Fantasy Baseball Advice

Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live and let’s change the Twins closer.  Joe Nathan is now the closer with two saves this weekend.  As I kinda said last week, Matt Capps was pitching so bad, he picked up Joe Nathan in his fantasy league.  And that’s me paraphrasing me!  Since Joe Nathan and Ron Gardenhire met on match.com many years ago, their relationship has blossomed from heated affair to full blown love.  They’re even Facebook official.  Assuming Nathan doesn’t cough up five leads in the matter of a week, he should have the closer job for the rest of the season.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw this weekend in fantasy baseball:

Scott Baker – Placed on the DL with a muscle strain in his elbow, but is only supposed to miss one more start.  Mr. Baker also sounds like a Clue character.  Speaking of which, Clue has been updated, which makes me feel old.  There’s no more conservatory or lead pipe.  Now it’s shizz like, “Colonel Mustard in the spa with the trophy.”  I guess a lead pipe was too scary sounding.  So murdering someone with a common object like a trophy isn’t scary?  Also, Colonel Mustard in a spa?  He’s a decorated officer!  Clue, that’s a fail with a hashtag.

Ryan Braun – Has no get up and go because he had da calf on ice.  Could be back on Monday.

John Axford – K-Rod waived his option so the Brewers could use him in any capacity, which is north of tenacity.  So the Brewers chose to use K-Rod to setup Axford this weekend.  “I beat up my father-in-law over much less.”  Right now, you have to hold both K-Rod and Axford, but it looks like Axford is the first choice.

Jose Reyes – Supposed to return on Tuesday.  I’ll believe it when I see it.  “Grey, you have no faith in medicine.”  That’s Jack White reading Razzball.

Jason Isringhausen – The Mets said it would be a closer by committee.  Is anything done better by committee besides jerk seasoning, which is flavor by committee?  Mets also said Isringhausen would get first crack, but I still believe that’s to raise his trade value.

Blake Beavan – 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 8 baserunners, 3 Ks.  Has a pretty hideous K-rate, i.e., Blake not so lively.  Also, Bedard’s either going to take his rotation spot or he’s going to pitch in Fenway next.

Mike Carp – Was recalled on Sunday.  No relation to Mike Trout.  Carp hit 21 homers in 65 games in the PCL, which is like hitting with an aluminum bat on the moon.  He also doesn’t have guaranteed playing time.  Obviously he’s worth a flyer right now in AL-Only leagues.

Matt Harrison – 7 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 4 Ks.  Harrison now has an ERA of 2.91, my sweet lord.  I wouldn’t pick him up because of his walks and lack of Ks, but he proves the theory that the best spot starter is the pitcher facing the Mariners in Safeco (followed closely by the Padres in Petco).

Shaun Marcum – 5 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 4 Ks and the win in Coors.  Kind of start I really don’t mind being sonavabenched on.  Marcum also left with a stiff neck, but he just got a Viagra stuck in his throat and should be fine for his next start.

Kyle Kendrick – 7 IP, 1 ER, 9 baserunners, 0 Ks.  I wouldn’t pick him up with your team.

Ryan Madson – 2/3 IP, 1 ER.  Madson always seems to struggle when it’s being reported that he could lose his job in the near future.  Stop watching Lifetime movies in the bullpen and cowboy up!

Chase Utley – 0-for-4 with his 9th steal, but only has 4 homers on the year.  To fix his knee, did the doctors attach his arms to hips and put his legs on his shoulders?

Josh Beckett – 8 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit, 0 walks and 6 Ks vs. Jeff Niemann (8 IP, 0 ER, 2 hits, 2 walks, 10 Ks).  Lower the mound!  Beckett’s obviously an ace this year.  As for Neimann, I don’t trust him because of his usually pedestrian K-rate, but this was obviously a great start against a tough team, which followed his great start vs. the Yankees.  He gets the Royals and A’s next.

Alex Presley – 3-for-6, 3 RBIs and his 4th steal.  Jose Tabata who?!  Um, the guy that’s going to return and take Presley’s spot.  Yeah, I’m not sure how this is gonna shake out yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grab Presley in the mean’s while.

