LATEST TEAM INFO:
More injuries at Camp X-Ray (and fortunately some healing as well). Wells is the #4 starter. Unless the Yankees trade El Duque to the Giants, he should be the #5 starter while Hitchcock finds a groove in long relief.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
Well, the truth comes out. Ruben Rivera stole a bat and glove from Jeter. What an idiot. The part that must have really stung Jeter is that the two had been roommates for two years in the minors. Cashman made the right move in dumping Rivera. Turns out the Yanks only had to shell out a few hundred thousand to get rid of this headache. I’ve heard a lot of people talking about how baseball has drawn the line with thieves (which is good). But isn’t it unusual that drug addicts (like Strawberry, Gooden and Steve Howe) get as many chances as they want. I guess the difference is that drugs is an individual’s problem, but having your gear stolen is everyone’s problem.
RUMOR MILL:
The rumors about El Duque in San Francisco are heating up again because of an injury to Jason Schmidt. The Yankees could use a reserve outfielder to back up Bernie Williams since Rivera was released, but El Duque is worth more much more than a reserve. The way El Duque has thrown in camp (12 IP, 11 H, 2 BB, 4 ER, 10 K), has only helped to raise his trade value.
Newest trade rumor, Yanks are looking to add Shannon Stewart of Toronto. It isn’t going to happen, because there isn’t a great need yet. Jeter is fine as a leadoff hitter so Stewart isn’t needed, plus the Jays would want some combination of Juan Rivera, Spencer and/or El Duque.
INJURIES:
Giambi, Posada, Williams, Pettitte and Jeter all seem to be healthy now. White has still not picked up a bat, Torre said if he doesn’t start playing by the end of the week, he won’t be in the lineup on opening day. If (and when) White opens the year on the DL, look for top OF prospect Juan Rivera to be starting in LF. Drew Henson is out with a badly sprained ankle. Perhaps the Yankees should bring in Mr. Miagi as a trainer.
ON THE FARM:
Henson’s ankle injury guarantees that he’ll start in the minors.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
1. Jeter- batting leadoff, expect more steals, less RBI.
2. White- (or #4 hitter) when healthy. Don't look for him to play more than 100 games.
3. Giambi- expect similar stats to last year. This guy is awesome.
4. Williams- should see more RBI opportunities if batting behind Giambi.
5. Jorge Posada- will likely play less games this year considering he had off-season shoulder surgery, but could still put up similar numbers.
6. Shane Spencer/ John Vander Wal- playing time will dictate fantasy value here.
7. Robin Ventura- will be serviceable, but is not the same player he was in 1999.
8. Nick Johnson-low pressure spot should help rookie.
9. Alfonso Soriano-will bat lower in the order until he proves he can get on base more often- look for plenty of steals though. May bat 2nd while White is out, with Juan Rivera batting in the 9 hole.
In the ‘Pen, Mariano Rivera should benefit from the addition Karsay. Karsay will be the right handed setup man and will likely get about 5 saves. Stanton is still the left handed specialist. The rest of the bullpen has minimal fantasy value.
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
Wells (ML)- looks healthy (relatively) Nice spring numbers (10.2 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 4 ER, 6 K). Granted this is spring training, but a K/BB ratio of infinity looks great to me even if the strikeout totals are low.
Ventura (AL-only)- slow spring, but could be valuable in AL leagues at least the All-Star break.
El Duque (ML)- continues strong spring and will be #5 starter.
Karsay (ML)- will be one of the best setup men in the league. Will get about 5 saves and help lower your ERA and WHIP.
Drop:
White (ML) - has a rib cage injury and will start off slowly. Hasn’t swung a bat this spring.
Hold:
These are guys you want to keep on your roster, I’ve also included where I would draft each player at their respective position. All will be drafted early in ML Universe Leagues and should have solid fantasy seasons. Giambi (new) - 2nd best, draft Helton first; Jeter (new) - 2nd best after ARod; Posada (new) - 3rd best at position.