Swing for the Fences

Caught up in the Wheelin’ and Dealin’

Now instead of having two solid closers (Rocker and Bob Wickman) and two solid set-up men (Mike Remlinger and Steve Karsay) to choose from, fantasy GMs have a bunch of guys who will split time closing and setting up, rendering them far less valuable to your staff. Rocker will now close on some nights for the Indians, Wickman on others. Potentially, you have Rocker and Wickman pitching in the 7th or 8th innings, facing tough lefties and righties, respectively. This will drive fantasy GMs wild and really hurt the value of both.

Conversely for the Braves, Bobby Cox will return to his famed bullpen-by-committee approach. This worked well for Cox and the Braves last season when Rocker was struggling with his stuff, but it killed any fantasy value for the players involved. Karsay, with his nasty sinking stuff, will probably get a chance to close most nights. However, Remlinger will be called upon on occasion to close out when the 9th features left-handed hitters. Keep an eye on Kerry Lightenberg as well. The Braves are raving that his velocity is back to where it was before the Tommy John surgery, and he mowed through the Mets on Saturday. There is no one right now of much value in the Braves bullpen.

This year presents a much bigger problem for fantasy GMs than years past because there are so many teams alive for postseason berths. That said, many teams will be looking to make moves to make a run at the playoffs. These moves, as described above, can kill well-structured fantasy rosters. Below are some players to keep an eye on in the next month or so for decreased or increased value because of trades:

Ron Coomer returned to the Cubs a month ago and started hitting right away. The Cubbies have used Coomer at third and first this year. Bill Mueller, however, should return some time in the next two months. Mueller, the opening-day third baseman, was the team MVP through April and will take his spot in the lineup when healthy. This means less PT for Coomer, as well as softball slugger Matt Stairs.

Erubial Durazo spent the first two months of the season being the major leagues most feared pinch hitter. Durazo has immense offensive potential and could be the Diamondbacks first baseman for years to come. Or he could be trade bait for a run at a ring this year. Durazo is an enticing presence to clubs looking for power at first base (hello Atlanta?) and could net the Diamondbacks a catcher or reliever they so desperately need. If that happens, his value shoots up the charts.

Mark Grudzielanek has been banged up for the past month but appears to be close to returning to the Dodgers lineup. He has put up good numbers when healthy this season and showcased better than expected power. But the Dodgers are high on prospect Hiram Bocachica and may get him more playing time as the season progresses, especially if they fall out of contention.

Jason Isringhausen has been up and down this year but is still an effective fantasy closer. But with the A’s slipping farther and farther behind the Mariners and appearing to be unable to mount any kind of run, the prospect of them cleaning house grows. Izzy will be a free agent in the offseason, meaning a trade is likely once Billy Beane determines the team won’t get it done this year. That could be great news for Izzy owners. Because of the A’s struggles, the plentiful save opportunities he had last year have vanished. If a team like the Diamondbacks makes a play for him, his stock will rise. On the other hand, he could wind up in the platoon or setup situation talked about above, killing his value.

Mark McLemore has been a huge part of the Mariners’ league-best offense this year. He gets on base, steals and scores lots of runs. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a set position, and if the Mariners make a push for a power hitter to fill the middle of their lineup, McLemore could be the odd man out.

Bret Prinz has an earned run average under one to go with his seven saves. Combine that with Matt Mantei’s season-ending surgery and you would think great news for Prinz owners. However, Bob Brenly continues to use a couple of guys to close out games for the Diamondbacks. Prinz also has two blown saves, and the fact that he is a rookie is too great to overlook. While he may continue to be a serviceable closer for now, look for the Diamondbacks to try and get a more experienced reliever for the postseason.

Tim Wakefield has been the Red Sox most consistent, and perhaps most valuable, pitcher this season. Obviously, Pedro is the man, but what Wakefield has done in a setup role, then closing games, now as a starter, has been unappreciated. The Red Sox have cruised into first place in the A.L. East so far without Nomar Garciaparra in the lineup, and when he returns, will be heavy favorites to knock the Yankees from their throne. Many around the league believe they will in turn head out for another starter, knocking Wakefield back to the bullpen. His value is much greater when starting, so if that happens, Wakefield will contain to work in fantasy anonymity.

Dmitri Young has the tools to play every day. The past couple of years, he has shown the ability to hit to all fields, hit righties and lefties, hit for some power and steal an occasional base. Yet still, he is a platoon player at best. His time is coming, though. I would almost bet the farm that Young will be traded to a contender before season’s end. He will go there and have the chance to play everyday as well. Watch out for Young on the waiver wire.

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