2011 Fantasy Baseball – The Rookie Report: Braves’ Brandon Beachy Is Feeling Peachy
SP-BRANDON BEACHY (ATLANTA): Brandon looks like he is starting to settle in after a a couple of up and down outings to start the year. Beachy currently holds a 3.68 E.R.A. , 31 K's and a 1-1 record. In his last 12 innings his only blemish is a two run homer by Buster Posey. He has good stuff and will be a great source for strike outs going forward. He is still only owned in 19% of ESPN leagues.
RP – CHRIS SALE (CHI SOX): The 6'6" lefty has struggled so far in 2011 although his stat line of two wins and a save is misleading. Sale's ERA is 5.79, he holds a 1.38 WHIP, he has a blown save and has given up more than one hit per inning pitched. The White Sox closer situation is very murky to say the least so for those of you holding on to Sale I am recommending staying away from this situation until a clear cut closer emerges. He is not worthy of a roster spot on your team.
C – WILSON RAMOS (WASHINGTON): Ramos who was acquired in a mid season trade last year with Minnesota is currently hitting a .341 as a part time catcher for the Nationals. He is considered the heir apparent to Ivan Rodriguez, who is most likely playing his last season while grooming the younger Ramos. Wilson is known for his defensive skills, although I believe with ample playing time he will put up .280/11/65 numbers for a full season. If he becomes the starter grab him.
1B – BRANDON BELT (SAN FRANCISCO): Belt struggled in his brief stint with the Giants in 2011 and was optioned down to AAA Fresno where he is presently batting .429 with a HR and four RBI. The Giants have no reason to rush one of their top prospects back to the majors, so we will have to sit back and take a wait and see approach with Belt. Patience is a virtue my friends.
1B – KILA KA'AIHUE (KANSAS CITY): Kila has struggled much like Belt in his rookie 2011 season, but the one major difference is that the Royals are willing to let him play through the growing pains. Ka'aihue is hitting a paltry .194 with two HR and 6 RBI . On the bright side he is hitting .357 in his last 14 AB so maybe he is beginning to turn the corner. I see him as a sleeper source for power numbers, but he plays a positon that is one of the deepest in fantasy baseball therefore making him nothing more now than a waiver wire prospect. The Royals fans are already calling for Eric Hosmer another Royal's top prospect to replace Kila.
3B – BRENT MOREL (CHI SOX): The White Sox like Morel’s glove work which is really the only reason he remains the starting third baseman for the club. Ozzie Guillen stated last week after Mark Teahen started two games in a row at third that Morel would still remain the starter. Brent a .305 career minor league hitter has not shown much in his in his brief stint in the big leagues only posting a .219 career average in 130+ AB. You do not need me to tell you at this point that Morel has no fantasy relevance and should not be owned in any fantasy format.
2011 HARPER WATCH
BRYCE HARPER (HAGERSTOWN A): The boy wonder and much heralded phenom has started his season for the Nationals at single A Hagerstown where he is hitting .288 with 3 HR and 14 RBI in 52 AB's. Harper has also stolen three bases in five attempts. Check back weekly for Bryce Harper updates.
Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com.
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(April 23, 2011 – Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)
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