Throwin' the Bull

NL BULLPENS: Here’s a rundown on all the closers and setup guys that should matter. I’ll do a Summary at the end.

ARIZONA:
Closer – Jose Valverde – POUNDERS 4-07 – KEEPER. If he can stay healthy, he has the stuff to be a good closer. He is young and is not arbitration eligible until next year, so he could be the closer for a long time.
Setup 1 – Brandon Lyon – OLD RIPS 21 -07 Not a keeper unless he wins the closer job. He actually had crappy #’s, 6.44 ERA, 1.84 Whip. He’s kind of like Jose Mesa, who no one would want. But he is probably the next in line when Valverde gets hurt.
2 – Brandon Medders 26 yrs old. He had solid #’s last year. 30 1/3 IP, 1.78 ERA, 1.05 Whip, 31 SO’s. He has a 92-95 MPH fastball. He could be a good setup guy with #’s. But there are lots of guys here who could be a backup closer.
3 – Luis Vizcaino He has good stats every other year, but when he’s good he’s really good. But he is a crap shoot on any year.
4 - Greg Aquino – DOYLE 10-06X – not anymore. He was the closer of future before last season, until hurt his elbow. He had good #’s in 2005, but bad after returned from injury last year. Has potential to be good again.
5 – Brian Bruney – DOYLE 4-07 Greg should have traded him last year. He has great stuff, no control. Not likely closer of future anymore.
6- Terry Mulholland – grin. Old guy.

ATLANTA
Closer – Chris Reitsma – FALKUHNS – 3-07 – KEEPER He is the closer until they trade for someone else or he blows up.
Setup 1 – Blaine Boyer – LICKERS 5-07X Probably a KEEPER. 24 yr old, OK #’s last year 3.11, 1.30. There is some talk that he’s in the mix as closer or back up closer.
2 – Oscar Villareal 24 yrs old. His #’s were good in 2003, but has had limited innings the past 2 years due to injuries, without good #’s in AAA or majors. I don’t see him as a real choice.
3 – JOEY DEVINE – FALKUHNS – 6 -07X He could be kept by Larry as protection for Reitsma if he makes the majors, but really not worth it. He’ll probably start in AAA. He was a 1st rounder in 2005 from NC State, 95 MPH fastball and good slider. THE CLOSER OF THE FUTURE. This year’s Brian Bruney and Ryan Wagner. Oh, yeah, they didn’t do much that year. Still this club will need a guy in the future. Possibly a good choice for minor league draft?
4 – Lance Cormier 25 years old. He started out with 17 scoreless innings in Arizona last year, then got killed the rest of the year. Not draftable.
5 – Mike Remlinger – 39, old guy.

CHICAGO CUBS
Closer – Ryan Dempster He was good, 3.13, 1.43, 33 Saves. Signed 3 yr $15 million contract.
SETUP 1 – Bob Howry He was given a chance as closer early in his career with the 1999-2000 White Sox, but didn’t really make it. As setup man past 2 years in Cleveland has been studly: 2004: 2.74, 1.15, 2005: 2.47, 0.89. Would be reasonable safe choice for #’s and would be the closer if Dempster was bad or out.
2 - Scott Eyre He was really good for Giants, but as a lefty won’t be a closer. He had just decent #’s. Doesn’t get wins either.
3 – Scott Williamson He had Tommy John, so can’t count on him.
4 – Kerry Wood If he can’t handle the innings due to injury, has the stuff to be a top closer. Just a thought.

