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Eric Mack

Week 24 Fantasy Power Players

By | Senior Fantasy Writer


We break down the hottest hitters and pitchers every Monday in our Fantasy Baseball Power Players feature.

Top 10 Hitters
Position, player, team Last week's Rotisserie stats
1 OF Matt Holliday, COL .407 AVG, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R, 1 SB
Earliest Mock Draft is coming soon; Holliday should be a No. 1.
2 SS Rafael Furcal, LAD .308-1-2-9-8
A disappointment this year, but eight-steal weeks are very rare.
3 1B James Loney, LAD .542-2-10-6-0
He has been one of the best players in Fantasy in second half.
4 SS Jimmy Rollins, PHI .273-1-4-4-8
Run production wasn't great, but those steals are clutch in Roto.
5 OF Adam Dunn, CIN .421-3-8-7-0
A 27-year-old breakout fave on pace for numerous career bests.
6 DH David Ortiz, BOS .450-3-8-5-0
His walkoff homer last week brought us back to the old Papi.
7 OF Wily Mo Pena, WAS .423-3-6-7-2
He has been quite a find for Nats and deeper NL-only leagues.
8 3B Chone Figgins, LAA .400-0-4-5-5
Wrist injury doesn't get in his way and makes him a must-start.
9 OF Vladimir Guerrero, LAA .346-3-10-6-0
This Home Run Derby champ didn't have second half letdown.
10 1B Dan Johnson, OAK .400-3-9-5-0
Daric Barton's call-up serves as motivation for underachiever.
Honorable mentions: 1B Daric Barton, OAK; SS Troy Tulowitzki, COL; 3B Aramis Ramirez, CHC; OF Nick Swisher, OAK; 2B Mark Ellis, OAK; 1B Todd Helton, COL; OF Cliff Floyd, CHC; SS Hanley Ramirez, FLA; 3B Miguel Cabrera, FLA; OF Jeremy Hermida, FLA; 2B Chase Utley, PHI; OF Tike Redman, PIT; SS Michael Young, TEX; 1B Carlos Pena, TB; OF Alfonso Soriano, CHC; 1B Mike Jacobs, FLA; 3B Garrett Atkins, COL; 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, SD; 1B Mark Teixeira, ATL; 2B Brandon Phillips, CIN.

Top 10 Pitchers
Position, player, team Last week's Rotisserie stats
1 SP Scott Kazmir, TB 2 W, 0.00 ERA, 21 Ks, 0.923 WHIP, 0 SV
A year ago he was shut down to save innings; now he's starring.
2 SP Fausto Carmona, CLE 2-0.60-12-0.600-0
Carmona went from rags to riches in one year, a Fantasy MVP.
3 SP Jake Peavy, SD 2-1.88-15-0.837-0
Move over Johan Santana; Peavy new No. 1 Fantasy SP in '08?
4 RP Huston Street, OAK 0-0.00-4-0.462-4
Disappointing year is ending much better for top young closer.
5 SP Franklin Morales, COL 2-0.00-9-0.636-0
If Morales and Ubaldo Jimenez are for real; look out for Rox.
6 SP Tim Hudson, ATL 1-1.69-7-0.938-0
Hard to find more clutch Fantasy effort than Sunday's shutout.
7 SP Jair Jurrjens, DET 2-1.74-7-0.677-0
Overlooked prospect looks worthy of '08 rotation spot now.
8 SP Joe Blanton, OAK 2-3.21-7-1.071-0
Third-year starting pitcher finishing strong in best season yet.
9 RP J.J. Putz, SEA 2-0.00-3-0.000-1
Struggling M's made him quiet, but hopefully you didn't sit him.
10 RP Todd Jones, DET 0-1.80-4-1.000-4
Resurgent Tigers make so-so veteran a clutch Fantasy closer.
Honorable mentions: RP Brett Myers, PHI; SP Ted Lilly, CHC; RP Mariano Rivera, NYY; SP Matt Belisle, CIN; RP Ryan Dempster, CHC; SP Roy Halladay, TOR; RP Francisco Cordero, MIL; SP Carlos Villanueva, MIL; RP Billy Wagner, NYM; RP Geoff Geary, PHI; SP Billy Buckner, KC; SP Joe Saunders, LAA; RP Brad Lidge, HOU; RP Takashi Saito, LAD; SP Josh Beckett, BOS; SP Javier Vazquez, CHW; SP Andy Sonnanstine, TB; SP Rich Hill, CHC; SP Scott Baker, MIN; SP Oliver Perez, NYM.

