Fantasy Sports Fix: All the Fantasy Sports Coverage You Can Handle
Each week we’ll take a look at the best of the best from RotoExperts.com’s Fantasy content.
The biggest injury in Fantasy Football right now belongs to Peyton Manning, and everyone wants to know whether or not he’ll play in Week One. Thankfully, we were able to ask fantasy injury expert Dr. Roto his take on the Manning neck injury and as he explains in this week’s column, Manning needs to continue to rest and minimize his movements in order for the pain to subside. As for Manning’s status, make sure you read Dr. Roto’s take on this as well as the curious case of Jeremy Maclin in this week’s column. [The Operating Table]
According to Mike Gilbert, Ohio is the state where fantasy value goes to die. I personally don’t have the same distaste for Peyton Hillis that Gilbert does, but he makes perfectly good sense when it comes to avoiding any Bengals like the plague! [Hot Freaks]
Roto Roundup: Full Fantasy Coverage
Each week we’ll take a look at the best of the best from RotoExperts.com’s Fantasy content.
Dr. Roto has a complete breakdown of the Albert Pujols injury and answers reader questions regarding injuries. Maybe the biggest takeaway from this piece is his breakdown of Stephen Strasburg, who Fantasy owners are eagerly awaiting to return to the mound. [The Operating Table]
Scott Engel reports from inside the locker rooms, speaking to Gio Gonzalez about his mechanics and slugger Torii Hunter about his most recent struggles. Sometimes, as Scott tells us, simply listening to the players can tell us a lot about how we Fantasy owners should evaluate them. Makes perfect sense to me! [Engel’s Angles]
Here’s a fantastic piece of advice from Dave Gonos, the “So-Called Fantasy Expert.” He tells us, “It’s important not to forget what several wide receivers and tight ends were able to accomplish in injury-shortened seasons.” Truer words may never have been spoken. Think, Vincet Jackson, who Gonos believes will be a Top 10 wide receiver this season. [So-Called Fantasy Expert]
All In Picks: May 13, 2011
This is the first time the Chicago Bulls have been to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1998, also known as the “Jordan Era.” The Bulls don’t have a “Big Three” … or even a “Big Two” for that matter. The Bulls didn’t celebrate after ousting the Hawks as if they just won the NBA Championship. Meanwhile, the Heat won a title in 2006, have two of the Top Five players (possibly No. 1 and 2) and three of the Top 15, and they did act like the just won it all after defeating Boston.
You’ve heard the phrase, “Act like you’ve been there.” Well, the funny thing is Chicago are the ones handling the situation that way, while Miami (again, just won it all in 2006) are celebrating as much as they did in the preseason once the trio joined forces in South Beach.
I can’t tell you how the Miami-Chicago series will play out. Dwyane Wade’s playoff experience should not be undervalued, and Miami certainly has more options to carry the team if things go awry for any one star. To put it plainly, if Derrick Rose struggles a significant amount, the Bulls are screwed. Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer cannot carry that team.
Around the Horn: Come Back Zack, No More Wood, Bay Watch
Come Back Zack
Pitching for Class A Brevard County against the Tampa Yankees in the Florida State League game Tuesday night, Zack Greinke tossed three scoreless innings throwing 35 pitches, 27 for strikes, striking out four and allowing one hit, a ground ball single to right field. Greinke’s next start will be for Triple-A Nashville on Sunday and he’ll likely have one more rehab start after that before a likely May 4th start against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.
Zack, the Milwaukee Brewers eagerly await your return, and so does my Fantasy Baseball team. No more basketball, please.
Minor League Baseball: Is the Game On the Field or In the Bullpen
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On Tuesday in the Florida State League, the Clearwater Threshers hoisted their record to 8-4 with a 7-5 win over the Daytona Cubs at Bright House Field. According to our source at the Class-A Advanced minor league game, however, the more interesting story was in the left field bullpen area.
