Kuzul

This weekly column focuses on guys who are out there to be had for nothing in most leagues that can help your team, even if only as a short-term fill in.

If you have injuries, like that of an owner who will go unnamed, which includes Josh Hamilton, Matt Holliday, Zack Greinke, Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Mauer, and you have not quit yet, then these are some guys who may help to ease the pain.

David Murphy, OF Texas Rangers (39 percent owned in Yahoo, 13 percent in ESPN leagues)

Current Stat Line – .350 Avg/ 4 R/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 SB

With Hamilton out for an extended time, we can expect to see a lot more of David Murphy. He looked good as a fill in last September and his start to this year would suggest it wasn’t a fluke.

Corey Patterson, OF Toronto Blue Jays (1 percent Yahoo, 1 percent ESPN)

Current Stat Line – .429 Avg/ 2 R/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 1 SB

Patterson will also benefit from the injury bug, getting the majority of playing time in Toronto while Rajai Davis is out. While only a short-term fill-in, he has started out hot and brings a little power to the table along with some steals.

Sam Fuld, OF Tampa Bay Rays (38 percent Yahoo, 45 percent ESPN)

Current Stat Line – .324 Avg/ 6 R/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 7 SB

Sam Fuld is loving the move to Tampa and has put up some nice stats for those few who own him. With Manny’s move to retirement clearing the way for Damon to play DH, we can expect to see a lot more of Fuld this season.

Alexi Ogando, SP Texas Rangers (43 percent Yahoo, 38 percent ESPN)

Current Stat Line – 2 W/ 8 K/ 0.00 ERA

Ogando left his last start due to blister issues, but the Rangers think he’ll be OK to go on Sunday. With the way he’s been pitching, it will be difficult to remove him from the rotation. If you like to ride the hot hand, this is your kind of pitcher.

Kyle Farnsworth, RP Tampa Bay Rays (41 percent Yahoo, 7 percent ESPN)

Current Stat Line – 2 S/ 4 K/ 1.80 ERA

Tampa hasn’t had very many save opportunities this year, but Farnsworth has been in the game when they occurred. With their offense, you can expect close games, so if you in a pinch for saves, he may be your guy.

For last week’s AL Gems, click here.

Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.

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Barry Bonds is the all-time home run leader in major league baseball with 762. He also holds the record for most home runs in a single season with 73 in the 2001 season. Overall, Bonds ended up with a career .298 batting average, 2,935 hits, 1,996 RBI, 2,558 walks (MLB record), 688 intentional walks (MLB record), and 514 stolen bases. Barry was a 14 time all-star, 8 time gold glove winner, 12 time silver slugger award winner, 7 time NL MVP and 3 time Hank Aaron award winner.

 Let that sink in for just a minute, all of these statistics, awards and accolades for one man. Yet, he is still probably most widely remembered for his association with the BALCO scandal ahead of all of these other things.

This week we were reminded, once again, that the greatest player of his generation had to cheat to achieve that status. The government has made him the poster boy for the steroid scandal, prosecuting him for perjury and obstruction of justice, finally convicting him of the latter.

They made sure that while spending $6 million we all knew about the positive steroid test from 2000, the 3 year growth spurt in San Francisco where his shoe size went from a 10 to 13, hat size went from a 7 1/4 to 7 3/8, and shirt size from a 42 to 52. Even more amazingly, his weight went from 185 while with the Pirates to as high as 260 with the Giants. Keep in mind that Bonds was 27 his last season in Pittsburgh, so not a growing teenager by any means.

While Bonds always was one of the most hated men in baseball anywhere outside  of San Francisco, these facts all fail to take into account how he mesmerized a nation back in 2001. After Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa’s chase brought baseball back to the forefront of sports in America, Bonds’ run put it over the top. At that time, there was no one in baseball indicting these guys for how they had grown to cartoon-ish size figures accomplishing things never before seen in the sport. To the contrary, we were being regaled with tales about how lucky we were to be living during such a vibrant time for baseball fans.

