Baseball

We all want Joe Mauer, but only one owner can come away with him. Don’t fret. There are other options to give you a boost in the batting average category. All average draft positions are from Mock Draft Central.

Julio Borbon is second in all off baseball in committing errors thus far in Spring Training. The league leaders in errors typically are infielders who have many more opportunities than outfielders. Borbon has five errors this Spring, he has a total of seven errors in his career in the regular season.

According to ESPNDeportes.com, the Cubs are interested in recently released and former Mets second baseman Luis Castillo. But while the potential acquisition of Castillo may not solve all of the Cubs woes, it may be worth a flier. 

On the surface, it's easy to see why the Cubs would show interest in Castillo. He will come cheaply, with the Mets paying the majority of his remaining contract. Any team that signs him would be required to pay just the league minimum.

As we push through the latter parts of Spring Training, player news and updates will have more and more impact on our Fantasy Draft Day plans.

With this week winding down, here are some insights:

Chase Utley, PHI.

It is being reported in the Houston media that the Houston Astros have officially named right-handed pitcher Brett Myers as their Opening Day starter against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Myers came to the Astros via a one-year deal on January 8, 2010. After the 2009 World Series, he filed for free agency after the Phillies informed him that they would not be pursuing a new contract with him.

As I was watching today's spring training game on SNY between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, Mets GM Sandy Alderson spent some time in the broadcast booth with Kevin Burkhardt and Keith Hernandez.

Alderson was asked by Hernandez about defense vs. offense at the second base position with the earlier release of Luis Castillo.

This morning when I woke up and went online I did not expect to see any major news regarding the Mets.  However, I was stunned when the headline on Metsblog read, “Mets release Luis Castillo.”  I thought this day would never come.  And then the thought hit me: Maybe this new front office does have a clue. 

When the top RBI guys are off the board, there are still value picks that can help you in that category.

Average Draft Positions are from Mock Draft Central.


Catcher

Kurt Suzuki, Oakland A’s: Suzuki had 71 RBI last year and 88 in 2009. Both years he had the fourth RBI among catchers.

Finding pitchers who help in the WHIP department is not always an easy task; finding one late in your draft (after Round 18) is even tougher. 

Here are five pitchers who I have projected for a 1.30 WHIP or better who are available late in your draft (based on Mock Draft Central’s ADP):

Brian Matusz – Baltimore Orioles

He may be a tough sell, considering that he is entering his second full season and is pitching in the AL East. 

With Francisco Rodriguez's talent and lack of competition on the Mets, he seems like a lock to be the NY Mets' closer this year and rack up plenty of saves. 

He certainly has a lot to prove.  Professional athletes who have run into negative press frequently, use success on the field as a way to earn their way back into the good graces of the fans and the media.