Status Check

I know its only been ten days, but I wanted to run through my Cool HWIP roster player by player and talk about each player's start. Keep in mind that I have the MLB Extra Innings package so I have watched all of these players intently, which carries much more weight than their numbers at this point.

Kelly Shoppach - 8 total at bats and he is on the disabled list. Awesome. I need a new catcher and pickings are slim on the waiver wire. I am currently deciding between Miguel Olivo and John Baker. Good times.

Kevin Youkilis - he is in mid-season form already. Dude is just an OBP machine, his command of the strike zone is so ridiculous that almost 50% of the time he either takes a walk or is patient enough for a pitch that he can drive. My most expensive player is going to pay big dividends for me.

Brandon Phillips - off to a so-so start, I think he has one homer and one steal, which is a 25/25 pace so I'm okay with the numbers. Only complaint is that it seems he is struggling at the plate with runners in scoring position. Not worried though, his numbers will be there at the end.

Erick Aybar - not running like the lead-off man for a Mike Scoscia team would be expected to. He is still the lead-off guy on a potent offense. I love his game in general, I think he'll get going sooner than later.

Aramis Ramirez - horrible batting average after a week and a half but has two taters. With A-Ram, all you worry about is the health. If he plays 150 games then he is a lock for .300-30-100. Just stay healthy big fella.

Adam LaRoche - a traditional slow starter. I think he has actually looked really good at the plate, just no homers yet (and that is why he is on my team). But normally he's a disaster in the first half, so if he can just be decent for now and then have his usual second half fiesta then we might be looking at 35 homers.

Kelly Johnson - tough to get a read on a guy hitting in front of the pitcher. He struggled in his first few games, then had three bombs in his next three games. With Miggy Montero on the DL, KJ moved up a spot in the order and is hitting seventh now. His one game with two bombs came out of the two slot - if he can move up into a more pivotal lineup spot, his numbers can be elite. But right now I'm still expecting the same 15/10 I was two weeks ago. Hasn't attempted a steal yet which is a little annoying but not panicking yet.

Nelson Cruz - do I really need to say it? Damn this boy is on fire. He spit hot fire like Dylan from Chappelle skit (what up Lupe). Six homers in his first thirty at-bats. If I can be a little picky, I mean I'm expecting twenty steals out of the kid so how about some singles so we can run a bit, heh? I love you Nelson.

Andrew McCutchen - Love. I just love watching this kid play baseball, that is all there is to it. I really regret not going the extra buck on him in my keeper league because I would love to be in the Andrew McCutchen business for the next four years. For now I only get to enjoy him in 2010 - maybe that will make me appreciate him more. One homer and five steals so far - he's gonna go 20/40.

Shane Victorino - struggled a bit out of the gate. Everyone blamed it on his new lineup spot (seventh). Now that J-Roll hit the DL, Vic is hitting lead-off and in his first game in the spot he went 4-5 with a triple, homer, and four RBIs. Maybe it was the lineup spot. He should get at least two and probably four weeks worth of lead-off ABs. Word.

Denard Span - one of the guys who watching him play is so much more important than his numbers after ten days. He's hitting under .200, but he is taking so many walks. He has so many long at-bats. When he does get on he is stealing bases and scoring runs. Basically, he is playing about as well as you can with a .150 batting average. Right now he is Larry Bird on an off night. When his jumper was not going down he would crash the boards, play defense and make sick passes. That's Denard Span right now.

Bobby Abreu - it must be Bobby. Bobby's just doin' his thang. Nothing to see here, just keep moving along while this thirty-six year old continues to be an OBP monster while contributing a little pop and speed.

Martin Prado - even though he is on my bench I am still keeping tabs on him. He's doin' his thang as well which is basically an empty .300 average. His biggest value to me is his multi-position eligibility. Any offensive player besides my shortstop and catcher can get injured and Prado will be able to fill in for them. Love that.

Cole Hamels - two bad outings vs. Washington. Well, bad outings surface stats wise. His strikeout and command numbers are there. Not worried.

Brett Anderson - twelve shutout innings to start the year. Kid just looks nasty, he's gonna be fun to own. Lets get to the seventh inning though in your next start, okay Brett? Thanks.

Scott Baker - one poor outing and one great outing. If he can avoid the terrible start he had last year then he's gonna be just fine.

Kevin Slowey - lacking his patented pinpoint control. Strikeouts are there though, he'll be fine.

Hiroki Kuroda - only one start so far but it was a beauty. Hopefully a harbinger of things to come.

Ian Kennedy - first start gave me a lot of hope. Second start was ugly. Has given up four homers so far. Jury's still out.

Brett Myers - ugly first outing, then had a beauty last night vs. St. Louis. Has ten K's in thirteen innings versus just three walks. I am cautiously optimistic.

Jason Hammel - did not get to watch his start but the numbers seemed decent enough, and it was at Coors where I already decided never to start him (due to his career numbers there, not because I am scared of Coors). He'll get some starts for me for good road match-ups.

Joakim Soria - kid is electric when he gets to pitch, unfortunately his team hates him and he is just not going to get enough opportunities. Love his skills though.

Kevin Gregg - just picked him up two nights ago. His stats won't start for me until Monday but he has officially been named the closer. Crossing my fingers that this one's gonna work out. If not, plenty of other saves will come into the league.

One transaction note - after Myers' great start last night, I offered him straight up for Brad Lidge. Trying to sell high I guess, but Lidge is injured and not even assured the closer spot when he returns. I'm willing to take my chances though.

CO Refinance | Coldwell Banker Business Cards | Marine Radio | Dog Stroller | laptops buy | AZ First Time Home Buyer | GA Refinance | FL First Time Home Buyer | menapause | auction website