Over the last several years, one after another we have had our heroes knocked down. From McGwire to Sosa, Bonds, Palmeiro, Alex Rodriguez and most recently—for the second time—Manny Ramirez. We continue to see the sports biggest figures caught in this never-ending scandal. Having a young son, it makes it very hard to want to share the game with him, because who really wants to answer the question about why his favorite player got suspended.

Every time I see a player who looks like he’s gained some muscle or hit a few more home runs than usual, I have to question it, and that takes a lot of the fun and child-like innocence that makes baseball so special out of the game.

I for one think these issues have helped to magnify the impact of some players who have managed to stay unstained to this point, like Ken Griffey Jr. The muddy times ahead for hall of fame votes will hopefully close the final chapter on a headache I’m sure most of us would love to see come to an end.

I don’t have a vote, but if I did, I wouldn’t elect any players who we know have cheated into the hall. Even a player like A-Rod, who theoretically has the chance to redeem himself and will probably eclipse Bonds’ mark, should be viewed with a one strike and you’re out rule. If we ever want that innocence to return to the game, we can’t celebrate those who tried to take it away in its most revered place.

Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.

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This weekly column will focus on guys who are out there to be had for nothing in most leagues that can help your team even if only as a short term fill in. So if you’re like me and have Evan Longoria, Jason Bay, Brian Matusz and Chase Utley sitting on your DL, these are some names you might have to call to the rescue!

Jeremy Guthrie: SP Baltimore Orioles (40 percent owned in Yahoo, 29 percent in ESPN leagues)

Current Stat Line: 1 W/6 K/ 0.00 ERA

While clearly we can not expect his next few starts to go as well or better than his first, Guthrie is a solid starter backed by an improved offense in Baltimore. He may not make Sunday’s start due to a bout with Pneumonia, but beyond that, he should be ready to go. We can expect wins in the teens, an ERA under 4 and 125+ strike outs.

Coco Crisp: OF Oakland A’s (42 percent Yahoo, 62 percent ESPN)

Current Stat Line: .280 Avg/5 R/0 HR/1 RBI/3 SB

Coco has gone overlooked, especially in a lot of Yahoo leagues, but if we look at his recent seasons this is a guy who can definitely help your team when healthy. Last year in 75 games he had 32 stolen bases, 51 runs scored and a surprising 8 home runs. I wouldn’t count on the pop, but if you need runs and steals, Crisp can get them in bunches. Assuming no injuries, look for a .280 Avg, 45+ steals and 100 runs scored.

Jordan Walden: Closer LA Angels (65 percent Yahoo, 59 percent ESPN)

Current Stat Line: 1 S/7 K/0.00 ERA

Well, the Fernando Rodney experiment in LA is over—all hail the new closer Jordan Walden. Jordan is more heavily owned in both leagues than guys I would normally talk about here, but his upside is undeniable. He’s a young fireballer out of the K-Rod mold and has already converted on his first opportunity. Walden has the potential to be a top-tier closer this season. I’m looking for 35 saves with an ERA under three and about 1.5 K’s per inning.

Brennan Boesch: OF Detroit Tigers (20 percent Yahoo, 18 percent ESPN)

Current Stat Line: .421 Avg/7 R/1 HR/5 RBI/0 SB

Boesch is looking much more disciplined at the plate right now and appears to look more like the hot player from the first half of last season at this point. With Rayburn slow out of the gate, Boesch has an opportunity to lock up LF all to himself. I would stay conservative with projections until playing time is solidified, .270 Avg, 20 home runs, 50 runs, 70 RBI and five steals.

Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Every Monday I will be bringing you the Top 3 hot and cold baseball players from around MLB. The twist, I’ll also be providing a buy or sell recommendation on the cold players to help you decide if this is a guy to target in a trade offer or someone you should cut if they’re clogging a bench spot. I’ll also give advice on those playing well, if you should sell high or buy the continued dominance.

