Kuzul

At this point of the season, all the high risk-high reward players are either sitting on someone’s bench or on their DL. But there are still some guys out there who can make a difference on your league’s standings, both short-term and long-term. As we pass the quarter-way point of the season, here are some moves that could pay off big time if you make them.

Short-term difference makers: 

• RHP Jake Peavy, Chicago White Sox: Right now he is only 62 percent owned in Yahoo! Leagues and coming off a complete game, three-hit shut out. Expect that number to increase. If he is still available, I would grab him. He may not be the Cy Young caliber pitcher he used to be, but he can certainly give you some top end fantasy innings each and every week, as long as he remains healthy.

• OF Delmon Young, Minnesota Twins: This is a guy coming off a season where he posted a 77-21-112-.298 line in the heart of the Twins’ order. This year has been a complete turnaround, but after a brief DL stint, maybe Young can get back on track. He was a high draft pick that has been dropped in over 40 percent of leagues. Be the owner who picks him up and rubs it in your friend’s face who dropped him.

• RHP Mike Tomlin, Cleveland Indians: The AL Central theme continues, this time with an emerging ace. Tomlin has thrown some gems this year and through 52.2 innings he has a 2.56 ERA and a minuscule 0.85 WHIP. His only downside is a low strikeout total, but if you can afford taking a hit for six strong innings, go for it.

• 2B Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies: I know he is owned in 95 percent of leagues, but the window is still slightly open to make a trade for him. He is playing, and continues to make positive progress in his rehab in the Class A level. We all know what kind of player Utley has been, and while he may never return to that, he can definitely make a difference at a position as talent-scarce as second base.

Long-term difference makers: 

• RHP Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers: I know he has stunk it up over the last two seasons, but if you have an open DL spot and need help in the saves area, it would be wise to stash him away. This is a guy who can dominate hitters in the National League, especially in the west. This is a closer who racked up 114 strikeouts in 2009 while compiling 36 saves. If he gets his velocity back, look out fantasy world.

• 3B Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants: He was well on his way to a great comeback season before breaking a bone in his wrist a few weeks ago. Now, 16 days after surgery, he is being allowed to play catch and resume baseball activity. Third base is extremely weak right now with both David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman on the DL and Alex Rodriguez speculated to have a problem with his hip again. Swing a deal for the Panda Bear and sure up your hot corner.

• OF Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians: I wasn’t sure where to put him on, but he needs to be on here. We saw what we have been missing for the past year and a half from one of the most exciting players in baseball. His knee apparently has a deep bruise on the kneecap and he could be back in as few as 10 days. But it’s Sizemore so probably in a month.

Follow me on Twitter- @kjackmansports or like me on Facebook- facebook.com/jackmansports
 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

On May 7th, Brandon League had nine saves and a 2.08 ERA to his credit. He hadn’t lost a game or blown a save.

He was automatic.

He then gave up three runs in 1.1 innings against the White Sox on May 8th. He didn’t blow a save that day, but took his first loss of the season. His ERA jumped to 3.77.

Two days later, League blew his first save of the year against Baltimore, giving up two runs while getting just two outs. League’s ERA climbed to 4.80.

The once steady closer became shaky.

He didn’t have to stew on the first blown save long as he was back at it two days later, again against Baltimore.

The result was the same.

League blew his second straight save and lost his third straight game. He gave up two runs again while getting just one out this time. His ERA jumped to 5.87. What was going on?

The very next night, Eric Wedge gave him another opportunity. Like the previous three outings, League blew it. He gave up three runs while recording just two outs. It was League’s third straight blown save and fourth straight loss. League’s once petite ERA skyrocketed to 7.31.

Which brings us here. What to do, what to do? At least David Aardsma had a setback, which gives League some time. It’s crazy that only a week ago I wonder if Aardsma would have replaced League as effective as League had been.

Aardsma worries me. If he pitches at all in 2011 I’d be slightly surprised. Still, with a streak like League is on, the questions start piling up.

Should Chris Ray be given a chance? He has 51 career saves. He also has an 11.88 ERA and 2.16 WHIP.

David Pauley has a 1.16 ERA and a 0.77 WHIP, but has never been called up on to save a game.

Aaron Laffey is pitching well (1.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP), but has just one career save.

Jamey Wright has also pitched well (1.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP), but he is 36 and not likely to get his first crack at the closer position.

Where does that leave us? The M’s could raid the farm system, but that seems unlikely right now. He may just get a temporary break from the gig to clear his head. There is always a chance that somebody takes the job and runs with it, but more likely than not this will be a closer-by-committee system until League gets back on track.

