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After bombarding my brain since December with all of the info I could find about baseball, I too, have some "hunches" or gut feelings about certain players in 2008.
SEND ME YOUR GUT FEELINGS!
Grizzled Veterans:
Derek Lee and Travis (Hugh) Hafner - I don't feel either of these players will progress greatly from last year's numbers.
Bill E. Hall - He surges toward 06 numbers approaching 30 homers.
Manny Ramirez - He has a very solid year, better than last, with 30 dingers.
Jerrod Washburn - His new change-up shifts the balance and he becomes a very dependable starter again. (I'm not saying dominant.)
Scott Kazmir - Unfortunately he misses more time with reoccurring elbow issues. (I don't wish this on him or anyone.)
James Shields - He pick up the slack for the aforementioned Kazmir and grows stronger in his performance.
Jay Bay - He has the same kind of year as last for the first half until he is traded. This sparks some increased performance, but not quite up to 05 and 06.
Justin Duchscherer - (Always check that spelling.) He grows into the starting role bringing his skills from the past to become a very competent #2 starter.
Young Turks:
Pitchers:
Kevin Slowey - He carries foward his great ERA and WHIP from the Minors and provides a very good reward for those who rostered him.
Kaz Fukumori - The 31-year-old rook assumes Texas closer duties rather early, following in the footsteps of Otsuka to put a smile on the faces of his owners.
Ian Kennedy - He outperforms Philip Hughes and has a solid rookie year showing good command of his pitches. He's a smart battler.
Jon Lester - After struggling early he finds his control and outpaces Clay No-Hit Buchholz to become Boston's 2nd best starter for the 2nd half of the year.
Manny Parra and Johnny Cueto - Although they cannot finish the year due to innings protection by their clubs, both rook SP's make you very happy.
Dana Eveland - He produces a nice year for Oakland and his fantasy owners, but he too will be protected from the ravages of innings on rookies.
Joe Blanton - He's a solid performer growing a step or two this year and is traded at the midpoint to a contender which really adds some wins to his totals.
Hitters:
Chris Young - The outfielder from Arizona increases his OBP and batting average to go along with his 30 HR/30 SB potential. He will not be chep next year.
Chase Headley, Colby Rasmus, Steve Pearce - Each is brought up well before mid-year to help the parent club and their patient fantasy owners.
Injury Fill-ins:
David Murphy (OF- TEX)
Mike Morse (OF - SEA)
Ryan Spilborghs (OF - COL) These players are ready and are one or two injuries away from playing significant roles with their parent teams.
Brent Lillibridge (MI - ATL)
Jed Lowrie ( SS - BOS)
Brandon Morrow - Keep an eye out. Sent down with shoulder soreness & control issues to work out. Exlosive stuff. He may start with good value later in the year.
Kansas City Royals: I am so happy for the Royals. Excitement abounds for this former doormat adding some wins this year with young players maturing.
Billy Butler - These boys will bash this year. Billy Butler has been a stone cold hitter all the way to the majors, while Gordon draws comparisons to Manny with speed.
Alex Gordon
Zack Grienke
Gilbert Meche - Meche will be dependable with good K's and Greinke, 24, is poised for a solid year. Wins for both should increase. If memory serves me both are former 1st round draft choices.
Joakin Soria - This closer surges upward in saves and stats from his already solid numbers, benefitting from KC's growth as a team.
* If many of my hunches come to fruition , I'll have a fun year on my teams.
Thanks for reading.
Tags: Lenny's Blog Lenny\'s Thoughts Gut Feelings by Bill Leibler
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