The season hasn’t even started and Zach Greinke is already being discussed as a player heading to the disabled list. Los Angeles Dodger fans are probably dreading this potential, as are fantasy baseball owners who have already drafted Greinke in the hopes his return to the NL and pitcher friendly Dodger Stadium marked the start of many good seasons to come. Greinke had an MRI and it came back negative so fans shouldn’t be overly concerned with a sore elbow. That being said, I was listening to the ESPN: Fantasy Focus Baseball podcast and heard Jason Collette mention an interesting stat; Greinke has been struggling with runners on base and his BABIP with runners on base has been trending upwards over the past seasons. This got me thinking about his issues including anxiety disorder problems a few years back and whether his struggles with runners on base could be related to that.
The Cinncinati Reds will make a decision as to whether Aroldis Chapman is joining the starting rotation soon. Chapman is said to be in a competition with Mike Leake for the 5th starter spot. Fantasy owners are going to be interested in Dusty Baker’s decision. Chapman as a starter could be this years Chris Sale, but Chapman was steller as a closer last season posting 38 saves. Personally, I’d like to see Chapman stay as a closer. His fastball is about as nasty as it comes and really can the Reds trust Jonathan Broxton to be their closer all season long?
Carlos Gomez may finally be emerging as a player who will contribute more than just stolen bases for you. He is currently hitting .529 (9 for 17), with five walks. Gomez had 20 walks in close to 500 AB last season (with 98 strikeouts). If this hitting translates to the regular season, Gomez may be on the verge of breaking out.
Over the next two weeks, MLB teams will be reducing their roster sizes as they prepare to start the regular season. I’ll be providing my fearless predictions for the upcoming season, including a look at potential rookie of the year candidates. As I mentionned, I listen to podcasts. Aside from the ESPN: Fantasy Focus podcast, I also subscribe to BTR: Fantasy Baseball Roundtable, and CBSSports.com Fantasy Baseball podcasts. The ESPN and CBSSports podcasts have big followings, but I find the BTR guys to be more insightful for fantasy baseball purposes. My favorite sports podcast right now is from the Sportsnet tandum of Tim Micallef and Sid Seixeiro. Great chemistry, hilarious stories and great interviews. If you’re not listening you are missing something great coming out of the Toronto sports scene.
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