Swing for the Fences

Playing out of their Gourd: AL

Also amazing are some of the numbers from some players thus far. A lot of numbers are down, possibly because of the strike zone changes, but some guys are really off to hot starts. Let’s take a look if it will continue.

Rolondo Arrojo (4 saves in 4 chances) may now have the closer’s job in Boston. Of course, when the wind changes directions, Jimy Williams changes his mind. Arrojo was a guy the Sox brought over to start down the stretch last season, and he was a disaster. No one expected much from him in the bullpen but he has yet to allow an earned run. Watch the situation closely, take a flier on Arrojo if you need help, and know that Derrick Lowe could be back in the mix by June if he gets himself straight. Even if Lowe continues to flame out, Tim Wakefield and Rod Beck will both close out some games as well.

Marty Cordova (.414 AVG / 6 HR / 26 RBI) has been reborn this year in the potent Indians lineup. This is a guy who spent his first two years in Minnesota reminding people of a young Paul Molitor. He has the tools to hit for power and average and fits snugly around Roberto Alomar, Juan Gonzalez and Jim Thome. He will have a fantastic year, early favorite for comeback player of the year.

Shea Hillenbrand (.319 AVG / 3 HR / 13 RBI) is one of a few rookies in the big leagues really lighting it up early on. The Red Sox third sacker is filling in nicely for John Valentin, but the Sox expect Valentin back at some point and that may cut into Hillenbrand’s playing time. I think he is probably a bit of stretch for your roster and would avoid him for more seasoned guys like Dean Palmer or Scott Brosius.

Esteban Loaiza (4-2 / 3.68 ERA) has always had some decent stuff and been capable of winning on a successful team. The Blue Jays have enough pop in their lineup to support Loaiza, so I’d expect him to post a 15-win season with an earned run average around four. Unfortunately, the pressure of being a #1 starter for a contending team could weigh on Loaiza.

Joe Mays (4-1 / 2.60 ERA) is one reason why the Twins are off to such a good start. Mays performed well at times last season but really tired down the stretch. In his second full season, expect Mays to perform a little better in the second half. Still, Mays is not a guy you build your rotation around, and there are young guys out there I’d expect more from the rest of the way.

Chris Michalak (3-1 / 2.28 ERA) bounced around with four different teams before ending up on the Blue Jays staff. The Devil Rays didn’t have room for this kid? He’ll be in position to post numbers similar to Loaiza's. A nice addition to any fantasy rotation.

Doug Mientkiewicz (.404 AVG / 6 HR / 26 RBI) helped lead the U.S. Olympic team to unexpected gold this past fall. Mientkiewicz burst on the scene with the Twins in 1999 with a .229 average and collapsed all expectations for him in the big leagues. But Mientkiewicz has rebounded nicely to help lead the first-place Twins with his bat and his glove. Because he is such a special fielder (almost a sure thing to win the gold glove, Rafael Palmiero notwithstanding), Mientkiewicz will be in the lineup the rest of the way. Expect the numbers to come back a lot (.270 is a reasonable expectation), but you can’t help root for a guy like Mientkiewicz. He is good trade bait right now, though, if anyone is willing to bite.

Paul O’Neill (.278 AVG / 8 HR / 23 RBI) was on his last legs at the end of last year. Many thought (and hoped) he’d hang them up and call it a good career. Put O’Neill has quieted his critics with a good start. This will not last. While O’Neill has always been a pretty good player, his age and bad knees will not allow him to perform at a consistently high level.

Mark Quinn (.303 AVG / 9 HR / 26 RBI) is no surprise to those of you on top of your scouting. Quinn took a solid second half last season and parlayed it into a hot 2001. He is very capable of being this year’s Jermaine Dye for the Royals. Look for Quinn to continue his great hitting and post close to 40 HR with a .300 average. The only area of concern for Quinn is his on-base percentage, currently .328. He needs to improve the walks category to become an all-around performer.

Willis Roberts (4-1 / 2.60 ERA) isn’t a surprise so much because of his performance. His numbers are surprising because he plays for the Orioles and no pitcher should have four wins at this point for that ballclub. Mike Mussina could only win 12 all last season, so I would not expect great things from Roberts in the win category. He is a solid starter, though, with good stuff. Hold onto him as a fifth starter.

Randy Velarde (.339 AVG / 4 HR / 10 RBI) is one of those guys you always want on your team. Known as a sparkplug, he gives all-out effort and brings leadership to the clubhouse. It is a bonus when he hits close to .340, as he is doing now, but Velarde is capable of putting up better than average numbers for a second sacker. He is worth a look, especially with poor performers across the board at second like Quilvio Veras, Damion Easley and Carlos Febles.