Fantasy FanHouse http://fantasy.fanhouse.com Fantasy FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif Fantasy FanHouse http://fantasy.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Jeff Clement to the Bigs ... Take Twohttp://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/06/17/jeff-clement-to-the-bigs-take-two/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/06/17/jeff-clement-to-the-bigs-take-two/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/06/17/jeff-clement-to-the-bigs-take-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jeff Clement's first stint at the big league level did not pan out quite so well. To say that he struggled -- batting .167 with 0HR, seven walks and 20 strikeouts in 48 at bats -- would be an understatement. But as soon as he got demoted to the minors, he started ripping the cover off the ball. Again.

Hence, the Mariners have decided to call Clement back to the bigs. He hasn't played in the majors since returning yet, but he should strap back on the padding and/or take a trip to the outfield soon.

He has been playing at AAA-Tacoma though, absolutely raking the ball -- nine homers, another nine doubles, getting on base at a .375+ club and only 17 strikeouts in May and June combined -- since returning. Which would explain why the M's didn't mind bringing him back up (well, that and their MLB worst record).

Now, Clement is going to be catcher eligible for fantasy purposes, but he might not always play there, giving him the potential to be a half-season/poor man's Josh Willingham from 2006.

Is he a must add in every fantasy league? Um, no. Smaller leagues don't want to burn waiver claims or take the risk that he will do what he did last time. But if you have a 12 team league (or bigger) or use two catchers, I think I'm grabbing him for the upside. Right now, the internet related buzz says to hold off on grabbing him, but if you don't beat the buzz, you end up continuing to play Jesus Flores.

The downside is there (see his first promotion) but the power from that spot, especially if you're in a keeper league, is too strong to ignore.

Jeff Clement to the Bigs ... Take Two originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Jeff ClementJeffClementJesus FloresJesusFloresJosh WillinghamJoshWillinghamWill BrinsonTue, 17 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST Need Saves? Go Grab Brandon Morrow, Nowhttp://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/06/11/need-saves-go-grab-brandon-morrow-now/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/06/11/need-saves-go-grab-brandon-morrow-now/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/06/11/need-saves-go-grab-brandon-morrow-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hot off the presses, J.J. Putz left the mound with an ailing pitching elbow today in Toronto, and young fireballer Brandon Morrow took over to garner his first career save.

Putz already had some injury woes earlier this season, and if this is indeed an injury to his pitching elbow he may be lost for the season. It's not like the Mariners are going to literally give up on the 2008 season, but if they have to make a decision on whether they want him healthy for the start of next season or not, no chances will be taken with his long term health.

As for Morrow, I have mentioned a Joba-like rotation move for him, but this could change everything. He's got sick stuff and would easily become a dominant closer. Coming into today, Morrow sported a 1.06 ERA with 23 whiffs in 17 innings.

The only downside is that the Mariners do, in fact, suck. His save opportunities would be few and far between. Still, that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a valuable contributor to the category ... Brian Wilson has 18 saves for the hapless Giants. Unlike Wilson, Morrow will provide stellar help in ERA and WHIP when he's on the hill.

Keep an eye on Putz in shallow leagues because you don't want to jump the gun for a middle reliever.

In deeper leagues where Morrow is still available, go get him now and beat the crowd.

Need Saves? Go Grab Brandon Morrow, Now originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brandon morrowBrandonMorrowj.j. putzJ.j.PutzMatt SnyderWed, 11 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST New Studs on the Block: Young Aces Armed and Ready to Explodehttp://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/04/22/new-studs-on-the-block-young-aces-armed-and-ready-to-explode/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/04/22/new-studs-on-the-block-young-aces-armed-and-ready-to-explode/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2008/04/22/new-studs-on-the-block-young-aces-armed-and-ready-to-explode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

New Studs takes a look at players ready to make the leap from "possibly productive fantasy player" to "must-have fantasy stud." This is not a "you've never heard of this dude, but ... " series -- these should be names you already know.