For the last week, here are your Hot & Cold recommendations—

HOT

Paul Konerko

Last 7 games: .393 Avg, 5 R, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 0 SB

Call: Sell

Konerko will get you around 30 home runs and 100 RBI, but if an owner in your league is seeing over 40 homers and a .300+ batting average, sell high.

Matt Kemp

Last 7 games: .407 Avg, 4 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 SB

Call: Buy

Kemp’s average will cool off, closer to his career .290, but he’s on a mission this year and you can expect the stats to keep piling up for his lucky owner.

Jaime Garcia

Last 2 games: 1-0, 0.60 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 18 K

Call: Sell

Garcia looked good last year, so a strong start is no fluke. However, these numbers aren’t sustainable. But if someone in your league thinks they are, sell!

COLD

Vernon Wells

Last 7 games: .094 Avg, 2 R, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB

Call: Buy

With the move to a less hitter friendly ballpark, you should expect lower numbers than last season, but he won’t hit .100 all year. Buy with the expectation of home runs in the low 20’s and an average in the .270 range.

Derek Jeter

Last 7 games: .179 Avg, 1 R, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 SB

Call: Sell

Jeter has become a ground ball specialist as he’s aged. The trends say he’s declining. Sure, he won’t hit below .200 for the season, but if he’s your starting shortstop for the year you may be in trouble. Especially when the Yankees make the inevitable move to drop him down in the lineup.

Phil Hughes

Last 2 games: 0-1, 16.50 ERA, 2.67 WHIP, 1 K

Call: Sell

The drop in velocity has me concerned. You can’t expect opposing teams to hit .400 off him all year, but he doesn’t look like he’s going to be the same pitcher as last year unless something changes drastically.

Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Chris Young has always been a tantalizing player with the capability to be a top tier pitcher, but he’s never been able to prove his prowess over the long run. A plethora of injuries have allowed him to pitch no more than 180 innings in a single season during his major league career, and over the last three seasons, he has maxed out at 102 innings in 2008.

Young’s two best statistical seasons came in 2006 and 2007, his lone All-Star season, with the Padres:

Sometimes with pitchers, they have that little something special where you can just tell that they work on a different level than most other people. Chris Young definitely had that extra something, and that was why the Padres went so many years just hoping to be able to capture it for an entire season.

Unfortunately, Young’s appearances became less and less in future seasons, culminating with only four games and 20 innings in 2010. Even in that brief glimpse, he left you wanting more with a .90 ERA and 2-0 record.

The Mets are a team without a lot of expectations heading into the season, and they had a couple low risk signings over the offseason with Young being perhaps the most notable.

The upside here with a healthy season is high, especially considering Young’s penchant as a fly ball pitcher in the spacious confines of Citi Field.

This spring, Young has looked solid with a 1.33 ERA through 20.1 innings. And better yet, he’s stayed healthy and reportedly felt strong topping out at 100 pitches in a minor league outing.

While expecting 200 innings may be a stretch, having a solid performer who contributes 120-140 innings could be within reason for what should be a late round low risk pick.

2011 Fantasy Forecast: 9-5, 3.25 ERA, 100 K, 1.15 WHIP

Previous Bounce Back Selections: Pablo Sandoval, Justin Upton, Jimmy Rollins, Jason Bay, Russell Martin, Ian Kinsler, Lance Berkman

Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

During the first decade of this millenium, Lance Berkman was a staple in any conversation about the best hitters in baseball.

Through almost 12 seasons in Houston he had become the face of the franchise, along with Roy Oswalt, and was a former member of the Killer Bs, taking Derek Bell’s place in 2000 alongside Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.

In his first three full seasons, Berkman was 6th in Rookie of the Year voting and was a two-time All-Star:

Clearly, Lance was off to an incredible start to his career.

