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| 3:41 PM | Freddie Freeman, 1B, ATL |
Freeman only misses one gameNews: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Marlins after missing one game with a slight corneal abrasion. Freeman left Monday's game in the seventh inning after experiencing blurred vision in his right eye. Analysis: It's good to see that Freeman's eye issue turned out to be a minor one. Still, he heads into Tuesday mired in a 4-for-23 slump, so hopefully the day off let him recharge the batteries and he can go on a nice offensive run. Freeman remains a viable Fantasy start in all formats. |
| 2:29 PM | Anthony Rizzo, 1B, CHC |
Rizzo powering up at Triple-ANews: Cubs first base prospect Anthony Rizzo has been on a power surge at Triple-A Iowa. Rizzo has homered six times in his last eight games, including homering in consecutive contests twice during that span. Rizzo is batting .359 with 13 homers, 37 RBI, a .420 OBP, .704 slugging percentage and 1.125 OPS in 37 games this season. Analysis: We have seen these numbers from Rizzo before at Triple-A. He's proven he can hit PCL pitching, but no matter how well he is doing, the Cubs have said he's not looking at a quick recall. They want to get him enough at-bats at Triple-A before he's promoted to the majors. And it's not like the team needs help at first base with the way Bryan LaHair is hitting. The most encouraging news for Rizzo is his improvement against left-handed pitchers. He's batting .300 with a .525 slugging percentage and .858 OPS in 40 at-bats against lefties this year. Rizzo should be up later this summer and his left-handed power swing should suit him well at Wrigley Field. Continue to stash him in long-term keeper formats and deep seasonal leagues. |
| 2:11 PM | Mitch Moreland, 1B, TEX |
Moreland batting .316 in MayNews: Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland has hit safely in four of his last five games. He's batting .313 (5 for 16) with one homer and five RBI in that span. After batting .231 in April, Moreland is batting .316 (12 for 38) in 12 May games (eight starts). Analysis: While it's encouraging to see Moreland's batting average rise in May, he's still not starting against left-handed pitchers. Moreland is batting .284 against righties, as opposed to .188 against lefties. It seems he's just destined to be a platoon player if he can't figure out how to hit lefties. Moreland remains a low-end Fantasy option. |
| 1:36 PM | Chris Davis, 1B, BAL |
Davis' average in quick declineNews: Orioles first baseman Chris Davis has seen his batting average plummet to .274 thanks to a 3-for-28 slump in his last seven games. Davis has one RBI and no walks in that span, while striking out 14 times. Analysis: Davis' decline began on May 6 when he went 0 for 8 with five strikeouts against the Red Sox. It appears his confidence has been shaken and he can't emerge from his latest slide. Davis is looking a lot like the hitter that was run out of Texas. He was striking out in April, but his strikeout rate has spiked during his recent slide. In fact, he has at least one strikeout in eight straight games. Davis remains a low-end Fantasy start while he struggles. |
| 12:34 PM | Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, BOS |
Gonzalez's AVG climbing toward .300News: Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez's batting average has been on the rise since it hit a season-low .250 on May 2. Gonzalez started the ascension with consecutive three-hit games on May 4-5. Gonzalez has boosted his average to .287 thanks to a .353 average in his last 12 games. He has no homers, however, in that span. Analysis: You knew Gonzalez wasn't going to be a mid-.200s hitter forever. He's just too good of a batter to struggle for long. Surprisingly, Gonzalez's struggles have come at Fenway Park, where he is batting .274 with one homer and four RBI in 20 games. He's batting .305 with 16 RBI in 16 away games. Gonzalez has a career .332 average at Fenway, so a market correction for the better should be on its way. Gonzalez remains a must-start Fantasy option through thick and thin. |
| 12:10 AM | Jason Giambi, 1B, COL |
Giambi dealing with sore footNews: The Denver Post reported on Tuesday that first baseman Jason Giambi has been dealing with a sore foot. Giambi has not started a game since May 9. Analysis: The Rockies planned on giving Giambi about 35 starts this season as Todd Helton is no spring chicken himself. This injury does not appear to be serious and he should still be available to pinch-hit. While Giambi still has some pop left at age 41, continue to ignore him in all but the deepest of NL-only formats, healthy or not. |
| 5/15/2012 | Brandon Snyder, 1B, TEX |
Snyder hits pinch-hit homerNews: Texas first baseman Brandon Snyder pinch-hit for Mitch Moreland in the ninth inning on Tuesday night against Kansas City. Snyder homered with two outs and the Rangers with a decent deficit as he connected for the third time this season. Snyder is batting .333 for the Rangers. Analysis: Snyder has displayed some nice pop for the Rangers with three homers and eight RBI over just 30 at-bats. That said, he doesn't see regular playing time and should be considered a low-end option only in AL-only Fantasy leagues. |
| 5/15/2012 | Travis Ishikawa, 1B, MIL |
