Author: TJ Streett

Carlos Gonzalez Is Not A Top Ten Pick

After a .336 AVG, 34 HR, 26 SB year the hype machine just won’t stop with CarGo and almost all experts are tagging him as a top ten pick.

Analysis: Gonzalez hit .380 and hit 26 of his 34 homers at home last year. That stat alone should raise the red flag on his consistency issues. His BABIP was an unsustainable .384 and should come down at least thirty points to even out his average to about .300. Gonzalez’s plate discipline is also a concern, he’s swinging at 37% of pitches outside of the strike zone. To put this into perspective, Alfonso Soriano’s career O-Swing percentage is 35%. The bottom line is CarGo isn’t a top ten player due to an inflated batting average and an unsustainble output at home in 2010.

Projection: Gonzalez is no doubt a top 12-15 player because he’s a five category stud but the batting average and power numbers will take a hit this year. Expect a .295 AVG, 28 HR, 22 SB at a relatively deep outfield position in 2011.

Pick Up Curtis Glencross

Left Winger Curtis Glencross is one of the hottest players in the NHL right now as he continues to power the Flames into a playoff berth.

Analysis: You cannot ignore 9 goals in 12 games this deep into the fantasy season and with Glencross only being 0wned in just over twenty percent of fantasy leagues now is the time to act. His ice time is up over two minutes above his season average these last few weeks and his power play minutes have risen as well. If you’re in need of goals and a stable plus/minus rating Curtis Glencross is what you’re looking for at the left wing position in deeper leagues. He’s definitely going fast so if you have a hole at left wing you need to act immediately and pick Glencross up.

Projection: Expect about 18 minutes of ice time a game, 7-10 goals, over 60 shots on goal and 20 penalty minutes the rest of the season. He’s a sneaky good scorer who racks up penalty minutes, something fantasy hockey owners can’t get enough of. Glencross seems a safe bet to provide multi category support as the season heads into the home stretch.

Last Call On Marcus Camby

Marcus Camby is expected to return shortly after the All Star break and he may be ready to go Wednesday against the Lakers.

Analysis: Camby is available in about thirty percent of fantasy leagues and now is the time to pick up the forgotten center. 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game is just what every fantasy owner needs out of a center and that’s what Camby was averaging this year. Yes, he is injury prone but with Camby you ride him until he can’t carry you any more. When healthy he’s one of the most value centers in fantasy, he’s averaging .9 steals per game this year and 1 steal per game for his career, how many centers can do that? Camby may not be ready to play thirty minutes a game right away but even at twenty to twenty-five minutes he’s a beast.

Projection: Give Camby some time to get into game shape and find his groove but he’s a rebounding machine regardless of age, minutes, team, etc. Expect 10-12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal and a solid field goal percentage from Marcus Camby when he returns.

Have Some Faith In Ron Artest

Ron Artest is averaging just 8 PPG and 3 RPG this year but it’s not quite time to drop this frustrating multi-category stud.

Analysis: Artest is getting 28 minutes per game and is averaging 1.4 steals and 1 three pointer made per game this year, so it’s not all bad. Obviously, it’s disappointing that Artest is and will not perform where you drafted him but he’s not at the point of no return yet. If his minutes remain over twenty a game and as the Lakers continue fighting for the two seed in the west- Ron Ron will eventually turn it on. In all honesty, is Luke Walton going to be taking away minutes from Ron Artest? Of course not, so have some faith to go along with your diappointment.

Projection: Ron Ron is going to turn it on, but can you believe he’s only attempted just two three pointers in his last two games? He’ll turn it around and when he does expect 1.5-2 steals, 1-2 threes, 4-5 rebounds and about half of a block a game.

Buy Alexei Kovalev Low

Alexei Kovalev is one of the most talented yet extremely frustrating players in the NHL. We know he has tons of stick handling skills and goal scoring ability but what I am banking on is his free agent status next year and his desire for one last paycheck.

Analysis: Kovalev is looking for one more big contract before he “takes his talents to” the KHL. He certainly plans on getting one by his performance over the rest of the year and when he wants to play, Kovalev plays very well. Kovalev has tallied 5 goals and 3 assists and is a plus 4 in his last seven games. The guy is a plus four on a team that has lost six of seven games, yeah, Kovalev is motivated. The other positve with Kovalev is he should get moved at the trade deadline to a contender which would provide more stability to his plus/minus rating going forward.

Projection: Kovalev is immensely talented and once in a while he’s motivated. It’s time to buy Alexei Kovalev stock and it’s cheap, he’s available in about sixty percent of leagues. Expect anywhere from 10-12 goals the rest of the year with 10-12 assists and plenty of ice time.