After a one-week hiatus, RotoRob Fantasy Baseball Weekly Podcast, heard every Thursday at 9 p.m. EST on Blogtalkradio, was back in action this week and we had a blast as we were joined by Jake Watroba, former RotoRob.com writer and head man at TheNorthCast.com.
Podcast: Justin Verlander Ready to Return Read Post »
While it’s true that he is human and will occasionally turn a situation sticky, he remains perfect in save chances early on this year. Okay, so if you want to call his ERA rising two-tenths of a run last year alarming, go ahead. You’re probably also a germaphobe. There aren’t many hurlers that can blow hitters away with such ease as Kimbrel can. Let’s see… 900 hitters have now faced him since he arrived in the majors and he’s struck out 392 of them (44 per cent). What do you think? Kimbrel has been the clear No. 1 on this list for a couple of years now and considering how tough it is to take him yard, we don’t see him going anywhere as long as he’s healthy.
2014 Relief Pitcher Rankings Read Post »
If not for injuries, CarGo looked to be on pace for year similar to 2010 when he finished third in the NL MVP race. Injuries have always seemed to plague Gonzalez since being traded to the Rockies in 2008. During his tenure with Colorado, he has only managed to play in over 140 games once (2010) which isn’t very good when you consider you’ll likely have to use a first or second round pick on him. Gonzalez possesses all the talent in the world. He has the ability to hit for a high average, hit for power, steal a fair amount of bases, and drive in a ton of runs. Gonzalez is entering the prime of his career. He’s a 30-30 candidate… if he’s able to stay healthy.
2014 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Outfield Rankings Read Post »
Still, the normally injury prone player was able to set a career high by playing in 160 games. That’s the good news. The bad news is his overall work at the plate regressed. Longoria’s walk rate dipped for the second straight season and he never runs anymore. This former college star has enjoyed a fine career to date, but you can’t shake the feeling that he hasn’t had that true breakthrough yet. Is a 40-homer season coming one of these years? Well, he’ll need to stop the two-year trend of regressing extra-base pop first. Longoria is a no-nonsense player that will do whatever he can to be the best. Is 2014 the season he finally puts it all together?
2014 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Third Base Rankings Read Post »
Tulowitzki is easily the most dangerous hitting shortstop in the game today. Despite the Coors Field stigma (which is somewhat true) Tulo is better than the field. His major issue is health. If you have owned him in the past, you know what we are saying. If Tulowitzki can actually stay on the field, 30 homers and 100 RBI are easily within his grasp. (Take a look at his mechanics in the video below to get an idea of his power.) His career OPS of 877 should be higher but health issues over the years has likely put a dent in it. While we don’t have the foresight to see that he will appear in 150+ games, we do know that if he does you will be a proud and contending owner. Tulowitzki is annually a slow starter but don’t lose faith because remember you drafted him high. After all, this dude’s career BABIP and OBP numbers would be great for a first baseman — never mind a middle infielder. Gamblers roll the dice and they don’t fear what hasn’t already happened.
2014 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Shortstop Rankings Read Post »
Kipnis was one of the main reasons why the Indians went from AL Central basement dwellers to finishing a game behind the Tigers for the division title. The 26-year-old quietly had a good year, showing the ability to hit for average and power, drive in some runs, get on base at a good clip, and steal 30 bags. Some owners might find Kipnis to be a better bang for their buck than Cano as you won’t need to use a first round pick on him. As Kipnis enters his fourth big league season, he could be sitting on a breakout year. His ability to steal bases and his power potential make him one of the elite keystone corner dudes in the game. If Kipnis is able to hit over 20 long balls this year, and it’s very possible, come next year, we could see him at the top of this list.
2014 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Second Base Rankings Read Post »
First base is deep this year, and as a result, you can expect to also get your corner infielder from this group. Because it’s so deep, if you don’t get the stud you like early on, wait until the middle tier and cherry pick some bargains with potential upside.
2014 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: First Base Rankings Read Post »
