper of a trade for a slugger: Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano . But it seems that the Nationals will have to drag him kicking and screaming into the outfield. The Nats are now without outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge (both went to the Rangers for Soriano), and free-agent Preston Wilson, who signed with Houston. Contenders for much of 2005 before finishing .500, the Nats lost a couple of free-agent starters, too, in Esteban Loaiza and Hector Carrasco. Bowden tried to offset that in an early trade for San Diego 's Brian Lawrence and the later signing of free agent Ramon Ortiz. The Nationals will also have a newcomer at third ( Vinny Castilla was traded to the Padres for Lawrence ), new infield backup and a new lefty out of the bullpen: veteran Mike Stanton.
Lowdown: The lowest-scoring team in baseball needed punch. Bowden thinks he has it in Soriano, though his numbers undoubtedly will drop from what they were in Texas due to the expanse of RFK Stadium. Soriano, at least, will contribute some offense along with Nick Johnson , Jose Guillen and Jose Vidro. But in losing Loaiza and Carrasco, the Nats' starters took a step back from '05, when they were seventh in the NL with a 4.03 ERA.
Still has decent pitching with Tony Armas, Livian Hernandez, John Patterson and Brian Lawrence…
NL CENTRAL
CHICAGO CUBS Florida's Juan Pierre, who will lead off and play center, both troublesome spots last year, and fortified his bullpen -- another scary spot -- with two better-than-average free-agent signings: lefty Scott Eyre (from the Giants) and righty Bobby Howry (Indians). The Cubs spent $23 million to lock those two up for the next three years. The other noteworthy signing was free agent right fielder Jacque Jones (Minnesota), who won't blast as many homers as the departed Jeromy Burnitz but offers better defense and more on the basepaths.
Lowdown: The restructured and now possibly dominant bullpen should help prop up the always-touchy rotation. The biggest non-pitching question remains at shortstop, where veteran Neifi Perez and 23-year-old Ronny Cedeno will try to do what the Cubs wanted Furcal to do. Still, when the smoke clears, this offseason will be judged on how well the hard-working Pierre does. He improves the defense and, if he's at top form, he'll provide many more RBI opportunities for Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez.
Derrick Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Juan Pierre and Pitchers stay on your radar…Plus Ryan Dempster could be a top closer…
CINCINNATI REDS Pitching was Priority No. 1 for the Reds, and they addressed it -- some -- by dealing away popular first baseman Sean Casey to the Pirates for lefty starter Dave Williams. That wasn't the extent of their moves this winter, but it's pretty close. Adam Dunn now will man first base, leaving the outfield to Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey Jr. and Wily Mo Pena. Infielder Rich Aurilia re-signed, too, and the Reds traded for light-hitting utility man Tony Womack , which should give them some options off the bench. Lefty reliever Chris Hammond signed up. But, so far, there aren't a lot of new faces in Cincinnati.
Lowdown: One new starting pitcher -- and a lower-rung one at that -- won't make a lot of difference for the Reds, who should have learned that last season with Eric Milton. Like a lot of teams, the Reds are leaning on their youngsters (Kearns, Pena, Dunn, shortstop Felipe Lopez, versatile Ryan Freel) and the occasional vet (Griffey, Aurilia) to get them through. But the pitching -- this team has no closer -- is just not there.
Awful pitching…No closer…Ryan Freel was solid…Griffey rebounded…Willy Mo everyday could produce nice numbers later in the draft…
HOUSTON ASTROS The NL champs re-signed catcher Brad Ausmus, a must, along with outfielder Orlando Palmeiro and pitcher Russ Springer. They signed Preston Wilson, who adds to a glut of outfielders. But the Astros will figure out who plays where later. The uncertainty of first baseman Jeff Bagwell's return makes the need for more power in the lineup more crucial. (The Astros hit .203 in the World Series against the White Sox.)
Lowdown: This is, in large part, the same team that worked its way into the World Series, with one huge exception: Roger Clemens. No one yet knows whether the ace will return in '06, and that (along with the inflated payroll) has stymied the Astros. Still, the pitching's good enough to compete, and Wilson is a slight upgrade, offensively, for a team that needs all the pop it can find.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS Their biggest move was a necessary one: trading first baseman Lyle Overbay to make room for Prince Fielder. GM Doug Melvin made a good deal, getting starter Dave Bush, outfielder Gabe Gross and pitcher Zach Jackson, a former first rounder, from the Blue Jays. The Brewers and Jays also traded to get third baseman Corey Koskie to Milwaukee (for righty Brian Wolfe), and Melvin sent pitcher Wes Obermueller to Atlanta to get back the Brewers' former closer, Dan Kolb . The bullpen, though, is still a soft spot.
