Fantasy Baseball Advice

Josh Beckett game yesterday was a thing of beauty if you’re into that New Agey art where people smear bodily functions on canvas.  3 IP, 8 ER, 12 baserunners, 3 Ks.  I’m not sure what the most disturbing part of this outing was.  The lack of Ks?  How second nature these terrible starts have become for Beckett?  Or the amount of wood the Jays were getting after seeing Beckett’s pitches? (Pun avoidable, but what the hey?)  I’m not here to crap your house, but in five starts Beckett’s only looked like himself in one of them.  Now that I’ve got you near tears, here’s a big rainbow of Marshmallow Fluff, my emotional friend.  Beckett’s April ERA last year was 7.22, then May was 2.38 followed by a 1.51 in June.  Beckett’s men left on base has been unlucky so far and his K-rate is absurdly low for him.  Unless he heads off to the Disgraceful List, he should turn things around.  I’m not buying at full value, but if you can sneak Red State Jeter away from nervous owners for thirty cents on the dollar, I’d consider it.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Jorge de la Rosa – Was sent for an MRI for a bone bruise on his middle finger.  Hopefully, that’s not the same finger he’ll be giving his owners.  Jhoulys Chacin (which is pronounced like Phoulys but with a J) might get the call if dlR has to miss a start.  Here’s what Stephen said in the Rockies Minor League Review, “Chacin induces ground balls at mind boggling rates. His career ground ball rate (59.2) are similar to Tim Hudson (58.6%), teammate Aaron Cook (57.5%) and Chien-Ming Wang (60.1%). He possesses a mid-90’s fastball with tons of heavy sinking action, a stellar change-up and a so-so curve.  Oh, and I hate Grey’s stupid face!”  Hey, how’d he sneak that past me?  For what it’s Wuertz, I grabbed Chacin in my NL-Only league.

Carlos Gonzalez – 2-for-3, homer, steal and his first walk as he continues to leadoff.  He’s completely miscast in the role.  He’s like George Clooney on Facts of Life.  Let CarGo hit third!

Jason Hammel – 3 IP, 5 ER as he was pulled from the game with a strained right groin.  Hehe… He has two groins.

Chad Qualls – 1 IP, 1 ER and the save as he lowered his ERA to 2.11… Oh, wait, that’s his WHIP.  His ERA is 9.00.

Ian Kinsler – As reported by the Arlington talk radio show, Talker, Texas Ranger, Kinsler will be batting 5th.  More RBIs, less Runs… Oh, just read this.

Nelson Cruz – Left the game with a flare-up of his hamstring injury.  Nelson Cruz is the king of nagging injuries.  To quote Big Head Todd & The Monsters, “It’s bittersweet… More sweet than bitter… Bitter than sweet.  Sweet and bitter.  Bitter and sweet.   Sweet… Bitter…  Bittersweet.”

Neftali Feliz – Has now given up 4 runs in the last 3 appearances, while Frank-Frank has only given up one run since April 11th.  Cust kayin’.

Mike Stanton – Coghlan should better.  His BABIP and line drive rate say he’s been unlucky.  Cody Ross just isn’t very good.  The only one that likes Cody is Kathie Lee.  Either way, Mike Stanton has 9 homers in 17 minor league games and is breathing down their necks.  He’s 7 for his last 8 with 5 homers.  If you thought the rush to grab Smoak was quick, crack your knuckles on your grabby little hands cause Stanton’s going to go just as fast.  Stanton mollywhops with his pony sticks.  Believe that.

Josh Johnson – 9 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 12 Ks.  After the game, his porn star brother, Gosh Johnson, sprayed the entire team with champagne.  At least, everyone hopes it was champagne.

Octavio Dotel – 1/3 IP, 4 ER.  Kazaam!  I think the Pirates find themselves with a tuxedo and too few times to use it.  I’ll explain.  It’s like when you convince yourself that it’s a good idea to buy a tuxedo for one occasion then you try to shoehorn it into every occasion.  “Listen, dear, if I’m going to bother entering an All You Can Eat Chimichanga Contest, I may as well be dressed well in case there’s press there.”  Dotel is the tuxedo.  Though he’s looked like a tuxedo shirt lately.

