Fantasy Sports: NL week in review

This week's Fantasy Delights in the National League were Bobby Abreu, Lyle Overbay, Roger Clemens, and Jose Macias, just to name a few? Jose Macias? That's right! Find out more on the week that was...

Atlanta Braves

* OF J.D. Drew (Fantasy Delight) - Neck and hamstring injuries have caused Drew to miss nine of the Braves' 34 games this season, but he has produced a .394-3-6-1 Fantasy line in May, which is surprising considering his lack of consistent at bats. If healthy, expect more of the same. That is a big "if", however.

* SP John Thomson (Fantasy Bite) - Following four brilliant pitching performances in April (2-1, 2.67 ERA), Thomson's Fantasy value has really taken a big dip in May with an 0-1 record and a pathetic 8.31 ERA in his last three starts. Unlike previous years, the Braves just don't have enough firepower to bounce back and this is true of Thomson as well.

* C Johnny Estrada (Fantasy Pick to Click) - The most consistent positional player on the Braves has been...Chipper? Nope. Marcus Giles? Not even close. The answer is the Braves' newest catcher Johnny Estrada who owns a surprising .324 average with two home runs, 11 doubles, a team-best 22 RBIs, and current five-game hit streak. If your roster still has a Mike Lieberthal or a Ramon Hernandez hanging around, it is time to drop them and reap the streak.

Florida Marlins

* SP Josh Beckett (Fantasy Delight) - Beckett struggled in April with an ERA over 4.00, but following a 1-0 and 1.28 ERA week in two starts against the NL West Division-leaders he is clearly in World Series form. And, best of all, the Marlins' ace wrist problems have not re-surfaced, which points to a 15-20 win season.

* SS Alex Gonzalez (Fantasy Bite) - Fantasy owners could have easily confused last season's Gonzalez (18 HR and 77 RBI) as a legit Fantasy SS, but there is no confusion in 2004 (.205-3-8 in 33 games). He is simply the "other" Alez Gonzalez, which is not high praise at all.

* SP Carl Pavano (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Last week, Pavano continued his hot start (3-1, 3.26 ERA in seven starts) by picking a complete game victory against the Padres and six nights later he pitched another solid seven innings in a 3-2 win at Houston. With another two home starts against the Marlins and Astros this week, he is this week's pick to click. Montreal Expos

* OF Termel Sledge (Fantasy Delight) - Pre-draft sleeper looked more like a bust following a comical 1-for-31 clip to begin the season. But, that is precisely why baseball is the greatest sport around because the season is played over 162 games, not just 16, and the numbers even out. In case you haven't noticed Montreal fan, Sledge is the hottest Expo batting a robust .400 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 17 games since April 23rd. The Expos' outfielder may not be a household Fantasy name, but his numbers over the last few weeks don't lie and he is certainly worth consideration NL-only or deep Mixed leagues.

* CL Rocky Biddle (Fantasy Bite) - Following a shaky outing on April 10th, Expos manager Frank Robinson said "When I don't trust Rocky Biddle as my closer he won't be my closer." Well, one and a half months into the season, the Expos closer has amazingly saved eight games in nine chances, but is just 3-of4 in saves opportunities with a 18.00 ERA since the statement. Obviously, Biddle can not be trusted and hopefully Robinson will figure it out soon so that owners can begin putting their hopes in the Fantasy closer of the future, Chad Cordero.

* C Brian Schneider (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Schneider is slowly breaking out of an early season funk and should break out this week in Puerto Rico against the Brewers and Diamondbacks. The Expos' catcher owns a .600 slugging percentage and has belted three of his five home runs this season against both staffs, which bodes well for owners needing a catcher for the week. Take the chance.

New York Mets

* SP Tom Glavine (Fantasy Delight) - Glavine's lofty reputation as a left-handed pitcher took a big hit in his debut (9-14 record, 4.52 ERA) with the Mets last season. However, since opening day, the two-time Cy Young award winner has looked nothing like last year's disappointment and is once again back on-track baffling opponents with his devastating change-up. Welcome back, you are worth my dime! Glavine continued his hot start earning his fifth victory of the season, scattering just three hits in seven plus innings, as the Mets beat the Diamondbacks and Randy Johnson 1-0 last Wednesday.

