Fantasy Sports: AL week in review

Let us take a quick trip around the American League and review the Week that was in Fantasy Baseball...

Baltimore Orioles * 2B Brian Roberts (Fantasy Delight) - Since beginning the season mired in a 0-for-16 slide, Roberts has battered AL-pitching to the tune of a .389 average while being among the Fantasy leaders in stolen bases, runs scored, and doubles for the surprising O's. Last week, he has continued his tear hitting .500 with nine stolen bases and 10 runs scored which does not bode well for incumbent second baseman Jerry Hairston, who is due back this week.

* SP Sidney Ponson (Fantasy Bite) - Ponson has never been known as a strike out stud in Fantasy leagues, however his value is in his durability and ability to win on any given day. Last week, however, Ponson disappointed owners with a 9.78 ERA in just 9 2/3 innings of work. Don't expect him to duplicate his 17-win 2003 season, but he is a sure bet to bounce back following a frustrating week and deliver another solid year.

* SS Miguel Tejada (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Tejada has belted just two home runs in 102 at bats, but he is hitting an untypical .344 early on. Now that he's beginning to warm up expect the O's shortstop to bolster your rosters numbers this week against the Indian, White Sox, and Angel hurlers.

Boston Red Sox

* RP Scott Williamson (Fantasy Delight) - The former Reds' Fantasy closer standout and 2002 NL Rookie of the Year has now reestablished himself as one of the best again, this time as the setup men for Keith Foulke. Williamson finally gave up a run this last week, but he did earn his first save of the season and will continue to be an excellent source of relief. Expect 4-5 wins, more than a strikeout per inning pitched ratio, 25-30 holds and a handful a saves from this bullpen ace.

* SP Pedro Martinez (Fantasy Bite) - By most pitching standards, a 4-2 record with a 3.92 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 43 plus innings is very good. But for Martinez owners, last week's and worst yet his 2004 numbers are alarming, especially after the Rangers battered him around the yard for six runs in just four innings. He did bounce back with a solid seven innings effort against the Tribe, however the sharp drop-off in strikeouts and incline BAA (.233)this season should put him in the tradable category.

* SS/2B Pokey Reese (Fantasy Pick to Click) - If your looking for a SS or 2B to fill in for a struggling or injured gem, it is time to once again to look at the Boston middle infield and no it is not Nomar. Instead, grab Pokey's robust May .370-2-12-1 Fantasy line.

New York Yankees

* 1B Jason Giambi (Fantasy Delight) - Don't look now, but the Yankees are beginning to warm up and Giambi is leading the charge. Last week, the controversial Yanks' first baseman belted three home runs and drove in seven runs as the Yankees won four of five against the lowly A's and Mariners.

* SP Jose Contreras (Fantasy Bite) - How does 14 walks , 25 hits, seven home runs, and a 9.47 ERA fit into your Fantasy plans, especially after I suggested that Contreras was the big leagues' newest ace? My apologies and here is more advice! Start a Class A league and draft only position players to hit off Contre-bust. Good luck in Class-A Tampa , Jose.

* 3B Alex Rodriguez (Fantasy Pick to Click) - A-Rod is finally beginning to pay off for Fantasy owners with a .333-3-6-0 clip through May and five home runs is not out of the question this week with the back-end of the Angels and Mariners rotations due in town.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

* 1B Tino Martinez (Fantasy Delight) - In case you have not noticed, Martinez has been one of the most consistent first baseman in the game through April and early May. Last week, the Devil Rays' 37-year old first baseman continued his surge producing a .333-3-4 Fantasy line and is now a legit option in deep mixed or AL-only leagues.

* OF/1B/3B Aubrey Huff (Fantasy Bite) - So much for this top 10 first baseman pick, at least through the beginning of May. It is getting so bad that the "so-called" best hitting threat for the Devil Rays is now hitting sixth. With a 4-20 (.200) week, it is hard to argue and perhaps it is time to explore trading him all together for the likes of a Sean Casey or a Carlos Pena.

