2010 Fantasy Baseball Call Ups

Carlos Santana – Catcher

Editors Note: Whoops…wrong Carlos Santana Bobblehead!

Fantasy owners take note - We all may have to wait a year or two for a Cleveland IndiansCarlos Santana Bobblehead. But the Tribes future star catcher prospect, who shares the name of the legendary guitarist, musician may not have as long as you think before he sees Progressive Field.

Everyone appears to believe that Lou Marson will be the starting catcher in Cleveland the first week of April. I for one, am also in belief that that is the most probable case at press er…post time. However, I’ve seen Lou Marson play, have watched his development closely and believe that the Phillies got rid of this kid knowing that it just wasn’t going to work out for him in the long run.

Bring to the mix Mr. Carlos Santana and his keen eye at the dish, and his patient approach. Take into consideration his overlooked ability to drive in the big run, ice water running through his veins.

These are qualities that Tribe fans are used to from their catching position as Santana will be as close of a prototype to Victor Martinez as they will be able to find. We are all aware that the catching position is arguably the toughest to transition in baseball. While pitchers may tend to disagree, I strongly feel that in the first year or two of a catcher making it to the “bigs”, hitting becomes the second most important part of the players’ game.

The good thing about young Carlos Santana, is that he is confident of his defense and full of pride in his ability to call a game that he may be more mentally prepared than most in making the leap to the show. Throw in the fact that the Indians pitching staff (outside of 32-year old Jake Westbrook) are no older than 26-years of age removes some of the friction that can come about from a veteran rebellion when throwing to a calming 23-year old catcher that is in control of the flow of the game.

Carlos Santana has never had a professional season where he has finished with more strikeouts than walks and has a career OBP of .395, not many catchers can say that. (not even the ever popular V-Mart) Yes, I am aware that this has been toiling in nothing higher than Double-A ball, and I am aware that this doesn’t always translate; however, one thing about good hitters is the fact that they find a way to hit at all levels and this Dominican import has a great track record that should translate into major league success.

By Adam Forsyth

Travis Snider – Outfield (LF/RF)

– (Maybe 1B???)

Pure power and a devastating cut-type swing can lead to many good things; however, it can also lead to many bad as well. A brief look at the 2009 season of this young Blue Jays stud and former 1st round selection will easily show that as he started off with such a resounding boom (2B and a HR against Justin Verlander in his first 2 AB’s of the season) only to end it with a disappointing thud.

Not certain where he fits into the picture, some feel that he should learn to play first base in preparation for the trading of, or loss to free agency of the ho-hum Lyle Overbay. To that, I say that I couldn’t agree more. Even with the smooth hitting David Cooper working his way up the ranks in the minor leagues the current answer right now would be to allow Snider to dig in as many times possible to see what they’ve got on their hands prior to making the ultimate decision.

Snider has the intimidating lumberjack chop approach at the dish at times, where he may be trying to hard to show the brute strength that he brings to the plate. This contributes in effect to the high K-ratio that he displayed (3.17AB/K! YIKES!) Patience must definitely be taught to inspire him to not whiff at everything and use (if possible) a more effective Jim Thome like approach where his walks increase in order to raise the OBP to a more acceptable level than that of the .328 OBP that he had in 2009.

Raw, young and powerful. Although a situation that is certainly considered high-risk/high reward, those three words are bliss to my ears when searching for a sleeper!

Fantasy Baseball Facebook:

Deep: Marc Rzepczynski - Starting Pitcher

Not since Phil Rizzuto was in the majors has a pitcher with two Z’s in his last name had such an impact…

Ok, that isn’t really a statement that sells much interest in the circles of the fantasy world; however, this former member of the Wu-Tang Clan (Oh…wait, that was Rza) made an immeasurable leap in 2009.

