Lance Berkman is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his knee and will be out two to four weeks. I expect he’ll miss at least a week of the season. Maybe two. And even though it’s at worst two weeks of the season, I dropped his projections (to see them, go to the top 20 1st basemen for 2010 fantasy baseball), because when older players need knee surgery after bumping their knees, well, it concerns me. Luckily for Astro fans, Ed Wade planned way ahead for an injury to Lance Berkman. Step right up, Geoff Blum! Wait! This just in! Ed Wade just traded Lance Berkman’s physician for a box of Triscuits. Wade, “If anyone can do this surgery, it’s this box of Triscuits. They’re so woven!” Anyway, here’s some other news in fantasy baseball:
Jose Reyes – As you probably know by now, Reyes is going to miss 2 to 8 weeks with a wonky thyroid. He’ll likely begin the year on the 15-day DL. Which is not the same as being on the DL for the entire year. Hopefully. I said this about the whole Reyes thyroid issue when it happened. I’ve also updated my top 20 for 2010 fantasy baseball, top 100 and top 300 rankings. Right now, I have Berkman in a Cousteau-deep league and Reyes in a league with no bench. If you need me, I’ll be on the roof of my building waiting for someone to push me. Since this isn’t a leg issue, I wouldn’t turn down Reyes if he fell to me in the 4th round.
Carlos Beltran – Some people wondered if the Mets could keep their injury news streak alive in 2010. So far, so good, huh? Beltran says he should be ready to start rehab games in April, which would put him on a timetable to return to the Mets towards the end of April. He’s not a safe pick, but I’d start considering him around the 100th overall pick. Doubt his steals return to their previous glory, but he could be the three-hole hitter for the majority of the season and get 20+ homers.
Brandon Lyon – Faced live hitters today for the fist time. I’m assuming those live hitters were happy. Lyon should be ready in time for the start of the season. I still think he’s the guy the Astros turn to to close out most games. Lindstrom should still be owned for those vulturing and handcuffing.
Gaby Sanchez – Inside track on the 1st base job. He’s my backup for Berkman. Wish us well.
Brian Roberts – Taking pain meds… Aw, Sickie Roberts. I haven’t owned Roberts in many years because I thought he was overrated, but I was starting to come around on him. Now that he’s still dealing with a herniated disc, maybe I’ll go back to my original stance. Hey, his herniated disc is making me boomerang! (<–Australian humor)
