New York Mets
Outfield Update: Who is going to start?
Before the start of training camp, the Mets outfield situation was completely up in the air. Even Manager Terry Collins was unsure of who would step up, so he basically made it an open tryout for Marlon Byrd, Collin Cowgill, Mike Baxter, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Andrew Brown. Lucas Duda was pretty much guaranteed a starting spot in RF and Jordany Valdespin is more of a wildcard backup who can start at multiple positions, including left field.
Now Duda hasn't impressed, sporting a BA of .220, but he has hit three dingers and Terry Collins deeply believes in his ability, so he will stay in right field. Kirk Nieuwenhuis was looking to be the opening day starter going into the spring, but after batting an abysmal .056 in 20 ABs, it's clear he hasn't come around yet, so look for Collin Cowgill to see most of the action in center for the time being. He has dazzled so far this spring, hitting over .300 and showing some pop, hitting three homers.
Valdespin and Byrd will split time in left, with Mike Baxter seeing spot starts. Valdespin would be a tantalizing fantasy pickup if he saw consistent at-bats because of his ability to hit the long ball and get on miniature hot streaks like he did last season, but unless Marlon Byrd or Cowgill completely bite the bullet, expect his playing time to be limited.
Lucas Duda is the only Mets OF I would give a real fantasy look. He will start everyday for the most part, so the potential for 25+ home runs is there. He needs to limit his K's so his RBI totals rise, thus increasing his fantasy value. I wouldn't draft him in a mixed league, but he is definitely someone to consider in the later rounds of an NL only.
As for Cowgill, Baxter and Byrd, I don't really see any value there aside from maybe Cowgill continuing his recent tear for the first couple of weeks into the season. So if your looking for lightning in a bottle after a recent preseason injury, and your in a very, VERY, deep league, maybe Cowgill could appease your fantasy pallet.
Shaun Marcum Injury Update
Yes, I know, Shaun Marcum is hurt, what a surprise. But he is always a guy that you consider taking in the later rounds in mixed leagues because of his potential to give you that really solid 5 start stretch where he gets a few victories and racks up some strikeouts.
Marcum received a cortisone shot in his shoulder two days ago and told reporters he is feeling "no tightness or discomfort" in his throwing shoulder and looks forward to getting back on the field. Marcum can only be looked at as a fifth or sixth starter on the bench. With his injury history and the less than stellar offense supporting him, it doesn't add up to a very promising season for Shaun in New York. I wouldn't recommend him in a mixed league, but he's worth the waiver in an NL only league for sure.
Minnesota Twins
Glen Perkins: Draftibility
Whenever drafting closers, you need to consider many things. First, who does this guy play for? In this instance, its the lowly Twins, coming off a 66-win season, so the opportunities will not be ample most likely.
Second, how much pedigree does this guy have? Perkins has never been a full-time closer, although he's proven to be a very effective reliever with a sub-2.6 ERA and 18 saves over the past two seasons. He doesn't have much closing experience, so I tend to think his leash will be shorter than most. But the Twins don't have a lot of other options, so I'd throw this category to the wayside with Perkins.
Third, is this guy fitting for the closing role? This might sound foolish, but most closers have a certain look, a certain swagger to them. That attitude which screams "You can't hit me." Guys like Fernando Rodney, Jose Valverde and Jonathan Papelbon are very intimidating figures to have to face in the ninth, down a run. Perkins has a very calm demeanor, which isn't best suited for this role. I don't take much consideration into this one, but look at successful closers today and the way they carry themselves, you'll see a glaring similarity in attitudes they bring to the table.
Last and most important, is the risk worth the reward? Perkins strikes out over a batter an inning and has had a lot of success working out of the pen in recent years. Chances are that he will be the Twins closer throughout the season as they don't have many other guys to threaten that spot.
Overall, even though Perkins has a few things working against him, what is most important is results on the diamond. If healthy, look for Perkins to record 30 saves or so this year, which is very solid by fantasy terms. With a strikeout total of around 80, he should be a valuable asset to any fantasy team.
Injury Update: Trevor Plouffe
Plouffe played in a handful of minor league games this past week and is aiming for a return to the Grapefruit League today against the Yankees. Plouffe has been sidelined since March 8th with a strained calf, the second time this spring that this particular injury has plagued him.
However, the injury doesn't seem to be lingering any longer, and Manager Rod Gardenhire seems to have high hopes for the 26-year old hot corner. Plouffe opened some eyes last season, hitting 24 home runs in 119 games, so the potential for 30 big flies is there. Target Field is a cavernous pitchers park, but Plouffe managed to hit more than half (14 of 24) his homers at home, so don't look for the park to be an issue for this slugger.
Plouffe isn't getting many looks in mixed drafts, but he is definitely a mid to late-rounder in most AL only formats.