Colby Rasmus – 2-for-3, as he hit his 6th homer.  Don’t ya hate it when you target someone in every league, don’t get him by the luck of the draft and then he still does well?  I do.  I miss you, Colby.  Write soon!

Jason Heyward – 0-for-3 as he bats .234.  Now has 24 strikeouts in 64 ABs.  He’s going to be a great one, but he might be a year or two away from that.  Remember, it took Justin Upton almost 500 major league at-bats over the course of two seasons before he exploded last year.

Mat Latos – 2 2/3 IP, 7 ER.  Rule #1:  The hodgepadre should never go near water.  Rule #2:  The hodgepadre should not be exposed to direct light.  Rule #3:  The most important rule.  No matter how much they cry, no matter how much they beg, never, never start them on the road.

Brandon Wood – 3-for-4, and now has hits in three straight games.  Pay attention, it could be the start of something.

Brandon Inge – 2 homers yesterday.  Don’t you love when you pick up a player for only one short schedule day?  Yeah, I did that with Inge.  It’s like I called his shots.  Put me on the phone with Make-A-Wish.  I’m brightening sick kids’ days!  Hopefully, they don’t change the scoring to a triple with an error.

Phil Coke – Has a 1.64 ERA, 3 wins, 3 Holds and the best last name according to Ron Washington.

Felix Hernandez – 7 IP, 2 ER, 10 baserunners, 7 Ks.  I could sit here, and I am indeed sitting — in a prison cell in Singapore — and I could tell you he was outdueled by Ray Davies or whatever his name is, but I’m staying optimistic.  Even when F-Her isn’t electric, he’s more than respectable.  That’s what I like to see.  Now, please let me out of this cell, I promise not to chew gum in public again.

Chone Figgins – 0-for-4, now batting .179.  Haven’t owned Figgy anywhere in about four years, but I figured I’d give him a shot this year since he was getting 2nd base eligibility.  Yeah, that’s working out well.

Carlos Silva – 7 IP, 3 ER, 8 baserunners, 3 Ks.  As frequent commenter, royce!, said, “This Carlos Silva shizz has got to stop.  It’s like the universe is on a crusade to discredit all pitching peripherals.  Seriously, the Fangraphs database is gonna commit virtual seppuku.”

Alcides Escobar – 2-for-5, as he hit his first homer.  Now has more homers than steal attempts.  Any time, doode.

Rickie Weeks – 1-for-5 with 1 Run and 1 RBI as the Brewers scored 17.  Ticker tease!

Roy Halladay – 7 IP, 5 ER, 10 baserunners.  He didn’t look that NLightened last night.

Eli Whiteside – 2-for-3 and his 2nd homer.  Who needs Buster when we’ve got bubelah?

Jonathan Sanchez – 5 IP, 1 ER, 8 baserunners, 6 Ks as he beat Halladay.  Gotta love Sanchez even when he’s a butter WHIP.

Jimmy Rollins looks like he’s headed to the DL with a Grade 2 calf strain.  For those non-doctors out there, that’s a calf strain that starts to learn its times tables.  It hurts to lose your 2nd or 3rd round pick, but you don’t have many options here.  You can’t sell him low.  Assuming you need a little pick me up after getting *pinkie to mouth* decalfeinated, some MIs that are out there are McGehee, Furcal, Desmond, EverCab and O-Cab.  They provide different things, but I like them to varying degrees, in that order.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Adeiny Hechavarria – Say that name fast one time!  The Jays signed the 21-year-old Cuban defector.  Defect had more going it against than any other word, yet the Cubans turned it into a positive.  Sorta the same journey the word “special” took, but in the reverse.  Hechavarria probably won’t be called up until the end of this year at the earliest.  Not simply because no one can pronounce his name.  (For those perfectionists out there, it’s Ah-THEY-nee Eh-CHA-bah-ree-ah.)  (BTW, I always use the spellchecker when typing perfectionist.  Discuss that amongst yourselves.)  He’s still very raw, but in time they are likening Ah-THEY-nee to a young Alfonso Soriano.  Not sure if “they” are saying a young Soriano means a Latin 21 or a Latin 25.  I’d look at him in keepers, but league depth has a lot to do with your sitch.