RrrrrrrrrrrRRrrrrrrrr!!! Shameless Keyword insert ALERT!!! Shameless Keyword insert Alert!!! Hey Google...crawl this! Jason Heyward Opening Day strarting right fielder Altanta Braves rookie of the year candidate and Fantasy Baseball 2010 Sleeper...even though grandfathers of guys who play Fantasy Baseball know who he is.

Editors Note: Good Karma to Ben Pavlovic over at Rotokeeper: Thanks for the Tweet the other day! That was kind of you to make mention of us!

Hmmm...I'm realizing Marc Rzepczynski needs a nickname after this blog entry – spelling his name is pure hell! Since Rza is already taken perhaps R-Zip would be more original - & greater appropriate?

While some are projecting that the breakthrough experienced in 2009 was a result of a disastrous year of injuries for Blue Jaypitchers, this big lefty shot up the charts of their pitching depth and tossed his name into consideration for a rotation spot in 2010. He was effective and had no fear when toeing the hill in his 11 starts for the major’s only Canadian entry.

While not overly powerful, or tossing dominant goods, what this 24-year old California kid does have is average to above average stuff all around - and the ability to not put his self into danger with overwhelming frequency.

This isn’t to say that R-Zip? is perfect, as he gave up a few too many round trippers for me to say that he isn’t apt to give up a big hit here and there (7 bombs allowed in just over 61 IP) although, we can almost forgive him as 7 of his 11 starts were against the heavy hitting line-ups of Boston, Tampa, Texas and the Yanks.

Prior to Facebook: Bill "Groundhog Day, Ghost Bustin' Ass" Murray, RZA and GZA from Wutang Clan chat the old school way...Face to Face, not Facebook to Facebook. Love this short from director Jim Jarmuschs 2002 black & white, cult classic "Coffee and Cigarettes"

Deep Sleepers:

Sean Rodriguez – Second Base

For close to three years, I have been waiting for what might occur in 2010. Perhaps - a date with Jessica Simpson? Er…no actually, I am referencing something probably less likely considering the luck of my poor sweet darling lately in the dating biz; however, one that is finally appearing to have more reality as the season gets closer.

Yes folks, Sean Rodriguez may finally be in position to have a major league breakout type season, filled with impressive extra base power and under-rated speed, this former Angel of Anaheim has the chance of re-birth in another sunny destination with the Tampa Bay Rays. To cop the ultimate straight-up Season One quote from Eastbound & Down’s actress Katy Mixon: “Tampa Bitches!!!” By the way - Does anyone know when Season Two of Eastbound & Downwill air?

In two brief and underused opportunities with the Angels, Rodriguez looked like he was pressing a bit, perhaps holding onto his bat a little too tightly, knowing that at 5.5 seasons of minor league ball suggested that he may never reach the potential that he emitted early in his development. Through 192 big league AB’s, his line of .203-5-14-0 is nothing to get overly excited about. His role was never defined and I feel that this is one case where perhaps a conservative Mike Scioscia didn’t really work out.

I am hopeful that super utility man Ben Zobrist finds a home in right field and the ruthless Joe Maddon ponies up and uses the slick-hitting former 3rd round selection and pride of Miami, Florida before he gets the rap of being a Quad-A player.

We’ve kept a close eye on Sean Rodriguez throughout his hot hitting 2010 spring training – and suggest you keep your ears open for the Rays Opening Day roster announcements! When all is said and done - Maybe S-Rod will also be quoting Katy Mixon when Spring Training finally comes to end in another week…

“Tampa Bitches!!!”

Editor’s Note: Yeah we know – You’ve been bitten more times by newbie SP’s than existing 2010 Yahoo Fantasy Baseball pictures of designated hitter Hideki Matsui! 80 pics of Godzilla? What’s the matter Yahoo? Did the Anaheim Angels aging Asian (Holy alliteration Batman!) threaten to destroy ‘Fantasy Tokyo’ if you didn’t post such a ridiculous amount of photos of this fading star?

Anyways…back to Matusz: Is the Baltimore Oriolesrising young southpaw a Spring Training tease, or the next Cole Hamels?

