January 5th, 2009

Shhhh!

Revealing Sleepers this soon can lead to an internet frenzy - and thus kill one’s ability to snag a player in the later rounds.

So let’s treat Colby Rasmus kind of like Fight Club – recollecting the #1 rule Tyler Durden preached:

The first rule about Colby Rasmus is:
“You don’t talk about Colby Rasmus!”

Colby Rasmus

Of course, since you’ve dropped by, we assume you are a card carrying member of the “Colby Rasmus Fight Club” so here are some Quick reasons why we like this kid going into the 2009 season:

If you are a fairly serious Fantasy Baseball junkie – you have probably already started to view various sites in search of the 2009 Sleepers.

For Catchers, we will be honing our fantasy radar on who might be this years Ryan Doumit, or even better - Geovanny Soto. When it comes to pitchers – the phrase “Next Edinson Volquez” will be bounced around more than “Career Opportunities” outtakes of Jennifer Connelly on a Target store riding horse.

And the Fantasy Baseball Indiana Jones in all of us will covet any similar discovery of last season’s Holy Grail of infielder finds – Alexei Ramirez.

Before we continue, let us once again remind you…

“The first rule about Colby Rasmus…”

Prognosticating breakout players obviously often entails some lucky breaks. But in some cases - like Geovanny Soto last season – there were Billboard sized signs for a possible breakout campaign going into 2008. The problem, unfortunately, when an apparent “Sleeper” has too much “writing on the wall” – as mentioned at the top of this article – word spreads like wildfire, and before too long, everyone knows about the player in question – thus diminishing one’s chances of truly capitalizing on drafting him in a later round.

Many who drafted Edinson Volquez last season got on board once the hard throwing Cincy Red began to show he might possess the “right stuff” during 2008’s edition of Spring Training.

Now again, it’s early – some of us may still be recovering from our New Years Eve hangover – I swear, never again. No really.But one of the reasons Colby Rasmus intrigues us here at WaiverSharks.com is because, up until now at least, he has not been preached about by the Fantasy expert elite. Like Alexei Ramirez, and to some extent Volquez – Rasmus remains hidden in the shadows of touted Fantasy 2009 Sleepers like the Reds Joey Votto, the Rockies Carlos Gonzales (Coors Magic?) and the Rangers Nelson Cruz.

This is not to say that all three of these Outfielders (Votto qualifies at 1B and OF) won’t possibly outdo Rasmus during 2009 – but we highly doubt, with the earlybird attention they are garnering, that any of them will be available to be drafted in as late of a round – or even plucked off of the consummate waiver wire, as young Mr. Rasmus will.


Click here to play at Betfred
Okay – so we’ve established that the St. Louis Cardinals uber-talented outfielder is flying under the radar somewhat? So is Sal Fasano – but that doesn’t make him worthy of our Fantasy attention now does it?

Why else should Fantasy managers tuck a Rasmus feather in their Cardinals caps going into the 2009 Fantasy Baseball season?

Opportunity is big here. If there is no hope for landing regular at bats at some point – hopefully earlier than late – we might as well move on. But in Rasmus’ case, we DO see opportunity is knocking – and a hot spring may be all it takes to see him get the chance to head up to the club at the onset of the 2009 season.

To date - the Cardinals have certainly not been very involved in many offseason player additions. Adding Khalil Greene may alter their infield somewhat – but won’t change the complexion of their outfield.

So who else have they got out there manning left, center and right at Busch Stadium?

Ryan Ludwick – Although some are still scratching their collective Fantasy heads on how and why Ryan Ludwick rose so quickly in 2008 – even if there is some drop off this season, Ludwick, one can assume, has firmly established himself as a starter in the Cardinals line-up.

Rick Ankiel – a solid bat – but (and this would be key) there have been a lot of rumors. Imagine if Ankiel was sitting on one end of the St. Louis Arch – but instead it was a giant catapult – held back by a low grade fishing twine. With one giant “SNAP!”, he could be headed clear over the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial – bounce off the top of the Edward Jones Dome – landing safely into the arms of another city. In other words – Ankiel could be traded.

Chris Duncan – Big Chris has yet to be a major factor in previous seasons that have unfortunately been laced with mammoth slumps and injuries.