Brett Gardner – 3-for-4, 3 runs and 2 steals.  Since May 1st, he’s hitting .318 with 22 steals.  Cust kayin’.

Phil Hughes – 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 5 Ks.  Hasn’t gone more than 90 pitches in any start this year.  Cashman must be fine-tuning Joba Rules.  Guess it’s better than Pavano Rules, which was hit Pavano over the head with a blunt object and bury him in the Pine Barrens.

Travis Snider – 2-for-4 and a steal.  Hitting over .400 in the last week with three steals in the last 4 games.  Russell Martin says, “You’re welcome.”

Zack Cozart – 2-for-4, hitting .400 since his call up and yesterday he homered.  See, the Reds didn’t even need to go to the free clinic to rid themselves of their bad case of the Renteria’s.

Homer Bailey – 7 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 4 Ks and Bailey didn’t get hurt.  It’s an early Christmas miracle!

Felipe Paulino – 7 Ip, 4 ER, 8 baserunners, 8 Ks.  That’s eight baserunners and eight Ks, not infinity.  Though it may as well be for Paulino.

Grady Sizemore – Day-to-day with a knee contusion.  His career trajectory is the exact opposite of everyone else who has ever taken nude photos of themselves.

Matt Wieters – 2-for-4 with a homer off Frank Herrmann.  When I saw Herrmann’s last name, it made me think of one of those spray painted, graffiti shirts you and your significant other got when you were fifteen.  I wonder if his wife has an Indians jersey with the last name, Hisgirl.

Nick Punto – His elbow is forcing him out for the year.  Sounds like his elbow probably owns Punto in fantasy.

Chase Headley – Might need an MRI on Monday for his calf.  BTW, what do you call Padre hitters that you only own in deep leagues?  Deep Friars.

Danny Espinosa – 3-for-5 with his 17th homer and just missed his 18th.  Anyone that has doubts about him hasn’t seen him swing the bat.  On a side note, Davey Johnson came out to argue the just miss was a home run and he looks like one of those computer-aged photos of what JFK would look like now.  One small step for the Nats, I suppose.

Tom Gorzelanny – Variety reported he was ankled from his start.

Jair Jurrjens – 5 IP, 6 ER as the Fangraphs Database laughed maniacally.

Mike Stanton – Hit two home runs on Saturday to bring his season total to 20.  I say he hits 40+ homers next year, assuming the Mayans are wrong and there is a next year.  “Why are we buying a new calender?”  That’s a young Mayan talking to his elder in December.

Emilio Bonifacio – 2-for-4, 2 runs.  Emily Boneface has the highest OBP for a leadoff hitter, has stolen 6 bases in the last week, has a 16-game hitting streak and calculated pi to 2.7 trillion decimal places.

Hanley Ramirez – 2-for-4 with a satisfying slam & legs.  Hitting .383 in July with 4 homers and 2 steals.  Jack McKeon just knows how to talk to the kids!

Javier Vazquez – 7 IP, 3 ER, 4 baserunners (no walks), 10 Ks.  That’s as impressive as I’ve seen Vazquez this year.  If he’s available in any leagues, I’d get on board for his next start vs. the Padres.

Vladimir Guerrero – To the DL with a small fracture in his hand after being hit by a pitch.  Orioles knew there was something wrong when Vlad saw a pitch and didn’t swing the bat.

David Aardsma – Went for Tommy John surgery.  In related news, Tommy John is collecting nickels for all the times he’s mentioned.  “Who needs the Hall of Fame?  I got nickels, snitches!”

Peter Bourjos – To the DL, but Trout looks pretty overmatched so far.  Might want to look elsewhere.  In keepers, you obviously ignore early results.

Jeff Keppinger – 3-for-5 and Blanco Polanco now has homers in back-to-back games.  He’s like jarred salsa; he’s not very hot, but he’ll still give you indigestion.

Matt Downs – Out while his wife, Leah, has a child.  Yes, her name is Leah Downs.  I’d say!

