Unless you live in a cave covered over by 100 years of history, you probably already know who Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce is. If you don’t know, he’s a 6-foot-3, 205-pound phenom that went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base in his first big league game. For Cincinnati’s Triple-A affiliate in Louisville this season, Bruce hit .364 with 10 dingers, 37 RBIs, 34 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a 1.023 OPS in 184 at-bats. He’s a 21-year-old talent that has a smooth as silk swing with the pop to keep a smile on your face for the rest of the year. If things go the way they should, expect Bruce to have the same sort of impact that Houston Astros outfielder Hunter Pence and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun had in 2007. Bruce is a finisher, a player that is capable of great things as long as he stays healthy. If you have the chance to pounce, do so in a hurry, his scorching talent won’t last long on a waiver wire full of has-beens and wannabes.

Another prospect that was recently called up is Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw made his first big league start Sunday, May 25 against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 20-year-old southpaw gave up two earned runs on five hits with seven whiffs and one walk in six innings of work. With Los Angeles’ Double-A affiliate in Jacksonville this season, the uber-prospect went 0-3 with 47 strikeouts, 15 walks, a 2.28 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in 43 1/3 innings. His stuff is elite and his talent is real. However, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jason Schmidt will be returning shortly with his diminished velocity and subpar stuff, so there is a chance that the Dodgers will turn to the proven veteran over Kershaw. But until then, Kershaw is undoubtedly worth a roster spot and should be stashed away if the frail Schmidt does return. Kershaw is an option in every possible format, don’t be the one to pass on what he has to offer.

The “experts” out there are starting to sour immensely on Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios. I mean, it’s understandable, especially since the 6-foot-5, 215-pound bluebird is hitting a paltry .268 with three dingers, 22 RBIs, 26 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in 209 at-bats thus far. I know it’s worrisome, but if you take a look at his past numbers, there really is nothing to worry about. Currently, Rios has a .715 OPS, which if the season ended today would be his worst since the .703 mark he posted in 2005. To me, what we are seeing now is a product of the horrendous lineup that he is anchored in, and the absence of Toronto outfielder Vernon Wells (wrist). The Blue Jays’ offense ranks 16th in Major League Baseball in batting average (.258) and 21st in all of baseball in runs scored (209). Rios is a career .286 hitter for a reason, so don’t worry about his recent swoon. In addition, over his career, Rios has hit a combined .291 in 669 June and July at-bats.

Quick Notes:

- Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Dana Eveland is 1-1 over his last four starts with 18 strikeouts, 10 walks, a 1.95 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP in 27 2/3 innings.

- Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shaun Marcum is currently tied for third in the AL with 65 strikeouts. If he starts 33 games this season, the way he’s pitching now points towards a possible 200-strikeout campaign for the developing stud. Can you say bargain?

- Former Boston Red Sox outfielder David Murphy has morphed into a true player for the Texas Rangers. On the season, he’s hitting .289 with six dingers, 36 RBIs, 28 runs scored and five stolen bases in 211 at-bats. He’s legit; trust me, his decent .807 OPS proves my point.

- Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has gone 13-for-40 (.325) over his last 10 contests with three home runs, 12 RBIs, eight runs scored and one stolen base.
Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

On the season, Lester is 3-2 with 42 strikeouts, 31 walks, a 3.41 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 66 innings. Over his last five starts, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound southpaw is 2-0 with 26 strikeouts, 12 walks, a 1.57 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP in 34 1/3 innings. His pitches are electric, his velocity has been dominant and his overall tenacious demeanor has morphed the once tentative hurler into a breakout stud. I’m not going to lie to you, I didn’t really see Lester’s rise to stardom coming. But when he tossed the no-hitter against the Royals, I saw a 24-year-old pitcher transforming right in front of my eyes. Lester should maintain his streak of solid starts, so grabbing him from a fellow owner is highly recommended as he has solidified himself as a definitive fourth option on any fantasy roster. Not to mention, he has been absolutely dominant inside the vibrant walls of Fenway Park this year while maintaining a solid 2.72 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP and a staunch .204 clip hit off him by opposing hackers in 39 2/3 innings.