Ricky Romero – 8 IP, 2 ER, 12 Ks as he threw a one hitter.  Whenever I hear this guy’s name I think of Prince’s Batdance.  Stop the press – who is that?  Ricky Romero!  The problem with Romero up until this year is he’s struggled with walks.  So far, doesn’t seem like this is an issue.  He gets the Angels, Rays and A’s next (not at the same time; that would be crazy).  I’d absolutely take a flier on him to see if he can continue his new trends.  I do think it might be a bit miragey, but grab now and ask questions later.

Kevin Gregg – Got the save.  Gregg has looked exceptional.  That’s weird.  Frasor was used on Monday so Gregg was used on Tuesday.  I think if the Jays would just stop winning, then Frasor would be the closer.  If that makes any sense.  Okay, I’ll try again.  If the Jays win every third day, Frasor gets most of the saves.  These back to back ones?  Frasor and Gregg will be used.  So if you’re really hurting, grab Gregg.  Then again, Frasor’s being outpitched by Gregg.  Just own them both for right now.

Brad Hawpe – Hawpe’s day-to-day with a quad injury.  First Carlos Gonzalez comes up lame, now Hawpe.  Not to get all Professor Plum on you, but where was Seth Smith during all of this?

Seth Smith – 2-for-5, 3 RBIs and a HR yesterday.  While CarGo and Hawpe are nursing injuries, I’d grab Smith.  Just don’t leave your drink unattended near him.

Akinori Iwamura – Hit his 2nd homer yesterday.  David Ortiz has zero homers.  Cust kayin’.

Drew Stubbs – 0-for-5 as the Reds scored 10.  Ticker tease!

Doug Fister – 8 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners.  This start was more an indication of the A’s offense than Fister’s pitching.  Also, conversation overheard at my house yesterday.  Girlfriend, “Grey, what are you watching?”  “Fister ‘n the A’s!”  Girlfriend, “You’re disgusting.”

Brian Matusz – 7 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 8 Ks.  He actually looked better than Romero.  Very impressive outing.  Three of his earned runs were inherited baserunners Johnson let score.

Jim Johnson – 1/3 IP, 1 ER and the blown save.  A consequence of SAGNOF and being quick to waivers is you end up grabbing a fill-in closer then they explode in your face too.  Johnson may suffer from Scott Downs’ Syndrome.  Don’t let go of Mike Gonzalez yet.

Brandon Webb – Played catch on Monday and the D-Backs are hoping for him to return June 1st.  If you’ve stashed him on your DL, I’d look to trade him around May 31st.

Chris Young – Says he feels no pain, it’s just tightness.  That’s what she said!  Wait, he said it.  Damn!  Young should be back as soon as he’s eligible to come off the DL.  I’d stash him on my DL.

Jose Guillen – Hit another homer yesterday.  Now has like a bazillion homers in the last three days.  Probably won’t hit a bazillion more, but it pays to find out.

Brian Bannister – 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 Ks.  Don’t even think about it.  I see you!  Stop.  Move your cursor away from picking him up.  Slowly!

Ryan Perry – He’s a Holds machine.  That is all.

Cliff Lee – The Adverb threw a bullpen session and eyes the beginning of May for his return.

Erik Bedard – The Mariners hope Bedard returns by the end of May.  Decent DL stashee, but it wouldn’t shock me to see him come back, throw 5 to 7 games and then get hurt again.  That’s how he do.

Milton Bradley – 2-for-4, HR yesterday.  Last week, he gave the middle finger to the fans.  This week, there’s still time left.

Clayton Kershaw – 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 Ks, 8 baserunners, 5 BBs.  As Vin Scully said, “Kershaw was fighting the strike zone from right after the anthem.”  He threw 110 pitches and only 59 were strikes.  Should be BBershaw.

Ian Kennedy – 4 1/3 IP, 6 ER, 9 baserunners.  He gets the Padres in Petco next time out, I’d hold him for that start.  Kennedy’s problem really is ill-timed homers.  Every 30th pitch hits a grassy knoll in the outfield.

