It’s time for a look at this April’s hottest fantasy players. These players have come out the gate with a purpose. While there isn’t really an order to our list, there are 11 players we have chose to mention specifically. Take a closer look at what we are talking about:
Zack Greinke, SP, Royals
Greinke has thrown 20 innings in 3 starts and has yet to give up a run. Hes got 26 k’s vs 5 walks. His last outing gave him 53 points in Baseball Instinct leagues; striking out 10 in an complete game shut out. They don’t get much hotter.
Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers
Cabrera had a down season in 2008, well at least for him. This is usually the case when I personally bid a big chunk of auction money on a player expecting a huge payoff. If the first week is any example he could exceed all expectations in 2009. In 12 games he has amassed 4 HR and 12 RBI. Not too shabby, neither is a .489 batting average and 1.326 OPS. I will go out on a limb and say he’s due for much more this season.
Adam Lind, LF/DH, Toronto Blue Jays
Lind wasn’t even on my radar this off season. But like his team he’s started the season right. If you counted on 3 HR and 12 RBI after 13 games, a tip of the hat to you. It’s often hard to predict how a player will respond to a DH role. At 25 years old he’s done it sparingly in Toronto over the past 3 seasons but his outfield position has been given to Travis Snider a top prospect. If he continues to excel Adam Lind could be Toronto’s designated hitter for quite some time.
Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
In 12 games Votto has hit for power; 2 HR, 4 doubles, 12 RBI and a .966 OPS.He’s a solid young player who will be a solid performer for years to come. A hard nosed player, young Joey Votto slid hard trying to score on a play at home plate jamming his knee. That didn’t bother Votto, he was out on the field the next day.
Emilio Bonifacio, 3B, Florida Marlins
Bonifacio is fast with a good glove. He can turn a single into a double and a double into a triple. After 13 games he has 1 double, 1 triple and a 1 HR. The Home Run was of course of the inside the park variety. Bonifacio breaks the mold of a power hitting first baseman which if you’re looking for you’ll want to pass on Emilio. Four stolen bases and 13 runs isn’t too bad when he’s on base ahead of the red hot Marlins power hitters. Look for him to make other infield starts and a couple in the outfield. Making him a very valuable commodity in any league.
Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees
Is Cano making up for a terrible April 2008? The Yankees need everybody to do better in 2009 and he is not disappointing. After 13 games he’s hitting a healthy .388 with 3 HR and 8 RBI and getting on base with .455 OBP. Last year pitchers found a weakness as Cano would chase bad pitches. Time to change their technique as he’s learned to be selective with his swings. He’s been one of a few bright spots for New Yorkers this season and it looks like he’s re-discovered his mojo.
Francisco Rodriguez, Closer, New York Mets
He loves the spotlight. Why would the Angels give up on the man who set the record for saves in a single season? Meh, you got me. But The Mets are very happy to have him considering the bullpen breakdown the past two seasons. Early on K-Rod has 3 saves in five and a third innings with 9 strike outs. If he can break his own record remains to be seen. Mets fans hope so.
Josh Beckett, SP, Boston Red Sox
Where were you last season? Well a healthy Josh Beckett has roared into the 2008 season. 2 Wins and 1 Loss after 3 games isn’t mind-blowing but 20 K’s in 19 innings is. The incident against Anaheim appears will cost him a start and really was Josh Beckett supposed to hug Bobby Abreu after benches cleared on a sunny afternoon in LA? He never seemed his old self last year but he’s turned the corner and has his top starting pitcher stuff back.
Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners
Felix starts his fifth full season having not quite showed the form that was promised. But it appears he’s learned a thing or two. 2 wins and 20 strikeouts in 19 innings is proof. The 23 year old right hander gave fantasy owners a scare as he twisted his ankle in the regular season opener but he bounced back without any complications in his next start. I’m thinking this is his breakout season.
Derek Lowe, SP, Atlanta Braves
Lowe constantly amazes me. In 2004 it was why would you leave the World Champion Boston Red Sox? Okay, the money definitely and a decent pitchers ballpark. You convinced me Derek, very good move. Now why Atlanta? I thought he’d struggle as a Brave but he’s exceeded my expectations. After 22 innings or 4 games he’s struck out 17 and has a very Lowe-like ERA of 3.27. One of the few bright spots in the Atlanta rotation I think he will continue to blow up our expectations of him.
Jonathon Broxton, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers
There’s a new sheriff in town, um I mean closer. We all saw Broxton’s progression and no body can be surprised by his quick start. 4 saves in 4 chances, 11 K’s and an ERA of 1.35. The 2009 Dodgers are clicking on all cylinders and Broxton is one of many reasons.
Others worth mentioning:
Albert Pujols, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals
Aaron Hill, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Raul Ibanez, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Carlos Quentin, OF, Chicago White Sox
Victor Martinez, C, Cleveland Indians
Nelson Cruz, OF, Texas Rangers
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers
Orlando Hudson, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers
Nick Markakis, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays
Chase Utley, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies
Roy Halladay, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Erik Bedard, SP, Seattle Mariners
Heath Bell, RP, San Diego Padres
Josh Johnson, SP, Florida Marlins
Johan Santana, SP, New York Mets
Ricky Romero, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Kyle Davies, SP, Kansas City Royals
Javier Vazquez, SP, Atlanta Braves
Mariano Rivera, RP , New York Yankees
Zach Duke, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
love the article, but how does K-Rod get the nod over Bell for the period up to 4/21?
bell:
7g, 7sv, 6.2innings, 8k, 2bb, 2h, 0era
k-rod:
6g, 3sv, 5.2innings, 9k, 2bb, 2h, 0era
if anything k-rod should be the one with an honorary mention
Good point. I went with strike outs per inning in that case. Yes, Bell has been very hot as have the Padres. He deserves a nod over K-Rod. I don’t want Mr. Bell to think I used an east coast bias since I live in his backyard.