Date: 1 Mar 2010 Comments: 4 so far

Published by Keith Giordano in: Author-Keith Draft Prep News Player Analysis

Fernando Rodney  (RP – LAA) –  According to Rodney, he is not after the closer’s role.  However, he doesn’t have to necessarily be after it to wind up in it.  Brian Fuentes is getting up there in age, and his effectiveness took a big hit in 2009.  After all, there was a reason that the Angels felt the need to sign Rodney in the first place.  While Rodney’s WHIP was just as bad as Fuentes in 2009, it would not be a surprise to see some sort of committee in the bullpen should Fuentes continue to allow so many base-runners in early 2010.  An interesting stat:  Despite Rodney’s 1.47 WHIP in 2009, he blew only 1 save in 38 chances.

Bobby Jenks  (RP – CWS) –  I like Bobby Jenks for the 2010 season.  He has showed up to camp 20 pounds lighter, and has quit drinking alcohol.  In 2009 his K/9 rate rose for the first time in years, and he seems to be re-decicating himself to his craft.  His job security is fairly high, and if he actually can continue to maintain a good K rate, he should be just as strong as he usually is.  Bump him up a few slots on your cheat sheets.

Troy Glaus  (1B/3B – ATL) –  Troy Glaus makes for an interesting fantasy baseball sleeper in 2010.  He is healthy, and looking good early in camp.  Of course, just because he is healthy at this particular moment doesn’t mean that he will stay that way, and you should be aware that drafting Glaus contains some risk of injury.  However, if you can get him late or cheap, he should be able to provide nice pop.  His defense at first base is still a project, so track the progress he makes during the spring to make sure a full season of ABs is assured (barring injury).

Rajai Davis  (OF – OAK) –  According to Ricky Henderson, Davis has the speed to lead the league in stolen bases in 2010.  However, the crowded nature of the Oakland outfield makes me worry about him getting the ABs he would need to do so.  After 404 major league ABs in 2007 and 2008 during which he struggled to maintain a decent batting average, 2009 saw him hit over .300 for the first time.  He still needs to work on taking walks more often, but he did hit for a decent average in the minor leagues.

Jose Reyes  (SS – NYM) –  In his first AB, Jose Reyes hit a triple and ran without a problem.  This is a good sign for those of you in keeper leagues that held him over for 2010.  However, it does not mean that the risk involved in owning him has gone away.  He will still be one play away from re-injuring that hamstring all year long.  I have said it before: Jose Reyes is the highest risk/reward gamble for the 2010 season, and he won’t be cheap.

Drew Stubbs  (OF – CIN) –  While Chris Dickerson wants to start, Dusty Baker is unwilling to remove Drew Stubbs from the center field slot until he has a reason to do so.  Dickerson was given a chance to win the job last season, but injury and a lack of pop made the Reds look for other options.  Stubbs stepped up last season, and posted 8 HRs and 10 SBs in only 180 ABs.  While his K/BB rate could stand some improvement, it seems that he has a little more offensive potential than the athletic Dickerson.  Baker can be unpredictable with younger players (unless we are talking about pitchers, in which case he will abuse their arms) so a platoon could develop.  However, it seems that Stubbs will have to falter in order to open the door for Dickerson to play as a starter.  Right now, however, it looks like Stubbs is a nice sleeper who’s 2009 numbers are low profile enough for him to slip under your competition’s radar.

James Loney  (1B – LAD) –  Apparently James Loney put on a good amount of muscle in the off season.  He says that he thinks this year his power will take a step forward.  There are three possible outcomes.  He could: 1) Stay the same player he has been.  2) He could be right and hit for more power.  3) He could be wrong, but trying to hit for more power could take away from his batting average.  Overall, statements like “this is the year I will hit for more power” should not affect the price you are willing to pay for a player.

Pablo Sandoval (1B/3B – SF) –  Pablo Sandoval is now wearing prescription goggles in the batter’s box.  The thought that he was able to hit so well while not seeing the ball clearly should scare the living hell out of all pitchers.  He could be scary-good in 2010.

Jose Bautista  (OF – TOR) –  Believe it or not, Bautista is currently the favorite to start in right field for the Blue Jays.  Yes, I am just as surprised as you are, and no, I do not expect that situation to last very long.  More likely it is a motivational tool being used to get Travis Snider to step up this season.  Bautista is a .238 career hitter, and does not offer the power that the Jays lack.