Fantasy Baseball

Only 10 games on the docket today, but that hasn't stopped the fantasy baseball train from rolling along, as we finally see some outstanding pitching performances from a number of aces today and plenty of offensive output as well, albeit from some unlikely sources.

There's also some news about the return of Adam Dunn, an exciting young infielder suffers a broken leg, a potential closer returns from the disabled list and then there's Manny being Manny.

The Colorado Rockies are the overwhelming favorite of baseball writers to win the 2011 NL West crown.  With a collection of young players who possess an excellent combination of speed and power, the Rockies will certainly score a bunch of runs this year. Despite an excellent offense, the club will need a solid performance from their pitching staff to dethrone the defending champion San Francisco Giants. 

Chicago White Sox pitcher Edwin Jackson dominated the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday, allowing just one run on four hits and one walk while fanning 13.

After two starts this season, the 27-year-old is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 12.9 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9.

Here’s a look at the unheralded fantasy baseball players who played well yesterday.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim @ Tampa Bay Rays

Maicer Izturis went two for five with a run. Alberto Callaspo went two for four with a home run. Mark Trumbo went three for four with a run, an RBI and a stolen base.

Pittsburgh Pirates @St. Louis Cardinals

In Monday’s Closer’s Corner, I singled out the Angels bullpen and suggested Fernando Rodney’s struggles could soon lead to a change.

On Tuesday, Mike Scioscia stripped Rodney of his ninth inning duties until “he gets back in touch with some things.”

Chipper Jones, 3B Atlanta Braves—Here’s a salty veteran for you. Chipper has come flying out of the gates hitting .353 with two RBI and one run. I know it doesn’t look great, but if he can continue to open hot like he has in the past, the RBI and HR numbers will come. Jones is the type of player you ride a hot start with, then dump him as the season goes on and he starts battling injuries. Pick him up and ride out the production.

It’s early, so I will update these as needed throughout the week (injury, hot/cold, etc.). 

Still, let’s take a look at my rankings for the upcoming scoring period and see which catchers I would use and which I may shy away from:

It’s early, so I will update these as needed throughout the week. 

First base is the deepest position in the game and generally ranking the top names is like splitting hair. Let’s take a look at how things shake out for the coming week:

With the season just a few days old, us fantasy nerds are loving life. The longest and most in-depth fantasy sport has officially kicked off.

A lot depends on how you draft, but us diehard fantasy guru's know it's much more than that. Each year there are multiple waiver wire pickups that can launch your team to the next level. Whether you are looking for an emerging rookie, a veteran hoping to bounce back or a complete surprise player, this season will have it all.

Here’s a look at the unheralded fantasy baseball players who played well yesterday.

Atlanta Braves @ Milwaukee Brewers