* OF Karim Garcia (Fantasy Bite) - The Mets' outfield production has been slim to none in 2004. And, leading the pack is the "prized" off-season addition of Karim Garcia, who was hitting just .242 with five home runs and 14 RBIs in 128 at-bats through Monday. Last week, he continued his slide out of the Fantasy rankings with a laughable 1-for-18 stretch. Yuck!

* C Mike Piazza (Fantasy Pick to Click) - The greatest hitting catcher of all-time is now on the move. Manager Art Howe announced plans to use Piazza primarily at first base the rest of the season which should help him avoid the grueling wear and tear the "tools of ignorance" offers. Expect Mike to become the toast of Shea once again, beginning this week against the struggling Rockies' and Cardinals' rotations.

Philadelphia Phillies * OF Bobby Abreu (Fantasy Delight) - The perennial slow starter got it going on 8-game road trip as he hit everything in sight (.429 in 28 at bats), showed off his power (three home runs and 12 RBI), and proved to be a menace of the base paths (scoring 12 runs and stealing five bags). If you we're lucky enough to trade for the red-hot Abreau prior to the inferno, congratulations you have a .320 and 30-30 player on your hands.

* CL Billy Wagner (Fantasy Bite) - On the surface, Wagner's latest groin injury and back spasms may seem like no big deal. But, these have been on-going ailments for the Phillies' closer for several years now, and it could only be a matter time before these minor aches become a chronic problems. The Phils' will miss Wagner's eight saves in nine chances, miniscule 1.20 ERA, and menacing 100 MPH fastball. Until he returns Tim Worrell, 38 saves with the Giants in 2003, will fill in as the closer and an excellent fit for owners needing a boost in saves.

* SP Eric Milton (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Through seven starts, the Phillies' left-hander has bounced back with a surpassingly solid season (4-0, 4.38 ERA) and is due for a big week with pair of home starts against the Dodgers and Padres.

Chicago Cubs

* 2B/3B/OF/SS Jose Macias (Fantasy Delight) - How does Dusty Baker keep doing it? Every year, his team's seem to have surprising years from players that probably should not even be in the big leagues. Within the last few weeks, the newest Cub to make the Fantasy splash is no other than Jose Macias. The former Tigers' and Expos' journeyman utility man surprised with a 11-for-20 clip, including a home run and two triples in four starts at second base last week. Macias will continue to start at second base while Mark Grudzielanek and Todd Walker recover from injuries. So if your need a short-term fix, he is your player.

* 1B Derek Lee (Fantasy Bite) - Lee slumbered through an alarming 4-for-21 road trip which may raise some concern and promote owner's to push the eject button. Not to worry, the Cubs' newest 1B is a perennial Fantasy stud after the first few months and this year will be no different. Expect a .285-30-100-15 Fantasy line the rest of the way.

* SP Greg Maddux (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Don't look now, but future Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux is on a roll (3-1, 2.57 ERA in his last five starts) and faces the struggling Giants on Wednesday. He is well on his way to his ML-record 17 consecutive seasons of 15 or more victories.

Cincinnati Reds

* Paul Wilson (Fantasy Delight): How would Freddy Garcia's or Jake Peavy's numbers look if they received the run-support (5.87 runs/gm) Wilson has been blessed to have in 2004? The Reds' surprising right-hander is still flying under the radar in most leagues, which is perplexing because he is 5-0 with a 3.99 ERA in eight starts and is coming off another brilliant week (2-0, 2 ER in 14 IP). Do not wait, grab this Reds' Fantasy Delight.

* 3B Brandon Larson (Fantasy Bite) - A first-round pick and College World Series MVP in 1997, Larson has not put anything together in the big leagues and appears to be another victim of too much weight lifting. The bulky third baseman may have been adversely affected in his bat speed, mobility in the field contributing to his erratic play (a team-high five errors in 11 games), and if that isn't enough, he was recently placed on the DL following a muscle injury to his leg. Larson may still be a legit Fantasy prospect, but time is ticking.

