Before I begin this article, I want to send out my condolences for those who were affected by the deadly attacks during the Boston Marathon. I think many great writers, pundits, etc. have all contributed great thoughts throughout the week on this matter. It was great to see the clips from around the majors supporting the city of Boston after this tragic event, especially the playing of Sweet Caroline at Yankee Stadium. As I write this, the second suspect has been caught, and I’m sure quite thoroughly interrogated. Having been to Boston, I know what a great city it is and Boston Red Sox fans are among the best in any sport and I’m sure that the city will recover from this sad event of history.
Three weeks into the 2013 MLB season and there are signs that some fantasy owners are panicking about their teams. Owners of Stephen Strasburg have got to be wondering what’s going on with him. Despite having an ERA under three Strasburg hasn’t looked like the dominating pitcher he was in 2012. Matt Harvey outpitched Strasburg when the New York Mets met the Washington Nationals. The Atlanta Braves lineup continues to be hot, lead by Justin Upton who looks really happy to be in Atlanta. Injuries continue to mount up around the majors, as Andrew Bailey, Yoenis Cespedes, Aaron Hill, Chris Capano, Michael Bourn, Stephen Pryor, Henderson Alverez and Johnny Cueto all joined players on the disabled list. Some of the biggest surprises are still available in many leagues, so if you’ve got one of the above listed you might want to start thinking about picking up Vernon Wells, Justin Ruggiano, Chris Denorfia, Wandy Rodriguez, Carlos Villanueva and Patrick Corbin.
Here are this weeks top performers:
STARTING PITCHER:
Matt Harvey: The New York Met’s sophomore starter continues to impress. During week three Harvey was 2-0, allowing two earned runs on five hits and six walks. He pitched 15 innings, striking out ten hitters between the Minnesota Twins and the Washington Nationals. His owners are definitely being rewarded and should continue to benefit as Harvey matures into the Mets’ ace.
Honourable Mentions: Adam Wainwright (STL), R.A. Dickey (TOR), A.J. Burnett (PIT), Roy Halladay (PHI)
CLOSER:
Andrew Bailey: The Boston Red Sox turned to Andrew Bailey after placing Joel Hanrahan on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. Bailey was ready, earning two saves and notching a win and two saves. Bailey started the week shaky, blowing his save opportunity but earned the win. He settled down after that, saving back to back games against the Cleveland Indians.
Honourable Mentions: Tom Wilhelmsen (SEA), Greg Kimbrel (ATL), Jim Henderson (MIL), Casey Janssen (TOR)
CATCHER:
Joe Mauer: The Minnesota Twins catcher had a productive week going 9/14 at the plate. Mauer drove in six runs, hitting a home run and two doubles on the week. Can I say that I’m kinda glad that I don’t have to mention John Buck this week…damn it!
Honourable Mentions: Jonathan Lucroy (MIL), Wilin Rosario (COL), Matt Wieters (BAL), Michael McKenry
FIRST BASE:
Paul Konerko: The aging Chicago White Sox first baseman continues to produce. Konerko had a nice week going 6/21 at the dish, hitting two home runs and driving in six runs and scored five times.
Honourable Mentions: Todd Helton (COL), Mike Napoli (BOS), Mark Reynolds (CLE), James Loney (TB)
SECOND BASE:
Josh Rutledge: The Colorado Rockies second baseman is still available in over 25% of Yahoo! Leagues was just 3 for 20, but also contributed five walks on the week, scoring nine times. Rutledge also hit a home run and stole three bases. Not the kind of offensive performance that fantasy owners want to see, but it was effective.
Honourable Mentions: Dustin Pedroia (BOS), Robinson Cano (NYY), Neil Walker (PIT), Jose Altuve (HOU)
SHORTSTOP:
Zach Cozart: The Cincinnati Reds shortstop had a great week at the plate going 12/30 on the week. Cozart contributed offensively with two homers, five RBIS, and seven runs scored. Despite the strong week, Cozart is hitting just .246 on the season.
Honourable Mentions: Everth Cabrera (SD), Brandon Crawford (SF), Troy Tulowitzki (COL), Jed Lowrie (OAK)
THIRD BASE:
David Wright: The New York Mets captain had a strong week going 7/19 and taking three walks. He crushed two homers, driving in six runs and scoring four times. Wright also stole a base. If the Mets are going to be in the mix, Wright will need to continue with this kind of offensive contribution on a weekly basis.
Honourable Mentions: Evan Longoria (TB), Yuniesky Betancourt (MIL), Todd Frazier (CIN), Chris Johnson (ATL)
OUTFIELD:
Carlos Gonzalez: Car-go had a monster week, going 11/21 at the plate, including a home run, three doubles and a triple and adding two stolen bases. The Colorado Rockies outfielder has been a key driver in the Rockies current winning streak.
Carlos Gomez: The other Carlos, also had 11 hits on the week (11/18) for the Milwaukee Brewers, with two home runs, a triple and a stolen base.
Austin Jackson: Hitting at the top of the Detroit Tigers line-up, Jackson scored five times this week going 8/29. He hit two doubles, a triple and homer during the week and stole three bases.
Honourable Mentions: Justin Upton (ATL), Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS), Mike Trout (LAA)
As we near the first full month of baseball there is just enough statistical information to begin really talking about players. Starting this week, I’ll start taking a closer look at some players who are struggling, who are raking and who are simply…there.
Feel free to comment below. You can follow me on twitter @Tiltman1975 and don’t forget to follow the site – @LastWordOnSport while you are at it.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? Find more info at our “Join Our Team” page and be heard.
