Sunday, May 2, 2010

MaRKet MadNeSs

One month is in the books, and we have come to the best trading time of the year for those who are smart fantasy baseball owners.  Most of us will fully evaluate our squads sometime between now and Memorial Dayy.  I'm talking a serious look to see what strengths and weaknesses each team has and which players are coming to the end of their leash due to lack of production. 

Owners are ready to deal in May, and here are a few that should be sent packing and a few players to target.

Sell High

Vernon Wells, OF, Blue Jays
Vernon now has eight bombs and is hitting .323.  Last year, he hit .260 with 15 jacks.  He's the same player, except he isn't running this year.

Chris B. Young, OF, Diamondbacks
He is off to a nice start, showing a bit of the power speed combo that had us all salivating three years ago.  The problem is, since his 2007 breakout, he's hitting .233 in two seasons.  Now?  He's at .286.  Deal immediately.

Austin Jackson, OF, Tigers
Austin is tearing up the league the first time through at a .355 clip, yet he's a career .288 minor league hitter (which translates to about .270 in the bigs), with no power who strikes out a ton.  I'd say the league will catch up to Jackson.  Everyone loves prospects, so it's time to strike and deal him when the iron is hot.

Buy Low

Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers
He isn't the steroid Manny, but he should still be able to help out when he comes off the DL in a few days.  Check in to see what the price is at least.

Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
I told you not to draft guys who you know are going to start slow!  Tex is in a classic early season slump.  Is his owner in your league at the bottom of the standings and reaching now or never time?  He's a lock to rebound eventually, though he has slumped until summer before.

Gordon Beckham, 2B, White Sox
I could really put Justin Upton here two, thinking of another younger player who is struggling, but I've discussed Justin before.  Beckham will turn his .221, one HR, one SB, season around shortly, and isn't in danger of losing playing time.  When all is said and done he is still going to give you .275/20/10 from a second baseman.

Cheers,
TFAM

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