Official MLB honors

AL Player of the Week

Sept. 17: SP Fausto Carmona, CLE and SP Scott Kazmir, TB
Sept. 10: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY
Sept. 3: SP Clay Buchholz, BOS
Aug. 27: 3B Mike Lowell, BOS and DH David Ortiz, BOS
Aug. 20: SP Johan Santana, MIN
Aug. 13: OF Raul Ibanez, SEA
Aug. 6: 2B Robinson Cano, NYY; OF Carl Crawford, TB
July 30: OF Manny Ramirez, BOS
July 23: 2B Robinson Cano, NYY; OF B.J. Upton, TB
July 16: OF Curtis Granderson, DET
July 9: 1B Justin Morneau, MIN
July 1: SP C.C. Sabathia, CLE
June 25: SS Carlos Guillen, DET
June 18: SP Justin Verlander, DET
June 11: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY; DH Gary Sheffield, DET
June 4: 2B Dustin Pedroia, BOS
May 28: OF/3B Casey Blake, CLE
May 21: SP Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS
May 14: DH Jack Cust, OAK and 1B Dan Johnson, OAK
May 7: 3B Troy Glaus, TOR
April 30: OF Magglio Ordonez, DET
April 23: SP Mark Buehrle, CHW
April 16: 2B Ian Kinsler, TEX
April 9: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY and OF Vladimir Guerrero, LAA

NL Player of the Week

Sept. 17: OF Matt Holliday, COL
Sept. 10: SS Jack Wilson, PIT
Sept. 3: SS Jimmy Rollins, PHI
Aug. 27: RP Jason Isringhausen, STL and 1B Mark Teixeira, ATL
Aug. 20: OF Carlos Beltran, NYM
Aug. 13: SS Troy Tulowitzki, COL and SP Tom Gorzelanny, PIT
Aug. 6: SP Brandon Webb, ARI and 3B Ryan Zimmerman, WAS
July 30: OF Matt Holliday, COL
July 23: 1B Ryan Howard, PHI
July 16: 1B Albert Pujols, STL
July 9: SS Hanley Ramirez, FLA
July 2: 2B Craig Biggio, HOU
June 25: OF Alfonso Soriano, CHC
June 18: OF Adam Dunn, CIN
June 11: 3B Miguel Cabrera, FLA
June 4: OF Brad Hawpe, COL
May 28: OF Jason Bay, PIT
May 21: OF Hunter Pence, HOU and RP Jose Valverde, ARI
May 14: OF Ken Griffey, Jr., CIN
May 7: 1B Prince Fielder, MIL
April 30: SS Alex Gonzalez, CIN and 2B Chase Utley, PHI
April 23: OF Carlos Beltran, NYM
April 16: SP Tim Hudson, ATL
April 9: 3B Miguel Cabrera, FLA

AL Player of the Month

August: OF Magglio Ordonez, DET
July: OF Hideki Matsui, NYY
June: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY
May: 1B Justin Morneau, MIN
April: SS Alex Rodriguez, NYY

AL Pitcher of the Month

August: SP Andy Pettitte, NYY
July: SP Erik Bedard, BAL
June: RP J.J. Putz, SEA
May: SP Dan Haren, OAK
April: SP Roy Halladay, TOR

AL Rookie of the Month

August: SP Brian Bannister, KC
July: 1B Billy Butler, KC
June: SP Brian Bannister, KC
May: 2B Dustin Pedroia, BOS
April: RP Hideki Okajima, BOS

NL Player of the Month

August: 1B Mark Teixeira, ATL
July: 3B Ryan Braun, MIL
June: OF Alfonso Soriano, CHC
May: 1B Prince Fielder, MIL
April: SS Jose Reyes, NYM

NL Pitcher of the Month

August: SP Jake Peavy, SD
July: SP Carlos Zambrano, CHC
June: SP Ben Sheets, MIL
May: SP Jake Peavy, SD
April: SP John Maine, NYM

