In case you missed it, Alfonso Soriano came up lame while diving for a ball last night.  While the news is certainly important to fantasy owners, the promotion of center fielder Felix Pie from triple A is also noteworthy.  The Cubs #1 position prospect projects to be a 5-tool player in the mold of a Carlos Beltran, or perhaps a Corey Patterson.

While most wouldn't consider the above mentioned Felix Pie a sexy pick, to the faithful Cub fans he represents the ultimate of all sexy picks.  To us die-hard Cub fans it easy to let the promise of the next superstar cloud our fantasy decisions.  Think about it, how infuriating it would be if a rival fantasy owner living out in BFE out-scoops you with a player on your favorite team (the GNUru knows all to well with the emergence of Carlos Zambrano).  This fear can certainly lead one to overvalue hometown players and can leave you brandished with the label of a ‘homer'- and I'm not referring to the lovable bald, beer guzzling, model parent.  With that in mind, the GNUru will attempt to evaluate the value of Felix Pie while trying to put aside any bias he may have.

When assessing any player's value the first thing you should consider is their likely role in the Major Leagues.  A player that does not fit into the teams plans does not make a good fantasy baseball player.   In the case of Felix Pie, he most certainly fits into the Cubs plans but the question is when do those plans kick in?  Although the Cubs have an already crowded outfield with Jacque Jones, Matt Murton, Cliff Floyd, and the now injured Alfonso Soriano, Pie's opportunity with the club is not limited to the time Soriano will be on the disabled list.  In fact, there was much speculation that Pie was going to be brought up soon regardless of the injury and in order to accommodate that move they asked Soriano to consider moving back to left field (WSCR Sports Radio Chicago).  That likely means that Murton, Floyd, and Jones will be vying for playing time in right field and trade rumors have been flying since the spring.  Jones is likely the odd man out especially after his 3 pitch strikeout with nobody out, runners at 1^st and 3^rd in a 1-0 loss.  Pie also brings his stellar glove to a team that has a relatively weak defensive outfield.  His defensive skills alone warrant playing time.  So essentially, if Pie can hold his own he will be entrenched at the centerfield position.

Now that the issue of playing time has been put to rest, can Felix Pie hit or will he head down the path of Corey Patterson?  While the GNUru does not profess to be the Nostradamus of fantasy baseball, a simple look at the numbers tells you Pie is no Patterson.   

While both Pie and Patterson struck out more than you'd like in the minors, Pie differentiates himself by the fact he actually had some success before he got his promotion to the majors.  Patterson, on the other hand, did nothing to earn his promotion to the majors and was hitting just .253 (AAA-Iowa) when he got the call.  Pie in his first 11 games of the 2007 season hit .444 (16 for 36) 1 HR, 6 RBI , 1 SB and an impressive 1.127 OPS.  Most importantly he has walked 9 times while striking out just 4 times.  The hard working kid (another difference from Corey Patterson) really worked on his plate discipline while in winterball- something Corey Patterson refused to do.

While the future for Felix remains uncertain, he has all the making of a fantasy superstar.  If you have the roster space ( and your in a keeper league), it would be wise to pick him up immediately as the GNUru has already locked him up in his league!  That said, the GNUru is a Cub fan so take exert caution when taking his advice with regards to Cub players.

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I have just put BJ Ryan on the disabled list. Al Reyes (Tampa Bay) and Jason Frasor (Toronto) are available as free agents, who should i pick up?
Thanks,
Chuck

Although Al Reyes has pitched well and already has 4 saves this young fantasy season, the GNUru would go with Jason Frasor. Al Reyes is a 37-year old journeyman reliever playing on a team not likely to win many games. While he may be getting the job done now, once the Devil Rays fall out of contention they will likely want to bring along a young pitcher who will be a part of the team in the future. That player will likely be Brian Stokes.

Jason Frasor, on the other hand, is a much younger pitcher (29-years old), has some pretty good stuff, and plays on a team likely to produce more save situations than the Devil Rays. The Frasor situation reminds the GNUru of how Joe Nathan got his chance to shine when "Everyday Eddie" was so not everyday anymore. If Frasor turns out half as good as Nathan you'll have yourself a nice bargain!

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The first two weeks of the 2007 Fantasy Baseball season are about to come to a close.  That means that now's the time to put the last 2 weeks behind you and turn your attention to week three.  While the first 2 weeks of the 2007 season have been frustrating to many as rain, sleet, and snow have postponed many games, comfort can be taken in the fact that those games will be made up at a later date.  Those mid-summer makeup games will come in handy during the stretch run of your fantasy season.  That is of course if you can keep your head above water until then.  If the weather and cold starts has your head spinning already, just remember the season is a marathon and rabbits don't necessarily make good long-distance runners.  All you can do is make the most of every free agent move and put the right guys on the field.  Fortunately the GNUru is here to help with your week 3 lineup decisions.
 

Week 3 - GNUru Batter Banter

While you certainly cannot analyze a player based on just 2 weeks of play, you can determine who is hot and who is not.  While your not going to sit an Alfonso Soriano (.232 AVE) for the hot hitting David DeJesus (.326 AVE, 2 HR), looking at who is doing well can help you decide between a Lyle Overbay (.184 AVE) and a Ty Wiggington (.417 AVE, 2 HR, 6 RBI). 

Who's Hot

Also of interest are the teams that play a full schedule of games and those that play a light schedule:

Week 3 - GNUru Rotation Ramblings

With an abundance of rainouts, snow outs, and the utilization of 4-man rotations, predicting who will make 2 starts this week is better left for Miss Cleo.  That said, here who is slated to make 2 starts during fantasy week 2. Take caution before relying on a lesser pitcher who is supposed to make 2 starts.  Go with the proven veteran where possible!

Probable Week 3 Double Starters

With an uncertain slate of double starters, it's important to note which pitchers have gotten off to hot starts.  In weekly head-to-head (H2H) leagues, it's often the better strategy to avoid weak double starters and go with pitcher with proven track records (or at least look to be in mid-season form.  Here is a list of which starting pitchers have impressed early and warrant rotation consideration.

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