MaRKet MaDneSs

Which way will the wind blow in Target Field?  We don't know yet (though this may give some sort of clue).  What we do know, however, is the wind that is the fluctuating market of fantasy baseball players is swirling as the first week of play comes to a close.

Players on the rise...

JJ Hardy, SS, Twins
One thing I knew about James Jerry Hardy when he came to the Twins was that he carried with him a reputation of being an extremely streaky bat, and he can stay hot for awhile.  In 2007, Hardy had 16 HR on June 3rd (he finished with 26), so he could keep it going in Minnesota.  He should be owned in all leagues right now.

Tim Hudson, SP, Braves
I'm sold on Hudson.  I started liking him toward the end of the spring when I saw the K's were piling up, then he goes out and gives up just three hits in his frist start of 2010.

Garrett Jones, OF, Pirates & Vernon Wells, OF, Blue Jays
Sell high.  Right now.

Jon Rauch, RP, Twins
Four saves in four tries.  I'm sure he isn't available anymore, but I'm impressed nonetheless.  I was wrong on the Guerrier thing.  It happens.

Chris B. Young, OF, Arizona
It's early, but I'm mildly excited.  He's got two jacks and is hitting .400, also known as .190 better than last season.  He can swipe 20 bags too.

Players on the fall...

David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
Francona can't keep playing him if he struggles all month.  They've got Hermida and Lowell, both of whom could be more productive.

Frank Francisco, RP, Rangers
He was actually dropped in one of my leagues today (and picked up about three seconds later).  Anyway, Saturday marked the second game in a row he blew a save, gave up three runs, and took a loss.  Ouch.  Feliz may be next in line.

Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
Bruce has been dreadful, which makes right now a great time to buy low.  Remember that Justin Upton crapped the bed for three weeks last April before lift off.

Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers
Is the old Manny really gone?  Seems like he's never going to be that guy again.  It's early, but he really wasn't great in 2009.

Mike Gonzalez, RP, Orioles
Another closer on shaky ground after 2 IP, 2 L and 4 ER.  Now the team says he is fixing his delivery.  That sounds like a disaster.  The team's website lists Jim Johnson as being next in line.

Cheers,
TFAM