It’s time to start keeping tabs on Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria. On the season, the 22-year-old rookie is hitting .246 with five home runs, 20 RBIs, 16 runs scored and three stolen bases in 126 at-bats. Over his last 10 contests, the Long Beach State alum has hit .308 with one home run, six RBIs, five runs scored and one stolen base in 39 at-bats. His swing is as sweet as a Slush Puppie and his baseball prowess is top-notch. His future value shines like a brightly shined diamond when you consider that the phenom hit .299 last season with 26 dingers, 95 RBIs, 97 runs scored and four stolen bases in 485 at-bats between Tampa’s Triple-A affiliate in Durham and Double-A affiliate in Montgomery. However, Longoria is horrendous against left-handed hurlers with a puke-worthy .133 average thus far, but against right-handed pitchers he’s cranking at a decent .281 clip. In regards to Longoria’s flaws, his futility against southpaws and knack to swing and miss, which is exemplified by his 37 whiffs on the year, are noticeable scars. However, he’s a fantastic young player that is worth a shot if you have the room for nurturing a talent that could make a sickening impact come August.

I’ve always known that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth had the potential to make an astounding impact ever since I saw him mash home runs out of Shea Stadium during batting practice last season. Up to this point, it’s safe to say that the 29-year-old has been robbed of crucial playing time year after year since his first Major League Baseball hack for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002. I mean, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound goliath smacked three dingers with eight RBIs against the Blue Jays May 16. On the season, Werth is hitting .270 with nine home runs, 26 RBIs, 21 runs scored and seven stolen bases in 126 at-bats. In addition, he’s sporting a .885 OPS and is hitting at a nice .321 clip against left-handed hurlers. My recommendation of Werth comes with extreme caution. Due to his horrendous inconsistencies against right-handed pitching this year, which his noted by a .233 mark against them, he’s being used more as a left-handed specialist. But in deep mixed formats, he is undoubtedly worth a flier with the hopes that he can transmit his success against left-handers to right-handers as well. We shall see, but for now, if you have the room, he deserves a roster spot for the time being.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick is for real folks. On the season, he’s hitting .341 with 12 dingers, 32 RBIs, 29 runs scored and two stolen bases in 126 at-bats. Not to mention, he has a disgusting 1.176 OPS. The true determining factor here is this. In 2007, Ludwick hit .267 with 14 home runs, 52 RBIs, 42 runs scored and a .818 OPS in 303 at-bats. He sports a lifetime average against right-handers of .298 and has registered a .800-plus OPS in each of his last two campaigns, which shows an obvious trend of gradual improvement. His tenacity and grit are key ingredients to his tasty game, and I fully expect the 29-year-old to maintain his solid pace this season and provide his owners with a constant smile.

Just a few quick notes to ease your mind, I love Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Greg Smith. He’s 24, and has 46 strikeouts on the season, which includes 10 that he notched in a game against the Texas Rangers in early May. Not to mention, his 1.18 WHIP screams sign me.  If I were you, I’d listen to his WHIP.

Also, I told you so in regards to Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Edinson Volquez. A 7-1 record with 62 strikeouts, 30 walks, a 1.33 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP in 54 1/3 innings says a lot. I hope you took advantage of my sick advice, because I know I did.

One more thing, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Chad Billingsley will finish in the top-three in strikeouts amongst MLB pitchers. Just so you know he currently sits happily tied for fourth in whiffs (60) amongst MLB squads with injured San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jake Peavy (elbow). If you ask me, Peavy’s done for the year.

Thanks for reading!

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

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.

