If you’re looking for proven talent to add to your fantasy baseball team, particularly in the later rounds of a draft, it can a difficult feat to pull off. More than likely you’ll be weighing the pros and cons of picking up an established major leaguer looking to bounce back from an injury. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest names looking to return to form coming into the 2010 season:
National League:
Brandon Webb (P), Arizona – The former Cy Young winner underwent right shoulder surgery last August, ending his 2009 season after just four innings on the mound, and looks to return to his 22-7 form from 2008. As of March 13, however, it’s looking like Webb will be on the disabled list to start the season so there isn’t going to be much of any indicator of his health to be found in spring training.
David Wright (3B), NY Mets – Nagging injuries kept Wright’s power numbers well below his norm in 2009 as he finished with just 10 home runs in 535 at bats. But so far this spring it appears his pop is back and Wright will likely return to his status as a premier third baseman. He is a consistent .300 hitter and should easily return to 25+ home run territory. Definitely worth the risk if he’s available in your draft.
Jose Reyes (SS), NY Mets - Wright’s teammate’s status is much more uncertain. Reyes played in just 36 games in 2009 and early in the spring it was discovered he had a hyperactive thyroid gland, resulting in his being prohibited from any type of physical exertion. The plan is to rest for anywhere from two to eight weeks, meaning in all likelihood Reyes will be on the DL when the season starts. From there, it’s anyone’s guess when / if he returns to form.
Carlos Zambrano (P), Cubs – The 2009 season was a big disappointment for Cubs fans and Zambrano certainly played a role in the team’s failure to live up to expectations. His nine wins were his lowest since 2002 but most of his numbers across the board were otherwise in line with previous campaigns. Zambrano arrived in camp this year in outstanding shape and appears to be dedicated to again becoming the staff ace in Chicago. If he can avoid the temper tantrums that have been an issue in previous years, Zambrano could have the Cubs back in the playoff hunt and should post impressive numbers along the way.
Corey Hart (RF), Milwaukee – Hart had put up solid numbers in 2007 and 2008 before suffering a significant drop off in 2009. A bout with appendicitis ended his season two months early, finishing with just 12 home runs and 48 RBI in 115 games. But he arrived at camp some 20 pounds lighter this year as he looks to regain his speed and power figures. Given the strong lineup around him, chances are good his numbers will again be solid if the health problems are behind him.
American League
Ben Sheets (P) and Justin Duchscherer (P), Oakland – Both these pitchers are in the same boat as they look to return to form after missing the entire 2009 season. In 2008, Duchscherer was the ace of the young A’s staff and an All Star, finishing with a 2.54 ERA that would have been tied for the league lead had he pitched enough innings. In 2009 elbow problems and a bout with depression kept him on the sidelines and his activity has been carefully guarded in the spring so far. Sheets, who has battled a variety of injuries over the years in Milwaukee, impressed the Oakland brass enough to warrant a $10 million one-year deal but has struggled in training camp, including giving up 10 runs and failing to record an out in a March 15th outing that ballooned his ERA to 31.15. Both these guys would appear to be high risks for any fantasy leaguer, but may be worth a shot if your team’s pitching is a question mark otherwise.
Jake Peavy (P), Chicago White Sox – Peavy was finally moved to the AL late in 2009 and after recovering from an ankle injury made three impressive starts for the White Sox that have piqued interest heading into 2010. While there are concerns that a move to the AL and a less pitcher-friendly park could have a negative effect, if Peavy is healthy he should be among the elite starters in the AL. So far he has shown no signs of problems in the spring.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (P), Boston – Dice K was a shell of his 2008 self during the 2009 season, with an ERA that nearly doubled to 5.76 and just 59 innings pitched as a groin injury (which he failed to report) caused all kinds of issues with his mechanics. As of March 16 he is still in wait and see mode for his first spring appearance but did report to camp in better shape and from all reports is committed to returning to the form that led him to an 18-3 record and 2.90 ERA in 2008.
Josh Hamilton (OF), Texas - Two stints on the DL in 2009 limited Hamilton to 336 at bats and numbers far below those of 2008 when he broke out with a .304 average, 32 HRs and 130 RBI. He’ll now be moved to LF in hopes of limiting the demands on his body defensively and still plays in a very hitter-friendly park with the Rangers. So far he’s had some bumps and bruises in camp that have limited his plate appearances but Hamilton is definitely worth consideration in any AL draft.
There you have it, a quick review of some of the potential bounceback players for 2010. While there is no such thing as a “sure thing”, these established players might be just what you need to put your team over the top. That is, IF they perform to their pre-injury levels.
Good luck!
In all likelihood, Chipper Jones has played his final game in the majors. He had already been contemplating retirement at age 38. Thursday, it was determined that he had torn his ACL and will be out for the rest of the season.
was an unknown who created a buzz that eventually led to sellouts at home – nearly doubling a typical Tigers’ home game crowd – and on the road. Strasburg has achieved unparalleled popularity out of the gate.
