LOPEZ A SHORTSTOP AGAIN
It didn’t take long for Cristian Guzman to get hurt again, did it? The Washington shortstop strained a hammy and is out for a few weeks. In the meantime, Ron Belliard takes over at second base, while Felipe Lopez shifts over to shortstop.
I’ve talked about Belliard in a previous blog post, and this whole Nationals scenario has been analyzed by many other writers, too. I’m not going to rehash everything here. But there is one thing I want to mention, something I haven’t seen elsewhere.
Let’s say Belliard hits well. He’s off to a good start in that regard -- .444 average -- and even on his worst day he’s an upgrade over Guzman. And let’s say the punchless Nationals like Belliard’s offense and want to keep him in the lineup. Perhaps he’ll stay at second base when Guzman returns, Lopez will remain at shortstop, and Guzman will be a defensive replacement/pinch-runner/guy who sweeps up the sunflower seeds in the dugout.
This would be bad for Lopez’s fantasy value. Though I didn’t land Lopez in any of my leagues, I was willing to go the extra buck or two on him because I thought he’d be eligible at second base and shortstop. If he stays at shortstop most of the time, he’ll never get the 20 games at second he needs.
Anyway, this is just something to keep an eye on. If you planned on shifting Lopez over to second at some point this year, watch this situation closely. And if you own Lopez in a keeper league and planned on him being your long-term answer at second base, you might have to come up with a Plan B.
AL REYES EMERGES
If the Devil Rays have a closer committee, Reyes is the chairman. Let’s take a look at him using Ron Shandler’s rule of “TOG.”
T: TALENT
Reyes has it. He missed last year due to injury, but look back at 2005: He struck out more than a batter an inning, had decent enough control (20 walks in 62 2/3 innings) and kept the ball in the yard (just five home runs allowed). These aren’t elite skills, but they are quite good. There are many closers who can’t match what Reyes brings to the table.
O: OPPORTUNITY
Again, I think Reyes earns a high grade. The D-Rays might have a committee, but there’s no doubt Reyes is the main man right now. As long as he keeps his head above water, he’ll get the majority of the save chances. There isn’t much good competition here.
G: GUILE
We can’t really judge this yet. We need to see more.
I just picked up Reyes in an AL-only league I’m in, so I know he’s still out there in some leagues. Grab him.
