Roto Chronicles: National League–May 5

This week an unprecedented first will make its debut in my Ruts section.
This week, many of the players hit and walked their way out of the doldrums to Royalty, however, some players weren’t so fortunate to escape the wrath of the slump gods. This week an unprecedented first will make its debut in my Ruts section.

Ruts:

The Milwaukee Brewers Pitching Staff: It’s a dreadful day when you give up 19 runs in a baseball game, but the Brewers found a way to do it. It was a terrible performance from everyone in the Brewers’ organization. Jeff Suppan gave up 11 runs (8 earned) in only 3.2 innings. Brewers’ relievers didn’t fair that much better given those who pitched in that game gave up runs to the Cubs. What’s worse is that Derrick Turnbow, once an all-star, coughed up 6 runs in .2 innings pitched. That left his ERA at an appalling 15.63 ERA. On Friday, May 2, he was designated for assignment in AAA. To add to the pitching woes of the Brewers, Yovani Gallardo was sent back to the DL for a twisted knee. Gallardo’s injury might result in surgery and if that’s the case, he may miss more time. It doesn’t look good for this young prospect so keep an eye on his status throughout the week. Even though the Brewers are above .500, it has been their pitching staff that’s kept them afloat. Ben Sheets is the only constant on the pitching staff and can not carry the entire team to the post-season. The starters are being hit with the injury bug which doesn’t bode well for the team. The Brewers will face very tough hitting clubs in Florida and St. Louis next. My advice is to keep Ben Sheets in the line-up for one of the games, but to keep the other Brewers pitchers on the bench until they can find their groove once again.

Freddy Sanchez: He hasn’t found his 2006 form when he won the NL batting title, but no need to worry, he’ll be okay. If history repeats itself with this young player, he will turn it around in May and June, his strongest months. Don’t let his .231 average fool you. He puts the ball in play and some of his outs were tough outs for the defense.

The Atlanta Braves’ pitching staff: They have not done very well historically, keeping their bullpen healthy. John Smoltz is on the DL and says he will return as a reliever. If Smoltz stays on the DL he will be one of 6 Braves on the DL. It’s no wonder they’re not winning games. They can’t rely on unproven pitchers from the minor leagues carrying the team. The once-dominant pitching staff has shown their age and inexperience bite them the last three seasons and it doesn’t like they will regain their form anytime soon.

Jason Isringhausen: This closer doesn’t look like he is having a comfortable time on the mound. He already has 2 blown saves and his ERA is a whopping 6.00. He is very sporadic with his pitching and what’s more, his WHIP is 1.33. Those aren’t good numbers for a closer. His mechanics have changed from his previous seasons, but assuming he can improve on his new mechanics or revert to his new one, he’ll be a mediocre closer. It’s hit and miss with starting him, but I would leave him in because he is a wild card and you don’t know what he’s capable of producing on any given day.

Nomar Garciappara: If you’re counting on Nomar to return to his old form, let me help you by saying he won’t. The 34-year old player has reached his peak and has no where to go but down. He is only batting .226 with 5 RBIs. He wasn’t an everyday player, but there’s good reason for that. His long history with injuries is catching up with him. Rumor out of Dodgers camp is that this will be his final season. If for whatever reason you still have him on your team, drop him. He won’t help you any more this season.

Royalty:

Joey Votto: He was vying for the starting role at the beginning of the season and now he’s claimed it outright. He has an even swing and doesn’t swing at many bad pitches. He only has 16 strikeouts, but he has a .308 average and only 13 RBIs. He doesn’t get many opportunities with runners in scoring position, but he does get you consistent hitting. His longest slump is 0-8 this season.

Geovanny Soto: This man was a monster at the plate against the Brewers belting 2 homeruns and driving in 6 runs. That’s a pretty monster performance coming from a player that was almost cut in spring training. He is batting a good .334 and his OBP is a stellar .421. He’s played consistently enough to be an everyday starter in your league. No one expected him to be this hot so keep playing him.

Gregor Blanco: He hasn’t been with the team for very long, but he’s hitting .361 and 1 RBI. He was one called up due to one of the Braves’ many injuries. If he keeps playing like he has he’ll be an everyday starter for the Braves and maybe your fantasy team. The Braves would be foolish to let him go after a fast start. Besides, they are struggling right now to win games and they won’t hesitate to go the younger athletes to get a spark flying.

Brian Fuentes: It’s rare that relief pitchers make it to my royalty section, but he’s pitched too well to be ignored. He has 6 holds and a WHIP of 1.08 which is what you want in a set-up man like Fuentes. Fuentes was a key piece in the Rockies’ World Series run last season and he looks like he is holding the same form. He will be a valuable holds man so keep him around on your staff. He won’t get the nod every night to pitch, but when he does, there’s a good chance he’ll get you a hold or some valuable strikeouts. Too bad the same can’t be said about Manny Corpas.

Hanley Ramirez: This Marlin is tearing it up at the plate hitting .318. That doesn’t sound like astounding numbers, but where he is making his mark is stolen bases. He has 9 and has been caught stealing 3 times. The Marlins are being aggressive with this young player so watch for him to get more opportunities on the base pads to steal more bases. His strikeout totals are a little high with 24, but at least he gets on base via a walk or a hit.

With the season in full swing there has been an enormous amount of players finding their way to the DL. Here are some key players who made that list.

DL Watch:

Yovani Gallardo: He was placed on the 15-day DL on May 2, but he might need surgery on his knee and if that’s the case, it is doubtful he’ll be back on the allotted 15 days

Moises Alou: He was also placed on the 15-day DL with a knee injury on May 1, but it doesn’t appear to be serious so don’t be surprised if the Mets yank the DL tag off of him a little early.

Jimmy Rollins: Rollins has always been a trooper on the field playing through injuries, but this ankle injury was too much to bear for him. He doesn’t see the DL very often and he’ll be sorely missed, but he’ll be back soon. April 21 was the date the Phillies sent him to the 15-day DL.

John Smoltz: Even though he may come back as a reliever, that still doesn’t take away the fact that the Braves put him on the DL. The Braves pitching staff is waning and this struck a blow to the organization. He is down for 15 days as of April 29.

Cris Capuano: He hasn’t pitched a game this season for the Brewers, but he was last season’s number 2 pitcher. He now finds himself struggling to stay healthy. When he does find the field this season, don’t start him until he can get his groove back.

Up and Coming Players:

Clint Barmes: He is playing very well taking over for an injured Troy Tulowitzki. Barmes is batting .292, but has 9 RBIs. He may lose his job when Tulowitzki gets back, but he’ll make a case to stay with the team. 2005 was his best season when he finished the season with a .289 average. Though he wasn’t an everyday starter, he brought offense to a struggling offensive club. His mechanics have changed at the plate and Rockies’ manager, Clint Hurdle, is taking notice. He is more open with his legs and has quicker hip motion to allow more of a fluid, level swing. Granted, Barmes may not be an attractive fantasy pick up, but he’s a good player to have to maintain a sense of balance on your lineup. He’ll be playing until Tulowitzki gets back in July so take advantage of what Barmes can do for you while you can.