Bashibashibashi Eve
Jay Bruce is starting the season as a minor leaguer. (So is AL Rookie of the Year candidate, Evan Longoria.) I was hoping for 35 or 40 homeruns. But, at least for now, he is dropped off the roster.
A new pick is Corey Patterson, 28, OF, Cincinnati Reds, who will bat leadoff, steal 30 bases and hit 20 homeruns in the little Reds ballpark. This is a direct replacement for Jay Bruce, as both play CF.
I also added Eugenio Velez, 25, 2B, San Francisco, who leads Spring Training with 14 stolen bases. He may become eligible at 3B, OF, and maybe even at SS. Adding him now is much like adding B.J. Upton at this time last year, before we knew he had power or would become eligible to play OF. He takes over for the spot previously held by Ryan Theriot, who is still an okay pick for some at bats as a reserve. (Moises Alou, now on the DL, was my first pick to take over for Jay Bruce.)
BBB will play Eugenio on days when B.J. Upton is off, and on Mondays/Thursdays, Eugenio can play 2B with B. J.Upton in OF. The outfield is normally four deep with Swisher, Kemp, Justin Upton, and Patterson playing based on park and pitcher match ups.
Other Spring Training Stats: Josh Hamilton makes me wish I had him. Matt Kemp, Nick Swisher and Jim Thome are having good Springs. And, there are several other solid outfielders having good Springs that I may soon pounce on if I decide I do not need Corey Patterson. (The upside of Velez makes steals less important and power more important for the team.)
Slightly bad news: Pitchers, B.J. Ryan (as expected) and John Smoltz (well, he is 41) will start April on the DL, opening up another roster spot.
Bad news that helps my team: Due to the Granderson injury, Renteria will lead off against right handers and Polonco, Sheffield, Ordonez and Cabrera will have opportunities to score him.
Really good news: Injury risks, Pedro Martinez and Rich Harden, start the season healthy.
This is Bashibashibashi Eve. Rich Harden pitches at 5 a.m. against the Red Sox in Tokyo!
How am I doing compared to previous years? Check here.
A new pick is Corey Patterson, 28, OF, Cincinnati Reds, who will bat leadoff, steal 30 bases and hit 20 homeruns in the little Reds ballpark. This is a direct replacement for Jay Bruce, as both play CF.
I also added Eugenio Velez, 25, 2B, San Francisco, who leads Spring Training with 14 stolen bases. He may become eligible at 3B, OF, and maybe even at SS. Adding him now is much like adding B.J. Upton at this time last year, before we knew he had power or would become eligible to play OF. He takes over for the spot previously held by Ryan Theriot, who is still an okay pick for some at bats as a reserve. (Moises Alou, now on the DL, was my first pick to take over for Jay Bruce.)
BBB will play Eugenio on days when B.J. Upton is off, and on Mondays/Thursdays, Eugenio can play 2B with B. J.Upton in OF. The outfield is normally four deep with Swisher, Kemp, Justin Upton, and Patterson playing based on park and pitcher match ups.
Other Spring Training Stats: Josh Hamilton makes me wish I had him. Matt Kemp, Nick Swisher and Jim Thome are having good Springs. And, there are several other solid outfielders having good Springs that I may soon pounce on if I decide I do not need Corey Patterson. (The upside of Velez makes steals less important and power more important for the team.)
Slightly bad news: Pitchers, B.J. Ryan (as expected) and John Smoltz (well, he is 41) will start April on the DL, opening up another roster spot.
Bad news that helps my team: Due to the Granderson injury, Renteria will lead off against right handers and Polonco, Sheffield, Ordonez and Cabrera will have opportunities to score him.
Really good news: Injury risks, Pedro Martinez and Rich Harden, start the season healthy.
This is Bashibashibashi Eve. Rich Harden pitches at 5 a.m. against the Red Sox in Tokyo!
How am I doing compared to previous years? Check here.
posted by David Rasmussen at 6:57 PM
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