The impending return of Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Chad Tracy (knee) next week poses a serious threat to the playing time of my main fantasy squeeze in Arizona third baseman Mark Reynolds. Over his last 10 games, Reynolds has hit a horrifying .189 with no home runs, three RBIs, four runs scored, one stolen base and 14 whiffs in 37 at-bats. On the season, his once elite OPS has plummeted to the depths of obscurity with a sickening .731 mark and his .225 average against left-handed hurlers is simply nauseating. In addition, he has hit a ghastly .232 with 37 strikeouts against right-handed pitchers and sports a .150 batting average away from the home confines of Chase Field. However, his propensity for consistent streakiness is a fluent trait for the 6-foot-1, 220-pound masher, so jumping ship two months into the season shouldn’t be an option yet. However, the growing health of Tracy is worrisome in regards to fantasy, simply due to the fact that they play the same position and that Tracy cranks a career .308 average off right-handers. Tracy has hit a paltry career .222 of southpaws, so Reynolds’ competition should only come when right-handers are on the mound, which unfortunately is a common occurrence. Also, Tracy has four years of experience under his belt and sports a career .288 average. Personally, I don’t think the Diamondbacks will pull the plug on Reynolds right away, but keeping a guy that’s hitting .230 with his last home run coming April 25 in the lineup is borderline insane. Monitor the situation closely.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting for Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios to dominate for a few years now, and I’m still waiting. Over his last 10 games, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound bluebird has hit .222 with one home run, one RBI, four runs scored, two stolen bases and 15 strikeouts in 45 at-bats. He seems to be impatient and terribly distracted at the plate. Plus, his current OPS (.774) is not even close to the mid-.800 numbers that he posted over his last two campaigns. In addition, with 37 strikeouts in 143 at-bats this season, he’s on a torrid pace to notch nearly 150 by the end of the year, something isn’t right. Also, he’s hitting .200 against left-handed pitching, which is 86 points lower than his career mark against southpaws (.286). Historically over his career, April (.309) and May (.304) are two of his best hitting months. This season he hit .306 in April, which is fine, but is now hitting an inexcusable .222 in May. My take is this, either he has some sort of hidden injury, or he’s trying way too hard to crank balls through the Rogers Centre roof into the Toronto skyline. Sooner or later, he will get spoken to, and the situation will get fixed. So until then, start him with confidence, and don’t forget he still steals a decent amount of bases, which is supported by four consecutive seasons with 14 or more swipes.

Keep a very close eye on Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera. On the season, the 6-foot-9, 269-pound flamethrower is 3-1 with 34 strikeouts, 24 walks, a 3.54 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP in 53 1/3 innings of work. In addition, he has limited opposing hackers to a staunch .206 batting average. I feel that “D-Cab” has finally turned the corner in his rollercoaster career. Most of his bumps have been due to his horrendous control, which he’s still trying to harness, but he does appear to be fine-tuning it pretty well. Over his last five starts, he has gone 3-1 with 23 strikeouts, 12 walks, a 2.45 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 36 2/3 innings. Cabrera has been the center of sleeper conversations since his first MLB pitch in 2004, and he’s still only a soon-to-be 27-year-old developing pitcher. I highly recommend Cabrera, because if this streak of quality starts is a hint that the best is yet to come, it’s time to hook a trailer up to him and enjoy the ride. He has the stuff to be one of the best pitchers in the game.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

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. 

I’m sure you’ve heard the name Max Scherzer in plenty of other write-ups out there. But did you know that he notched seven strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings of scoreless relief April 29 against the Houston Astros? He recorded 13 outs with ease and routinely nailed 96 mph on the gun, he even notched 98 once or twice. His nasty changeup was registering at 84 mph and his confidence was beaming. Here’s the deal with the University of Missouri alum, he was called up to take his licks in Arizona’s bullpen, but as of yesterday, he’s slated to start Monday, May 5 against the Philadelphia Phillies. He must be claimed in your league, if you’re in need of pitching his presence on your roster is imperative. His impact this season will resemble Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano’s arrival in 2006 and San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum’s successful initiation last season. There is also the possibility that he’ll take over the ninth-inning duties from current closer Brandon Lyon if his role as a starter heads south, it won’t. Oh, I almost forgot, while Scherzer was pitching for Arizona’s Triple-A affiliate in Tucson, he started four games and recorded 38 whiffs, three walks, a 1.17 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP in 23 innings. I repeat! He is a must-have in every format! His value is across the board.

