Fantasy Sports: MLB's April in Review

'Tis the season Fantasy Baseball fans and owners... No, this is not Christmas, it is April and Leagues are beginning to take shape as the first month of the grueling MLB season is now complete. Chances are that those endless nights on the computer, mock drafts, and spreadsheet after spreadsheet of positional statistics have not quite translated into the wins and points expected.

Sure, many Fantasy owners are feeling the pressure to part ways with their prized first-round selection for a blazing Heop Seop Choi or a Jack Wilson. And, with the fantastic April of both, who could argue?

But, the wonderful aspect of Fantasy Baseball is that the season is a marathon which means that a Bobby Abreau and a Brian Giles will without a doubt catch fire in May becoming some of the best Fantasy choices the rest away, whereas hoping for Choi to continue his 70+ home run pace or Ron Belliard to challenge Ted Williams' .400 mark would be as realistic as Charlie Brown kicking a football.

As the MLB season begins the month of May, let us review the players on the rise, players on the decline, insight trade advice for your team, and top player rankings for each position, including key April surprise(s)...

First Baseman

Player on the Rise -- Sean Casey, CIN: The surging Reds have a number of key players that are once again Fantasy Worthy, including Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. But, Casey is April's first baseman "on the rise" with an average near .500 and 15 extra base hits in 83 at bats, compared to just 36 extra base hits in 573 at bats in 2003.

On the Decline -- Carlos Delgado, TOR: Delgado is simply one of the most feared Fantasy players around, however his slow start and worse yet ailing knees on the unforgiving Skydome's surface are concerning.

Trade Advice -- Carlos Delgado, TOR for Derek Lee, CHC: Delgado is ailing, older, and slumbering in the poor Blue Jays' lineup. Derek Lee is off to a so-so start but unlike Delgado, he is completely healthy and will only heat up in the summer winds of Wrigley.

Hitter Name (Previous Ranking): BA-HR-RBI-SB, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Adam Dunn, CIN (9): .353-8-15-1, 5.53, 94.0 2. Jeff Bagwell, HOU (6): .348-5-16-0, 5.22, 94.0 3. Albert Pujols, STL (2): .288-6-15-0, 5.06, 91.0 4. Todd Helton, COL (1): .333-4-10-1, 4.82, 82.0 5. Sean Casey, CIN (29): .431-2-16-1, 4.59, 78.0 (April Surprise) Craig Wilson, PIT (41): .367-4-10-0, 4.12, 66.0

Second Baseman

On the Rise -- Junior Spivey, MIL: Despite earning a spot on the NL All-Star team with a standout .301-16-78 season in 2002, the Diamondbacks delegated Spivey to mainly reserve duties last year and eventually traded him in the off-season to Baseball Siberia. The newest Brewer is again the toast of Fantasy Baseball and his numbers will continue to rise.

On the Decline -- Bret Boone, SEA: Since arriving in Seattle, Booney's career has soared to elite heights, however the second baseman has not been the same hitter since the first-half of 2003. This season, he is on pace to shatter his punch out mark (18 K's in 93 AB), and with a slower bat, Boone is no longer the menacing force he once was for Fantasy owners.

Trade Advice -- Jose Vidro, Mon for Mark Loretta, SD: For several years, Vidro has quietly been one of the most productive players at the position, but his slow start (.233 BA) and lack of lineup protection is quite alarming. Expect his April to become a trend and trade for the steady Loretta. The Padres' number two hitter will give you a little of everything and best of all bats in front of Brian GIles and Phil Nevin.

Hitter Name (Previous Ranking): BA-HR-RBI-SB, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Michael Young, TEX (10): .380-2-13-3, 4.67, 84.0 2. Marcus Giles, ATL (5): .379-2-13-4, 4.35, 74.0 3. Mark Loretta, SD (12): .347-3-12-0, 3.94, 71.0 4. R. Belliard, CLE (30): .406-0-6-2, 3.61, 65.0 5. Junior Spivey, MIL (18): .290-2-14-0, 3.82, 65.0 (April Surprise) Tony Womack, STL (32): .346-1-4-7, 4.13, 62.0

Third Baseman

On the Rise -- Aramis Ramirez, CHC: The former Pirate has thrived in the middle of the Cubbies lineup since a July trade last season. At 27-years old, Ramirez is emerging as one of the best Fantasy options in the game, and 2004 will be the year that puts him in the same class with A-Rod and Albert Pujols.

