This week’s fantasy column is going to delve deeper into some players that might not be known and can help fantasy teams dramatically. Last week was primarily pitchers – I’m looking for a few good men at the position spots…
…but first…the weekly…
Salute to Sports Video Games that Changed our Lives
Nintendo Baseball Stars
Deep Cover Players
Players people are overlooking at this stage of the year
Mark Loretta, 2B, San Diego
This guy just produces and the SAN DIEGO Padres are having a very nice year. He sets the table for Klesko, Burroughs and Nevin. Check these out:
* 13th in the National League in Runs Scored (37)
* 8th in the National League in Hits (65)
* #1 in AB’s per 2B in the NL
* #1 in Hits per 2B in the NL
* #3 in HR’s per 2B in the NL
* #3 in RBI’s per 2B in the NL
* #2 in BA per 2B in the NL (Min 150 AB’s)
Those numbers are real nice. 2b is a tough position in some leagues. Try to make a blockbuster with a team and have them “THROW IN” Loretta or if you are real lucky…he may be on the Waiver wire…
Lew Ford, OF, Minnesota
Another guy who is basically unknown but is having a real nice year is LEW FORD. The TWINS do not draw much attention, the names of Jacque Jones and maybe a Tori Hunter get people excited but Ford is putting up nice numbers and is pretty obscure.
He is a 5 tool player who can really help a fantasy team who has injuries in the outfield. He has played all 3 positions in the outfield but most leagues will have him as a CF/LF option.
In 177 ABs, Lew has:
* 62 Hits
* 28 Runs
* 7 HR’s
* 31 RBI’s
* .328 Average
He is a very very good reserve outfielder in big fantasy leagues or a utility player.
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas
Here’s a guy who could be going through the Pat Burrell second year syndrome. Yet I don’t think so. He was banged up early and his numbers are paltry right now but he’s about to explode. It’s June and he’s sitting on 7 homers and 18 RBI’s and a Mike Lieberthal quality Batting Average (.239).
Mark it down.
He will finish with at least a .270 BA / 25 Homers / 80 RBI’s. That would be some feat considering he’s projected to finish .239 / 21 Homers / 54 RBI’s.
Joe Mauer, C, MIN
Another TWIN? Yep. This kid was ready to be ROY candidate and has all the tools. He’s fresh off his DL stint and ready to make some waves. The TWINS are not really cruising along so look for management to play him a ton and give the fans something to look forward to.
His numbers are non descriptive at this point with limited time (.286 , 1hr, 3 Rbi)…but won’t be for long. This is a real nice pickup because most league owners have written him off and forgotten he’s coming back.
FANTASY ADVICE – Tracker
Each Week I will update the Fantasy Rank of the players I recommended and
their change in ranking since my recommendation.
| Date Rev |
Player | Previous Rank | Current Rank | Change | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun-7 | Rich Harden  | 204 | 204 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Barry Zito | 193 | 193 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Javier Vasquez | 46 | 46 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Billy Wagner | 77 | 77 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Danny Kolb | 134 | 134 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Lew Ford | 95 | 95 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Mark Texeira | 366 | 366 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Mark Loretta | 190 | 190 | – | Neutral |
| Jun-7 | Joe Mauer | 928 | 928 | – | Neutral |
* Fantasy Rank based on 5 x 5 league All Leagues (Courtesy of YAHOO!)
Fantasy Football Sleeper for 2004
June 1st: WR
Charles Rogers, Detroit
Jerry Porter, Oakland
Peerless Price, Atlanta
June 8th: RB
June 15th: QB
June 22nd: TE
June 29th: D/ST
July 6th: Kicker
RB
Brian Westbrook will make teams look real bad in 2004, barring injury
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia
Kevin Jones, Detroit
Michael Bennett, Minnesota
So there you have it. Volume 2. As always please feel free to comment. I hope VOLUME 2 Demonstrated my response to feedback from before…As always you can reach me at [email protected].
I’m Out.