Also check out:

• Help Is Coming:  Should You Add Brian Matusz?
• Is John Axford Over the Hump?
• Can Kevin Correia Sustain His Early Success?
• Is Brandon Beachy the Real Deal?
• Is Matt Joyce For Real?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s a look at the unheralded fantasy baseball players who played well yesterday.

San Francisco at Chicago Cubs

Darwin Barney went three-for-five with two runs scored and three RBI (17) to raise his average to .326. Marlon Byrd went two-for-four with a run to raise his average to .311. Reed Johnson went three-for-five with a run and four RBI to raise his average to .405. Andres Torres went three-for-five with two runs scored to raise his average to .349. Aubrey Huff went two-for-four with two RBI (20). Cody Ross went one-for-four with a home run and two RBI. Ryan Dempster gave up two runs with 11 strikeouts in six innings for the win. 

Seattle at Cleveland

Michael Brantley went two-for-four with two runs and a homer to raise his average to .298. Travis Hafner went two-for-four with a home run and two RBI (16) to raise his average to .340. Jack Cust went two-for-four with a run.

Kansas City at Detroit

Austin Jackson went one-for-three with a homer, a run and a stolen base. Justin Verlander hurled another gem. 

Baltimore at Tampa Bay

Matt Joyce remained hot going two-for-two with a home run (5) and two RBI (17). He’s now hitting .369. Jeremy Hellickson threw a four-hit shutout. Jeremy Guthrie gave up three runs with five strikeouts in eight innings, but took the loss.

Philadelphia at Atlanta

Placido Polanco went two-for-four with a run to raise his average to .354. Raul Ibanez went two-for-four with an RBI (16). Martin Prado went three-for-five with a run to raise his average to .291. Alex Gonzalez went three-for-four with two runs.

Los Angeles Angels at Texas

Alberto Callaspo went two-for-four to raise his average to .308. Alexi Ogando gave up one run on five hits with five strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings to improve to 4-0 with a 2.06 ERA.

Boston at New York Yankees

Russell Martin went one-for-four with a home run (7) and two RBI (22). Clay Buchholz gave up two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings for the win. He has 13 Ks in his past two starts.

Florida at Washington

Gaby Sanchez went two-for-four with a home run (7) and two RBI (25) to raise his average to .340. Omar Infante went two-for-five with a run. Roger Bernadina went three-for-five with two RBI and a stolen base. Ian Desmond went two-for-six with an RBI. Laynce Nix went three-for-five with a home run and two RBI. Jerry Hairston, Jr. went two-for-five with two runs.

St. Louis at Cincinnati

Edgar Renteria went one-for-four with two RBI. Scott Rolen went three-for-five with an RBI. Fred Lewis went two-for-three. Daniel Descalso went two-for-five with two RBI. Kyle Lohse gave up two runs in six innings, but got a no-decision.

New York Mets at Houston

Justin Turner went two-for-four with two runs.  Chris Johnson went two-for-four with a run and an RBI.

Pittsburgh at Milwaukee

Jonathan Lucroy went one-for-three with two runs and a homer. Lyle Overbay went two-for-four with a run. Ronny Cedeno went one-for-two with a home run and two RBI. Yovani Gallardo got it done again.

Toronto at Minnesota

Juan Rivera went two-for-five with an RBI and a stolen base. Edwin Encarnacion went two-for-five. John McDonald went two-for-three. Ricky Romero tossed a gem. Carl Pavano threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He still threw 115 pitches despite not lasting six.

San Diego at Colorado

Seth Smith went two-for-five with a run and an RBI. Jonathan Herrera went two-for-four with a run. Todd Helton went two-for-four with a run and an RBI to raise his average to .318. Ryan Spilbroughs went three-for-five with two runs and an RBI. Cameron Maybin went four-for-four with three runs, two home runs and three RBI.

Chicago White Sox at Oakland

Omar Vizquel went two-for-three with a run and an RBI. David DeJesus went two-for-three with an RBI. Phil Humber gave up three runs in six innings to improve to 3-3 with a 3.18 ERA.

Arizona at Los Angeles Dodgers

Jamey Carroll went two-for-three with two runs to raise his average to .316. Aaron Miles went two-for-four with a run. Clayton Kershaw was dominant. Vicente Padilla blew a save. Kenley Jansen picked up the pieces and recorded the save.

Also check out:

• Help Is Coming:  Should You Add Brian Matusz?
• Is John Axford Over the Hump?
• Can Kevin Correia Sustain His Early Success?
• Is Brandon Beachy the Real Deal?
• Is Matt Joyce For Real?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Yesterday was a bit of a wild day around the league, with a few extra inning games and four games that ended on the last at-bat. 

