Coming to the Braves outfield this summer, Jordan Schafer — The outfielder to have when you’re drafting more than one. I picked him up immediately in my sucky fantasy baseball league. He sounds blahtastic! Maybe 10/15/.250 aka every outfielder that sits on waivers all year that has one good game and you contemplate picking up until you think better of it. Some have compared Schafer to Sizemore, but he’s much greener. Though he does know his way around striking out. He’s jumping straight from Double-A where he K’d 88 times in 297 ABs. CHONE and ZiPS project averages near .240. He may turn into a Sizemore, but for 2009 he’s more of a Sighsmore <– pun! He’s worth a flier in an NL-Only league. But then again, so is Cha-Seung Baek. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in spring training for fantasy baseball:
Dexter Fowler – Razzball was abuzz yesterday with the news Fowler might make the team. He really should, and Helton should retire so Ian Stewart can play, but whatever. Fowler is the total package like Lex Luger. He can run, mash and had the opportunity to go to Harvard. He could go 12/30 and hit .285. Then he’s a 30/30 guy in a year or two. Keeper leagues should be all over him. I have Spilborghs on a few teams, but I’d happily move on from him to see Fowler get the chance. I grabbed Fowler in my Spilborghs leagues for backup until this shakes out. I’ll drop whoever doesn’t get the job. Fowler or Maybin? I still want Maybin for now, because Maybin is assured time, i.e., the Marlins play their prospects. If Helton was on the Marlins, he would already be DH for an AL team.
Joey Devine – Aching Joey Devine is having a real hard time staying healthy. Looks like Ziegler will start the year as the A’s closer. He could hold the job for a while depending on effectiveness and Devine’s injury-prone-itude (Made Up Word Of The Day!).
Alexei Ramirez – Was hurt sliding into home, but didn’t seem too serious from the latest news I heard. Now ease back on the hustle, Alexei. You’re going to give me a heart attack. Everyone’s calling you an Alfonso Soriano clone, but there’s no need replicate his injury-prone-itude. Please don’t turn into this year’s bust. Please. I’m begging you now.
James McDonald – Some of you noobs (I called you a noob! Natch!) are going to think it’s Christmas in March, but I wrote a James McDonald sleeper post already. How’s dem apples? Delicious, I know.
Dustin McGowan – Jays unsure of his return. Hey, that makes two of us!
Travis Hafner – Hit first homer of spring and he’s batting .227. Good to see he’s rounding into mid-season form.
DeWayne Wise/Chris Getz – White Sox one and two hitters? Alexei batting 8th? Fields 9th? Somebody, please help him! Ozzie Guillen’s gone crazy!
Jason Motte – LaRussa said Motte would see some save chances. Way to clear that up! I think Franklin still gets involved in this mess.
J.D. Drew – Will bat fifth for the Sawx. I think people underrate Drew. He’s not a bad 4th to 5th outfielder.
David Purcey – I’m not buying into his solid spring training numbers. I call shenanigans.
B.J. Ryan – Gaston’s talking about using Downs for some saves, but reading between the lines tells me he might just be goading Ryan to man up. Either way, Downs is the handcuff you want as a Ryan owner.
David Delucci – Sticking with the newly-established David theme, David Delucci goes to the DL. Lates, Double D. Ben Francisco and Shin-Soo Choo just got a bump — not a Studio 54 bump.
Emilio Bonifacio – Could be leading off for Florida. Or Maybin. Or Hanley. Or Amezaga when he’s healthy. I doubt Bonifacio sticks in leadoff, but SAGNOF. I also really hope to one day see Alfredo Amezaga and Emilio Bonifacio in an Olive Garden commercial. Now that’s Italian!
