It's an odd time when the biggest newsmakers of the week are rookies -- generally that happens in the second half, or they at least wait until late June. But not this week. A pair of rooks massacred the media with all of the hype surrounding their major league debuts.
Jay Bruce, OF, CIN -- Cincinnati fans rejoice! You now see why your GM and manager kept him in Triple-A so long. Whatever. The Reds are actually heating up. I'm still sticking by my sell in single leagues just because there's absolutely no chance he keeps up his current pace. (Yes, I do know who
Ryan Braun is.) Still though, this guy should be owned and starting right now.
Clayton Kershaw, SP, LAD -- The other "savior" type figure in the bigs right now, Kershaw looked good -- not great -- in his debut and "not so great" in his second and third outings. But hey, he's young, and besides, Cole Hamels gave up four earned runs in his second start too (and didn't really get dialed until later in the summer his first year).
Homer Bailey, SP, CIN -- Good week to be a Red, no? Homer got called early this week and started on Thursday. Is he hyped right now? Um, not particularly, considering his previous struggles. But you should still go snatch him up -- if/when he starts dealing you can sling him for high value. If he doesn't, just leave him on your bench and ride out the rough times. He's still young.
Rafael Furcal, SS, LAD -- He just keeps getting "set back". And his value, considering he was untradeable, is pretty freaking low right now. If the injury keeps him from coming back full strength, it's a nightmare, but he could easily be a steal. (Also: not a rookie.)
Josh Banks, SP, SD -- Who? Yes, I know. The Blue Jays' castoff has turned in two superb starts for the Padres, and has only allowed one earned run in 23 innings on the season, with a 2:1 K:BB ratio, to go along with a complete game shutout of the Giants.
Billy Butler, DH, KC -- Butler got freaking canned down to Triple-A. How's that for a shoddy week? The thing that doesn't make any sense though, is that they held Alex Gordon in the majors while he struggled all last year and now Butler gets the hook that quick? Seems weird/poor judgment, but I trust what they're doing there. Still, a nice buy low at this point.
