David Price posted a 2.72 ERA last season, but because of an accompanying 2.4:1 K:BB ratio, I avoided him at draft tables. So far, it's certainly been to my detriment. While his ERA has risen to 3.35, he's posted an 83:14 K:BB ratio over 91.1 innings with a 1.01 WHIP, so he's clearly improved as a pitcher during his third year in the bigs. His control has gotten dramatically better (3.41 BB/9 last year, 1.38 BB/9 in 2011), so he now truly looks like an ace. Price continues to rely heavily on his fastball, but he has used his changeup more this season, and his performance is all the more impressive when you consider he plays in the AL East. Price has some aspects in his favor, as Tropicana Field continues to act as a major pitcher's park, and the Rays' 24.4 UZR ranks as the best in baseball. Both of those factor into his current .278 BABIP, and his career hit rate is actually .269, so he's not necessarily been overly lucky. Price has a 53:5 K:BB ratio since April ended, and it's looking like he'll enter 2012 as a top-10 fantasy starter.
Pretty crazy story about a bank heist.
Ya, that's normal.
Entering the year, David Ortiz had hit .191 over the previous three Aprils. He improved during the first month of the season this year, but he's really taken off since then, as he's clubbed 13 homers since the beginning of May. Ortiz is currently on pace to finish with 40 homers, 98 runs scored and 90 RBI while batting .323. As encouraging as his 25:25 K:BB ratio is – in fact, his K rate is by far a career-low – it's probably safe to expect a drop in average, but it's clear he has plenty left to offer at age 35. The lack of position flexibility isn't ideal, but especially in a time when offense is as down as ever, Ortiz is a major fantasy contributor often overlooked. After struggling against southpaws over the past few years, he's actually hit lefties even better than right-handers in 2011, a weird trend also seen with Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce this season. Ortiz is hitting just .167 with RISP and has his historically worst month in the rearview mirror, so he could be a monster from here on out.
That's a lot of piercings.
Prospect watch: Charlie Blackmon was hitting .337 with 10 homers and 12 steals in Triple-A before getting called up to Colorado, where he'll act as the team's starting left fielder, at least until Dexter Fowler returns. Fowler has been a major disappointment, so if Blackmon impresses, he may take the job and run with it. Because of the Coors Field factor, he's a must-add in all fantasy leagues…Anthony Rizzo also needs to be owned thanks to his .365/.444/.715 line, but expectations for the 21-year-old need to be tempered. While strong defensively, his bat still needs development, and he's going from one of the best hitting environments in the PCL to baseball's toughest place to hit. Petco Park really hurts Rizzo's fantasy upside…It's a shame Brett Lawrie suffered a fractured hand right on the cusp of getting a chance in Toronto. He'll be shut down at least 2-to-3 weeks, and this is the type of injury that could linger for a hitter, unfortunately…It's nice to see Jemile Weeks running more this season (he has 10 steals already in Triple-A after recording 16 all of 2010), but you shouldn't expect much power. His ability to take a walk will likely help Oakland more than your fantasy team…Dee Gordon is almost certainly not ready to help at the big league level, but Los Angeles is going to give him an opportunity anyway, even hitting him leadoff. While his BA and OBP are unlikely to impress, his speed makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, especially with middle infield so shallow. Gordon swiped 73 bags in 2009 and 53 last season, and he's 22-for-25 on SB attempts in 2011. Grab him.
Let's hope this guy golfs better than he drives.
Zach Britton has pitched well during his rookie campaign, flashing a 3.18 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP. However, that's come with an unsightly 47:29 K:BB ratio over 82.0 innings. That's not just mediocre, it's flat out bad. Not that Britton doesn't deserve credit, his ability to induce groundballs is legit, and there's plenty of time for him to improve in other areas of his game. But a 5.16 K/9 rate is dangerous anywhere, let alone in the AL East. ZiPS actually projects a 5.06 ERA from here on out. I doubt you can you sell Britton "high," but he's still someone I'd be shopping aggressively, especially coming off a strong start Wednesday against the A's.
This cat appears to be an addict.
I keep breaking my rule, so here's another animal video.
Adrian Beltre hasn't hit that well for the Rangers, posting a .257/.311/.469 line over 241 at-bats, but he's been plenty valuable to fantasy owners nevertheless, as he's on pace to hit 31 home runs and produce 116 RBI. The latter number reveals big potential, since Beltre has hit just .220 with runners on base this season, and Josh Hamilton is back in the lineup. It appears Beltre's days as a base stealer are finished, unfortunately, but with just 23 strikeouts so far, expect his batting average to climb soon. Third base has become an absolute sinkhole this season, giving Beltre extra value. His production should only increase during the summer months in Texas.
It's hard to argue Trevor Bauer isn't the most interesting prospect from this year's MLB draft.
Love him or hate him, here's an interesting profile on Bill Simmons (ever notice how Simmons is seemingly incapable of pronouncing the word "women." He says "woman" instead every single time). I'm definitely intrigued by Grantland.
Alexi Ogando is a tough guy to evaluate right now. There's nothing not to like about his transition into the starting rotation, but despite his 2.10 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, I doubt he'd bring a ton in return in a trade. Some will point to his .210 BABIP and 88.2 LOB|PERCENT|, but any pitcher with that low of an ERA has experienced some luck. Others will worry about his innings pitched, as Ogando has already reached a career-high, and we are barely into June. It's uncertain how such an increase will affect him, especially down the stretch, but he's unlikely to be shut down with Texas in a pennant race. C.J. Wilson underwent a similar situation last year, as he threw 228.1 innings after becoming a starter for the first time in his career – a full 154.2 innings more than ever before. The Rangers have preached long toss and have something of a rare philosophy with pitchers, so while Ogando is risky, at least he's in an organization that has had success with this issue in the past. He's probably a "hold" in fantasy terms.
It sounds like Mayweather v. Pacquiao might happen after all. Terrific news.
My friend Sean made this music video. Check it out.
Jason Bourgeois has 14 stolen bases over 61 at-bats this year, which is a pace unmatched by any other, even teammate Michael Bourn. Bourgeois has two steals over three games since returning from an oblique injury, which is encouraging, as he looks to be back to 100 percent. There's no question he's performing over his head at the plate, but the speed is for real. His spot in Houston's everyday lineup remains in flux, but before he went on the disabled list, he started seeing some time at second base, which would be huge news for his fantasy value if that were to happen again. Over the last two years, major league baseball teams averaged 99 stolen bases each season (and it was lower before that). This year teams are on pace to finish with an average of 110. That's more than 300 steals in total. You need more stolen bases than ever to compete in your fantasy league.
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