Below are player projections for the most and least valuable of fantasy commodity on their teams. Projections are based on a 5×5 format in a standard ten-player league.
Part 8 of 30: Colorado Rockies
Who is going to pitch for the Rockies? Who knows, but it’s going to be fun in Colorado for fantasy owners. They are going to score a ton of runs, give up a brutal number as well, and play some of the season’s longest games. If they can get any mileage out of their rotation they can contend in an NL West that may crown a champion with a 90-win season.
Projected Roto MVP: Carlos Gonzalez (2011 fantasy line: .295/26/92/92/20)
There will be some disappointed that Troy Tulowitzki isn’t being named here and they have a compelling argument. However, the belief here is a healthy Cargo can post a .318/33/115/118/22 line this fantasy season and potentially compete for MVP honors. Carlos Gonzalez is a must-have five category fantasy star.
Projected Roto Flop: Ramon Hernandez (2011 fantasy line: .282/12/36/28/0)
Who were you expecting, Todd Helton? Ramon Hernandez will be 36 in May and catchers not named Carlton Fisk typically begin their steep decline around this time. Plus, as noted above, he might be partaking in long games given the Rockies pitching staff. Back-up Wilin Rosario is over a year removed from a ligament injury to his knee and could begin seeing regular playing time by mid-year if his power progresses as projected.
Projected Roto Surprise: Jeremy Guthrie (2011 fantasy line: 9/4.33/130/1.34)
Finally free from the grips of the Baltimore Orioles, Jeremy Guthrie has a chance to prove himself for a team that will hammer the ball in 2012 and should contend through at least August. A pending free agent at the end of the season, Guthrie could shine for fantasy owners if he can keep his WHIP reasonable.
Top Roto Prospect: Drew Pomeranz (2011 fantasy line: N/A)
A former first round pick that came over in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal with Cleveland possesses a nasty curve ball and solid velocity. He will need a good spring for the Rockies to make the team, however Drew Pomeranz may very well help the Colorado fans finally forget Jeff Francis.
Notes: Michael Cuddyer will qualify at 2B in most fantasy formats…Casey Blake is only a stop-gap for the Rockies until the powerful Nolan Arenado is ready for 3B…Coming off of Tommy John surgery, best estimates guess that Jorge de la Rosa could be ready to return to the majors near mid-year at best…New closer Rafael Betancourt walks virtually no one (8 walks in 62.1 innings pitched last year), therefore, even if he can’t hold the job long term he certainly won’t be a WHIP or ERA killer.
Sources: Yahoo! Sports
cbssports.com
Robert Watkins is former investment professional and partner. A life-long baseball fan and twenty year fantasy veteran, he lives with his family in Glen Mills, Pa. Robert is a frequent contributor to Yahoo! Sports and News.
Additional Yahoo! contributions by this writer:
A Fan’s Fantasy Baseball Take: Johan Santana Has Entered the Building
Embrace Curtis Granderson: A Fan’s Take in Fantasy Baseball 2012
With Casey McGehee Signed, the Battle for the Pirates Third Base Job Commences: A Fan’s Take