Well, the fantasy season is one-fifth complete. This season has already had quite a few surprises, a number of stars on the DL, John Smoltz return to the pen, Nate Mclouth and Carlos Quentin’s incredible start, you name it.
However, it’s the time of year to discuss who’s for real and who’s to deal.
- Ryan Church (NYM) +
Church is off to the finest season of his career. Church was a key player in a measly Nationals lineup for a number of years. In his first year as a Met, Church is hitting .310 with 22 RBI, 23 Runs to go a long with 4 long balls as well. All the evidence points to a breakout season. Sandwiched between Jose Reyes and David Wright in the batting order, Church will provide RBI opportunities and no doubt about it runs across the board. Wright and Beltran’s protection in the lineup creates all the more chances he will see a pitch to hit.
- Corey Hart (MIL) +
Although Hart is off to a slow start in terms of power he too is in a similar situation as Ryan Church. Hart was pre-ranked 69th by the Yahoo Fantasy draft for good reason. Hart is a .300 hitter, he has power, speed, and he hits in front of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. Slumping power numbers and minimal run production have left Hart owners discouraged early this year. Hart too is a steal for the right price; there is no doubt about him hitting .285-plus averages, 15-25 HR, and being an 85-85 run and RBI man. See if you can’t find a deal to shore up that OF by acquiring Hart before he heats up.
- Mark Teixeira (ATL) +
Teixeira too is off to a slow start by his standards. Although, as I recall Tex had a slow start in ’07 as well and was among the best in the league after the all-star break. Teixeira is a premium first basemen and is far too good to continue at this pace. Perhaps a frustrated manager looking to shake things up may be willing to undersell Teixeira for the right offers. Look for Tex to get back to his true form soon, make sure you have him when he does.
- Jim Thome (CWS) +
Thome is putting up solid numbers across the board despite a .209 average. Yes, he is getting up there in his years, but Thome will find a way to get it done. In ’07 Jim hit .275 with a .410 OBP and a .563 SLG % while putting up nice numbers. Thome is an excellent source of power to fill empty UTIL spots, at worst he will hit for a .255 average – but he more than makes up for that in OBP. Don’t be fooled by the slow start, Thome will put up the numbers when all is said and done.
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