Gio Gonzalez – 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 8 Ks.  He’s always brilliant at home.  BTW, realizing that every good pitching park ends in co — Petco, Safeco, Metco — Oakland’s stadium now goes by O.co, which I’m not even sure how to pronounce.  How about, “What the eff.co?”  Senior exec, “Corporate’s coming down hard on us to rebrand ourselves.”  Junior exec, “How about a name that no one can pronounce?”  Senior exec, “I’m gonna tell our boss that just so you’re fired, Stevens!”  Later that day, Boss, “A name we can’t pronounce?  That’s crazy enough to work!”

The horrid season for Shin-Soo Choo continues.  He’s probably wishing he just went the Bob Feller-Inglorious Basterd route and did his required military time this year in his home country.  Kevin Correia said, “We could’ve used him.”  Now when Choo gets blotto he can’t even hitchhike home from one side of the road.  An optimistic timetable has him out for 6 weeks, but it sounds like Choo doesn’t think he can.  I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see him until September and, even then, what are you going to get?  The same you’d get off waivers.  If you don’t have DL room, I’d cut him, Mickey.  Anyway, here’s what else I saw this weekend in fantasy baseball:

Jose Tabata – Left the game on a cart with a quad injury after running out a bunt single.  Paula Deen would call that a bunt ache.  Or, as Cameron Frye would say, Tabata Tabata Tabata, stuh-rain, Tabata Tabata.  The Pirates immediately pulled Alex Presley from their Triple-A lineup.  It’s time for the really big shew with today’s guest, Alex Presley.  Girls in poodle skirts go crazy.  I just went over Presley the other day.  I said, “He sticks…longer…profiles…”  Hmm… Gotta work on what quotes I pull.  He’s a 12/20 guy over the course of a season.  In one league instead of Presley, I grabbed Xavier Paul, though Garrett Jones was who the Pirates called on yesterday to replace Tabata.  He would be my first choice too in some fantasy leagues.

Pedro Alvarez – Another setback as he has the worst sophomore effort since The Strokes’ follow-up to Is This It.

Ryan Madson – Having problems gripping the baseball on certain pitches and is sidelined for a few days.  On one hand, he’s had this problem since May 20th so hopefully he can pitch through it.  On the other hand, this sounds bad for a pitcher.  On the third hand that is really just a foot wearing aqua socks, I’d grab Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes, in that order, for vulture saves.

Justin Morneau – Out for another 6 weeks with neck surgery.  Lessneau is better than Morneau at this point.

Delmon Young – On the DL with a high ankle sprain.  After having a breakout season in 2010 (.298/21/112), he went on medication to prevent future breakouts (.256/2/21 in 200+ ABs).  The Twins are bringing up Rene Tosoni to try and replace Young’s 0.2 WAR.  Minnesota hasn’t had this high profile of replacement-level performance since Paul Westerberg left town.

Elvis Andrus – Out with a wrist sprain, but says he should be good to go as soon as Tuesday.  Viva la Elvis!

Justin Verlander – 8 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 14 Ks.  As Leyland would say, “He’s as cool as menthol cigarettes.”

Alex Avila – Now hitting .303 and is on place for near 20/100.  While the AVG is inflated (.365 BABIP), it’s clear that AA is benefitting from all the time Miguel Cabrera is spending with him.

Ty Wigginton – Hit 2 home runs on Sunday and one on Saturday staying the mayor of Hot Schmotatown.

Chris Iannetta – 2-for-4 with the rare catcher slam & legs as he hit ninth behind Blackmon, who’s sunk like a rock, man.

Jay Bruce – Missed yesterday’s game with an illness.  Dusty said, “We have to find a way to quarantine him so he doesn’t get everybody sick.”  I have a better idea, put him with Ramon Hernandez so you have to call up Devin Mesoraco.

Homer Bailey – 5 IP, 5 ER as the Orioles sang, “(Won’t You Go Home At Will On) Homer Bailey.”

Cory Luebke – 5 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 6 Ks.  Yeah, you should pick him up.  Yeah, even you ducking behind your desk trying to hide while you pick your nose.

Johnny Venters – 2/3 IP, 4 ER.  Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, Venters gives up 4 earned runs in Petco.

Nick Markakis – 3-for-5, 2 RBIs and a steal.  On Saturday, he hit a home run.  He’s now batting near .325 for the month of June with only two home runs.  He’s become pretty yawnstipating during his prime years, but he is currently hitting and can keep the average up.

