Player News – Page 121 – FantasySP Blog

It’s time to buy low on Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter had arguably the worst season of his career at the plate in 2010. His .270 batting average was 40 points below his career average, his 10 home runs tied for the fewest in a season, his slugging percentage was the lowest of his career, and he struck out the most times since 2005. His advanced metrics were down too. His BABIP was a career-low, as was his runs created per-game and line-drive percentage. He also led the league in outs created.

So it’s a great time to buy low on the New York Yankee captain.

Analysis: Jeter can still hit. His batting average from 2005-2009 was .322, 50 points better than 2010. If Girardi has any sense, he’ll lead off with Brett Gardner and let Jeter hit 2nd. Jeter has made an adjustment to his swing from last season which will hopefully help his strikeout numbers.

Beyond the top three shortstops (Ramirez, Tulowitzki, and Reyes), there are nothing but question marks. Jeter will hit atop baseball’s most potent lineup, and has all the skills to bounce back from a sub-par year.

What’s encouraging is Jeter’s contact percentage in 2010 was the same as his career average, but his BABIP was 50 points lower than his career average, meaning he was a victim of bad luck more than anything else. If his stats normalize to their career averages in 2011, Jeter should far exceed his 6th round draft status. He’s currently going for only $25 in auction drafts, and can easily outperform that value.

Projection: .311 / 14 home runs / 70 RBI’s / 22 steals / 110 runs scored

What do you think? Will Jeter bounce back from the worst season of his career? Or is he finally on the way down?

Jamie Benn Is On Fire

Dallas forward Jamie Benn has been on fire since his return from injury in all seven fantasy categories.

Analysis: Since his return from a shoulder injury suffered in late January, Jamie Benn is one of the hottest forwards in the world of fantasy hockey. Benn has 6 goals and 3 assists with 32 shots on goal in his last nine games. He’s everything you’re looking for down the stretch. He has center and left wing eligibility, he’s getting tons of ice time and he’s available in about half of all fantasy leagues. Dallas is right in the middle of a heated playoff race in the western conference and the Stars need all of their best players to step it up with Brad Richards only three games in to his shaky return from a concussion. One of the most over looked categories among forwards in fantasy hockey is definitely penalty minutes and Jamie Benn is racking them up with ten PIM over his last eight games. All in all Jamie Benn is producing in seven fantasy categories and he’s widely available.

Projection: Expect just under a point per game with tons of ice time from Jamie Benn in the Stars remaining thirteen games. He shoots in bunches and he gets lots of power play minutes so if you have a team need at left wing or center, Jamie Benn may be the right fit for you.

Erik Karlsson, A Future Star

If it wasn’t for Erik Karlsson playing on a team with the NHL’s worst goal differential he would be owned in every single fantasy league. Karlsson is already a five category fantasy stud in just his second year in the league and his play as of late has been more than solid.

Analysis: Erik Karlsson’s minus 32 rating on the year is miserable, however, two other Ottawa denfeseman are minus 26 or worse, so he’s not alone on that front. Karlsson is just 20 years old and he could be one of the best fantasy defenseman in the NHL sooner than later. Karlsson is seventh among NHL defenseman with 11 goals, fourteenth in points with 38, eleventh in shots with 151 and twelfth in power play points with 20. To put it simply he’s on the fast track to top ten fantasy defenseman status if Ottawa can get their act together from the front office down. I couldn’t name seven defenseman that I’d want on my fantasy squad for the next ten years in front of Erik Karlsson, he’s just that special.

Projection: He’s going to continue to dominate every category with the exception of plus/minus and penalty minutes this year and going forward I see many 70 point seasons like Mike Green.

Chris Young Could Be a Steal for Your Rotation

The former All-Star’s continued battle back from shoulder surgery appears to be on the right track, which could be a huge plus for both Mets fans and Fantasy owners.

Analysis: A towering presence on the mound, the 6’10” Young is all but a shoe-in for a spot in the Amazin’s 2011 rotation. After undergoing right shoulder surgery in August of ’09, the 31-year-old finally made it back to the mound last September, going 2-0 in four very impressive starts which took place during a Padres playoff chase. Young’s performance in these pressure games brought back memories of his first two seasons in San Diego (’06 and ’07) where he struck out 331 batters over 352.1 innings, leading the league in hits allowed per nine innings both years. Never a true power arm despite his intimidating size, the big right-hander has added a splitter to his arsenal this spring in an effort to see more ground balls. Traditionally a fly ball pitcher, adding this lower in the strike zone option to the mix makes him that more dangerous to opposing hitters. His Grapefruit League progress has been very reassuring, allowing two runs (on two solo homers) over nine innings to date.

Projection: The 2011 Mets are a team rife with uncertainties and, to be fair, we have to place Young in that category. His sample size since returning from surgery, albeit enticing, is a small one. However, the indications that Young can return to his All-Star form are promising. Backed by a sometimes inconsistent yet potentially explosive offense and an average bullpen, the possibility for a comeback season is gaining steam with each spring appearance. Owners willing to take a flier on Young may end up pleasantly surprised to the tune of 12-14 victories and a low ERA, especially in spacious Citi Field.

Kubina Suspended, Pick Up Sekera

Tampa defenseman Pavel Kubina was suspended three games today for an elbow to the head in a game against Chicago Wednesday night.

Analysis: Pavel Kubina is your average fantasy defenseman. With just 22 points in 67 games, parting with Kubina should have been done weeks if not months ago. Although Kubina’s plus/minus was solid, losing him for three games makes you want to look elsewhere. Owned in just ten percent of fantasy leagues the red hot Buffalo defenseman Andrej Sekera is who you’re looking for. Sekera has amassed 2 goals and 8 assists in his last six games. Sekera is a plus 6 in that stretch with a solid 14 shots on goal. Sekera’s ice time is over twenty minutes a game although his power play minutes and points aren’t anything to write home about.

Projection: Kubina will return from suspenion the average fantasy defenseman that he is. Andrej Sekera is one of the hottest and most available fantasy defenseman in the NHL right now. Even if Sekera cools off just a bit the risk is worth it. Expect about a half of a point per game from Sekera the rest of the season with a solid plus/minus rating.