Tuesday's Love/Hate
Written by TiVo on April 11, 2006
Love/Hate.
No Radio Raheem speech. Just a simple look at how I'm feeling about these five players right now.
The A's third baseman screwed me grand royally last season. I traded him after a two-month slump to start the season, dealt him away and watched him heat up, then got him back and watched him cool off.
This season, so far, no such problems. Seven-for-26 through Week 1 is just .269, which is about what we can expect from him average-wise, or maybe a little low. But his three homers out of the gate mean no waiting for him to get it together. The sucker hit a homer in Game 2 of last season, but didn't smack No. 3 until May 17.
I thought I was getting a steal grabbing him off the FA wire in this 16-team HooHaa league. But in his first start for me, he gave up eight runs (five earned) in 3 1/3. Although he had 9Ks and a no-decision on opening day, the more this Pirate pitches, the more I think his 2.98-ERA, 239-K 2004 might be the anomaly, not last year's 5.85 and 97. The deadly words "lost velocity" have been associated with OP.
Of course he gets love after hitting homers in his first two major-league games, but the power might not be a lasting thing. But he did get seven hits in his first seven games, and considering that Johjima batted .309 in Japan last season, hitting for average might be a reasonable expectation. Either way, those of us who expected a slow transition are pleased, and glad we risked it with a "rookie" rather than draft one of the other catchers who can barely hit air molecules with their bats.
Orlando Hernandez: Love.
The NL got its first taste of the big-gamer, probably a late-round pick at best in your league, and he delivered a win and 8 Ks in his first start. He's definitely had his ups and downs, but if he's languishing on the FA wire in your league and you have a bench spot to spare, he's worth a look. He's the kind of pitcher that can get hot and cost you little.
Placido Polanco: Love.
I have to admit, when I saw I was autodrafted this guy at second base, I was not thrilled. Then I remembered he would have won a batting crown last season, or been close to it, if he hadn't switched leagues mid-season. Out of the gate, it's been more of the same for the Tigers' 2B, also eligible at 3B in many leagues. Eight hits in his first five games, until Monday night's oh-fer. Definitely another guy who can be found on the scrap heap in smaller or lesser leagues.
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