Roto Riteup: March 20th, 2012

Today’s Roto Riteup features a guy with bad knees, someone who can’t hit, and a man who’s older than the earth himself. Sadly, all three of people are different and not one pathetic man.

–  Chase Utley is not going to be ready for opening day, as his knee problems keep on keepin’ on. I had suspicions that Utley was going to have issues both staying healthy and producing this year, ranking him 20th among second baseman while my compatriots place him an average of 9th. Utley is going to have these problems the rest of his career, so it’s not like you should be expecting a bounceback in keeper leagues.

–  Replacing Utley, at least in the short-term, will be prospect Freddy Galvis. The 22-year-old switch-hitter lacks power as well as patience, and his minor-league BABIPs do not inspire confidence. The Phillies may be fine with incorporating him into their lineup, but as a fantasy option, he is well below replacement-level.

–  Jamie Moyer is still attempting to leave spring training with a spot in the Rockies rotation, but missing time with injury and getting smacked hard by minor leaguers, his odds are getting to be as thin as the Rocky Mountain air. Even in super deep NL-only leagues, he’s not worth the gamble, even if you badly need innings.

A Pitcher For Today/Tomorrow
During the season, you’ll be finding recommendations for starters you could stream for the day after the notes, but this being spring training, I’m going to assume you aren’t playing some strange high-stakes spring fantasy game.

If you have anything in particular you’d like to see in this year’s Roto Riteup, please say so in the comments. Feedback is appreciated.