Just one month ago, Corey Hart’s(notes) fantasy value needed
machine assistance to breathe. The once cherished outfielder, plagued by massive
swoons and general inconsistency, had played his way into a well-defined
platoon with Jurassic Jim Edmonds(notes). Third stringer Jody Gerut’s(notes) improbable cycle
May 8 in Arizona
threatened to wrest away additional at-bats. Patience for the 28-year-old in
both fantasy and reality was quickly wearing thin.
But, naturally, he "Never Surrendered."
Roughly two weeks later, Hart has stormed back. Though
collectively the Brewers, who’ve dropped nine of 10, have been Miller Lite in
many facets of the game, the lanky right-fielder isn’t to blame. Netting
everyday at-bats with Edmonds
on the shelf, he’s exploded blasting six homers with 11 RBI since May 15. His
long-ball burst has temporarily recaptured value lost.
Two seasons ago, Hart, coming off his second consecutive
20-20 campaign, was an early round darling. Pundits and casual players alike
expected the statistically balanced commodity to flirt with 30-30 greatness. At that
time, many shortsightedly labeled him a poor man’s Grady Sizemore(notes). However,
after a gut-wrenching ’09, many dismissed his two-year run as nothing more than
a McLouth-esque anomaly.
However, based on his recent power streak owners should wash
the bitter taste from their mouths, even in 12-team mixed leagues. Under the
hood, his stark improvement versus offspeed junk, particularly over the outer
portion, is directly responsible for his growth in walks percentage. And, presumably,
the homer spike.
Because of his increased choosiness at the dish, Hart is
beating once again.
•Evidently, Scott Rolen(notes) doesn’t realize he’s supposed to be
one groin pull from the nursing home. The oft-injured hot corner tagged two
round-trippers (Nos. 9 and 10) against intrastate rival Cleveland. He’s now
only third to Ty Wigginton(notes) and Mark Reynolds(notes) for most homers by a third baseman
this season. Incredibly the 17-year vet is owned in just 38 percent of Y!
leagues. Due to his excellent contact rates and previous power history, a
return to the 25-30 HR plateau is achievable. Just imagine if he played his
entire career on grass.
•Zack Greinke(notes) owners are officially uncomfortably numb after
the reigning Cy Young winner’s latest debacle. Over 3.1 IP, he was spanked for
seven earned (9 H, 1 K, 0 BB). His basic characteristics (K/BB, BB/9, BABIP)
remain strong, but digging deeper alarming signs are everywhere. Entering
Sunday, opponents had applied bat to ball on outside offerings 18.3 percent
more often than a season ago. That combined with a slight decrease in fastball
velocity along with an uptick in fly-ball percentage has those who shelled out big bucks for his services understandably concerned. Until he starts
missing more bats, occasional rocky performances are very possible. Stock up
on the Beam.
•Owners in dire straits for suitable outfielders should pay
close attention to Cleveland’s
Trevor Crowe(notes). The switch-hitter, who has some BA and steals upside – he swiped
28 bags at the Double-A level in ’07 – is 12-for-37 with five runs, a homer,
seven RBI and three steals on the season. With Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera(notes)
sidelined, he should remain a fixture atop the Indians lineup over at least the
next couple weeks. You’re not dropping proven talent for him, but the
one-percent owned leadoff man is a player of interest in deeper formats.
•Strange happenings galore dominated the "rivalry"
game between the White Sox and Marlins. Freddy Garcia(notes) and Randy Williams(notes) were
feeling overly generous yielding a combined five homers. The Toy Cannon, Cody
Ross(notes), eclipsed the outfield wall twice. The diminutive outfielder now has 24
RBI on the season, one more than Adam Lind(notes). Meanwhile, Josh Johnson(notes) who earned
his fifth win of the season, failed to record a strikeout over six spotless
innings. It was the first time in his career he did not K a single batter in a
start.
•Unknown just a handful of days ago, John Axford(notes) earned his
first save of the season. Closing the door wasn’t easy as he gave up three
hits, a walk and an earned run, but his three Ks shows how lethal his stuff can be.
As Behrens noted earlier Sunday, the flamethrower has the opportunity to become
Ken Macha’s primary end game option. However, baseball’s all-time saves leader,
Trevor Hoffman(notes), is convinced he has another life left. The 42-year-old, who
marched alongside George Washington at Valley Forge,
pitched a scoreless eighth on Sunday. If you haven’t already, grab Axford
immediately in mixed leagues.
•Baltimore
closer Alfredo Simon(notes) strained a hamstring after attempting to cover first base.
He is expected to miss at least the next few days. Desperate – and we mean
DESPERATE – saves seekers should employ Cla Meredith(notes) pronto. The righty, who’s
equipped with very pedestrian stuff, has a 5.14 ERA and 4.50 K/9 on the season.
He does coax plenty of weak contact, but his struggles historically with the
long-ball labels him unreliable. The side-armer served up a walk-off homer to Josh Willingham(notes) on Sunday. Pick him up at your own risk.
QUICK HITTERS: Though it wasn’t a clean save, Kerry Wood(notes)
slammed the door for the first time this season. He allowed one hit and struck
out one. More tumultuous outings are sure to follow in the future. … Roy Hallady
is mortal after all. The seemingly invincible starter allowed six earned over
5.2 innings pitch. Backups Greg Dobbs(notes) and Juan Castro(notes), who each committed
costly errors, did the multi-time All-Star no favors. The rough outing was only
the second time since 2007 Halladay had surrendered a minimum of six earned in
a game. … Widely available base burglar Corey Patterson(notes) stole his fourth base in
just 12 games. In terms of BA, he will be a ball buster, but the speed is very
real. Frankly, he’s on the same plane as Nyjer Morgan(notes). … In terms of pop, Gaby
Sanchez(notes) is Todd Helton(notes)-light, but after Sunday’s 3-for-5, three RBI, two run,
one SB performance against hated interleague rival Chicago, he’s on pace for a
15-70-80 campaign.… Armageddon is just around the corner. Carlos Silva(notes) extended
his record to 6-0 winning in Texas.
His offspeed emphasis, sharp command and terrific groundball rate arrows to
continued success. A repeat of ’07 is looking more and more likely. … Ben Zobrist(notes),
batting in the catbird seat for only the 12th time in his career, jacked homer
No. 2. He finished with three hits, two RBI and two runs on the day. A power
binge is well underway. … Toronto’s
Bash Brothers, Jose Bautista(notes) and Edwin Encarnacion(notes), each went yard yet again. Bautista
now has 38 RBI on the season, the third-highest mark in the majors. The Noise wonders if Adam B still considers him (profane)ty.
Finally on a somber note. Jose Lima(notes) died suddenly from an
apparent heart attack in Los Angeles. He was just 37.
Whether you loved or loathed his animated antics, fans would
mutually
agree the pitcher was brimming with life. His terrific back-to-back
stellar
seasons in ’98 and ’99 won many fantasy owners championships, the Noise
included.
Though we’re still convinced he actually conversed with
shrunken
spirits in his glove, the former All-Star’s colorful approach to the game and charismatic personality won’t be forgotten. Long live Lima Time!
—
Images courtesy of the AP