tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Fantasy Ups & Downs

With a little over a month into the 2011 Fantasy Baseball season, I have had my share of ups and downs.  I'm in a head-to-head league with the opportunity to change my line-up on a daily basis.  There have been surprises, disappointments and injuries.  After starting the season 0-2, I've bounced back to win my next 3 games. 

Injuries and Pick-ups:  The most devastating injury was that to Ryan Zimmerman.  3b is a weak position and losing Zimmerman has forced me to make all kinds of move.  I first picked up David Freese who was doing really well until he went down with an injury which forced me to pick up Placido Polanco.  Polanco has filled in admirably.

The injuries to Phil Hughes and Brad Lidge has led to a bunch of pitching moves.  In a massive Monday morning massacre, I dropped Joe Nathan, Lidge, Hughes,  and Colby Lewis.  In return I picked up Kyle Lohse, Justin Masterson and Michael Pineda.

With Dan Uggla, Torri Hunter and Adam Dunn struggling, I moved to pick up Ryan Theriot, Jeff Francoer and Adam Lind.  I dropped Theriot and picked up Orlando Cabrera.  The 2b, SS, 3b positions have been a constant shuffle with injuries to Zimmerman and then Freese.  Francoer and Lind have been big, particularly now with Nelson Cruz being on the DL.

Disappointments:  I can kick myself for drafting Ian Desmond over Starlin Castro.  I still don't know why I took Desmond and he has been a disappointment though he does have 10 steals, the most on my team.  Adam Dunn has not provided the power boost I was expecting.  I'm hopeful he will turn things around. 

While I knew Dan Uggla would not hit for average, he has also not hit for power and RBI's.  Juan Pierre has not provided the steals that I thought he would.  Nelson Cruz was not hitting well before he went on the DL and Matt Wieters has been middling at best.

Ted Lilly has not pitched well and has disappointed me big time.  Brad Lidge, Joe Nathan and John Axford was suppose to anchor my relief corp.  So much for that!!!  Joaquin Benoit started out strong but was getting bombed and has since been dropped.  Clay Buchholz has been a disappointment however he pitched well his last outing so I'm remaining positive.

Steady Performers and Surprises:  Miquel Cabrera has been the anchor of my offense providing power, RBI's and average.  Curtis Granderson leads my team and the AL in home runs.  Justin Verlander has pitched well, including a no-hitter on Saturday which pulled out a win for me this week.  Gio Gonzalez has been everything I thought he would be and Matt Capps has filled in well for the aforementioned Nathan.

Waiver pick-ups have helped big time.  Offensively, Francoer, Polanco and getting Adam Lind have saved me.  Pitching-wise, I'm really happy with Michael Pineda and have been helped by Gavin Floyd and Kyle Lohse.  But probably the biggest surprise has been Justin Masterson.  He is finally pitching the way the Red Sox felt he would only now he is doing it with the Indians.

With four big months ahead, hopefully the injury bug leaves me alone the rest of the way.  Time will tell.

Don't forget tomorrow:    Tuesday's Thoughts