Player

Notes

Brad Thompson (P)

Thompson had a great spring and impressive first start.  The Cardinal offense may be better than everybody thought, with Pujols looking healthy and Ankiel looking like a Top 50 pick to start the season.  He is my primary target for my NFBC team this week.

Carlos Silva (P)

Silva is an innings eater, so he is ideal for fantasy point leagues.  If he has good matchups, he can post good rotisserrie stats as well.

Cliff Lee (P)

The 5th starter for the Indians, at least for now.  I'd use him in 2 start weeks for fantasy point leagues.

Cody Ross (OF)

He has an opportunity to shine for the next few weeks, with Hermedia and De Aza on the DL.  He had 12 HR in 140 AB in 2007.  He had a tough week facing the Mets rotation to start the week, so he might have some upside next week.

David Murphy (OF)

A former Red Sox prospect, Murphy had started off the 2008 season with a bang, and has likely won a starting OF job for at least the next few months.

Edwin Jackson (SP)

Is this the year that this talented youngster develops into the top tier prospect he was rumored to be in 2005?  I'd consider him for fantasy point leagues at this point.

Gavin Floyd (SP)

Another former hot prospect looking for a second chance to shine.  As the White Sox 5th starter, he could get the run support and matchups he needs to be a useful fantasy player. I'd use him in fantasy point leagues for sure.

Jamie Moyer (P)

Only a option for fantasy point leagues at this point.  Start him in 2 start weeks, and hope the Phillies give him plenty of run support.

Jarrod Washburn (P)

Washburn had a good spring and is another pitcher who will get you 200 IP.  Seattle is a decent team, so he has a legitimate shot for 14 Wins in 2008.  With one mediocre start behind him

Jayson Nix (2B)

Has the edge in playing time as the 60% owner of the Rockies 2B platoon.  In all home weeks, he could be a good option for teams in deep leagues.

Jeff Suppan (P)

Suppan is a fantasy stud when he starts a home game.  Last year, he was 9-3 at home.  He had 9 losses on the road in 2007.  Definitely a good fantasy point option, and if you have a deep bench, use him for his home game starts!

Jesse Litsch (SP)

If he wasn't pitching in the AL East, he'd be more sought after by fantasy baseball owners.  Use him during his 2 start weeks in fantasy point leagues.

Justin Germano (P)

As long as Prior is on DL, Germano has a chance to shine. If he pitches well, he will make it hard for Prior to win back the 5th starter job.

Kasson Gabbard (SP)

One of the prospects the Rangers got for Gagne in 2007, Gabbard could turn out to be useful in fantasy point leagues. 

Kip Wells (P)

Kip Wells is an innings eater, so he would be a decent option for 2 start weeks in fantasy point leagues.

Livan Hernandez (P)

Hernandez was probably drafted in most leagues, but he was left undrafted in my NFBC league.  I like him because he will give you 200 IP, but the Twins have a weak offense, especially with the loss of Cuddyer, so he is likely a better fantasy point option.

Maicer Izturis (2B,3B)

He is currently in a platoon with Erick Aybar as the Angels SS.  Neither has done much this week, so he is best suited for AL-only leagues.

Mark Grudzielanek (2B)

A full-time starting 2B who can hit .300 is a decent option for rotisserrie leagues.  He doesn't have many HR, SB, RBI, so he is not great for fantasy point leagues.

Mark Lowe (P)

He is expected to be the Seattle closer until JJ Putz returns.  If you own Putz, or need some saves, add him now.

Nick Blackburn (P)

As a temporary starter for Francisco Liriano, Blackburn looked like a healthy Mark Prior against the Angels this week.  If he pitches well this week, he may unseat one of the other starters for a full-time job, once Liriano returns.

Paul Byrd (P)

Another old pitcher who is best suited for fantasy point leagues.  He had a bad 1st start in 2008, so use at your own risk.

Paul Maholm (P)

Maholm has decent stuff and some upside, so if the Pirates stay competitive, look to use him in 2 start weeks.

Ray Durham (2B)

He may have been undrafted due to his age and sring injuries, but he has looked healthy in his last 3 games, getting a HR and SB in 12 at-bats.

Ronnie Belliard (2B)

Belliard is a very good 2B, and he should end the year with 12 HR and 4 SB.  If you need a backup 2B, he is a good choice.

Ryan Doumit (C,OF)

He was cut by the team who drafted him in my league.  With his position flexibility and power potential, he should be on someone's roster.

Todd Wellemeyer (P)

Has a starting job due to the numerous injuries to Cardinal veterans.  If he continues to build on his good spring and 1st 2008 start, he could solidify his spot in the rotation.

Tony Gwynn (OF)

If you need speed, Gwynn is your guy.  He is in a platoon with Gabe Kapler until Mike Cameron returns, so his value won't last long.  If you own a Brewers OF, then he is a good reserve.  Injuries happen!

Vicente Padilla (P)

Can provide a team with K's, but he is better suited for fantasy point leagues.