2010 Sleeper 

Brian Matusz - Starting Pitcher

By Adam Forsyth

A quick, live arm is never a bad thing for a pitching prospect to have, and Matusz is one of the best non-MLB pitchers out there. The O’s have a great stable full of young horses ready to be broken in, and it’s highly likely that Matusz will end up being the ace of the bunch.

The eight starts that this hard throwing lefty representing the San Diego University made at the end of the 2009 season moistened the mouth at times (as in his 7IP, 4H, 1ER, 8K, 1BB performance vs. Cleveland) and disappointed at others (for instance, the 2.2IP, 7H, 5ER, 1K, 1BB outing at Toronto).

Regardless, all young pitchers seem to go through this type of roller coaster, so take it at face value. Matusz has the ability to keep hitters off balance by mixing his speeds and using a power curve while changing his arm slot to hide the ball with the mastery of a 10-year vet. The former first round pick & 4th overall in 2008 uses the entire plate and is not afraid to use any of his pitches in all situations.

The AL East is the pinnacle of difficulty in baseball, so he likely will not get an easy outing, which could affect his numbers. One way or the other, 2010 could be considered the year that Matusz gets to show his stuff and have the entire league take notice in doing so.

2010 Bobblehead Note: A couple of Baltimore Oriolesfarm clubs are offering special Ticket Plans that include a special Bonus Brian Matusz Bobblehead. Check out the Bowie Baysox and the Frederick Keys websites for details!

Editors Note: This week our very own Adam Forsyth will focus ALL his attention on Starting Pitchers whose ADP has WaiverSharks salivating everywhere!

2010 MLB Sleepers:
Max Scherzer – Starting Pitcher

By Adam Forsyth

While we’ve written in length in articles from yesteryear of our love and affection for Mad Max Scherzer – the multi-colored eyed flame-thrower, we just couldn’t resist refreshing your memory on this new AL Central addition to our 2010 MLB Sleepers.

The Tigers boldly made a move to bring a package that included this 25 year old that up until parts of last year had dominated at every stage of game in his career. A shift to the AL sometimes spells doom for pitchers that haven’t dominated their craft; however, I’m here to bring comfort, suggest patience and encourage you to feel that Scherzer does nothing to fit into that group considered “the norm”.

There are a couple of reasons for my confidence level being so peacock like; for instance, his near 3:1 career ratio of K/BB (2.92 in 5 seasons of professional ball) along with his ability to avoid giving up the big hit as up until last years’ anomaly of 20 HR allowed in 170.1 IP, (or an average of 8.5IP/HR allowed) Mad Max had a professional mark of 22IP/HR allowed.

Shifting to a league that features a heavy hitting DH in place of a pitcher, especially in the AL Central that showcases three of the toughest non-fielding examples: Jim Thome in Minny, the Tribes’ hopefully healthy Travis Hafner and to a lesser extent in Chicago Andruw Jones may cause a slight bump in what you would typically project; however, he will find a way to adjust.

My money is on this “heterochromiac” making a seamless transition, continuing his rise of fantasy relevance, as the dependable number two on an interesting Tigers staff.

FANTALYTICS – SEASON 2
Volume 2

By Adam Forsyth

Everth Cabrera vs. Alcides Escobar vs. Elvis Andrus

Oooooh Daddy! *Sigh* Only one team gets Hanley.

Should the other few top-tier men manning the space between second and third already be scooped up by your fellow managers; don’t fret, as there are some solid and swift of foot options remaining that could make you smile like The Cheshire Catwhen these speed demons provide you with position specific statistics during the upcoming 2010 fantasy season!

While Alice in Wonderlandis tearing up the big screen pulling in tremendous numbers, we’re going to take a look at three guys that fashion themselves after the ever so famous White Rabbit, as they fashion they’re game on the premise of the rabbit always running late and in a hurry. In this case, their speed on the basepaths is the indication that they are the victims of a “hotfoot” and are always 90 feet away from the proverbial bucket of water.

