Rickie Weeks (2B - Brewers) - I can feel the excitement coming from fantasy owners thinking this is the year Rickie Weeks puts it together. He's hitting a respectable .281 with a 0.59 FPI, 17.8 HR/AB with 5 HR under his belt, and an OPS flirting with .800. All of the injuries puts a wrinkle in the statistical relevance of Week's historical performance, but a look at his BHIPx in 2007 and 2008 reveals .212 and .215 compared to this year's rate of .274, which, if holds steady, should continue to yield a higher batting average. Regardless of his average, the key here is speculating if Weeks will be able to combine his power potential and speed for one full season. Basically, will he go 20-20? Or 25-25? I'm not in the business of predicting injuries, but using the naked-eye and watching Weeks over the last few "weeks" shows a player more comfortable at the plate and wrist-injury free. He has an up-arrow until I see him carted off the field.
Mike Cameron (OF - Brewers) - Nobody expected this kind of start from Mike Cameron, but his combination of power and speed is often overlooked and underestimated in fantasy leagues. Summarizing his start to 2009, Cameron has a 1.102 OPS, 0.98 FPI, HR/AB of 14.4 on 5 HR, and a .333 average (despite a BHIP% of .227). The 36-year-old Cameron has always battled injuries and he only recorded 444 AB in 2008. But in that limited playing time, Cameron still managed to hit 25 HR for a HR/AB of 17.8, swipe 17 bases in 22 attempts, and post a respectable 0.63 FPI. He has hit 20+ HR seven times in his career and with 291 career steals under his belt, should flirt with the 20-20 mark again this year.
Max Scherzer (SP - Diamondbacks) - Scherzer converted his first quality start of the year with a dominating performance over the Brewers for 6.0 IP. He unfortunately did not factor into the decision. Scherzer gave up 5 hits and 1 BB on no runs while striking out 7. It was the first time in four starts he lasted past the 5th inning. He is still posting a 3.48 ERA and a decent 1.31 WHIP despite the low average innings / game rate of about 5.0. With that said, he's striking-out hitters at the rate we're looking for with a K/I of about 1.0. He's just 24 and will continue to improve his stamina and command, but last night's game was a great start in the right direction.
Albert Pujols (1B - Cardinals) - Ok Hanley owners. If you could rewind 6 weeks and draft again, would you choose Albert Pujols? Might be a little premature to start second-guessing the #1 consensus fantasy player, but Pujols is putting up huge crooked numbers. He's hitting .337 with 8 HR, 28 RBI, 22 R, and an OPS of 1.130. All of that equals an FPI of 1.04, HR/AB of 10.4, and a BB/K of 2.57. Oh yeah, and sprinkle in a little speed with 4 SB. Its going to be another fun season watching Pujols, who I will now argue is the best right-handed hitter in the game.
Jorge Cantu (3B - Marlins) - Easily the NL Player of the Week, Jorge Cantu is putting up some sick stats in Week #4. He is hitting .500 with 4 HR and 11 RBI in just 4 games this week. If you drew this unlucky card in Head-to-head leagues, my condolences. 4 HR by anyone in 1 week is a little flukish, but Cantu's power shouldn't come as much of a surprise. He hit 29 HR in 2008 and had 28 with Tampa Bay back in 2005, so the power potential is definitely there. Keep him active in all leagues while he's this hot.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning. Members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here. Not a member? Join today.
