Brandon Lyon ruined my Opening Day. The Houston Astros had a chance to sneak a victory by the stacked Philadelphia Phillies. But Lyon foiled that plan, surrendering three ninth-inning runs in just 1/3 of an inning. If you’re doing the math, that’s an 81.00 ERA.
For the record, I don’t have Lyon on my fantasy team, just my hometown team. Which also hurts. But it’s a long season, and it’s too soon to label anyone a dud. Even Lyon, who will get a lot of chances in the closer role. Don't panic if your team is full of poor performers. A handful of games is hardly a good measure. But it’s not too soon to test the waiver wire and make some minor adjustments.
In no particular order, here are the candidates: (Please hold your applause until the end.)
Kyle Drabek – The son of Doug Drabek is one of the most hyped pickups, largely because of his near no-no last week. Boasts a 1.29 ERA with seven strikeouts. Available in 39 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Ben Francisco – With a 6-for-13 performance to open the season, the Phillies outfielder looks like a respectable replacement for Jayson Werth. With an abundance of good outfielders, Francisco remains a good option for deep and NL-only leagues. The real question here: Can he grow a crazy goatee like Werth? Available in 78 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Jordan Walden – The new Angels closer pitched a perfect ninth on Tuesday. Walden is scoreless in 3.1 innings with six strikeouts so far this season. Tough to say if this new role will stick with Fernando Rodney vying to win his job back. Available in 41 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Willie Bloomquist – Need stolen bases? Check out the Diamondbacks’ Bloomquist who has four swipes already. His line looks good too: batting .333, one home run and three RBI. Has position versatility, so even when Stephen Drew returns, manager Kirk Gibson could slot him elsewhere. A good deep or NL-only pickup. Available in 84 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Logan Morrison – Probably a little early to claim him, but his two home runs got my attention. Batting .286 with four RBI for the Marlins. Hopefully more than a fluke as he belted only two home runs last season. Keep your eye on him. Available in 66 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Yunel Escobar – Escobar’s power and production dipped last year, but his impressive start (.375 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI) gives hope that he’s returned to 2009 form when he hit .299 with 14 dingers and 76 RBI. Available in 40 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Connecticut – Too late to claim UConn, but this seems like the appropriate place to boast that I picked them to win it all. Of course, since I had three brackets, I also had them losing.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday 9-10 during football season, and before Texans games.
