David Ortiz (DH-BOS): David Ortiz (heel) returned to the Red Sox lineup on Saturday, going 2 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 powerful f-bomb in his pre-game speech. John Farrell didn't hesitate in putting Ortiz back in the clean-up spot in his first game of the season, but did say that he will slowly ease Ortiz back into action. Fantasy owners in weekly/daily leagues will want to monitor the situation, which could require careful management all season. Ortiz posted a .318/.398/.554 line in 324 AB's last year, so he definitely can be a productive fantasy player. And he could break out immediately against Sunday's starter, Ervin Santana, against whom Ortiz has posted a .292/.414/.625 triple slash line with 2 homers in 24 AB's. However, the potential for frequent rest, the risk for re-injury, and the lack of flexibility (only DH eligible in most leagues) should have owners exercising caution in moving forward.
Kelvin Herrera (RP-KC): Kelvin Herrera had another rough outing on Saturday, blowing the save in the 8th inning by allowing a 3-run homer to Daniel Nava. Since becoming a fantasy darling a week ago, Herrera has given up 6 earned runs on 5 hits and 2 walks in 3 innings of work, earning 2 losses and 1 blown save in the process. True, Herrera has an elite fastball that averages 97+ and can touch triple digits. True, Herrera has developed an effective changeup that he's thrown 8% more of the time. And true, Herrera has outstanding control, with a career 6.2% BB rate. However, Herrera has some command issues to work out, as he tends to miss too often inside of the zone. Moreover, Greg Holland is going to be given the opportunity to re-claim the closer's job, and given the configuration of the bullpen, it's in the Royals best interest this season for him to hold the spot down. While Herrera makes for an outstanding dynasty play, Holland looks like the one to own in moving forward for this season.
Lorenzo Cain (OF-KC): There may not be a hotter hitter in baseball than Lorenzo Cain, who went 4 for 4 with solo home run, a stolen base, and 3 runs scored against the Red Sox. Over the past four games Cain is 11 for 16 and his season line now stands at a stellar .392/.429/.529. While Cain has never played in more than 61 games (partly due to being blocked, partly due to injuries) and while his career 1:4 BB:KK rate is a bit concerning, I see Cain as a legitimate breakout candidate. He's swinging at fewer pitches outside of the zone (10% fewer swings than last season) and he's missing fewer strikes (3.4% reduction in his swinging strike rate from last season). Cain has the speed to maintain an above average BABIP, and if he stays healthy, could be one of only a few players who puts up a 15/20 season. Look for him to be moved up in the order and to improve his counting stats as well. I'm buying.
Eric Hosmer (1B-KC): Eric Hosmer went 0 for 4 at the plate on Saturday with a strikeout against the Red Sox. The former top prospect is now sitting at .216/.326/.243 on the year with 0 homers, 4 RBI, 4 runs, and 1 stolen base. The downward swing in his power from last year has continued through the season's first three weeks, with his ISO going from .172 in 2011 to .127 in 2012 to .027 in 2013. When a hitter's groundball rate increases and his flyball rate and home run to fly ball rate decrease during that same time frame, you have to be concerned as a fantasy owner. With the hot-hitting Lorenzo Cain likely to be moved up in the order and Hosmer dropped towards the bottom, perhaps he will relax and get going. In the meantime, if owners have other viable options, it's best to sit him until he shows some life over the course of a week. However, I wouldn't drop him just yet But, I definitely am concerned.
Mike Trout (OF-LAA): Mike Trout had a monster game against the Tigers yesterday, going 2 for 5 with his first career grand slam and 2 runs scored. After all of the lingering pre-season talk of regression and all of the concerns over his "weight gain," Trout's season line now stands at .304/.347/.522. Over his last 6 games, Trout has 5 multi-hit games and is 11 for 25 with 2 home runs, 10 RBI, and 7 runs scored with 2 walks against 3 strikeouts. The only issue fantasy owners may have with Trout is the 1 stolen base (in 1 attempt) so far. However, keep in mind that Trout put on the weight in the off-season because he losses weight as the season progresses and as he plays and works out more. As he continues to get on base at a higher clip and continues to shed the strategic weight, look for him to run more and look for his numbers to keep looking more and more like last year's.
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