Fantasy Dr X: Strike Zone

2009 Fantasy Baseball's Week 2 Start/Sit

Starting Pitcher in focus: SP Kevin Slowey:
In six spring starts, he only allowed six runs and in week 2, he will have two starts at home. Last year at home, he was 7-4 with a 3.38 ERA.

More importantly, opposing teams hit a mere .217 against him in the Metrodome. He is a great start for week 2.

Pitching matchups that I love for week 2: A.J. Burnett, Jon Lester, Derek Lowe Yovani Gallardo, John Danks, Ted Lilly and Chad Billingsley

Other Favorable Matchups Include Matt Garza, Javier Vazquez, Scott Kazmir, Edinson Volquez, and Rich Harden.

Starters to Avoid for week 2: Chris Carpenter, Chris Volstad, Todd Wellemeyer.

Position Players: Infielders
1B Jorge Cantu has started where he left off last year on a tear. The Marlins will be on the road for six games against the Braves and Nationals. Last year on the road against the Braves in 16 games, he hit .309 and did fare better against the Nats. In 16 games, he had three homeruns and 11 RBI. Needless to say, Cantu is a must-start for week 2.

A very underrated, player 2B Jose Lopez did not have a good start for week 1, but that should change in week 2. The Mariners will play six games at home, where Lopez excelled. He hit .313 with 13 homeruns and 54 RBI in 80 games. Look for him to bounce back in week 2.

Looking for a bounce-back year, SS Troy Tulowitzki has already two homeruns on the season. Last year he only had eight all year and finished with 46 RBI. He will be playing in Chicago and in L.A. where he has had success. Look for him to continue a rebound year in week 2.

A third baseman that is going to have a great year, if healthy, is Mike Lowell. Those who drafted him got great value to their team. He will play six games against the A’s on the road and at home against the O’s. Great start for any team for the up coming week.

Other Infielders to Consider: Rafael Furcal, Carlos Pena, Rickie Weeks, and Melvin Mora.
Infielders to Avoid: Yunel Escobar, Kelly Johnson.

Outfielders:
OF Adam Jones has started the season off on a path of destruction. He is on the verge of a breakout season and should highly be considered for week 2.

It was a forgetful year in 2008 for OF Jeff Francoeur. Only two years ago, he had 19 homeruns and 105 RBI. He was all set to become a fantasy mainstay, and then 2008 came along. He could never find his stroke and was even demoted to the minors for a short time. In 2009, he has started when and should be owned in any format. Look for him to continue his success in week 2.

Other than Albert Pujols, OF Shin-Soo Choo had the best second half to last season. His OPS was over 1.000 and he has used that momentum to start 2009. He is the starting left fielder for Cleveland, and is hitting .333.

Other Outfielders to Consider: Rick Ankiel, Andre Either, and Denard Span.
Outfielders to Avoid: Michael Bourn and Juan Pierre.

Catchers:
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia has received the starting job in Texas and is making the most of it. In the brief season, he already has one homerun and three RBI. Look for him to continue this success in week 2.

Other Catchers to Consider: Kurt Suzuki, Dioner Navarro
Catchers to Avoid: Ivan Rodriquez and Brandon Inge.

Relief Pitchers:
P Greg Ziegler all but sure has the job as closer for the A’s now that P Joey Devine was placed on the 60 DL. Devine is schedule to see Dr. Andrews, a clear sign the A’s fear the worst. Devine has had recurring issues with his elbow and this is a huge set back. However, owners of Ziegler should be ecstatic and he is an awesome start for week 2.

Relief Pitcher to Consider: Health Bell, Jonathan Broxton.
Relief Pitchers to Avoid: Jason Motte, and Brandon Morrow.

By John Arias, Senior Baseball writer at Fantasy Baseball Maniaxs