Lowdown: After years of ineptitude, the Brewers are seeing their effort at developing talent begin to pay off. With players like Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks and shortstop J.J. Hardy, the Brewers have a lot of potential to go with outfielders Carlos Lee and Geoff Jenkins and, now, third baseman Koskie. The team's starters, sixth in the NL with a 4.02 ERA last year, remain largely intact, and now Bush joins them. The big question? The bullpen, which could make or break the Brewers.
Prince Fielder will be good, just not yet…Maybe a late round flyer pick…Weeks and Hardy have a full season under their belts and should improve…Carlos lee was a first half monster last year…Solid Pitching with Sheets, Capuano, Doug Davis…Is Turnbow for real? Will he tuck in his pants/
PITTSBURGH PIRATES Cubs free agent Jeromy Burnitz -- capping a very good run for the Pirates. The Bucs also found a useful hitter and great clubhouse guy in first baseman Sean Casey (who came in a trade with the Reds for lefty starter Dave Williams). Ditto for third baseman Joe Randa (a free agent from San Diego ). They also bought reliever Roberto Hernandez (2.58 ERA in 67 appearances for the Mets in '05) and filled out the bullpen. Their closer ( Mike Gonzalez) is untested, and their rotation is pretty young. But the Pirates are looking up.
Lowdown: Littlefield would like a little more power from his corner infield spots, but Randa and Casey are respectable at getting on base, at least. The Pirates will rely on the revamped lineup and their young, talented rotation ( Oliver Perez, Zach Duke, Kip Wells, Paul Maholm) to get them to .500 or better, somewhere they haven't been since 1992.
Solid Pitchers, but can you draft them with this bullpen…
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS This has been a tumultuous offseason for the reigning NL Central champs. The Cardinals lost most of their outfield when Reggie Sanders signed with Kansas City and Larry Walker retired. Solid second baseman Mark Grudzielanek also left (K.C.) and third baseman Abraham Nunez signed with Philadelphia . Starter Matt Morris (101-62 in eight years with the Cardinals) bolted to San Francisco for a three-year, $27 million deal. The Cards also traded lefty reliever Ray King to the Rockies and saw reliever Julian Tavarez sign a two-year deal with Boston . Reliever Cal Eldred, who appeared in 145 games in the past three years for the Cards, retired.
Lowdown: GM Walt Jocketty isn't one to stand still. Though the Cardinals lost out on a lot of free agents, they did find a decent hitter and a replacement outfielder in Juan Encarnacion, and landed capable outfielder Larry Bigbie from the Rockies in the trade for King. Wayward free agent starter Sidney Ponson was a relatively cheap gamble at $1 million for this year, and the Cards tried to replenish the bullpen with former Mets closer Braden Looper and former Oakland lefty Ricardo Rincon. Free-agent pickup Junior Spivey and Aaron Miles (also from Colorado in the King deal) will probably compete for the starting job at second base. That's a lot of movement, and not all of it is an improvement. But with solid starting pitching, a good closer in Jason Isringhausen, third baseman Scott Rolen healthy again and guys like Jim Edmonds and MVP Albert Pujols still hanging around, the Cards will hope it's enough.
So many questions marks for this team…
NL WEST
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS They dealt disappointing starter Javier Vazquez to the White Sox for Orlando Hernandez, a reliever and a stud center-field prospect. They swapped big-swinging third baseman Troy Glaus to the Blue Jays for starter Miguel Batista and Gold Glove second baseman Orlando Hudson. They picked up catcher Johnny Estrada in a trade with Atlanta. And they signed a starting center fielder in Eric Byrnes. All of them fill holes. But ...
Lowdown: It's very possible that Hernandez and Batista will be worse than Vazquez and Shawn Estes (who signed with the Padres). The two new D'backs certainly are older. Glaus' bat -- no getting around this -- will be missed. Expecting youngsters like Chad Trady and first baseman Conor Jackson to immediately pick up the slack is asking too much. But the beauty in these deals, in Arizona's eyes, is in guys like Hudson, who's just entering his prime, and that young stud center fielder, Chris Young, who has shown great power in the minors. Estrada, too, is a good find if he ever shakes off the collision he had last year with the Angels' Darin Erstad. The D'backs still have problems in the bullpen, and their rotation could be tr?s shaky ( Brandon Webb notwithstanding), but there's enough young talent (Tracy, Jackson and others) and veteran know-how ( Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green) to keep things interesting.
