LATEST TEAM INFO:
Opening Day has finally arrived and passed. A lot has changed since my last post. Check out the updated lineup. I’m glad I held back this post by a day. My projected lineup did not match Joe Torre’s. However, I think Joe will be changing his lineup to look more like mine by the end of the season.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
Don’t be worried about Clemens as long as you didn’t draft him too high (see QUICK VIEW) The bruised hand will heal. This will be his worst start this season and was an aberration. This was Torre’s comment about it, “I think when he initially reached out he knew it was the wrong thing to do. It's something he's been doing his whole career. But, yeah, it scares the hell out of you. I think he was just trying to overthrow after that.”
RUMOR MILL:
All is quiet, for now.
INJURIES:
Everyone is cured (almost). Hitchcock (will start in minors later this week) and Mendoza (may return April 8) are on the DL. Rondell White’s name will appear here at a later date.
ON THE FARM:
Henson, Juan Rivera and Marcus Thames did not make the squad. Had White not been able to go, Juan Rivera would have taken his place on the roster. These guys won’t be forces in the majors this year unless there are several injuries.
LINEUP/ROTATION:
This was the lineup for Opening day against the O’s. Probably not the predominant lineup this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ventura bat lower against left handed pitchers.
1. Soriano- more at bats equals more fantasy value.
2. Jeter- this is where he belongs. If Soriano struggles, Jeter will leadoff.
3. Giambi- he’s best protected in the lineup.
4. Williams- look for huge numbers if he’s batting behind Giambi.
5. Ventura- he doesn’t deserve to be here, but enjoy the ride while it lasts.
6. Posada- I’d like to see Posada batting fifth, we’ll see if I get my wish.
7. White- he made it into the lineup which is a big surprise.
8. Spencer- was he the only one who knew how to hit? Keep an eye on him.
9. Johnson- low pressure spot for the rookie. Not worth a pick up, yet.
Starting rotation is Clemens, Wells, Mussina, Pettitte and El Duque.
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
Soriano- value is up. He will get a lot more ABs in the leadoff spot and should get some RBIs with Nick Johnson getting on base in front of him.
Drop: Wells (ML)
Hold: Giambi, Jeter, Posada, Soriano, Williams, Mussina, Pettitte and Rivera.
Trade: Clemens - will push hard for 20 wins so he can get 300 this year, but it won’t happen. Clemens was ranked 10th for pitchers on ESPN. Don’t be fooled by last year, it’s doubtful he will outproduce Kerry Woods, Javier Vázquez, Barry Zito, or Kevin Brown. Trade him if you can get one of these guys.