Ishikawa shows off powerNews: Brewers first basemen Travis Ishikawa hit a pair of home runs and drove in a career-high five runs during Tuesday night's contest against the Mets. Both of Ishikawa's home runs came off starter Dillon Gee, including his three-run blast in the sixth inning. He also added a solo shot in the first and finished 3 for 4 with five RBI and two runs scored in the 8-0 win. Analysis: Ishikawa has been seeing starts at first base with Mat Gamel sidelined and has taken advantage of his increased at-bats. He is hitting .470 with two home runs and six RBI over his last seven games and has seen his batting average jump to .260 over that stretch. Still, until Ishikawa proves he can remain productive over long stretches, his value should remain that of a NL-only option. |
| 5/15/2012 | Kila Ka'aihue, 1B, OAK |
Ka'aihue hitting well in MayNews: After missing three games due to a hamstring injury, A's first baseman Kila Ka'aihue returned on Tuesday against the Angels. He went 1 for 4 with two strikeouts in the 4-0 loss. Ka'aihue has gone 9 for 31 (.290) so far in May with one homer and five RBI. Analysis: Ka'aihue has impressed early on this season and should continue to earn at-bats in Oakland as long as he is hitting well. Daric Barton stands in his way for everyday at-bats so keep an eye on the situation going forward. Ka'aihue is an AL-only Fantasy option until further notice. |
| 5/15/2012 | Albert Pujols, 1B, LAA |
Scioscia: Pujols to remain in three-holeNews: Despite his .197 batting average and .275 slugging percentage through the first 35 games, first baseman Albert Pujols will continue to be the No. 3 hitter for the Angels, manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com Tuesday. "You'd only consider that if it was going to be a means to a better end," Scioscia said. "We don't see that as anything that's going to get us there right now. ... You look at some different lineup considerations, we definitely feel better to grind it out with where Albert is now." Pujols went 3 for 4 with two RBI on Tuesday night against the A's, raising his average to .212 on the year. Analysis: Pujols has been a major disappointment thus far as his numbers are down all around after signing a 10-year, $254 million contract in the offseason. He has hit just one home run thus far after averaging 40 in his first 12 seasons in the majors. The Angels offense has suffered as a result but apparently the skipper believes Pujols is best suited in the three-hole. History suggests the 32-year-old should pick up the pace eventually so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Even though his numbers have not helped out many owners, Pujols is too valuable to sit in the majority of Fantasy formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Ike Davis, 1B, NYM |
Davis working through slumpNews: Mets first basemen Ike Davis continues to work through his struggles at the plate. Davis entered Tuesday night's contest against the Brewers hitting a league-worst .057 and has only one hit at Citi Field since April 23. "I mean, if you just took my road numbers, I'd be doing decent this year," he said of his early-season stat line. "I haven't found a hole at home. I haven't hit a home run here. Obviously, it's going to change. I'm not going to go 0-for-the-season at home. Eventually, I'll start getting some hits here, too." Analysis: Davis is hitting .258 on the road this season and all five of his long balls have come away from home. However, the 25-year-old insists that he is not pressing and added it should only be a matter of time before he starts putting everything together at the plate. "Obviously, I want to play better, but it's not the frustration that's holding me back," he said. "I'm just trying to work and have good at-bats. Lately, I've felt like I've had good at-bats. I'm just not hitting the ball where I want to or as hard as I want to. ... I haven't found a hole yet this year." Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how Davis fares over the next few weeks. While he does have some decent pop, owners may want to leave Davis reserved until he gets himself back on track. |
| 5/15/2012 | Gaby Sanchez, 1B, MIA |
Slumping Sanchez making better contactNews: Marlins first basemen Gaby Sanchez was replaced in the starting lineup by Gregg Dobs for Tuesday night's contest against the Pirates. Sanchez entered Tuesday's contest with just three hits over his last 20 at-bats (.150), but manager Ozzie Guillen said he this is just a temporary move. "Just play him today, get him some at-bats, put some at-bats together and give Gaby a break," Guillen said. "Gaby's swinging the bat a little bit better now." The last couple of games he's been swinging the bat a little bit better." Sanchez has just two RBI over his last 11 games. Analysis: Sanchez's struggles at the date actually go back as far as last season. After hitting .293 in the first half, he hit just .225 over his final 65 games and unfortunately seen his struggles carry over to this year. “It’s just one of those things,” Sanchez said. “I just got to keep going, make better contact. Everybody goes through it one time or another. A lot of guys in the league are going through the same thing. It’s tough.” Despite his struggles at the plate, Guillen said he has no plans of taking Gaby out of the lineup for an extended period of time so he will remain the Marlins everyday first baseman. However, Fantasy owners may want to leave him reserved until he gets himself going at the plate. |
