Roto Riteup: March 17, 2013

Today’s Roto Riteup is an exercise in both self-gratification and audience appreciation.

On today’s agenda:
1. Aaron Hicks and Darin Mastroianni
2. Will Venable’s splits
3. Wil Myers goes to the minors

Aaron Hicks and Darin Mastroianni
After Ben Revere and Denard Span were traded to National League East teams this offseason, it appeared that Mastroianni may be getting his chance to show his abilities as an everyday center fielder. However, Hicks has emerged this spring and is likely forcing the hand of Twins management. Despite Hicks’ age and service clock, it is appearing more and more likely that the young right-hander will start the 2013 as a member of the major league ballclub. Mastroianni was an interesting late-round target in mixed leagues due to his speed and walk rate, but Hicks adds a little extra power to the equation. If he starts the year in the majors, I have Hicks as my last outfielder off the board in standard re-draft mixed-leagues, but he’ll certainly go much higher in keeper leagues.

Will Venable’s splits
Fantasy owners have not flocked to Venable for a variety of reasons, the chief being his home ballpark and struggles against left-handed pitching. The Padres have seen to it that Venable sits out against left-handers, and now they’ve continued to do their part in boosting Venable’s value by moving in their right-field fences. For his career, Venable has hit .283/.350/.482 on the road against right-handed pitchers, compared to .236/.309/.395 at home. Even if San Diego’s ballpark update doesn’t turn Venable into a stud, he’s a least an intriguing bench option whom you can rotate through on the road.

Wil Myers goes to the minors
No one should be surprised that the Tampa Bay Rays have shipped their top prospect to minor league camp, but it’s newsworthy nonetheless. Myers isn’t likely to see big league action until mid-June unless he agrees to a long-term extension comparable to the likes of Matt Moore and Evan Longoria. Even if he does sign such a contract, the Rays may want more time to evaluate Myers up close and personal in their system. Myers’ impressive pop and speed will keep him on fantasy radars for at least the next six years.

Selected Projections
Since drafts are upon us all, I figured I’d treat you Roto Riteup readers to a few of my personal player projections.

• Donovan Solano, 2B/3B/OF. MIA: 5 HR, 55 R, 50 RBI, 7 SB, .275 BAVG
• Josh Rutledge, MI, COL: 10 HR, 70 R, 55 RBI, 15 SB, .270 BAVG
• Welington Castillo, C, CHC: 13 HR, 50 R, 55 RBI, 0 SB, .258 BAVG