Jon Niese – Left Saturday’s game with a rapid heartbeat, but was fine on Sunday after taking it Niese and easy.

John Danks – To the DL with a strained oblique.  Figure he’s out for 3-4 weeks.  Just as he was on the road back from an 0-8 record to 3-8.  Next stop 33% winning percentage!  Oh well, Danks for the memories.

Vernon Wells – Homers in back-to-back games.  It pains me to be an apologist for Vernon Wells, but, if you throw out his April, he has 8 homers in his last 92 ABs.  That’s 30 homers over a season.  Now to undercut it — he’s really not doing much else.

Geovany Soto – 3-for-3 with a HR and now has hit 3 HRs in his last 10 games.  Finally hitting the baseball like he hits a spliff.

Jonathan Broxton – Scratched from his Triple-A game because of a stiff elbow.  Or a little firmer than al dente.  The Dodgers get saves about as often as I update my hairstyle, so this might be moot, but I’d hold Guerra.

Jonathan Sanchez – To the DL with an injury the Giants made up so they didn’t have to watch him walk hitters anymore.  Was a bad weekend to be a pitcher with any variation of the name of Jonathan, though okay for Joe Nathan.

Al Alburquerque – Got his 5th win and now has 46 Ks in 27 2/3 IP.  I hate middle relievers.  There’s no rhyme or reason.  I’d put $20 down that Al Al’etc won’t even be a top 30 middle reliever next year.  These guys are the fantasy baseball equivalent to Icarus.

Luke Scott – 1-for-3 with a home run.  Usually I don my Easter bonnet and start doing The Funky Chicken when Scott hits a home run because where there’s one there’s usually multiple.  But I think he’s really struggling with his shoulder this year.

Jimmy Rollins – 4-for-4 and he stole one base wearing Ryan Howard’s jersey.

Roy Halladay – Complete game victory in Philly against the A’s.  Connie Mack is rolling over in his grave!

Chris Narveson – 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 7 Ks.  In three short months, I’ve learned to hate Narveson.  I like him, he gets beat bad, I decide to move on from him and he pitches well.  Grr… Chris Narveson really is the Christian name for The Noid!

Ryan Braun – 1-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs with a home run and steal.  Gotta love a guy that only gets one hit and fills his fantasy line so well.  Love you, Braun.  Write soon!

Tsuyoshi Nishioka – 2-for-4 with his first multi-hit game since his return from the DL.  Would love to see him steal a base, more so I can see if he can.

Jhonny Peralta – Now has 11 homers since June 7th.  Silent H, which only sounds like a euphemism for herpes, has been better than lots of other shortstops.  Hanley, for one.

Danny Espinosa – Hit his 14th home run.  Officially having a better season than Jayson Werth.  Cust kayin’.

Joakim Soria – Has recorded six straight saves and hasn’t given up a run in June.  Has also only walked two hitters all month while striking out 12.  Guess he just needed a pat on the back to get through his May hiccups.

Ricky Romero – A 4-hit shutout against the Cardinals as he plowed right through their Pujols-less lineup.  His 2.74 ERA should be closer to 3.50 but is deflated thanks to a high strand rate (80+%) but his K-rate and BB rates have continually improved over his 2 1/2 seasons.  I just ask that he sticks with Ricky like ‘The Dragon’ did versus start insisting on being called Rick like Mssrs. Nelson and Schroeder.

B.J. Upton – 2-for-5, 4 RBIs.  Back-to-back games with homers.  Has 2 more home runs than Longoria and 19 more steals.  But everyone hates Upton… Sorry, everyone hates low averages.  Stop dispaveraging!

Evan Longoria – In 6 at-bats, 5 RBIs, 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 home runs and a partridge in a pear tree.

Matt Downs – 2nd pinch hit home run in the last week.  Has a .280 average and .388 OBP.  Nice that the Astros are giving long looks to Clint Barmes and Jeff Keppinger.  Never know what they might give you.  Some days it’s 1-for-4 with a caught stealing and some days it’s 0-for-3 with a sac bunt.  The sky’s the limit!  If I were Ed Wade’s Toupee, I’d trade give away Barmes, Keppinger and Carlos Lee at the trade deadline.