* CL Danys Baez (Fantasy Pick to Click) - The former Indians' flame thrower has unseated Lance Carter as the Devil Rays' closer with a lights out 1.50 ERA and three saves in as many opportunities while limiting opposing batters to a miniscule .158 average in 12 appearances this season. Sure, the Tampa No Fans may not win many games, but remember the success Rocky Biddle and Danny Kolb had last season in similar roles? Grab him and expect 25-30 freebee saves in '04.

Toronto Blue Jays

* 2B Orlando Hudson (Fantasy Delight) - This season's underachieving second baseman, Orlando Hudson, is finally beginning show signs of Fantasy promise with a .400 (8-20) week, including a career-best two home run and five RBI barrage against the Royals on Thursday night. In May, Hudson has raised his average by more than 25 points and is batting .333 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in just 33 at bats.

* 3B Eric Hinske (Fantasy Bite) - The Jays' offense is picking up where it left off in 2003 with the likes of Carlos Delgado, Vernon Wells, Josh Phelps, and Orlando Hudson leading the way. Unfortunately, Hinske is still stumbling at the plate following another unproductive 6 for 23 week and for the season the former Rookie of the Year is in the midst of a "junior-slump" with a pathetic .243-4-16 Fantasy scrub line. There is no reason to own this Darnell Coles-look alike, especially when if more productive Pedro Feliz or a David Bell is still available in your league.

* RP Jason Fraser (Fantasy Pick to Click) - What is the definition of a bullpen-by-committee? Well, four Blue Jays' relievers have saved four games among them. Not exactly, what Fantasy owners enjoy hearing. Rookie Jason Fraser picked up his first save with in a 4-2 victory against the White Sox and if he continues his hot start (1.54 ERA in 11 2/3 innings), this "Fraser" could be back for a season.

Chicago White Sox

* SP Scott Schoeneweis (Fantasy Delight) - In consecutive road starts against the potent O's and Blue Jays last week, Schoeneweis stringed together two solid performances going 1-0 with a 1.92 ERA in 14 innings of work. So far, the White Sox soft throwing lefthander has been the staff's most consistent (3-1, 3.49 ERA in six starts) pitcher and has established himself as a decent Fantasy option in most leagues.

* 1B Paul Konerko (Fantasy Bite) - Since beginning the season with a solid .299-5-13-1 Fantasy line, Konerko has fallen onto hard times with a similar funk that plagued many owners last season. In 27 at bats in May, the Chi-Sox's first baseman is hitting just .074 with exactly zero extra base hits and RBIs. Don't panic just yet, but if Konerko does not get it going within the next few weeks it may be time to explore other options.

* 2B Willie Harris (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Harris was hitting just .208 through the end of April and instead of being designated to bench, the speedy second baseman and pre-season sleeper remained in the lineup following an injury to Jose Valentin. In the last 11 games, he responded with a Fantasy bang hitting a robust .425 in leading the White Sox to a 7-4 record. Expect more of the same this week.

Cleveland Indians

* OF Jody Gerut (Fantasy Delight) - Was last year's .279-22-75-4 with 33 doubles rookie debut a fluke for the Tribe's young right fielder? Yes. Why? Well, he is an Indian for one and he is not exactly a household name that I'm willing to invest my dollar on. These are all fair arguments, but how does a .285-4-16-5 with 21 runs scored, 17 walks, and a 12-game hitting streak look for a third or forth outfielder on your team? Don't rationalize anymore, this youngster is legit.

* OF Alex Escobar (Fantasy Bite) - The once prized Mets' top prospect, is certainly not worth Fantasy consideration (.241-0-8-1 in 83 AB this season) and to think he still has a job in the majors is beyond my knowledge.

* RP Rafael Betancourt (Fantasy Pick to Click) - The hard-throwing Betancourt notched two saves against the Red Sox last week and will take over closer duties for the time being. He is 2-3 with a solid 3.24 ERA and two saves in 17 appearances this season . For owners in need of bullpen help, this could be your diamond in the rough.

Detroit Tigers

* SS Carlos Guillen (Fantasy Delight) - The surprising Tigers' shortstop continues to be among the top studs at the position. And with a .389-1-6-0 with eight runs scored, two doubles, and one triple week, he doesn't look to be slowing down. Amazingly, Guillen is still available in most leagues, so grab his .321-3-22-2 Fantasy stick and ride the streak until he makes his annual trip to the DL.