Both of these guys came into the season with gobs of upside, but tempered expectations for different reasons. With one, we were worried that he's still not ready to make "The Leap," after having been teased by his potential the past two seasons. The other? Well, his team sucks. Really, really sucks. So did you really want to waste a high draft pick on a guy that can't win more than ten games? Judging from ADP charts, the answer was a resounding "NO!"

All of a sudden they have something in common: They are simultaneously making the jump from, "dude, he's pretty damn solid, but ... " territory into the "This guy is a freaking monster!" zone. When you drop the "but," the guy is ready to make an appearance on the ever-growing "New Studs on the Block," list.

Welcome aboard, Linc and King Felix. Please bring your nasty stuff and power arms as you join us ...

Tim Lincecum, SP, San Francisco Giants

Coming into the season, the only real question mark about Linc was that his team was gawdawful horrible. With no run support and a suspect defense, how was he going to become an upper-echelon fantasy option? We knew he was viable because of the Ks, ERA, and WHIP potential, but you like to get four categories from your fantasy staff ace. Maybe we should have realized that Erik Bedard was one of fantasy's best last year, as he dealt for a quite abysmal supporting cast (and Linc doesn't even have to face the Yankees and Red Sox multiple times). In hindsight, seeing a pitcher with the caliber stuff of Lincecum sitting in the high twenties of most starting pitching rankings for a plethora of fantasy rags should have been a major precursor to a sleeper campaign (which is defined as exceeding expectations -- and while I'm here a "bust" means not meeting expectations, so please realize for future reference that "bust" doesn't mean someone blows). Well, he's in the middle of said sleeper/breakout now, sporting a sick 1.57 ERA with 27 Ks (in 23 innings) and a 3-0 record to boot. His team doesn't have to win 70 for him to succeed, they only have to win every fifth day.

He's an ace. Treat him like one.

Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners

I don't need to tell you about the background of Felix Hernandez. He was anointed as Dwight Gooden reincarnate when he was 19. While he's only 22 now, he's got more seasoning at the big league level than most 26 year-old arms. This may cause worry in light of the innings build-up once he reaches 30, but that's a long time from now. In between he's going to pile up numbers and probably a Cy Young or two. Why not start now? He's sizzling, only allowing five runs in his first four outings (four of which were in the same game to the Angels, where he took the win anyway). The strikeouts have increased each game, and it's a good sign that he hasn't had a bad game mixed in the middle of good ones. The main problem thus far in his career has been (Joe Morgan's favorite trait) a lack of consistency. He's had enough experience to counteract that short history quite soon.

Like Lincecum, people underrated the King in preseason drafts. For Hernandez it was two main reasons:
1. Bedard got more press in Seattle
2. Felix has been a tease for the past two years

No longer a tease, he's putting out now (I'm sure there's a Brittany Spears/Lindsay Lohan/Paris Hilton joke somewhere in here). Like Linc, he's a fully-fledged card-carrying member of the fantasy ace club.

Finally, I'll reiterate they are both really young (Linc is 23, since I didn't specifically mention that earlier). In keeper leagues you should be doing what you can to acquire them for the long haul.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

New Studs on the Block: Young Aces Armed and Ready to Explode originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>felix hernandezFelixHernandeztim lincecumTimLincecumMatt SnyderTue, 22 Apr 2008 01:00:00 EST Fantasy FYI: Shaun Alexander and Deion Branch Out Tonighthttp://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/11/12/fantasy-fyi-shaun-alexander-and-deion-branch-out-tonight/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/11/12/fantasy-fyi-shaun-alexander-and-deion-branch-out-tonight/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/11/12/fantasy-fyi-shaun-alexander-and-deion-branch-out-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Just in case you were thinking your fantasy team was going to get fat and happy against a full-of-upside-but-not-filling-it 49ers team...well, they still could. But you're going to have to get creative and tricky with your roster. Much like me trying to pull off Soulja Boy in the middle of a crowded tailgate parking lot this weekend. Shaun Alexander and Deion Branch will not start nor will they play as the Seahawks look to take their NFC West division leading record to 5-4. (Mike Holmgren confirmed the Alexander rumors on his radio show last night).

