Fantasy sports articles written by Derek VanRiper
May 24, 2013
The Wheelhouse: 30 Teams, 30 Thoughts - May Edition
Why doesn't Shelby Miller get as much attention as Matt Harvey? Derek VanRiper takes a look around the league closing in on Memorial Day.
May 18, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Feeling Blue
Ike Davis' slow start has left many owners concerned about a possible demotion. Is it time to jump ship?
May 16, 2013
Charging the Mound: Breaking the Needle
Jean Segura has been a top-five offensive fantasy player this season. Has he broken the needle? How do we value him going forward? (WITH VIDEO)
May 10, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Just Say No?
For years, Ricky Nolasco has teased owners with an ERA well above his xFIP. Is his fast start in 2013 a sign of things to come?
May 3, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Stubborn or Stupid?
Should Jarrod Parker be downgraded from his preseason projection after a poor April? If so, by how much? Derek VanRiper takes a look.
April 26, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Dexter's Lab
Could Dexter Fowler reach new heights in Colorado with his power production this season?
April 26, 2013
Saturday Lineup Card: What Moore Can I Say?
Rays lefty Matt Moore looks to improve to 5-0 with a road start against the White Sox on Saturday.
April 19, 2013
Saturday Lineup Card: Dontcha Know?
Robinson Cano is one of many Yankees with an impressive career mark against Blue Jays starter Mark Buehrle.
April 12, 2013
Saturday Lineup Card: Aces Up
Stephen Strasburg is one of many aces taking the mound in Saturday's matchups.
April 5, 2013
Saturday Lineup Card: Pain in the Neck
Ryan Braun owners are crossing their fingers after neck spasms kept him out of the lineup Friday night.
April 4, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Checks and Balances
Derek VanRiper recaps the NFBC Main Event after taking Troy Tulowitzki ninth overall in Saturday's draft.
March 25, 2013
The Wheelhouse: New Approach - Mixed Tout Recap
In a league that switched from batting average to on-base percentage, Derek VanRiper made Giancarlo Stanton the anchor of his Tout Wars offense.
March 11, 2013
The Wheelhouse: On BABIP
Austin Jackson leads all qualified hitters with a .370 BABIP over the last three seasons. Is he bound for regression? Derek VanRiper takes a closer look.
March 1, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Early Spring Adjustments
With a heavy workload during the first week of spring training, Jose Bautista gets a slight bump up the board.
February 22, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Wasted Opportunities
Infield flyballs are just as costly to a hitter as strikeouts. Dan Uggla generated plenty of both last season. Should you write off a rebound? Derek VanRiper takes a closer look at hitters wasting opportunities.
February 18, 2013
Blue Jays' Team Preview: Is This Real Life?
Edwin Encarnacion broke out in 2012 - what will he do for an encore?
February 15, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Misunderstood
Is the market failing to account for Joey Votto's extremely low infield flyball rate? Derek VanRiper takes a closer look.
February 7, 2013
Angels' Team Preview: Where Do We Go From Here?
The Angels added Josh Hamilton to an already strong lineup following Mike Trout's 2012 breakout. Are the Halos poised to make a deep postseason run?
February 7, 2013
Padres' Team Preview: Future Getting Brighter
The future is bright in San Diego, but competing in a tough division likely will keep the Padres out of playoff contention.
February 5, 2013
Diamondbacks' Team Preview: Life After Upton
The Diamondbacks drastically changed the core of their lineup this offseason, trading away Justin Upton and Chris Young.
February 4, 2013
The Wheelhouse: Top 50, Vol. I
If the initial rankings are any indication, DVR won't own Mike Trout in his one-year leagues in 2013.
November 27, 2012
NFL Barometer: You Never Know
The Broncos surprised many by leaning heavily on Knowshon Moreno in Week 12 while getting used to life without Willis McGahee.
November 20, 2012
NFL Barometer: Tradition 4.0
Don't have Tony Romo on your roster(s) this season? You may want make things interesting Thursday and target him late in Thanksgiving Day drafts...
November 14, 2012
NFL Barometer: Say No to Bowe
The Chiefs may turn to Brady Quinn again once he's healthy, leaving Dwayne Bowe owners to plan accordingly.
November 7, 2012
NFL Barometer: Processing Error
Prior to his 80-yard score in garbage time Sunday, Chris Johnson had 14 carries for 54 yards against the Bears. Is it time to cash him in?
October 31, 2012
NFL Barometer: Remember This Titan?
Kenny Britt has been unable to match his previously elite YPA marks this season. Is he on the verge of a turnaround?
