ALCS Rays?!?!

If I told you at the start of training camp that the Rays, yes the Tampa Bay Rays, would be 4 wins away from the World Series I guarantee you would have told me I was smoking/snorting something illegal in most parts of the world.

But as we speak the Rays are on their way to the ALCS to play their division rivals the Boston Red Sox. Again, who has the best division in baseball...the AL EAST is just loaded with talented teams. I am very excited to watch some baseball between these two teams.

On the fantasy side, make sure to keep an eye out for Pena, Longoria, Iwamura, and Upton. I didn't even mention Crawford. These Rays can produce.

Look for more information concerning fantasy implications throughout the ALCS.

Fight Night Suspensions

Please adjust your lineups accordingly.

Red Sox
Coco Crisp - 7 games
Jon Lester - 5 games
Sean Casey - 3 games

Rays
James Shields - 6 games
Jonny Gomes - 5 games
Edwin Jackson - 5 games
Carl Crawford - 4 games
Akinori Iwamura - 3 games

Carlos Pena

After a career season in 2007, Carlos Pena of the Rays came into 2008 with high expectations and so far has delivered with 11HR's and 35RBI's even though he has a .227AVG. But now Pena has landed himself on the 15-Day DL with a fractured left index finger. For owners this isn't great news but nothing that is going to devastate your team because, hopefully, you didn't revolve your team around him. Keep him on your DL and hope he returns quickly and the finger doesn't hold him back from hitting for the season.

Owners, I have never been a fan of this guy and this is the prototypical player I always sell high on and grab some value from idiot owners who think he will continue to hit 40+ HR's every year starting in his 7th year in the bigs. This is ridiculous!

Troy Percival

Troy Percival of the Rays was officially put on the 15-Day DL after hurting his ankle and will most likely be back right after the designated 15 days.

For owners who have Percival be happy that this injury is not going to keep him out for a longer period of time. Owners, look to Wheeler for the saves opportunities. But keep in mind the Rays organization has stated they will go with a closer by committee but Wheeler does have the experience closing while he was in Houston after Brad Lidge went down.

If you are over cautious pick up these guys too...Reyes, Miller, and Howell.

Rookie Sensation

Highly touted 3B Evan Longoria of the Rays has not completely lived up to his hype just like Alex Gordon of the Royals from last year. So far, Longoria is hitting .231, 4HR's, 17RBI's, and 2SB's. For owners, don't jump off the bandwagon just yet but if you have a chance to unload Longoria and you are in a non-keeper, then go right ahead. This is why I don't get too wrapped in highly touted prospects in my leagues. I focus on guys who have done it year in and year out to make the core of my team. Sprinkling in highly touted prospects into my lineup works but basing your team around these prospects just makes you a 2nd tier fantasy team almost every year.

Jackson and Guthrie

Edwin Jackson of the Rays has thrown 20.1 innings in his past three starts and has given up 1 EARNED RUN, very impressive. Too bad for owners he was given a no decision in all three games. Over the past three games, he has given up 17H's, 0HR's, 6BB's, while striking out 15. He has also dropped his ERA from 4.98 to 3.29 over that span. For owners in need of a hot starter, look no further than Edwin Jackson of the Rays.



Jeremy Guthrie of the Orioles has made a name for himself so far in 2008. In 10 starts he has given up 3 or more ER's only twice (4 and 5ER's) and has pitched 6 full innings in 7 of his 10 outings. So far, Guthrie has a deceiving 2-4 record with 63IP, 39K's, 20BB's, and a 3.86ERA. Just like Jackson, Guthrie deserves a spot on all rosters.

The Moose

Mike Mussina of the Yankees has just recorded his 5th straight victory by pitching 6.1 innings against the Rays last night. He's not going to give you 7-8 innings and 8-10K's a night but he will provide you with some depth in your rotation if he is your 3-5th starter.

In the past 3-4 years, I have not been a fan of Mussina and I have always used his name value to trade him away. My advice is to try and use the 5 game winning streak as leverage and trade him for a nice bat.

Scott Kazmir

Scott Kazmir of the Rays is back from his DL stint with a left elbow strain. His first game was against the strong hitting Red Sox lineup and he ended up with a loss. Kazmir pitched 4innings, 6H, 3ER, 3BB, and 5K's. Not a great start back after being on the DL but owners don't worry.

This young pitcher is an ace and should be put into your roster on a daily basis. Just keep an eye out for any news from the Rays on his elbow just in case there might be something that comes back.

Big Hurt

The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas, has landed himself a job with his former employer the Oakland A's.

Fantasy Impact. Now that Thomas is here, he will take the majority of DH time and Emil Brown and Jack Cust will platoon. Owners of Brown and Cust should see a decrease in playing time unless they are producing.

Frank Thomas is looking for another 2006 season where he was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year by batting .270, 39HR, and 114RBI's. Look for Thomas to produce again, not at that level though. He is valuable in AL-Only leagues as well as mixed. Expect him to hit 20+HR's.

Guess my prediction of him going to the Rays was way off.

Hinske

Eric Hinske of the Rays continues to hit. Take a look at and older post about him, click here.

Just added another 3 hits last night (2B, 3B, HR) and almost hit for the cycle. He should be on your fantasy team, plain and simple.

The Big Hurt

The Toronto Blue Jays and Frank Thomas have officially departed ways after the Jays demoted Thomas to the bench after struggling to start the year. I see Thomas being signed by another team in the AL and to be more specific, I see the Tampa Bay Rays picking him up as a DH. Remember all those rumours about Barry Bonds landing in Tampa, well...now the Rays can add a veteran player into their clubhouse while avoiding the legal baggage Bonds would bring. Thomas would make a decent fit in the Rays lineup and with his proven work ethic he'll be a welcome addition to help the young and upcoming Rays.

For fantasy owners this doesn't make a large impact unless you are in an AL-only league. The person who gains the most from this departure is Matt Stairs. He will start seeing more plate appearance as the DH.