Manufacturers of Kelly Johnson 2.0 have issued a recall. Unfortunately, they reinstated the older, achier and less effective 1.0 model. Warranties will not be honored.
While opening the gates with a spectacular display of power and production (.313 AVG., 9 HR and 19 RBI in April), Johnson has become um…mediocre. The question is, do you use April or May as the predictor for the next four months?
In Johnson’s case, it could be his achy-breaky back, which has kept him out of the lineup for two games. Or perhaps the slump warranted a little rest – I dunno. If you own Johnson, don’t panic – perhaps my best and most offered advice for any frustrated owner. It makes me feel all wise and Yoda-like saying it. With a little depth, you can sit him for awhile and test another second baseman (Alberto Callaspo, for instance).
My general rule of thumb is it’s good to take chances with a few of your spots, but you’ve got to have solid performers in other areas. Otherwise, your lineup becomes a guessing game, and too streaky to manage effectively. If you have Johnson, no need to dump just yet, unless you really want to roll the dice.
Here are some players to consider if you have other broken parts on your team:
Alberto Callaspo – Mentioned above, Callaspo has put together impressive numbers, posting a .313 average, 7 homers, 30 RBI and 22 runs. He has remained fairly anonymous because most Royals not named Zack Greinke are. Available in 33 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Clayton Richard – Currently on two Lil Bow Wow rosters, Richard is another player who has quietly performed well. According to Yahoo, Richard is 4-0 with a 1.97 ERA over his last four starts, with an overall 2.73 ERA. Available in 69 percent of Yahoo leagues.
John Ely – The rookie Dodger has emerged as a quality starter. Standing at 3-1, Ely is enjoying a 3.41 ERA, coupled with 28 Ks in only 31.2 innings pitched. Available in 81 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Bret Cecil – Ignore May 14 and he’s been brilliant. Currently boasting a 3.42 ERA, which is a huge accomplishment considering his octo-game on that dreaded day in May when he gave up eight earned runs. Available in 90 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning during the football season. And if you want more, more, more, check out Erin's blog on Fantasy Pros 911.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
My crystal ball ran out of batteries
Maybe it’s Kelly Johnson’s 10 home runs. Or is it Phil Hughes holding opposing batters to only 10 hits in four starts? Or what about the resurrection of Barry Zito, who owns a 1.49 ERA with five wins? Or Dallas Braden’s perfect game? Or what about Chad Ochocinco, who remains a contender in fantasy dancing?
Not sure which is most surprising. But no one anticipated these things.
What a fun, and unpredictable season it’s been so far. And obviously not just for fantasy reasons. The games have been really entertaining, even with no skin in the game. But you’re reading this because you care about one team in particular, your fantasy team. I have a few fantasy pickups, just for you…
Mike Leake – Cincy’s pitcher has quietly put together nice numbers. While owned in only 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, the rookie boasts a 3.10 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, with 28 Ks over 40.2 innings. He’s only given up more than three runs once this year, and it was five runs in eight innings, which isn't disastrous if it's your only blip. Get him while you can.
Starlin Castro – The young Cub made a spectacular debut, going 2-for-5 with a triple and six RBI. Certainly, he can’t maintain that. But with the plethora of decent outfielders, it’s a good position to chance. That is, if you don’t already have a solid outfield.
Jhoulys Chacin – The sophomore pitcher is gaining attention around the league for his recent performances. He’s scoreless in 15.1 innings, while striking out 16. While he’s listed as a relief pitcher, he’s currently in the Rockies starting rotation. Guess the Colorado pitcher stigma no longer exists. Owned in 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, and climbing quickly.
Chad Qualls-ity Check
Chad has broken into the 6s! His ERA currently stands at a less embarrassing 6.94. Qualls hasn’t given up a run since April 26, and hasn’t been booed since April 21 when he gave up a game-winning, three-run home run to the Cardinals’ Skip Shumaker. Keep it up, Chad. I will be charting your progress.
Draft Day
My good friend and colleague Esther and I attended the Houston Texans Draft Day Party. Here we are having fun reacting to various draft picks. For my slightly more serious reaction to the Texans first round pick, check out the video on Sports Radio 610's web site. My only regret is that producer Dan Matthews didn't zoom in more.
Not sure which is most surprising. But no one anticipated these things.
What a fun, and unpredictable season it’s been so far. And obviously not just for fantasy reasons. The games have been really entertaining, even with no skin in the game. But you’re reading this because you care about one team in particular, your fantasy team. I have a few fantasy pickups, just for you…
Mike Leake – Cincy’s pitcher has quietly put together nice numbers. While owned in only 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, the rookie boasts a 3.10 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, with 28 Ks over 40.2 innings. He’s only given up more than three runs once this year, and it was five runs in eight innings, which isn't disastrous if it's your only blip. Get him while you can.
Starlin Castro – The young Cub made a spectacular debut, going 2-for-5 with a triple and six RBI. Certainly, he can’t maintain that. But with the plethora of decent outfielders, it’s a good position to chance. That is, if you don’t already have a solid outfield.
Jhoulys Chacin – The sophomore pitcher is gaining attention around the league for his recent performances. He’s scoreless in 15.1 innings, while striking out 16. While he’s listed as a relief pitcher, he’s currently in the Rockies starting rotation. Guess the Colorado pitcher stigma no longer exists. Owned in 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, and climbing quickly.
Chad Qualls-ity Check
Chad has broken into the 6s! His ERA currently stands at a less embarrassing 6.94. Qualls hasn’t given up a run since April 26, and hasn’t been booed since April 21 when he gave up a game-winning, three-run home run to the Cardinals’ Skip Shumaker. Keep it up, Chad. I will be charting your progress.
Draft Day
My good friend and colleague Esther and I attended the Houston Texans Draft Day Party. Here we are having fun reacting to various draft picks. For my slightly more serious reaction to the Texans first round pick, check out the video on Sports Radio 610's web site. My only regret is that producer Dan Matthews didn't zoom in more.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning during the football season. And if you want more, more, more, check out Erin's blog on Fantasy Pros 911.
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