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 5 of 30: Chicago Cubs
Theo Epstein certainly has his work cut out for him in Chicago. The cubs won just 71 games in 2011 and little has been done to improve what’s a strange mix of veterans and underachieving youngsters. Expect another long season as they attempt to rebuild under Epstein for the future.
Projected Roto MVP: Sterling Castro (2011 fantasy line: .307/10/66/91/22)
What’s there not to like about Starling Castro? He will be just 22 years of age to start the season. As a lead-off hitter, he does just about everything well. This may not be the year, but expectations should be high he develops power as his career progresses. Castro is an extreme bright spot and building block on a team in transition.
Projected Roto Flop: Ian Stewart (2011 fantasy line: .156/0/6/14/3; 122 ABs)
Ian Stewart carries a .236 career batting average. He has struck out 396 times in 1242 career ABs or approximately once every three official plate appearances. Last year Stewart didn’t manage a home run in 122 ABs with the Rockies. There is little reason to believe things will be different in Chicago where his surrounding line-up is worse.
Projected Roto Surprise: Travis Wood (2011 fantasy line: 6/4.84/76/1.49)
At just 25 years of age, Travis Wood was shipped out of Cincinnati in exchange for Sean Marshall. While the Reds receive a solid middle reliever, the Cubs may eventually trump Cincinnati with the deal. A former second round pick, Wood possesses much better control than he displayed last season and the Cubs would be foolish not to do everything possible to get him 30-plus starts this year.
Top Roto Prospect: Anthony Rizzo (2011 fantasy line: .141/1/9/9/2; 128 ABs)
Throughout his minor league career Anthony rizzo has tore up pitchers with both power and average. He was the key to the deal that sent Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox. Now, he has been reacquired by Theo Epstein, this time as a member of the Cubs. If he is good enough for Epstein to give up Andrew Cashner, he should be good enough for you to take a chance on this fantasy season. Deep leagues only.
Notes: Expect a big bounce back from Carlos Marmol, re-establishing himself as one of the league’s premier closers…At 36, do not expect Alfonso Soriano to improve on last year’s .244 BA…at 29, Brian LaHair is a stop-gap until Anthony Rizzo can take the first baseman role full time…Chris Volstad gave up 23 homers in 165.2 innings for the Marlins – it will be worse in Chicago.
Sources: Yahoo! Sports
Robert Watkins is former investment professional and partner. A life-long baseball fan, he lives with his family in Glen Mills, Pa., and is a frequent contributor to Yahoo! Sports and News.
Additional Yahoo! contributions by this writer:
Believe in Jake Peavy This Fantasy Baseball Season: A Fan’s Take
A Fan’s Take on Fantasy Baseball 2012: Will the Real Alex Rios, Please Stand Up?