Atomic RoadRunners

Matt Diaz walked and scored twice while going 0-for-1 against the Tigers on Monday. The big storyline to watch in Braves camp right now is Jason Heyward, who has been on an absolute tear out of the gates to begin Grapefruit League play. If Heyward earns the starting job in right field, Diaz will platoon with Melky Cabrera and find himself in the lineup against southpaws throughout the season. (Rotowire)

Hitting with six-men on base, Matt Diaz went 0-for-3 with two strikeout Thursday versus the Pirates. Diaz would seem to deserve a chance to start regularly after hitting .313/.390/.488 in 371 at-bats last year, but it’s well worth noting that he was a pedestrian .255/.349/.400 against right-handers. If the Braves opt to carry Jason Heyward, they’d probably be better off with Melky Cabrera starting in left against righties, with Diaz returning to his usual lefty-bashing role. (Rotoworld)

While he is comfortable with a part-time role, Matt Diaz feels that he could be a productive everyday player, as well. “Yeah I would love that,” he said. “I feel like by not playing every day I do miss some slumps, but I also miss some hot streaks in there, too. So I don’t know if I’d be – I guess my career average is right at .310 – I don’t know if I’d .310, but I think I could be productive as a main guy, I really do.” Diaz batted .313/.390/.488 last season, posting career highs with 13 home runs and 58 RBI.  Depending on if the Braves promote top prospect Jason Heyward, he could be in line for a full-time job to start the season. (Rotowire)

Today we have the fourth installment in the my series of 2010 Protected List columns – The Fringe. These guys could go either way, with a lot of factors ultimately determining whether they make the cut. Of last year’s Fringe (Blake DeWitt, Jody Gerut, Chris Dickerson), two were protected, while hindsight said that I was 0-for-3 on that score. So, lesson learned, here goes this year’s attempt, in which I try to be more discerning:

John Baker
2 Years – $5
.271 Average, 59 Runs, 9 HR, 50 RBI, and 0 steals
Baker was selected in the 2009 auction, and didn’t seem to have that great a season. In fact, it often seemed that he was slumping and losing playing time to platoon partner Ronny Paulino, but his totals actually made his $5 salary worthwhile. Due to the Roadrunner roster crunch, it’s between Baker and Buster Posey, who is cheaper and has more upside.

Verdict: Release

Matt Diaz
2 Years – $5
.313 Average, 56 Runs, 13 HR, 58 RBI, and 12 steals
Seemingly as usual, Diaz was an early-season pickup and produced some decent numbers in a platoon in the Braves outfield, shared with Garrett Anderson. Normally a .280 hitter, the 2009 average was a surprise, as were the 12 steals. Most projection systems have him earning between $9-14 for 2010, so likely to be protected this year, unless the Braves sign Johnny Damon or Jermaine Dye in the next few days before the deadline.

Verdict: Probable Protection – Game Day Decision

[Update: Protected]

Mat Gamel
2 Years – $5
.242 Average, 11 Runs, 5 HR, 20 RBI, and 1 steal
Gamel was protected as a minor leaguer and was one of Milwaukee’s top prospects coming into 2010. He was called up in May, but languished on the bench, as the hot hand of Casey McGehee manned third base. A defensive liability, he has lost most of his luster as a hitter, his strong 2008 may now be an outlier.

Verdict: Release

Ryan Hanigan
2 Years – $5
.263 Average, 22 Runs, 3 HR, 11 RBI, and 0 steals
Hanigan took over from Ramon Hernandez in July, and at a glance, seemed to do a good job, especially when it came to batting average. However, reviewing his stats, there’s just nothing there. The re-signing of Hernandez by the Reds relegated Hanigan to backup duty again, and most agree that will be his role for the next decade.

Verdict: Release

Chase Headley
1 Year – $5
.262 Average, 62 Runs, 12 HR, 64 RBI, and 10 steals
Headley has been on the RoadRunners since midway through the 2007 season, when he was gunning for the Texas League MVP. Stuck in left field due to the arrival of Kevin Kouzmanoff the past two seasons, Headley should be the starter at the hot corner in 2010 with the Crushin’ Russian’s departure to Oakland. Headley’s numbers should look better at 3B, and those steals are a bit of a surprise.

Verdict: Protect

Angel Pagan
2 Years – $5
.306 Average, 54 Runs, 6 HR, 32 RBI, and 14 steals
Pagan was a great pickup mid-season, as he became a starter due to the injuries to Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church, who was later traded to Atlanta. .300 average and 14 steals should play everyday, but this is the Mets, who brought in Jason Bay this offseason. But then Carlos Beltran underwent knee surgery a few weeks ago, and may miss the first month or two of the season. To counter, the Mets took Lil’ Sarge, Gary Mathews, Jr. off the Angels’ hands, so now Pagan has to compete for the CF job, and eventual 4th OF slot. Too much risk for what would be my 4th OF slot. No thanks.

