Baseball has had its mind-boggling issues in the past with drugs, steroids and bench-clearing brawls. But their latest opponent is a manifestation of their own skeptical brilliance. What would you say if someday soon someone were to get hit over the head with a bat, or even impaled by one? Back in the day, you would probably say I’m full of a certain substance and to aim my critique elsewhere. But there is no denying that the use of maple bats to promote home runs is a very dangerous endeavor and should be banned immediately. I mean, the bat snaps and spews shrapnel like a fragmentation grenade across the infield, and this even happens when a player makes contact with the sweet spot. It’s an unneeded spectacle that shouldn’t be happening. The league must go back to the safer bats that are made of ash, because they can’t afford a tragedy due to a love affair with the long ball. It’s not safe, it’s not right and most of all it’s just a game. Wake up Major League Baseball!

Sorry for my rant folks, but after watching games all weekend and seeing a virtual fireworks display of kindling in every contest, I had to say something.

I know OPS isn’t a fantasy relevant statistic, but to me, it truly measures the overall hitting prowess of a player in monumental ways. Take a look.

One guy that has burst onto the scene this year is Chicago White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin. The 25-year-old lauded slugger is hitting .298 with seven dingers, 21 RBIs, 21 runs scored, two stolen bases and a 1.052 OPS in 84 at-bats this season. Over his last 10 games, Quentin has hit .394 with three long balls, six RBIs, seven runs scored and two stolen bases in 33 at-bats. He is mashing at a .328 clip against right-handed hurlers and has performed admirably inside the home confines of U.S. Cellular Field while raking at a .326 clip. On the flip side, he sports a lackluster .176 average against southpaws and has hit a subpar .263 on the road. However, Quentin showed plenty of promise when he was with the Arizona Diamondbacks, especially in their minor league system where he posted a .955 OPS in a total of 1,337 at-bats. But with the influx of young and talented outfielders in the desert, Quentin surprisingly became the fourth wheel. Good for Chicago! He encompasses a powerful and fluid stroke that is only enhanced by his new surroundings. If Quentin is somehow still available, grab him quick. Plus, if his owner has doubts, make sure you offer your support and volunteer to take the Stanford alum off of his or her hands. 

When former Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Dan Haren was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks, one of the guys that Oakland got in return was starting pitcher Dana Eveland. Currently, the 24-year-old southpaw sports a 2-1 record with 18 strikeouts, 11 walks, a 1.90 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 23 2/3 innings. He has also limited opposing hitters to a paltry .202 average on the season. In addition, he sports a nice 2-0 record with a 1.42 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP inside the home confines of McAfee Coliseum. Many “experts” have their doubts about Eveland’s stuff, his demeanor and his overall talent. But I have learned to never doubt the mind of Oakland general manger Billy Beane. Right now, Eveland is a great option in American League-only formats and a low-risk flier in deep mixed leagues. He has the arm and potential to make you look very smart once the season comes to an end. Just watch his control, he can be terribly erratic.

I just want to make a few points before I divulge into my bag of tricks here:

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman and my fantasy baseball love interest Mark Reynolds (back), is tied for second in the National league with five home runs. In addition, he is atop the NL in RBIs (15) and is tied for third in runs scored (13).

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Edinson Volquez is 1-0 with nine strikeouts, five walks, a 0.87 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 10 1/3 innings. Not to mention, he has limited opposing hackers to a paltry .222 average.

As you probably already know, I mentioned these two guys in last week’s blurb. I just wanted to remind you of how beneficial it is to own them.

It’s no fluke that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell is hitting .373 with six home runs, 17 RBIs and 11 runs scored in 51 at-bats this season. He’s in a contract year and has been flirting with legitimate stardom since his first swing for the Phillies in 2000. Chances are he’ll maintain his steady streak of 100-plus strikeouts that he has exhibited over his last eight seasons, and most likely sport an average around .285 by the end of the campaign, but he has surreal power and a career .855 OPS that screams production. If you can get this guy from a manager who still stares at his career .260 batting average clouded by a world of doubt, then pull the dang trigger cowboy.

Let me toot my own horn a bit. I really hope you listened to my annoying rhetorical rant about picking up Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds, because as I type this precious piece of fantasy insight, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound slugger leads Major League Baseball with five home runs and 13 RBIs. He currently possesses an eye-popping 1.109 OPS and has cranked .385 off of left-handed hurlers, which is 107 points higher than his 2007 mark (.278) against southpaws. I saw this coming, the MLB Extra Innings package works wonders for a man’s fantasy insight, so as I witnessed this guy culminate 2007 with a .319 average, nine dingers and 31 RBIs in 166 combined August and September at-bats last season, I knew a star was rising right in front of my almost green eyes. Go out and get him if it’s not too late. Hurry! Oh and don’t worry, Arizona’s other third baseman Chad Tracy (knee) won’t see the light of Arizona’s Chase Field if Reynolds maintains his torrid pace.