What does this mean for fantasy players? Well, first of all, Maurice Morris becomes a very viable starter. Now, in all likelihood, you have already used your two running backs. But if you were waiting to hear about Frank Gore or Alexander, um, now would be a nice time to make a move.

D.J. Hackett returned to the lineup last week and caught a touchdown - if for any reason he's available you should scoop immediately if you need to fill a WR spot, or were planning on starting Branch (or any of the San Fran "wideouts"). Bobby Engram should be good for some serious yardage again this week and is a very nice fantasy play as Matt Hasselback seems to trust him more than anyone else out of the corps. Hasselback himself gets to face a tough set of DB's, but should still go largo as the Seahawks look to air it out more than normal tonight.

Fantasy FYI: Shaun Alexander and Deion Branch Out Tonight originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Will BrinsonMon, 12 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST Saturday Injury Reporthttp://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/09/15/saturday-injury-report/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/09/15/saturday-injury-report/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/09/15/saturday-injury-report/#commentsFiled under: ,

Had I not come down with Marshawn Lynch-like symptoms on Thursday and Friday, I would have had an updated injury report to you earlier in the week. However, as it stands, it's Saturday afternoon and we've got some banged up peeps to discuss.My goal here is to take the Friday injury reports and break down everything matchup by matchup. Since there's little chance I get it done by the time the Saturday injury reports come out, I'm going to be live-blog-styling it this afternoon. As word comes out of camp, I'll keep updating the various statuses (doesn't "stati" sound much cooler?) of players.

And here's a big one for you: Shaun Alexander has a sprained left wrist, Mike Holmgren confirmed late Friday evening. He'll be playing, and likely starting, against Arizona on Sunday. The catch? He'll be wearing a cast/brace type of contraption--the same one that he wore in practice earlier this week--for the duration of the game. Expect Alexander to get close to 20 carries, but don't be surprised if he gets pulled should the game turn into a blowout. Also note that chief backup Maurice Morris hasn't practiced all week long. Which means that the fantasy flier of the week has to go to Alvin Pearman.



