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Chad Johnson doesn’t have much pull after all. Despite lobbying for the Bengals to sign T.O., they opted for Antonio Bryant instead. He’s a much younger option than T.O., but I’m not sure it’s a deal I would have done. Bryant got a four-year, $28 million deal. He’s had a couple of nice years, but for the most part has been underwhelming.

His fantasy value increases though. Carson Palmer is a major upgrade for Bryant. Assuming he’s healthy, he should be a nice #3 or #4 WR. I’m expecting around 1000 yards and 5-7 TDs.

Here’s a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night.

Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers
Holiday is in a nice groove. He dropped 21 points on the Pacers. Would like more than his 4 assists, but still a solid effort.

Brandon Rush, Indiana Pacers
Rush had 24 points and 9 rebounds. He’s been in double-figures in four of his last five games, averaging 13.2 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Dahntay Jones, Indiana Pacers
Jones added 25 points. He’s been all over the place though and as a riskier play.

Al Thornton, Washington Wizards
Thornton had 15 points and 9 rebounds against the Rockets. He appears safe to use again after his mini-slump.

Nick Young, Washington Wizards
Young added 18 points. He’s not worth adding though.

C.J. Miles, Utah Jazz
Miles scored 26 against the Bulls, draining six three-pointers in the process. He’s averaging 13.8 points and 2.2 three-pointers in his last five games.

Brad Miller, Chicago Bulls
Miller continues to quietly produce. He had 20 points against the Jazz.

Carlos Delfino, Milwaukee Bucks
Delfino had 19 points and 8 rebounds against the Celtics. He’s averaging 15.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in his last five games.

Who says you can’t kill two birds with one stone…or in this case sink two players’ fantasy value at once. That’s exactly what happened when Thomas Jones signed with the Chiefs. Clearly any high that Jamaal Charles’ owners have been on following his impressive run at the end of the year came to an abrupt halt at the news of Jones’ signing. While I still think Charles will be a solid fantasy starter, I think I can put the Chris Johnson Lite moniker away.

Meanwhile Jones will take a back seat to Charles. I can’t comprehend why he wouldn’t go to a contender. He could have been a backup for Minnesota or Philadelphia. He could have been in a 50-50 split in San Diego. He could have been the lead dog in Houston. Even bad teams like Seattle, Detroit, and Tampa Bay would have been better options for he would at least be the lead back. Being a backup for a dismal team makes little sense to me.

Jones could have been a decent #2 or #3 RB depending on where he landed. Now I see him more as a low-end #3 or a #4. I’d put him lower, but he does seem to produce even when the odds are against him.

The free agent signings and trades have changed the complexion of the 2010 NFL draft. Here’s my fourth look at the first round of the draft.

1.  St. Louis Rams:  Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
It appears as if Bradford’s decision to stay in school won’t cost him the #1 overall pick after all. He bulked up for the combine, and as long as his shoulder checks out, he’ll be the #1 pick.

2.  Detroit Lions:  Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions have added DT Corey Williams and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch making the likelihood of adding another piece to their defensive front slim. They will instead provide protection for Matthew Stafford. Okung had a terrific combine, showing his strength by finishing second with 38 bench press reps.

3.  Tampa Bay Buccaneeers:   Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Tampa Bay gets the luxury of deciding between Suh and Gerald McCoy. They both had strong showings at the combine, but Suh threw up nine more bench press reps and had a five inch edge in vertical.

4.  Washington Redskins:  Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
While I’m not enamored with either QB, I think they will both go in the top four. Every team feels the pressure to add a franchise QB, and the money allotted to the fourth slot makes it hard to pass on one.

5.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Bulaga has been rising up the rankings like wildfire. The Chiefs need help on their line and Bulaga is a good fit. They’ll need him to protect Matt Cassel and open holes for Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.

6.  Seattle Seahawks:  Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
McCoy could go #2 to the Lions or he could slide down the Seahawks. While they need help on the line, I believe they’ll address that with their second first round pick. McCoy is too good of a value to pass on here.