Friday also featured all kinds of great pitching performances, including a certain pitcher pictured above throwing an absolutely ridiculous amount of strikeouts.

Road team standouts are listed first, followed by home teams.

Begin Slideshow

Sam Fuld came as a much-needed spark following a dismal start by the defending AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays. The relatively unknown outfielder came to the Rays as part of the trade for Matt Garza.

He jumped on the scene and got the opportunity to start following Manny Ramirez’s retirement from baseball. He took that opportunity and has made the most of it.

Fuld and the Rays became common sights and have comfortably lead the majors in ESPN “Web Gems,” which showcase outstanding defensive highlights. From his grab against the White Sox to his performance in his first visit to Fenway, he hasn’t disappointed fans.

In fact, fans have even started buying his No. 5 Rays jersey to the ballpark to cheer him on in the same way they used to cheer for Carl Crawford.

He even developed what is likely to be the most viral following of any Rays player on Twitter.

The Twitter trend #LegendOfSamFuld became a battle cry for fans of the Rays and Fuld alike. That also marks where the story takes a downhill turn.

Fuld was batting .350 and had 10 stolen bases prior to creating his Twitter account, @SamFuld5. Although the account was a success with almost 5,000 followers in less than three days his hitting has suffered.

His first tweet was: “My teammate @DAVIDprice14 convinced me to join Twitter. Love the #legendofsamfuld tweets. Keep em coming. Thanks for all the support!”

Following his dismal performance in the double-header in Minnesotal he sent out a follow-up that said: “0 for Twitter today, had a feeling I would jinx myself. But big sweep for us!”

Fuld has yet to record a hit since David Price convinced him to join the social network. If the jinx on Fuld wasn’t enough, Price had his worst outing in almost two years on his first appearance on the mound following the recommendation.

If Sam Fuld truly is Superman, then Twitter has become his kryptonite.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Seeing Jose Contreras getting a day off on Friday was not surprising. He is 39 years old and had appeared in four games in five days. According to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer (click here for the article), he had thrown 72 pitches over that stretch. 

He certainly deserved a rest, but is that why he was also not used on Saturday when a save opportunity presented itself once again? Gelb has a quote from manager Charlie Manuel saying, “He’ll be ready to pitch [Sunday].” He also said that Contreras “is OK.”

Now, fantasy owners are left wondering what is going to happen. Ryan Madson certainly has the better pure stuff, but his struggles in the closer’s role in the past led to him being overlooked for the role with Brad Lidge out of action. All he’s done over the past two days is allow one H and zero BB, striking out one, in 2.0 innings of work to lock down two saves.

Could he now start to see a few opportunities? His 1.00 ERA and 0.89 WHIP, along with 10 K, over 9.0 innings of work would certainly justify such a move.

However, what has Contreras done to lose his job? All he has done is post a 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, along with nine K, in 8.0 innings to convert five saves.

Are we going to move to a committee situation? Will the matchups dictate who is going to be used? Will one stumble by either pitcher lead to the other getting the next opportunity?

It’s hard to imagine Contreras losing the job, considering that he has done nothing but excel in the role thus far. However, the Phillies may want to see if Madson, 30 years old, has finally matured to the point that he could handle ninth inning duties. 

It is no secret that Brad Lidge is no lock as a closer and, with his contract expiring after 2011 (the team does hold a $12.5 million option that is unlikely to be picked up), the team needs to know if Madson can handle the job in 2012 (though he is also a free agent after the year) or if they need to import another option. Madson will likely command far less than someone like Heath Bell or Jonathan Papelbon.

How this will play out, no one knows, but it has become a difficult situation for fantasy owners. Both Contreras and Madson should be owned in all formats, but unless your league values middle relievers or if you are desperate for saves, both should be on your bench. In a perfect world, if you owned one you would also own the other, but we all know that’s not always possible. Given Madson’s history, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him stumble, but right now he certainly is in a groove.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Who do you think deserves the job? Who do you think will be the closer?

Make sure to check out the Rotoprofessor Closer Tracker (updated on April 24) by clicking here.

THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s a breakdown of the two-start pitchers for the fifth week of the baseball season.