Starting out with other superstars around and then having the team fade into mediocrity, Berkman flew considerably under the radar based upon the kind of offensive stats he was posting year in and year out. With 327 career home runs and 1,099 RBIs, the power threat is obvious, but he is also a career .296 hitter.

Over the last four seasons we have seen Berkman’s home run numbers drop steadily: 34, 29, 25 and finally 14 last season. However, that has been somewhat mirrored by his decline in games played: 153, 159, 136 and 122. Additionally, last season in the second half we saw a drastic drop in both power and batting average: 12 HRs to two HRs and a .255 average to .234.

In St. Louis they have a guy named Albert Pujols keeping Berkman from playing first base, so he will see his first regular time in the outfield in several years. The fact that he’s getting regular playing time and that Tony La Russa’s team has a history of getting the most out of older players is why I believe we are looking at a better year in 2011. See Exhibit A, Jim Edmonds, and Exhibit B, Larry Walker, for further proof.

With a current ADP of 261, I see Berkman as a value pick with a late-round flier.

2011 Fantasy Forecast: 70 R, 20 HR, 75 RBI, 4 SB, .270 Avg

Previous Bounce Back Selections: Pablo Sandoval, Justin Upton, Jimmy Rollins, Jason Bay, Russell Martin,

Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

In 2009 Ian Kinsler was just the fifth second baseman to complete a 30/30 season since 2000. Think about that—During those heady days of crazy power numbers he was only the fifth second baseman to accomplish this feat. That should give you a pretty good idea of just how good this young man is capable of becoming.

Below are Kinsler’s stats for the last three seasons:

Obviously 2009 really sticks out because of his power numbers and a nice amount of steals. Unfortunately, it also came with his lowest batting average in the majors. Runs have been fairly consistent, averaging about .74 runs per game played. The rub with Kinsler has been just that, how many games can you expect him to play?

Normally I try not to let spring training stats affect my opinion of a player too much, but with a potential star such as Kinsler coming off a down season and injuries it’s important to see how he bounces back. If his spring stats are any indication, it could be a big year for the Rangers second baseman. Through March 14^th, Kinsler is leading the Cactus League in home runs with five and hitting .382 in 34 at-bats. Additionally, from a ranking standpoint you have to slide him up your list with Chase Utley out for an undetermined period of time.

Adding to those factors is his move to the top of the Rangers lineup. While his RBI numbers will most likely go down, you can expect more runs and steal opportunities which should more than make up for it. Pull all those things together, and it points to a big bounce back opportunity for Ian Kinsler.

2011 Fantasy Forecast: 110 R, 20 HR, 75 RBI, 25 SB, .280 Avg

Previous Bounce Back Selections: Pablo Sandoval, Justin Upton, Jimmy Rollins, Jason Bay, Russell Martin

Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Panda is coming off a year in which he took a considerable step backwards. Through his first two seasons in the big leagues he had consistently performed offensively:

These stats show a player who is very consistent from a balls-in-play and batting average standpoint. Quite frankly, someone who is drafting a third baseman after the first three or four rounds would love this type of production.

In 2010 someone changed the tune and forgot to tell Sandoval:

Definitely a steep fall for a player who fantasy owners had good expectations for heading into the season. Unfortunately, the Round Mound of Pound had continuing expanding in size throughout his tenure in the big leagues. I guess it does become harder to get to first base when you’re trying to drag almost 280 pounds down the base line.

This off-season Panda was able to slim down to 240 after undergoing arduous work outs and will enter the season with a renewed sense of confidence. This is roughly the same weight he was at during his breakout 2009 campaign. Drawing motivation from watching his team win the world series while he was on the bench, expect to see Kung Fu Panda back in the groove in 2011.

2011 Fantasy Forecast: 80 R, 25 HR, 90 RBI, .315 Avg

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No doubt that all of us who have been playing fantasy baseball for at least a few years have heard of position scarcity.

Over the last several seasons, I think the popularity of this theory has become even greater.