* 2B D'Angelo Jimenez (Fantasy Pick to Click) - The former Yankees' top prospect always seems to make a good first impression (.290-7-31-7 in 73 games with the Reds last season) and then quickly wears out his welcome with suspect defense and streakiness at the plate. The good news... Jimenez is due for a bust out week against staffs (Astros and Rockies) that he battered around the yard in 2004. The bad news...the inconsistent Reds' second baseman will be a bust over the season's long haul.

Houston Astros * SP Roger Clemens (Fantasy Delight) - If it wasn't for the gas can called the Astros' bullpen on Sunday, Clemens would have notched his eight victory in as many starts this season. Irregardless, the once-retired legend is simply the top pitcher in the game and he was 1-0 with a microscopic 0.64 ERA and 21 strikeouts in two starts last week. Wow! And, Clemens is 7-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 52 plus innings this season. Please, just give him his seventh Cy Young award and second MVP now.

* SS Adam Everett (Fantasy Bite) - On April 21st, Adam Everett was among the elite shortstops in Fantasy Baseball with a .400 batting average, but since then, he is hitting at a woeful .222-2-5 clip in 90 at-bats. The Astros' slick-fielding shortstop certainly is not the next Ted Williams, but he also is not as bad as the last few weeks suggest. Everett should only be considered in NL-only leagues.

* SP Andy Pettite (Fantasy Pick to Click) - It is hard to imagine any pitcher living up to a three-year, $31.5 million deal outside of a Pedro Martinez or a Randy Johnson. With an early trip to the DL in April coupled with the outstanding start of Roger Clemens, Pettite is flying under the Fantasy radar. Since April 29th, the newest Astro is 4-0 with a 2.34 ERA while allowing just 11 hits and striking out 24 in 23 innings. Ride the streak, as Pettite is scheduled to face the Marlins in spacious Pro Player Stadium this week.

Milwaukee Brewers * 1B Lyle Overbay (Fantasy Delight) - Overbay is simply the biggest surprise and best hitter in Fantasy Baseball through April and May. Milwaukee's sweet-swinging first baseman increased his hitting streak to 17 games on Sunday and leads the league in both doubles (21) and RBIs (38) through 37 games. Even more surprisingly, Overbay's slugging percentage (.638) is even better than the his predecessor Richie Sexson and less surprisingly, his 2004 batting average (.369) is closer to the mark that he posted in the minors that made him one of the brightest prospects in all of baseball. Forget the prospect label! This kid is Fantasy legit for many years to come.

* OF Scott Podsednik (Fantasy Bite) - Last season's runner-up for the NL's Rookie of the Year, established himself as one of the top leadoff hitters in the game with the likes of Ichiro and Juan Pierre. But after a blazing April that left his average over .300 with an incredible .500 slugging percentage and 12 stolen bases, the Brewers' center fielder has been less than spectacular in May with a .230-0-5-8 and .262 slugging percentage split.

* SP Ben Sheets (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Since a disastrous opening day start against the Cards, Sheets has bounced back handsomely and is now a legit Fantasy number one or two starter. On Sunday, the Brewers' ace reordered his first complete game of the season, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out a career-best 18 Braves' batters to earn his fourth win of the season. Playing in Milwaukee obviously will hurt his value but if you have a chance make a run at Sheets. Fifteen wins is easily within reach for this talented hurler.

Pittsburgh Pirates * 1B/OF/C Craig Wilson (Fantasy Delight) - Wilson began the season as a sleeper on everyone's list and with a lofty .355 average, nine home runs, 27 RBIs, and a 1.075 OPS through 35 games and has far exceeded this owner's expectations. Couple his awesome 2004 start, with the news that Raul Mondesi will miss the rest of the season and he is coming off another brilliant .545-3-9 Fantasy week, the Pirates' RF/1B/C will should safely remain and produce in the Bucs' lineup on a daily basis.

* OF Raul Mondesi (Fantasy Bite) - The 33-year old Pirates' outfielder says he will not play again this season because of personal problems and has since returned to his home in the Dominican Republic. Before leaving, Mondesi was hitting .283 with just two home runs and 14 RBIs in 2004. Thus, Fantasy owners should take note that the values of Craig Wilson, Daryl Ward, and Jason Bay will increase with this "odd" decision. Thank you, Raul.

