NLCS

After two quick games the Phillies are half way to making an appearance in the World Series while the Dodgers, led by Manny, are left wondering what happened to their momentum while trying to see if they can make this series interesting.

The NLCS has a few players you should keep an eye on for the 2009 fantasy season draft.

Brad Lidge just converted his 2nd save in the NLCS and it seems like he will never give up a lead...ever! After recovering from injuries and also the Pujols HR, it seems Lidge is back on top of his game and is ready for elite closer status. Ok, he is up their with the best closers in the game but make sure you don't over play for him in the 2009 draft. He is having a career year and has the ability to hold down a bullpen but in my eyes he is still not in the same league as Papelbon, F-Rod, Joe Nathan, and Soria. If Lidge has a rediculous post-season watch for people to draft him higher than his true value.

Ryan Howard is not doing anything but walking back to the dug-out. He is batting a nice .000 in two games in the NLCS. Don't worry about him, he's s slugger and can easily go off for 5HR's in the next 2/3 games.

Chad Billingsley was hammered in game 2 of the NLCS but this is not going to affect his 2009 draft position, a 9-12 round pick. He should be your 2nd SP for next year.

Clayton Kershaw is throwing some post-season innings and I think this is great for his mental state and overall experience. This is a pitcher you need to keep an eye on. After exploding onto the scene this year and making a #1 waiver priority in ALL leagues, this guy is primed for a strong 2009 season. He has the stuff, just needs the confidence from himself and his team. He is a lock for a draft pick next year but make sure to draft him in the late rounds, watch people who draft him early because they are gambling.

Manny is being Manny.

Kershaw and Bruce

Clayton Kershaw and Jay Bruce both were both called up from the minors this season to a red carpet studded event and there was reason for that. Both players have huge upside and bring their respective clubs, the Dodgers and the Reds, a great future but lately both players are struggling to produce.

Kershaw, remember he is only 20 years old, is 0-2 with a 4.36ERA in 7 starts this season. He is giving owners some nice K/9IP (7.9/9IP) but is not giving owners enough innings at this moment (only pitchimg more than 5.1 innings once). The Dodgers organization is going to protect this young pitcher and I see them shutting him down early when he reaches a specified innings limit, most likely around 140-160IP for the season. Joe Torre is not like the stupid Dusty Baker who ruined the careers of Mark Prior and Kerry Wood by making them throw too many innings too early in their careers. Kershaw will be a fantasy stud but his time is not now. Owners who keep him on their teams because the high K/9IP is worth a spot on all rosters.

Jay Bruce jumped on the scene with huge numbers in his 10-15 games but since then has fallen from the heavens. He is currently being dropped in most leagues and I can see why but I personally as a Jay Bruce owner am going to keep him on my roster for now. You should too! Since the word AVERAGE is what it says it is, it's a average. He was never going to hit .457 for the rest of the season. His current struggles is just a little correction and he should land in the .280 area and hover there for the rest of the season. This kid is not going to bring stud fantasy numbers like Matt Holliday immediately. Learning the pitchers and adjusting to them after they adjust to Bruce is a cat and mous game that I know Bruce will succeed in. So, owners...just hang on tight and realize that this kid is not going to give you monster numbers but in the end he will help you as a 5-tool player. For now, bench him until he starts to show signs of breaking out of his slump. If you can, try and grab him from another owner for cheap.

Fantasy Notes to Consider

George Sherrill of the Orioles has blown a save and earned a loss in his past two appearances. After a strong start to the season, 22SV's with a 2.73ERA, Sherrill is slowly falling apart by showing some weaknesses. Owners who have Sherrill, me included, should really consider if he is worthy of a spot on your roster. I AM NOT telling you to drop him but maybe try and package him in a deal to help in other areas. The reason I am starting to think about shipping him out and not the struggling Billy Wagner is because Wagner has proven he can last throughout an entire season while recovering from little bumps. Sherrill on the other hand has not completed a full season as a closer and has never completed more than 45 innings, which he is closing on very quickly (he has 31 innings so far). Go to your standings and see if the last place owner in saves has something you are in need of and start some trade negotiations.

Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers only lasted 4 innings in his latest outing but looking on the bright side he only allowed 2H's, 2BB's, while striking out 2 in a 0ER outing. For owners who used a first waiver priority on this kid, don't panic just yet. Even though he isn't providing the huge K's you expected, he is still giving you a nice K rate 7.87/9IP, just keep putting him out there and when the confidence really kicks in and he starts to dominate it'll all be worth it.

Kershaw

Kershaw of the Dodgers threw a very unimpressive game by going 3.2IP, 4ER's, 2K's, and 4BB's. At times expect Kershaw to throw games like this because of his movement on his fastball and also his age. He is still very young and owners shouldn't expect him to come out and throw 7 scoreless innings while striking out 8-10 batters. In time it should happen but take your time with this pitcher. Owners don't drop him or trade him unless you get fair value in the trade.

Most people used a first waiver wire pick on him and with this you should relax and go through the growing pains of a young pitcher. His tremendous upside is something no one can overlook.

Clayton Kershaw

Highly touted prospect, who I have mentioned numerous times, Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers made his major league debut at the age of 20 last night against the Cardinals. His final line (6IP, 5H, 2ER, 1BB, and 7K's) was very impressive but at the same time what was expected from this young pitcher.

I can not say this enough to my friends or anyone who has asked me about Kershaw and using a first waiver priority pick on this guy, PICK THIS GUY UP!! Look at his potential and upside. He can put up 9+K/9 inning numbers easily and produce some needed lowering of ERA/WHIP for owners. This kind of pitcher doesn't come along every single year. With the kind of numbers this kid can produce on the mound all fantasy owners should be drooling over the prospects of grabbing him. So, don't even hesitate go out and grab him NOW!!

His 2008 season stats in AAA have proved to be on track to what scouts/management expected. Also, some interesting news, the Dodgers organization has kept his innings to a minimum because they were interested in bringing him up sometime during the season. Down in AAA they kept his innings to 25 per month.

To the ones who are lucky enough to grab him, enjoy his services!

Clayton Kershaw

It is official, the Dodgers have purchased the contract of stud prospect Clayton Kershaw from AA-Jacksonville and will make his major league debut against the Cardinals in their 3-game series. So far in AA, Kershaw has accumulated eye-popping numbers with a 2.28ERA, 47K's, and 15BB's all in 43.1 innings.

NOTICE TO ALL FANTASY LEAGUES - Pick him up right now. This is the type of prospect you wait for and pick up with your #1 waiver priority.

Clayton Kershaw

Here is a great story about a prospect in the Dodger's organization that should garner your first waiver priority pick when he hits waiver wires around the league.

The article is written by Yahoo! Sports Jeff Passen.

Clayton Kershaw's great expectations