What is up to all – I hope many of you are at the game or at least watching it on your tele. Don’t worry, I’ve got the game dialed in and I just saw Eddy Volquez walk Ted Lilly with the bases loaded. What was that all about?
Let me introduce myself. I’m Chris Salzman and I’m the Cubbyswagger fantasy guy. I don’t have a cool nickname like Bill “The Sports Guy” Simmons or the “Talented Mr. Roto” but almost everyone calls me Salz. That works. Maybe Salz the Swagger? Nah, I guess we’ll work on that.
Anyway, for my first post on this amazingly awesome website, I want to keep it more general, talk about what I will be posting in the upcoming weeks then offer my first Swag Shop analysis. I’m going to provide insights on fantasy baseball, identify the hot sticks and fire arms, denouce the guys who are struggling, ponder why certain no-namers are outproducing all-stars, provide a little strategy for roto leagues, highlight key match-ups for weekend series, relay influential injuries, and hopefully pinpoint important call-ups or return to actions. A portion of my posts will feature content similar to what you would find on ESPN insider (but you don’t have to pay) or by Yahoo Fantasy experts. Of course, I have my own ideas and theories that Brandon Funston and the like may have omitted or overlooked. But the big difference between Cubbyswagger and the Yahoos and Sportslines is you will be getting some hometown lovin’. You are going to get exclusive Cubs fantasy coverage because I watch more Cub games than any other game. Because I can go Wrigley and uncover certain valuable idiosyncrasies and vital attributes that Baseball Tonight can’t give you. Come on, it’s safe to say Fernando Vina and Eduardo Perez can only get you so far. You need some Cubbyswagger.
I’m going to be versatile and open for comments. I’ll write what people want to hear about, and i more than encourage feedback. Post responses, email us. Tell us about your fantasy teams and where you appear to be having problems. Let’s make this section interactive.
Once a week, I will be opening the Swag Shop, which is essentially a compilation of the most current fantasy surprises, both positive and negative, that may still be on sale, (available in the free agent pool) that need to be sold, or that need to be acquired via barter. The Swag Shop is the marketplace for fantasy players, a place where players who are making an impact can be discussed. There is a section in the shop devoted completely to Cub product. It is a fun couple of aisles to learn about Cubbie fantasy. Check it out!
Before I open up shop, let me preface the cutting of the red ribbon with my credentials. I have played fantasy baseball and football every year since I’ve been 12 (I am now 22). I prefer Rotisserie leagues, but have competed in head-to-head as well. In 12 years I have 4 crowns, and never finished below 6th. Currently, I am in a Yahoo competitve roto league in second place. I prefer Yahoo, but have used servers such as Sandbox, CBSsportline, and ESPN. In high school I was a 3-year varsity picther and outfielder and currently play 16inch Chicago league softball. I love the game.
The Kitchen (Where the food is hot, but these players are hotter)
Nate McLouth (Pit, OF) - if you haven’t heard about this youthful cross between Eric Byrnes and Alex Rios, check your waiver wire and see if he is still available. 15 games into the season, McLouth has picked up at least one base knock in each game, not to mention adding timely homers (a game winner against the Dodgers) a couple of stolen bags, and 14 RBI. This collection of fantasy-appealing statistics has McLouth sitting pretty as the number 2 ranked offensive player in Yahoo roto leagues. This hard-nosed, traditional ballplayer may be in it for the long haul so try to snag him in a trade or pat yourself on the back for picking him up early (like I did).
Justin Upton (Ari, OF) - There is mad hype in Arizona right now. They are pitching, hitting and winning, and right there at the nucleus is the MLB’s youngest phenom, Justin Upton. Displaying power (5 HR, 12 RBI) and consistency ( .351 avg.), Upton has unexpectedly dropped bombs into the fantasy top-20. We could have guessed maybe a .300 hitter, some pop, and a inspirational-type persona, but these numbers are just plain confusing. So who’s the better Upton?
Floor Security (These thieves need a close watch while shopping at the Swag Shop)
About two an a half weeks into the season, stolen bases from our marquee, anticipated burglars have not been that apparent. The league leaders are lesser known, but highly valuable up-and-coming fresh legs that can potentially make or break your SB category.
The top three base stealers are Carlos Gomez (9), Michael Bourne (9), and Joey Gathright (7), all names not too familar to the common baseball fan. Those with more fantasy experience may have greater knowledge of the trio, but regardless, it is a big surprise they are ranked this highly. The good news, these speedsters may still be available in your respective fantasy leagues, as Bourne and Gathright are free agents in mine.
So why are the SB leaders still free agents? Their additonal stats are seemingly meager. Neither Gomez nor Gathright have homered, all three are hitting under .270, and combined they have only contributed 9 RBI. Normally owners have no problem sacrificing low power numbers as long as the persistent base stealer scores runs and hits for average. Not really the case with these guys. Since none of the three are true run producers, they may remain free agents in certain leagues.