Five Stars
Matt Cain: @PIT, @WAS
Cliff Lee: @ARI, NYM
Jered Weaver: vs. OAK, @TB

Four Stars
Jaime Garcia: @HOU, @ATL
Justin Masterson: vs. KC, vs. DET

Three Stars
Clay Buchholz: @BAL, vs. SEA
Gio Gonzalez: @LAA, vs. TEX
Aaron Harang: vs. ATL, @LAD
Ricky Nolasco: vs. LAD, @CIN
Jordan Zimmermann: vs. NYM, vs. SF

Two Stars
Bronson Arroyo: @MIL, vs. FLA
Nick Blackburn: vs. TB, @KC
Zach Britton: vs. BOS, @CWS
A.J. Burnett: vs. CWS , vs. TOR
Wade Davis: @MIN, vs. LAA
R.A. Dickey: @WAS, @PHI
Kyle Drabek: @TEX, @NYY
Gavin Floyd: @NYY, vs. BAL
Jon Garland: @FLA, vs. SD
Matt Garza: vs. COL, @ARI
Matt Harrison: vs. TOR, @OAK
Luke Hochevar: @CLE, vs. MIN
Daniel Hudson: vs. PHI, vs.CHC
Ian Kennedy: vs. PHI, vs. CHC
Colby Lewis: vs. TOR, @OAK
Derek Lowe: @SD, vs. STL
Charlie Morton: vs. SF, @COL

One Star
Erik Bedard: @DET, @BOS
Phil Coke: vs. SEA, @CLE
Bartolo Colon: vs. CWS, vs. TOR
Marco Estrada: vs. CIN, @HOU
Phil Humber: @NYY, vs. BAL
Bud Norris: vs. STL, vs. MIL
James Russell: vs. COL, @ARI

Also check out:

• Today’s Streaming Pitcher Option
• Yesterday’s Box Score Breakouts
• Has Alex Gordon Finally Figured It Out?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s a look at the unheralded fantasy baseball players who played well yesterday.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Chicago Cubs

Darwin Barney went 3-for-5 with two runs, three RBI and a stolen base to raise his average to .323. Marlon Byrd went 2-for-5 with a stolen base. Jeff Baker went 2-for-5 with two RBI. He’s hitting .361. Reed Johnson is hitting .400 after going 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. Casey Blake raised his average to .333 after going 2-for-3 with three runs, a homer and two RBI. Rod Barajas went 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Jamey Carroll went 2-for-4.

Tampa Bay Rays @ Toronto Blue Jays

Sam Fuld went 1-for-3 with two runs and a stolen base (10). He’s hitting .365. Johnny Damon was 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Jose Molina went 2-for-4. Brandon Morrow gave up three runs in 5.1 innings for the loss, but struck out 10 batters.

Cleveland Indians @ Minnesota Twins

Jason Repko went 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI. Jason Kubel is hitting .333 after going 2-for-3 with a run and three RBI. Danny Valencia went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer. Alexi Casilla went 2-for-4 with two runs. Brian Duensing gave up one run on five hits in seven innings to improve to 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA.

Arizona Diamondbacks @ New York Mets

Daniel Murphy went 2-for-5 with two runs. Gerardo Perra went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base.

Atlanta Braves @ San Francisco Giants

Nate McLouth went 1-for-2 with three runs. Pat Burrell went 3-for-4 with two runs. Cody Ross went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Chicago White Sox @ Detroit Tigers

Austin Jackson went 2-for-5 with a run. Ryan Raburn went 2-for-3 with a run and three RBI (13). Alex Avila went 3-for-4 with a run and two RBI (13). Brandon Inge went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Brad Penny gave up one hit in seven scoreless innings for the win.

New York Yankees @ Baltimore Orioles

Russell Martin went 2-for-3 with three runs, two homers (six) and four RBI (15). Brett Gardner went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Derrek Lee went 2-for-4 with a run.

Cincinnati Reds @ St. Louis Cardinals

Miguel Cairo went 1-for-4 with two RBI. David Freese went 2-for-4 with an RBI (11).

Colorado Rockies @ Florida Marlins

Jonathan Herrera went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .327. Jason Hammel gave up one run in 6.2 innings for the win.

Washington Nationals @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Lyle Overbay went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI. Ronny Cedeno went 2-for-4. Michael Morse went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Jeff Karstens gave up two runs in six innings for the win.

Kansas City Royals @ Texas Rangers
 

Melky Cabrera went 3-for-4. Alexi Ogando gave up one run in five hits with five strikeouts in six innings to improve to 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA. Darren Oliver picked up the save.

Houston Astros @ Milwaukee Brewers

Angel Sanchez went 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI to raise his average to .293. Brett Wallace went 2-for-4 with two runs. He’s hitting .324. Bill Hall went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Humberto Quintero went 2-for-5 with a run, two RBI and a stolen base.  Craig Counsell went 2-for-6 with two runs.  Mark Kotsay and Jonathan Lucroy each went 2-for-4. Yunieksy Betancourt went 2-for-3 with an RBI.
 