CINCINNATI
Closer – This could be anyone on this team
1 – David Weathers Still unbelievable. Was 15 of 19 Saves. 3.94 ERA, 1.29 Whip. He’s probably #1 again or part of a committee.
2 – Todd Coffey There’s all this speculation that he’s in the closer mix with Weathers and Wagner. I don’t understand it, he had terrible #’s in majors and AAA last year. But, then Derrick Turnbow had this hype last year and turned out to be pretty good.
3 – Ryan Wagner – FALKUHNS 8-07 Interesting choice for Larry. Who knows what he’ll do, if Wagner is not declared closer. He’s Only 23 years old!! Great #’s 2003, but terrible last 2 years. 2004: 4.70, 1.66 and 2005: 6.11, 1.60. Still he has great stuff, really SHOULD BE THE CLOSER OF THE FUTURE, but we’ve been hearing that for 2-3 years.
Setups 4 – Kent Merker 38 years old. Last 3 years ERA increasing 1.95 – 2.55 – 3.65 with Whips 1.41 – 1.25 – 1.35. Not a good trend.
5 – Matt Belisle Must have gotten him in a trade with Brittain for a bag of magic beans. Never really got closing chance last year and #’s were bad 4.41 , 1.48. Forget about it
6 – Chris Hammond He had decent #’s in the end, even with bad ending. Still, there should be better choices out there.
7 – Jim Journall – had to put his name down for old time’s sake

COLORADO

I know, it’s Colorado. But, I’ll do their closers for completeness sake.

Closer 1 – Brian Fuentes - BATS 10-07 – KEEPER. He finally got the job, even as a lefty. 31 saves, 2.91 ERA, 1.25 Whip are amazing in Colorado.
2 – Jose Mesa – LICKERS 23-06 – Not this time. Rockies signed the old man to be back up and probably will get some save opportunities as he’s the righty of the
2. But, they’ll be ugly.
3- Scott Dohmann In the immortal words of Homer Simpson: “Dohhhh!” Enough said about these guys or anyone else in the bullpen.

FLORIDA
Closer – Closer Joe Borowski He’s back. He’s a rent a closer for 1 year, low salary with lots of incentives. He’ll be the guy this year if he pitches well
2 – Travis Bowyer He’s the CLOSER OF FUTURE, and should get the job in 2007, if not earlier. AAA – 74 innings, 23 SV, 96 K, 2.79 ERA, 1.23 Whip. Power guy, 96-99 MPH fastball. Traded from Twins to Florida. He’s a guy to go after.
Setup 1 – Kerry Ligtenberg He was good in AAA after injuries last year, but ugly in 9 innings in majors. Was always solid until past 2 years. Could be decent, but not likely going to get save chances.
2 – Chris Resop – FALKUHNS 5-07X If he makes the majors, it would be a stretch for him to be the closer as Bowyer is really the guy. He’s 23 yr old, was in AA – 24 of 26 SV, 2.57 ERA, 1.29 Whip, 56 K in 49 inning, 96 MPH fastball. Probably goes to AAA, but could be a closer in future if Bowyer bombs.
3 – Matt Herges He had to land somewhere.

HOUSTON
Closer – Brad Lidge – OLD RIPS 13 -07C – KEEPER. As shown by his 3 losses and the monster HR to Pujols in the Playoffs, he’s over rated. I’d waive him if I owned him
Setup 1 - Dan Wheeler He was very solid last year, 73 inning, 69 K, 2.21 ERA, 0.98 Whip. Good choice for safe innings, and could get the saves if Lidge was hurt or somehow traded
2 – Chad Qualls – OLD RIPS 1-07 Keepable protection for Lidge. He was also very solid, a sinkerballer, and would be in the mix if Lidge was out. 79 inning, 60 K, 3.28 ERA, 1.21 Whip
No one else exciting: Russ Springer, Steve Sparks, Joe Valentine

LA DODGERS
Closer – Eric Gagne He should be back at full strength after last year’s injuries. He’s a top 2-3 guy
Setup 1 – Danny Baez He was the closer in Tampa Bay, 41 SV, 72 inning, 51 K, 2.86 ERA, 1.33 Whip. He’ll be the back up if Gagne isn’t right, and has the track record. Will be a Free Agent after this year, so might be moving on. If he’s cheap or reasonable, he has a 50-50 chance of being a closer in NL in 2007.
2 – Brazoban – ANY 9 5-06X – not a keeper anymore. He was a stud to start the season, but totally lost his control and lost the closer role to Duaner. His #’s were terrible, but back in setup role, could shine again, like 2004 No one else really matters here
3 – Kurt Ainsworth He’s never done anything since injury in SF 2002. He’s still only 27.

