Welcome to another edition of the Friday Fantasy Roundup. I have been scouring the Internet in search of articles about players to help you quickly find out what is happening in spring training with players you may be planning to draft. So, please enjoy.
Andrew McCutchen is now going to be a Pittsburg Pirate for the next six years. McCutchen is a budding superstar, and the fact he is in a comfortable situation where he can thrive is good for his fantasy owners. He is 26 and hitting the prime of his career arc. If you own him in a keeper league, expect big things.
This does not really effect one single person in the NL, but rather than the whole league if both leagues use DHs. I like the traditional aspects of the game; nonetheless, it would very cool for a DH to be used in the NL. I know Cardinals fans would be a lot happier with Albert Pujols right now.
I am excited for another big-time pitcher coming over from Japan. Yu Darvish has a lot of intrigue and uncertainty that makes for a good story, and in his first debut, he did not disappoint; however, he is a guy you are going to have to overpay or reach for in drafts. I am about finding value and not trying to overpay on guys like this.
In my $1 All-Star pitcher column, I put Daniel Bard in the conversation; however, I am taking a cautious approach, as well, in this article comparing past relievers turned starting pitchers.
Johan Santana is giving more people hope for the 2012 season than just me grabbing him in the late round. He could be the feel-good story of the year and have a huge season.
Worried about Justin Verlander having a Cy Young hangover season? I wouldn’t, he is showing no signs, thus far, of slowing down from last season with a dominate performance in his opening spring training game.
Looking for some rookies to take the step this season? This article makes some good arguments for some big names taking that jump towards stardom.
Stephen Strasburg continues his road back from Tommy John surgery with his first spring debut in two years. The biggest problem for pitchers coming back from Tommy John is the command. His command has been solid, and he could have a nice season, even with the inning limit.
Bryce Harper is showing that he has been working on his game during the offseason. He is showing patience at the plate and improved fielding which will put him closer to the bigs. I do not like hearing about minor injuries that make him miss games. We are all ready for him to come up and this might be enough of a reason to delay his progress.
Any guy who gets the nod as a starting pitcher has to be given the once over in fantasy leagues, which makes Jeff Samardzija no different. This guy has some post-hype sleeper potential, and if he makes the starting rotation, he should at least be monitored.
Feel free to send fantasy baseball questions to me at Twitter: @jdsal8
