Junkyard Jake's Fantasy Football Network

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Candy - 6/8

June 8th, 2008 JunkyardJake.Com

Pedro Feliz, Philadelphia Phillies, 3B

There is absolutely nothing exciting about Pedro Feliz, he is sort of like your accountant friend that will show up on time every year sometime in March and does a competent job on your taxes. Same kind of thing with Feliz. You can plug him into your fantasy lineup and be somewhat confident that he will get you 20 HRs, 80 RBIs, and a BA somewhere around .260. Not exciting, but a good complementary player to round out your lineup.
Available in 53% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Cody Ross, Florida Marlins, OF

His .217 batting average is a little frightening, but that is because he batted a pathetic .159 in April, with zero HRs. During the month of May, Ross turned it around with 10 HRs and a .280 average. Realistically, we can probably expect his average to settle in around the .260-.275 area, but his real value is in his power potential, and he will also contribute a fair amount of stolen bases. Ross is worth using in NL-Only formats for sure, and he could have mixed league appeal for as long as he is the preferred option in CF over Jacque Jones.
Available in 91% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Alexi Casilla, Minnesota Twins, 2B

Casilla is currently on a nice little tear that has him batting .347. While that probably won't last, as long as he holds down the 2nd base job in Minnesota, he is definitely worth using for his stolen base potential. Over his minor league career, Casilla compiled a healthy 177 SBs in 396 games, so he has serious wheels. Think of him as a Juan Pierre-type .285 slap-hitter without the inflated fantasy (or actual baseball salary) price-tag.
Available in 83% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Mike Gonzalez, Atlanta Braves, RP

The Atlanta Braves bullpen has been a virtual minefield over the first 2 months of the season and as we are patiently awaiting the next diaster, it probably wouldn't hurt to speculate on Mike Gonzalez as a possible source for saves in the 2nd half. Smoltz is obviously out of the picture with season-ending shoulder surgery, the Acosta experiment should be over, and Soriano is still injury-prone and unproven. Gonzalez is due to rejoin the Braves this week, and reportedly has his fastball back in the low 90's. Who knows, he could leverage his former closer experience into a significant role over the next month or so.
Available in 98% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

David Price, Tampa Bay Rays, SP

The obvious disclaimer here is that Price is nowhere close to being considered for a major league callup, but he is one of those rare pitching prospects that is worth keeping track of. Price shows great location with a high 90's fastball that he complements with a nasty slider and developing changeup. If you have some vacant space on your roster after you drop John Smoltz or you are tired of waiting for Boof Bonser to get his ERA under 5.00, then Price is worth picking up and stashing away.
Available in 71% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Other Players To Consider:
Manny Parra,Milwaukee Brewers,SP

Available in 66% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Michael Cuddyer,Minnesota Twins,OF

Available in 76% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Fred Lewis,San Francisco,OF

Available in 74% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Ryan Doumit,Pittsburgh Pirates,C,OF

Available in 49% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Scott Baker,Minnesota Twins,SP

Available in 76% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Candy - 6/1

June 1st, 2008 JunkyardJake.Com

Jason Bergmann, Washington Nationals, SP

Sometimes a trip to minors doesn't help a young player, and then there are cases like Jason Bergmann where the tedious bus trips and bad dining evidently rejuvenates your ability to pitch strikes and avoid 7 run innings. Bergmann was a disaster in April, as he compiled an ugly 11.68 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and opponents batted .364 against him. After returning from his banishment to the minor leagues, he has been a completely different pitcher, with a 1.30 ERA, .90 WHIP and BAA of .190 during his May appearances.

Available in 70% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies, 2B,3B

There is reason to believe that Stewart isn't quite as good as his minor league stats would suggest, and that is because he has benefited from the fluffy, friendly environs of Colorado. Specifically in 2007, he hit .357 at home w/ 9 HRs, and only .251 on the road w/ 6 HRs. Still, he has shown enough this year at the AAA level to like him alot, with 12 HRs and 43 RBIs in only 46 games. He is considered a 3rd baseman, but the Rockies say they are going to give him a look at 2nd base. His value would explode if he gets eligibility and regular playing time at 2nd base, so this is a situation worth watching.

Available in 71% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Salomon Torres, Milwaukee Brewers, RP

Apparently, many fantasy owners were so exasperated by the 'insane clown posse' Milwaukee closer situation during the early season, that when psycho manager Ned Yost finally started using Torres on a consistent basis over the past week, nobody really cared anymore. Torres has been the regular closer since Eric Gagne went on the D.L., and in five appearances since May 24th, he has 4 saves, and has yielded just one hit. Who knows what happens when Gagne returns, and maybe Prince Fielder gets a shot at closing games at some point, but Torres could be the guy until he blows it.

Available in 60% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Jack Cust, Oakland A's, DH,OF

He is not going to help you in the batting average category, and although there is nobody that formally keeps track of it, he probably leads the league in strikeouts during batting practice (He strikes out once per approximately 2.5 at-bats during actual games). However, you can’t deny his power potential, and that is obviously where his value lies. After only 1 HR in April, he blasted 7 during May, so he could be ready to deliver on his potential, which is anywhere between 25 and 40 HRs per year, depending on how many hot streaks he can ride.