Krispie Young – 2-for-4 and a walk!  You should grab him, might be breaking out.  Walking for Krispie is a feat.  Pun unavoidable.

Ervin Santana – 5 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 7 Ks, 13 baserunners.  Definitely wasn’t all magic with Ervin.  I’m ready to deploy my parachute and lose this guy, but I think it’s only fair we give him a non-Yankees start to see what he can do.  He gets the Blue Jays next.  You want Grey to own you, Ervin?  Get your shizz together.

Mike Napoli – Maybe Crapoli gives away the pitches because he’s so dramatic with his hand movements.  You know those Italians.  When Napoli flicks his chin, it’s-a gonna be a fastball.  Either way, Napoli’s clearly the backup.  Lose him in all but the deepest leagues.  Even with a full-time job, it wasn’t like he was winning you your league.  What’s the difference between Napoli and Snyder with full-time at-bats?  5 homers?  Vernon Wells already has that many.

Brandon Wood – 1-for-3.  He got a hit and a walk in the same game?!  C’mon!  Seriously?  I’m really surprised Scioscia hasn’t benched Wood, but I guess this is Scioscia’s modus operandi.  Call up and send down prospects for three years until they don’t know if they’re coming or going, then when they’ve finally given up all hope, play them.  Watch closely when a prospect moves close to Scioscia.  They flinch.  Scioscia and prospects are like Michael Vick and dogs.  Scioscia is the biggest prospblock.  /rant

Clayton Kershaw went 4 and two-thirds innings, giving up three earned and 11 baserunners.  Six of those ducks on the pond were walks.  That’s 1-2-3-4-5-6 walks.  Versus the Pirates.  A team that had a .318 OBP last year.  Sure, this year they’re starting with Robot Jones, “I must kill the Queen,” but c’mon.  How did I convince myself a pitcher who can’t get through 5 innings was a good idea?  I blame all of you.  Someone should of said something.  And if you did say something, you should used more exclamation marks or a bigger font.  This is not your beautiful wife, this is not your beautiful house, this is a pitcher who walks the ballpark.  On the bright side — and let’s face it, we need a bright side since not all of us live on the first floor — Kershaw was very bad last April too.  He’ll get better.  Or at least I keep telling myself that.  Convincing, right?  No, really he will.  Right?  Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Aaron Cook – 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 Ks.  Can you smell what the Cook is rocking?  Smells like Dwayne Johnson’s movie career.

Carlos Gonzalez – 2-for-5, Run scored.  I’m as impressed as everyone else with what he’s doing so far.  Like a dwarf standing in line, I smell a but. Yeah, random italicized voice, there’s a but.  His jumps and/or reads on his stolen base attempts have been poor at best.  Last year, his stolen base percentage wasn’t bad, but he was weak in the minors.  6 steals, 3 times caught in Triple A; 9 steals, 5 times caught in Double-A; 8 times caught in 23 attempts in Single-A… Do you want your leadoff man getting on and getting erased?  Probably not.

Miguel Olivo – 1-for-3, HR yesterday.  I know it’s frustrating when your catcher doesn’t start, but this was a day game after a night game.  Iannetta won’t play this game at any point in the season if Olivo’s healthy.  Could Olivo steal time?  Yup, uh-huh, yeppers.  But because he started this game is no indication of that.

Alcides Escobar – 1-for-2, 1 RBI.  Carlos Gomez does not belong in the two hole, even if it seems appropriate because of what comes out of the two hole.  Over/under for Alcides moving up to leadoff or the two hole is the end of April.  I’m taking the under.

Trevor Hoffman – Got his 2nd save yesterday.  When he was facing Todd Helton, I smelled fossil.

Ian Desmond – 2-for-5, 2 RBIs, HR yesterday.  Desmond can make it all right, brotha.

Cole Hamels – 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 Ks, 9 baserunners and the Win.  He’s just lucky there’s only one Ian Desmond.

Ryan Howard – Two games, two homers.  Howard’s not usually a fast starter.  If he stays hot in April, he could hit a lot of homers this year.  At least the Maris family hopes so.  We was duped!