Mark Melancon – 1 1/3 IP, 5 ER.  I’d say trouble for his closer’s job, but his setup man, Wilton Lopez dispensed 4 runs in 2 1/3 IP yesterday.

Roy Oswalt – To the DL until August with back pain.  Oswalt was excited about the suggested treatment until he learned that traction has nothing to do with John Deere-branded equipment.

San Francisco Giants 2009 Minor League Review
Overall farm rankings via Baseball America (2009)
2009 (5) | 2008 (23) | 2007 (20) | 2006 (18) | 2005 (17) | 2004 (24)

Record of Major and Minor League Teams
MLB: [88 – 74] NL West
AAA: [71 – 73] Pacific Coast League
AA: [83 – 59] Eastern League
A+: [93 – 47] Carolina League
A: [76 – 63] South Atlantic League (Sally League)
A(ss): [49 – 27] Northwest League
R: [39 – 17] Arizona Rookie League

The Run Down
As the baseball world focuses on Stephen Strasburg, Aroldis Chapman and Jayson Heyward, San Francisco has watched their once consensus number one overall prospect, Madison Bumgarner, struggle since the second half of 2009 and during the 2010 Spring Training. His lost of velocity at end the 2009 season has been written about ad nauseum. He’s still only 20 and people are worried. Don’t fret, be patient and he’ll eventually become a post-sleeper candidate. Scouting the Unknown broke him down last summer, and there shouldn’t be much more to add. However, another Scouting the Unknown article about Angel Villalona may be meaningless as he is currently charged with murder in his home country (Dominican Republic). This once top prospect is facing, if charged, 20 years in prison. The Giants have some plus talent hitters in their lower minors moving up to their Double-A team (Thomas Neal, Roger Kieschnick, Brandon Crawford) and some great pitching throughout their farm system (Bumgarner, Dan Runzler, Zack Wheeler). Three of the minor league levels were at the top team in their respective levels (A+, A(ss), R), with the High-A and Rookie level winning their league. The Giants have finally turned around their minor league system with two straight years in the top five (ranked fourth in the 2010 Baseball America Handbook). Look for several prospects in the Giants’ farm system to mature this year (Bumgarner, Buster Posey, Dan Runzler, and Steve Johnson).

Arizona Fall League Players –
Pitchers – (RHP) Steve Edlefsen; (RHP) Joe Martinez; (RHP) Daniel Turpen
Hitters – (C) Buster Posey; (SS) Brandon Crawford; (LF) Thomas Neal

Graduated Prospects
#10 (RHP) Sergio Romo; #17 (1B) Travis Ishikawa | #18 (LHP) Alex Hinshaw

Players of Interest in 2010
Hitters
#2 Buster Posey | C | A+/AAA | 22 | .325/.416/.531 | 42 AB | 50 XBH | 18 HR | .206 ISO | 6/1 SB/CS | 68:62 K:BB | .354 BABIP | 52.9 GB% | 17.8 LD%| 29.3 FB%

Who’s this Buster Posey everyone is talking about? Seriously? I mean, with comparisons to Joe Mauer he must be good. Okay, enough chiding. Posey is considered the best hitting prospect in the Giants system, which isn’t saying a whole lot (they haven’t produced an all-star hitting prospect since Will Clark and Matt Williams). With control of the strike zone that matches Mauer, a clean swing, and more power than Mauer ever exhibited. All right, the debate between Carlos Santana, Buster Posey and Jason Castro (not to forget Tyler Flowers, Austin Romine, Derrick Norris, Wilson Ramos, Hank Conger, or even Jesus Montero, who won’t stay at catcher) for 2010 may be dirty, but in the long run, I want Posey. ‘Nuff said.

Brock Bond | 2B | AA | 23 | .333/.429/.409 | 450 AB | 27 XBH | 1 HR | .076 ISO | 13/15 SB/CS | 69:67 K:BB | .399 BABIP | 63.7 GB% | 20 LD% | 16 FB%
Accidentally drafted by the Giants in 2007 (in round 24), Brock Bond has been their Sparky Anklebiter, except he’s 5-10. Praised for his scrappy play and work ethic, Bond has exceeded most expectations. His defense is fringe-average, his plate-discipline/strike zone judgment is good, and he has great speed. This great speed hasn’t translated to a ton of steals as he gets caught far too often (15 times in 28 attempts). He runs the bases aggressively and breaks up double plays. Not that the Giants need scrappy infielders, but with Freddy Sanchez perpetually injured, Bond may get a call up during the season. His ceiling is a major league utility man.

