1. Casey Kotchman (1B - Mariners) - Three straight games with HRs for Casey Kotchman. That makes him 7-for-12 in XBH to start the season with 6 BB, a .367 OBP and a .963 OPS. Its been a few years since Kotchman's name has been on the radars for mixed leaguers. But the former Angels prospect, turning 27 this year, is off to a great start and looks to be more like the rising star we envisioned years ago. A couple of problems exist that keep him from being owned outside of AL-only leagues (for now). He plays at the deepest position in the league (1B), making it tough to find a spot for him on the roster. And perhaps most importantly, the Mariners like to sit him against lefties (and rightfully so). He has just 10 AB against LHP in 2010 with only one base it (a single) and 3 K's. Maybe he creeps back onto the watch list, but for now he should remain for AL-only consideration / Monday & Thursday filler.
2. Ty Wigginton (1B,2B,3B - Orioles) - Climb on Ty Wigginton's shoulders (well, at least for another game or two). The perennial multi-position eligbility fantasy utility man, Wigginton is hitting .320 over the last 7 games. But more importantly, he has 5 HR during that span with 11 RBI. Wigginton goes through these stretches of streaky power and has 3 seasons of 20+ HR during his road trip around the league with stops in NY, Houston, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore. Nothing wrong with going with the hot-hand for another few days, but don't let him overstay his welcome on your team. He will fall off and when he does, it will be a hard fall.
3. Alex Avila (C - Tigers) - Yes, Alex Avila did get consecutive starts, but his era has not officially begun in Detroit. The 23-year-old power-hitting catcher was behind the plate again on Monday, replacing starter Gerald Laird for the 2nd straight day. Avila went 1-for-8 during those games and left a marathon of runners on base. While Avila should certainly be on everyone's prospect list, Laird is still the regular everyday guy in Detroit and it should remain that way for most of the 2010 season. Facing Joel Piniero yesterday, Laird hadn't had much success in his career against him (just 2-for-13 lifetime) and was nursing a little back soreness as well. He should be back behind the dish for Tuesday's game.
4. Doug Fister (SP - Mariners) - Is there anything more exciting than fighting sleep to see if Doug Fister is going to throw a no-hitter? Fister took a no-hit bid into the 7th inning last night before allowing a clean line drive single to Nick Markakis (which was promptly followed by me hitting the power button on my remote). In any event, that gives him back-to-back Quality Starts and all three of his appearances have yielded 2 ER or less. You won't get huge power numbers out of Fister (just 9 K's in 19.0 IP for a K/9 of 4.26), but he is climbing up to AL-only viability at this point. His next start will be on Sunday against the White Sox. I'd stay away in mixed leagues until he puts at least two more QS together. Without K's, he simply a pitch and ditch candidate until then.
5. Travis Snider (OF - Blue Jays) - Monday was a step in the right direction for the young, power hitting Blue Jay. Entering last night's game hitting just .108 with a HR for the year, Snider went 2-for-5 with his 2nd HR of the season. Snider is just 22 and has a ton of potential to become a big-time power hitter in the big leagues. He's hitting at the bottom of the lineup (mostly 8th this year) that should hopefully help him focus on not pressing too much. There will be a fantasy week at some point this year where Snider truly breaks out with multi-HR games and eye-opening production. With the Blue Jays likely to be out of any sort of pennant race by June, hopefully the team instills confidence in the youngster and keeps him in the lineup on an everyday basis. For now, he's an AL-only guy.
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