Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week April 28 through May 4, unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox: Finally receiving regular playing time, Ellsbury ranks among the league leaders in runs and stolen bases. He’s started off his career perfect in steal attempts (17 for 17), longest in the majors to start a career since Tim Raines started 27 for 27. He’s also already matched his major league home run total from last season in half the at-bats, which shows potential for more power. Facing the Jays and the Rays next week, he should be a solid play.

Johnny Damon, OF, Yankees: After starting off the year in a funk, Damon seems to have turned the corner with a string of multi-hit games last week that included two home runs. Always a good source of runs at the top of a potent offense, Damon is on pace for more than 20 walks this month, something he did only once in ’07. Prior to last season, he’d strung together nine straight seasons of more than 100 runs, and should get back to that level again this year. He’s a must play in all formats.

Bench 'em

Delmon Young, OF, Twins: Although an amazing talent, Young hasn’t been able to put it all together for his fantasy owners thus far. He’s still not taking walks, hitting for power or stealing bases, necessary skills lacking thus far in his young career. He hit only 13 home runs last season, making many expert predictions of 20 homers look like a reach. If you’re in a mixed league, you should consider moving him; a more valuable piece could be had for the former top prospect.

Phil Hughes, SP, Yankees: After returning last season from a hamstring injury, Hughes left such a positive impression on Yankee ownership that he was nearly untouchable during the Johan Santana trade discussions. At this point, that is looking like a huge mistake, as Hughes is off to a terrible start and the Yankees are in need of an ace. He’ll face the Tigers next week, a lineup that is just starting to heat up after their own dismal start. This doesn’t look to be the week Hughes turns it around, so keep him on your bench until he straightens himself out.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Reds: What a difference a week makes, as the red-hot Encarnacion looks to continue his hot-hitting ways for the Reds. He leads the team in home runs thus far, and is starting to realize the potential fantasy owners have been hoping for after his second-half surge in ’07 (.309 average, 10 home runs, 40 runs batted in after the All-Star Break). He faces the Cards and the Braves next week, two teams he hit very well against last season (4 home runs and 12 runs batted in).

Conor Jackson, 1B, Diamondbacks: One of the biggest surprises in the NL so far, Jackson is finally realizing the potential that so many people were raving about during the ’03 draft. His strong on-base skills (.368 on base percentage in ’07) and high contact rate (88 percent in ’07) make him a candidate for a strong batting average on a yearly basis. Add in his power potential and rising fly-ball rate, and he could exceed 20 home runs this season if he finally gets 500 at-bats. He’s a solid play this week against the Astros and the Mets.

Bench 'em

Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals: A notoriously slow starter (.236 average and 1 homer in April ’07), Zimmerman is off to another slow start this year, hovering around the .210 mark for the past few weeks. Offseason wrist surgery could be the culprit, as he could still be trying to work himself back into shape following the procedure. He mashed six home runs last May, but wait until he starts to show signs of heating up before getting him back in your lineup.

Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates: Another player who probably wishes for the season to start in May, LaRoche again finds himself mired in an April slump. He could actually post a lower batting average this year than he did last April (.133). LaRoche faces a tough Mets staff this week, making a rebound less likely. Stash him on your reserves until he
emerges from his spring slumber.

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