* OF Alex Sanchez (Fantasy Bite) - Is there a more feared threat on the base paths than Alex Sanchez? Probably not. The problem is, the Tigers' center fielder just does not get on base (.324 OBP) to warrant a position, despite his stolen base value, in your lineup. Sanchez's recent struggles (.227-1-4-1 last week) has even prompted Alan Trammel to look at catcher Brandon Inge as his everyday center fielder. Not exactly a vote of confidence.

* OF Bobby Higginson (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Higginson entered last week's series against the Rangers mired in a 1 for 18 slump, and left Texas with his first two home runs of the season. Look for the Tigers' outfielder to continue his hot bat, as Detroit will entertain the same gas can staff again this weekend.

Kansas City Royals

* SP/RP Dennys Reyes(Fantasy Delight) - The hefty journeyman pitcher made is third start of the season on May 11 against the Blue Jays and scattered five hits in a season-best five and two-third innings while striking out four. For the season, Reyes has yet to be involved in a decision but he has a sparkling 3.22 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings of work and could be a capable addition to a Fantasy rotation in need of help.

* OF David DeJesus (Fantasy Bite) - DeJesus is considered the Royals' top prospect among position players, and after hitting .351 at Omaha with a 14-game hitting streak it appeared as though the young outfielder was ready to shine. However, perception is not reality. In 11 games following his April 24th call-up, DeJesus hit very little (.043) and appeared to be completely overmatched in his debut. He still is a keeper in any league, but the reality is he needs probably a full year in Triple A before making any contribution.

* 1B Ken Harvey (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Royals' manager Tony Pena recently decided that Harvey's inferno bat (.344-3-23-0 in 96 at bats) was too potent to ignore and named him as the team's regular first baseman for now, moving veteran slugger Mike Sweeney to the DH spot. Expect Harvey to thrive in the new role and watch him become a legit everyday Fantasy threat.

Minnesota Twins

* SP Carlos Silva (Fantasy Delight) - Prior to this season, Silva had made just one big league start in 131 appearances. But through April and now into May, the Twins' newest ace is having a Esteban Loaiza-type bust out year with a 5-0 record and a 3.11 ERA in seven starts. Last week, Silva continued the smooth transition with a pair of brilliant outings against Seattle going 1-0 with a 1.19 ERA in 15 innings of work.

* OF Tori Hunter (Fantasy Bite) - Since returning from the DL (April 25th), Hunter has yet to find his stroke (.234) and Fantasy owners are concerned that he is not completely healed from a hamstring injury that shelved him for most of April. In fact, Hunter could make another trip to the DL if his leg does not improve soon which means its time to find another option.

* C Twins Catchers (Fantasy Picks to Click) - In April, the Twins' strength at the catching position appeared to be in disarray with injuries to Matt LeCroy and rookie Joe Mauer, that is until veteran Henry Blanco tore up AL-pitching for a good part of the month. All good things must come to an end, especially for a career .219 hitter, and in a recent 12 game stretch Blanco proved his Fantasy worthiness with a 5 for 45 slump that dropped his average from .313 to .222. Help is on the way! LeCroy's big bat is back and he will see significant time at catcher, DH, and 1B which will add the sleeper tag back to his name. Also, Mauer is still a few weeks away, but once he returns expect him to start his career again to the tune of a .300+ average.

Anaheim Angels

* OF Jose Guillen (Fantasy Delight) - Last week, was a scary week for AL-pitchers and for Guillen owners. With ailing stars Darrin Erstad, Tim Salmon, Garret Anderson, and Troy Glaus on the shelf, Guillen's leg injury on Sunday seemed to be the icing on the cake for the brittle Halos. Prior to the injury, the Angels newest left fielder was on an absolute tear going 14 for 21 (.667) with four home runs and 11 RBI, while raising his average from .263 to a season-high .328. The good news is Guillen is nack in the lineup and Fantasy owners should count their blessing for this Angel.