Available in 61% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants, SP

After an excellent April, where Sanchez struck out 40 in 33 innings, and held opposing batters to a .218 average, the young lefty has regressed slightly. In May (5 starts, 5.20 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, .274 BAA) he was much less impressive, or occasionally appalling if you want to be honestly insulting about it. That said, in the absence of a complete meltdown, it is worth sticking with Sanchez. He has great movement on his two primary pitches, a 90-95 mph fastball and changeup, and he is a legitimate strikeout pitcher who averaged 1.3 K’s per inning during his minor league career.

Available in 43% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Other Players To Consider:
Carlos Gonzalez,Oakland A's,OF

Available in 83% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Chase Headley,San Diego Padres,3B,OF

Available in 84% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Ben Francisco,Cleveland Indians,OF

Available in 76% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Pedro Martinez,NY Mets,SP

Available in 49% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Andrew Miller,Florida Marlins,SP

Available in 39% of all CBSSportsline leagues.

Friday, May 30, 2008

NFL 2008 - Top 20 Offensive Free Agents

May 30th, 2008 JunkyardJake.Com

2007 Team 2008 Team

#1) Michael Turner

Turner becomes the overwhelming favorite for the bulk of carries in Atlanta, and also becomes a possible top-10 fantasy runningback if he can handle the challenge.
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#2) Julius Jones

Jones ends up in a much better situation than Dallas, but could end up losing time to T.J. Duckett and/or Maurice Morris unless he seizes the opportunity quickly.
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#3) Bryant Johnson

The Niners also signed Isaac Bruce, but Johnson instantly becomes San Francisco's best wide receiver, The key question of course is - can Alex Smith get the ball to anyone consistently ?
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#4) Bernard Berrian

Berrian has the speed and hands to make an impact, but the Vikings conservative offense, combined with sporadic QB play could hold him back.
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#5) Chris Brown

The Texans have a bunch of options at RB heading into the new season, but Brown can be very productive when healthy and could end up with a significant share of the carries if noone else steps up.
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#6) D.J. Hackett

Hackett is expected to contend with fellow free agent signee Muhsin Muhammad for the #2 starting spot on the other side of Steve Smith. Hackett is younger (28), and faster than Muhammad (36), so he should win this assignment.
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#7) Ernest Wilford

Wilford has the size (6'4", 220) that the Dolphins were seeking in a receiver to start opposite speedy Ted Ginn, and they committed to a healthy contract worth $13 million over 4 years to get him.
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#8) Jerry Porter

Jerry Porter has been a perennial disappointment, but still has potential as a game-breaker. He gets another shot in a decent offense, so maybe he can finally put together a year that matches his talent.
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#9) Musa Smith

Musa Smith, who has great size and decent speed, immediately becomes a dark horse candidate to get significant carries for the Jets. Smith has been injury prone, but incumbant starter Thomas Jones was simply awful last year.
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#10) Marty Booker

Booker isn't flashy, but he is tough and reliable, and he returns to his original NFL home with the Bears this season where he is a favorite to replace last year's starter Bernard Berrian.
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#11) Alge Crumpler

The Titans look to begin 2008 with a very shaky collection of wide recievers, so the sure-handed Crumpler is a welcome addition. He's had his share of injury breakdowns the past couple years, but is reportedly lighter, and looking good in the early stages of training camp.
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#12) Javon Walker

Of course, a healthy Javon Walker should be ranked much higher, but the status of his surgically repaired knee is still in question. He is certainly the type of potential impact player to keep tabs on, because he could be a dynamic force in 2008 if his health cooperates.
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#13) Darrell Jackson

There isn't any other way to describe Jackson's 2007 season in San Francisco, it was a disaster. However, Jackson wasn't the only player to implode last season for the Niners, and he gets a fresh start as the favorite #2 receiver in Denver, so a bounceback season is possible.
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#14) Drew Carter

Carter has never proven to be a consistent contributor, but if his fellow new Raider, Javon Walker, continues to struggle with knee problems, Carter could be a decent sleeper this year.
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#15) Donte Stallworth

Stallworth didn't deserve the 7 year $35 million deal that the Browns signed him to, but from a fantasy perspective he should be in line for more pass targets in Cleveland. Now it is up to Stallworth to show his talent for more than just 5 weeks per season.
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#16) Isaac Bruce

At 35 years of age, Bruce is obviously past his prime, but he reunites with Mike Martz in San Francisco for 2008, and has little real competition for a starting spot opposite Bryant Johnson.
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#17) Devard Darling

He never met expectations in Baltimore, but has decent size and speed. If he can hold off rookie Will Franklin and Jeff Webb, he could be valuable as the #2 receiver for the Chiefs.
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#18) Josh McCown

McCown lends a veteran presence to Miami's QB equation, and could end up starting unless John Beck has a great training camp, or Chad Henne adapts to the offense very quickly.
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#19) Ben Utecht

Utecht is a huge target, with good hands and surprising speed for his size. The Bengals are notorious for ignoring the TE in their offense, but Carson Palmer hasn't had a talented player like Utecht to work with.
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#20) Michael Pittman

Michael Pittman has always had a habit of becoming relevant just when you count him out. Denver has a stable of RBs to use in 2008, but under Mike Shanahan, anything is possible.
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