7.  Cleveland Browns:  Joe Haden, CB, Florida
The Browns will be tempted to select Eric Berry, but in the end will stick with Joe Haden, who fills a bigger need.

8.  Oakland Raiders:  Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Bruce Campbell’s 4.85 forty time virtually solidified that Al Davis will take the mammoth tackle.

9.  Buffalo Bills:  Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
While the Bills need help elsewhere, Berry comes at too good of a value to pass on.

10.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
The Jags need a pass rush, but they addressed that by signing Aaron Kampman. They instead turn their attention to the offensive side of the ball. The Torry Holt experiment failed miserably. The Jags will turn to the talented Dez Bryant to play opposite of Mike Sims-Walker.

11.  Denver Broncos:  Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
The Broncos beefed up their defensive line by adding Jamal Williams and Jarvis Green. They’ll continue to build on defense with ILB Rolando McClain to play opposite of D.J. Williams. However, if Bryant is there, he’ll likely be the pick.

12.  Miami Dolphins:  Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Williams is four for four landing with the Dolphins in my mock drafts. Williams is a great fit and fills a need for the Fins’ defense.

13.  San Franciso 49ers:  Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Davis didn’t do himself any favors at the combine, but he didn’t drop out of the top 15 either. He fills a need for the Niners.

14.  Seattle Seahawks:  Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
After surprisingly  have McCoy fall in their laps, they add his teammate Trent Williams to solidify their offensive line.

15.  New York Giants:  Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Now that safety isn’t as big of a need following the acquisition of Antrel Rolle, they can turn their attention to bolstering their defensive front. Morgan, who slid down thanks the to the aforementioned Kampman signing, lands with the G-men.

16.  Tennessee Titans:  Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Pierre-Paul did not disappoint at the combine, leading the Titans to grab him at the midway point of the first round. They Titans need to improve their pass rush in a big way.
Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe you went with Tim Lincecum early. That’s OK. That doesn’t mean you can’t make up the lost RBIs from not taking a bopper. Here are some value picks to help you out.

Bobby Abreu, OF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Abreu does it all. He’s reach 100+ RBIs in seven straight years.

Jorge Cantu, 1B/3B, Florida Marlins
Solid corner infield option. Has averaged 97.5 RBIs the past two season.

Vladimir Guerrero, DH, Texas Rangers
If Vlad can get OF eligibility, it will help his value even more. Regardless, the move to Texas should pay dividends for those willing to take a chance on him.

Carlos Pena, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
The average will scare people off, but rest assured there are 100+ RBIs in that bat.

Jhonny Peralta, 3B/SS, Cleveland Indians
Nice option for MI or as a backup at 3B and SS. Peralta has averaged 78 RBIs the past five years, and 86 the past two.

Carlos Quentin, OF, Chicago White Sox
The main question will be his health. If he can stay healthy, which has been a concern for Quentin, he should give you around 100 RBIs.

Cody Ross, OF, Florida Marlins
Ross had 90 RBIs last year for the Marlins. More of the same is likely.

Also check out:
Value SB Options
Value HR Options
Value Save Options
Value Strikeout Options
Value Win Options
Value ERA Options
Value WHIP Options
Value Batting Average Options
Value Runs Options

Here’s a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night.

Delonte West, Cleveland Cavaliers
West stepped up again with LeBron out. He had 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. I don’t imagine LeBron will be out too much longer, but West still has value in daily leagues.

Courtney Lee, New Jersey Nets
Lee erupted for 30 points on the Grizzlies. He’s on fire right now.

Terrence Williams, New Jersey Nets
Williams had a nice game with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. He’s averaging 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in his past five games.

Devean George & Reggie Williams, Golden State Warriors
George had 18 points while Williams had 28. Both performances pretty much came from nowhere. Keep Williams more on your radar. He’s been in double-figures in three of his five games this year.

Jose Juan Barea, Dallas Mavericks
This time it was Barea that stepped it up for the Mavs. He had 9 points and 9 assists against the Wolves. He’s averaging 8 points and 7 assists since Jason Terry went down.