It appears the Atlanta Braves knew what they were doing when they received starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for shortstop Edgar Renteria. On the season, Jurrjens is 3-2 with 28 strikeouts, 13 walks, a 3.05 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 38 1/3 innings. He has also limited opposing hitters to a stingy .193 batting average. His future success was blatantly obvious when he posted a 3-1 record with a 4.70 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and limited opponents to a paltry .220 clip in 2007. This year, he has allowed one dinger and a total of five long balls in 69 career innings. He has allowed a measly five earned runs over his last three starts in 19 innings. His 6.57 K/9 rate this season is a promising statistic, especially when you consider that it’s an increase of 2.75 whiffs from his 2007 K/9 rate of 3.82. The 22-year-old is improving with every start; it’s time to make sure his continued development takes place on your roster.

I was perusing over the waiver wire today in one of my shallow mixed leagues and noticed that Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria’s name was waiving back at me. On the season, Longoria is hitting .273 with three dingers, 10 RBIs, 10 runs scored, two stolen bases and a .915 OPS in 55 at-bats. He is hitting a sickening .350 against right-handed hurlers and appears to be ready for what should be a fantastic career. However, he does have his drawbacks. For instance, he’s hitting a nauseating .067 against southpaws and only has a .226 average inside the home confines of Tropicana Field this season. If he wants to bring his game to the next level, vast improvements on those numbers must be made. His future looks bright though, especially if you consider that he hit a combined .304 with 44 home runs, 153 RBIs, 138 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a .933 OPS in a total of 733 at-bats in Tampa’s minor league system. He’s legit folks; it might be time for you to make a bold, yet keen move.

It’s time to make a move on Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz. He’s starting to heat up like a furnace in the dead of winter. Over his last 10 games, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound slugger has hit .300 with four long balls, 17 RBIs and nine runs scored in 40 at-bats. Expect his smoldering bat to continue to burn bright.

According to the Chicago Tribune, third baseman/outfielder Josh Fields could be promoted to the White Sox in the near future due to some visa issues that outfielder Alexei Ramirez is having. Keep tabs on the situation, Fields has serious power.  

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

If you’ve read my stuff in the past, namely last season’s sleeper article, you know that I’m very fond of Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Conor Jackson. On the season, Jackson is hitting a nasty .377 with three dingers, 17 RBIs, 18 runs scored, one stolen base and a potent 1.186 OPS in 53 at-bats. He’s mashing a ludicrous .524 with a 1.402 OPS off left-handed hurlers and is raking at a .379 mark inside the home confines of Chase Field. Plus, he’s hitting fourth in a sick home-grown lineup that ranks fifth amongst Major League Baseball squads in batting average (.278) and OBP (.358). Between outfielder Justin Upton, third baseman Mark Reynolds and outfielder Chris B. Young, the snakes are coming together very nicely, and appear ready to rock for years to come. If Jackson is somehow still available, grab him now. He could be this year’s supreme breakout bat.

It might be time to worship at the altar of Chicago White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin. For years now, all I’ve been hearing about this guy is that he possesses legit big-league power. Finally, after various bouts with injuries, it seems that the rumored powerstroke has made its first appearance. Over his last six games, Quentin has hit .278 with three long balls, five RBIs and six runs scored in 18 at-bats. I know he’s currently hitting a putrid .241 in 54 at-bats on the season, but don’t underestimate the kid. Don’t forget, in 166 at-bats during his first year of MLB experience in 2006, he cranked nine dingers and posted a solid .872 OPS. In deep mixed formats, he is a must-have player. His potential for power, especially in the hitter-friendly home confines of U.S. Cellular Field is immense. Just don’t pay any attention to his .174 average at home; it’s his power you’re after.

