Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

Courtesy of RotoWorld:

Johnny Estrada
Johnny Estrada finished 2-for-3 with a homer on Thursday and is batting .477 this spring. The Diamondbacks quickly abandoned thoughts of hitting Estrada second and they’re going to sit him in favor of Chris Snyder against most lefties, so it’s going to he tough for the ex-Brave to generate a lot of fantasy value. Still, he will have Chase Field helping him out. .285-10-60 is within reach.

Adrian Gonzalez
The Padres confirmed Thursday that Ryan Klesko (shoulder) would begin the year on the disabled list, making Adrian Gonzalez the team’s Opening Day first baseman. Geoff Blum could also see some action at first base against left-handers. Klesko will have to sit out at least the first six games.

Rich Aurilia
Rich Aurilia homered and walked in three plate appearances Thursday against the Red Sox. Aurilia’s nearly been a forgotten man with Tony Womack getting most of the starts at second base and Ryan Freel obviously being the best choice to get most of the starts at second base. Aurilia’s a better solution than Womack if Freel’s not going to be used, but he might start out getting the majority of his playing time as a first baseman against lefties.

Ryan Franklin
Ryan Franklin will begin the season in the bullpen, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel confirmed on Thursday. Franklin wasn’t a very good bet in NL-only leagues as a starter, and while he will be a candidate for wins while pitching in middle relief, there should be better alternatives out there for fantasy teams.