NL Rookie of the Month

August: SS Troy Tulowitzki, COL
July: 3B Ryan Braun, MIL
June: 3B Ryan Braun, MIL
May: OF Hunter Pence, HOU
April: OF Josh Hamilton, CIN

CBSSports.com past Power Players

Week 24: OF Matt Holliday, COL; SP Scott Kazmir, TB
Week 23: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY; SP Josh Beckett, BOS
Week 22: 1B Carlos Pena, TB; SP Jake Peavy, SD
Week 21: DH David Ortiz, BOS; RP Jason Isringhausen, STL
Week 20: OF Chris Young, ARI; SP Johan Santana, MIN
Week 19: OF Raul Ibanez, SEA; SP Tom Gorzelanny, PIT
Week 18: OF Vladimir Guerrero, LAA; SP Brandon Webb, ARI
Week 17: OF Matt Holliday, COL; RP Bobby Jenks, CHW
Week 16: 1B Ryan Howard, PHI; SP Kason Gabbard, BOS
Week 15: 1B Albert Pujols, STL; RP Chris Ray, BAL
Week 14: 1B Justin Morneau, MIN; SP Erik Bedard, BAL
Week 13: 2B Chase Utley, PHI; SP C.C. Sabathia, CLE
Week 12: OF Corey C. Hart, MIL; SP Johan Santana, MIN
Week 11: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY; SP Justin Verlander, DET
Week 10: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY; RP J.J. Putz, SEA
Week 9: C Victor Martinez, CLE; RP Francisco Cordero, MIL
Week 8: 1B Justin Morneau, MIN; SP Jake Peavy, SD
Week 7: 3B David Wright, NYM; SP Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS
Week 6: DH Jack Cust, OAK; SP Brad Penny, LAD
Week 5: 1B Prince Fielder, MIL; SP Jeff Suppan, MIL
Week 4: 2B B.J. Upton, TAM; SP John Maine, NYM
Week 3: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY; RP Jonathan Papelbon, BOS
Week 2: 2B Ian Kinsler, TEX; SP C.C. Sabathia, CLE
Week 1: 3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY; SP Johan Santana, MIN

You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Power Players in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses to all questions.

 
 