MILWAUKEE
Closer – Derrick Turnbow – POUNDERS 2-07 – KEEPER. He was amazing. He was talked up some in pre-season, even with crappy #’s, but he proved them right. 39 Sv, 1.74 ERA, 1.08 Whip. It’s his job now.
Setup 1 – Danny Kolb – HOBO – 5 – 07X – no way. Well he’s back home. He was ugly 2005 in Atlanta, but he was bad down the stretch in 2004. Might be the backup for saves, but could be scary.
2 – Matt Wise –OLD RIPS 1-07 – Keepable. He’s fully recovered now from Tommy John. Was solid last year in Milw, with 64 inning, 62 K, 3.36 ERA, 0.96 Whip, fairly safe, but no big upside.
3 - Jose Capellan – OLD RIPS – Farm. Traded to Milw for Danny Kolb, now both are here. He has 99-100 MPH fastball, poor control. Was thought to be possible starter, but looks like he’ll be in the pen. Could be a closer in future. AAA 3.89, 1/44, Majors 15.7 IP, 2.87 ERA, 1.40 Whip
4 – Mike Adams – ANY 9 6-06X – Not this time. He was supposed to be the closer last year, but had no control and was sent back to AAA. He’s a risk, but as backup if Turnbow hurt, is as good as anyone else, I guess

NY METS
Closer – Billy Wagner – PECKLERS 36-07 – Probably not. He’s a top 2-3 closer. If we throw him back, will go for big price.
Setup 1- Duaner Sanchez - POUNDERS – 5-07X – No way he’s kept. He’s not going to close anymore, but could get wins in 7-8ths innings. #’s were same for 2004 and 2005 – 3.38.1.35 and 3.73, 1.35
2 – Jorge Julio He closed in Baltimore 2002 – 2005, but had bad #’s, and was replaced in 2005. Don’t expect any good #’s in a set up role either, as his best was 4.38 ERA and 1.40 Whip over past 3 years.
3 – Chad Bradford Moneyball pitcher had good #’s for a few years, but have been worsening over past 3 years. At 31, he’s not got much upside.
4 - Juan Padilla Not a power pitcher, but he was really good after being called up last year. Could be a good middle reliever.

PHILLIES
Closer – Tom Gordon He’s 38 years old, but has pitched great past few years. There’s no reason to think he can’t continue. He’s been a closer in past, and was always good. Should be worth his price. Has a 3 year contract, so not a 1 year rent a closer.
Setup 1 – Arthur Rhodes In 2005 he returned to the top level setup man form that he had in 2001 and 2002. He got hurt in 2004 when he was put in closer role in Oakland, but he’s not a closer. He’s a setup guy, and when he’s right, he’s a really good one
2 – Aaron Fultz His #’s were ugly from 2000 to 2004, then studly in 2005: 72 innings, 2.24 ERA, 0.97 Whip. It’s hard to believe he can repeat it. I’d let someone else take the risk, though he’s not likely to be drafted
3 - Ryan Madson – now a starter No one else of interest

PITTSBURGH
Closer – Mike Gonzalez BATS 12-07 – KEEPER. It’s now his job, and he had great #’s past 2 years getting ready. No reason to expect anything other then success.
Setup 1 – Salomon Torres – FALKUHNS 3-07 Definitely keepable. He’s had solid years 2004 and 2005, since was pulled out of any starting spots. Should continue to have good #’s, and could get occasional right handed saves or if Gonzalez gets hurt
2 – Roberto Hernandez He had a good year in 2005, but it was his first since 2000. I wouldn’t bet on him continuing the good trend, especially at age 41
3 – Damaso Marte Actually the reverse. Had a bad year in 2005: 3.77, 1.72. He had been steady for the previous 3 years. No real upside, but would probably be a safe bet for good #’s
4 – Scott Strickland He hasn’t ever returned to 2003 form since Tommy John
5 – Ryan Vogelsong Mr Overrated of few years ago. Now Mr. No-verated

