Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By David Ferris

Numbers and skills are a large part of the fantasy equation, but a player’s environment can’t be ignored. Home parks, blocked positions, managerial tendencies and many other factors have to be considered as we decide who the bears and bulls are. Keep that theme in mind as we peruse the latest American League shopping list.

Batters

BUY

Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers – I was a little skeptical when the Reds moved him so cheaply over the winter, but Hamilton’s electric spring has quickly erased any doubt. Last year was a tidy step forward, but Hamilton has the look of a breakthrough star in 2008. It wouldn’t shock me to see .290-100-30-100 go up on the board.

SELL

Richie Sexson, 1B, Mariners – He couldn’t turn on inside fastballs last year, and this spring he’s having trouble with a sore shoulder. Sexson’s too young to be ready for the scrap heap, on paper, but the trends of 2007 have me unwilling to bid. Power generally costs too much at the draft table anyway, and Sexson has two other red flags on his file (no speed; batting average risk).

Jonny Gomes, OF/DH, Rays – He’s in an 0-for-18 skid and he’s never been reliable with the glove, which means the Rays might be adding a veteran outfielder between now and the start of the year.

HOLD

Jarrod Saltamacchia, C, Rangers – He isn’t guaranteed a roster spot yet, though the three-run homer he jacked on Thursday certainly didn’t hurt the cause. The upside of Salty is so great – especially in the Arlington Undertow – that I’m content to hold a spot for him until the Rangers tip their hand, even in mixed groups.

Coco Crisp, OF, Red Sox – He’s nicked up right now and probably not starting; that’s fine. But Crisp still has the skills of a $15-to-$20 player in the right situation, and there’s a fair chance he won’t be in Boston by the middle of the summer. In deeper groups where you need an upside play for your bench, don’t forget the Crisp we saw in Cleveland.

Josh Fields, 3B, White Sox – He might have to go to Triple-A if the Pale Hose can’t find a buyer for Joe Crede, but there’s 30-homer potential in this bat and it’s only a matter of time before Chicago has room for him. Here’s another spot where I’m inclined to wait it out.

Pitchers

BUY

Kevin Slowey, SP, Twins – We’ve seen three good turns in a row after a messy spring debut, which means we can feel good about a bid for Brad Radke 2.0 this time around. The back end of the Minnesota rotation has plenty of intriguing values: Scott Baker is a nice upside play, and Boof Bonser has the stuff to be fantasy-worthy in all formats.

George Sherrill, RP, Orioles – He’s landed the closer spot in Baltimore, and don’t let the mediocre club throw you – even losing teams can support 30 saves or so from their stopper. Sherrill doesn’t have dominant stuff but he’s certainly got enough in his left arm to take the job and run with it.

Kaz Fukumori, RP, Rangers – You can say something about every reliever ahead of him on the depth chart, so why not spend a buck on Fukumori, who at least offers the upside of the unknown? Fukumori had elbow surgery last summer but it hasn’t been an issue at all this month. The Rangers may have found a pleasant surprise here.

SELL

Joba Chamberlain, RP, Yankees – The electric arm is no joke – you don’t go to the restroom or the hot-dog stand when this power righty is on the mound. But Chamberlain’s fantasy value in the bullpen is far less than what we’d get if he was taking a turn every five days. I still love the player, but I can’t bid too much given what the current role is.

HOLD

Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers – He’s got the head and the raw stuff to be a Cy Young contender, not to mention a reasonable park to work in and a healthy offense supporting him. Verlander won’t be cheap on draft day, but if there’s any AL righty to bid the extra buck or two on, here’s the guy. Upside: 20 wins, 215 strikeouts.

---