When I read this week’s topic, I was psyched. On Roto Savants, I’ve already created some fun lists: Draft Strategies You Don’t Want to Adopt and Things I’d Love to See That’ll Never Happen. I had a few ideas for the Great Debate, including serious and humorous lists, so whatever doesn’t get posted here will probably end up at Roto Savants. I was going to do a list on “Signs You’re Too Obsessed” and for my #1 have “You’re already scouting Nicholas Greco,” but that would be too easy. So here’s my list, with players in no particular order. 

The Best Players Owned in 25% or Less of Yahoo Leagues 

Dave Bush: He’s increased his K/9 and decreased his BB/9, leading to a strong WHIP and a respectable ERA. Some might be scared away by his low BABIP (.243), but he maintained it all through 2008 (.245) and has a career BABIP (.285) below the league average. Milwaukee is a playoff contender, so he’ll get chances at wins. 

Brett Cecil: A nice start to his MLB career. The Blue Jays are one of the best teams in baseball, and the win opportunities for their starters will continue. Cecil maintained a K/9 over 9.0 in three minor league levels last year, so he’ll help you in the strikeout category as well. He had an elevated BABIP in the minors last year, but Toronto’s stadium is a bit below the league average in hits generated, so if he keeps his BABIP at or below .300 in the majors, he’ll be strong all year. 

Matt Palmer: The Angels are contenders every year, and a talented starter has a chance to score big. I’m not too worried about his starting rotation spot because of Escobar getting close to coming back; with Santana, Escobar, and Lackey all injury risks this year, Palmer will continue to get starts. What intrigues me is his 9.0 K/9 at one of his AAA stops in 2008: it’s way above his career average, but if he can reach a K/9 above 6.0 this year, he’ll be valuable in four categories. 

Koji Uehara: Look at his stats from the last month. Then realize that his LOB% is somehow quite low (65.7%) despite a good WHIP and BABIP. If that rises near league average (70%), Uehara’s final stats will look even better than what he has now. The decent K/9 is just icing on the cake. 

Ivan Rodriguez: No one expected him to resurrect his career in Houston, but that’s what he’s doing. Houston is a slight hitter’s park, so his BABIP could remain above the league average all year. At a thin position, he’s worth having. 

Mike Jacobs: I’m not a fan of Jacobs. The fact that his K/9 rate is higher than ever is cause for concern. But he’s walking more, and Kansas City actually generates more hits and runs than Florida. Besides, what you’re paying for is the power, and 8 HR is the most of any hitter owned in less than 25% of leagues. 

Luis Castillo: I don’t like Castillo either, but as long as the offensive Mets are sticking with him at 2B (and second in the lineup), he’s worth owning. The speed is there again now that he’s healthy. His K/9 has dropped, and some might assume he’s simply getting good pitches because of who hits behind him, but he’s also supporting a higher BB/9 than his career line, so maybe he’s simply learned patience and/or a better eye. Again, the lineup and position he hits in makes him a good option, especially for leagues with a MI slot. 

Kendry Morales: He’s finally proving he can hit in the majors after killing the minors. The power is a bit unexpected, but if he can continue it he’ll be worth a lot more than other 1B who are struggling (cough Derrek Lee cough). As soon as he reduces his K/9 rate, he’ll be a lock for a .300 average in a strong Angels lineup. 

Nick Johnson: A few years ago no one doubted Johnson’s ability to hit; it was just a matter of him staying healthy. This year he’s stringing together enough AB to make it on fantasy rosters. 

Randy Winn: His increased K/9 (20.1%) explains his low average, but if he can cut his K/9 back to his career average (16.3%), it’ll bounce back. He’s really valuable for his speed, and despite the fact that he’s “old” for a speedster, he’s developed an elite ability the last few years with a 88% SB success rate from 2007 through this year. He’ll also pop enough HR to help your team as a #3 OF. Another year of 10 HR and 25 SB is assured.

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Thanks for the tip!
written by Kevin Jebens, May 22, 2009

Something interesting that I've seen is that every site has their own nuances regarding players owned. Whether it's because their staff writers plug certain players or something else, I've noticed odd trends about own percentage. For example, ESPN standard leagues require 5 OF and Yahoo has 3 OF, but Shin-Shoo Choo's own percentage was higher for Yahoo than ESPN. Choo has much more value in a league that needs more OF, but ESPN owners weren't grabbing him.

I'd love to do some kind of study to figure out why these trends exist.

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Good Article
written by Tony Cincotta, May 22, 2009

Great job, just a little advice when writing an article for serious Fantasy Baseball players never use the word Yahoo.com. When that word comes out people chuckle and think you play in leagues against 3 9 year olds and 8 dead teams. Also that is why the players are out there on the wire...No one is playing those leagues.

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