* OF/1B Daryl Ward (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Now that Mondesi has quit on his team for the second straight season. Ward is one Pirate who stands to benefit the most and in six games since being recalled, he is hitting everything in site to the tune of a .360-2-6 clip in 25 at-bats. Expect more of the same this week against the right-handed dominant Padres' and Brewers' staffs.

St. Louis Cardinals * SP Chris Carpenter (Fantasy Delight) - After missing all of 2003 and most last year with shoulder problems, the 29-year old right-hander is back. Both on the field and as a solid Fantasy contributor. In seven starts this season, Carpenter is 4-1 with a solid 3.86 ERA and is currently on three game win streak. He may not be in the Kerry Wood or Tim Hudson class, yet, but he certainly is a young starter that will bolster your staff at a cheap price.

* 2B/SS Tony Womack (Fantasy Bite) - Disco Inferno was back and is now dead in Busch Stadium. Yes, disco was hot early on and so was Womack with seven stolen bases and a .360 batting average in 12 games. But just like disco, the Cardinals second baseman is fading away quickly (3 SB and .209 BA in his last 20 games) while splitting time with Marlon Anderson and Hector Luna. "It is time to burn this motha' out, music coming from the soul."

* OF Jim Edmonds (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Perennial Cubs' and Mets' killer Jim Edmonds will boost is solid '04 .283-9-29-1 numbers against both staffs this week. Make sure he is in your lineup. Arizona Diamondbacks

* OF Steve Finley (Fantasy Delight) - The 39-year old center fielder is far from done and after belting his major league-leading 12th home run on Friday, Finley now has hit 11 home runs in his last 67 at-bats after hitting just one in his first 80. Indeed, quite a find for those owners fortunate in drafting this steady diamond who is back.

* RP Matt Mantei (Fantasy Bite) - Really, this was supposed to be the Diamondbacks' strength heading into the 2004 season. Mantei has some of the nastiest stuff around (13 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings this season) to be among the ML's elite closers, but his glass arm and mental make-up over the course of a season just is not there to be Fantasy worthy. Mantei is 0-3 with four saves in seven chances while allowing a Tony Gwynn-like .354 BAA and an embarrassing 11.81 ERA in 12 appearances. Simple advice: Drop Mantei; Add Jose Valverde

* CL Jose Valverde (Fantasy Pick to Click) - After allowing five home runs this season and blowing three saves, Matt Mantei was replaced by "future closer-in-the-making" Jose Valverde (2-for-2 in save chances with a .194 BAA). With upcoming games on the road in Atlanta and Florida, pitching and close games will be a sure bet which bodes well for Valverde's Fantasy owners. xpect the newest D-Backs' closer to thrive in the new role and even pick up a few saves this week.

Colorado Rockies

* OF Jeromy Burnitz (Fantasy Delight) - Do not try to rationalize the Law of Physics...mediocre players transform into Hall of Fame-type sluggers playing in the thin air of Colorado. Last year, it was Preston Wilson. This season, it another career .252 outfielder who is surprising the Fantasy nation and is name is Jeromy Burnitz. The "feared" slugger currently has a seven-game hitting a streak and his battering NL pitching to the tune of a .448-3-13-1 Fantasy line with eight runs during the stretch. The recommendation here is to start him at home (.389-7-24 in 72 ABs) and bench him on the road (.200-3-5 in 50 ABs). This is baseball's Law of Physics.

* 2B Aaron Miles (Fantasy Bite) - A front-runner for this year's NL Rookie of the Year award prior to the season, Miles was recently optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs which opens the Fantasy door for the speedy young second baseman Luis Gonzalez. In 28 games this season, the disappointing Miles is batting .258 with just two home runs and 11 RBIs.

* OF Matt Holliday (Fantasy Pick to Click) - Is there a better "Fantasy Pick to Click" on the Rockies with a road trip to Cincy and New York this week? In 29 games this season, Holliday is hitting .317 with seven home runs, 17 RBIs, and is even producing more away from Coors Field (.361 BA and 1.017 OPS)which is itself is amazing. Expect a big week from this season's Fantasy surprise Holliday.

