By Adam Forsyth
The Deep
Scott Podsednik – Outfield (LF/CF/RF)
Luckily the Chicago White Sox remembered how big of a component Scotty 2 hotty was in their 2005 run to the World Series. Because after a pair of injury plagued seasons, (one in the Windy City , and the next a forgettable season in Colorado ) Podsednik has been given the opportunity to come back and take a regular at-bat with a team desperately in need of a spark.
After spring training the Sox decided to bring him back into the fold as the continuous struggles of their OF options (mostly Brian Anderson and DeWayne Wise) forced their hand, requiring them to make a decision. Currently, with the injuries to Carlos Quentin it has given an extended look at the speedy number 22.
Lisa Dergan Podsednik married Scott Podsednik, of the Chicago White Sox, in February 2006.
She graduated San Diego State University with a degree in Art History, she is an avid golfer, a Fox Sports News babe, the only "Real" Bond girl, and did we mention, she speaks Japanese fluently?! Omedetou Suka-to!
While we can still use a word like “speedy” to describe him, it isn’t at the breakneck pace of previous seasons where the fleet-footed former third-round pick had seasons of 40, 59, 70 and 43 swipes, making him extremely valuable as a SB category winner in the world of fantasy. With eight stolen bases through 40 games, should Podsednik stick the entire season, a final toll of 29 would be a nice plus for owners with base running needs.
Ozzie Guillen has placed him right back at the top of the order, which usually turns into run scoring chances. Expect Podsednik to seize the opportunity that he is given right now and possibly take over in CF when (er, if…) Quentin returns.
The Deeper
Clay Buchholz – Starting Pitcher
If the Boston Red Sox weren’t so stacked with solid arms in their rotation, this kid would be making an appearance every fifth start, hands down. Unfortunately for him; but fortunately for the Sox, the issue of having too many good starters is an issue that I’m sure they don’t take for granted. Oh wait…before we proceed…Gratuitous pic of Erica Ellyson in 3…2…1…BLAST OFF!!!
Okay, now that that’s out of our systems, let’s continue on about fantasy baseball…
There are 29 other teams that would love to be in this predicament, and when the Sox get another boost from season long DL member John Smoltz, it will make the situation even more difficult for the young Texan to get another shot. Having already pitched a no-hitter in his second career start, many know of the stuff the kid has.
The Sox seem to be content with letting him dominate in Pawtucket one more year; however, at the age of 25, there is nothing more for him to prove professionally at the minor league level. Currently sitting at 4-0, with a 1.75 ERA, along with a .167 BAA and close to a 4:1 K/BB ratio, Buchholz is having a phenomenal season.
We should all ignore his career 5-10 MLB record, as well as the 5.56 ERA from the first 18 starts of his career. He’s ready to become part of the Beantowns’ rotation, ultimately fans and fantasy owners alike are just chomping at the bit to see how he does this time around. Definitely keeper worthy, definitely worth stocking on your roster, should you have the open spot.
