David Ortiz (DH-BOS): Reports out of Red Sox camp indicate that Big Papi's rehab of his sore Achilles heels is progressing favorably. If all continues to move in the right direction Ortiz could play in a few minor league games in a week to ten days and rejoin the Sox in week 3. Ortiz hit 23 HRs, boasted a 1.026 OPS, and walked more than he struck out in an injury and Bobby Valentine plagued 2012, so he still has some left in the tank. While I like him as a sneaky play in roto leagues, he will likely cause headaches to head-to-head fantasy players in 2013.
Jackie Bradley (OF-BOS): Baseball America's #31 prospect is traveling with the team to the Bronx and all indications are that he will start in left field and hit 7th on opening day. Bradley's impressive spring (1.165 OPS) combined with his pedigree (2011 1st round pick with an impressive showing last year where he posted a .911 OPS and 24 steals across two levels) leads me to believe he will hit the ground running and may even stick around after David Ortiz returns in mid-April. Bradley has shown an advanced approach at the plate and elite defensive skills, two qualities that will help him earn consistent playing time and adjust at the big league level.
Casey Janssen (RP-TOR): Janssen, working his way back from shoulder surgery, will get some extra work in today against minor leaguers before traveling to Toronto on Monday. The closer was outstanding last year, going 22 for 25 in save chances with an above average 27.7% k-rate and a stellar 4.6% walk rate. John Gibbons indicated several times this spring that the job is Janssen's when healthy, and the Jays remain optimistic that he'll be available for opening day. However, Janssen has made only two appearances this spring, has reportedly averaged in the upper 80s on his fastballs, and has only recently started to incorporate breaking balls into his sessions. I expect the Jays to ease him back into the role, making him a risky play for week 1 and opening the door for Sergio Santos.
Doug Fister (SP-DET): The control artist formerly (and currently) known as Doug Fister began to alarm some fantasy owners with high walk rates in the spring. However, he put many of the fears to rest with a very solid outing on Saturday, going 6 innings and striking out 4 while allowing 7 hits, 2 earned runs, and most importantly, 0 walks. This is much more in line with what we expect from Fister, who has boasted a 6% BB rate or lower each year in the majors. Fister has a favorable matchup scheduled on Friday against Ivan Nova and the Yankees.
Asdrubal Cabrera (SS-CLE): Cabrera, recovering from a minor back injury, returned to the Indians lineup for its final spring training game on Saturday going 0 for 1 with a walk. Manager Terry Francona indicated afterwards that Cabrera is set to go for the Tribe on opening day. We like him to bounce back this year to the tune of 20 HRs, 80 RBI, 80 runs, and double-digit steals, solid production out of the shortstop position. With Francona looking to bat Cabrera second in an improved lineup, if he stays healthy, Asdrubal could reward fantasy owners big time in 2013. He looks safe to get in your lineups for week 1.
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