October 25, 2012
NFL Barometer: Jekyll or Hyde?
Since suffering a knee injury against the Jets in Week 3, Reggie Bush has struggled. Is he primed to return to his early-season form coming out of the Dolphins' bye week?
October 18, 2012
NFL Barometer: Another Kingmaker?
If A.J. Green can play at the elite level of Calvin Johnson, could Andy Dalton be this year's Matthew Stafford?
October 11, 2012
NFL Barometer: Return to Elite Status
Jamaal Charles' return to elite status has been one of the few bright spots for the Chiefs this season.
October 4, 2012
NFL Barometer: Get On Deck
Despite similar numbers, the value of Demaryius Thomas seems to have risen much more quickly than that of teammate Eric Decker.
September 27, 2012
NFL Barometer: Ready to Fly?
With an impressive showing in Week 3 and an eight-week absence for Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams has a clear path to a larger workload in Arizona.
September 20, 2012
NFL Barometer: Turning Up the Volume
Currently on pace for 600 attempts this season, Matt Cassel's value is rising thanks to a porous Kansas City defense.
September 12, 2012
NFL Barometer: Wayne's World
If the Colts' defensive struggles in Week 1 are any indication, Reggie Wayne will be a target monster as Andrew Luck and company play catch-up each week.
September 6, 2012
NFL Barometer: Back Up the Truck
Although concern about a suspension has faded, Marshawn Lynch's bout with back spasms could be problematic.
August 30, 2012
NFL Barometer: Three's a Crowd
Is former first-round pick Mark Ingram destined to disappoint fantasy owners again in 2012?
August 23, 2012
NFL Barometer: Rice on the Rebound?
Sidney Rice was a top-10 receiver with the Vikings in 2009 before injuries limited him in each of the last two seasons. Can he stay healthy and deliver profit from his current ADP?
August 16, 2012
NFL Barometer: AP Going UP
Adrian Peterson's removal from the PUP list this week is another step toward getting on the field in Week 1 against Jacksonville.
August 9, 2012
NFL Barometer: More Risk at Running Back
How much should rookie running back Trent Richardson fall after Thursday's arthroscopic knee surgery?
August 3, 2012
The Wheelhouse: Reflecting on Reflections
Hanley Ramirez gets a fresh start in Los Angeles, but will he ever return to his pre-2010 peak levels?
August 2, 2012
NFL Barometer: Final Scene?
Can Steven Jackson parlay his opportunity for a heavy workload into one more big season for the Rams?
July 26, 2012
NFL Barometer: Charles Climbs the Charts
Jamaal Charles is set to open camp with his teammates after missing most of last season with a knee injury. A healthy Charles could be primed for a big bounceback season in 2012.
July 19, 2012
NFL Barometer: Seahawks Losing Their Lynchpin?
Marshawn Lynch's weekend arrest may lead to disciplinary action from the NFL. How far should he fall as a result of a potential suspension?
June 29, 2012
The Wheelhouse: Things Change
Examining how adjustments, injuries and age can impact a players' performance
June 22, 2012
The Wheelhouse: Value Earned
Chris Sale's move to the rotation has paid off in a very big way for the White Sox thus far.
June 15, 2012
The Wheelhouse: 30 Teams, 30 Thoughts
Is there anybody out there still willing to trust Francisco Liriano?
June 8, 2012
The Wheelhouse: Market Watch
Giancarlo Stanton has rebounded from a slow start after missing time during spring training with a knee injury. Is he worth a top-five overall pick?
April 5, 2012
Thursday Lineup Card: Opening Day 1.3
With a home matchup against soft-tosser Mark Buehrle, Joey Votto is well worth the price in daily salary cap games Thursday.
February 8, 2012
2012 Rockies Preview: Rockies 2012: Spinning Their Wheels
The Rockies' series of moves in the last nine months seem to conflict with each other.
February 7, 2012
2012 Diamondbacks Preview: Diamondbacks 2012: Another NL West Title?
Nearly everything went right for the Diamondbacks in 2011. Can they repeat this year?
January 31, 2012
The Wheelhouse: Missing the Boat - Speed
Former Astro Michael Bourn is carrying a steep price tag on draft day. Could his replacement in Houston provide just as many steals at a fraction of the price in 2012?
January 13, 2012
The Wheelhouse: Missing the Boat - Power
Did you miss out on Curtis Granderson's monster 2011? It's time to learn from the mistake and profit elsewhere in 2012.
November 22, 2011
Moving the Chains: Tradition 3.0
Need to make Thanksgiving Day more interesting? Have a one-day league using only the three games being played on the holiday.
