AGRI Biz

Talk about making an immediate impact as Starlin Castro had a record setting debut.  Rod Barajas has entrenched himself as a usable option in all formats.  Phil Hughes & David Price continue to shine.  Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games: Hitters: Ike Davis (2-3, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R) -  Amazingly, the two home runs came against Jonathan Sanchez (7.0 IP, 4 ER, ...

C.J. Wilson’s transition to the starting rotation has gone better than anyone could have imagined.  Who could have expected the following line through five starts: 2 Wins 32.2 Innings 1.65 ERA 1.19 WHIP 25 Strikeouts (6.9 K/9) 13 Walks (3.6 B/99) .279 BABIP We’ll notice right away that the BABIP is not an unrealistic number.  It is above average so a falloff is possible, but it’s not a guarantee either.  That’s something ...

With the first month of the season in the books, let’s take a look at which pitchers have benefited most from a lucky BABIP.  Who is most likely to fail?  Who will continue to thrive?  (All stats through Saturday).   1. Livan Hernandez —Washington Nationals — .180 He hasn’t had an ERA below 4.83 since 2005, so, at 35-years old are we to believe that Hernandez can continue to mow people down?  He’s ...

Nick Markakis is finally warming up.  Javier Vazquez continues to struggle miserably.  Daisuke Matsuzaka’s season debut was not what people hoped.  Let’s take a look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games: Hitters: Andruw Jones (2-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R) - He’s hitting .276 with 8 HR and 11 RBI on the year and has moved into the third spot in the lineup.  In five outfielder ...

Cliff Lee made his season debut.  Ryan Zimmerman returned to the lineup.  Matt Kemp is in the midst of a major slump.  Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games:   Pitchers   • Brandon Morrow (6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 9 K, W) He’s now allowed two earned runs or less in each of his last three starts (19.0 IP).  Over that streak he has 25 ...

Three closers continued to put their jobs in serious jeopardy.  Jon Lester finally pitched up to expectations.  Tim Lincecum did what he always does.  Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games: Pitchers: Octavio Dotel (2.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K) - That makes six straight appearances where he’s given up a run, blowing yet another save.  How can the Pirates continue to ...

Prior to the season I wrote an article entitled “Nolan Reimold: A Solid Option, But Not A 2010 Fantasy Sleeper” (click here to view).  The piece was in response to the many people who were considering Reimold a great sleeper selection to fill out their outfield after hitting 15 HR in 358 AB in ‘09. Over the season’s first month, Reimold has looked even worse than “solid”, and for all intents ...

Josh Beckett’s woes continue.  Roy Halladay proved that he’s not a machine.  Colby Rasmus & Marlon Byrd are on absolute tears.  Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games:   Pitchers   Josh Beckett (3.0 IP, 8 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 3 K) - Seriously, what is going on here?  He’s now given up 15 ER over his last two starts and has allowed less than 5 ER in ...

Two of the best first base prospects in baseball, Justin Smoak and Ike Davis, have already gotten the call and are seeing everyday Major League at-bats.  Which is the better option for 2010?  How about beyond?  Let’s take a look: Justin Smoak - Texas Rangers The 2008 first round draft pick has proven that he can hit, though his minor league success has been mixed, at best.  Just look at ...

Our Top 75 Starting Pitcher rankings return, and it couldn’t come at a better time.  Many of the top pitchers in baseball are lined up for two-starts this week.  Of course, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of attractive one-start options as well.  Let’s take a look at how things fall (two-start options are in bold): Roy Halladay - Philadelphia Phillies - at SF, vs. NYM Felix Hernandez - Seattle Mariners ...