Skip Schumaker – We like the NL’s answer to David DeJesus – but we don’t feel Skip has quite the upside potential of Colby Rasmus.

Brian Barton and Joe Mather – Of these two, we are actually more weary of Joe Mather squashing Rasmus’ chances of capitalizing in 2009, since he possesses some very solid power. If Rasmus is considered a Dark Horse in 2009 – Mather may be referred to as the horse galloping down the dark horses neck.

Where could Colby Ryan Rasmus fit in best?

We know we won’t get any answers from Tony LaRussa at this juncture, so lets hypothesize on our own.

How about center field and leading off?! (Let’s start lobbying NOW!)

Yes – it wouldn’t be the easiest place for the rookie from Columbus Georgia to begin his career – but we think he could truly thrive there if given the opportunity. A modestly projected 15 steal - 15 homerun season would certainly not be out of the question – and imagine the number of times he could potentially cross the plate batting ahead of Albert Pujols and Ryan Ludwick.

In addition to the Cardinals Busch Stadium being a decent hitter’s park, they play in the National League’s Central Division, which has a number of good hitting parks. Here’s a super quick breakdown:

Chicago Cubs - Wrigley Field – yes the Cubs have some good arms, but we all know when the wind is blowing out in Wrigley – extra base hits can start to mount up.

Cincinnati Reds – Great American BallPark – Every Fantasy manager has got to know by now that this tiny ballpark’s dimensions are a hitter’s dream!

Milwaukee Brewers – Miller Park – Rasmus certainly has the pop in his bat to drive some balls for extra base here – and just think, the 2009 ROY candidate we are so high on no longer has to face C.C. Sabathia when the Cards visit Milwaukee.

Pittsburgh Pirates – PNC Park – Certainly not cavernous by any stretch – and outside of a decent starting rotation core – the Pirates pitching can be hit on.

Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park – The right field wall is only seven feet high at Minute Maid Park, and if the left hand hitting Rasmus pulled the ball enough, you can envision him legging out a triple near the flag pole extending from Tal’s Hill.

Houston Astros Minute Maid Park- Tals Hill
“Tal’s Hill” was named after Tal Smith - Astros’ President of Baseball Operations.

Well before we carry on to the point that you think we own shares in “Colby Stock”, or are Colby’s parents, we will close with this…

Fight ClubRasmus most certainly struggled in a forgettable and injury plagued 2008 season. If he didn’t – he wouldn’t be a Deep Sleeper this season. Capitalize on the poor campaign he had last year and use this to your advantage WaiverSharks. If you play in a fairly competitive Fantasy Baseball league – many more risky picks will be flying off draft boards in 2009 faster than a flashing dick did in Fight Club. But just remember the first rule of Rasmus!

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January 1st, 2009

WaiverSharks still attests – there is no such thing as a Sleeper anymore!

But it’s a wonderful word the Fantasy Baseball community holds dearly – and it sounds much better (and shorter) than “here are a bunch of MLB players that stand a decent, to long shot chance of emerging in 2009 - and some of your competitors might not have them at the top of their minds when you get set for your newest Fantasy season.”

And before we forget, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Alex Cora - Baby New Year
Alex Cora - meet Baby New Year! Okay that was a d-bag cheap shot. Sorry Alex

Here is a quick list of some names you will hear buzzing around to start the 2009 Fantasy baseball season (even if your ears are no where near the size of Baby New Year!).

Futurama - Bite My Shiny Metal AssIf any of these guys has a first rate spring – they could go from projected fantasy “sleeper” to “over-hyped rip-off” in less time than the “The Day the Earth Stood Still” lasted at the box office. 20th Century-Fox might as well have used Bender from Futurama to play Gort in this unintentional comedy turkey of the year!

In an effort to mention a few players every Tom, Dick and Harry doesn’t know about - we will be offering up some DEEP SLEEPERS (even deeper still-think John Holmes here – ew!) and DEEPER SLEEPERS later on down the line. So please – no evil emails accusing us of not digging deep enough.

We have also begun to research 2009 Closers - but since these guys are more slippery than the representatives and agent for Raphael Furcal - we will hold off until spring to unleash the reliever/closer hounds on you.