It might finally be time for Florida Marlins starting pitcher Scott Olsen to reap the rewards of his undeniable talent. On the season, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound southpaw is 3-0 with 13 strikeouts, eight walks, a 2.60 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 27 2/3 innings. He has also limited opposing hackers to a sparkling .192 average. Olsen exhibited loads of promise over his first three years in the bigs. Especially when he went 12-10 with 166 strikeouts, 75 walks, a 4.04 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 180 2/3 innings during his 2006 campaign. So what he’s doing this year should not come as a surprise to anyone. If you plan on making a run at the 24-year-old, just remember that he has emitted a lot of immature antics on and off the field since his first pitch in the majors. Currently, I’d recommend Olsen if you have some room on your bench in deep mixed leagues. Just watch his spotty command; he’s still trying to harness it.

Now is the time to pounce on San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain. On the season, Cain is 0-2 with 19 whiffs, 15 walks, a 6.64 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP in 20 1/3 innings. In each of his last two campaigns, the 6-foot-3, 246-pound right-hander has struck out 160-plus batters and posted a sub-1.30 WHIP. However, like Olsen, he has absolutely horrible command, which is exemplified by his 166 combined free passes over his last two seasons. In addition to playing on the offensively inadequate Giants, Cain’s confidence seems to be a bit shaky as of late. Opponents are currently hitting an inexcusable .263 off him, which is 40 points higher than his career mark of .223. Plus his WHIP (1.77) this season is a monumental 51 points higher than his career mark of 1.26. As streaky as he is, his potential for stardom is real, so if he’s floating around your waiver wire like he is in my league, don’t hesitate to claim him. You won’t find a better high-reward pitcher for free. If the kid ever gets it going and lassos his true value, he’ll morph into a legitimate ace. Use him in favorable matchups until he truly starts to roll, call it a hunch.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning. He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com. In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

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.

In most formats, Atlanta Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar is eligible at second base, shortstop and third base. He’s a 6-foot-2, 200-pound 25-year-old developing stud that has provided his lucky owners with a solid .345 average, three home runs, 11 RBIs and 12 runs scored in 55 at-bats thus far. For me, he has filled in admirably for injured Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins (ankle). Escobar is currently sporting a 1.019 OPS, has hit safely in nine consecutive games and has cranked at a .379 clip off of right-handed pitching this season. Folks, he’s legit, trust me. I’ve been watching this kid since his days with Atlanta’s Double-A affiliate in Mississippi.

The bats of the Detroit Tigers have finally come out of hibernation. They have scored 30 runs combined over their last three contests and have looked dominating in doing so. Currently, starting pitcher Justin Verlander is struggling immensely. He has a 0-2 record with 13 whiffs, eight walks and a 6.52 ERA in 19 1/3 innings. However, if you can believe me, there are some very promising signs to the stuff that Verlander has been tossing towards the plate this year. For instance, he currently has a 1.19 WHIP and has limited opposing hitters to a staunch .203 batting average over his first three starts. If you have the spare parts hanging around your roster, throw some bait out to your fellow owners. You just might hook the 6-foot-5, 200-pound hurler.

Cultivating sleepers is one of my favorite pastimes. Finding those hidden gems to decorate my roster with is as gratifying as, well, you know. One guy that you may or may not have heard of is Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth. He currently sports a .382 average with two home runs, 14 RBIs, 13 runs scored and two stolen bases in 68 at-bats. In addition, he boasts a nasty 1.065 OPS, a disgusting .435 average against southpaws and a righteous .356 off of right-handed hurlers. The 26-year-old McLouth is currently in the midst of a 15-game hitting streak and is showing no signs of regression. If you’re starved for some outfield depth, you will not walk the plank with McLouth on your roster.