| 5/15/2012 | Justin Smoak, 1B, SEA |
Smoak's play encouraging for MarinersNews: Seattle first baseman has struggled for much of the season and entered Tuesday against Boston with just a .214 batting average. That said, Smoak entered with a four-game hitting streak and is starting to pick things up for the Mariners, reports MLB.com. "I'm encouraged by what we're seeing with him, because what we're seeing is real, with his approach and mindset," manager Eric Wedge said. "That's good." Smoak has gone 8 for 12 over his four-game streak with a double, home run and two RBI. He's improved his average from .173 over that stretch. Analysis: Smoak has been moved down in the order due to his struggles, and Wedge isn't ready to move him back up just yet. "That was one of the things I liked about it to begin with, having a switch-hitter with some power, because we are a little left-handed heavy," said Wedge, "but I'm not going to be in a hurry with that. I do want him to end up there at some point in time. He's just going to have to handle those expectations and keep focused on what he needs to do to be successful." Smoak has plenty of power, but is more of an AL-only Fantasy option at this time unless he really starts turning it on over a more extended period. |
| 5/15/2012 | Prince Fielder, 1B, DET |
Prince starting to come aroundNews: Tigers first basemen Prince Fielder collected three hits for the second straight game during Tuesday afternoon's contest against the White Sox. Two of his three hits went for doubles and both came off starter Jake Peavy. Fielder also added a single later in the contest and finished 3 for 4 with a run scored in the 10-8 win. Analysis: Fielder has able to snap an 0-for-22 skid with his three-hit performance on Monday night and was able to follow that up with another multi-hit effort on Tuesday. Hopefully his last two performances can get him going at the plate as he has really struggled over the last few weeks. Still, given Fielder's track record, Fantasy owners should continue to roll with the 28-year-old as a must-start option in all formats moving forward. |
| 5/15/2012 | Allen Craig, 1B, STL |
Craig not slowing downNews: Cardinals outfielder Allen Craig produced a third straight multi-hit game Tuesday against the Cubs. He went 3 for 4 with two RBI and one walk. Craig is 11 for 25 (.440) with three homers and nine RBI during a six-game hitting streak. Analysis: Craig might be the hottest hitter in the majors not named Josh Hamilton. All Craig has done since coming off the DL on May 1 is hit. He has seven multi-hit games, five homers and a .404 batting average in 12 games this season. You have to start Craig in all Fantasy formats while he is hitting lights out. |
| 5/15/2012 | Paul Konerko, 1B, CHW |
Konerko raises batting averageNews: Chicago No. 4 and 5 batters Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski had huge games on Tuesday afternoon in a 10-8 loss to the Tigers. Despite the loss, Konerko and Pierzynski combined to go 8 for 9 in the game with a walk, four RBI and five runs scored. Konerko hit his seventh home run of the season in the third inning off Max Scherzer. He went 3 for 4 with three runs scored and the walk. Konerko is batting .344 on the year for the White Sox. Analysis: The 36-year-old Konerko continues to rake for the White Sox with seven homers and 20 RBI to go with his high batting average after 131 at-bats. He just keeps hitting and Fantasy owners can breath easy in starting him in most mixed Fantasy leagues on most occasions. |
| 5/15/2012 | Casey Kotchman, 1B, CLE |
Kotchman turning the corner in MayNews: Indians first baseman Casey Kotchman produced an RBI single in three at-bats Tuesday against the Twins. Kotchman homered and drove in two runs on Monday against the Twins, finishing the two-game series 3 for 7 (.429). Analysis: It's finally starting to click for Kotchman, who hit .149 in April. He's batting .286 (12 for 42) with eight RBI in 13 May games. The Indians preached patience with Kotchman and the veteran first baseman is starting to deliver. Unfortunately, Kotchman still doesn't have great power for a first baseman, so he remains more of an AL-only Fantasy option. |
| 5/15/2012 | Chris Parmelee, 1B, MIN |
Parmelee optioned to minorsNews: Twins first baseman Justin Morneau (wrist) will be activated from the 15-day DL prior to Wednesday's game against the Tigers. The Twins optioned first baseman Chris Parmelee to Triple-A Rochester after Tuesday's game against the Indians to clear a roster spot. Analysis: Parmelee started Tuesday, but he went 0 for 3 and dropped his average to .179. Parmelee was a hit this spring training and played his way onto the MLB roster. Unfortunately, Parmelee didn't hit like he did this spring and needs more seasoning in the minors. Parmelee could make his way back to the majors later this summer, but he has more value as a long-term Fantasy keeper. You might stash him in AL-only Fantasy formats. |
| 5/15/2012 | Bryan LaHair, 1B, CHC |
