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 influence. NOTE: Because we’re in the midst of moving our family cross-country to McCainada (Arizona), this week’s Rundown is slightly abbreviated.
Forget Brooklyn Decker.
Andruw Jones(notes) once again looks good in a bathing suit – and on a fantasy roster.
No longer tempted by complex carbohydrates, the now svelte
Jones, who dropped 15-20 lbs during the offseason, is on the verge of a major
career revival. Not only noticeably thinner, he’s exuded a jovial attitude.
Loose and laidback it appears the 10-time Gold Glove winner has buried, at
least temporarily, his donut-craving likeness Anpoo.
Friday night was a prime example.
The birthday boy celebrated
his 33rd in memorable fashion clubbing two bombs to left, one of which sealed
the Mariners’ fate (see him blow out the candles here). It was his 39th career
multi-homer game and the first time a major leaguer went yard twice on his
birthday since Alex Rodriguez(notes) accomplished the milestone in July ’02. Widely considered deceased by 99.9 percent of the fantasy community
entering the season, his resurrection has been nothing short of amazing. As a result, Sox play-by-play man Hawk Harrelson has tapped into his inner Meg Ryan shouting "Yes!" repeatedly.
What’s more astonishing: he’s gliding around the bases with
the zeal of a 21-year-old. Over the past seven seasons, the former perennial
20-SB threat has averaged a mere 5.3 swipes per year. This season he already has three.
Because of Ozzie Guillen’s aggressive tactics, double-digit steals are
likely.
The signs of a turnaround were apparent in spring training.
The 15-year vet entered camp with a hungry attitude, determined to regain the
everyday form that terrorized NL pitchers for years. So far
so damn good. From Chicago beat-writer Bruce Levine:
"I’m really proud of him," Ozzie Guillen said.
"He came [into spring training] with one goal — to play every day. I remember
having a conversation with him. I said, ‘If you swing the bat good I will play
you.’"
Guillen’s growing confidence in Jones as one of the Sox’s
primary RBI threats greatly enhances his virtual value. Over the past couple
games, the shifty manager has slotted Jones into the No. 3 spot. Based on the
immediate rewards gained, it appears he will
stay entrenched there for the foreseeable future. It also means Mark Kotsay(notes),
who entered the season locked in a DH platoon with Jones, will remain firmly
planted on the bench.
It’s understandable why Jones is only currently owned in 16
percent of Y! leagues. Many owners are forever scarred by his Dodger days. Also,
his high strikeout percentage (31.7) doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. If the
current trends persist, a final BA around .250, not .290, is a certainty. However, his
fly-ball heavy profile (0.60 GB/FB), reignited bat/legs and steady PT are
nothing to scoff at. Remember, the five-time All-Star averaged 34 homers and
103 RBI from 1998-2007. He will post superb power totals in the smallish Cell.
It may seem unfathomable, but mixed leaguers with outfield
needs should give Jones another long look.
Yes, seriously.
Fearless Forecast
(Season): 430 at-bats, .257 BA, 29 HR, 86 RBI, 74 R, 12 SB
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: Ian Snell(notes), Sea (at KC, Tex), Kyle Davies(notes), KC (Sea, at TB)
Other NL Double Dippers: Zach Duke(notes), Pit (at Mil, at LAD), Aaron Harang(notes), Cin (at Hou, at StL), Bud Norris(notes), Hou (Cin, at Atl), Kyle Lohse(notes), StL (Atl, Cin), Jon Garland(notes), SD (at Fla, Mil), Oliver Perez(notes), NYM (LAD, at Phi), Jason Hammel(notes), Col (Ari, at SF), John Lannan(notes), Was (at ChC, at Fla), Daniel McCutchen(notes), Pit (at Mil, at 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 23:
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Image courtesy of the AP