The Wire 5/3

Omar: Ayo, lesson here, Bey. You come at the king, you best not miss.

more famous quotes

I’m going to start the first week with a position by position breakdown but will probably limit it during the coming weeks.

Catcher

• Jason Varitek – I discussed him before in a previous Thoughts from Fm article. Just pick him up already.
• Jesus Flores – Here is a young guy with some upside. I would not be surprised if he hit 15 HR’s with a decent OPS.

Stay away from Rod Barajas and Ivan Rodriques

Corner

• Pedro Feliz – At a very thin position you could do worse then a proven 20+ HR guy. When he moved to the Phillies in the beginning of last year we all talked about him. After a shaky first year why not a big second year? He actually has 9 Walks to 7 K’s this year and is coming off a good couple of weeks. I don’t love him but he could be a safe guy who plays every day.
• Casey Kotchman – He will never have that big pop but he plays everyday and still has a little upside.
• Ryan Garko – For some reason nobody talks about him picking up Hafner’s AB’s. He could be a decent hold for you Hafner owners that missed out on the LaPorta prize. As a short term fill in I should add.

Stay away from Chad Tracey

Middle Infielders

• Wow, this is why you have to take those MI’s early. I can’t recommend anyone right now. A big problem is dudes just don’t play everyday.

Emergency options: Clint Barmes, Emilo Bonifacio, Joe Thurston

Outfielders

• Michael Bourn – He started off slow but has picked it up. You roto guys might be desperate enough for steals.
• Jose Guillen – I spoke about him before and his safe 25 HR and 95 RBI’s he brings to the table.
• Austin Kearns – Another FM favorite should just be sitting out there for you to pick up.

Stay away from: The Twins outfield situation. I’m giving up on trying to track the rotation. The Twins just aren’t a team you want to get involved with in the long term either. It’s like keeping up with the Patriots running back situation. Sorry, I just got an itch for some football.

Starting Pitching

• Scott Richmond – Baseball Tonight was saying last night a scout compares his change up to Johan. I haven’t seen him pitch but the Jays always seem to have good young guys like that. Take a shot.
• Ian Snell – I’m still high on him from draft day with his 180 K upside. I’m recommending him against others on my stay away list that have had better numbers so far.

Stay away from Jarrod Washburn, Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro

I don’t care what the numbers are just remember who these players are. I don’t even care if they finish the season as top 20 pitchers. Let someone else roll the dice on them.

Relief Pitchers

• Latroy Hawkins – Sure, chase those saves if you have to.
• Tony Pena – His numbers are looking good so far. You could do worse.
• Manny Delcarmen – The ERA and WHIP are always great with him.

Stay away from Mark DeFelice and Kiko Calero