Kelly Johnson – 2 HRs yesterday.  This is why you just draft guys and let them play.  Otherwise, you end up like this, “Grey, I dropped Desmond on Monday for Kelly Johnson, then dropped Johnson for EverCab.  Now I’m wondering if I should use my waiver claim for Desmond who I just dropped two days ago.  Or what do you think of Scutaro?”

Ian Kennedy – 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 Ks, 0 BBs.  Granted, it’s the Pads, but still Kennedy only really made one mistake — a three-run homer to Hairston.  Joba must be thinking of staying in ‘Zona for good next time he goes to Burning Man.

Kevin Correia – 6 IP, 4 ER, 6 Ks, 0 BBs.  Was beat by Kelly Johnson and Krispie Young going long.  In Petco, he would’ve won this game.  Once a hodgepadre, always a hodgepadre.

Ervin Santana – 6 IP, 4 ER.  Has looked bad and I think his elbow might still be hurting him.  I’m not getting caught in this guy’s free fall.  I’m in the exit row, my life vest is secure and I’m ready to help you secure your flotation device.

Mike Napoli – 1-for-4, RBI.  In related news, Jeff Mathis woke up yesterday with a horse’s head wrapped in a Snuggie.

Brandon Wood – 1-for-12 on the season.  Good to see he’s really running with the job.  If he’s not careful, soon the pine’s good get some more Wood.  There’s a pun in there somewhere, you find it.

Justin Duchscherer – 5 2/3 IP, 5 ER.  Duchs suchs.  Not loving these AL starters at all.  Where’s Latos?  I need him.  I’m feeling a “No Latos” intolerance.

Matt Garza – 8 IP, 1 ER, 9 Ks.  Okay, I’m not hating all my AL starters.

Milton Bradley – Homered then gave the game away with his defense.  Blame it on the Mariners’ Moose… Lost the ball in the lights that are whiter than Jerry Reuss…

Luke Hochevar – 7 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners.  He looked sharp last night and I’m ready to leap if he pitches this well again.  Though he’s pitched well before only to get torched right after, so I am not going to fall for the banana in the old tailpipe just yet.

Max Scherzer – 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 Ks, 3 baserunners.  In what sounded like a battle of Michael Chabon characters, Max Scherzer actually looked even better than Hochevar.

Fausto Carmona – 6 IP, 1 Hit, 3 ER… Wow, that’s not a bad line at– Wait a second, he also threw 6 walks and 1 strikeout.  Yeah, that’s not something you want to be part of.

Garrett Jones – Hit his 3rd homer yesterday.  I took him out of my lineup because he was facing a lefty.  Sonvabench!

Russell Martin – HR yesterday.  Martin only hit that homer to annoy all the fantasy baseballers (<–my Mom’s term) who skipped over him in favor of Napoli or Iannetta.  He’s in your head!

Josh Hamilton – Now 6 Ks in his last 7 ABs.  Maybe he’s missing ex-Rangers hitting coach, Rudy Jaramillo.  The second most influential Rudy in baseball.

Rich Harden – I’m sure when a lot of his owners saw he only threw three and two-thirds innings before he was removed that he must of been hurt.  Well, take out your piñatas, but don’t swing the sticks near Harden because he’s still healthy.  He struckout eight hitters and walked five so he was removed because of a high pitch count.  Kid gloves and all.

Vladimir Guerrero – HR yesterday.  I never thought the day would come when I owned a DH-Only hitter and was happy about it, but we have Vlad in more than one league and I’m kinda enjoying it.  I think at DH and in Arlington he can have a respectable year.

Kyle Blanks – Hit for the golden sombrero — 0-for-4, 4 Ks.  He was so bad that firing himself would’ve been both appropriate and punny.

J.J. Hardy – Hit his 2nd HR of the year.  It’s no mystery that a SS with 20 HR power has some fantasy value.

Vernon Wells – 2 HRs yesterday.  3 HRs for the year.  This resurrection is the best piece of Wells-authored science fiction since War of the Worlds.

Jenrry Mejia – Made his major league debut as he threw one inning and gave up one run in three hits.  The Mets seem to be taking the Joba route with him.  So far, similar results.