Los Angeles Dodgers

* SP/RP Wilson Alvarez (Fantasy Delight) - Since rejoining the Dodgers' starting rotation last week, Alvarex has recorded two wins, tossing a combined 14 2/3 scoreless innings in two starts. The prodigal left-hander is in the midst of a resurrected career and is definitely worth of shot for your staff. How does a 6-1 record with a 1.56 ERA in 10 career Dodger starts grab you? I'll take it and expect it.

* OF/1B Shawn Green (Fantasy Bite) - Green may be one of the nicest guys around, but his Fantasy production is down-right appalling. Couple his decline in power (just 26 HR in his last 745 ABs) and vulnerability for long slumps (.143-0-1-0 last week; .226-7-18-0 for the season), the Dodgers' right fielder days as a legit top-tier Fantasy option are done. No time like the present, dump him.

* SP Odalis Perez (Fantasy Pick to Click) - The talented Dodgers' left-hander was tagged with his second loss of the season (2-2 record) on Saturday against the Reds, but no need to worry. Perez is on a roll. In his last six starts, he is 2-1 with a 3.07 ERA and has 24 strikeouts in 41 innings of work. This week, Perez will have plenty of incentive as he takes the bump against his former Braves' team, thus expect nothing less than a complete game shutout for this up-and-coming ace.

San Diego Padres

* SP Jake Peavy (Fantasy Delight) - Who are the best young starting pitchers in baseball? Fantasy owners certainly are aware of the Prior's, Webb's, and Beckett's of the game, but one pitcher you may not know is the Padres' future ace Jake Peavy. Last season, the young right-hander dominated the NL in the second-half while limiting opposing hitters to a .216 batting average in 78 innings of work. Peavy has continued the trend into 2004, not allowing more than two runs in any of his eight starts while owning a spectacular 2.08 ERA. Expect more of the same for the remainder of the season, especially pitching in the "Pitcher's Haven" named Petco Ballpark.

* OF Terrance Long (Fantasy Bite) - So much for the change of scenery hype for Terrence Long? For many years, it was a safe Fantasy bet to expect a .280-15-75-8 with 30+ doubles and 80+ runs scored season from the former A's outfielder. Not this year! With a log jam in the Padres outfield, Long is just not getting enough at-bats to be considered Fantasy worthy, even in deep NL-only leagues. Couple that bit of news with a "long" 1-for-8 week...it is time to look elsewhere.

* SP Brian Lawrence (Fantasy Pick to Click) - In two starts last week, Lawrence notched two victories to up his record to 5-2 for the season. The Padres' right-hander allowed just three runs on 12 hits while striking out 12 in 13 innings pitched. This week, Lawrence takes is 3-1 road record with 3.00 ERA away from Petco for a pair of starts against the Phillies and Pirates. Expect a good week from this Padre.

San Francisco Giants * 3B Pedro Feliz (Fantasy Delight) - The five-year veteran has shown glimpses of greatness as a role player, but patience has been a nagging problem in his development (27 BB and .279 OBP in 750 career plate appearances). That is, until this season. The Giants' third baseman still is not getting on-base that much, as indicated by just one pitiful walk in 115 at-bats this season, but he is playing everyday and producing (.304-7-23-2)magnificently hitting in the cleanup spot behind Bonds. Amazingly, he is on pace for a Fantasy dream season of .300-30-100-10 and qualifies at 3B, 1B, OF, and SS. I'll take those numbers and versatility on my roster any day.

* CL Matt Herges (Fantasy Bite) - Herges notched his 10th and 11th saves of the season last week. But all is not well, especially with an balloon-like ERA of 7.11, an opponents batting average against of .326, and two blown saves, Herges days as closer are numbered. Despite the nauseous statistics, Herges is still among the league leaders in saves which may make him easier to move than one might think. Once there is a change, Felix Rodriguez's impressive .188 BAA and impressive 2.79 ERA will slide into the role.

* SP Jason Schmidt (Fantasy Pick to Click) - After raising red flags in the minds of Fantasy owners with a sluggish start to open the season, Schmidt is once again back in Cy Young-form with a 3-0, 2.66 ERA stretch in his previous four starts. The Giants' right-hander will face the injury-riddled Cubs and the Triple-A Montreal Expos in starts this week, so expect him to run his win streak to five.