On the Decline -- Shea Hillenbrand, ARZ: Many owners expected Hillenbrand to follow-up his brilliant '03 second-half with a breakout season in the Desert. But, with a pathetic April (.184-3-8) coupled with the emergence of rookie Andy Tracy, Hillenbrand is no more than a backup and will probably be traded soon.

Trade Advice -- Eric Hinske, TOR for Pedro Feliz, SF or Andy Tracy, ARZ: Those expecting Hinske to bounce back after an injury-marred 2003 season should look to part ways right now. Why? How does a .186-2-6 grab you? If you can find a taker for the former Rookie of the Year, for say the young Pedro Feliz or Andy Tracy, do not wait because both are now playing everyday and producing quite well under the radar.

Hitter Name (Previous Ranking): BA-HR-RBI-SB, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Scott Rolen, STL (2): .356-8-26-1, 5.72, 103.0 2. Aramis Ramirez, CHC (6): .333-5-16-0, 4.76, 81.0 3. Vinny Castilla, COL (18): .322-6-15-0, 4.94, 79.0 4. Miguel Cabrera, FLA (12): .323-6-13-1, 4.65, 79.0 5. Hank Blalock, TEX (7): .320-4-15-0, 4.33, 78.0 (April Surprise) Adrian Beltre, LA (25): .354-6-17-1, 4.53, 77.0

Shortstop

On the Rise -- Jack Wilson, PIT and Adam Everett, HOU: Both Wilson and Everett have been amazing through the first month of the season. Sure, both shortstops will eventually fall from the top 10 or even more likely from the top 20 at some point in the season, but if your looking for a durable up-and-comer, consider this dynamic pair. FYI: Despite, Wilson's and Everett's hot Fantasy play, both are still available in many leagues. Thus, grab either now before the inferno ends!

On the Decline -- Jimmy Rollins, PHI: Rollins certainly has the Fantasy talent to be mentioned in the same breathe as a Edgar Renteria or a Derek Jeter. But, following another slow start (.198-0-4), the recommendation here is to cut all ties and let another owner have this underachieving headache.

Trade Advice: Edgar Renteria, STL for Michael Young, TEX: Renteria should hit in the neighborhood of .300 this season, but his sharp drop off (one home run and five RBI in 15 games) in extra base hits and production is significant. Whereas, Young (.966 OPS in April) is picking up where he left off last season and is even showing more patience (nine walks in 95 AB) this season which again translates into leading Fantasy value.

Hitter Name (Previous Ranking): BA-HR-RBI-SB, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Michael Young, TEX (11): .380-2-13-3, 4.67, 84.0 2. Melvin Mora, BAL (13): .323-2-12-1, 4.31, 69.0 3. Carlos Guillen, DET (23): .302-2-13-2, 3.94, 67.0 4. Adam Everett, HOU (26): .310-1-6-2, 3.59, 61.0 5. Jack Wilson, PIT (24): .375-2-7-3, 4.00, 60.0 (April Surprise) Kazuo Matsui, NYM (9): .294-1-6-0, 3.22, 58.0

Catchers

On the Rise -- Michael Barrett, CHC: Barrett hit just .208-10-30 last season, but through at April he is finally living up to his prospect billing to the tune of a .304-4-12 Fantasy line. Very intriguing option.

On the Decline -- Ramon Castro, FLA: Excellent 2003 season as a reserve. Not very good through the first month (.140-2-4). In fact, Castro is now an "everyday"...bench player.

Trade Advice -- Paul Lo Duca, LA for Michael Barrett, CHC: Which is more likely? Lo Duca will hit .400? Or, Barrett will hit .300? O.K., both will do neither, but expect Barrett to hit for some power while continuing to improve as a quality Fantasy option, whereas Lo Duca will continue his power "surge" (zero home runs) with an average that is sure to dip sharply any day now.

Hitter Name (Previous Ranking): BA-HR-RBI-SB, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Jorge Posada, NYY (1): .291-7-18-0, 4.76, 81.0 2. C. Johnson, COL (14): .341-6-14-2, 4.62, 75.0 3. Javy Lopez, BAL (6): .394-3-12-0, 4.50, 72.0 4. Ivan Rodriguez, DET (2): .370-1-15-2, 4.24, 72.0 5. Craig Wilson, PIT (18): .367-4-10-0, 4.12, 66.0 (April Surprises) Michael Barrett, CHC (15): .304-4-12-0, 4.08, 53.0 Brandon Inge, DET (38): .410-2-10-1, 3.79, 53.0

Outfielders

On the Rise -- Jermaine Dye, OAK: Dye is alive and so is his bat (.955 OPS with 14 extra base hits). He may not be the durable player he once was, but it's hard to argue with his April beginning, which is flashing back memories of this great player of yesterday (or three years ago).