September 2, 2011
2011 Red Wings Team Preview: Red Wings Seek to Get Back to the Playoffs in 2011
An in-depth look at the Detroit Red Wings heading into the 2011-2012 season.
April 25, 2011
The Wheelhouse: Rewind: April 2010
Barry Zito started last season with a 1.53 ERA, but it didn't last. Which players hot this April are destined to cool off?
April 5, 2011
The Wheelhouse: Going 26.2
The Brewers are off to a slow start despite Ryan Braun's heroics, but there's still reasons for optimism over the long haul.
March 30, 2011
Thursday Lineup Card: Opening Day Is Here!
The nightcap Thursday features an excellent pitching matchup between Tim Lincecum and Clayton Kershaw.
March 22, 2011
The Wheelhouse: ADP Spotlight: Starting Pitchers in the Top 100
Even with a low strikeout rate last season, could Trevor Cahill be undervalued in drafts this spring?
March 10, 2011
The Wheelhouse: Tiering the Closers
Derek VanRiper breaks down all the projected closers and tries to find values among their ADP's. Matt Thornton is one of his bargains.
February 16, 2011
The Wheelhouse: Finding Market Inefficiencies
You probably overpaid for roses on Valentine's Day, Don't make the same mistake during your draft.
January 31, 2011
The Wheelhouse: Player Movement -- NL to AL
Adrian Gonzalez's trade to Boston tops the list of players moving into the American League this season.
January 17, 2011
Mock Auction: 13 Staffers Buy Mixed League Squads
As the top-ranked second baseman on our cheat sheets, it should come as little surprise that Robinson Cano fetched $43 on auction day.
January 17, 2011
The Wheelhouse: Early Mock Risers
Cards starter Adam Wainwright may finally unseat Chris Carpenter as the first St. Louis pitcher off the board in 2011.
November 22, 2010
Moving the Chains: Tradition 2.0
Drew Brees might be the first overall pick in Thanksgiving Day leagues with his matchup against a Dallas pass defense giving up 7.7 YPA this season.
October 22, 2010
Moving the Chains: Taking Stock - NFC Edition
Will Beanie Wells find it difficult to run against opposing defenses challenging Arizona rookie quarterback Max Hall?
October 15, 2010
Moving the Chains: Taking Stock - AFC Edition
The Bengals continue to give Cedric Benson a heavy workload and he could exceed his draft day price tag as a result.
September 24, 2010
Moving the Chains: Running Crew
Darren McFadden ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards after the first two weeks, but will his fantasy value drop with the likely return of Michael Bush in Week 3?
September 14, 2010
Moving the Chains: Breaking Down the Backfields
The Seahawks stunned the Niners in Week 1, but it wasn't because of Pete Carroll's use of Justin Forsett.
August 4, 2010
Charging the Mound: After the Deadline
Could Manny Ramirez and others be moved after passing through waivers?
July 31, 2010
Sunday Lineup Card: Pinstriped Puma
Lance Berkman will head to the American League and DH for the Yankees after being traded by the Astros on Saturday.
July 21, 2010
Moving the Chains: Transformation at Tight End
The 2009 season was unlike any other during the past decade for tight ends. There's more depth than ever for those who miss out on San Diego's Antonio Gates on draft day.
July 20, 2010
Moving the Chains: Endangered Workhorses
No NFL running back had a larger share of his team's carries than St. Louis' Steven Jackson (88.9%) last season.
July 17, 2010
The Lineup Card: Remember Me?
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts is progressing in his rehab and could return to the lineup in the next 10 days.
July 10, 2010
Sunday Lineup Card: First-Half Finale
Zack Greinke is one of many starters on Sunday with a good track record against the lineup he'll be facing to close out the first half.
July 8, 2010
Charging the Mound: Bust Squad
Derek VanRiper and Jeff Erickson talk about their busts. Adam Lind captains the outfielders.
July 1, 2010
Charging the Mound: The Padres' Next Moves
The surprising San Diego Padres remain atop the NL West, and the NL generally. What moves should they make going forward?
June 22, 2010
Moving the Chains: ADP Watch: The Beginning
Six running backs are coming off the board before you get to Texans receiver Andre Johnson in most drafts. Is he the top wideout on your cheat sheet?
June 17, 2010
Team Previews: 2010 Panthers Preview
Will Youngsters Step Up and Save Fox's Job?
June 16, 2010
The Lineup Card: Pittsburgh's Pedro Arrives
Pirates top prospect Pedro Alvarez was called up for his big league debut on Wednesday night. Do Pirates fans now have more to be excited about than Primanti's?