Ryan Hollins, Minnesota Timberwolves
Hollins had a decent game with 13 points and 9 rebounds. He played well with Al Jefferson out so it was nice to see him continue following his return.

I’ve been invited to participate in Fantasy Trader’s fantasy football roundtable.

This week’s topic:
Given what we know (or think we know) about about Matt Leinart, what are your expectations for the Arizona Cardinals in 2010?

Click here for the full article.

My response:
I may be one of the only people that actually like the party boy. He has the talent and the pedigree. Maturity has been his main issue. He felt he was entitled to the job because he was a top draft pick. He didn’t work hard.

Now with the future Hall of Famer out of the picture, Leinart has the opportunity to seize the gig. He has had several years to study under one of the best, not only in his ability, but in the way he prepared for games. I’ll give Leinart the benefit of the doubt that he learned from that experience.

He has great weapons, with or without Anquan Boldin. The Cardinals should have an improved rushing attack with Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower. He won’t be required to throw as often as Warner did.

Though he failed to throw a TD this year, he did complete a career high 66.2% of his passes. I won’t say he looked totally comfortable when he spelled Kurt Warner against the Saints, but he managed to complete 7 of 10 passes for 61 yards.

I certainly wouldn’t want him as a fantasy starter, but he’s a nice low risk/high reward backup option. Before I draft him though, I want to see him take the OTAs and training camp seriously. If he shows me he’s serious, I’ll be serious about him. If not, I’ll contact Jeff Gillooly as a Larry Fitzgerald owner.

So you missed out on Dustin Pedroia or Hanley Ramirez. There are still plenty of runs out there.

Elvis Andrus, SS, Texas Rangers
With his speed and Texas’ offense, he should cross the plate often.

Erick Aybar, SS, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Aybar scored 70 last year for the Halos, but I expect him to approach 90 runs in 2010.

Juan Pierre, OF, Chicago White Sox
Pierre should have plenty of scoring opportunities leading off the White Sox order. Scott Podsednik had 75 runs for them last year.

Placido Polanco, 2B/3B, Philadelphia Phillies
He gets on base meaning the Phillies boppers will drive him in.

Also check out:
Value SB Options
Value HR Options
Value Save Options
Value Strikeout Options
Value Win Options
Value ERA Options
Value WHIP Options
Value Batting Average Options

Here’s a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night.

Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers
Holliday had 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. He’s up and down, but is a good option in daily leagues.

Jarrett Jack, Toronto Raptors
Jack had 20 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals. He ’s averaging 16.0 points and 4.4 assists over his past five games.

Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons
Maxiell played the Ben Wallace role well with 6 points and 16 rebounds. He’s averaging nine boards over his past five games.

Al Thornton, Washington Wizards
After a couple of bad games, Thornton responded in a big way with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals. He’ll likely be up and down, but is worth owning in most leagues.

Jerryd Bayless, Portland Trail Blazers
Bayless had 24 points and 5 assists. Consistency is an issue, but he’s useful in daily leagues.

I was fortunate enough to be asked to participate in the 2010 KFFL Fantasy Baseball Analysis Draft.

• Doug Anderson, RotoExperts.com
• Ray Flowers, Baseball Guys
• Eriq Gardner, The Hardball Times
• Steve Gardner, USA Today
• Collin Hager, FantasyPros911.com
• Joe Hamrahi, Baseball Prospectus
• Tim Heaney, KFFL.com
• Ryan Lester, Lester’s Legends
• Nicholas Minnix, KFFL.com
• Harold Nichols, Baseball HQ
• Jeff Paur, RTSports.com
• Pasko Varnica, Mastersball

I had the second overall pick.

Round 1 – Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida Marlins
With the second overall pick I chose Hanley Ramirez. He is a five category player averaging 117.5 runs, 25.8 HRs, 78.3 RBIs, 41 SBs, and a .316 average over the past four years.

I also considered Alex Rodriguez and Chase Utley, but Hanley, who is 26, offers more upside. I’m looking for Hanley to hit .330 with 115+ runs, 30 HRs, 100 RBIs, and 35 SBs.

