2012 Fantasy Baseball PreSeason: Matt Moore & other lightning round updates
When news first hit the wire that young Matt Moore was held out of a BP session, I’m sure there were many concerned fantasy owners. The good news is that Moore clarified that it is not the worrisome oblique strain that has sidelined players for extended periods of time. The fact that Moore was not completely shut down and was allowed to participate in long-toss is a telling sign that the Rays are playing it safe and the injury shouldn’t be a major setback.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C, BOS)
With the retirement of Jason Varitek one would think that the Red Sox might hand the primary catching duties to Saltalamacchia. While he made some major strides last season he still struggled mightily against left handed pitchers. Because of this the Red Sox decided to sign Kelly Shoppach to a one year deal. With Shoppach’s proven success against southpaws, this sets up to be a no brainer platoon situation. Salty should still get the majority of starts as he there are still more righties than lefties. One wrinkle that could change the distribution is if Josh Beckett chooses to utilize Shoppach as his personal catcher which is what he did with Varitek. If Saltalamacchia continues to improve and gets regular playing time I can see him as startable in a 12 team league. As things stand today I view him more as a high #2.
Salvador Perez (C, KC)
Salvador Perez was given a 5 year contract extension with 3 option years. This signing showed a commitment by Kansas City to their young catcher who was called up last season and hit .331 with 3 homeruns in 39 games. While he shown the power to really help you in the homerun category, his ability to make contact should keep his batting average from hurting you. He’s still a #2 catcher for fantasy purposes, but if I were waiting to take a catcher he’s a name I might consider as his upside is higher than the other veterans who are going at the end of drafts.
Chris Perez (RP, CLE)
Speaking of oblique strains, Perez’s is going to shut him down anywhere from 4-6 weeks. He was able to convert 34 saves last season, but his strikeout rate declined dramatically. If Vinnie Pestano makes the most of his turn closing I could see a Wally Pipp situation. Perez is a closer I would avoid taking until late in drafts, and if I did take him I would look to handcuff him with Pestano until Perez claims his job back.
ADP Trending Up
Ryan Braun (OF, MIL) – No surprise here as he successfully won his suspension appeal.
Bryan LaHair (1B/OF, CHC) – With the news that Anthony Rizzo will at least start the year in the minors and LaHair getting a look at hitting cleanup, LaHair has seen his ADP rise quite a bit.
Danny Espinosa (2B, WAS) – Espinosa has been going in drafts in the middle rounds as a low end starting second baseman. His ADP has seen a slight uptick with the news that Espinosa will play some games at SS during spring training. Management is saying it’s for injury situations, but it’s no secret that they are also looking at shipping Ian Desmond. If Espinosa gains SS eligibility his value will be greatly enhanced.
ADP Trending Down
Kendrys Morales (1B, LAA) – With the addition of Prince Albert, the ADP of many of the 1B/DH types on the Angels are being avoided on draft day. With Morales still not running the bases it’s no surprise that his ADP has dropped recently.
Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com
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(October 3, 2011 – Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
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