The potent elixir of talent and potential that New York Mets starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey has been rumored to be toting is finally fermenting just right. Over his first two starts this season, Pelfrey is 2-0 with seven strikeouts, four walks, a 1.50 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in 12 innings. He has also limited opposing hackers to a demoralizing .227 batting average. The 6-foot-7, 230-pound hurler out of Wichita State is only 24, so what we have been seeing could be a sign of what’s to come. However, he’s still young and has a career ERA of 5.09 in a total of 106 innings, so the possibility of an implosion or two is real. If he’s available and you have the room, grab him.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

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 didn’t believe in what Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter did last year in Minnesota. I thought that the .287 average with 28 dingers, 107 RBIs, 94 runs scored, 18 stolen bases and a .839 OPS were a total farce, an oasis in the middle of Minneapolis. But hey, the guy is raking the ball this year. In 39 at-bats with the Angels, Hunter has hit .308 with four dingers, eight RBIs, seven runs scored, one stolen base and a devastating .998 OPS. Don’t tell anyone, but I almost traded him for a bag of balls and a six-pack of Sam Adams. I’m glad I kept him, at least for now.

As a lot of you probably know, I put a lot of emphasis on a player’s OPS from previous years to measure his future success, that’s why I love Mark Reynolds so much. But another guy that you should pay close attention to from now on is Florida Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermida. He just returned from his little hamstring problem, so his health should finally be on your side. In 2007, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound soon-to-be stud hit .296 with 18 dingers, 63 RBIs, 54 runs scored and a .870 OPS in 429 at-bats. He combined to hit .338 with 12 dingers, 41 RBIs and 40 runs scored in 281 at-bats during July, August and September last season. His dominance is beginning to boil in the Florida heat, so make sure you grab some sunblock if you plan on grabbing him. His 2007 OPS (.870) was 170 points higher than the .700 mark he registered during the 2006 season in 122 less at-bats (307) than the 429 opportunities to crack the ball he had during the 2007 campaign. I smell a true breakout. Enjoy!

Unless you live in a cave covered by granite rock that is thicker than the earth’s core, you know that 22-year-old Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto is disgusting and absolutely filthy. I’m sure he showers though, so don’t be scared to grab him if he’s available. But I want to talk about the guy that people seem to peruse right over when talking about the young and immensely talented pitching staff that calls Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park home. His name is Edinson Volquez. During all the hoopla over the past month about Cueto, Volquez, who was acquired in the mindless trade of outfielder Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers, has quietly succeeded in his quest to grasp a permanent role with the Reds. Thus far, the 24-year-old has notched a 1-0 record with eight strikeouts, two walks, a 1.69 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 5 1/3 innings. Last season with the Rangers, he went 2-1 with 29 whiffs and 15 walks in 34 innings. He has nasty stuff and a mid-90s fastball that has the ability to make hitters routinely swing and miss, which I know makes everybody happy. If you’re hurting for pitching, you could do much worse than a guy that struck out eight batters in his first start of the year. Oh, just so you know, he posted a 2.70 ERA with 26 strikeouts and four walks during Spring Training. Make sure you own this super sleeper when he truly awakens.

I figured I would save the best for last. This is Boston, I know how it is and you know how it is. We all know how people react to certain individuals and newsworthy incidents. For instance, a ton of people in this town hated what starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka did for us last year. I for one was adamantly not one of those nauseating individuals. Personally, I don’t know how you discredit a guy that struck out 201 hitters during his first campaign pitching in America, or how you find something wrong with a 15-12 record? How do you manifest an argument against a guy that is durable enough to start 32 games and pitch 204 2/3 innings? You can’t! Now as Matsuzaka’s adjustment to the American game nears completion, the consistent thud of people jumping back on the “Dice-K” bandwagon is grinding at my brain. Everyone loves his 2-0 start and his league leading 22 strikeouts. Plus, he looks unhittable with a 1.47 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP tucked discretely in his back pocket. This is the Dice-K I saw during the 2006 World Baseball Classic, this is the guy I saw mowing down dazed Japanese hitters on YouTube. His stuff is dominant and yes, sometimes erratic. But his undeniable elite repertoire is blazing hitters away in 2008. However, I’m sure there are some owners that still feel uncomfortable starting the 27-year-old import on a regular basis. My advice to you is to find that owner and get Matsuzaka on the cheap, at least before he contends for the American League Cy Young Award. Mark my words. I think he’ll win 18 games, whiff 220 hitters, record a 3.10 ERA and notch a nasty 1.25 WHIP this year. Get him, you won’t be sorry.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