Philadelphia Phillies @ San Diego Padres

Ben Francisco went 2-for-5 with an RBI (11). Cameron Maybin went 2-for-4 with two runs. Jason Bartlett went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Ryan Ludwick went 2-for-5. Joe Blanton gave up two runs in seven innings. Tim Stauffer gave up two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts in six innings. Neither starter factored into the decision.

Boston Red Sox @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Jed Lowrie went 2-for-4 with a run. He’ s hitting .431. Dice-K gave up one hit with nine strikeouts in eight scoreless innings. In his past two starts, he’s thrown 15 scoreless innings.

Oakland A’s @ Seattle Mariners

Coco Crisp went 3-for-5 with a run and two RBI. Conor Jackson went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Kevin Kouzmanoff went 2-for-4 with two runs, a homer and four RBI. Cliff Pennington went 2-for-3 with two runs, a home run and two RBI.

Also check out:

• Week Five Two-Start Pitchers
• Today’s Streaming Pitcher Option
• Has Alex Gordon Finally Figured It Out?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Sam Fuld is off to an unbelievable start. He’s hitting .366 with 11 runs, a home run, eight RBI, and nine stolen bases. The question is whether you should continue to ride his hot bat (and legs) or try to sell high on him?

My money is on holding. He has a stranglehold on the Rays’ leadoff spot. He’s hitting .369 out of that slot, including .360 leading off. While he hasn’t walked a lot (four times), he’s only struck out six times in 71 at-bats.

With his speed and ability to put the ball in play, he should continue to hit for a good average. I don’t think he’s a .360+ hitter, but he had a solid .285 average in the minor leagues.

He also plays for one of the most aggressive teams in baseball. The stolen base total is legit, and if he can continue to get on base at a solid clip, he has a good chance of stealing 30+ bases.

I’d like to see a few more runs scored given his high average, but remember that Evan Longoria is on the shelf. When he returns, that should bolster the Rays’ lineup that has struggled at times.

If you get an amazing offer for Fuld, I wouldn’t hesitate to move him. I’m just not sure he’s the type of player that can net even trade value. Other owners are probably skeptical that his success will come crashing down at any moment. With only 131 big league at-bats and a .252 average heading into the season, the concerns are legitimate.

There always seems to be players that everybody would like to have on their team, but aren’t willing to take the risk to trade for. I think Sam Fuld is one of those players.

Also check out:

Today’s Streaming Pitcher Options
Yesterday’s Box Score Breakouts

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Moving out from behind the plate and working exclusively as the Yankees DH, Jorge Posada was supposed to be fantasy gold.  Despite being 39 years old, a player with his upside, coupled with being eligible at catcher…people were drooling over the potential for him to produce massive power while playing every day.

The power has been there, but the rest of the numbers have certainly disappointed:

58 At Bats
.160 Batting Average (8 Hits)
5 Home Runs
9 RBI
6 Runs
0 Stolen Bases
.276 On Base Percentage
.460 Slugging Percentage

He has five home runs in eight hits…that really tells you what you need to know.  He’s showing the power that we all expected, though outside of that he just hasn’t been productive.  Of course, the power has come courtesy of numbers that are unlikely to continue.

To date he is sporting a fly-ball rate of 51.4 percent, significantly higher than in any year since 2002 (42.9 in 2009 was his previous high).  In fact, since 2002 his fly-ball rate is at 38.1 percent.  His HR/FB is also elevated, at 26.3 percent (only one other season above 18.9).  So expecting him to continue at his current rates would be slightly misguided. 

As for the average, we all know it’s going to improve.  His strikeout (26.0 percent) and walk (12.1 percent) rates are right along his career marks.  The problem is his BABIP, currently sitting at .094. 

No one is that unlucky, so look for the hits to start to fall.  With it should come improved run production as well.

Playing as the DH should hopefully help him stay healthy and in the lineup, allowing him to exceed the “expected” 20 HR and 50ish runs that many would have projected. 

Just stay patient for now and he should produce more than enough to make you happy.  If someone in your league has grown impatient with his low average and lack of any production (outside of power), now may be the best time to strike.

What are your thoughts on Posada?  What are you expecting from him?  Is he a player you would target?

Make sure to check out these other great articles from Rotoprofessor:

Around The Majors: April 22: Anibal Sanchez, Michael Pineda and More
Injury Report: April 23: Jose Reyes, Kevin Youkilis & More
The Trade Counsel: The Only Bad Offer Is No Offer At All
Prospect Report: Brett Lawrie One Step Closer To The Majors?

THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com