However, I find it hard to believe that at least two or three teams per league couldn’t benefit from one of these guys. Owners noticeably lacking bags but are producing power and average should look at this trio as more than just a little enticing. Plugging one of these guys into that final OF spot or even Util could be advantageous especially if your 3rd OF/Util is a middle-of-the-road contributor. If you’re short on SB, try taking a trip to the Security Center.
If you have an pick between the three, go with Bourne. He has the most upside, also the most SB in the MLB, not to mention a couple of bombs with only 1 CS in his last 28 attempts. Bourne is the full-time guy in Houston, an opportunity he didn’t get to enjoy last year in Philly. If he keeps up this pace, you’re looking at a guy who can produce 20 bombs, 80 bags, and 70 runs. Keep this in mind: if a player homers twice every 20 games, that translates to 16 homers in 160 games. Just two homers every 20 games. Bourne can do that and maybe even more. Not bad for a third outfielder.
Frozen Foods (These guy are stuck in the freezer, waiting to defrost their struggles)
Troy Tulowitzki (Col, SS) - This cannon-armed sixer virtually came out of nowhere last year (24HR, 99RBI) to help lead the magical Rockies into the out-of-the-question post-season and, was a highly favorable option at shortstop entering draft season. His awful start has him ranked 811 in Yahoo roto leagues due to his .154 average and 7 total runs produced. Many predicted Tulowitzki to make even a bigger splash in the NL this year, and I think he will definitely make a turnaround. Nevertheless, he has already inevitably driven some fantasy owners into uncertainty. Maybe Troy’s onwer in your league is one of those doubters. If he is, try making a trade, you may end up getting an all-star for a huge bargain.
Russell Martin (LAD, C) - Martin played in 151 games last year, totaling 19 dongs, 87 ribbies, and 21 SB. He was a dream fill for the catcher position. But how can those numbers get much better? And can he even duplicate them? Currently, Martin is not even in the top 15 of all catchers and is on pace for nothing close to his 2007 numbers. He has logged only 1 HR and 5 RBI, not the ideal start for a player who I have seen drafted as high as round three. I don’t foresee Martin sustaining his numbers from last year, especially after playing the most games of all 2007 catchers and running around all over the field. He is 100% everyplay, and you don’t necessarily want that from your prized investment. His body may begin to feel the normal catcher wear and tear that he was seemingly immune to the past 2 years. Find someone who still believes in Martin, couple him with a player you don’t need, and get a quality SP and a high-tier catcher like Brian McCann or AJ Pierzynski in return.
Cubbie Corner (Part of the Shop that is all Cub)
Derrek Lee is the best fantasy player right now. Number 1 rank in Yahoo. And by the end of this season, he could once again be a top-5 fantasy player. We need 2005 Derrek Lee. That was when DLee dropped bombs (46) and hit .335. Unreal. And his start to 2008 is indicative that he is once again capable of generating those type of numbers. 2006 was a tragedy for DLee and Cubs fans. We only got him for about 50 games, and last year he felt the lingering effects of the injury. By no means was DLee’s .317, 22 and 82 last year a poor performance. We generally praise big-leaguers for those stats. But we hold DLee to a higher standard because we know he is awesome and can do better than last year. If Lee re-employs his powerful methods used to romp the NL in 2005, not only will fantasy owners be immensely rewarded, but the Wrigley community may experience something that has been missing for 100 years. Keep up the rout DLee, we love you man.
Alfonso Soriano is both fantasy joke, and an embarassment to baseball fans. That may change, it probably will, he should end up producing very solid numbers, but right now, Soriano is officially laughable. Aside from his putrid .175 average and 12 total runs produced, he just went on the DL for hopping like a 3-year-old at daycare who just got excited from finding a blue Crayola marker. He looked like a fairy when I saw him do it and not get hurt. Now, he officially has wings, a wand, and a lavender tu-tu. Alfonse, I hope you enjoy your time on the couch for the next 15-days. Make sure you get a lot of rest and get ready for your debut on stage, I mean, in left field at Wrigley. If you can make it past the foul-line hop.
Big Z is the man on the mound right now. He is the only current Cub on my fantasy roster, and I couldn’t be happier that he is the sole representative of the blue and red. With a 3.04 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, Big Z is right where he needs to be at this point in time. We know how important it is for him to establish his mental game. When he is sound mentally, he is less prone to fight with himself…and other other players on the Cubs. Keep throwing strikes Carlos, or watch out people in the front row third-base side.
Closing Time
Cubs lost today, just couldn’t get the big hit with runners on early. But there is another game tomorrow, and I’m going so they are definitely going to win. I hope you like the new section of the Swagger, and once again, send us some comments. And pick up Michael Bourne. Thanks.
–Salz
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