Author: TJ Streett

PPR Help- Darren Sproles

With seven receptions on nine targets last night in Green Bay, Darren Sproles’ fantasy value is on the rise.

Analysis: As much as all the experts want to label the Saints a “balanced offense” they’re not. Forty-nine passes to twenty-one rushes is not balanced.

Mark Ingram was the guy that was supposed to give the Saints “balance” but he only carried the ball thirteen times and did not even register a target let alone a reception in the opener. Pierre Thomas who is a solid receiving back and has a few thirty reception years in his career only managed four catches on five targets. It appears the Saints have a plan for Darren Sproles and that is to get the little athlete out in space and stretch the defense as much as possible. When the Saints used Reggie Bush they did so as a decoy more than anything, this year Sproles is a legit threat. Sproles was on the end of two carries and only put up eighty-two yards from scrimmage but the damage was done in PPR leagues. Sproles is coming off of 59 and 45 reception years with the Chargers and may reach the seventy reception mark this year with the Saints. He is available is some PPR leagues and over half of standard leagues. While he may serve as the second best “bench back” on your squad in standard leagues, his performance Thursday night was impressive. Seventy receptions this year is possible and you can thank the Saints “balance” for those numbers.

Crosby/Malkin Fantasy Value

Sidney Crosby should not find himself anywhere near your fantasy roster this year. Considering it’s only “likely” that he’ll return this year and that the goal of his doctors is a Christmas return- it’s just not worth owning a guy that will have a bull’s eye on his head for the entire season. On the other hand you have Evgeni Malkin who has played the best hockey of his career with Crosby out of the Pittsburgh lineup. Geno is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, so there are some question marks, but he if looks good in the preseason he is a top five fantasy pick.

It was only two to three years ago that Malkin lead the lead in points in the regular season and in the playoffs. He also won the Conn Smythe(playoffs MVP) while Crosby went without a point in games five, six and seven against the Wings. If Geno looks healthy in the preseason expect a top five fantasy performance from the Russian with the potential for much more. Crosby now has a built in excuse for his lack of heart. We already know about his disappearing act against the Wings but take the Vancouver Olympics for example- although he scored the gold medal winning goal with a shot he never saw… he was not the best player on Team Canada, not even top three. Jonathan Toews was by far the best forward for team Canada as he led the squad with eight points and a plus nine rating. I’m sure Crosby will play a few games and take a few off this year. Even if he doesn’t get targeted with some head shots he’s still not worth what his ADP will be.

Have Some Faith In Colby Lewis

Despite a 9.3 ERA over his last three starts, Colby Lewis is a perfect guy to pick up off the wire.

Analysis: Colby Lewis is being dropped in nearly twenty percent of fantasy leagues and it is somewhat understandable. An 0-2 record with a 9.3 ERA in his last three starts is awful but two of those starts were against Boston. Lewis is going through some command issues and when you keep the ball up in the zone to the sluggers the Sox have… you are in big trouble. But, Lewis does have a few things going for him. Texas gives him tons of run support usually and he’s pitched at least six innings in thirteen of his last fifteen starts. Besides his recent struggles over the last week and a half, he hasn’t allowed more than four runs in a ball game since June 11th. He is by no means an ace but he is a 4-4.2 ERA starter who will rack up the wins and strikeouts. His velocity has been down a bit this year but when he locates his fastball and slider it really doesn’t matter.

Capitalize on impatient owners dropping this useful fantasy starter.

Keep An Eye On Zach Britton

Baltimore lefty Zach Britton has been pitching extremely well as of late and it might be time to put this guy on your radar.

Analysis: Zach Britton is 3-0 in his last three starts with fifteen strikeouts while only allowing three earned runs and fourteen hits. Britton has been a streaky pitcher this year but he has been great over the last two weeks against the Twins, Yanks and Rays. His next start is another game against the Yanks and if he pitches well in that contest- he is a must add. Even if he only pitches average against New York you have to keep in mind that their offense is top notch. Britton is still young and developing and must be more consistent to become a legit lower tier SP but he has all the tools to do so. Pitching in the AL East is no small task especially with the little run support the O’s provide but he has three solid pitches. His low 90s fastball is above average, his change is major league caliber and his slider is certainly a plus pitch. Time will tell with this lefty but you have to keep an eye on him for the time being.

Strasburg Joins Nationals

Stephen Strasburg is set to make his first start of the season September 7th against the Dodgers. There has been much speculation on whether Strasburg would start on the sixth, however, what really matters here is picking this guy up off the waiver wire.

Analysis: Strasburg is still available in about twenty percent of leagues nationwide and in two days time it will be virtually impossible to own this guy. Strasburg’s average fastball velocity last year was a shade over 97 MPH and this year he’s averaging about 95-96 in his minor leagues appearances. He has command, break and velocity on all his other pitches and he looks the part of an ace once again. He’s a great addition for any fantasy squad and he will provide ERA, WHIP and strikeout help but he won’t be going deep into games to get as many wins as you would like.

As for next year, you have to consider Strasburg a second tier SP1. He does have all the tools to be the best pitcher in the game but we need to see him eat some innings like a Halladay or a Verlander to be considered a first tier SP1.