|
Editor's note: Below you'll find the first in a series by Matt Dewoskin, yet another new Hurler staff blogger we're proud to introduce to you. Matt's plan is to go through all 30 MLB teams and highlight three players from a fantasy perspective -- one he'd like to draft, another he'll be happy not to, and a third who more people need to be looking at. First up: the Baltimore Orioles. Enjoy. --Bob
Player who will make me punch the screen when he gets drafted in front of me: Matt Wieters
I know that everyone and his aunt is into Matt Wieters, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want him on my roster. The choices after Wieters goes off the board aren’t pretty. The idea of Kurt Suzuki and Geovany Soto hanging around my roster again makes want to start a Fantasy Curling league. Wieters will likely be the last catcher off the board with any chance at having a big season. There also quite possible that this will be the last year that Wieters can be drafted after the ninth round. Bill James likes him to deliver a 20/75 season with a .311 average. CHONE seems to think that he’s due for a 15/64 season with a .289 average. Marcel is the only one who’s pessimistic on him this year. Marcel’s projection is only 10/46 with a .290, but Marcel is only predicting 392 PAs for Wieters. Barring a severe slump or injury, he’ll go way over that.
The downside: He will strikeout. A lot. He won’t get punched out at Chris “Glass Joe” Davis levels, but be prepared for Ks. If he gets over 450 at bats, he’ll likely strikeout 100 times. Brace yourself for more than a few 0-for-4 days with two Ks, but there will also be 2-for-4 days with a homer and three RBIs ... with a K mixed in.
The bottom line: Wieters is the next great fantasy catcher. He’s going to get at-bats this year. Baltimore simply doesn’t have anyone else. The Fightin’ O’s are all-in, and I think you should be too. Even better, if he has a big year you’ll be able to taunt your fellow league members with Matt Wieters Facts all year. This alone makes him worth a ninth rounder. Fact: I climbed the highest mountain in Nepal and asked a wise man for the meaning of life. He replied, “You're from Baltimore right? Go back and ask the catcher.”
Player who will make me fist pump because he’ll go two rounds earlier than he should: Nick Markakis
I’m not saying Nick Markakis sucks, but I am saying that there are better options available when Nick flies off the board in the fifth or sixth round. Who would you rather have, Andre Ethier and his possible 30/10 in the sixth or Nick and his 20/10 in the fifth? How about Shin-Soo Choo in the seventh? Or taking a thumper with warts like Carlos Quentin or Josh Hamilton in the eighth or ninth? I’d rather look for outfield help later than take a guy whose steals and homers have gone down in each of the last two seasons. He’s not running as much as and he’s not hitting the ball out of the ballpark as often.
The upside: Nick is only 26 years old and the O’s are more than a little frisky this year. He’s entering his prime years, and the team will be better this season. Nick’s numbers should see a bump because of it.
The bottom line: I’d love him in the sixth or seventh, but I think he’s going to go in the fourth or fifth. There are other options with more upside at that point in the draft.
Player who no one is buying but should: Brian Matusz
I’ve seen Brian go undrafted in mock drafts. He shouldn’t be. I think he’ll get shut down once the O’s are out of contention, but before that he could offer solid innings for late round value. He threw about 150 innings over three levels last year. I think he’ll get at least that at the big league level in 2010. Looking at Brian’s game log, he was only appeared overmatched in a few starts, and most of his struggles occurred the month after he made the jump from AA. Brian posted victories/solid starts in his last three outings. He shut down a Cleveland team that was carrying the golf clubs into the field. Then, he gutted through seven innings against a solid Texas lineup, and he held the Yankees to one run on four hits and three walks. I think he’s tasted success at the big league level, and it could continue into 2010.
The downside: He’s young and projects as a fly-ball pitcher. He gave up six homers over his eight big-league starts, with three coming in a disaster against the Blue Jays. There will be starts like this again next year. Also, he’ll probably be on a strict pitch count.
The bottom line: I think I’d rather have Matusz than Joba or some of the other starters with upside. He’s also likely to be available after the 20th round. If he reaches 150 innings, he could provide around 150 Ks and double digit wins with league average WHIP and ERA.
 |
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 