Spring Training Updates: Pitchers

Gio Gonzalez - A's
Stats: 1-2 - 2.96 ERA - 25 K's - 24.1 IP.
Outlook: The big prospect didn't do much in 2009, but he did post 109 K's with 98.2 IP.  He has the makings of a very good fantasy starting pitcher, but is still young and still pitches for the A's.

Francisco Liriano - Twins
Stats: 2-0 - 2.70 - 30 K's - 20 IP.
Outlook: He has been brilliant as a starter and talk still swirls about him closing.  Either Liriano may be back to his stud-self and you may want to try and swing a trade for him before the season starts.

Chris Young - Padres
Stats: 2-2 - 3.32 - 21.2 K's - 22 IP.
Outlook: He is a forgotten pitcher by many, but could be a nice veteran fantasy starter.  Plays in a pitchers park, gets K's and he looks healthy.

Dana Eveland - Blue Jays
Stats: 0-1 - 1.80 ERA - 21 K's - 25 IP.
Outlook: He struggled in 2009 after a solid rookie 2008 debut. He was one of the players acquired in the Dan Haren trade, so he has talent.  He is one to keep an eye on in deep leagues or AL-only for now.

Fausto Carmona - Indians
Stats: 3-0 - 1.38 - 12 K's - 26 IP.
Outlook: He has been a bum since winning 19 in 2007, but he looked sharp in Spring Training and is worth a shot if you need to fill in your last SP slot.  FYI: He is not much of a K-pitcher.

Ian Kennedy - Diamondbacks
Stats: 3-1 - 2.88 ERA - 17 K's - 25 IP.
Outlook: The one-time Yankee prospect is looking good for the D'backs and will be in the rotation.

Wade LeBlanc - Padres
Stats: 4-0 - 1.96 ERA - 17 K's - 23 IP.
Outlook: He played well after his call-up in 2009 and has kept it up in Spring Training. Padre pitchers are worth picking up and taken a shot at to improve you ERA and WHIP if he can get into the rotation at some point in 2010. 

Mat Latos - Padres
Stats: 3-0 - 1.59 ERA - 14 K's - 17 IP.
Outlook: Unlike LeBlanc, he is in the Padre starting rotation.  He played solid as a rookie in 2009 and maintains a solid K/9-ratio and that is enough to make as a low-end fantasy starter.

Spring Training Updates: Hitters

Mike Aviles - SS - Royals
Stats: .460 - 0 HR's - 5 triples - 50 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like the same Aviles that had fantasy owners excited in 2009.  He has yet to show his pop, but he is worth a last roster spot.

Julio Borbon - OF - Rangers
Stats: .314 - 1 HR - 3 SB's - 86 at bats.
Outlook: He looks to start centerfield and leadoff for the Rangers.

Chris Davis - 1B/3B - Rangers
Stats: .364 - 2 HR's - 22 K's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: He continues to improve his hitting and cutting down his K's.  This looks like the breakout year for Davis.

John Bowker - 1B - Giants
Stats: .310 - 5 HR's - 75 at bats.
Outlook: He is currently a backup in LF and at 1B.  He could take over for often-injured Aubrey Huff. He is ready for the Bigs either way.

Carlos Gomez - OF - Brewers
Stats: .300 - 0 HR's - 11 SB's - 70 at bats.
Outlook: He has been just about everything the Brewers wanted, though some power is expected.  The one-time big prospect should be back on the radar, especially if you need SB's.

Chris Johnson - 3B - Astros
Stats: .317- 7 HR's - 60 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like he will make the roster, unless the Astros decide to send him down to get at bats, but with Pedro Feliz at 3B and Geoff Blum at 1B, Johnson has a shot to start by seasons-end.

Sean Rodriguez - 2B/OF - Rays
Stats: .460 - 6 HR's - 63 at bats.
Outlook: He will make the roster, but will not likely start...yet.  He showed tremendous power in the minors as well as in Spring Training.

Tyler Colvin - OF - Cubs
Stats: .468 - 2 HR's - 2 SB's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: The former #1 pick had a huge spring and won a spot on the roster.  He will have to wait for injury or major slump to start, but keep on eye on him.

Kyle Banks - OF - Padres
Stats: .407- 3 HR's - 59 at bats.
Outlook: The big prospect had a great spring and will start in LF and possibly bat clean up.

March Madness: Are We There Yet?

No, I'm not talking about basketball. I'm talking about the madness of waiting for the baseball season to begin. For me, the madness begins after the end of the first draft. My jerk of a friend decided to have his draft on March 4th, which means my madness began very early this year. Other drafts help to medicate the madness but they are not a cure. The madness is made worse by an existing condition of mine - Trade Mongerism. I am a self diagnosed Trade Monger (See 'Trade 'Em If You got 'Em'). I have proposed no less then 20 trades already (between 3 leagues) with 3 of the trades being accepted (I finally got Kershaw for my dynasty league). A couple of more probably would have been accepted if the other owners ever saw them. With all the time before the season start, many owners haven't even looked at their team since the draft, much less my offers. This lack of attention only increases my madness. We are now a week away from the opener - my shakes are pretty bad, my sight is dim, there are spots in front of my eyes, but I think I'll pull through. With a booster shot of WBC and a steady drip of spring training games, the doctors are confident in my complete return to health. With my wife by my side (calling me a 'dork' on a very regular basis), my fellow trade mongers, and some good articles to read (searching for the hidden gems no one is really talking about *cough* Jonathan Sanchez *cough*), I have a support team that hasn't let me down. Misery loves company, so I'm here to let you that you are not the only one suffering from an acute case of March Madness. So take heart fellow sufferers, we are almost there. You have so much to live for, don't give up hope yet. Ignore the bright light drawing you in and focus on the green grass of the field, the browns on the base paths, and the white of home plate. Before you know it, you will be cursing your rivals, trading like crazy, and enjoying another great season. Hang in there! -Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)