Weekly Minor League Recap

AAA:

–Jesus Montero, NYY, C, Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees (#3): more and more buzz about he who walks on water joining the big club as the DH woes continue in the Bronx. Just a matter of if he gets called up before or after the September 1st roster expansion. Montero has an eight game hitting streak going, and is 8 for 21 with a HR, 3 RBIs, 3 BB, and 3 Ks over the past week.

-Dayan Viciedo, CWS, OF, Charlotte Knights (unranked): Viciedo was back with the Knights as of August 2nd, and might as well have not even suited up, as he is just 3 for 20 since his return. The White Sox are looking more and more out of it, so come September, they might give him some serious playing time.

–Devin Mesoraco, CIN, C, Louisville Bats (#64): Mesoraco is slumping since last we discussed him, just 4 for 21, but one of those was a round tripper.

Weekly Minor League Recap

AAA:

–Jesus Montero, NYY, C, Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees (#3): Montero is starting to level off now, having gone .214/.267/.333 in his last ten.  Also, Jorge Posada has been hitting somewhat better in the Bronx (and he has an understandably long leash, given his iconic status) so right now, there really isn’t a place for Jesus there.  Stay tuned, but it is looking more and more as though a substantial impact in 2011 will have to wait until September.  Pre-season rookie of the year candidacy predictions were a bit premature.

–Brett Lawrie, TOR, 2b/3b, Vegas 51s (#40): Lawrie continues to put up astounding numbers in the PCL (.405/.458/.857) and a call up – even with the questionable defense – could be days away.  All but the shallowest leagues can wait on him, but all others should make the move accordingly when he does get the call.  Only red flags: 40 Ks in 49 games compared to only 17 BBs, and, of course, that sub-par D, which could cause him to sit a couple of times a week/late in games.

05.23.11 Fantasy Baseball Hot & Cold List

Have a player who’s playing out of his mind or drastically underachieving? Keep reading right here and get our advice on some of the hottest and coldest players in the majors.

HOT

Adrian Gonzalez

Last 7 games: .433 Avg, 5 R, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB

Call: Buy

Of course, I say don’t expect the average but love the power so he hits for a better average and has no pop. Seriously though, buy this guy if you have the chance.

05.16.11 Fantasy Baseball Hot & Cold List

Have a player who’s playing out of his mind or drastically underachieving? Keep reading right here and get our advice on some of the hottest and coldest players in the majors.

HOT

Adrian Gonzalez

Last 7 games: .387 Avg, 9 R, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 0 SB

Call: Buy

Now don’t expect Adrian (I call him that because we are tight) to hit for this kind of average all year, but the power is legit. He’s back on track for a 40 homer season which looks about right with some line up protection for Gonzalez.

2011 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Gems – National League

Everyone knows you need to make a few moves throughout the season and it’s not all about the draft. This post is designed to help you rule the waivers!

National League Centeral Previews: Reds

Today’s Focus: Cincinnati Reds

2010 Record 91-71, 1st Place NL Central. Lost to Phillies in NLDS

The same Cincinnati Reds that brought you the NL Central Championship last year are back with no major changes to its core of talented players.  The pitching staff is anchored by the 1-2-3 punch Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, and Edison Volquez.  Former 1st round pick, Homer Bailey, finally showed some consistency last year and will get a chance to win one of the final spots in the rotation this spring.  The bullpen took a hit with Arthur Rhodes departure, but hard throwing uber prospect Aroldis Chapman will likely take his take his spot, and could wind up as the team’s closer

2011 MLB Spring Training Review: Week of February 27th

SPRING TRAINING QUICK HITS

There is still talk of Francisco Liriano being dealt to the Yankees within the next two weeks. Still not sure how this makes sense for Minnesota, but they’re not exactly doing anything to dispel the reports…Fausto Carmona has rightfully been named the Indians’ 2011 Opening Day starter, this after winning 13 games last year with a 3.77 ERA…Destined for the bullpen, Aroldis Chapman continues to electrify starting off the spring with 4K in 2 IP. And he’s also walked three…Just when it appeared time to worry about Domonic Brown‘s spring struggles, we now get to worry an additional 4-6 weeks as he fractured his hamate bone. Remember Ryan Zimmerman fractured the same one and it sapped his power for some time. Ben Francisco now has a great opportunity to do something with this opportunity…