#24 Matt Downs | 1B/2B/3B/OF | AAA | 25 | .300/.343/491 | 424 AB | 50 XBH | 14 HR | .191 ISO | 8/2 SB/CS | 58:24 K:BB | .321 BABIP | 36.3 GB% | 19.4 LD% | 44 FB%
Not much of a prospect anymore as he has aged out of that definition, Downs has transitioned from third base to second this past year. The Giants’ GM, Brian Sabean, has compared Downs to Shane Spencer (the Yankees super-utility a decade ago), meaning that he is a good hitter and will do whatever it takes to play. Downs has an above-average short swing that makes him a hard out as he works each at-bat. If given full playing time in the majors, he won’t reach 20 homers, but 10 to 12 homers with a slash line of .280/.335/.425 is plausible. He isn’t extraordinarily fast, but he has above-average speed and runs the bases like a wise veteran, which he’s approaching at 25. He has played everywhere on the diamond besides SS, CF, C and or pitching. Think a Mark DeRosa. I think Downs would get the call up before Bond if a Freddy Sanchez, or any injury for that matter, happens.

Pitchers
Dan Runzler | LHP | A/A+/AA/AAA | 24 | 12.7 K/9 | 3.7 BB/9 | 59 IP | .76 ERA | 2.61 FIP | .797 WHIP | .3 Hr/9 | 3.5 H/9 | .188 BABIP | 64.7 GB% | 5 LD% | 28.6 FB%
Runzler played at every level in the Giants, including nine innings at the major league level. As a closer in the minors, Runzler annihilated the opposition in 2009. Aided by an unbelievably low BABIP (.188), Runzler used his mid 90′s fastball and devastating curveball to blow through the minors. Currently, Runzler is projected to be the closer after Brian Wilson, but Wilson was just signed through 2012.

#15 (LAD) Steve Johnson | RHP | A+/AA | 21 | 9.5 K/9 | 3.8 BB/9 | 145 1/3 IP | 3.41 ERA | 4.45 FIP | 1.29 WHIP | 1.1 Hr/9 | 7.8 H/9 | .294 BABIP | 30.9 GB% | 8.6 LD% | 52.7 FB%
A Rule-5 draft pick this offseason, the Giants have to have Johnson on their major league roster or offer him back to the Orioles (he was traded to the Orioles from the Dodgers last year in the George Sherrill-Josh Bell swap.). Johnson throws a 88 to 91 mph fastball combined with an average slider, curveball and change-up. If he stays with the Giants, he’ll be used as a long-reliever.

#26 Osiris Matos | RHP | AAA | 24 | 8.0 K/9 | 2.2 BB/9 | 54 1/3 IP | 3.48 ERA | 4.27 FIP | 1.27 WHIP | 1.2 Hr/9 | 9.3 H/9 | .325 BABIP | 29.2 GB% | 24 LD%| 43.9 FB%
Throwing a mid 90′s fastball, Matos is great, except his second offerings are inconsistent. Scouts lament about how his fastball projects him to be a MLB closer and the remaining pitches will keep him at Triple-A. Guess that would be why he wasn’t ranked in the newest Baseball America Handbook. If he was a lefty, he would have a shot to be situational lefty. His statistics would indicate a solid reliever, and that may come to past, but his prospect shine has dulled. Look for him to return to Triple-A and only be on the major league roster if the Giants need bullpen help. He could be an intriguing trading chip or a Rule-5 draft pick next year too.

