It’s only been a few games, so it’s pretty tough to make much of what we’ve seen. It’s even too soon for a small sample size type of post. One thing I did notice was there were a lot of starters not making it through five innings keeping those valuable points for a win off the table. I wonder if the shortened Spring Training has anything to do with that. Anyway, here are a few things I saw during the opening series.
What’s Happ-ening?
Ian Happ has 9 plate appearances in two games. He also has 16 fantasy points. That’s almost two points per plate appearance. Oh wait, that’s only two games. Nothing to see here? Well, nothing can be determined after two games, but he’s off to a solid start with five hits and no strikeouts. Happ is a streaky player, but why not ride the hot streak. It looks like the x-rays on his knee came back negative. If he’s available, I’d look at your roster and see if you can find a spot for him. But I wouldn’t be bummed if he didn’t fit in.
N.A.
If we were looking for players that are off to slow starts, not applicable would be written next to Nolan Arenado‘s name. I haven’t done the complete math, but with 24 points, Arenado leads all hitters. In 12 at bats he’s got a single, three doubles and a home run. It’s like he’s back in Colorado. All the hype in St. Louis has been on Tyler O’Neill, but it’s Nolan that’s tearing it up. Since 2015 (ignoring 2020), he’s been a lock for 30+ homers and 100+ RBIs. I think that streak continues in 2022. I’m buying. So is Fred Durst.
I Am The Bregg-man
Alex Bregman went 6 for 13 in the opening series against the Angels. With 21 early points in 14 plate appearances, he’s quickly proving me right when I tabbed him as a preseason buy.
Jo A Dell – A Female Deer
Is that how it goes? I can’t actually remember. In his first five plate appearances, Jo Adell has struck out five times. He’d be batting 1.000 if strikeouts were hits. So far, in three games, Adell has now struck out seven times in 9 chances. Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis are taking notice. I really want to see this kid turn it around, but it seems like his strikeout habit is far from kicked.
Mother Tucker
Kyle Tucker is a name I’ve heard a few throw around in the potential AL MVP talks during the preseason. I gotta be honest, this kid is better than I thought and I’m quickly regretting not owning more shares of him.
How Lowe Can You Go?
Josh Lowe, Nate Lowe or Brandon Lowe. Which Lowe will end the season with more fantasy points? Preseason projections say Brandon, but I think it’s any Lowes game. Although I do prefer Home Depot.
R-I-Z-Z-O
Jerky Boys anyone? Anthony Rizzo has 22 points in his first three games. The Yankees and fantasy owners have got to be pleased with his performance. Rizzo was another guy that my spreadsheet liked based on ADP. Hope some of you took that advice.
Tae Kwan Do
If Steven Kwan is available in your league I’d suggest you snatch him up. He’s karate chopping singles and doubles like it’s his job. Wait, it is his job. A few home runs would be nice, but in points leagues singles and doubles and getting on base will certainly add up. I heard someone say maybe he could be a Nick Markakis type. Nick Markakis was an awesome points league player.
Reverse SPARP (RPASP)
We’ve all heard of SPARP. That’s the whole starting pitcher at relief pitcher play. Having a starter with RP eligibility often comes in handy. Especially in two-start weeks. But what about the reverse. How about an RP with SP eligibility. This is a very useful tactic in daily leagues. Right now a guy I’m eyeing is Tony Santillan of the Reds. He got that save the other day. If he holds onto the closer job (who knows) and you plug him into an SP spot, then you can squeeze out some extra points here and there.
Sleepless In Milwaukee
I guess technically it was in Chicago, but Brewers starers have got to be glad to be out of Chicago. Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta all took a beating this weekend. The three of them combined for 11 points in 12.6 IP.
It’s Miller Time
Brad Miller hasn’t been fantasy relevant in…ever. As a result, I felt compelled to mention that he has 21 points. Carry on.
Random Musings
I have a good feeling about Francisco Lindor this season.
Jean Segura is going to be a top ten, dare I say top five 2B this season. Some dummy in my league dropped him. Don’t be that dummy. While we’re on second base, it wasn’t too long ago that people were wanting to draft Jeff McNeil. Keep him on your radar.
Follow malamoney on Twitter at @malamoney