SAN DIEGO
Closer – Trevor Hoffman – CAPPERS – 16-06C – KEEPER. He’s 38 and has never had a bad year, only the injury year of 2003. No reason to expect a fall off in stats anytime soon. He had 43 Saves, 2.97 ERA, 1.11 Whip last year.
Setup 1 – Scott Linebrink – HOBO – 5 – 07 – KEEPER if they don’t have 10 better keepers. He’s great, and will be the closer, if Hoffman every shows his age and retires or gets hurt. Houston waived him in 2002, big mistake.
2 – Clay Hensley He was solid in AAA and in 47 innings in SD, which allowed SD to trade Otsuka and Hammond. In AAA (PCL – hitter’s league) 90 inning, 3.00, 0.94, 71 K. In Majors: 47 inning, 28 K, 1.70 ERA, 1.05 whip. Worth a $1 chance.
3 - The rest are old guys on the downside: Doug Brocail, Alan Embree, Andy Ashby

SAN FRANCISCO
Closer – Armando Benitez – BUSCH 30-06 – Keepable, full priced. He came back strong after he was injured early in the season. He’ll get the saves and should have decent ERA, with risky Whip. He’s signed for 2006 and 2007. He could be gone in 2007 if they blow up the team and go with youth without Barry and the REAL OLD guard (Moises, Vizquel, Finley, Durham – all done in 2006 or 2007)
Setup 1 – Tim Worrell His #’s have steadily worsened since 2003 career year in SF. He’s 38, so this could be a real trend. Only upside is he’ll get the saves when Benitez is out hurt.
2 – Steve “where’s the hat” Kline He was terrible in theAL last year, after a great year in 2004. I expect he’ll be more in the middle, closer to his career #’s, 3.4 ERA, 1.29 Whip
3 – Tyler Walker His #’s weren’t good, but he did get 24 of 28 Saves, and he’s got real stuff. So, could have upside for the future, especially if Benitez was gone in 2007. He’d probably have the inside track on closing.
4 – Jeff Fassero – Ouch.

ST LOUIS
Closer – Isringhausen Other then being injury prone, he’s been a top level closer since converted to a closer in 2000 in Oakland. ERA and Whip are always solid. And the Cards are a good team, with pitching and offense, so there should be lots of chances
Setup 1 – Braden Looper – PECKLERS 35-06 – No way. His #’s have been up and down over the years. Isringhausen is always hurt at some point. Looper will get saves then and some wins as the setup guy. I wouldn’t spend too much, but he’s worth owning
2 - Brad Thompson – good setup/middle guy, but not a power pitcher. Had good #’s in first year in Majors last year
3 - Ricardo Rincon – nothing special, not worth drafting
4-The rest who cares – ALAN BENES, John Riedling, Jeff Nelson, Randy Flores

WASHINGTON
Closer – Chad Cordero – HOBO 14-06 – EXTENDABLE. At age 24, he’ll be a star for years to come.
Setup 1 - Luis Ayala He had elbow surgery for bone spur 10/05, but should be back as a top level setup. He’d be a solid closer, if he ever got his chance. But, it won’t come anytime soon. Worth few $$’s.
2 – Gary Majewski Good stuff, but has control and Whip problems. ERA should be around 3.00, but Whip could be anything. Not big upside
3 – Joey Eischen He’s 35 now, and has been average or worse past 3 years. His time has come (2001) and gone.
4 – Felix Rodriguez – Dusty still should have left Russ Ortiz in the game, and left Felix on the bench

SUMMARY:
CLOSERS:
Keepers –
Jose Valverde (Pounders), Derrick Turnbow (Pounders)
Chris Reitsma (Falkuhns)
Brian Fuentes (Bats), Mike Gonzalez (Bats)
Brad Lidge (Old Rips)
Trevor Hoffman (Cappers)

Possible Keepers –
Ryan Wagner (Falkuhns)
Armando Benitez (Busch – possible)

