Fantasy Football

2011 Fantasy Baseball Rookie Report Week 12: Dustin Ackley Gets The Call & Espinosa Shines

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Dustin Ackley (see credits below)

SP- JORDAN LYLES (HOUSTON) The Astro's top prospect is scheduled to be a two-start pitcher next week facing Texas and Boston. The 6'4" right hander has tremendous upside and should get plenty of chances to pitch on a poor Houston team looking towards its future. In his four starts this year Jordan sports a 0-2 record with a 4.30 E.R.A. Encouraging numbers are  his 20 K's in only 23 innings of work and 1.13 WHIP. Lyle's will be a star in the future, but I am recommending to proceed with caution for now playing the match-ups with him. 

SP- ZACH STEWART (TORONTO) Stewart who spent nearly three years at the AA level is finally getting his chance at the major league level. In his first start he went seven innings against Baltimore and pitched well. He did not factor in the decision, but finished with a 2.57 ERA. Zach’s value hinges on how the Blue Jay’s handle their rotation in the upcoming weeks. His next scheduled start will be at Atlanta which will be no easy task. Another good start could keep him around awhile longer. Keep and eye on him.

RP- CRAIG KIMBREL (ATLANTA) Several rookies are having pretty good seasons so far this year but none can compare to Brave's closer Kimbrel. He is hands down my top candidate for Rookie of the Year. Craig has a 2-2 record with a 2.92 ERA and 20 saves. Even more impressive is that he has struck out 58 batters in only 37 innings of work. Last night against Toronto he struck out the side to earn his 20th save. Kimbrel is tied for second in the majors in saves and gives the definition of "nasty" a new meaning. Must have closer in all formats. 

2B- DUSTIN ACKLEY (SEATTLE) Dustin got the call to the bigs last weekend and promptly held his own against the Phillie's heralded pitching staff. He finished the weekend with a .273 batting average. He also added a triple, home run and RBI. Ackley who was the second player drafted in 2009 has starter potential written all over him. If you need help at the MI or 2B position grab him now. The only thing holding him back will be playing home games in Seattle and the offense he plays in. 

2B- DANNY ESPINOSA (WASHINGTON) Espinosa leads all rookies in several categories including HR (13), RBI (43), AB(253), TB (119), 3B (4) and SB (8). The only knock on his stellar rookie year is a .237 average and a tendency to be a very streaky hitter. He currently ranks sixth in points for all MLB second baseman in CBS leagues this year. I picked up Danny in three league’s last week as he still tends to be hanging around waiver wires in various leagues. Right now he is owned in 89% of ESPN leagues. Pick him up if he is still available.

2B/3B- CHRIS NELSON (COLORADO) Nelson has been starting for the Rockies at second and has been impressive with a .274/2/5 line. He also has added two SB's, 8 runs scored and a .776 OPS in only 60+ AB's. He has spent seven years in the minors with really nothing special showing up in any of his stat lines. Right guy, right situation is what it looks like to me especially in a potent Rockie's lineup. Chris qualifies at 2B/3B in most leagues which enhances his value. Right now I view him as a National League only pick up. 

2011 HARPER WATCH
BRYCE HARPER (HAGERSTOWN A)
 – Harper batted .330 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI in 64 games for the Class A Hagerstown for the first half of the season. He sat out the last few games with a thumb injury but it does not seem to be too serious since he will be participating in the league home run derby tonight. 

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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(March 10, 2011 – Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images North America)

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, The Rookie Report, John Marino, Bryce Harper, Chris Nelson, Danny Espinosa, Dustin Ackley, Craig Kimbrel, Zach Stewart, Jordan Lyles
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