Leo Nunez – Blew the save as he walked in a run then balked in a run.  This was after a, uh, balky spring.  There’s no clear cut replacement for Nunez but it’s something to watch.

Jon Heyman – Obviously feeling upstaged by the Verducci Effect’s shortcomings, Heyman released his breakout candidates for 2010.  Some of the names are Jayson Werth, Justin Upton, B.J. Upton, Matt Kemp, Ubaldo Jimenez, Nolasco, Gallardo and Cano.  Great stuff, Jon!  I think Lincecum is on the cusp of being a good pitcher.  And who knows, maybe there’s something to this Pujols fellow.

Edgar Renteria – 5-for-5 or a hit for every decade he’s been alive.

John Bowker – 1-for-4, HR yesterday.  Here’s what I said last year, “Bowker’s proven more than capable in the minors.  This year’s Triple-A numbers are 82/21/83/.342/10 with more walks than strikeouts.  In NL-Only leagues, you should absolutely grab him.  In mixed leagues, I’d wait a few unless you’re absolutely hurting for power.”  And that’s me quoting me!  I’ll add that Bowker is a little long in the tooth and may be nothing more than a Quad-A player.

Eli Whiteside -  That’s who I buy my lox from.

Many things have changed since November when we kicked off the 2010 fantasy baseball sleeper posts.  For one, the date.  For two, some of these guys are no longer that sleepery.  For three, hut-hut-hike!  As long as you don’t reach too far, sleepers can make all the difference on your team.  You’re not grabbing a sleeper in the first round.  You’re not like, “Hey, Drunky Cabrera, you walk that line, I’m going with Garrett Jones.”  You should have a solid foundation in the first eight to ten rounds, then mix some sleepers in after that.  If you click on the names for these players, there’s entire posts about them with their 2010 projections.  Anyway, here’s some sleepers for 2010 fantasy baseball:

Alcides Escobar – Forty steals from Alcides wouldn’t be surprising.  He’s especially nice if Web Gems is a category in your league.

Colby Rasmus – In front of Pujols and Holliday might hinder Rasmus’ running game, but he should still be good for 15-20 homers and 10 to 15 steals.

Ian Stewart – Who is this Ian Stewart you talk of?  I have never heard of him.  Okay, no fooling, but the other night I had a dream that Ian Stewart had a complete collapse and was benched for Mora.  Granted, the girl from Seymore Butts and Thomas Jefferson were also in the dream and I was smoking opium… Nevertheless!  Stewart’s really not far away from sleeper sell material if you need to draft him in the top 100.  12th round or higher?  Much better.  (Side note, I was at a sushi restaurant the other day — Grey loves sushi as much as he loves referring to himself in third person.  Was sitting at the sushi bar when a smoking hot girl sits down next me.  It was the girl from Seymore Butts.  I didn’t recognize her.  You can giggle and say I’m lying.  You’d be surprised how unrecognizable a porn star is in clothes.  It’s like putting glasses on Clark Kent.  So we start talking and she reveals who she is and asks me if I’d like a few free DVDs.  She has them in her car, which is parked in the back.  I agree; you would’ve too.  Don’t judge.  She gives me 5 DVDs.  For those who aren’t hip to porn DVDs.  Their covers are graphic.  As we said goodbye, I realized I was parked in the front of the restaurant at a meter.  Yes, I had to walk back through the restaurant to get to my car.  I could’ve stuck the DVDs under my shirt, but I manned up, and walked very quickly.  Still, everyone saw what I was carrying.  The sushi chefs’ smiles were priceless.  A group of women dining there looked at me like I was everything wrong with men.  Finally, I get outside.  Only to find a female meter maid giving me a ticket.  I put the DVDs behind my back and rush up to her.  Please, I tell her, I’m leaving right now.  It’s already started.  Buh-buh-but!  Just then, a group of teenagers approach from behind me and start screaming, “Check out his videos!  He’s a pervert!”  Yeah, I took the parking ticket.)

Brandon Wood – The time appears now, unless Scioscia thinks the time is not now and he goes with The Figgy Duets (Maicer and Aybar).  If Wood penetrates the lineup (sticking with today’s post theme), he could be Ian Stewart 10 rounds later.

