No matter how good or bad your fantasy team has done this week, there’s one thing to keep in mind: It’s a long, long season.
If your team is having an amazing week, don’t start clearing space on your mantle for your league’s championship trophy. If your team is having a horrific week, don’t start posting “Fire Sale” notices on your league’s message board. It’s not time to celebrate or panic, it’s Week 1.
With that said, it’s always a good idea to constantly check who is available on the waiver wire. Maybe you’re looking to replace Ryan Ludwick, who fell victim to a shoulder injury and could miss 13-to-14 weeks. Maybe there’s a player you selected late in your draft because his name sounded cool but offers as much fantasy value as that recurring dream you have about Kate Upton and that cotton candy machine. (Weirdo.) Maybe you have a roster spot available because, as a joke, you decided to select someone who hasn’t pitched since 2010 (Scott Schoeneweis made a short-lived comeback in The Post’s fantasy draft). No matter the reason, you also must look through the Week 1 mirage and decide which players can offer you some value in the short- or long-term. Here’s a look at available options in ESPN and Yahoo! leagues:
Grab Immediately!
Kyuji Fujikawa, Cubs: Already collected one save this week, and with Carlos Marmol struggling again (27.00 ERA, 6.00 WHIP), it may only be a matter of time before Chicago turns to Fujikawa permanently. Owned in almost 50 percent of all leagues, it’s time you grab him.
Jackie Bradley Jr., Red Sox: One of the hottest commodities in fantasy baseball, and he’s just batting .200. Nevertheless, the confident 22-year-old has tons of upside as he’s showing patience at the plate (three walks) and an ability to drive in and score runs (three RBIs, four runs scored). Roll with this significant early-season playing time and be thankful if Boston keeps the rookie around when David Ortiz returns from injury.
Jose Fernandez, Marlins: While at Single-A last year, the 20-year-old right-hander went 14-1 with a 1.58 ERA, a WHIP of 0.925 and 158 strikeouts in 134 innings. Now, he’s being thrown into Miami’s starting rotation and will face the Mets tomorrow in his big league debut. It’s impossible to predict what will happen, but he has long-term upside and he’s available in more than 75 percent of Yahoo! leagues and 90 percent of ESPN.
Too early to buy
Collin Cowgill, Mets: It was one game, folks. He provided an Amazin’ moment on Opening Day, but has done diddly-squat since his seventh-inning grand slam (0-for-7 since). It’s far too early to jump on this bandwagon. In fact, there isn’t even a bandwagon to jump on — at this point it’s a rusty car with no tires, brakes or functioning engine. He was owned in less than 1 percent of ESPN leagues before April Fool’s Day and is now owned in 13 percent of the leagues. Too much Cowgill!
Vets to watch
Ubaldo Jimenez, Indians: Not saying he’s back to his All-Star form of 2010, but holding Toronto to one run on three hits over six innings while striking out six is a nice start. Another good sign? He was clocked at 95 mph and is available in more than 90 percent of ESPN and Yahoo! Leagues. He’s worth a look.
Gerardo Parra, D’backs: It seems like he’s been in the league for ages, but he’s only 25. He’s off to a hot start, hitting .500 with a homer, four runs scored and a stolen base before last night. If you’re looking to replace Ludwick, he won’t provide the power but he’s a good mix of everything else and is available in about 75 percent of the leagues.
KEEP AN EYE ON …
Pete Kozma, Cardinals: With Rafael Furcal out for the season, the 24-year-old shortstop had a solid spring (.359, 3 HR, 15 RBIs in 64 at-bats) and has a chance to be a real surprise this fantasy season. He is also off to a good start, hitting .308 with a homer and two RBIs headed into yesterday’s action. Even better, he’s available in almost 90 percent of leagues.
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