On the Decline -- Vladimir Guerrero, ANA: Guerrero has yet to steal a base after averaging 29 bags in the last three seasons. And, with an ailing back Fantasy owners are becoming increasingly concerned about the prospect of Guerrero's limited Fantasy value and productivity on the field, especially as a first round pick.

Trade Advice -- Hideki Matsui, NYY for Laynce Nix, TEX: Matsui is a solid ML player, but he just does not provide enough in speed and power to be considered a legitimate Fantasy threat. Whereas, the less heralded Rangers' outfielder Laynce Nix (.365-5-15), is up-and-coming option that is quietly having a Hank Blalock-type season and should be easily acquired for the likes of a Matsui.

Hitter Name (Previous Ranking): BA-HR-RBI-SB, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Barry Bonds, SF (1): .512-9-20-1, 7.00, 119.0 2. Carlos Beltran, KC (3): .322-7-17-6, 7.00, 112.0 3. S. Podsednik, MIL (52): .309-3-8-12, 5.42, 103.0 4. Adam Dunn, CIN (22): .353-8-15-1, 5.53, 94.0 5. Moises Alou, CHC (48): .353-7-18-0, 5.75, 92.0 6. Albert Pujols, STL (2): .288-6-15-0, 5.06, 91.0 7. Jermaine Dye, OAK (68): .329-7-18-0, 5.00, 90.0 8. Rondell White, DET (69): .348-5-19-0, 5.00, 90.0 9. Reggie Sanders, STL (53) .308-6-17-5, 5.00 85.0 10. Richard Hidalgo, HOU (43): .379-4-22-0, 4.94, 84.0 (April Surprises) Matt Lawton, CLE (71) .288-5-16-1, 4.11, 74.0 Danny Bautista, ARZ (70): .385-4-12-2, 4.18, 71.0

On the Rise -- Brad Penny, FLA: Last season, it was all about the fantastic duo of the D-Train and Josh Beckett in Florida. This season, it's all about the Penny as a legit Cy Young candidate and Fantasy horse.

On the Decline -- Russ Ortiz, ATL: The 29-year old is on the down side of his career especially after losing Gary Sheffield and Javy Lopez as his primary source of run production in Atlanta. Don't expect his season to take a turn for the better, but rather 10-15 losses is certainly within reach.

Trade Advice -- Mike Mussina, NYY for Brad Penny, FLA: This trade is a no-brainer for the astute Fantasy owner. Even though Mussina is likely to rebound from a miserable April (1-4 with an ERA over six), Penny is just too good to pass on and will be a top Fantasy stud by season's end. I'll take this "Penny" over the "Moose" in 2004.

Starting Pitcher Name (Previous Ranking): W-L (ERA), IP-K, CG-SHO, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Roger Clemens, HOU (15): 4-0 (2.05 ERA), 26.33-26, 28.08, 112.3 2. Esteban Loaiza, CWS (43): 3-0 (3.21 ERA), 28-14, 1-1, 25.50, 102.00 3. Kevin Brown, NYY (17): 3-0 (2.12 ERA), 34-19, 19.60, 98.0 4. Tim Hudson, OAK (4): 3-0 (2.15 ERA), 29.33-16, 1-0, 23.82, 95.3 5. Kerry Wood, CHC (2): 3-1 (2.60 ERA), 27.67-32, 23.67, 94.7 6. Victor Zambrano, TB (53): 3-1 (3.73 ERA), 31.33-24, 18.07, 90.3 7. Ben Sheets, MIL (52): 3-0 (3.10 ERA), 20.33-20, 21.33, 85.3 8. Kenny Rogers, TEX (54): 3-0 (3.96 ERA), 25-15, 21.25, 85.0 9. Roy Oswalt, HOU (11): 2-0 (2.15 ERA), 29.33-24, 20.83, 83.3 10. Bartolo Colon, ANA (10): 3-1 (2.33 ERA), 27-19, 20.25, 81.0 (April Surprises)Brad Penny, FLA (31): 2-1 (2.36 ERA), 26.67-28, 18.67, 74.7 17. Nate Robertson, DET (56): 1-0 (2.78 ERA), 1 Save, 22.67-30, 14.53, 72.7

Closers

On the Rise -- Danny Graves, CIN: With my last pick, I choose Danny Graves who was 4-15 with a 5.33 ERA in 2003. Yuck? But, not so fast because Graves is again re-establishing himself as one of the top closers in the game following a miserable debut as a starter and he still remains quite a bargain. However, don't wait long.