Round 2 – Victor Martinez, C/1B, Boston Red Sox
The Catcher position is relatively deep, but there are only a couple that stand out. Victor Martinez is one of them. If his 56 game performance of things to come for Martinez, sign me up. He hit .336 with 32 runs, 8 HRs, and 41 RBIs.

Hitting third in the Red Sox lineup behind Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia should provide him ample opportunities to reach 100+ RBIs again. I am expecting a .310 season from him with 80 runs, 20 HRs, 110 RBIs.

Round 3 – Pablo Sandoval, 3B/1B, San Francisco Giants
With five players with third base eligibility going in the first 24 picks, the position is drying up rather quickly. Not that it’s a deep one to begin with. Pablo Sandoval should help maintain the high batting average I’ve established so far, while bring some power and run production. I’m predicting another .330 year for the Kung Fu Panda with 85 runs, 25 HRs, and 85 RBIs. If the Giants are able to add another bat, his RBI total should increase.

Round 4 – Zack Greinke, SP, Kansas City Royals
Greinke was an absolute beast last year going 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA, and a 1.07 WHIP. His ERA was the lowest in baseball last year. He also had 242 strikeouts, which was good for third in the league. Greinke was equally as effective, save for the win total, both before and after the All-Star Break. He’s just 26 and really coming into his own. I’m expecting a 15-8 record with 240 Ks, a 2.50 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP.

Round 5 – Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
I couldn’t resist going back-to-back with power pitchers. Verlander led the majors last year with 269 strikeouts. He also tied for the league lead with 19 wins and posted a respectable 3.45 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Verlander turns 27 this month and has been a force three of the past four years. I like that the Tigers locked him up to a long-term deal so he doesn’t have that distraction to deal with. I’m looking for a 18-8 season from Verlander with a 3.30 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 250 Ks.

Round 6 – Carlos Lee, OF, Houston Astros
A lot of outfielders have come off the board, and I figure it was time for me to get in the game. Though Lee will turn 34 this summer, he hasn’t shown signs of stopping. He’s hit .300 for four straight years, has had 99+ RBIs since 2003, and 26+ HRs since 2002. He’s not the slugger he once was, but in the sixth round he represents a good value.

Round 7 – Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Boston Red Sox
A couple of top closers already came off the board and there is a long time until I pick again. If I chose to wait on a closer here, I could be looking at scraps in the 8th round. Papelbon should be good for around 40 saves, a sub-2.00 ERA, a sub 1.000 WHIP, and 75 Ks.

Round 8 – Joakim Soria, RP, Kansas City Royals
Soria is one of the filthiest closers in the game. He should provide healthy save and strikeout totals with a microscopic ERA and WHIP. Securing a second elite closer should establish me as a leader in the saves category.

Round 9 – Michael Cuddyer, OF/1B, Minnesota Twins
By picking up Cuddy I now have additional first base flexibility. I can use at 1B, CI, or OF. He set a career high last year with 32 HRs. Cuddy will turn 31 next month so I expect him to continue to produce.

Round 10 – Denard Span, OF, Minnesota Twins
Span continued the recent tradition of quality Twins’ centerfielders (Puckett, Hunter), and quietly was their most important player not name Joe Mauer. He’s not going to give you a lot of power. That’s not his game. He will score a ton of runs, especially with Orlando Hudson solidifying the two-hole. He will also give you a healthy average and around 30 stolen bases.

Round 11 – Chad Billingsley, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Billingsley regressed a bit in 2009, but still managed to post a 4.03 ERA with a dozen wins. I see him posting numbers more like 2008 when he had a 16-10 record with a 3.14 ERA and 201 Ks.

Round 12 –  Placido Polanco, 2B/3B, Philadelphia Phillies
I think Polanco will do well in his new digs. He’s going to a much better lineup and to a better hitters’ park. Neither power nor speed are his game, but he should hit .300 or better with 90 runs, 10 HRs, 70 RBIs, and 5 SBs. He fills a hole for me at 2B and once he gets his 3B eligibility will give me added flexibility.