I’m thoroughly enjoying my free viewership of Comcast’s Extra Innings package, unfortunately my tour around the country ends tomorrow. Maybe I’ll buy it, hey J.D.; can you lend me some cash so I can continue to watch the guy that I’m about to talk about?

I know you know I love Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds, so I’m not going to come on here every week and recommend the guy, but I highly suggest you grab him before your fellow owners catch on.

Last season, the 24-year-old third baseman broke onto the scene with a .279 average, 17 dingers, 62 RBIs, 62 runs scored and a .843 OPS in 366 at-bats. Just watch his strikeout totals, he whiffed 129 times in 111 contests during the 2007 campaign.

On April 4, he broke out with a dinger and three RBIs against the Colorado Rockies. He’s young and has a true power stroke that will undoubtedly endorse his rising star. If you have room, take a chance on the University of Virginia alum, he’ll make you look very smart.

Kurt Suzuki (C) Oakland Athletics

The 24-year-old backstop out of Cal State Fullerton is just another hunch in a long line of Billy Beane’s OBP manifestations. Last season, Suzuki hit .249 with seven home runs, 39 RBIs, 27 runs scored and a .735 OPS in 213 at-bats. Although his career OBP
(.331) isn’t up to par with what Beane expects out of his players, his three hits and 1.069 OPS in eight at-bats in Japan could be an indication of what he might be able to accomplish in the near future. However, since his first big league hack in 2007, the 2004 second-round pick has posted an atrocious .145 average against southpaws and a .233 average inside the home confines of McAfee Stadium. Suzuki’s sample size is very small, but with catcher being so scarce, you could do much worse than grabbing Oakland’s backstop of the future.
Phenomenal Prediction: 460 AB, 55 R, 15 HR, 80 RBIs, 1 SB, .280 AVG

Ryan Garko (1B) Cleveland Indians

In what should be a stay reminiscent of a Brazilian vacation in a two-star hotel (I know from experience), Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano was demoted to the Single A Fort Myers Miracle for a start. Word out of Minnesota has the 6-foot-2, 225-pound southpaw making an additional start for Minnesota’s Triple A affiliate in Rochester as well.

I know a ton of you drafted the 24-year-old phenom in hopes that he would return to the form that saw him post a 12-3 record with 144 strikeouts, 32 walks, a 2.16 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP in 121 innings during 2006, but don’t lose hope.

He has looked spectacular in spurts during Spring Training, so with a little more fine-tuning, he should return to the form that made him a prime target in drafts.

Tommy John surgery in this era has worked miracles for many, so to expect Liriano to remain healthy and dominate isn’t far fetched. Although it may not be this season, next year should be special. In 2008, it’s safe to expect Minnesota’s ace to amass a 15-5 record with 160-plus strikeouts, a 3.10 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP in roughly 175 innings. The Twins will not push him to the edge, but maybe the brink. Stay tuned.

1.) David Ortiz (DH/1B) Boston Red Sox

In 2007, “Big Papi” registered career highs in batting average (.332), hits (182), doubles (52), stolen bases (three), OBP (.445) and OPS (1.066). He notched his fifth consecutive campaign with 30 or more dingers and 100 or more RBIs. In addition, last season was his third consecutive year with 115 or more runs scored and an OPS above 1.000. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound slugger is dominant, and with a healthy surgically repaired right knee underneath his engine, it’s safe to expect another awe-inspiring campaign from the 32-year-old walking smile.

2.) Travis Hafner (DH/1B) Cleveland Indians

In 2007, “Pronk” hit .266 with 24 long balls, 100 RBIs, 80 runs scored and a .837 OPS in 545 at-bats. Last season was the first time since 2003 that the 6-foot-3, 240-pound masher didn’t record a .300-plus average with at least 25 dingers, 105 RBIs, 90 runs scored and a .990 OPS. However, a new season spawns new hope, so it’s safe to jump on his back again to fill your utility role. He’s going very late compared to previous years in drafts, so there’s no doubt that you can grab the human tank after you’ve packed your roster with a few elite hackers. He should be gone by the sixth-round.

1.) Jonathan Papelbon (RP) Boston Red Sox

He’s undoubtedly the best closer in the game. Over the last three seasons, he has only blown 10 saves in 82 opportunities. He sports a lifetime 1.62 ERA and a career 0.92 WHIP. Plus, he has limited opposing hitters to a paltry .180 average in his three seasons of experience. Last season, he struck out 84 batters and walked 15 in 58 1/3 innings of work. At the tender age of 27, it’s safe to expect “Paps” to dance his way into the hearts of even more fans as 2008 should be another fantastic season for the fiery closer.

2.) J.J. Putz (RP) Seattle Mariners

Over his last two campaigns, Putz has only blown nine saves in 85 opportunities and has additionally registered a combined 10-2 record with 186 strikeouts, 26 walks, a 1.86 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP in 150 innings. In 2008, his bullpen is a bit shaky, but the addition of starting pitcher Erik Bedard and the inevitable breakout of starting pitcher Felix Hernandez on the horizon, Putz will have plenty of chances once the ninth inning rolls around.