Player Spotlights - Scott Kazmir and Corey Hart

Scott Kazmir and Corey Hart March 28, 2009

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SP Scott Kazmir,Rays, Operating with his trademark wicked fastball, and improving changeup, it's easy to forget that Scott Kazmir is just 25 years old, because he has been such a workhorse for the Rays over the past four years. Somewhat ironically, it is also his extensive use that has some fantasy players shying away from Kazmir in 2009. The young lefty's durability came into question last season, when he had some minor elbow soreness during Spring Training, and then tailed off significantly after the All-Star break. Going into July, he was flaunting his usual strong ratios, with a 3.04 ERA, and 1.17 WHIP, but he seemed to tire in the 2nd half, usually lasting only 5 innings, and posting a below par 4.03 ERA with a disappointing 1.38 WHIP. While questions about Kazmir’s stamina have caused him to drop in fantasy drafts to around the 8th round, he probably represents a nice bargain if you can grab him there.

OF Corey Hart, Brewers, - Although we saw Corey Hart’s batting average drop from .295 in 2007 to .263 last season, this was mostly the result of a dreadful September (.173 BA, 0 HRs), but he has otherwise been a fairly good prototype of consistency from year to year. Dating back to his first significant minor league season in 2002, Hart has steadily delivered about a .290 BA, with an unambiguous 20 HR/20 SB ability. Now 27, Hart enters 2009 in his prime, and as the only player in Brewers history to accomplish consecutive 20/20 seasons. Batting in the middle of a potent lineup behind Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, he still has some upside, especially if he can improve his plate discipline. Hart probably won’t last past the 5th-6th round in your draft this year, but he is a great player to add with expectations of about a .285 BA, 20-25 HRs, 85 RBI and 20+ stolen bases.

Player Spotlights By Junkyard Jake JunkyardJake.Com