Available – Lots of top level guys to spend on:
Eric Gagne
Billy Wagner (Pecklers – not likely keeper)
Jason Isringhausen
Tom Gordon
Ryan Dempster
Joe Borowski
Cincinnati Closers (Weathers, Coffey)

Written by Dr. Tailgate

Thoughts of Punxsutawney Phil

It’s February 10, the AT&T, nee The Crosby, is going full bore, and it is gorgeous outside. Mid ‘70’s, with the sky as clear as a prepubescent face. Our old pal and inveterate prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow last week, thereby predicting six more weeks of winter. Well, maybe in western PA, but certainly not here in the blue Bay Area.

I hope wherever he’s playing this week that Tiger Woods is seeing nothing but drizzle. He should be out at Pebble with they corporate guys who make that tour possible, the selfish little punk. Some guys get it and some guys don’t. Tiger definitely doesn’t get this one.

If you haven’t seen it, last year Ray Romano and Kevin James made a documentary of their week at the AT&T, where they both barely missed the cut. It ran last year on HBO, and it was fantastic, interesting, funny and very real. See it if you can.

Before I write a little (very little) about baseball, let me put in writing here the big news about football. No, not the Steelers. THE ROBBER BARRONS, 2005 PEFA CHAMPIONS! It’s been a long time since I won that league (1991), and even longer since I won it without mon frere (1985). How did I win it (actually, my partner, Shemp Howard and I), you ask? Four words: 7th round – Larry Johnson. If you play fantasy football, you’ll get that right away. If you don’t, well, God help you.

I got the renewal yesterday for The Talented Mr. Roto site. I like it, because the writers are funny. Not as funny as me, but they give me ideas for this blog. Matthew Berry, who owns the site, writes his daily “TRUM”, Thoughts, Ramblings and Useless Info and Musings, which pretty much sums up this blog as well. This season I’m going to write a little less about fantasy baseball and a little more about, well, whatever. I promise – not too many comments about the Diebold company’s voting machines.

Today I noticed in the paper a very strange deal involving ABC and Disney (same thing) and Al Michaels and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. I didn’t exactly understand what the hell went on, but Matthew Berry cleared it up in his TRUM today, which I quote from:

Chock full of Trumminess today, as two trades rocked the sports world. First,
the Bobcats get rid of that problem Keith Bogans to add the magical elixir that
is Lonny Baxter. And with Baxter no longer around to drag the Rockets down,
expect Bogans to fit right in in Houston and lead them to glory.

The fantasy impact of this is that the bench guys on each team will have to
move down one spot. Actually, I sort of like Bogans game - he can score when
given minutes - it's just that's he's a swing guy and well, they already have a
swing guy that's pretty good. Just don't see Bogans getting any kind of minutes
there unless T-Mac's back goes out.

Then, of course, there's the Al Michaels deal. In case you did not hear, NBC
wanted Michaels for it's Sunday Night NFL broadcasts next year and ESPN had him under contract. So, they swamped him out for expanded coverage rights to Ryder Cup and Olympic broadcasts, some other smaller rights, NBC will promote MNF on ESPN on it's Sunday Night game (because, let's face it, how else will you know where to find it?) and rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

Oswald, apparently, was the first creation from Walt Disney. When he lost the rights, he created Mickey Mouse, which, if you look closely at the many online photos of Oswald, is basically Oswald with shorter ears. Walt: Great businessman, not so much a cartoonist.

It may seem odd, but let's face it. Would you rather be dealt for an obscure animated rabbit that hasn't worked in close to a century or Lonny Baxter? That's what I thought. By the way, is it me, or does Oswald the Lucky Rabbit sound like the title of bad porn?

Got the following trade offer from a guy in my longtime AL Only keeper league:

Hey man , let's make a deal.

What about Konerko for Jose Contreras?

It's a keeper league and Contreras is about $20 cheaper than Konerko but still. In case you were wondering if becoming an "expert" stopped the crappy trade offers coming your way, the answer is. they don't. Would rather have Oswald the Lucky Rabbit rights than Contreras, who I have never believed in.