LaHair keeps slugging away for CubsNews: Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair posted his third three-hit performance of the season on Monday night against the Cardinals. He went 3 for 4 with a home run and a walk. He also stole a base in the 6-4 win. His first hit was a single in the third inning before launching a two-run shot off Jake Westbrook in the fifth. LaHair added another base hit in the seventh. LaHair has gone 14 for 45 (.311) so far in May with four homers and six RBI. Analysis: LaHair continues to be one of the few power threats on the Cubs as he now has nine homers with 20 RBI on the year, and is slugging .702. He is also riding an on-base streak of 31 games and has come out of no where to become a reliable option in Fantasy. The 29-year-old is on pace to put up some productive numbers so keep an eye on his progress and keep LaHair active in most mixed leagues. |
| 5/15/2012 | Carlos Lee, 1B, HOU |
Lee hitting .333 over last 11News: Astros first baseman Carlos Lee had another productive night at the plate on Monday against the Phillies. He went 3 for 4 in the 5-1 loss. Lee has gone 14 for 42 (.333) with one RBI over his last 11 games. Analysis: Lee has been able to raise his average from .259 to .285 during his hot stretch but has not been driving in many runs. He is one of the few veteran bats in the lineup for Houston and should drive in at least 80 runs for the 14th straight season. While his power has slipped over the last few years, continue to view Lee as a viable option in deeper mixed leagues. |
| 5/15/2012 | Eric Hosmer, 1B, KC |
Hosmer moved into two-holeNews: Royals manager Ned Yost moved first baseman Eric Hosmer into the two-hole for Monday night's contest against the Rangers. Hosmer was batting just .180 entering the contest and Yost thought moving him up would give him better pitches to hit. "In the two-hole, with Billy and Gordo behind him, especially with Dyson on, he'll get more stuff to hit," the skipper told MLB.com. "So it's a shot in the dark to see if we can get him going." Analysis: Hosmer went 0 for 4 in Monday's series opener and now just has three hits over his last 25 at-bats (.120). Yost continues to move up all around in the lineup in order to try and jump start his bat, but nothing has seemed to work just yet. While the 22-year-old has a ton of talent and upside, Fantasy owners may want to leave him reserved in the majority of formats until he gets himself back on track. |
| 5/14/2012 | Ryan Garko, 1B, TEX |
Garko signed by RaysNews: Tampa Bay has signed Ryan Garko to a minor-league contract on Monday, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Garko spent last season playing in Korea. Analysis: Garko provides the Rays with some organizational outfield depth but isn't expected to play a major role with the club. He has low-end Fantasy value at this time. |
| 5/14/2012 | Aaron Bates, 1B, MIN |
Twins cut ties with BatesNews: The Twins released first baseman Aaron Bates on Monday. Analysis: Bates batted .238 with 10 RBI in 28 games at Triple-A Rochester and poses minimal upside in Fantasy at age 28. Continue to ignore him in all formats going forward. |
| 5/14/2012 | Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY |
Yankees trusting Tex's track recordNews: Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira will not be moving to the bottom of the lineup anytime soon, despite his early-season struggles, reports the Journal News Monday. The Yankees take the case of Robinson Cano as an example. Cano entered last Sunday hitting .255 with one homer and four RBI. In seven games since, Cano has gone off and has raised his average to .299 and adding two more HRs and 10 more RBI. “You have to go on guys’ track records,” Joe Girardi said. “You can’t just juggle the lineup where you think a guy is going to hit this guy and not that guy, (then) you have inconsistencies all the time. You’re going to be asked those questions as a manager, do you make moves? You find out over the long haul it’s usually best if things just stay consistent.” Analysis: Teixeira homered and doubled in Monday's win over the Orioles. He hit a two-run blast in the fifth inning as he might now be finally turning things around. He's up to five homers on the year to go with 19 RBI. He may never be able to lift his batting average close to .300, but you just know the power is going to increase exponentially with the season. Fantasy owners certainly should not be giving up on Teixeira anytime soon. He remains a solid start in all mixed Fantasy leagues and should start turning his season around shortly. |
| 5/14/2012 | Todd Helton, 1B, COL |
Helton getting average back upNews: Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has hit safely in five of his last six games. He's batting .292 (7 for 24) with a .370 OBP and four RBI in that span. Analysis: Helton is starting to come around at the plate offensively, batting .283 in his last 13 games after opening the year with a .220 average in his first 15 games. Still, the Rockies are resting Helton at least once a week to make sure he will hold up for an entire season. Helton still hits for a decent average, gets on base and drives in runs, but he lacks the elite power we look for from a first baseman. Helton remains a low-end Fantasy option. |
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