Ever check the most added/most dropped list during the week and wonder what the heck people are thinking? It seems to happen fairly often, but this week was especially baffling.
On Thursday, the most added player (of any position) in CBS leagues was … Scott Kazmir (he was also the 14th most-added player in ESPN leagues). The last time Kazmir was a viable fantasy option was 2008 when he was 12-8 with a 3.49 ERA and 166 strikeouts for the Rays. Since that season, the former Mets prospect is 21-26 with a 5.52 ERA.
So, what on God’s green earth made Kazmir such a hot commodity? Well, two solid starts (two victories) that brought back memories of the good old days when he was considered an ace (or at least a solid No. 2 starter). In those two starts, Kazmir allowed three runs on 10 hits over 12 innings, and struck out 17. It was a return to the glory days, a display of everything Mets fans believed he would be for them (before that whole Victor Zambrano thing).
While those two starts were magical, especially for the brave souls who threw caution to the wind and streamed the lefty, here’s what you need to realize about Kazmir: He’s not back, nor is he a long-term option at this point. Even during his 9-15 season for the Angels in 2010, Kazmir managed to string together four consecutive victories. He missed all of last season, hasn’t had an ERA under 4.00 since 2008 and just isn’t the All-Star he was in 2006 and 2008. He’s a risk! You might get a good start here or a good start there, but you can get the same from Phil Hughes or Cole Hamels (oddly enough, Kazmir actually has more wins).
Heck, maybe the Mets were onto something way back when, because now it might be tough to trade Kazmir for Zambrano’s aunt.
It’s not uncommon for pitchers or positions players to string together a week or two of numbers that leave you salivating. It’s your job, however, to stream those players and know when their time a useful player is up. As Kenny Rogers says, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em; know when to walk away, know when to run.” Here’s a look at some players worth streaming, as well as players worth looking at as potential long-term options:
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: If he’s available in your league (and amazingly, he’s available in 31 percent of ESPN, 61 percent of Yahoo and about 30 percent of CBS leagues), grab him! Now! For the month, he’s 19-of-56 (.339) with six homers and 11 RBIs. In the middle of a solid offensive lineup in Texas, he can be a nice long-term option.
Francisco Liriano, Pirates: Two wins and 16 strikeouts over 11 innings, but he’s allowed 17 baserunners and has a WHIP of 1.55. There’s potential for a surprise here, but tread carefully.
Oswaldo Arcia, Twins: We found ’Waldo! Turns out he was hiding in Minnesota. The 22-year-old outfield prospect is off to a good start.
Ubaldo Jimenez, Indians: Three consecutive wins before his start last night. Sometimes he looks like the guy who finished third in the Cy Young voting in 2010, while other times he looks like, well, he’s any pitcher on the Mets besides Matt Harvey. He’s such a tease.
James Loney, Rays: He’s hitting .379 (he’s a career .286 hitter), has three homers (has never had more than 15 in a season) and has 20 RBIs (reached 90 twice in 2008 and 2009). Great short-term stream option.
Kenley Jansen, Dodgers: Soon-to-be closer for the Dodgers?
Kelly Johnson, Rays: Would you trust a 31-year-old man named Kelly for the long haul?
Brian McCann, Braves: How was he available in so many leagues? Don’t people stash players like McCann in their DL spots?
Travis Wood, Cubs: Has allowed more than two runs once all season en route to a 4-2 record with a 2.03 ERA. Go with him while he’s hot!
Marco Scutaro, Giants: Hot, hot, hot! During his 15-game hitting streak going into last night’s action, Scutaro is 29-for-61 (.475) with a homer and five RBIs. Impossible to stay this hot, but enjoy his high batting average, lack of power and fun name for the time being.