EEEEEEE-Mail (and Andrew too)

If you ever have a question and want to e-mail me during the day, your best option is to use this address: BNielsen@bssd.net. Because of the school districts crazy filters (cannot even get onto google sometimes) this will be the best way to get a hold of me during the day.

With that, onto the worst team in the league last year – Andrew Wessley.

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Keeper Review – Team Wessley (still waiting on a name that I like)

Chosen Keepers
C.C. Sabathia
Justin Verlander
Russell Martin

Draft Picks Lost
11th, 27th and 28th Round picks
(Note: Andrew also has an additional 10th round pick via a trade with Erik)

Last Year Fantasy Point Total (position rank)
Sabathia – 704 (2)
Verlander – 489 (15)
Martin – 411 (3)

Players Not Kept of Note
Francisco Liriano
Pedro Martinez
Joe Mauer
Dustin Pedroia
Carlos Guillen
Kevin Youkilis
Brandon Phillips
Nick Markakis
Todd Helton

Thoughts:
Keeping the second best fantasy pitcher from last season for a mere 28th round pick was not too hard of a decision for Andrew (nor would it be for anyone else besides Joel). Justin Verlander should see increased value given his power pitching nature and the tremendous run support he should be receiving. Russell Martin was kept at good value given how shallow the catchers pool is this season.

To expect C.C. to have the kind of year this year as he did last year would be insane. Some would suggest that since he is in a contract year that he will perform just as well. The same could be said of Carlos Zambrano last year and he was very inconsistent until he signed a deal midway through the year. Andrew can attest to his inconsistency. Given the strength of the American League Central from an offensive point of view (with the possible exception of the Royals), it should not be a given that Sabathia has a tremendous year. Sabathia set career marks in strikeouts, innings pitched, wins and ERA. It was also the first time since 2002 he had thrown over 200 innings in a season. There also must be concern with his heavy work load (241 innings) he endured last season and if he will remain healthy all season. On the up side, he is only 27 and is entering his prime.

Verlander was not subject to a sophomore slump last year, going 18-6 with a 3.66 ERA, 183 strikeouts and a no-hitter in slightly over 200 innings of work. As mentioned earlier, Verlander should expect great run support this season which may make him a 20-game winner this season. One point of concern is that he has thrown 400-plus regular and post season innings in his first two full seasons in the big leagues. How Verlander’s arm reacts to that stress is a question mark. Still, Andrew should expect an excellent season from Verlander and is a steal as an 11th round pick.

Russell Martin is among the five best offensive catchers in the game. At age 25, Martin can expect to improve even more this season, his third in the big leagues. Martin flirted with .300 and 20 homers last year and was only 13 RBI short of 100. His 21 stolen bases is an added bonus. Martin did strikeout more often last season, but he does have a president for walking nearly as many times as he strikes out. Andrew should expect Martin to be in the top three of catchers by the end of the season.