A Lot of Chicago and a Little Miss America

Leadoff for the South Siders 

Chicago White Sox and leadoff hitter Alejandro De Aza had a home run included in his two hits, two runs and two RBIs on Wednesday in a day game against Cleveland.  He came into the season as a fantasy sleeper and it seems like he should continue batting leadoff with this type of production.  According to Fangraphs (image below), Bill James projected De Aza to have 32 stolen bases, 11 home runs and 87 runs.  James also predicts a triple slash line (Avg/OBP/SLG) of (291/352/441).  It looks like he is earning the at bats so he should be an easy add in almost all leagues (owned in just 44% of Yahoo leagues).

Picking up K’s with Cubs Hurlers

Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster went six scorelessinnings at home against the Brewers before giving up two in the top of the 7^th (a HR to George Kottaras).  He held a Ryan Braun-less Brewers offense to two runs over 6.2 innings which is a decent showing against a decent offense.  He gave up five hits and three walks and struck out five but his next start is in Miami’s new ballpark which may be one of the most pitcher friendly in the MLB.  He’s a good add for those needing strikeouts.

Cubs relief pitcher came into the game in the 8^th and struck out the side all coming on swinging strikes.  Wood is a valuable asset for anyone in leagues that counts holds or for those looking for extra strikeouts. 

And just because I can’t resist, Mat Gamel had another two hit day with a single and a double.

Ricky Romero is All That is Man

Daily@Bats’ man crush Ricky Romero went 8.1 giving up three hits, two walks and one earned run while striking out five against the struggling Red Sox.  His girlfriend Miss America approves this message.  Atta kid Rick.

Murphy’s Staying Hot

New York Mets' second baseman Daniel Murphy continues to wield the hot bat we saw last year.  He is currently hitting .320 keeping his OBP up over .360 which are the same numbers we saw from him last year.  In Yahoo leagues he is only showing 63% ownership with eligibility all over the infield (1B, 2B and 3B).  He’s not a sexy name so he might be a buy low option for those needing help in the infield.

Torii Might Have Some Value

Torii Hunter is off to a good start having multiple hit games in three of his first six games.  It would be nice to see him walk more (one on the season) but it seems like he may be taking to right field.  Hopefully last year’s poor performance is behind him.   Torii may be worth a pick-up if you are in need of a right fielder.