Fantasy Baseball '10 Question

[Donoghus]

I know we're still a few weeks ago from pitchers and catchers reporting but the evaluation for fantasy baseball is in full swing.

Got a question I want to pose.  I'm in a keeper league (well beyong 5 x 5 in stat categories) where we get to carry over 4 players.

My keepers this year are going to be Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, and Kevin Youkilis.  It should be noted that its a Yahoo league we have a utility postion.  Youkilis is currently 1B, 3B eligible while Miggy is only 1B this year as is Adrian Gonzalez.  However, one would be plugged in the UTIL spot.

Here's my question.  A kid in my league is floating out a "Youk for Wright" straight up deal.  Now before 2009, I'd jump at that.  However, Wright's numbers were down significantly is many categories last season so I'm a bit apprehensive. His strikeouts rose enough to raise a flag too.

How much of Wright's bad '09 can be chalked up to new ballpark and the burden of carrying the offense with guys like Reyes and Beltran hurt?  Was it just an off-year or the beginning of a decline?

Wright's younger by roughly 3 years but carries only 3B capability.  So I'd still be able to wiggle my way with lineups.

Thoughts?

Offensive Stat Categories in my league

Runs (R), Singles (1B), Doubles (2B), Triples (3B), Home Runs (HR), Runs Batted In (RBI), Stolen Bases (SB), Walks (BB), Strikeouts (K), Fielding Percentage (FPCT), Batting Average (AVG), On-base + Slugging Percentage (OPS)

[Gainesville Celtic]

I wish I knew enough to give you an answer Don... I"m a fantasy BB newbie. Youk seems so consistent, but even he dipped just a bit last year.

Will Bay being gone help his numbers a bit? Will Bay hitting after Wright give Wright better pitches to hit?   




Maybe you or someone else can weigh in on my keeper conundrum:

League: 12-team, 1 util position; 12x12cat; keep 5 players:

M. Cabrera
J. Upton
McCann
Ellsbury
Pedroia

K. Morales
Mark Reynolds
Votto
Beckett
Gallardo

I'm leaning towards the first 5, but like Votto a lot, but without 3B eligibility it would seem hard to keep Votto + Cabrera. I heard -- don't really know -- that 2B is not very deep this year so Pedroia seems a lock as does McCann.

thoughts?

[Redz]

I'd grab Wright...He'll probably steal you 20 bases too.

[yall hate]

I think I keep Youk.  Wright may bounce back, but if not, you have burned yourself.  (I guess I am saying Youk is the safer play).


Gainsville -- I'd possibly keep Reynolds over Upton. 

[Donoghus]

I think I keep Youk.  Wright may bounce back, but if not, you have burned yourself.  (I guess I am saying Youk is the safer play).


Gainsville -- I'd possibly keep Reynolds over Upton. 

Its definitely a gamble but it might be one I'm willing to take.  Been back & forth on it. 

I just don't know how much of his dropoff was skill related and how much of it by external factors like ballpark (which will improve in '10 & the injuries around him)

[yall hate]

I think I keep Youk.  Wright may bounce back, but if not, you have burned yourself.  (I guess I am saying Youk is the safer play).


Gainsville -- I'd possibly keep Reynolds over Upton. 

Its definitely a gamble but it might be one I'm willing to take.  Been back & forth on it. 

I just don't know how much of his dropoff was skill related and how much of it by external factors like ballpark (which will improve in '10 & the injuries around him)

yea I dont know -- It's easy to say the new park messed with him, but his numbers were almost as bad on the road (better, but not what you would expect).  It certainly wouldnt be an obvious mistake to gamble on the potential that he returns to the player he was as recently as a year ago. 

[MBz]

I wish I knew enough to give you an answer Don... I"m a fantasy BB newbie. Youk seems so consistent, but even he dipped just a bit last year.

Will Bay being gone help his numbers a bit? Will Bay hitting after Wright give Wright better pitches to hit?   




Maybe you or someone else can weigh in on my keeper conundrum:

League: 12-team, 1 util position; 12x12cat; keep 5 players:

M. Cabrera
J. Upton
McCann
Ellsbury
Pedroia

K. Morales
Mark Reynolds
Votto
Beckett
Gallardo

I'm leaning towards the first 5, but like Votto a lot, but without 3B eligibility it would seem hard to keep Votto + Cabrera. I heard -- don't really know -- that 2B is not very deep this year so Pedroia seems a lock as does McCann.

thoughts?

Do not give up Mark Reynolds.  I'd keep him over Ellsbury and Pedroia.  I understand keeping McCann for catcher and even Pedroia for 2nd base, but you should be able to find an OF to replace Ellsbury while keeping Reynolds.