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.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning. He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com. In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

Kurt Suzuki (C) Oakland Athletics

Ryan Garko (1B) Cleveland Indians

In 2007, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound masher hit .289 with 21 home runs, 61 RBIs, 62 runs scored and a .842 OPS in 484 at-bats. He sports a career .358 OBP and has cranked a lifetime .319 off left-handed pitching. In 2008, Garko will be playing fulltime at first base, something that he has never done over his big league career. In addition, his lifetime .835 OPS indicates the possibility of solid production in the coming years for the 27-year-old.  He plays in a stacked lineup and is smack-dab in the middle of his prime. He might not blowup like Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard did in 2006, but the production he might provide at your utility spot or as a No. 2 first baseman could be insurmountable. If 2007 was any indication of his future, you’re going to be a very happy owner.
Phenomenal Prediction: 560 AB, 85 R, 28 HR, 95 RBIs, 2 SB, .295 AVG

Aaron Hill (2B) Toronto Blue Jays

The 26-year-old infielder hit .291 with 17 home runs, 78 RBIs, 87 runs scored, four stolen bases and a .792 OPS in 608 at-bats during 2007. Over his career, he has posted a .305 average against southpaws and a .281 clip against right-handed hurlers. In addition, he has notched a .303 batting average with 15 dingers, 88 RBIs, 115 runs scored and a .805 OPS in 770 Rogers Centre at-bats. However, Hill has posted a grimy .260 average in 173 career April at-bats. Since Hill’s first season in the bigs during the 2005 campaign, he has done nothing but positively progress offensively. Expect big things from the 5-foot-11, 195-pound LSU alum in 2008.
Phenomenal Prediction: 600 AB, 95 R, 20 HR, 85 RBIs, 6 SB, .305 AVG

Stephen Drew (SS) Arizona Diamondbacks

In 2007, the 25-year-old brother of our esteemed orthopedic burden J.D. Drew hit .238 with 12 home runs, 60 RBIs, 60 runs scored, nine stolen bases and a .683 OPS in 543 at-bats. I know what you’re thinking, but 2007 was his first full season in the bigs. He has a ton of upside coming into 2008, and his productive spring only enhances his value. I’m not going to sit here and type a novel about the putrid offensive splits that he has posted over his 756 career at-bats. But I can tell you one thing, Drew possesses immense talent and once he puts it together, he will be a force. He is a No. 2 shortstop going into the season, take a chance on the kid, he might surprise you.
Phenomenal Prediction: 580 AB, 80 R, 15 HR, 75 RBIs, 18 SB, .270 AVG

Mark Reynolds (3B) Arizona Diamondbacks

I have invested a lot in the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Virginia alum. During his inaugural season in 2007, Reynolds hit .279 with 17 home runs, 62 RBIs, 62 runs scored and a .843 OPS in 366 at-bats. In August and September combined last season, Reynolds hit .319 with nine dingers, 31 RBIs and 33 runs scored in 166 at-bats. In addition, he hit .287 with seven home runs, 34 dingers and 26 runs scored in 167 Chase Field at-bats. However, he did strikeout a ridiculous 129 times during his limited 111-game debut. The youngster has immense potential and I truly believe he’s going to tear it up in 2008. Watch and see.
Phenomenal Prediction: 550 AB, 90 R, 26 HR, 95 RBIs, 2 SB, .285 AVG