Jay Bruce – If Bruce does what he’s capable of, he will be overrated in 2011.

Dexter Fowler – Sorry, even sometimes I admire my own work and the post title under Fowler’s name is classic.  And I don’t even get Showtime!  Fowler is in the unenviable position of a crowded outfield.  If he stumbles out of the gate, I could see his time being reduced.

Carlos Gonzalez – I’ve been meaning to write an entire post on this, but Spring Training’s falling through the hourglass, so this post will have to do.  CarGo has to deal with a crowded outfield too.  Somehow CarGo’s risen way up draft sheets while Fowler’s stayed pretty reasonable.  A 10/30 season from Fowler seems as likely as a 20/20 season from CarGo.  No reason CarGo should be priced that much higher.  I have CarGo about 20 places higher in my rankings.  Yet, I hear people returning from a draft where Fowler isn’t drafted at all and CarGo is going in the first 100 picks.  Huh?

Chris Davis – I’m a sucker for low average, high power, some speed guys.  It’s the new three outcome player.

Julio Borbon – Yeah, the Rockies and the Rangers have some upside candidates.

Nolan Reimold – Heal, Achilles’ heel.  Please.

Garrett Jones – Everyone seems to think Garrett Jones can’t build on his 2009.  And I’m kinda in that group.  But still, the Pirates will play him and he’s not exactly being drafted that high.

David Price – I gotta be honest, I’ve seen Price in drafts and I’ve had a hard time pulling the trigger.  I just picture myself curled up in a ball crying while watching him pitch against the Yankees or Red Sox.

Jonathan Sanchez – I’ve had no problem drafting this doode.

Carlos Quentin – If he can stay healthy, he’ll be overrated next year.  *fingers crossed*

Denard Span -  Yeah, he’s pretty yawnstipating, but there’s a place for that on some teams. (Damn, that was the worst sales pitch since David Price’s blurb.)

Geovany Soto – When he showed up camp forty pounds lighter, Soto said, “I used to be a little sluggish — like ‘I want to take a nap.’  Now I feel great and I just want to put myself in the best position to help the club.”  Sounds like a line from an afterschool special about how marijuana is a gateway drug.

Elvis Andrus – I’ve almost convinced myself that Andrus is going to be as valuable this year as Jose Reyes circa 2008.  Almost.  Like in a game of horseshoes.  A game of horseshoes!

I suggest you grab a 3rd baseman before leaving the top 100, but that’s not always possible.  So, if you miss out on one,  this list is guys that can be had later in your drafts.  Look at this as a supplement to the top 20 3rd basemen of 2010 fantasy baseball.  Where applicable, click on the players name to read more about them or to see their 2010 projections.  Anyway, here’s some 3rd basemen to target for 2010 fantasy baseball:

Ian Stewart – For those drinking every time I mention Stewart, keep your buzz going.

Adrian Beltre – If he stays healthy, he’ll outproduce Aramis Ramirez.

Chris Davis – May not have 3rd base eligibility in your league (11 games last year).  If he does have the eligibility, there’s a chance he could be a bargain basement Mark Reynolds. (Yes, last year I said Mark Reynolds was a bargain basement Chris Davis.  Weird!)

Chase Headley – He’s a career .301/.368/.437 hitter in 492 ABs.  Oh, that’s in away games.  Yeah, thanks, Petco!  So he’s not going to be last round value that turns into a top 20 hitter, but he could sneak into the top 12 third basemen overall.

Kevin Kouzmanoff – He was actually decent away from Petco in his career.  Then again, he’s moving to another pitchers’ park.  Be hard for me to own Kouzmanoff in a 12 team league… In a 14 team league, Kouz wouldn’t be terrible.  I’d expect a line of 60/24/80/.260.  Nothing spectacular, but in a deep enough league there’s value there.  So, maybe mess with The ‘Noff!

Brandon Wood – Honestly, I won’t believe he has the starting job until I see it.  I have the feeling Scioscia’s spinning bottle is going to stop on Aybar or Izturis’s name to start at 3rd base at least 3 times a week.  It’ll be the Figgy Duets.