Q:
I’ve got Bill Hall on my team and I’m worried about
what will happen when JJ Hardy comes back from injury. Should
I try to trade Hall?
- Steve
A: After spraining his ankle a couple weeks ago, Hardy is eligible to come off the DL this week. While I’m sure he’ll be ready to go, my question is if GM Doug Melvin will activate him right away.
Milwaukee is playing great baseball right now and Hall has been a big reason. He’s currently on pace to eclipse last year’s totals of 17 home runs, 62 RBI and 69 runs and ranks top-5 in the National League in slugging! There’s no reason to continue the musical chair scenario that the team went through in the first six weeks balancing playing time for the infielders.
Eventually,
I think the Brewers will deal Corey Koskie to free-up a permanent
spot for Hall. Koskie has been serviceable as the starting third
baseman, but there’s plenty of contenders who should be
interested in the veteran come the trade deadline.
Q:
Of all the rookies making their debut with the Angels in 2006,
who will be the most useful?
- Matt
A lot will depend on the next few weeks to determine just who will be most successful this season, but just about any Los Angeles rookie could be worthwhile to your fantasy team.
My bet would be with Kendry Morales for the time being. He’s started off sizzling after getting called up last week and adds power to the lineup - exactly what was lacking. When he’s not playing first he’ll probably be DHing and I’d pick Morales over Tim Salmon just about any day of the week. If he sticks with the team for the remainder of the season, a 15-20 home run, 70 RBI campaign isn’t out of the question.
Howie Kendrick isn’t too far behind, as the second baseman could be getting the call soon with trade rumors surrounding current starter Adam Kennedy. He’ll hit for a high average wherever he plays and could throw in a handful of home runs. If Kennedy does end up getting traded - the latest rumors have him going to Toronto - Kendrick will take over and stay at second for the next 10 years.
Jered
Weaver is a close third, but like all rookie pitchers, it’s
hard to really figure out what he’ll do. He’ll have
his ups and downs just like any other rookie starter.
Q:
Which of these second basemen should I trade: Rickie Weeks or
Josh Barfield?
- Kate
A: As of this moment, it would definitely be easier to deal Weeks, since Barfield is coming off of a prolonged slump at the plate. However, if you can deal Barfield, go for it.
Both of these guys are bound to be top-quality second basemen for years to come, but while Barfield is going through the normal rookie growing pains, Weeks got to suffer through them last year. You can see that in his batting line in 2006: .316 batting average, five home runs, 14 RBI, 42 runs and 10 stolen bases.
Even
though Barfield has had a rough time lately, you can still talk
up the fact he’s got seven stolen bases to other owners,
which should attract them. Weeks will probably outgain Barfield
in just about every category this year, so if you only want one,
Barfield has to go.
Q:
Who has been your biggest disappointment in fantasy baseball this
season?
- Larry
A: There may be too many names to mention. Personally, one of my teams has been nearly destroyed by the loss of Derrek Lee. Overall, all these players deserve a nomination:
Barry Bonds - Didn’t we all think he’d have 20 home runs by now before the season?
Roger Clemens - Who didn’t imagine he’d be out this long?
Randy Johnson - He’s had one or two good starts all year.
Jason Lane - Double digit home runs are nice, but he’s barely staying above the Mendoza line.
Jhonny Peralta - He was among the top-5 shortstops at the end of last year, now he’s barely above average.
Take
your pick. I’d gladly go with Johnson.