2009 Sleepers

Catcher – Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants - For the most part, the cat is already out of the bag on Pablo Sandoval – but don’t discard the hope that he’ll regain that sweet C-spot (did that sound sexual?). In leagues where Sandoval only carries 1B/3B, adding CATCHER to his eligible positions is still a distinct possibility if he can occasionally fill in for Mo’ Money Molina. This would skyrocket the slap hitting San Francisco  infielders fantasy value, and make you look like a genius for grabbing him early.

First Base –Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds – Primed for a breakout, eh?! (Votto hails from Toronto, Canada )

Second Base – Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies – He should qualify at second base in your league – if he doesn’t, inform your Union Steward, and chase Blake DeWitt instead.

Short Stop – Jed Lowrie, Boston Red Sox – Assuming you have Jed Lowrie on your SS sleeper wish list already - let’s sing! “Well now it’s time to say Goodbye to Jed and all his kin. They would like to thank you folks for kindly droppin’ in.
You’re all invited back again to this locality, to have a heapin’ helpin’ of their hospitality.” Yee Haw!!!

Third Base – Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals – KC Royal, or not – his third season could become a bracelet filled with lucky charms.

Outfield - Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers – If you draft middle infielders and pitchers in your early rounds – you will need to try and snag one of these high upside outfield diamonds in the rough – but the results could garner sweet success!

Outfield – Elijah Dukes, Washington Nationals – Elijah Dukes possesses great speed and tremendous power. Here’s hoping he can utilize both while playing an entire season – that would make him one Super Badassmofo fantasy sleeper!

Outfield - Carlos Gonzales, Colorado Rockies – Gonzalez heads to Coors Field – where doubles can turn into Grand Slams!

Starting Pitcher – Andrew Miller, Florida Marlins – Big NL left hander still appears to be settling in. Always difficult to predict the next great Fantasy pitcher pick-up, but tossing half your games in a National League pitchers park is a good start.

Starting Pitcher – Anthony Reyes, Cleveland Indians – He grabbed his high socks and escaped the St. Louis system just in time. The Indians have acquired a better closer than Joe Borowski (how’s that for a ringing endorsement for Kerry Wood?) and the Tribe also continued signing ex-cubbies – adding Mark DeRosa to their mix. We’re not sure if the versatile DeRosa will always man the hot corner, but the Indians, at the very least, added a hot wife to ogle at the annual coed softball/bbq this year.

Note: Speaking of Cubs - Did you hear about the Elgin IL , High School student that was forced to remove her Kosuke Fukudome Jersey because the shirt was deemed offensive? The dean was confused at the pronunciation of the outfielder’s last name that is actually pronounced foo-koo-dough-may.

WaiverSharks wonders if this wasn’t just a case of fantasy baseball frustration on the part of the school staffer who perhaps drafted Fukudome way too high last season?

Either way, the problem was rectified later that day when the Principal deemed Kosuke Fukudome attire suitable for class.

Next up for dean: He’ll look into convincing Sexy Marissa Miller that her Chicago Cubs jersey should be removed. Now that’s a mission WaiverSharks.com would get behind!

Marisa Miller

Marisa Miller grabbing some balls at Wrigley Field.

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December 31st, 2008

WaiverSharks 2009 Preseason

Fantasy Baseball Rankings:

Starting Pitchers #81-#100

Baby SharkNow we are digging into some Deeper Sleepers! We’ve even broke out some serious Washington Nationals love in this installment. A daring thing to do, since up until now the most impressive thing the Washington Nationals have done is the nightly Presidents Race. But, they went out this offseason and appear to have at least bolstered their starting pitching with a more experienced rotation going into 2009.

So grab a seat and read about some long shots who might even impress Mr. Jefferson some day!