 
Player News
Joe Mauer
Mauer 'feels good' after workout
Joe Mauer, C, MIN
2:50 PM
News: The News-Press reports Twins C Joe Mauer took two rounds of batting practice and went through a set of conditioning drills around the base paths Monday, and he appeared to have no problems sprinting. Mauer battled leg injuries in 2011. “I feel good,” Mauer said. “It feels good to get back out here again.” Mauer also put to rest the rumors that he gained 30 pounds in the offseason. “I heard that, too, and I couldn’t believe it," he said. “It’s just how rumors start. There were a lot of things out there last year that weren’t true. I’m about 220, 225. I need to add a little more weight before we start.”
Analysis: While most players feel good when they arrive to camp, it's especially encouraging to hear Mauer say that since last season he was coming off knee surgery and wasn't ready for the start of spring training. Mauer will head into 2012 motivated after an injury-plagued 2011. There's no guarantee he is past his knee problems, but the Twins are going to do their best to make sure Mauer avoids the DL. There is obviously risk involved with drafting Mauer, but his potential to be an elite Fantasy option at catcher make it worth drafting him. An offseason of staying health could make Mauer a steal in the fifth or sixth round of mixed-league drafts.
Jair Jurrjens
Jurrjens still trade candidate
Jair Jurrjens, SP, ATL
11:57 AM
News: CBSSports.com senior writer Danny Knobler reports sources said the Braves could try and trade SP Jair Jurrjens if he proves healthy in spring training. The Braves tried to trade Jurrjens this winter, but they couldn't find a taker because potential trade partners weren't convinced Jurrjens was healthy or could stay healthy. Jurrjens missed the end of the 2011 season with a knee injury and has made just 43 starts the last two seasons.
Analysis: When Jurrjens is healthy, he is one of the best pitchers in the majors. His 1.87 ERA in the first half last season was second to only Jered Weaver among major-league starters. Jurrjens has won 13-plus games in three of the last four seasons. So why would the Braves want to trade him? Well, Jurrjens is a free agent after the 2013 season and it appears Atlanta is ready to clear some rotation space for the likes of Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with Jurrjens this spring. There appears to be a chance he might not finish the spring with Atlanta, which could mean Jurrjens slides down draft boards in NL-only formats that lose players who are traded to the AL. In mixed leagues, Jurrjens is still a decent mid-round Fantasy pick.
A.J. Burnett
Angels, Indians interested in Burnett
A.J. Burnett, SP, NYY
11:40 AM
News: FOXSports.com reports sources indicate the Angels are interested in Yankees SP A.J. Burnett, whose name has been heavily mentioned in trade rumors with the Pirates. However, the Angels are on Burnett's no-trade list and he wants to stay east. Pittsburgh is still considered the heavy favorite to potentially land Burnett. CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman said the Indians have also inquired about Burnett. The trade talks involve DH Travis Hafner, but Cleveland is unsure if it would make that trade. The Yankees also don't mind the free agent DH options available.
Analysis: Right now the hold up in the Pirates trade is how much money Pittsburgh will be willing to pay of Burnett's remaining salary over the next two years ($33 million) and the prospects the Pirates would send to the Yankees. Perhaps these rumors regarding the Angels and Indians might speed up the process, but other sources have said the Yankees would keep Burnett if the deal isn't right for them. Wherever Burnett pitches in 2012, he is going to be a late-round Fantasy pick coming off a turbulent 2011 campaign.
Coco Crisp
Crisp moving over for Cespedes?
Coco Crisp, CF, OAK
10:13 AM
News: Sources have told FOXSports.com that the Athletics intend to start newly signed Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes in center field right away, which would move Coco Crisp over to left field and Seth Smith to DH. Cespedes is already 26 and has faced upper-level competition in Cuba, but some scouts think he could use some time in the minors to adjust to the U.S. game.
Analysis: None of these reports are coming directly from the Athletics, so you should consider them nothing more than speculation at this point. Still, speculation is better than nothing, and if Cespedes is in fact going to be on the opening day roster, then he might even be worth drafting in the middle rounds, given his upside. As for Crisp, moving to left field wouldn't have any real impact on his Fantasy value. The Athletics outfield is even more crowded with the Cespedes signing, but the team seems to consider Crisp a mainstay at the top of the lineup. Given his base-stealing ability and doubles pop, he's a worthy fourth or fifth outfielder in mixed leagues.
Ryan Braun
Braun will know fate by Feb. 24
Ryan Braun, LF, MIL
10:03 AM
News: Monday came and went without a ruling on Brewers OF Ryan Braun's pending 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. It was the 25th day since the three-man panel heard Braun's appeal. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the panel was supposed to “make all reasonable efforts” to deliver a verdict within that period of time, but chairman Shyam Das was given an extension. A decision is expected before Braun reports to spring training on Feb. 24, but the exact date is unknown since the process is intended to be confidential.
Analysis: The panel's need for a lengthy deliberation is theoretically a good sign, but then again, since the process is usually confidential, we don't know how common such extensions are. Braun's case is said to be unique, but it might not make much of a difference to the panel. If you're drafting now, you should do so with the expectation that Braun will miss the first 50 games of the season, which could allow him to slip to the middle rounds in standard mixed leagues. If the appeal is upheld, though, he's suddenly back to being a first-rounder in Fantasy.
