Monday, March 29, 2004
Bullpen/Backstop Preview
Hey, great, you made the trek over from the ESPN site. Let's take a look at the Halo bullpen, shall we? The Halos had an AL-leading 3.15 ERA last year and what's even better this year is that there really aren't any new faces from other places. Can we expect the same thing again? My answer would be--eh, maybe. How's that for bold?
Troy Percival
He's the closer. As well he should be. He's saved at least 27 games in each of the past eight seasons, the longest streak in the majors. Great run. Is it over? Not yet, but the time is approaching. He's 34, and that hip is just a tweak or two away from being serious all over again. While he's healthy, expect him to keep producing like he has been over the last eight year though. TP's still got all the skills and he'll ride those out as long as his body will let him. He's now longer a top 10 closer, but he's about as solid as it gets outside of the that group.
Save Opportunties?
It's all about the closer in fantasy baseball, the rest of the guys in the pen usually drawing little or no attention until they're giving us those saves we need so bad. Don't expect Brendan Donnelly to be giving you any soon. His nose condition, which has now resulted in three surgeries, is getting very serious. His return to should now be considered under the category of "no rush". His health's the most important and I think I speak for all of us when I say I wish him the best. K-Rod certainly still deserves his moniker and is now second in line behind Percy. He's got a great future ahead but there could be some speed bumps ahead. He got some great help in the field last year and was very fortunate. I would expect his 3.03 ERA to rise this year, maybe a lot. However, don't fret, he's still looking at great things ahead.
Blocking the Plate
The Halos will possibly break camp with three catchers--the Molinas and either Wil Nieves or Josh Paul. The only one who should concern you for your fantasy team is Molina--version Bengie. He's the two time defending AL Gold Glover back there, but that's not why he's fantasy viable. Around the All-Star Break last year, Bengie decided to start swinging at just about everything. Unlike most players who make this move, he still made contact almost all of the time. His power increased after this move as well, so it was double the pleasure. Never walking is bad, but hardly ever striking out makes up for it. Expect the HRs to stay this year, and--gasp--he could hit .300 this year. I know you just said, "What?", but it's true. The only worry you have with him on your roster is his hamstrings, which caused him to miss 15 games this spring and only allowed to complete his second game in a row yesterday. Scioscia says he won't play less once the season starts, but I'd keep an eye on it. Upside is 20 HR, .300 AVG. I know he's only hit over .280 twice in his career, but you can thank me in October if he does reach this admittedly rather lofty goal by the end of the season.
Troy Percival
He's the closer. As well he should be. He's saved at least 27 games in each of the past eight seasons, the longest streak in the majors. Great run. Is it over? Not yet, but the time is approaching. He's 34, and that hip is just a tweak or two away from being serious all over again. While he's healthy, expect him to keep producing like he has been over the last eight year though. TP's still got all the skills and he'll ride those out as long as his body will let him. He's now longer a top 10 closer, but he's about as solid as it gets outside of the that group.
Save Opportunties?
It's all about the closer in fantasy baseball, the rest of the guys in the pen usually drawing little or no attention until they're giving us those saves we need so bad. Don't expect Brendan Donnelly to be giving you any soon. His nose condition, which has now resulted in three surgeries, is getting very serious. His return to should now be considered under the category of "no rush". His health's the most important and I think I speak for all of us when I say I wish him the best. K-Rod certainly still deserves his moniker and is now second in line behind Percy. He's got a great future ahead but there could be some speed bumps ahead. He got some great help in the field last year and was very fortunate. I would expect his 3.03 ERA to rise this year, maybe a lot. However, don't fret, he's still looking at great things ahead.
Blocking the Plate
The Halos will possibly break camp with three catchers--the Molinas and either Wil Nieves or Josh Paul. The only one who should concern you for your fantasy team is Molina--version Bengie. He's the two time defending AL Gold Glover back there, but that's not why he's fantasy viable. Around the All-Star Break last year, Bengie decided to start swinging at just about everything. Unlike most players who make this move, he still made contact almost all of the time. His power increased after this move as well, so it was double the pleasure. Never walking is bad, but hardly ever striking out makes up for it. Expect the HRs to stay this year, and--gasp--he could hit .300 this year. I know you just said, "What?", but it's true. The only worry you have with him on your roster is his hamstrings, which caused him to miss 15 games this spring and only allowed to complete his second game in a row yesterday. Scioscia says he won't play less once the season starts, but I'd keep an eye on it. Upside is 20 HR, .300 AVG. I know he's only hit over .280 twice in his career, but you can thank me in October if he does reach this admittedly rather lofty goal by the end of the season.
