Hey Ho! We are back with another edition of the Full Court Press. Starting this Monday, we will be bringing pushing you hard every weekday with this very special column. The goal is to get you the fantasy news you need, before tipoff, draft time, face-off, the squib and of course the first pitch. Today’s Press focuses mostly on fifth starters named to the rotation. Let’s dig into the Full Court Press:
NBA:
The Too Little, Too Late Department:
- Lakers Center Andrew Bynum is getting back at it. The young big man is scheduled to take part in limited practice with his teammates today, but still is a long (I mean super long) shot in terms of helping your fantasy team. The Lakers aren’t even sure if he will be able to help them out in the playoffs.
-Suns Guard Leonardo Barbosa was scheduled to make his post-injury debut on wednesday, but stiffness ensued in his knee and he didn’t hit the court. Friday is the target, but even if he does get in the game, his minutes will surely be limited. Barbosa is someone to watch as the playoffs roll around, but I would still target teammates Grant Hill and Matt Barnes, who have been contributing lately.
-If you haven’t hacked a Shaq on Leon Powe, than do your self a favor and do it now. Powe isn’t scheduled to play at all for the rest of the season. If you were hoping to get some blocks from Powe, move it on over to Mr. Turnover Kendrick Perkins, who will grab you some boards and hopefully block some shots.
Players to Watch this Week/Weekend:
Did anyone notice that we saw two players handle their Mid-Life Crisis in two very different ways. On one side of the spectrum is the (wrong) Answer, who told local Detroit media that he wont ride the bench next season, and that if he doesn’t get starting (aka as 40 to A.I.) minutes that he will retire. I’m not buying it. He knows someone will give him minutes, or does he? I think Allen Iverson is a bit scared. The only thing I know is you don’t say things like that in Detroit without Reprimand. I think the boo birds will be out in full force April 5th when the Bobcats come to town. I really hope Larry Brown gets a good laugh and smile out of it, considering his little Bobcats are only two games behind the lackluster Pistons.
On the flip side, there is Vince Carter, who got moved over to small forward on Wednesday. How did he respond to the move? He told the local papers that he was fine with Coach Frank’s decision. Hmm, it seems just a few years ago, that wouldn’t fly. Has Mr. Carter matured? The remains to be seen. One thing though fantasy owners to watch is Carter’s decrease in scoring, while increasing in other categories. Might be a nice balance to help out your squad.
Back to the Player Watch-
Shane Battier, Houston- Hot damn, he has lit off like a Rocket the last three games! (Sorry couldn’t help myself) Battier is averaging 17 points, one block, 1.3 steals and 3.3 3s in this time period. I love the balance that Battier can bring down the stretch, especially with T-Mac down for the count.
Andres Nocioni, Bulls- He is back in the starting lineup, and lit it up against the Kings on Tuesday. He drained 19 points, well bringing 9 rebounds home for Chicago. I know it was against the Kings, but still, if this guy stays in the starting lineup, he has the potential to be one of the best balanced waiver wire pickups.
Daequan Cook, Miami- With Luther Head out of the lineup, Cook is going to have to step up his game, or at least head coach Erik Spoelstra believes so. Look for a significant minute increase.
Kelenna Azubuike, Warriors- Best name in the game, and he has been a really good option with Stephen Jackson not an option for the Warriors. 21 points and nine boards against the Kings on Saturday.
NHL:
-Carey Price won’t play tonight against against the Islanders. Price has the flu, so he wont miss a bunch of time (hopefully). A name to watch Is Marc Denis if this Flu lasts quite a while. He will most likely be recalled from the Minors. Price has been a pleasant surprise this season.
-10 points in 13 games for Sean Avery, who has turned it around since joining the New York Rangers. He is owned in 70% of leagues, so pick him up if you can. What are the chances he gets suspended before the season ends?
- Holy Toledo the Sharks are getting some guys back. Rob Blake, Marcel Goc and Tomas Plihal all could be back against the Oilers, after practicing on Wednesday. If you’re looking for some defensive help, here you go.
-Steve Sullivan of the Predators has made a mark since returning to the game. 27 points in 36 games. Hmmm, sounds like a good reason to pick him up down the stretch. Plus, you got to root for the guys coming back, like Sullivan who before this season last skated in the NHL in 2006.
NFL: The Quick Hit Blitz-
Jay Cutler to Detroit? How about Washington?- Wherever it is, Josh McDaniels and Co. could make a decision by this Friday. I don’t think the Lions are going to give up two first round picks this season, and are set on Matt Stafford with the number one pick. We will see what happens, but leaving Denver could really affect Cutler’s fantasy value in 2009.
Anquan in the Sun?- Cardinals Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin told a Palm Beach Florida Radio station that, “”I’m a Florida guy, always will be a Florida guy at heart,” Boldin said, confirming he still wants out of Arizona. “If it happens, I’ll definitely be grateful.” Fantasy Owners would certaintly be grateful. Though Chad Pennington isn’t a gun slinger, Boldin stretches the field and becomes the number one option instantly. Boldin probably won’t be dealt until closer to the draft.
Sanchez Shines in Southern California- Former USC standout Mark Sanchez shined at the USC pro day on Wednesday, throwing twice as many passes as his first round opponent, Matt Stafford. NFL.com’s Mike Mayock (former scout) says Sanchez has just as big of an arm as Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan. The Thundering Blurb, part of the fantasy sports channel, covered Sanchez’s pro day as well as other players at USC. Host Andrew Garda talked to Brian Cushing among others in his latest show, check it out.
MLB:
The Closer Conglomerate- Here are the names of some named closers going into opening day (Beyond the obvious names):
Fernando Rodney, Scott Downs (Still not official, but hinted at), Brad Ziegler, George Sherill, Houston Street, Jason Motte (unofficial, but Chris Perez was optioned), Matt Lindstrom (says he will be healthy), Jeremy Affeldt (Brian Wilson hasn’t pitched in 8 games).
Fifth Starter Watch-
Here are names recently named fifth starters:
Andrew Miller, Rick Porcello, Chan Ho Park, Sean Marshall, Brian Burres, Jordan Zimmerman, Livan Hernandez, Luis Mendoza, Scott Richmond.
News And Injuries:
Ross Gload will join the Marlins- This trade is for a plyaer to be named later, but doesn’t make sense to me. Unless Gaby Sanchez really wasn’t ready and Dallas McPherson wasn’t just as good as a player as Gload.
Glaus could miss up to all-star break- Just stay away, it’s the best advice I can give. Give Brett Wallace a flier, especially in keeper leagues.
Scott Baker on the DL- Shoulder stiffness is the reasoning, but He should only miss one start. no need to worry though.
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