Buffalo Bills @ Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Marshawn Lynch (illness) is no longer listed on the injury report. Being sick and trying to sit at a desk sucks. I can't imagine trying to play professional football. But if Lynch is ready to go, you probably need to start him.
  • Josh Reed (thigh) didn't practice Thursday and is questionable. Add this to one of the reasons why I like Roscoe Parrish this week.
Atlanta Falcons @ Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Alge Crumpler (team decision) is no longer listed on the injury report, although he was limited Friday. If you own Crump, I suppose you have to play him. Joey!'s presence doesn't make that an enjoyable decision, but, hey, thems the breaks, I suppose.
  • Josh Scobee (quad) is OUT for Sunday's game. Find a new kicker.
  • Chris Crocker (knee) is out. This puts David Garrard and John Broussard firmly in "flier" territory.
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans
  • No pertinent injuries.
Green Bay Packers @ New York Giants
  • Greg Jennings (hamstring) is questionable and did not practice Friday after apparently tweaking the hammy earlier in the week. I'd be starting James Jones if I was looking for a WR3 flier against a shoddy Giants secondary. Expect the Packers to do the same.
  • Vernand Morency (knee) is questionable and didn't practice Friday either. Brandon Jackson should shoulder the full load and is a nice play against a weak Giants defense that gave up over 131 rushing yards on 27 carries to Marion Barber, III, and Julius Jones.
  • Donald Lee (knee) is probable after practicing Friday. A very nice flier to take if you've got a TE with a questionable matchup.
  • Eli Manning (shoulder) was limited Friday again but rumor is that he's going to start. I'm not entirely sold on this and wouldn't think about starting him even if I owned him.
Houston Texans @ Carolina Panthers
  • No pertinent injuries.
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
  • Frank Gore (personal) didn't practice Thursday but has been removed from the injury report. He's good to go and should have a big game against the Rams.
  • Drew Bennett (thigh) had full practice Wednesday and Thursday and limited Friday. He's probable and is a decent WR3 to start if you're low at the position.
  • Orlando Pace (shoulder) is obviously out.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
  • T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) did full practice Thursday and Friday. He's a go.
  • Shayne Graham (hip) is probable after full Thursday and Friday practice. I'm still hesitant to start any kicker with an injury, even against a horrible defense like the Browns.
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(Note: Thank you, Saints! A big red cross on the front page of the team's website begging people to find the injury report. Why doesn't every team do this?)
  • Mark Campbell (back) didn't practice Friday and is listed as OUT. Warm up the Eric Johnson bandwagon.
  • Cadillac Williams (ribs) is questionable after limited participation Friday. I think he's going to be a last second "OUT" guy on Sunday (purely guess work mind you) and wouldn't want to have him in my active lineup, personally. How can you throw a running back with busted ribs, particularly one who the franchise invested so much in, to the wolves? You just can't. Michael Pittman should see extended carries if this happens.
Dallas Cowboys @ Miami Dolphins
  • Straight from Dallas Cowboys.com (on Thursday): "CB Terence Newman - Continues to show progression with his right foot injury (partial tear in his plantar fascia). Head coach Wade Phillips said Newman was able to participate some in the team drills on Thursday. He also said the cornerback would again be a game-time decision to play Sunday in Miami." - Updated Friday: "Nothing has really changed with Terence Newman's heel since he took the practice field on Wednesday. The cornerback's slightly torn plantar fascia still hurts when he plants. Head coach Wade Phillips said playing Newman against the Dolphins on Sunday still will be a game-time decision, just as it was against the Giants last Sunday." Dude, plantar fascia hurts like mess. I had it once and it kept me from walking to class for like two months. Chris Chambers might have a nice game. Same with Trent Green.
  • Jesse Chatman (knee) is listed as probable and missed practice Wednesday and Friday. Hmmm. Might be time to think about taking that flier on Ronnie Brown.
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
  • Chester Taylor (hip) is still listed as questionable and according to Vikings.com has shown "No Change" in his status (versus "Improving" or "Declining"). It seems almost too easy for Adrian Peterson to have another monster game, doesn't it?
  • T.J. Duckett (ankle) has been listed as OUT. Did you know his real name was "Todd"? Me either. If I were on the Lions, I would totally call him "Todd" or "The Todd" until he beat me up.
  • Kevin Jones (foot) is doubtful. Tatum Bell is getting all the [worthless] carries against the Vikings.
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
  • D.J. Hackett (ankle) is out. For a while I believe. Nate Burleson makes a nice flier and an early pickup.
  • Maurice Morris (hip) hasn't practiced all week. Means Shaun Alexander has to be fine, right? Either way, Alexander is going to play. He has to.
  • Annnnnd this just in. Shaun Alexander has a sprained left wrist according to Seahawks Insider. He will play against the Cardinals, albeit in a cast/brace type of thing. Holmgren says he's going to play, and with Morris unlikely to go, all of a sudden Alvin Pearman becomes a viable fantasy flier. I mean, this really got out of hand fast, didn't it? I mean, it really escalated quickly. Kidding. Kind of. If you own Alexander, you're nervous, but you're still starting him. You have to.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Chicago Bears
  • Eddie Kennison (hamstring) hasn't practiced all week and is OUT. You didn't want to use him anyway.
  • Brian Urlacher (back) is probable after missing practice Friday. Larry Johnson would see a bump in value if Urlacher missed for any reason.
  • Muhsin Muhammad (ankle) missed practice Friday as well and is probable. Moose is no better than a WR3 even against a shoddy Chiefs defense.
  • Greg Olsen (knee) is still questionable. Still a week or two away from fantasy value.
New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens
  • Thomas Jones (calf) is listed as questionable again this week. He'll probably play but will be a gametime decision. He's also a pretty bad option against a stout Ravens rush D, even if Ray Lewis might be missing.
  • Chad Pennington (ankle) is listed as questionable. He's also curiously listed as "James Pennington" on the NFL.com injury report. He does not strike me as a James. Nor does he strike me as someone I'd want to play tomorrow.
  • Samari Rolle, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are all Questionable but participated in limited practice on Friday. If all three of them (but mainly Lewis and Reed) can't go, the Ravens D is suddenly not as scary a unit, and the Jets are smelling upset. Still, you have to think they'll go. I wouldn't bench the Ravens D.
  • Mark Clayton (toe) has been limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable. I think his value goes up with Kyle Boller under center, but I also think with the defense banged up, Brian Billick will try and run the ball as much as possible to keep them off the field. I wouldn't gamble on Clayton this week personally.
  • Steve McNair (groin) has been limited in practice all week and is questionable. No reason to start him or Boller for fantasy teams.
  • Todd Heap (elbow) was on the injury report earlier this week but has gone through full practice all week.
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
  • Javon Walker (shoulder) was added to the injury report on Friday but is probable. If you own him, you start him, but expect to see a healthy dose of Travis Henry on Sunday.
  • Josh McCown is listed as doubtful with a foot injury on NFL.com. Personally, I thought he was dealing with a finger injury. Either way, word is that Daunte Culpepper is the starter this week. I don't want to start either one in fantasy against Champ Bailey and Dre Bly.
  • Robert Gallery is listed as Questionable with a hamstring injury. Another reason to avoid any Oakland QBs.
San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots
  • Antonio Gates (back) is listed as Probable. He had full participation Thursday and Friday. Start him without hesitation.
  • Shawne Merriman (Achilles) is also listed as Probable but had full participation in practice Thursday and Friday. Chargers defense is a pretty questionable play against the Pats this weekend.
  • Tom Brady (right shoulder) is again listed as Probable. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday. You saw what this status did for him last week.
  • Randy Moss (team decision) was back off the injury report on Friday. Stupid Patriot Games.
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles (MNF)
  • L.J. Smith (groin) participated in full practice all week. He should be fine to start for Monday's game.
  • Clinton Portis (coach's decision) was limited on Thursday but he's going to play. Without Jansen, he's not a spectacular option but definitely playable.

