Pittsburgh Pirates

new poll up over at MiLB.com

I have no doubts that Ned Colletti is willing to overpay for for a 30 year old short stop with a career 79 OPS+, none. But if he trades Matt Kemp for Jack Wilson straight up, he should be shot.

I have a plan on how to help fix he Dodgers.

Wait, don't panic, this isn't one of those columns where a blinkered fan suggests acquiring A-Rod in return for a backup catcher and a bag of balls.

I think these proposed moves make sense and could well happen - qualities which are not often found together as the trading deadline approaches. 

Brandon Phillips is soo underrated.
Phillips is on pace for another 30/30 season, and you almost never hear a peep about the guy.
Here, I got some love for you Brandon.
Ill give you some face time.

Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson is currently penciled into the number four spot on a nightly basis, and he is probably flying a little under the radar in a bunch of leagues at this moment.

As the Opening Week in Fantasy Baseball 2008 draws to a close, we are left with a week that gave us everything; well, except a Tiger win (Sunday Night Baseball will finish that story) of course.  Some players are red hot (Nate McLouth),  others are struggling mightily (Johnny Damon), while others are performing right on par with expectations.  The story of the week would have to be Cincinnatti Reds hurler Johnny Cueto, who fanned 10 in his Major League debut.  But Cueto wasn't the only young arm to come out firing.  Here's a list of other babies who took the mound successfully; some of which, including Cueto, are barely old enough to enjoy a cold one after striking out Ryan Howard.

In the spirit of WR and h0rt's own watch lists, I'll toss in a few players who are currently on my radar. I won't update this series religiously at all, but I thought I'd lend you all (including you lads in my leagues) a helping hand as you scour free agency for that homerun pick which could very well put your squad over the hump (hopefully not in any of my leagues, mind you).

I love the "Watch list". It is probably the greatest fantasy tool you will ever use. Personally, I check it daily. Heck, I would imagine that during the long season, I'll spend more time adjusting my watch list, than I do adjusting my actual roster.

Mclouth could be a great early season wire waiver steal. Good speed and average, if he can get to 20 HR he will be a very valuable addition to most fantasy teams.

If Jack Hannahan can put up very average numbers at the plate, Eric Chavez will need to find a new job. This kid is a vacuum cleaner at thrird base.

Pedro joins the list of very mediocre starters this week.

apparently Freddy Sanchez had a little setback in his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery yesterday. The Pirates are still hoping that Sanchez will be ready to open the season, but it is not looking very good.