Patrick Trotter

Review: 2008 BI Fantasy All-Stars

by Patrick Trotter March 5, 2009

With the Fantasy Baseball Auction/Draft season on the horizon, I thought we should take a look at the players that produced so admirably last season.  With that, we present the Baseball Instinct 2008 Fantasy All-Star team.

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Cubs | Samardzija to start Wednesday

by Patrick Trotter March 1, 2009

Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Cubs RP Jeff Samardzija will start the team’s Spring Training game Wednesday, March 4.

Our Instinct:  It seems more likely that The Shark is going to wind up the fifth man in the Cubs rotation.  If you don’t have him already, get him while you can.  Despite his rookie status, he does have a ton of upside, so if he’s available in your auction, you could still expect him to go for around $20-$25 dollars.

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2009 Texas Rangers: All Is Not Lost

by Patrick Trotter February 27, 2009

It was another hot, steamy day in September of 1996.  The Ballpark in Arlington stands were electric.  For the first time, the hometown Texas Rangers, who were finishing up a meaningless final game against the California Angels, were heading to the playoffs.  It was a season that seemed almost magical.  All the stars were aligned, and everything was spinning in perfect time.

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Why Is an Active League a Good Thing?

by Patrick Trotter February 26, 2009

This seems like a pretty simple question, right?  To me this sounds like, why is crossing the road when there are no cars coming smart?  However, you would be surprised by the amount of people who cross the road in traffic, fantasy baseball speaking that is.  What I mean by that is, the amount of people that I’ve known who continually go back to public leagues on assorted websites throughout theInternet , even though they consistently disappoint them is astounding. Why am I so outraged? Because I was one of these people as well for a long while.

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Is a Baseball Instinct Keeper League Too Much to Handle?

by Patrick Trotter February 24, 2009

As a precursor to this piece, I should stress that this is for those in the crowd who may not consider themselves the most experienced of fantasy baseball players. Or maybe those who have a busy lives and don’t think that they can handle another fantasy baseball league. You may have stumbled across Baseball Instinct from a Google search for “fantasy baseball” for instance. Or maybe you found us on facebook. However you found this website, we are happy to greet you.

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Cubs | Samardzija could be sixth on depth chart

by Patrick Trotter February 19, 2009

Gordon Wittenmyer, of The Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Cubs SP Jeff Samardzija may be the first option off the bench for manager Lou Piniella should any of the top five fail or be injured.

Our Instinct: The only surprise here, is why the Shark isn’t going to get a shot at the 5-slot in the rotation. While Samardzija owners probably don’t want to see him rushed, he appears to be ready, and Gaudin just isn’t a great option in the Cubbies’ rotation. Either way, Samardzija in the bullpen will even be a great asset for fantasy owners.

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Indians | Marte designated for assignment

by Patrick Trotter February 19, 2009

Paul Hoynes, of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Indians designated 3B Andy Marte for assignment Thursday, Feb. 19.

Our Instinct: We doubt he clears. Someone will probably claim him, and give him a fresh start in another organization. He still has little fantasy value.

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Indians | Salas acquired

by Patrick Trotter February 19, 2009

Paul Hoynes, of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Indians acquired RP Juan Salas from the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday, Feb. 19, in exchange for IF Isaias Velasquez.

Our Instinct: This is a good deal for Cleveland, and for Salas owners. Salas has shown a lot of raw talent, and potential closer material, that he just hasn’t shown in the majors yet. He’s close to ready, and this move makes him more desirable in all fantasy formats. Don’t expect much in the save/hold department, but he’ll be a good innings eater for now, and grab you some Ks.

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Reds | Phillips to hit cleanup

by Patrick Trotter February 19, 2009

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Fay reports Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker said 2B Brandon Phillips will hit cleanup to begin the season.

Our Instinct: Kind of a strange announcement, considering his statistical slide last season. Still, they don’t have many choices. This should be a nice move for Phillips owners. Hopefully he regains his 2007 composure.

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Rangers | Boggs has shoulder woes

by Patrick Trotter February 19, 2009

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Anthony Andro reports Texas Rangers OF Brandon Boggs (shoulder) had an MRI on his right shoulder. Dr. Keith Meister reviewed the MRI and saw some inflammation in there, but it’s not thought to be a great concern. Boggs was given an injection and will be limited in Spring Training for the next few days.

Our Instinct: This is really no great loss to anyone. If you have Boggs on your roster, you should be scouring the waiver wires looking for something better.

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