Mets Sign Gary Sheffield

April 3, 2009

Flickr, By lakelandlocal

Flickr, By lakelandlocal

Earlier today the Mets signed Gary Sheffield.  Marred by injuries over the past few years of his career, Sheffield is still a productive hitter when he plays.  Last season he hit 19 homers in 418 at-bats, but had a dismal .225 batting average.  The year before, Sheffield hit .265 with 25 homers and 22 steals in 494 at-bats.   But at 40 years of age, Sheffield’s fantasy baseball value is severely limited because he is not a full-time player.  Instead, the Mets plan to use Sheffield as their top pinch hitter off the bench.

We recommend that you keep a close eye on the Mets outfield.  Ryan Church started off strong in 2008, but was never the same after suffering a severe concussion.  Likewise, the Mets other corner outfield spot belongs to unproven Daniel Murphy.  Murphy showed a lot of promise in the minors and in the Bigs last year, but is far from a sure thing. 

The Mets will not hesitate to start Sheffield if either Church or Murphy falter.  Sheffield is a proven, albeit injury-prone, talent and, for a team built to win now, he could get more playing time than one would expect.  If Sheffield gets 300 at-bats, which is a real possibility, he is worth owning in many NL-Only leagues.

Written by Evan Rosen · Filed Under Player News | 2 Comments 

James McDonald – Stud, Dud, Or None Of The Above?

April 3, 2009

Yesterday, the Dodgers announced that James McDonald will be their fifth starter.  Overshadowed by the phenom known as Clayton Kershaw, McDonald has an impressive minor league pedigree of his own to boast about. 

McDonald has succeeded at every level of the minors.  Last season, spent mostly in Double A, McDonald tossed 118.2 innings, let up only 98 hits, walked 46 batters, struck out 113 and had a 3.19 ERA and 1.21 Whip.  He proved himself ready for the Big Show and was promoted to the majors on September 1, 2008.  Demonstrating poise and no nervousness, McDonald pitched 22 innings for the Dodgers and continued his minor league success.  He let u ponly 17 hits, walked 7, struck out an impressive 28, and had a 3.63 ERA and 1.07 Whip.

Last year was not an abberation; McDonald also had a great year in 2007.  Split between High A ball and Double A, McDonald threw 134.2 Innings, let up only 121 hits, walked 37, struck out 168 and had a 3.07 ERA and 1.17 Whip.

McDonald has three major league pitches: a fastball that sits around 90-91, a good curveball, and a changeup.  His control is improving, but was a bit of an issue last season.  Still, he has succeeded at every level, and the hits-to-innings pitched ratio suggests that he is difficult to hit.  The main challenge for McDonald will be whether his stamina will hold up since he has never thrown more than a 142 innings in a season. 

As a rookie fifth starter McDonald should not be relied on to be a fantasy stud.  But his minor league and major league numbers suggest he won’t be a dud either.  He is worth picking up in NL-Only leagues and stashing on the bench to see how he performs in his first few starts.

Written by Evan Rosen · Filed Under Player News | Leave a Comment