* OF Garrett Anderson (Fantasy Bite) - As if losing this perennial .300-30-100 stud was not disappointing enough, Anderson owners should be concerned that there is no further news on of his back, neck, and shoulder pains that has landed him on the DL for some time now. For a player that has averaged more than 155 games over the last eight seasons, this type of injury should be considered serious and in the interim, the recommendation here is to look at picking up a Chone Figgins (.321 and nine steals in 24 games) or a Jeff DaVanon (.295-2-9-2 in 44 AB) until he returns.

* 1B Casey Kotchman (Fantasy Pick to Click) - The Angels' No. 1 pick in 2001, made his major league debut earlier this week and will play first base until Darrin Erstad returns from a hamstring injury. Kotchman (.368-3-18 in 28 games at Double-A Arkansas), already possesses one of the sweetest swings in baseball and it is not too far-fetched in expecting Erstad to become the next Wally Pipp because this "Kotch" is the next Lou Gehrig.

Oakland Athletics

* 1B Erubiel Durazo (Fantasy Delight) - It took a season and one month, but Durazo is finally back on track and with his recent surge, Fantasy owners should expect nothing less than a 30 HR and 100 RBI campaign from the A's slugger. On Wednesday, the A's slugging first baseman's hitting streak was snapped at 11 games, but over the span he batted .388-4-14 and raised his from .228 to .294. The wait is over, grab him now!

* SP Barry Zito (Fantasy Bite) - A horrible season continues to get worse for the former AL Cy Young award winner. Last week, Zito extended his winless streak to four games and is now 2-3 with an ugly 6.00 ERA while allowing 56 hits (.320 BAA) in 42 innings of work. It would be nice to give an encouraging vote of confidence to Zito owners, but he is looking more and more like another Mike Hampton. His name alone makes Zito tradable, so be advised the time is now.

* SP Rich Harden (Fantasy Pick to Click) - If his last three starts are any indication, Harden will be quite a find especially after many owners, including myself, quit on him following an embarrassing demotion to Triple-A. Since May 1st, the young right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 20-2/3 innings. We can safely say Harden is back in the Mark Prior class.

Seattle Mariners

* OF Ichiro Suzuki (Fantasy Delight) - Ichiro extended his current hit streak to 12 games on Thursday and again he is the toast of Seattle. Since the beginning of May, the M's rightfielder is htting everything in site (.383 in 47 AB) and is beginning to look more and more like the MVP he was a few years ago.

* SP Joel Pineiro (Fantasy Bite) - The Mariners' future ace and 2003 16-game winner is just 1-4 with a 6.75 ERA in seven starts. But, worst of all for Fantasy owners is Pineiro has allowed an incredible 77 base runners and eight home runs in just 41 plus innings. Five wins would be an accomplishment at this point, but keep in mind that the young right hander has tremendous upside and is capable of turning in a fantastic run.

* UTL Jolbert Cabrera (Fantasy Pick to Click) - In his last 10 games, the versatile Cabrera has started at five different positions and is hitting at a .429 clip in 33 at bats. He certainly does not have the Fantasy value to keep over the season, but Cabrera will continue to play and hit a little bit while Willie Bloomquist and Bret Boone recover from injuries.

Texas Rangers

* SP Ryan Drese (Fantasy Delight) - This week's Fantasy Delight for the high-octane Rangers is...Ryan Drese? Really! In case you haven't noticed, Drese is 2-0 with a 2.60 in six starts this season and he is now the staple for the ML's most improved staff.

* 1B Mark Teixeira (Fantasy Bite) - Teixeira was the fifth overall pick in the 2001 draft and early on this season, he was showing why he went so high in the draft (.280-2-7 through April 12th). However, an injury to his oblique muscle forced the young slugger to the DL and since returning on April 29th, Teixera has done nothing (5 for 40 with three RBI) to prove he's Fantasy ready.

* OF Kevin Mench (Pick to Click) - With a lineup that features such Fantasy stars like Alfonso Soriano, Hank Blalock, and Michael Young, it's easy to forget the lessor known contributions that Mench provides on a daily basis. The Rangers' everyday outfielder is quietly having a nice season (.308-4-16 with 10 doubles and a .513 SLG) and with the Devil Rays and Tigers on the horizon, take the bank with Mench.