You know when the Philadelphia Phillies lose to a Division II college that baseball is officially back. Well, that and you’re fantasy drafts are coming up. Unless, of course, you already did them, and if you did, why? Anyhow, games are starting in Florida and Arizona, which means managers finally get to take a look at what they actually have on the field. Looking around each division, there are some interesting position battles to keep an eye on. Over the next few weeks, we…OKAY, I will take you around the horn on which position battles to keep an eye on for each division. Let’s start with the American League West, shall we?
Los Angeles Angels
There’s no real reason to start here except that I was texting with my buddy who is an Angels fan last night. Let me start by saying I hope Josh Hamilton recovers again and gets to play the game he needs. Ask Darryl Strawberry how important the game of baseball is to an addict. But, since we are a fantasy site, let’s take a look at the fantasy implications for the Angels with Hamilton out of the lineup.
The Angels are pretty much set as the season nears, with the only battle taking place is the last outfield spot and designated hitter. Matt Joyce should start in left field and I would imagine hit second in the Angels’ lineup, at least against right-handed pitching. Joyce can’t hit lefties (.189/.258/.316 career) and the Angels know that, which means that Collin Cowgill should spell Joyce against southpaws.
Cowgill could find himself slotted in at designated hitter now and again, too. But the majority of at bats at DH will come from C.J. Cron, a personal favorite. When Cron played last year, he was productive. Cron slugged 11 homers in 242 at bats. Let’s face it, power is at a premium, and Cron can give you cheap power numbers without spending too much on him in your draft or auction. Relevancy? Cron is a must in AL-only and mixed leagues. Joyce is a sneaky play in daily play and AL only leagues. Cowgill isn’t ownable.
Texas Rangers
When I first got this assignment, I thought, “Okay, sweet, man. I get to write about Jurickson Profar and Rougned Odor, two of my favorite players.” Whelp.
There isn’t much to see here in Texas. You know who you are drafting. Derek Holland, Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus, Shin-Soo Choo, Leonys Martin, Yu Darvish (DAMN YOU ACLs! and Odor. A case can be made for Yovani Gallardo and Ross Detwiler, but more so in AL-only leagues. It’s Odor’s job without anyone pushing him, and Ryan Ludwick and Nate Schierholtz will try to overtake Jake Smolinksi for the final outfield spot. Do you care? No. Should you care? No.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are going to be interesting this year. Of course, they are a sleeper pick to represent the AL in the World Series, and while I don’t agree with it at all, I wouldn’t be shocked to see them win the division. While there will be many moving parts with the Mariners this year, I’m keeping an eye on the rotation the most.
Much to the chagrin of many — just me, maybe? — Lloyd McClendon used kid gloves when dealing with top prospect Taijuan Walker last year, as he continued to keep Roenis Elias in the rotation instead. This year, it should change, but nothing is certain with McClendon. Walker is in the mix with Elias and J.A. Happ for the final two spots in the rotation, and if McClendon gives the nod to the latter two instead of the former, I’m going to lose it.It’s something to keep an eye on as spring training goes on, but as it stands now, it looks like Walker has one of the final two spots on lockdown. Relevance? Walker is a sleeper for me this year in mixed leagues and AL-only league. I’d feel comfortable taking him around the 17th round. Elias and Happ hold zero relevance. Maybe it’s because I’m bitter, or maybe it’s just the truth. Your call.
Oakland Athletics
Remember when the A’s signed Jim Johnson to close last year? That was cute. When Johnson was found unreliable again, the A’s turned the duties over to Sean Doolittle. Doolittle was a beast for fantasy teams down the stretch last year, and was going to be a top 10 closer going into 2015.
Then came an injury.
Sigh.
Doolittle had a slight tear in his rotator cuff in his left shoulder, and he’s unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. The A’s being the A’s, they had a backup plan ready in Tyler Clippard, who has spent all but one year of his career in Washington until now. Doolittle should regain his job when healthy, but what if Clippard is lights out for the A’s? Will they mess with the hot hand? My guess is that the two will come close to even on saves this season, making it a headache for fantasy owners. If you’re into drafting closers — I punt — then try to grab Doolittle and stash him on your DL. From there, grab Clippard late in the draft and hope the mess sorts itself out.
Houston Astros
Am I the only one who keeps forgetting the Astros are in the American League? Yes? OK, I’ll step it up. I’ve loved to see what the Astros have been doing over the past five years or so. It was a big picture move for the future, and suddenly, the future isn’t too far off.
I can’t wait to see Carlos Correa in a couple of years, but for now at shortstop, we are stuck watching Jed Lowrie and Jonathan Villar battle it out. You know what, I’m excited for that, too.
(I didn’t want to go back to the well with closers since we just touched on them, but Neshek > Gregerson, for what it’s worth.)
Both Jed Lowrie and Jonathan Villar disappointed fantasy owners to different degrees last year. Villar was supposed to be a cheap answer for steals late, but swiped just 17 bags. As for Lowrie, he hit just six homers while hitting under .250 in Oakland. However, he’s back in Houston, now, where he should be able to better duplicate his 2013 success than he would in Oakland. Last year, his number of line drives and fly balls were down from 2013, substantially. With a new-old ballpark, I’m expecting a rebound for Lowrie this year if he can get back to his 2013 ways. Relevance? Villar is unownable. Lowrie should be owned in AL-only leagues and is a middle infielder for Roto leagues.
