Known as the Sacagawea of fantasy primers, the Weekly Rundown guides head-to-head owners through a forest of obscure stats and exploitable matchups in an attempt to help solve lineup conundrums. While reading, keep in mind matchups are subject to change due to managerial moves, unforeseen injuries and Mother Nature’s influences.
LEADING OFF
On Friday, an 86-MPH Vicente Padilla(notes) fastball grew arms and punched Aaron Rowand(notes) smack in the face (gruesome video here). The result wasn’t pleasant. After remaining knee bent in the batter’s circle for several moments, the Giants centerfielder, who is no stranger to facial disfigurement, groggily walked off the field. The injuries suffered: two fractures in his left cheekbone and a mild concussion.
With Rowand presumably headed to the DL – he is attempting to avoid a prolonged absence – Eugenio Velez(notes) takes over everyday duties in center and in the leadoff spot.
Expect the one percent-owned commodity to take flight.
Though occasional impatience has plagued him (career 0.33 BB/K), Velez has always possessed a slightly above average skill set. Blessed with plus athleticism and blazing speed – he swiped 121 bases from 2006-2007 – the versatile 27-year-old has only been one opportunity away from becoming a lighter-hitting Denard Span(notes).
Including Saturday’s 3-for-5 (2B, BB, R, RBI) effort against archrival Los Angeles, the switch-hitter has amassed surprisingly useful numbers since late July ’09. Over 290 at-bats, he’s posted a .278 BA with five homers, 32 RBI 39 runs and 10 steals. His multi-position eligibility (2B and OF) labels him very serviceable for owners forced to field middle infielders. During his expected extended audition, he could generate appreciable numbers in runs and steals. He could also produce sneaky power totals. Twice already this season he’s belted three-run homers.
If Velez left Fantasyland tomorrow, would you still remember him?
For those struggling to unearth dependable MI options in very deep mixed and NL-only leagues (The Noise is looking at you Brian Roberts(notes) owners), the answer is unequivocally yes.
Won’t you fly highhh freeee bird ya!
QUICK HITTERS (Tidbits from Saturday’s slate): Livan Hernandez(notes), apparently motivated by Whoppers, induced 15 groundball outs en route to a masterful four-hit, complete game shutout of San Diego. He walked two and struck three. The seemingly ancient journeyman has not allowed an earned run in 16 straight innings. Knowing Livan’s past, an eruption is coming. Soon…For those searching for pop, Rick Ankiel(notes) could be your Muscle Milk. The converted pitcher spanked the Twins, reaching Souvenir City twice off Nick Blackburn(notes). He’s now batting .308 on the season with nine RBI…Nelson Cruz(notes) crushed his seventh homer of the season. It’s possible the ’09 All-Star could flirt with 50 bombs if he remains healthy. If that happens, a Casper-white fantasy writer may streak past your living room window. Don’t look directly into the bright reflecting light…Alfonso Soriano(notes) logged his third multi-hit game in his past five. However, he butchered a routine line-drive for his third error of the season. The rapidly rotting corpse may soon yield starts to Tyler Colvin(notes) unless he suddenly channels Gary Matthews…Juan Rivera(notes) cranked his third bomb of the season. The 59 percent-owned outfielder continues to produce steady results with little fanfare…More unrest in the Baltimore bullpen as stopgap Jim Johnson(notes) failed to defend a one-run lead against Oakland. It was his second consecutive blown save. Cla Meredith(notes) or former start Mark Hendrickson(notes) could be given the ball next. Maybe Dave Trembley should consider dragging Lee Smith out of retirement…Discussed in this space last week, Cardinals rookie Jaime Garcia(notes) had his second straight spotless performance, allowing just one hit (2 BB) with five strikeouts over seven shutout innings against the Mets (RE: Johan Santana(notes). The Law of Fantasy Expert Prognostication once again proved true.). The Cards’ No. 5 is still just eight percent-owned. He’s earned a roster spot in 12-team mixed leagues.
PULLS, STRAINS AND REHAB GAINS (Injury updates/notes): Manny Ramirez(notes) was unavailable (calf) for Saturday’s matchup with hated rival San Francisco. He’s currently listed day-to-day…Brandon Webb(notes) was officially transferred to the 60-day DL pushing his estimated return date back to May 25…Alex Gordon(notes) was activated from the 15-day DL. He pinch-hit and drew a walk against Minnesota. Finally, Willie Bloomquist(notes) can be rocketed into space…Chris Getz(notes) was placed on the 15-day DL with an oblique injury. With Gordon back at full strength, Funston snake charmer Alberto Callaspo(notes) will slide over to second to fill the void…Joe Blanton(notes) had a successful bullpen session Friday. He is expected to make his first rehab appearance on Tuesday, targeting a May 1 return…Miguel Tejada(notes) blew out a tire attempting to run out a bunt single. He left the field in pain. A 15-day siesta could be imminent…In more combustible hamstring news Mark DeRosa(notes) exited Saturday’s game with a strained right hamstring. Similar to Tejada, a DL stint is possible for the versatile asset…Kerry Wood(notes) could reclaim his closer’s role within a week. The adventurous stopper is slated to face live batters by the weekend, possibly returning to the Indians ‘pen next Monday.
DOUBLE DIPPERS
For stream conscious owners who want to push the innings-pitched envelope this is the list for you. Run support, ballpark factors, historical and recent trends, opposing offenses, opposing SPs, managerial tendencies and meteorological influences are painstakingly taken into account to give you the top double dippers of each week.
Other AL Double Dippers: Brian Bannister(notes), KC (at Tor, Min), Brad Bergesen(notes), Bal (at Sea, at Bos), Dontrelle Willis(notes), Det (at LAA, at Tex)
Other NL Double Dippers: Kyle Kendrick(notes), Phi (at Atl, at Ari), Dave Bush(notes), Mil (at Pit, ChC), Scott Olsen(notes), Was (Col, LAD), Charlie Morton(notes), Pit (Mil, at Hou), Craig Stammen(notes), Was (Col, LAD)
FEAST OR FAMINE?
Torn between two stat-similar infielders this week? Use the pitching and hitting staff sorters below to help you decide whether or not Adam LaRoche(notes) or Carl Pavano(notes) is fantasy feast or famine. Stats are for games played through April 16:
