Here is a team players available in one of my 12-team mixed Roto leagues...
- C: Jeff Mathis, LAA: Only downside to Mathis is splitting duties with Mike Napoli; but even part-time he's giving you better than most full-time, with .298 AVG thus far.
- 1B: Richie Sexson, SEA: Big Sexy may bat .220 (.219 currently), but he ought to give you 30/100, which is more than most can say.
- 2B: Jose Lopez, SEA: .313, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 16 R, 2 SB isn't hurting you anywhere. .285 is a possibility on the season, with 90/90 possibilities from the 2B position.
- 3B: Troy Glaus, StL: Just 1 HR to date, but has driven in 21 and leads the MLB in doubles. The HR will come -- 20 in 385 injured AB a year ago and 38 in '06.
- SS: Erick Aybar, LAA: Absolutely love this kid if he's able to sustain regular playing time. Excellent cheap source of swipes (4) and runs (15).
- OF: Emil Brown, OAK: Only batting 8 points above career average, yet has managed to drive in 25 and score 15.
- OF: Melky Cabrera, NYY: Contributing in all 5 standards, batting .299 with 5 HR, 12 RBI, 15 R, and adding 3 SB to the mix. If he moves up in the order, watch out.
- OF: Skip Schumaker, StL: The only Cardinal OF not in Tony's platoon has scored 23 times, stolen 3 bases, to the tune of a .317 clip.
- P: Wandy Rodriguez, HOU: Coming off the DL shortly, this could be a big breakout year for Wandy, who looked very good through his first 23.1 innings prior to injury.
- P: Joey Devine, OAK: Allowed 1 Run in 10 IP, striking out one per inning, this former Brave could take over Closing duties if Huston Street is dealt, which seems likely.
- P: Jesse Carlson, TOR: Aside from a sleeper for possible Saves, he's striking out everybody, while carrying a 0.79 WHIP.
- P: Chad Gaudin, OAK: Has severely dropped his BB rate early this season. Could see a huge decrease in ratios if he's able to keep that rate in check for most of the season.
Some reach further than others, but all have pretty serious upside or have jumped out to more than just a hot start. I think the most relevant over the course of the entire season will be Sexson, Lopez, and Wandy. Honorable Mention to Aybar if he continues to play every day, and Melky is one injury away from a big slide up in the Yankee lineup, increasing his value significantly.
An hour after I write this Sexson and Aybar both hit HR. Someone needs to hire me, man...
Emil Brown has been a pleasant surprise. He and Lance Berkman are leading my Dynasty team in RBI's.
Ride them while they are hot.
The Melkman has found his way to the 6-hole in the Yankee lineup today vs the M's and is currently 2-for-4 with an RBI, raising his season AVG to .293 in the process.
In the winter I was very down on 'La Leche', but he's proven me wrong thus far.
Also, in the last week, Emil Brown has bat .323 with 6 R, 6 RBI, and a HR.