What a Weekend! Anyone else feeling the Monday morning hangover? All I know is I haven’t had a weekend full of sports like this. First I watch the NFL Draft all weekend, then I catch Jacoby Ellsbury steal home and help one of my teams boost to the weekly win on a Sunday drive. We had NBA Playoffs, and much more baseball action. So much action getting on, so let’s get to it with the Full Court Press!
Final Draft Notes:
Though this draft has been considered “Mediocre,” I really believe that we will have at least two top notch fantasy starters out of this class in 2009. Obviously there is Micheal Crabtree and Matthew Stafford, but with Knowshon Moreno going to the Broncos and a number of wide receivers going to teams that really need help, I think this is going to be a deep class. Later in the week I’ll highlight Moreno via the podcast. Also I will rank the best fantasy valued rookies in 2009. I’m very interested in the value in other rookie running backs already as well. Especially Beanie Wells. If he loses ten to fifteen pounds, watch out.
Here is the link to the pre-draft discussion that Chris Kolb and I had. It is pretty interesting in retrospect. Chris has his draft grades posted now, so check that out as well.
Tweet, Twit and Twitterin’ our way to the top:
Fantasy CPR is now twittering (no this is not a perverted action). I’m pretty excited about it. The Twitter handle is @fantasycpr, or you can click here to view the page. I finally realized that technology is begging me to do this. I just bought a typewriter on EBAY, and now this…. It’s going to be a hard transition. Kidding! (I did buy a typewriter for real though).
Here are the guys you need to follow in the Fansided community: @fansided @catcrave @12thManRising @blackandteal @ITIScott @thedawgblog (let me know bloggers if there are more of you out there!)
MLB Probables: (Probables are Starters for 04/28/09)
For the ‘Brave’ at heart-
Adam Eaton vs. the Angels: Eaton turned in the best performance from any Oriole pitcher this season in his last start, striking out nine, the most in a game for him since 2005. The Angels offense continues to struggle on the field as well, despite exploding on the Tigers before the weekend. He is going to need to prove he can go deep into games to keep his job, and if you have guts, he could get you a few wins before it is all said and done.
Phil Hughes vs. The Tigers- Hughes has been impressive in AAA action so far this year, but the Tiger offense is starting to come together. Magglio Ordonez hit his first homer of the year, and Brandon Inge continues to rake. But Hughes has done well in extended starts. He is 3-0 in the season at AAA. If he does well, this could start the transition of Joba Chamberlain to the pen.
Dave Bush vs. the Pirates- Ten starts and thirty two earned runs isn’t always a good combination, but despite Dave Bush’s record against the Pirates in his career, I suggest giving him a look. You have heard about the near no hitter in his last start, but he has given up three or less runs in all of his starts this year.
The Best of the Waiver Wire pitcher-
Jonathan Sanchez vs. The Dodgers- Sanchez didn’t pitch in his last start because of a bye week, but pick him up if possible. In his last start threw a gem. Two hits in 6 2/3 innings. He will be facing a tough lineup, but if his control is there, he can shut down the Dodger lineup.
Wandy Rodriguez vs. the Reds- Wandy has been the man so far this year, but like Rodney Dangerfield, my man can’t get no respect! He lost his last outing, but lowered his season ERA to 1.80. Everything has been consistent so far for Rodriguez, so give this guy a shot.
MLB News and Rumors:
Bailey Watch: The kid is marching his way back to Cincinnati. Bailey threw 118 pitches, striking out 15 and giving up two runs. Bailey got up to 118 in only 6 2/3 innings, and despite having a good outing, Bailey’s ERA is still in the sixes.
Snake Bite: News has been released that Brandon Webb will be out at least six weeks. Webb, who has had issues with his shoulder in the past, is shutting down throwing for at least three weeks to help cut the pain in the shoulder. Meanwhile the D-Backs lost an offensive presence as well, when Stephen Drew was placed on the D.L. Augie Ojeda will fill in until Drew’s hamstring heals.
Joe Mauer before the First?: Praise the baseball gods! Seeing that Mauer might return before his designated date is a very good sign that he is completely healthy. Mauer went 2-4 in his first rehab game, and the Twins are certain he is ready to get back at it. Ron Gardenhire says it is possible that Mauer could be in the lineup tomorrow.
All night games for your Monday, with some pretty good match ups to watch.
FanSided