Honorable Mention
Hitters
#23 Thomas Neal | LF | A+ | 21 | .337/.431/.579 | 475 AB | 67 XBH | 22 HR | .242 ISO | 3/0 SB/CS | 98:65 K:BB | .382 BABIP | 46.2 GB% | 18.7 LD% | 34.9 FB%
Neal formed part of a devastating lineup at High-A (along with Kieschnick – see below). Drilling extra base hits all over the field, Neal showed that he could be a middle of the order stalwart for the Giants for years to come. He may have high strikeout totals, but his plate coverage and strike zone judgment (65 walks) will keep his slash line fairly consistent – even with a high BABIP. Although he only had three steals during the regular season, while playing in the Arizona fall league, he went 12 for 15 in his steal attempts at AFL. His defense is average but his arm is quite strong as he had 15 outfield assists. He’ll move up to Double-A in 2010 and may even be pushed to right field as his defense has improved and his arm strength would play well at that position.

#14 Roger Kieschnick | RF | A+ | 22 | .296/.345/.532 | 517 AB | 68 XBH | 23 HR | .236 ISO | 9/1 SB/CS | 130:36 K:BB | .355 BABIP | 43.6 GB% | 16.6 LD% | 39.8 FB%
Neal’s bash brother, Kieschnick struck out farm more often than Neal and walked considerably less. The better defender, stronger arm, and higher power ceiling than Neal, Kieschnick isn’t as refined. He may have the pedigree (father was a major league ball player and Roger was a higher draft pick), but if he doesn’t fix his poor strike zone judgment and holes in his swing, he’ll become a fringe major league outfielder. He’ll team up with his bash brother again at Double-A in 2010.

Brandon Crawford | SS | A+/AA | 22 | .282/.328/.414 | 497 AB | 42 XBH | 10 HR | .132 ISO | 13/11 SB/CS | 132:30 K:BB | .358 BABIP | 51.7 GB% | 17.5 LD% | 30.3FB%
His 105 at-bats while playing at A+, inflated all his numbers. He had a ..478 BABIP at High-A while slashing .371/.445/.600; he hit .258/.294/.365 at Double-A with a .332 BABIP in 392 at-bats. His defense is excellent, his arm is accurate and he has 15 to 20 homer potential. The Giants brass believe he could progress and turn out like a pre-2009 J.J. Hardy. He should return to Double-A to fix his terrible hitting.

Pitchers
Craig Clark | LHP | A+ | 24 | 8.2 K/9 | 2.2 BB/9 | 147 2/3 IP | 2.86 ERA | 4.49 FIP | 1.13 WHIP | 1.2 Hr/9 | 8.0 H/9 | .279 BABIP | 43.9 GB% | 15.5 LD% | 37.5 FB%
Clark throws a high, watch-the-ball-to-the-catcher’s-mitt 80′s MPH fastball that he mixes with a high 70′s slider, a low 70′s curveball and a changeup. Reminds me of Mitch Stetter or even Tim Wakefield without the knuckler. He’s a pitcher and not a thrower. However, I would expect him to max out at Triple-A, but you never now. His strikeout rates are average, he has good control, and keeps the ball on the ground more than in the air, but he has a case of gopheritis and his FIP is over a run and half over his ERA. See how he fairs in 2010 while pitching against better hitters at Double-A.

Eric Surkamp | LHP | A | 21 | 11.6 K/9 | 2.7 BB/9 | 131 IP | 3.30 ERA | 2.99 FIP | 1.28 WHIP | .4 Hr/9 | 8.9 H/9 | .380 BABIP | 46.3 GB% | 12.8 LD% | 33.5 FB%
Another high 80′s fastball pitcher, but Surkamp is able to keep the ball deceptively hidden – it’s been commented that the ball appears to “come out of his shirt.” He also throws a very good curveball and an average changeup. Posting solid strikeout rates (third most in the minors) and displaying good control, he’ll need to face better hitters before one can jump on his bandwagon. Several sources compared him to similar pitchers who flamed out at Double-A. He’ll start at High-A in 2010.