Once the Phillies leave town after spring training, their high-A affiliate, the Threshers, have to pull out all the stops to bring the fans in. On this night, it was one dollar Tuesdays, which features general admission, hot dogs, sodas, beer, peanuts and popcorn for one dollar. Once the big money guys go north, it’s a challenge for the minor leaguers to draw, and such promotions, while gallant attempts, likely don’t help their cause very much.
Texas Rangers lose Josh Hamilton but add to offense
There mixed feelings in Arlington, TX today. The Rangers will be without star outfielder Josh Hamilton for up to two months but the Rangers aren’t as depressed about things as much one might expect. David Murphy will get the bulk of Hamilton’s at bats and while he’s an adequate major league replacement, it’s another outfielder the Rangers are excited about, his name is Leonys Martin.
Last week news surfaced that the Rangers were hot on the trails of the 23-year old Cuban defector, and looking to sign him. Sources close to the situation now indicate that providing no problems arose with his physical on Tuesday, Martin may be signed as early as today. The young left handed hitting outfielder known for his speed and defense is expected to receive an approximate $15 million signing bonus and a guaranteed spot on the 40-man roster.
Minor League Baseball – Like a trip back in time
It has always been very exciting to me. Ever since I was a little kid, attending games at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, it has been exciting to see the baseball diamond for the first time in a new season.
These days, I am attending my first games of the new season at minor league parks such as Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C., or Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham. It’s nice hearing the crack of the bat during batting practice, the pop of the catcher’s mitt when the starting pitcher is warming up in the bullpen, and the sweet smell of the grass wafting through the air.
It is extra special attending baseball games, too. I get to enjoy them with my two best friends in the world — my soon-to-be three-year-old William, and his eight-month-old brother Joe. While the baby doesn’t really seem to care much, William is really starting to pay attention to the game, asking questions and learning just like I did back in the mid-to-late 1970’s.
MiLB Opening Day Still A Week Away
It’s officially a national holiday today….Opening Day for the 2011 Major League Baseball season. As a Boston Red Sox fan, I don’t know if I’m excited or worried they will not be able to live up to expectations. I’m excited to see Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez but also to get Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, and Jacoby Ellsbury back in this lineup. They have potential to be the most dynamic offense in baseball.
But let’s talk about the opening day that means even more to me being a prospect junkie and that is still a week away which is Minor League Opening Day. I have been following minor league baseball prospects since 1988 when Gary Sheffield, Gregg Jefferies, and Ken Griffey Jr. were hitting the majors. It was an exciting time then, and it is just as exciting now.
Brandon Belt Makes San Franciso Giants Opening Day Roster: The Good & Bad
The big news today in MLB has to do with a minor leaguer who, well, no longer is a minor leaguer. 22 year old, 6’ 5”, 195 lb. Brandon Belt was told today that he will not be playing for the Pacific League San Francisco Giants affiliate Fresno Grizzlies, but instead that he will open the year as the starting first baseman for the Giants. In making room for him on the opening day roster, Travis Ishikawa was placed on waivers.
For the time being this works because Aubry Huff will move to right field. The Giants will have to revisit the situation and take another look once last year’s playoff hero, Cody Ross, comes back from his right calf strain.
Belt was hardly an unknown coming into camp. Rated baseball’s 22nd best prospect by Baseball America this winter, last year, his first year in pro ball, between playing in A+, AA, AAA, Belt played in 136 games and batted .352 with 23 HR, 112 RBI and 22 SB. This spring belt hit .282 with three home runs and five doubles in 71 at-bats.
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Too FUNNY what you would ya get for a 50 cent piece ??
The may have to start doing that at Mets games to get people to show up…
They did the same thing in the Bullpen Gospels. It sounded like one of the pitchers in the bullpen heard of several other teams doing it, so it may be more common in certain leagues.
More so for the Florida Marlins…EMPTY!!!
They should have at least signed the balls for the gambling fools…..I guess the game wasn’t filled with action.