Now, always being “late for a very important date” isn’t necessarily the best parallel to draw with regards to these early twenty-somethings, but with little power and all three developing their A-game on defense, it’s the most realistic “date” for “mad-hatted” fantasy owners to look forward to. 90 feet to freedom, an intriguing concept, but in this edition of FANTALYTICS, we ask you to trust this budding blue caterpillar and believe in the growth of these kids at the start of what should be a “wonder”ful, albeit speedy trip. We only hope you have googled the Jefferson AirplaneWhite Rabbit Lyrics - and promise to sing along with us on this wonder full spring training day in March.

The Case for Everth Cabrera

Entering the 2010 season after a great start in 2009 saw him falter down the stretch to a .255 BA, expect this 23-year old Nicaraguan to continue his development into (what I’m sure management is hopeful) the catalyst of the Padres anemic offense.

In the lead-off spot with a ton of speed to burn, Cabrera should grow his slap-tastic approach at the plate and use the openness of Petco Parkto his advantage. His walk rate (46 BB’s in 103 games) is good enough to be a formidable top of the lineup hitter, improving his patience and being more selective to knock down the line and beat out the play at first.

Although his 4.28AB/K is a bit high for a player with his credentials and speed; it is only slightly higher than the 4.75AB/K he pulled through parts of the four minor league seasons in the Pads’ system. Fear not hopeful fantasy owners, his tendencies and patience will grow with experience.

His success during his time on the base ways of 25 successful swipes compared to 8 attempts caught stealing (for a 75.8% success rate) is right in line with the 77.8% (109 for 140) on his accelerated path to the ‘bigs’ that saw him take only 27 AB’s above High A-Ball.

Cabrera isn’t the type of player that is going to be “the” difference maker; however, he is just the type of late round selection that can give you stats in three tough to contribute categories. (SB’s, OBP and should your league count’em up, triples) Everth is here to stay, and I’m sure he’s hoping that the left-handed bomber Adrian Gonzalez stays in town long enough to allow him to round the bases in time for the “Tea Party”.

Read the Cases for Alcides Escobar & Elvis Andrus on FANTALYTICS now!

Let’s take a two minute high sticking penalty break from Major League Baseball today. We have several bobblehead collectors that stop by our Bobblehead Daze blog – and so we felt it our civic duty to let you all know that 10,000 cool ones were just passed out yesterday – but not in the MLB! Nope, the hottest SGA at the moment comes from the National Hockey League! (NHL)

On Wednesday Night, March 10^th 2010 the Chicago Blackhawks hosted a Gold Medalist Jonathan Toews BobbleheadFan Giveaway Night at the United Center . 

Jonathan Toews Bobbleheadfever has been sweeping the nation (Both Canada & the U.S.) ever since the youngest captain in the NHL was instrumental in assisting the Canadian Olympic Team win the Gold Medal in the 2010 Winter Olympic game’s held recently in Vancouver.

This is a fantastic Jonathan Toews Bobblehead! Shown crouched down on one knee, and fist pumping - the Chicago Blackhawks captain’s bobble head doll has become the hottest selling Stadium Giveaway bobble on eBay since the Manny Ramirez Bobbleheadssold like hotcakes last summer! Jump to a Jonathan Toews Bobblehead eBay auction.

Yankees RARE TRENTON THUNDER Austin Jackson Jumping Bobblehead SGA FREE SHIPPING US $28.00

PC Drouin 2011 Fort Wayne KOMETS Bobble Bobblehead SGA US $39.95

Willie Mo Pena ~ 2005 REDS Bobble Bobblehead SGA US $24.99

Carlos Delgado 2001 Toronto Blue Jays SGA Bobblehead US $22.00

Yankees RARE TRENTON THUNDER Nomar Garciaparra Bobblehead SGA w/ FREE SHIPPING US $32.00

Italian Sausage ~ 2010 Brewers Bobble Bobblehead SGA US $34.95

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