Fantasy Roster Part 2

The Tigers sit on 2-2 on the spring. This is one of the last games before we lose people for the WBC. This is Granderson’s last game before leaving for Team USA and the last before Guillen, Cabrera, Ordonez, and Galarraga leave for Team Venezuela. Anyways, after four spring games, my performance based roster sits as follows:

     Position Players
Alex Avila
Brandon Inge
Don Kelly
Casper Wells
Gerald Laird
Placido Polanco
Miguel Cabrera
Ramon Santiago
Mike Hessman
Gary Sheffield
Clete Thomas
Adam Everett
Marcus Thames
     Pitchers
Kyle Bloom
Freddy Dolsi
Edwin Jackson
Chris Lambert
Macay McBride
Zach Miner
Clay Rapada
Juan Rincon
Bobby Seay
Justin Verlander
Scott Williamson
Joel Zumaya

     I feel the need to put some explanations on this list. I had to take Thames over Cale Iorg because the team needed more OF than IF, even though they have the same batting averages so far. On the pitching side, there were more than 12 who have an ERA of 0, but I left off Brandon Lyon because of the unearned runs against him, and Fu-Te Ni because I don’t believe he will make the team under most any circumstance.
     Notable among those who are not on this list include Armando Galarraga, Nate Robinson, Fernando Rodney, Dontrelle Willis, Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, Ryan Raburn, and Matt Treanor. Now, Willis and Rodney have only pitched one inning each so far. Nate and Armando also have only seen one game. Treanor is not on this team for his ability to swing the bat, but we need a capable backup catcher. Guillen is batting 1 for 10 coming into today, so no doubt the Classic will have him on track. While Granderson is only 1 for 6, he is drawing walks, so his average will get a pass until he returns. Ordonez is 1 for 7, and like Guillen his bat will probably come around for the Classic. Raburn, who might end up playing himself off the team is Casper Wells continues to swing well, is 0 for 4 with a few walks.
     I think its safe to say that most people are pleased with how Inge is playing so far. Among the surprises for me is that Wells and Clete Thomas are both still on my stats only roster. Granted the numbers don’t say much, its good to see that the rookies can push the vets when needed. Kyle Bloom and Clay Rapada are also pleasant surprises to be on the list still. I’m also glad to see Juan Rincon and Scott Williamson being productive early on. That goes back to my prediction before the spring games started when I said I’ve give an inside edge to veteran arms over young ones who can use more conditioning.