Prior to it getting a cool name I think most players acknowledged the fact that there were few great shortstops to choose from, but I’m not sure how many people actually factored that into their draft strategy. Well, like many good ideas, once they get into the popular conscience they tend to be overblown, and after time settle into a nice useful medium.

The basic premise behind position scarcity is that there are few elite players at some positions and therefore, the elite players at those spots should have their value elevated somewhat to account for this fact.

I agree with the logic wholeheartedly. Where I think we may have gone slightly astray is in determining the amount these values should be adjusted by versus those elite players at roles that have more depth.

For example, when someone tries to convince me that Jose Reyes should be drafted ahead of Adrian Gonzalez because of position scarcity, I think we may have gone too far.

While I would tend to classify them both as tier two players at their respective positions and admit that shortstop is an extremely shallow spot, I don’t see the justification for the move when runs and average will be about a wash and Reyes only gets the edge in steals.

Unless you have a dire need in steals, it seems to defy logic. Personally I believe the best available player in the draft will usually be the best player for your team.

This won’t always be the case, but about 90 percent of the time this logic will serve you well.

Now for the three most scarce batter positions and their elite players (either tier one or two):

3. Second Base

Chase Utley: While the injury risk is always present, he’s an all around player who should hit near the .300 level with 25+ HR’s, 100+ runs and RBI and 15+ steals.

Robinson Cano: About as solid of a lock as you get at second base with carbon copy stats to Utley except a few less steals; he’s the more durable player of the two.

Dustin Pedroia: Should project similar to Utley with a couple fewer points in Average and fewer RBI.

Ian Kinsler: Projects to .280s average, 20+ HR’s, 100 runs, 75+ RBI and 20+ steals.

Dan Uggla/Rickie Weeks: Similar average prospects in the .270s, Uggla gets the edge in HRs and RBI, Weeks in Runs and Steals

2. Third Base

Evan Longoria: The new face of the Rays projects to a .290 Average, 30+ HR’s, 100+ Runs, 110+ RBI and 10+ steals—all at only 25 years old.

David Wright: While the Mets flounder, their third baseman will get back to his all world play with a .295+ Average,  30+ HR’s, 95+ runs, 100+ RBI and 15+ steals.

Ryan Zimmerman: Projects to the best average in the group, with a .300+, 30+ HR’s, 100+ runs, 100+ RBI and 5+ steals.

Alex Rodriguez: While not enjoying popcorn, ARod is still a heck of a third baseman. Looking for a .285+ Avg, 30+ HR’s, 85+ runs, 110+ RBI and 5+ steals.

Kevin Youkilis: With the move back to third this year, Youk joins this elite group. In line for a .290+ Avg, 25+ HR’s, 95+ runs, 95+ RBI and a couple steals.

1. Shortstop

Troy Tulowitzki: The most elite player at the most scarce position. Does this make him worth more than Pujols? I don’t think so.

Expect some great play though with a .320+ Avg, 30+ HR’s, 100+ runs, 110+ RBI and 10+ steals.

Hanley Ramirez: Not a bad consolation prize. Expect a .310+ Avg, 25+ HR’s, 100+ runs, 90+ RBI and 30 steals.

Jose Reyes: Expecting a return to health in his contract year. Look for a .290+ Avg, 10+ HR’s, 100+ runs, 65+ RBI and 50+ steals.

Brian Holt is a Sr. Writer for 4thandHome.com where this original article can be found.

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In from the one-year wonder category, it has recently been reported by ESPN Deportes that the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a five year, $65 million deal with slugger Jose Bautista.

That works out to a $13 million annual value for the player that led the majors last season with 54 home runs.

Prior to last season, Bautista had never hit more than 16 in his first six seasons in the majors. Also, with the scheduled arbitration hearing, Bautista was set to earn either $10.5 million or $7.6 million depending upon how the arbitrator ruled.

This is an interesting move by Alex Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays considering the great job they have done ridding themselves of poor contracts over the last two seasons.

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