Now that’s some good writing. That’s why I’m going to shell out another $30. It’s certainly NOT for their baseball information. After all, the Pecklers keepers are pretty laughable, so we need to go into a Bleacher Bums style four corners offense this year and save a few bucks. But I’ll always spend some dough for a good laugh.

This week I set up the alternate, temporary, invisible site for the Pecklers’ pre draft fantasy chatter. We pledge that we will NOT play for next year. That said, Pedro Martinez could be had in a trade. We’re going to prove, like Lou and Big Rick did last year, that keeper lists mean nothing. In fact, good keeper lists hurt your team because they make you too conservative. Wait ‘till you check out our $9 pitching staff.

Pitchers and catchers are just a week away. The sweet sixteen and the elite eight are in Oakland next month, and we’ve got tickets. Life is good.

Fast as a Speeding Locomotive

Like always, this is a tough category. Here are the guys that had 10+ SB’s last year that will be kept (likely) with price:

Reyes (15), Furcal (30), Rollins (27), freel (8), Taveras (19), Counsell (5), Bay (24), Everett (6), Hall (2), Wright (5F), Utley (13), Marcus Giles (15), Derrek Lee (34), Felipe Lopez (2), Weeks (5), Holliday (18), Floyd (26), Sullivan (2), Biggio (13), Werth (1), Burke (5)

Here are possible keepers with SB# and (price):

Abreu 31 ($40), Vizquel 24 ($17), Lofton 22 ($15), Ellison 14 ($1), Carlos Lee 13 ($38), Eckstein 11 ($11), Izturis 8 injured ($5), Brady Clark 10 ($10)

Here’s the draftable guys:

The One and Only:

Juan Pierre CHC – had 57, but now he’s with Dusty. Will he be allowed to run? Still the only guy with >30 SB for sure

20-30 steal guys (maybe more):

Alfonso Soriano WASH: 30-45 SB 4 of last 5 years, 30+ HR 3 of 4 years. Stud, will be costly. Won’t get as many HR’s going to Washington instead of Texas, but could get the SB’s

Tony Womack CIN – still a 20-30 SB guy (had 27 last year), but where will he hit could change things as Freel is also there

Dave Roberts SD – was a bust with only 24 last year. Should be cheaper, so still could get 20-30, but may not hit well enough to get 40

Randy Winn SF – should be 20-20 guy, will be bid up by the homers

Carlos Beltran NYM – never ran last year with hamstring, won’t obviously be $52. Could become 25-25 or better guy again. And lineup is better 10-20

Guys with upside:

Albert Pujols STL – 40 HR -15 SB ultimate 4 category guy will be $50

Aaron Rowand PHI – 15-15 guy with upside to be 20-20

Corey Patterson ?CHI – Looks like he’ll be in Baltimore, but should get 15-15, but didn’t last year. Probably gets bid up due to potential

Jacque Jones CHC – 20 HR – 10+ SB if Dusty lets him run

Mike Cameron SD – if healthy he’s a 20-20 guy with shitty Bave

Brian Giles SD – a disappointment in SD, can’t count on any # here, but could get 10-15 HR and SB, or more

Royce Clayton ARIZ – had 10 and 13 past 2 years, so cheap filler

So Taguchi STL – worth his $1-2, could get 5-10 SB if gets AB’s

SLEEPERS:

Hector Luna STL – could be starter, had 10 SB in 137 AB, could be 20+ if get’s AB’s instead of Aaron Miles or Spivey

Damien Jackson WASH – Injured 2004, otherwise has had 15-30 SB for the last 6 seasons. Had 15 in 275 AB 2005, 16 in 161 AB in 2003, 12 in 245 AB in 2002 and more the 3 prior years.