Right now betting on Jimmy Rollins to turn it around seems like a Horn Bet.  Unless Ben Zobrist is rolling the dice.  Rollins is too old, he’s too tired and he’s too… Wait, he’s not blind.  Though his average might make you think he could use some of Ortiz’s eyedrops.  His line on the year is 40/6/27/.225/10.  I just popped a zit onto a mirror and it spelled out, “Blech.”  Rollins’s K rate, ground balls and fly balls are about where they should be.  But, and it’s a J. Lo-sized but, his BABIP is sitting at .227.  That’s way below his career rate.  He’s been caught stealing five times which is a bit disconcerting, but he had 47 steals last year.  You telling me he lost that much of a step at 30-years-old?  Grey doesn’t think so, friend.  His average will pick itself up, his steals will come around and he has 15 homer power.  I don’t buy that he’s suddenly done, which is to say I do Buy him.  Anyway, here’s some more players to Buy or Sell this week in Fantasy Baseball:

BUY

B.J. Frasordo – Grey unplugged, “This is for Cito Gaston.  Frasordo, why don’t you come to your senses?  You don’t let guys hit for the fences…“  Frasor, Ryan then Accardo is the way I’d grab them.  I would not own more than one, unless you’re really hurting for saves.  Get off the bullpen benches, open the gate…  You better let somebody close for you, before it’s too late…

Nate Schierholtz – For full disclosure, I secretly want him to fail so I don’t have to keep spelling his last name.  He’s worth grabbing in NL-Only leagues for some potential, but power doesn’t translate well to San Fran, except for the guys on ‘roids.

John Mayberry – While Raul Ibanez is out, Mayberry will get the majority of the starts.  He’s an all or nothing guy with some holes in his swing.  If you need some pop, give Mayberry a week and soon you’ll be whistling and fishing with Andy Taylor for a new outfielder.

Kyle Blanks – Now Chubb, stick em.  Kyle Blanks, was called up today and commenter, Corey, already gave him the nickname, The Pillsbury Fro Boy.  Ever wonder what Prince Fielder would look like playing outfield?  Check out the Padres.

David Murphy – He’s pretty much useless against lefties, but if you have the luxury of starting him only against righties, he has some decent value in deep leagues.  He’s not going to win you any leagues, but he could fill-in for a hurt outfielder.

Carlos Gomez – SAGNOF!

Casey McGehee – If the Brewers are batting him leadoff, he’s worth a flier in leagues 12 team or deeper to see how long he can stay hot.  Though his minor league numbers are pretty yawnstipating.

Brett Cecil – Worth grabbing just for his Saturday start vs. the Nats.  After that, we’ll need to see if and when he’ll start again.

Matt Downs – The Aints shipped Burriss off to the minors and gave the 2nd base job to Matt Downs.  Shame on you, Matt Downs, for having two T’s in your first name.  Don’t you know one T is all the rage?  This isn’t a Buy as much as a “Wait and See.”  Maybe Downs gets hot for a week or so, but he’s probably in over his head like Michael J. Fox in The Secret of My Success.  If Downs gets/has 2nd base eligibility in your NL-Only league, you can take a look, but I’d expect him to go back to the mailroom rather than sleep with Sabean’s wife and successfully run the Giants front office.

SELL

Brad Hawpe – His homers are down so far.  There’s a good chance he gets traded.  And if anyone thinks he’s going to hit .340 on the year, I have a can’t miss way to make millions from the comfort of your sofa for $19.95.  It will literally change your life!  Now don’t sell Hawpe for a used Hypercolor t-shirt, but I’d explore potential trades.

Nick Blackburn – Mr. Blackburn has a 6-2 record, a 3.09 ERA and a popular list of celebrity fashion don’ts, so why doesn’t anyone own him?  Cause he makes Aaron Cook seem like a strikeout pitcher.  He’s now under a 4 K/9.  That’s pretty terrible.  If you own him, you’re playing with fire, matchstick man.  So when I say Sell here, I’m more saying hold and proceed with caution.

Andrew McCutchen – Your window to trade The Dread Pirate could close at any time.  Ask someone who fielded offers on Bonifacio in the first week of the season.  Though ignore advice to sell him in keeper leagues.

Magglio Ordonez – When an old school manager tells an old player that they’re going to sit, the good ship lollipop is done sucked dry.

Nick Johnson – Averaging 2 homers a month.  Unfortunately, the season is not 20 months long.

Adam Kennedy – His June has been one big grassy knoll.

Jeff Francoeur – After last year’s travesty, you gave him another go and he gave you 28/4/30/.251/4 through two and a half months.  Might be time to say this is as good as it baguettes with Frenchy.