Mike Moustakas
Moustakas in great shape
Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC
12:48 PM
News: Royals manager Ned Yost had his contract option for the 2013 season picked up on Tuesday, but the Kansas City skipper seemed more interested in talking about his 2012 team. Yost was impressed with how many players have shown up for spring training early and is really blown away by the fitness level of a few of his players. "Billy Butler and Mike Moustakas -- I'm extremely proud of both of those guys," Yost told reporters. "They could be in the best shape they've been in their careers. Billy looks great, and I didn't even hardly recognize Moose he looks so good."
Analysis: While the fitness level doesn't necessarily mean a player will have success, it really can't hurt either. To hear Yost rave about Moustakas should get the attention of Fantasy owners. Moustakas, who is one of the Royals' top prospects, struggled when he first arrived in the majors last season. However, he seemed to have figured it out by season's end. Moustakas hit .352 with four homers and 12 RBI in his final 22 games last season. He is definitely one of the more intriguing Fantasy sleepers heading into 2012 and this latest report just adds to his appeal on Draft Day.
Jake Westbrook
Westbrook sheds 25 pounds
Jake Westbrook, SP, STL
2:11 PM
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook has shown up for spring training 25 pounds lighter than he was last season.
Analysis: This is the time of year where everyone seems to come to camp in better shape than they left last season. Hopefully for Westbrook it makes a difference in his game. He did go 12-9 in 2011, but he posted a 4.66 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 33 starts. Westbrook can chew up innings, but he won't post impressive ERA, WHIP or strikeout total. Leave him for NL-only Fantasy formats.
Jhoulys Chacin
Chacin fires back at GM
Jhoulys Chacin, SP, COL
12:07 PM
News: The Denver Post reports Rockies SP Jhoulys Chacin responded to comments made by GM Dan O'Dowd, who expressed concern recently about Chacin's offseason conditioning. "I came to Arizona this past Monday. I have not stopped training during the winter, both in my country and here," Chacin told Venezuelan newspaper Meridiano. "I have always done the best job I could all throughout these past few months. I don't know where these comments came from. I believe they're the result of what other people have told him, instead of his own personal evaluation. I am looking forward to meeting O'Dowd personally, and I am confident that he will have a different conclusion after a firsthand evaluation." O'Dowd made his comments after seeing Chacin at the team's Fanfest in January. "He looked OK. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated," O'Dowd said. "It's still not what it should be."
Analysis: O'Dowd believes Chacin needs to lose weight because the excess pounds affect the balance in his delivery and cause his fastball command to suffer. Chacin spent much of the winter working out in his native Venezuela after working out in Tucson previously. On Feb. 9, Chacin reportedly weighed 226 pounds but anticipates being close to the 218 pounds he was last spring when he reports to spring training on Feb. 19. Chacin went 8-7 with a 3.16 ERA in 18 pre-All Star break starts last year and went 3-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 13 starts after the break. Chacin struggled with walks in the second half and was much more hittable down the stretch than he was early in the season. This situation is clearly not the way Fantasy owners want to see Chacin kick off the 2012 season, but perhaps this will provide him with the motivation he needs to reach elite status. Look to Chacin as a mid-round Fantasy option on Draft Day.
Kyle Seager
Seager gets work at first base
Kyle Seager, 3B, SEA
1:25 PM
News: The Seattle Times reports Mariners 3B Kyle Seager took grounders at first base Tuesday. Manager Eric Wedge said it was because of pitcher fielding drills Seager was at first base.
Analysis: It's interesting to see Seager working at another position in camp with Wedge calling him the front-runner for the third-base job. However, it appears clear that Seager was just needed as an extra body during fielding drills. Justin Smoak is still the team's first baseman and Mike Carp is his expected backup. Carlos Guillen can also play first base, so we can't look too much into Seager taking grounders at first. His main focus should be winning the 3B job over the likes of Alex Liddi and Chone Figgins. Consider Seager nothing more than a late-round, low-end Fantasy corner infielder on Draft Day. He does have some sleeper potential, but don't reach for him in drafts.
Travis Hafner
Hafner on Yankees radar?
Travis Hafner, DH, CLE
1:19 PM
News: CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports the Indians have inquired about Yankees SP A.J. Burnett, who has been heavily involved in trade rumors. The talks with the Indians revolve around a Burnett for DH Travis Hafner deal. However, Cleveland is unsure if it would make that trade, and the Yankees also appear content with the free agent DH options available.
Analysis: This trade rumor is definitely interesting because a trade to the Yankees would immediately elevate Hafner's Fantasy appeal. He would end up going to a hitter's park and be inserted into one of the best lineups in baseball. That means a ton of chances to fill the stat sheet. However, it doesn't appear this deal is imminent, so Fantasy owners shouldn't get their hopes up. It's best to view Hafner as a low-end, injury-risk Fantasy option for the late rounds of deep formats on Draft Day. Hafner continues to post poor home run totals and hasn't played more than 100 games in three of his last four seasons.
 
 
 
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