Opening Day Countdown

Only 5 days until the 1st pitch! The first game of the season will pit the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies vs. National League East rival The Atlanta Braves.

The Braves get off the hook and will face either Joe Blanton or Brett Myers. Phillies ace Cole Hamels will not be ready to pitch until April 10th against the Dodgers. So this means make sure all your Braves studs (McCann, C. Jones, and well...I guess that's it) are in line for the Phillies on Sunday. Take a look at Yunel Escobar and Jeff Francouer in deeper leagues.

The Phillies will face newly acquired Derek Lowe. Start Howard, Rollins and Utley. Also take a look at Shane Victorino for runs and stolen bases this year. This game should be a great start to the 2009 baseball campaign.

The Sleeping.....Cub?

Who is the Chicago Cubs best first baseman? Everyone in the country would say Derek Lee (33 years old). NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND. I would agree with them, but there is a young hooker on the rise (and by hooker I mean left handed bat). Micah Hoffpauir the Chicago Cubs reserve first baseman has made the opening day roster. Hoffpauir is among the spring training leaders in homeruns and runs batted in. I believe Hoffpauir could start for 50% of major league baseball including:

Braves

Angels

Royals

Mariners

Detroit

Tigers

Pirates

Diamondbacks

Giants

Orioles

Nationals

Marlins

Hoffpauir has a powerful lefty bat and fits perfectly at 1st base. If Derek Lee were to ever go down or the Hoffpauir gets to play in the American League...Pick this guy up. You heard it here 1st.

Another closer look....

As I said in my last closer post. Closers come and closers go! The Brewers just placed Hall Of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman on the 15 Day DL. He will spend the 1st week of the season on the DL. The Brewers will probably go by committee.

Hoffman's assignment to the disabled list means that right-handers Mark DiFelice and Jorge Julio are both likely to make the Opening Day roster. Another right-hander, Carlos Villanueva, is likely to serve as Milwaukee's closer while Hoffman is down.

Take a closer look!

The Chicago Cubs have just recently announced that Kevin Gregg will take over the closing role in Chicago to start the '09 campaign. The Chicago Cubs had bullpen concerns when Kerry Wood signed in the off season with the Cleveland Indians. Gregg had been battling fireballer Carlos Marmol for the job during spring training. Here you can see why the Cubs came to their decision.

Marmol- 4 ER, 5 HBP, 1 BB, 6 Hit over 8 IP.

Gregg- 0 ER, 0 HBP, 2 BB, 4 Hit over 8 1/3 IP

Fantasy Advice- Snag Gregg in the middle rounds and take Marmol in the late rounds, because as we know Closers usually come and go.

Brian McCann Injured

The top fantasy catcher in the land was injured. McCann suffered a contusion on his right throwing hand after taking a foul tip off the bat of ex-teammate Mark Texieraaieaia or however you spell his name. Luckily for Braves fans he is listed as day-to-day. Look for this NOT to affect his fantasy status as the number 1 catcher.

Hanson, Price, and Weiters sent to minors...

All 3 of these phenoms were sent down to the minors prior to the start of the 09 season. Thus meaning they have zero fantasy upside in the beginning of the season. Expect all 3 to be called up during the month of May.

David Price is the young lefty stud for the Rays who only threw 14 innings last year and had a sub 2.00 ERA. Expect him to become the franchise of this team with Longoria.

Tommy Hanson is the young fireballer for the Braves who posted 163 strikeouts in 138 innings for the Braves in the minors.

Matt Weiters is the 22 year old catcher who will start in the minors for Baltimore. Matt hit .343 in spring training and will be an asset to the club come May.

Look for these 3 studs to give their teams a playoff push come July and August.

Top Pick Per Positon

C-Brian McCann ATL
1st-Albert Pujols STL
2nd-Chase Utley PHI
SS-Hanley Ramirez FLA
3rd-David Wright NYM
OF-Ryan Braun MIL
OF- Grady Sizmore CLE
OF- Josh Hamilton TEX
SP- Tim Lincecum SF
RP- Jonathan Papelbon BOS
UTIL- Ryan Howard PHI

Sleeper- Geovany Soto CHI

What are you thoughts? Agree? Disagree?

Fantasy 1st Round Preview

Hey everyone! I am an avid fantasy baseball guru. Here is my fantasy advice on a head-2-head 5X5 10 team league.

1st-Albert Pujols- Sure he goes into the '09 fantasy season as an injury concern, but when someone can put up the consistent numbers year after year he is my number 1.

2nd-Hanley Ramirez- This kid is a beast and can produce in every offensive category and....he's only 25!

3rd-Tim Lincecum- I know your saying its too early to draft this ACE, but believe me it will be worth it.

4th- David Wright- 3rd base is a scarce positon and with A-Rod being out a few weeks, grab this all around athlete.

5th- Grady Sizmore- 5 tool player who should go as the 1st OF'er.

6th- Josh Hamilton- Takes advantage of a hitter park-will produce early and often

7th- Johan Santana- Career low ERA will continue to keep this ACE pitching well for Mets.

8th- Ryan Howard- Low batting average, but will make up for it in RBI's and Hr's

9th- Ryan Braun- Always have plenty of depth in OF, but if you can't get Grady or Josh-this slugger will be just as rewarding.

10th- Mark Texiera- Will hit in the middle of a horrifying (for pitchers) lineup.