Thomas Jefferson Bobblehead
Courtesy of Scott Abelmen’s photo stream

81) Scott Olsen, Nationals – We can’t allude to Scott Olsen without mentioning the time WaiverSharks watched the Nats latest “Bad Boy” (They seem to have a lot of those don’t they? Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, Dmitri Young and now Olsen have all had some pretty sketchy pasts) taunt Chicago fans at Wrigley Field. After being harassed during BP for a ball for the first half hour – Olsen appeared to be ready to bury the hatchet with the Cubbies fans who were begging him to toss up a ball to the Bleachers. He faked a light toss of a ball to fans hovering above the ivy – and then purposely cocked back and fired an elusive souvenir baseball clear over the ballparks grandstands right out of the park. Boos erupted from the Cubbies faithful and Olsen swaggered away. It was admittedly kind of funny to witness – but let’s hope the Kalamazoo native grows up a bit this season.

82) Jonathan O Sanchez, Giants – Sanchez reminds us of Oliver Perez in a way. He brings the heat – but after a solid first half in 2008 – he appeared to fall apart.

83) Brian Matusz, Orioles – The Orioles have some very promising young arms in their farm system right now – this guy is one of them.

84) Mark Buerle, White Sox – We’re not real big on Buerle – but you could do worse in the latter rounds.

85) Wandy Rodriguez, Astros – Wandy’s home/away splits are “Ervin Santana like bizarre” – if he can manage to pitch as consistent on the road as at home he’d become a valuable fantasy commodity.

86) Alfredo Aceves, Yankees – Will have to fight hard for a rotation spot on New York ’s Bronx Bombers – but showed promise during the tale end of 2008.

87) John Lannan, Nationals – Another Washington National makes the list! Lannan can be wicked at times – but we need to see another season to commit any higher.

88) Michael Bowden, Red Sox – Another solid prospect – who unfortunately plays on a team deeply entrenched with proven arms – still, an injury or two strikes and we may very well see Bowden step it up in 2009.

Michael Bowden

89) Greg Smith, Rockies – Smith should continue to develop in 2009 – but a move from Oakland to Coors Field won’t make things any easier.

90) Jonathon Niese, Mets – Will in all likelihood fight for the final rotation spot on the Mets during Spring Training.

91) Paul Malholm, Pirates – Malholm get little to no fanfare pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates – a shame really, because this southpaw knows how to deliver.

92) Wade LeBlanc, Padres – Petco is one of the best pitchers parks in all of baseball – if Jake Peavy gets dealt – LeBlanc will have a chance to make the rotation next spring.

93) Rich Hill, Cubs – Rich Hill’s fantasy owners were the only guys netting any sympathy last season from Justin Verlander’s owners. Neither are guarantees in 2009 – but in Hill’s case especially, there’s no where to go but up!

94) Jarrod Parker, Diamondbacks – Parker is a TOP prospect in the Arizona D-backs system. He is smallish in stature – ala Roy Oswalt or more recently Tim Lincecum – but more and more diminutive starting pitchers are thriving in the MLB – some even have become staff aces, while others even took home the Cy Young in 2008. So, don’t count out the exclude the little guys from your Fantasy Deep Sleepers!

95) Daniel Cabrera, Nationals – We did mention at the top of this final frontier of SP’s that we would elude to some rascally “Nats” – here’s the latest. He has single-handedly destroyed one’s fantasy WHIP in the past – but he is 27 year old fireballer, who could thrive in the National League’s capital - Washington D.C.

96) Phillippe Aumont, Mariners

Oh Canada!
Our home and native land,
True patriot love
In all thy sons command…

Just in case WaiverSharks patriotism ever comes under scrutiny,
here are some flags to wave during the anthem:

Canadian Flag Bikini

She has us reminding ourselves that Bumbles Bounce!

The big Phillippe (6’7”) hails from Gatineau , Quebec . Mon crayon est grand! That’s about the extent of our French language skills right there. Seattle will not likely feel pressured to start the young French Canadian this season – so consider “Aumont the Giant” to be a long shot for 2009.

97) Eric Hurley, Rangers – We’ve made it quite clear that Arlington Park scares us – but Hurley is one of a handful of promising young arms in the Rangers system…

98) Scott Elbert, Dodgers – Los Angeles Dodgers have a sweet core of young pitchers on the rise. Elbert may have to first settle into a relievers role in 2009, but could get a shot as a 5th starter as early as mid season.

99) Derek Holland, Rangers - … Holland is another.

100) Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers – Provided “Cheech” Jeffress can steer clear of the electric lettuce he could have a solid career as a Major League starting pitcher.

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