Howard Chen AKA Mr. Fantasy's Blog

By now, Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto is probably no longer available, that is, unless all the other fantasy managers aren't even paying ANY attention at all.

So what's left?

There are some pitchers where you may want to wait 1 or 2 more starts before committing, and there are pitchers you can pick up now.

PICK UP:

Cleveland's Cliff Lee.  So far, he's shown great control, good K's, been untouched, and he has at least some track record of success.  This guy's been through the wars, the highs and lows, and now it looks like the Lee of old is back.  It also helps that the Indians have a good lineup to support him.

Toronto's Shawn Marcum.  He shouldn't be available, but miraculously, he was dropped in one of my leagues, and the only reason I'm not using my 2nd-ranked waiver claim on him is because my pitching is already pretty deep, and there are other candidates to be scooped up if Marcum doesn't make it through waivers.  Young, good K's, 1 earned run given up in each of his starts, solid lineup to back him up, was solid last year, looks even better this time around.

Chicago's Ryan Dempster.  Of the 3 guys listed here, he's the most likely to drop off.  He's NEVER had an amazing fantasy season from beginning to end.  He's had solid years as a reliever, but never as a starter.  Always had the talent for K's, and he's on a good team.  So far, so good, so pick him up now, but get ready for some possible inconsistency.  Could be an outstanding pickup, but could also be dropped by midseason.

GUYS ON THE RADAR:

Chicago's Gavin Floyd.  Former top-5 pick of the Phillies, so he has the goods.  Two straight quality starts, including almost no-hitting the Tigers, which is impressive even with Detroit's horrible start to the season.  Good K's, but he's young, and you've gotta wonder if he can keep this up.  A quality start his next time out would make him a can't miss pitcher to pick up.

Cincinnati's Edinson Volquez.  There's a reason Cincinnati gave up Josh Hamilton to Texas for this stud, and so far he's proven it.  Good K's, virtually unhittable, but the Reds aren't the best team around, and Volquez probably needs 1 more quality start to be worthy of being picked up.

Tampa's Edwin Jackson.  Having an ERA under 1 after two starts is a good sign.  Also was a top-notch Dodger prospect back in the day, so he has the goods.  Control could be a possible issue, but he has good K's.  Can he keep this up?  I'd wait 2 starts on him before committing.

DROP:

Houston's Hunter Pence.  However, if you're in a deep league, then you'd be wise to hang on him, because he'll probably finish with a .275 average, 20 home runs, 15 SB's, and 80 RBI.  Those numbers don't come close to what he did last year if projected over a full season.  Pence has been a disappointment in a struggling Astros lineup.

Toronto's Jeremy Accardo.  BJ Ryan's back.  Until Ryan's hurt again, Accardo has little fantasy value.

RESIST THE URGE:

Tampa's Evan Longoria.  Young prospect, and he'll be good, but wait until he does something.  Even Ryan Braun owners from a year ago probably didn't pick him up before he put together some numbers at the dish.  Longoria may not put up his huge numbers this year, and that would be a wasted roster spot for a fantasy season.  Think Alex Gordon.  Any good fantasy owner did not hang on to Alex Gordon for all of last season in a non-keeper league.  Heck, even this season, Gordon's still only a borderline pickup.

OTHER QUALITY PICKUPS

Philly's Pat Burrell... drafted 1st overall, so has the talent, and this looks like FINALLY his breakout year.  FINALLY.  Could be a hot stretch, but pick him up anyways.  At this moment, he definitely has more value than the aforementioned Pence.

Chicago's Joe Crede... very strong start.  Hit 30 HR's in his last full season, so he has history on his side.  Doing a very good job holding off Josh Fields, even if Fields is struggling in the minors right now.

RESIST THE URGE II

Arizona's Mark Reynolds.  Great start with power.  Last year, he had a great start after his call-up with not as much power.  Wait a bit and see what happens.  My guess he'll cool off quite a bit like he did last year.  Call me a Reynolds hater for now.  I'm not sold yet.  Let other owners make that move.