Crooked Pitch

Here is a review of this weeks best pickups as reviewed on Daily Roto Pickups. I will try to supply one from each of the following positions at my weekly review here on Crooked Pitch (C, CI, MI, OF, SP and RP). I will include their current availability that may have changed since my initial review. The reviews are how I view the player today.

C: Gerald Laird- He is top 10 in R and HR for catchers and 13th in RBI’s. He is still the primary catcher and unless he goes stone cold will hold the job until he gets traded if they decide Salty should go behind the plate. I like him and his average is now about where it should be. Just don’t expect him to help much there. Not many stats calling for an increase or regression from here so expect more of the same.

He is currently owned in 32% of leagues.

CI: Ramon Vazquez - I did this two weeks ago, but I am going to suggest him here since he has 3B eligible, but if you get him he should only be used at SS and MI. He will get AB’s as long as he hits like this as Blalock has been told he will go to 1B when he gets back. Warning signs are in a lower K rate at 18.7% and a BABIP at .371. He is a fill-in or backup at SS/MI.

He is only owned in 9% of CBS leagues.

MI: Akinori Iwamura - I added Iwamura last April in my league that counts OBP and had a great April run. Then injury struck and he never played like that again for the remainder of the year. Again he has 3B eligibility, but is truly a 2B player. He has been hot this month in R, BA, and OBP. This could be just another hot streak or he could get injured, but he should be a good play for the time being.

He is only owned in 49% of CBS leagues.

OF: Mark Kotsay - He has a few signs leading to a bit of regression but none show that he will fall off significantly. His BABIP and OBP are a bit over career lines, but only slightly. I would carry him as a 4th or 5th outfielder or a bench reserve.

He is only owned in 26% of CBS leagues.

SP: Doug Davis - If he is cleared medically to play I don’t think he should be to much of a concern health wise. He had 2 very good years in 2004 and 2005 and I think he has a shot to relive those years. His wins should be good with that hot lineup and his ERA should be tolerable. His WHIP has usually been a little to high so don’t count on him for that. I would wait a start or two to see how he does and if he has his strength.

He is owned in 8% of leagues.

RP: Chris Perez - Ah the flame throwing young reliever. Will he end up as another Zumaya or maybe the cardinals can get him to sign a no Guitar Hero contract? He’s never really had a lot of time in any level to judge his numbers, but he can get K’s and also walks. Larussa has been known to put young players in big spots so if he can keep playing well he may be pushed into the closer rotation or take the job fully. Those hunting for saves should take the shot.

They are only owned in 17% as of this morning on CBS.