Eric Byrnes ARIZ – he was ugly for us and everyone last year, but still has 10-20 HR and 10+ SB potential as starter

Edgar Renteria ATL – was bad in Boston last year, so could drive his price down. Could return to 10 HR – 15+SB back in NL

ROOKIES:

Eric Reed FLA – Will take over for Pierre, had 40 SB in AA and AAA last year, will be given his chance to run. Not going to be invisible (remember Taveras)

Chris Young ARIZ – came from White Sox in Vazquez deal. In AA last year: .277 – 26 HR – 77 RBI – 32 SB. Nice numbers if stays and backs up Byrnes, otherwise think about it for the farm draft

Nate McLouth PIT – leadoff hitter, had 34 SB in AAA last year

Written by Dr. Tailgate

Tomorrow is Today

Here’s an update on our own players.

CATCHER:
Mike Barrett $3 – 06, CHC – a solid keeper, wouldn’t extend to $8
Ramon Castro $10 - 07, NYM – still the Mets backup, now to LoDuca. Would be worth $1 draft, but not a keeper

CORNERS:
David Bell $4 – 06, PHI – still starter in Phillie with Abraham Nunez as his backup. Keepable, but doubt goes for much more if any after .248 – 10 HR season
Ryan Shealy $7 -07X, Col – backup to Helton, but they are thinking of playing him in the outfield also. Good guy to draft. Unless has a starting job, wouldn’t keep

MIDDLE INFIELDERS:
Luis Gonzalez $1 – 06, Col 2B – starting 2B, with talk of Willie Harris signing as backup. Obvious keeper
Ray Durham $19 – 07, SF 2B - #’s slipping, will start, but will be cheaper depending on all the homers bidding
David Eckstein $11 – 07, STL SS – solid #’s .294 – 8 HR – 61 RBI – 11 SB. True, he’s no Utley, but he’s a keeper, depending on our $.

OUTFIELDERS:
Cliff Floyd $26 – 07, NYM – obvious keeper at .273 – 34 HR – 98 RBI – 12 SB. Even if he didn’t get the 25 steals he said.
Andruw Jones $36 – 06, ATL – Hell of a season, but BAVE still low. .263 – 51 HR - 128 RBI – 5 SB, so really 2 category, but big in those. Worth keeping, but not a bargain
Jose Guillen $29 – 07, Nats – had surgery to repair torn labrum of shoulder, should be close to 100% by opening day. Hit .283 – 24 HR - 76 RBI – 1 SB. He’s probably close to value, but with injury and with Soriano now on roster to steal RBI’s, would throw back and see if goes cheaper. He’s good, no stud.

PITCHING:
Braden Looper $25 – 06, STL – now setup to Isringhausen. So, not keeper obviously. Would be good guy to draft, as should get wins and will get Saves WHEN Isi gets hurt
Pedro Martinez $30 – 07, NYM – pretty studly #’s, even with the slide he had down the stretch with his toe injury: 15-8, 2.82 ERA, 0.95 Whip. Toe still could be a problem and he won’t go for much if any more. Unless guys overvalue the Mets hitting
Brandon Webb $14 – 07, Ariz – solid #’s, 14-12, 229 IP, 3.54 – 1.26. Got to keep him, though I can’t say I like the Diamondbacks hitting or defense behind him
Juan Padilla $5 – 7X, NYM – pitched great, 36.3 IP, 1.49 ERA, 1.02 Whip, and was better at AAA. Will be an interest and safe $1-2 pick in draft, setting up Wagner
Billy Wagner $36 – 07, NYM – when healthy, he’s top 3, and was stud last year. Still, he’ll go around the same, can’t see him at $40.
Jae Seo $5 – 07X, LAD – now the #5 starter for Dodgers. Nice stats: 8-2, 2.59 ERA, 1.11 Whip. LA is good pitcher park. Lineup should be good behind him also.

So here’s what it looks like at this point:
Barrett $3 – C
Gonzalez $1 – 2B
Eckstein $11 – SS
Cliff Floyd $26 – OF
Andruw Jones $36 – OF (probably keep)
Brandon Webb $14 – SP
Jae Seo $5 – SP

Maybe: David Bell $4 – 3B (might keep if 3B looks nasty and want to have someone)

7 Players $96 or 8 for $100

Written by Dr. Tailgate