Round 13 – Corey Hart, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Hart was down last year hitting .260 with 12 HRs. He’ll turn 28 in March, and is a year removed from back-to-back 20-20 seasons. I can use both the power and the speed. I’ve built up my average enough so far that I can stomach the possible .260ish season he could have.

Round 14 – Yadier Molina, C, St. Louis Cardinals
In a two-catcher league I wanted to secure a solid number two. Molina is better known for his defense (back-to-back gold glove winner), but has hit .304 and .293 the past two years. He was also 11th and 12th among catchers in RBIs. Additionally, his 9 SBs last year are promising.

Round 15 – Frank Francisco, RP, Texas Rangers
Francisco recorded 25 saves for the Rangers last year. He also sported a nice WHIP of 1.12 and 57 Ks in 49-1/3 IP. C.J. Wilson had 14 saves for Texas last year so if Francisco can stay healthy 30+ saves with 75 Ks is not out of reach.

Round 16 – Franklin Gutierrez, OF, Seattle Mariners
Gutierrez makes a great fourth outfielder (or fifth depending on how my roster shakes out). He hit for average (.285) with decent runs (85), HRs (18), and SBs (16). He has the potential to have a 20-20 season. His RBI total should increase with the addition of Chone Figgins.

Round 17 – Octavio Dotel, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
After punting the saves category last year, I’m doing the opposite. Dotel is my 4th closer and should give me a leg up on the competition. His career 11.0 K/9 ratio  is an added benefit.

Rount 18 – Everth Cabrera, SS, San Diego Padres
Cabrera fills a need at MI as well as provides me a boost to the SB category. He had 25 in 103 games last year, and could challenge for 40 this year. I’m hoping for 80-90 runs as well.

Round 19 – Mark Buehrle, SP, Chicago White Sox
With my 4th pitcher I’m going with the steady Mark Buehrle. He doesn’t get a lot of K’s, but I’ve addressed that need earlier with Greinke and Verlander. You can pretty much pencil in 13-15 wins, a sub-4.00 ERA, and a sub-1.30 WHIP.

Round 20 – Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, Oakland A’s
I chose Kouzmanoff to fill my Corner Infield position. He has averaged 19.7 HRs and 82 RBIs the past three seasons. Having escaped PETCO, he should be able to at least match that production.

Round 21 – Josh Willingham, OF, Washington Nationals
Willingham is a decent source of late round power. He has averaged 21.5 HRs the past four seasons.

Round 22 – Derek Lowe, SP, Atlanta Braves
Lowe has had at least 12 wins every year dating back to 2002. His ERA & WHIP went to hell last year, but he’s a good candidate for a rebound.

Round 23 – Travis Snider, OF, Toronto Blue Jays
I figured I’d inject some youth in my lineup with Snider. Snider struggled in his first taste with the Jays, but has a ton of power potential.

Round 24 – Skip Schumaker, 2B/OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Skip gives me the flexibility to play him at 2B, MI, and OF. He’s hit .302 with 87 runs and .303 with 85 runs the past two years. Not much for SBs or HRs, but a good, solid bench player.

Round 25 – Garrett Atkins, 1B/3B, Baltimore Orioles
You can’t be happy with the way Atkins has been trending, but he has shown ability to be a four category producer. He also gives me positional flexibility.

Round 26 – Gil Meche, SP, Kansas City Royals
At this stage in the draft I’m looking for some pitching depth. I’m hoping Meche is more like his 2007 & 2008 version by giving me 10 wins, a sub-4.00 ERA, and 150 Ks.

Round 27 – Jesus Flores, C, Washington Nationals
At this point I’m looking for catcher depth. Hoping he can hold off Pudge. His BA & OPS have improved each year. All he needs is ABs.

Round 28 – Jose Guillen, OF, Kansas City Royals
He averaged 21.5 HRs and 98 RBIs in 2007 & 2008 making him worth a gamble at the end of the draft.