COLORADO ROCKIES the Rocks added some experience in free agent closer Jose Mesa, re-signed starter Byung-Hyun Kim and added to their bullpen savvy by re-signing Mike DeJean and trading for St. Louis lefty Ray King. They also traded for a catcher, landing the Mariners' Yorvit Torrealba. What's that? Not excited about any of those guys?
Lowdown: Well, those guys are all useful players, and all are needed, but the Rockies will still ride their youngsters (third baseman Garrett Atkins, shortstop Clint Barmes, right fielder Brad Hawpe, outfielder Matt Holliday) and stumble because of a mostly lightweight rotation in a pitchers' purgatory. That's just life, and near-death experiences, in Coors Field.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS :Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal (the Cubs thought they had him), hired new manager Grady Little and generally did not stop for weeks at a time. The Dodgers probably missed on as many players as they got -- Paul Konerko, Manny Ramirez and several big-name pitchers turned them down -- but they did sign Nomar Garciaparra to play first base, Bill Mueller to play third and Kenny Lofton to play center. Colletti also calmed the clubhouse by sending Milton Bradley to the A's. He added two starters by trading for the Mets' Jae Seo and signing Giants free agent Brett Tomko . The bullpen was re-stocked with closer Danys Baez and reliever Lance Carter from Tampa Bay. All in all, an incredible workout for a team that started so far behind.
Lowdown: Whether the Dodgers are better in '06 depends largely on the health of J.D. Drew, Jayson Werth and Garciaparra. But Furcal helps, as does Mueller, while Seo and Tomko at least make up for the free-agent loss of Jeff Weaver. The whole place should be much more upbeat, too.
SAN DIEGO PADRES Towers made sure the Padres kept what good they had by re-signing on-base machine Brian Giles. Then he solidified the strongest part of a pretty good bullpen, getting closer Trevor Hoffman, a San Diego favorite, to re-up. Beyond that, the Padres' moves were truly dizzying. A big breath now ... They dumped uninspiring third baseman Sean Burroughs on the Devil Rays in exchange for uninspired pitcher Dewon Brazelton, then upgraded their offense at third by trading pitcher Brian Lawrence to the Nationals for sometime-slugger Vinny Castilla. They shored up their outfield defense, and added some offense, by trading Xavier Nady for the Mets' Mike Cameron. They lost some offense, though, by trading second baseman Mark Loretta to the Red Sox for catcher Doug Mirabelli, though that was necessary with the loss of free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez (who signed with Baltimore). Starter Adam Eaton and bullpen stalwart Akinori Otsuka were traded to the Rangers for starter Chris Young and backup outfielder Terrmel Sledge.
Lowdown: The rotation, the best part of the team in '05, may be a little shakier without Eaton and Lawrence. Newcomers Young and free-agent pickup Shawn Estes (from Arizona) aren't quite their equals, though there's always ace Jake Peavy. The previously strong bullpen will be without Otsuka, Chris Hammond and Rudy Seanez , but with Hoffman bearing down on the all-time saves record, it should be good enough. The weak offense has improved, and the defense, a key part of this team in spacious Petco Park, is better with Castilla and Cameron.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Barry Bonds' return is critical because, for the most part, this has been a sleepy offseason in San Francisco . The starting pitching got a shot in the arm with the signing of righty Matt Morris (three years, $27 million). Longtime starter Kirk Rueter is gone (released last August) and Brett Tomko signed with the Dodgers. The bullpen is a little iffy, too. A trade for Baltimore's Steve Kline (for righty LaTroy Hawkins) and the signing of Tim Worrell looks good, but the loss of steady lefty Scott Eyre (Cubs) was a big blow. Veteran first baseman J.T. Snow, who played in nearly 1,200 games for the Giants over the past nine years, has moved on to the Red Sox, clearing the way for young Lance Niekro.
Lowdown: The Giants should be much improved after a 75-87 showing, but it won't be because of any moves they've made this winter, the landing of Morris aside. The Giants will be better because of the return of Bonds (assuming he's healthy), a full season from closer Armando Benitez (if he's healthy, too) and the improvement of young pitchers Noah Lowry, Matt Cain and Brad Hennessey. If all those things go right, that should be enough to put the Giants in the middle of the division race.

Posted by billpowers at 09:48 PM | Comments (1)