In life, we often don’t have a choice in who we love. The same holds true for fantasy baseball fans. Right or wrong. Rational or irrational. We are drawn to certain players each season., maybe through hype or a glimpse of what could be from the previous season. In this series of articles, I would like to spotlight just who you should be “crushing” on in 2009.
Rumored to be given the nickname “Kung Fu Panda” by fellow San Francisco Giant player Barry Zito, Pablo Sandoval, age 22, probably responded with a sly grin. After all, how could he deny the spot on reference to his 240-something pound frame and his free spirit personality?
Still, Pablo’s crush-worthiness isn’t tied up in his rotund physique and shear willingness to express joy for the game of baseball. Sandoval possesses an innate ability to square up pitches no matter where they are in the strike zone. He’s a bad ball hitter pure and simple. Both a blessing and a curse, it has also made him a free swinger. Though, amazingly, he’s a free swinger who hit .345 and only struck out 14 times in 145 major league at bats. The down side being that he took only 4 walks. With a little development of strike zone judgment, Pablo could fashion himself into a very tough out.
Fantasy owners should also note that Sandoval played 3 positions in the minors. First base, third, and catcher. Here is where you should start scribbling his name on your cheat sheets. If Pablo were to at least play the minimal required starts at catcher, his value will sky rocket. You may have a cheap or lowly drafted catcher capable of .300 average, 20 hrs, and 80 rbi. Early reports have him batting in the 3 hole right out of spring training.
Speaking as someone who could lose a few pounds, let me say, “Bad bodied athletes unite!!” Let’s bring back the Steve Balboni’s and the Greg Luzinski’s and the Cecil Fielders! George Herman Ruth!! Forget about all the pills and syringes! You know these guys did it with beer and hotdogs!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice to read something new. Great read once again, Dave. Love the “bromance” angle for a player analysis.
I’m a fan of the fat player. Wasn’t a problem 60 years ago. Cheeseburgers > Steroids.
Good stuff. I like the guys who look like they could be playing on my rec league softball team.
oh no… he said br*hiccup*mance… hey batboy, go get me a beer.
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