Lastings Milledge (OF) Washington Nationals

The trade to the Nationals will provide Milledge with the much needed opportunity to shine. In 358 career at-bats, he hasn’t done much. But he possesses power and speed, which is a very tempting mixture for fantasy owners. He’s worth using in all formats and could morph into one of the premier outfielders in the game this season. Watch his strikeouts; he whiffed 42 times last season in 184 at-bats. However, he posted a .787 OPS, which indicates that the soon-to-be 23-year-old could be on the verge of something special. Keep an eye on him though; he has had a lot of conduct problems in the past.
Phenomenal Prediction: 590 AB, 80 R, 20 HR, 85 RBIs, 20 SB, .285 AVG

Jeremy Hermida (OF) Florida Marlins

Hermida (hamstring) was just placed on the 15-disabled list Saturday (retroactive to March 21). The loss of third baseman Miguel Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers will hurt him and the squad immensely. But if last season’s .296 average with 18 dingers, 63 RBIs, 54 runs scored and a .870 OPS in 429 at-bats is any indication of his future, the sky is the limit. However, to succeed like a star, Hermida must improve upon his lifetime .262 average against left-handed hurlers and his tendency to swing and miss; he struck out 105 times during the 2007 campaign. His career .811 OPS indicates stardom, so make sure the 24-year-old uber talent is on your team when his true potential is finally unveiled.
Phenomenal Prediction: 540 AB, 85 R, 25 HR, 90 RBIs, 8 SB, .305 AVG
 
Jeff Francoeur (OF) Atlanta Braves

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound slugger is not a sleeper you would expect to see on a list like this, but I couldn’t resist. Last season, Francoeur’s plate presence matured a bit, he walked 19 more times than his 23 free passes in 2006 and notched a .338 OBP, which was 45 points higher than his 2006 mark (.293). His home run power dipped by 10 bombs in 2007, but he registered a .782 OPS, which was a 40-point increase over the .742 mark he notched in 2006. He is only 24 years young and takes his hacks in one of the National League’s most potent lineups. If you can’t tell, I love Francoeur.
Phenomenal Prediction: 590 AB, 90 R, 30 HR, 110 RBIs, 5 SB, .305 AVG

Dustin McGowan (SP) Toronto Blue Jays

In 2007, the 26-year-old hurler registered a 12-10 record with 144 strikeouts, 61 walks, a 4.08 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in 169 2/3 innings. He finished the 2007 campaign off with a September that saw him go 4-2 with 41 strikeouts, 13 walks, a 3.79 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP in 40 1/3 innings. His 8-3 record with 76 strikeouts, 25 walks, a 3.27 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 85 1/3 innings inside the Rogers Centre was elite. McGowan’s talent is evident, so be prepared to pay an expensive price for his services via trade. He won’t disappoint.
Phenomenal Prediction: 200 IP, 16 W, 3.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 185 K

Matt Garza (SP) Tampa Bay Rays

Call me what you will, but there is something about this guy that intrigues me. I’m not going to go over his stats from last year, but I just have a hunch. Not much to say here, because his numbers don’t support a thing. If you have space, grab him; see what he can do in 10 starts. There is no fact based on this opinion, just a gut feeling.
Phenomenal Prediction: 185 IP, 10 W, 3.80 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 160 K

George Sherrill (RP) Baltimore Orioles

Sherrill was one of the main pieces to the trade that sent former Baltimore ace Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners. Last season, he recorded a 2-0 record with three saves, 56 strikeouts, 17 walks, a 2.36 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings with Seattle. Over his career, he has limited opposing hitters to a paltry .208 batting average. Although the O’s won’t win a ton of games, there’s no doubt that when called upon, Sherrill should be golden.
Phenomenal Prediction: 60 IP, 3.45 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 70 K, 4 W, 32 S

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning.  He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com.  In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.
 
 

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.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning. He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com. In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.