2012 Fantasy Baseball, Week 8 Rookie Report: A Diamond in Minnesota
Scott DIamond (credits below)
We go out to Minnesota this week where we may have just found the latest fantasy “gem” and a SS playing like a seasoned veteran.
SP-SCOTT DIAMOND (MINNESOTA)- Although it is difficult for me to recommend anyone playing for the Twins I do like Diamond who continues to pitch well for the Twins. In 19 1/3 innings he has a 3-0 record with a 1.39 ERA. He doesnt strike out many but does possess a 64.4 groundball rate to go with a 0.98 WHIP. We should see the Twins in a youth movement for the 2012 season as they currently stand as the worst team in the major leagues. Scott will get plenty of opportunities and is definitely worth a look if you need help in your pitching categories.
C/1B/3B- YAN GOMES (TORONTO)- Gomes who was called up last week when Brett Lawrie started his four game suspension has three postion eligibilty and can flat out rake the ball. While at AAA Las Vegas Gomes was hitting .359 with 5 HR and 22 RBI in 131 AB's. Yan started his first four major league games at third base before Lawrie made his return last night. In those games he hit .400 with a home run. It remains to be seen how the Blue Jays will use Gomes but if he gets regular AB's and has catcher eligibility he just may the key piece of your championship team.
1B- MATT ADAMS (ST. LOUIS)- Speaking of flat out raking the ball, Adams left AAA Memphis on Sunday hitting .340 with 9 HRS and 27 RBI's. In his brief two game major league stint he is hitting .250 in 8 AB's. Adams should see the majority of starts at first base while Lance Berkman sits on the DL with another injury. I am still not sure how the playing time situation will play out for the Card's in the future with Berkman, Allen Craig and Matt Carpenter in the mix but for now Matt will get his chance to prove his worth. He is definitely worth a flier pick if you like to gamble.
SS- BRIAN DOZIER (MINNESOTA)- Dozier has started 14 straight games since he was called up from Rochester. In those games he has a .279 BA with 2 HR and 8 RBI. The Twins like what Dozier has to offer and I see no reason that he will be removed anytime soon as the starting shortstop. Brian owns a .305 career minor league batting average and also has 45 career stolen bases. For now I would consider Dozier valuable in American League leagues only but he is worth keeping and eye on in larger league formats.
OF- XAVIER AVERY (BALTIMORE)- The O's have desperately been in need of a lead off hitter and Xavier has fit that bill quite well hitting .278 with a .366 OBP. The 22 year old had 125 career SB's in four minor league seasons. It remains to be seen how the Orioles will use him once Nolan Reimold and Endy Chavez reenter the crowded Oriole outfield. For now Avery is worth keeping an eye on.
SP-SCOTT DIAMOND (MINNESOTA)- Although it is difficult for me to recommend anyone playing for the Twins I do like Diamond who continues to pitch well for the Twins. In 19 1/3 innings he has a 3-0 record with a 1.39 ERA. He doesnt strike out many but does possess a 64.4 groundball rate to go with a 0.98 WHIP. We should see the Twins in a youth movement for the 2012 season as they currently stand as the worst team in the major leagues. Scott will get plenty of opportunities and is definitely worth a look if you need help in your pitching categories.
C/1B/3B- YAN GOMES (TORONTO)- Gomes who was called up last week when Brett Lawrie started his four game suspension has three postion eligibilty and can flat out rake the ball. While at AAA Las Vegas Gomes was hitting .359 with 5 HR and 22 RBI in 131 AB's. Yan started his first four major league games at third base before Lawrie made his return last night. In those games he hit .400 with a home run. It remains to be seen how the Blue Jays will use Gomes but if he gets regular AB's and has catcher eligibility he just may the key piece of your championship team.
1B- MATT ADAMS (ST. LOUIS)- Speaking of flat out raking the ball, Adams left AAA Memphis on Sunday hitting .340 with 9 HRS and 27 RBI's. In his brief two game major league stint he is hitting .250 in 8 AB's. Adams should see the majority of starts at first base while Lance Berkman sits on the DL with another injury. I am still not sure how the playing time situation will play out for the Card's in the future with Berkman, Allen Craig and Matt Carpenter in the mix but for now Matt will get his chance to prove his worth. He is definitely worth a flier pick if you like to gamble.
SS- BRIAN DOZIER (MINNESOTA)- Dozier has started 14 straight games since he was called up from Rochester. In those games he has a .279 BA with 2 HR and 8 RBI. The Twins like what Dozier has to offer and I see no reason that he will be removed anytime soon as the starting shortstop. Brian owns a .305 career minor league batting average and also has 45 career stolen bases. For now I would consider Dozier valuable in American League leagues only but he is worth keeping and eye on in larger league formats.
OF- XAVIER AVERY (BALTIMORE)- The O's have desperately been in need of a lead off hitter and Xavier has fit that bill quite well hitting .278 with a .366 OBP. The 22 year old had 125 career SB's in four minor league seasons. It remains to be seen how the Orioles will use him once Nolan Reimold and Endy Chavez reenter the crowded Oriole outfield. For now Avery is worth keeping an eye on.
Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com.
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(May 12, 2012 – Source: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images North America)
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