The 2012 Major League Baseball season will
begin on March 28 with the first of a two game series between the
Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
If you haven’t set up your fantasy baseball draft yet, this would be the
time to do it as this is the last weekend before ‘the games begin!’
We have gathered some Spring Training info/stats that might be helpful in getting your cheat sheet ready for draft day. What happens in Spring Training isn’t always a bell-weather of things to come but can be helpful in swaying you one way or another.
Madison Bumgarner-SP-Giants- In 14 2/3 innings pitched so far in spring training, Bumgarner has 15K’s and just 1 walk.
Here are some of the Furnace’s “Sports Shorts” chock full
of stats and information, some of which you probably did not know. Feel
free to peruse these while you’re doing some last minute research on
players you’re thinking about drafting:
Andrew Bailey-RP-Athletics- In his last three seasons, Bailey has an average 2.07 ERA and a WHIP of 0.95. He has 174 K’s in 174 innings pitched and has converted 75 of 84 save opportunities. Surprisingly, Jonathan Papelbon is going 4 rounds before Bailey.
Written by the Fantasy Furnace, Content Partner
Writer and editor at fantasyfurnace.com. Sports and fantasy sports; profiles, analysis and advice, including tips for managing winning leagues.
Follow on Twitter @fantasyfurnace
We have gathered some Spring Training info/stats that might be helpful in getting your cheat sheet ready for draft day. What happens in Spring Training isn’t always a bell-weather of things to come but can be helpful in swaying you one way or another.
Madison Bumgarner-SP-Giants- In 14 2/3 innings pitched so far in spring training, Bumgarner has 15K’s and just 1 walk.
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One of several aces in the S.F. Giants starting rotation having an awesome spring training.
Photo: sportsillustrated.cnn.com
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Wade LeBlanc-SP-Marlins- In 14 2/3 innings pitched the
former Padre has 15 K’s and 2 walks. His career 4.54 ERA makes this
sound suspect as well as his 200K’s in 300 IP career totals.
Brian Matusz-SP- Orioles- This former 1st round pick in
the 2008 draft also has a high career ERA of 5.53 but is a promising
strike out pitcher. So far this spring, he has struck out 16 with 1 walk
in 15 innings.
Ryan Rayburn-2B/LF-Tigers- What Rayburn has been doing
this spring sounds like an aberration or he really wants the 2B job
which he’s competing for along with Santiago and Inge. As of Friday,
Rayburn has 6 homers and is batting an amazing .462!
Mike Baxter-OF-Mets- The Queens, New York native is
fighting for a spot on the Mets roster as a backup to Andres Torre in
left or Scott Hairston in center. Hairston (oblique) will start the
seaosn on the disabled list so this a a golden opportunity for Baxter
who, so far this spring, leds the team in BA .343 and in RBIs (six).
Andrew Bailey-RP-Athletics- In his last three seasons, Bailey has an average 2.07 ERA and a WHIP of 0.95. He has 174 K’s in 174 innings pitched and has converted 75 of 84 save opportunities. Surprisingly, Jonathan Papelbon is going 4 rounds before Bailey.
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You can expect a K per inning from the Athletics' closer again this season and around 25 saves.
Photo: wwwsilive.com
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Dan Uggla-2B-Braves- Uggla, who just turned 32 last
week, has hit 30+ home runs in 5 of the 6 seasons that he’s been in the
major leagues. Something you may not know is that no one hit
more home runs after the All-Star break last year than he did. He also
batted .296 after the break. His downside is his batting average
throughout most of his career. Even batting .296 after the break, he
finished the season with a .233 BA! Not at all injury prone, Uggla has
missed only 8 games in the last three years.
Paul Konerko-1B-White Sox- A big favorite of ours, this
former 1st rounder of the L.A. Dodgers will be entering his 16th season
in the majors; 14th with Chicago. Since 1999, averaging 147 games,
Konerko has hit 30+ HR’s per season. He is only 1 0f 2 players in MLB to
hit .300, and have 30+ HRs, and 100+ RBIs in the last two seasons.
That said, Mark Teixeira who has batted .256 and .248 in the last 2
seasons is going at 24 ADP while Konerko’s ADP is 42.
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As there doesn't seem to be any letting up on
his production, expect another 30+ HRs and 100+ RBIs from Paul Konerko.
Photo: sportsillustrated.cnn.com
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Mat Gamel-3B/1B-Brewers- Gamel will be Prince Fielder’s
replacement at first base this season and that’s some pretty big shoes
(literally) to fill for any player; let alone a virtual unknown. In
mainly pinch hitting roles, he has 171 ABs in the fours years he’s been
in the major leagues. His combined BA is a meager .222, but he comes
into this season with the hope that he will live up to all the hype that
surrounds him.
Sergio Romo- RP-Giants- Closer Brian Wilson has had some elbow issues this spring which
is what hampered him last year when he saw his ERA balloon from 1.81 in
2010 to 3.11. If he has any setbacks again this season, Romo would be
the closer heir apparent to Wilson. In his four years on the Giants in a
set up role and as a middle reliever, Romo has shown incredible
control; striking out 214 in 178 innings. His career ERA is 2.33 and his
WHIP is a Mariano-esque 0.89! Keep him on your radar.
For more great Fantasy articles, visit the Fantasy Furnace!
Written by the Fantasy Furnace, Content PartnerWriter and editor at fantasyfurnace.com. Sports and fantasy sports; profiles, analysis and advice, including tips for managing winning leagues.
Follow on Twitter @fantasyfurnace
