Fantasy Baseball Spring Storylines: March 5 (Joba, Francis, and More)

Eric StashinMar 6, 2010

As the spring games roll on, the focus is going to shift greatly to the pitchers, where there are quite a few interesting battles brewing. Let’s take a look at how things played out in today’s games:

The Yankees-Rays game was full of young pitchers with varying results. The Rays’ duo of David Price (1.2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K) and Jeremy Hellickson (1.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K) looked good. The Yankees’ duo of Phil Hughes (2 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 K) and Joba Chamberlain (1.1 IP, 5 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 1 K) were not as impressive, especially Chamberlain. Joba had been suffering from flu-like symptoms earlier in the week, but given how significantly he was out pitched by Hughes, you have to wonder if it puts him behind in the battle for the fifth starter spot.
Brandon Morrow got his spring off to a good start (2 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K) while another youngster battling for a spot in the rotation, David Purcey, struggled mightily (2 IP, 7 H, 0 BB, 1 K, 3 ER). While I wouldn’t write Purcey off, after his struggles in ‘09, he’s a long-shot to make an impact in ‘10, especially given the Blue Jays’ depth. Morrow, on the other hand, should certainly be on fantasy radars.
Looking at the returning Jeff Francis as a sleeper? He didn’t get off to a good start, giving up four runs on four hits and two walks, striking out none, over two innings. Of course, its just spring, but I’d temper those expectations. In fact, he’s not even a pitcher I’m targeting (though I’d consider him off the waiver wire if he looks good early). How about you? Is he someone you’re looking at?
I know, teams try out different things in the spring, but it was interesting seeing Asdrubal Cabrera leading off with Grady Sizemore hitting second for the Indians. Is there any chance they open the season like this? It certainly would help Cabrera’s potential value thanks to the chance for more runs scored, so keep an eye on this one.
The Rays’ Sean Rodriguez has gotten off to a red-hot start. After going 3-3 with 1 HR, 2 RBI and 2 R, he’s hitting .833 with 3 HR and 5 RBI this spring. He was battling for a role with the team, with the potential to see time at 2B when Ben Zobrist goes out to the OF. He could be usable in AL-only leagues with the potential for more, so make sure you keep him on your radar.
The Mets’ Jonathan Niese is a real sleeper this year. The team has been talking about Fernando Nieve as the fifth starter spot, but Niese put himself on the map, striking out five in 2.2 innings. We’ll get more into his skill set in the coming weeks, but keep his name in mind.