Saturday Injury Report originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Will BrinsonSat, 15 Sep 2007 13:36:00 EST Shaun Alexander Practices in a Cast/Brace. Wait. What?http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/09/13/shaun-alexander-practices-in-a-cast-wait-what/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/09/13/shaun-alexander-practices-in-a-cast-wait-what/http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/09/13/shaun-alexander-practices-in-a-cast-wait-what/#commentsFiled under: ,

Seahawks Insider reported on Wednesday evening (this information was curiously absent from the Seattle Times Seahawks blog, which listed Wednesday injuries) that running back Shaun Alexander "practiced but was wearing a cast or a brace on his left hand. It is unclear exactly what the injury is (hand or wrist) and Shaun was not talking today; tomorrow is his day to speak to the media."

Mmm'kay. If I'm an Alexander owner, I'm absolutely terrified by this mysterious hand injury. Why? Because Alexander spent most of last season injured, and this is the type of business that makes heretofore uneducated fantasy players start slinging around the term "injury prone". But here's the thing. The cast is on the left hand and he still practiced, despite, according to the report, giving way to other running backs for the majority of carries. In fact, he wasn't even on the freaking injury report.

From a fantasy perspective, there are a couple of ways to approach this: 1) if you own Alexander, breathe, and then use your second turn around the waiver wire to get Maurice Morris, just in case; 2) if Alexander's owner tosses any "Oh. Well, this is just great!" type of remark on your league message board, pounce all over him with a trade offer. Alexander's formerly sure-fire first round value was already suppressed by a bad 2006, and if I'm a Larry Johnson owner (I'm not for a bunch of reasons) I'm offering him for Alexander straight up tomorrow morning. Or maybe offering my second string back and then countering with LJ once the first offer gets rejected. Ye ole' bait and hook. Either way, if you can use this injury to go after Alexander it's a worthwhile venture. In terms of his playing this weekend, you can count on seeing him, but if the Seahawks take a sizable lead, maybe Holmgren will wisen up and not leave him in there to pad his stats. Morris could make a decent flier if you really like to gamble or have nothing else on tap for backs.

Shaun Alexander Practices in a Cast/Brace. Wait. What? originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Will BrinsonThu, 13 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EST