On the Decline -- Matt Mantei, ARZ: Mantei (11.88 ERA in nine games) is simply filthy when healthy, but his glass arm is no more than a Fantasy liability. It is time to look elsewhere.

Trade Advice -- John Smoltz, ATL for Troy Percival, ANA: Smoltz's face said it all in the NL Division Series last fall? A face full of pain and a warning for Fantasy owners. "Don't draft me for 50 saves in 2004 because my arm is dead, rather trade me for Percival who has averaged 37 saves in each of the last three years while having one of the setup men in Francisco Rodriguez." Thank you for the advice, I will take it.

Relief Pitcher Name (Previous Ranking): Games, W-L-SV-Holds (ERA), IP-K, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Armando Benitez, FLA (11): 12, 0-0-10-0 (0.71 ERA), 12.67-13, 6.31, 75.70 2. Keith Foulke, BOS (2): 11, 1-0-5-0 (0.64 ERA), 14.00-7, 5.55, 61.0 3. Billy Wagner, PHI (5): 8, 1-0-5-0 (2.00 ERA), 9.00-12, 7.62, 61.0 4. Eric Gagne, LA (1): 8, 1-0-5-0 (2.89 ERA), 9.33-10, 7.42, 59.3 5. Danny Graves, CIN (16): 12, 0-1-10-0 (4.09 ERA), 11.00-7, 4.83, 58.0 6. Troy Percival, ANA (3): 7, 1-0-5-0 (2.57 ERA), 7.00-3, 7.14, 50.0 7. Arthur Rhodes, OAK (9): 9, 0-0-6-0 (2.00 ERA), 9.00-8, 5.22, 47.00 8. Isringhausen, STL (13): 9, 1-0-2-0 (4.22 ERA), 10.7-10, 5.07, 45.7 9. Mariano Rivera, NYY (4): 10, 0-0-5-0 (0.82 ERA), 11.00-8, 4.40, 44.0 10. J. Borowski, CHC (10): 8, 1-1-4-0 (6.75 ERA), 8.00-10, 5.37, 43.00

Setup and Middle Relievers

On the Rise -- Francisco Rodriguez, ANA: Rodriguez is simply one of the best relievers and setup men in the game, who like Mariano Rivera, will shortly become one of the greatest closers of all-time. K-Rod may get his chance this season if Percival is moved.

On the Decline -- Rafael Soriano, SEA: One week into the season, Soriano was demoted to minors and the prospect of another dominant encore is dwindling as quickly as it took him to travel from Seattle to Tacoma.

Relief Pitcher Name: Games, W-L-SV-Holds (ERA), IP-K, Fantasy Points/Game, Total Fantasy Points

1. Scott Shields, ANA: 9, 2-0-0-3 (5.40 ERA), 15.00-19, 8.11, 73.00 2. Juan Rincon, MIN: 10, 2-0-1-3 (2.79 ERA), 9.67-11, 6.47, 64.67 3. C. Almanzar, TEX: 9, 2-0-0-2 (3.27 ERA), 11.00-10, 6.33, 57.00 4. Todd Jones, CIN: 10, 1-0-0-6 (2.77 ERA), 13.00-11, 5.70, 57.00 5. Ron VIllone, SEA: 9, 2-0-0-1 (3.77 ERA), 14.33-9, 6.26, 56.33 6. Terry Adams, TOR: 10, 2-0-0-2 (1.64 ERA), 11.00-9, 5.60, 56.00 (Potential Closer) 7. Al Levine, DET: 10, 2-0-0-3 (1.69 ERA), 10.67-6, 5.57, 55.67 8. J.C. Romero, MIN: 10, 1-0-1-4 (0.84 ERA), 10.33-12, 5.43, 54.33 9. A. Otsuka, SD: 10, 2-1-0-4 (0.82 ERA), 11.00-10, 5.30, 53.00 (Potential Closer) 10. B.J. Ryan, BAL: 8, 1-0-1-2 (0.00 ERA), 10.67-15, 6.45, 51.67