Winter Movers and Shakers
The baseball season regular season is an endurance testing 162, the marathon of fantasy sports for mentally strong owners. Then again, even in the out-of-season winter months, between player movement and off-season surgeries, a fantasy baseball player’s calendar is fully booked. In case you’ve fallen behind in your preparation as we amble towards an early spring draft date, here’s a look at some of the higher profile moves of the summer and how they should play out in 2011.Adrian Gonzalez (SD to Boston) Though he’s put up more than capable numbers during his time spent in San Diego, Petco Park is traditionally a graveyard for power hitters. Still, Gonzalez has managed 30 homeruns in each of the past 4 seasons, including a career high 40 long balls in 2009. With the lefty slugger now stroking to the short right porch at Fenway Park, 40 homers stands as closer to a floor projection than his potential ceiling. Throw in a supporting cast of much higher merit and A-Gon is poised for career highs in both HRs and RBI this coming season.Adrian Beltre (Boston to Texas) Beltre has hit over .300 and/or broken the 100 RB plateau in just two seasons, 2004 and 2010, both contract years. Immediately following his last contract, Beltre dropped from a .334 avg, 48 HRs and 121 RBI to a .255 avg, 19 HRs and 87 RBI. The third baseman just signed a 5-year deal check back in 2015 when the then 36-year old Beltre suddenly finds his 3rd wind. Regardless of who’s batting around him or what kind of launching pad he calls home, don’t expect such impressive numbers without a payday looming.Dan Uggla (Florida to Atlanta) Much has been made of Uggla’s relocation to Atlanta; however, it is hard to imagine the slugging second basemen improving upon his 2010 campaign. Batting well above his .263 career clip at .287 (up from .243 in 2009), the spaces in the Turner Field outfield should help to keep the average steady, but don’t expect a rise in power or RBIs as compared to his Marlin days. Uggla hovers around the 30 HR plateau year in year out, never more than 33 or less than 27, not to mention the Ted is a pitcher’s park. The Braves’ success is also the product of strong pitching, lacking the table setters and speed on the base paths to provide higher than average RBI opportunities. Uggla won’t struggle, but marked improvement is doubtful.Zack Greinke (KC to Milwaukee) For a one year removed Cy Young winner to switch teams, Greinke’s change of address passed with relatively little fanfare. Moving from the AL to the NL manifests itself positively on the stat sheet, boding well for the new Brewer ace. While Miller Park caters more to batters, Greinke has the kind of untouchable stuff that makes such considerations irrelevant when his head is right. On that note, Milwaukee seems like a mundane, pressure-free enough destination for Greinke’s fragile psyche to stay screwed on straight. Expect a return to 2009 form.
by www.fantasyteamphoto.com on January 22nd, 2011 | RSS | trackback