Bullish on ERA

Chien Ming Wang - Owners, it is still early in the season and you shouldn't panic with Wang. Just because he's throwing batting practice during games doesn't mean he isn't worth something to fantasy owners. At this point, keep him on your bench. Have him pitch a few more times and see where he's at. You likely grabbed him relatively cheap on draft day so see where he is in two starts. Remember he is being skipped when they face the Red Sox.

Lyle Overbay - Jays seem to be hitting and Overbay is a guy usually overlooked in fantasy. Currently on a 4 game hitting streak which includes 2HRs and 7RBIs. Usually a pretty streaky hitter. Also, a great candidate to fill your roster on the "off days", which are Monday and Thursday.

Melky Cabrera - He was a starter but with his terrible play he was relegated to the bench this season. With injuries to the Yanks OF, Melky will see more at-bats. So far, he's producing when he has had the chance. Keep an eye out for him because with some motivation he could be a great find on the waiver wire as your 4th/5th OF'er.

Brian Barden - Guy is suppose to be a bench player and a candidate to be sent down to the minors but I guess he wants to be starter. With 3HRs so far, he's fighting to keep a spot on the Cardinals. Minor League history shows nothing special but with some motivation some players seem to excel.

Around the Majors

Troy Percival of the Rays is back on the DL for the third time this season. The closer is suffering from an injury to his right knee. The Rays will have a closer by committee. This is the worst case scenario for any owners who are in a battle for saves. If you have a chance go out and grab these guys Wheeler, Balfour, Howell, and even Miller. The most likely candidate will be Wheeler, who owns 4 saves this year, and is the only one who has major league experience in the closer position prior to this season.

Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals is back on the DL and for owners who thought he might give you a boost for stretch run just got hit hard. This former CY Young winner in 2005 now finds himself trying to recover from a shoulder strain. All owners should drop him ASAP and find another player. If he he outs the minimum 15 days, which I doubt he will, he will only give you 2/3 starts maximum. Plus, with his history of injury the Cards will most likely shut him down for the rest of the season.

Melky Cabrera of the Yankees is now finding a life outside the historic gates of Yankee Stadium and now catching fly balls in the minors. He was demoted after a terrible slump which has lasted since May. After a hot start in which he hit 7HRs he is not just hitting .240AVG. He should not be on any teams except AL-Only leagues but after his demotion he should be on the wire in all leagues.

Tom Glavine of the Braves is back on the DL. Owners, just drop him.

Billy Wagner of the Mets is scheduled to return to the bullpen on Monday when he is allowed to be activated. This is not soon enough for a bullpen that has been shelled in his absence.

Jorge Posada

For owners who have Posada on their rosters, which includes me, you will be glad to hear he is planning on returning in early June. After being placed on the DL for the first time his career, this 36 year old is dying to get back on the field to help out the bottom feeders who are looking up at 4 teams in the AL East standings. This is great news for the Yankees and fantasy owners who have had to go on the wire to find some help behind the plate.

This is great news for the rest of the Yankees players and for owners who have Yankees on their rosters. Expect the Yankees to produce more runs especially after the return of A-Rod and the upcoming return of Posada. Look for Melky Cabrera to break out his little funk and hopefully Cano will follow suit.

Look at what the Yankees and their strong lineup can produce. In their last 5 games they have scored a total of 37 runs...yes I know they scored 25 against the lowly Mariners.

Melky

Melky Cabrera of the Yankees is quietly putting together a nice season. With 3HR, 7RBI's, 3SB's, and a .296AVG he's bringing in 5 tool potential...a fantasy owners dream! Owners who were able to grab him during the draft should wreak the benefits throughout the 2008 season. Enjoy him and if you can, try and trade for him and see if his low name profile can get you a decent trade without having to give up an arm and a leg. Hitting in a dangerous Yankees lineup should give him plenty of runs, rbi's, sb's, and the nice short right field fence in New York will give him more than enough chances at 25+HR's.