I already covered by thoughts on Anthony Gose to nab 40 steals in my 10 bold predictions — so he’s obviously a lock to do so, amirite — but I’ll elaborate a bit more. I love his speed potential and I see Jake Marisnick in a very similar way.
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Slow drafts have been progressing and with the weekend fast approaching, there is no doubt more auction and snake drafts will be happening. Regardless of the format, here is the roto relevant news from yesterday:
On today’s agenda:
1. Lower your expectations in Atlanta
2. Jaime Garcia progresses
3. Quick thoughts on Matt Joyce
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With no shortage of upsets in March Madness, let’s hope you, dear reader, do not get upset at today’s Roto Riteup.
On today’s agenda:
1. Matt Cain’s minor league outing
2. Bad news for Mike Fiers?
3. Matt Wieters could miss Opening Day
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If opportunity knocks, then Steven Souza is pounding on your door while calling your phone and blowing up your email inbox. I almost included Souza in my 10 bold predictions, but I believe he warrants more than just a quick blurb there.
Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays from the blocked off outfield of the Washington Nationals this off-season, Souza figures to be a staple in either corner for his new club. Now entering his age-26 season, Souza appears to be poised for an under-the-radar impact fantasy season. His skill set — plus playing time — make him a likely four category player. For two consecutive seasons he has nabbed at least 25 steals without being caught more than seven times and hit for at least 15 home runs.
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After getting our signals crossed on Monday (read: I dun goofed), today we have but one Roto Riteup for you folks.
On today’s agenda:
1. Spirits and velocity good for C.C. Sabathia
2. Dylan Bundy’s 100 innings limit
3. Quick thoughts on Craig Gentry
My 2013 predictions failed me, as did my 2014, yet I’m still feeling good about this year! I don’t think we need to retread old ground too much, but for the uninitiated, I currently sit at 0-20 lifetime. Without further delay, lets get this over with here are my 10 bold predictions!
1. Josh Donaldson will score 120 runs (or post 130 RBI)
I’m shoving all in on Donaldson in Toronto. Presumably he’ll form a triumvirate of power and on-base skills with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion and will most likely hit in front of those two. Scoring 120 runs is a feat that has happened just four times since 2010 and represents a 27 run increase for Donaldson from this year. I thought about predicting Donaldson as a top-5 player, however he is already top-20 or 25. Not enough of a jump for me to call bold, so 120 runs it is! Quick edit, as Donaldson may hit fifth rather than second. If that is the case, expect him to score fewer runs, but boost his RBI total to the 130 plateau, something only three players have done since 2010.
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Welcome to the first of many Roto Riteups this season! Zach Sanders and I are still in spring training too, so until the season kicks off, the RR will be here thrice weekly.
On today’s agenda:
1. Adam Lind is looking good
2. Yasmany Tomas to the outfield today
3. Zack Wheeler’s elbow issues
4. A broken collar bone for Ramon Santiago
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The 2014 version of the Cincinnati Reds outfield experienced some level of disappoint. Both Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick hit below league average in 400 or more plate appearances and Chris Heisey‘s 77 wRC+ in 299 PA’s didn’t help. Questions about Billy Hamilton’s bat and contact skills turned into legitimate concerns as the speedy outfielder posted a poor 0.29 BB:K ratio, tied for 122nd among 146 qualified batters. There should be power to be had with Marlon Byrd joining the team and Bruce potentially bouncing back. Just be warned that the rate stats the Reds OF will put up won’t be too pretty.
Left Field
Marlon Byrd
Donald Lutz
Skip Schumaker
Center Field
Billy Hamilton
Jason Bourgeois
Right Field
Jay Bruce
Donald Lutz
Skip Schumaker
In the Minors
Yorman Rodriguez
Jesse Winker
With a bonafide superstar manning first base — and third base eligible in some leagues — the Detroit Tigers infield offers a first round pick. The club also sports an upper echelon talent at second base, however shortstop, third base and catcher all have offensive question marks. Still, with Miguel Cabrera and Ian Kinsler anchoring the infield, no one is questioning the talent.
First Base
Miguel Cabrera
Victor Martinez
Second Base
Ian Kinsler
Hernan Perez
Shortstop
Jose Iglesias
Andrew Romine
Hernan Perez
Third Base
Nick Castellanos
Andrew Romine
Catcher
Alex Avila
Bryan Holaday
James McCann
The Washington Nationals offer talent all over the field and the players who roam the outfield is no different. There are options for speed, power or rate stats, though be cautious of the injury potential. Of what should shake out to be the normal starting three, Jayson Werth has a history of injuries, Denard Span underwent off-season hernia surgery and Bryce Harper was limited to 100 games last season due to a torn ligament in his thumb. Despite the injury concern the upside here is excellent.
Center Field
Denard Span
Nate McLouth
Michael Taylor
Left Field
Jayson Werth
Nate McLouth
Michael Taylor
Tyler Moore
Kevin Frandsen
Right Field
Bryce Harper
Nate McLouth
Michael Taylor
Tyler Moore
In the Minors
Brian Goodwin
Mike Carp