Verdict: Release

Brendan Ryan
2 Years – $5
.292 Average, 55 Runs, 3 HR, 37 RBI, and 14 steals
Another sneaky fast performer that was picked up mid-season, this time to replace the injured Jose Reyes on the roster. As a starting shortstop, Ryan will have to fend off prospect Travis Greene, as well as middle infield re-tread Julio Lugo, and may find himself batting ninth behind the pitcher due to manager Tony LaRussa’s whims. That said, you pretty much know what you get with him, though the average and steals are probably high-water marks. We’ll look for him as a pick-up or even minor league pick, but the roster spot is too valuable.

Verdict: Release

Edinson Volquez
1 Year – $2
4 Wins, 4.35 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 47 K’s (in 49 innings)
Volquez was the injury-challenge player acquired from Get Off Kong! in June (Jose Reyes went the other way, neither played again in 2009 – a wash). After several false-starts in rehab, Volquez underwent Tommy John surgery in August, and will likely miss most of the 2010 season, though he is targeting a mid-season return. The protected list isn’t a good place for rehab.

Verdict: Release

Sean West
2 Years – $5
8 Wins, 4.79 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 70 K’s (in 103 MLB innings)
West was called up from AA to fill in for the injured Andrew Miller in May, and he did alright the first time through the league. He had some great outings, and some rather pedestrian ones as well. He could likely use more seasoning, but would be a decent 5th starter type. But not worth a protected slot.

Verdict: Release

Trades:

• Atomic Roadrunners receives: Dodgers 3B Casey Blake
• The Pi Train receives: Rockies OF Brad Hawpe, Marlins 3B Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins RP Matt Lindstrom

FAAB Acquisitions:

• C/1B Jeff Clement, Pirates ($5 bid, reserve)
• 2B Rusty Ryal, Diamondbacks ($5 bid, active at MI)

Up:

• SP Sean West
• 1B Steve Pearce (to DH)
• OF Matt Diaz (replaces Hawpe)
• RP Nick Masset (replaces Lindstrom)

Moves:

• 3B Casey Blake replaces Bonifacio

Down:

• SP Johnny Cueto

Cut:

• SP Brandon Webb
• OF John Bowker
• SS Alex Cora

Notes:

• Mets SS Alex Cora is out for the year to have surgery on both wrists
• Reds SP Johnny Cueto on the 15-Day DL for a hip pointer

Up:

• OF Kyle Blanks
• RP Matt Lindstrom

Down:

• OF Matt Diaz
• RP Nick Masset

Notes:

• On July 31st, 1B Casey Kotchman was traded to the Boston Red Sox for the recently-acquired Adam LaRoche.  Kotchman is no longer protectable due to the trade.
• I bid $27 on new Reds 3B Scott Rolen, but was outbid.  Results: $82 Pirate Smokers, $81 Cover Zero, $45 X-Men, $45 Misogynistic Padres, $27 Atomic RoadRunners, $22 Get Off Kong!, $7 Stanimals
• I bid $27 on new Phillies starter Cliff Lee, but was outbid. Results: $100 Cover Zero, $82 Pirate Smokers, $81 Misogynistic Padres, $68 Shoeless Jews, $49 The Pi Train, $45 X-Men, $44 Get Off Kong!, $27 Atomic Roadrunners
• I bid $21 on new Giants 1B Ryan Garko, but was outbid. Results: $55 Misogynistic Padres, $45 X-Men, $21 Atomic Roadrunners, $20 Get Off Kong!

Braves OF Matt Diaz went 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs scored Thursday afternoon against the Reds in Cincinnati. It was his third home run of the season. Despite the home run, Diaz is not a player we recommend starting in any Fantasy league. He does not play every day and is more of a reserve outfielder for the Braves. He should only be considered in the deepest of NL-only leagues. (CBS Sports)

Trade:

• OF Conor Jackson (along with AaRr 12th-Round Minor League Draft) to The Pi Train, for his 4th-Round Minor League Draft in 2010.

FAAB Acquisitions:

• DH Jake Fox, Cubs ($3, add to actives)
• SP Mat Latos, Padres ($0, reserve)

Up:

• P Matt Lindstrom
• P Sean West
• OF Matt Diaz

Down:

• DH Brian Barden
• P Kyle McClellan
• P Kenshin Kawakami
• OF Austin Kearns

Cut:

• OF Jonny Gomes

Notes:

• San Diego RP Edward Mujica was a backup pickup if Fox wasn’t acquired.  He was picked up by Get Off Kong!
• Conor Jackson may not return this season, due to his contraction of Valley Fever.  He’s currently on the 15-Day DL, and based on his $16 price tag and .190 batting average, he probably isn’t a candidate to be protected.

FAAB Acquisitions:

• SP Randy Wells, Cubs ($7 bid, activate)
• RP Dan Meyer, Marlins ($0 bid, activate)

Up:

• 3B Brian Barden (to DH)
• RP Kyle McClellan

Down:

• OF Matt Diaz (from DH)
• SP Todd Wellemeyer
• SP Chad Gaudin

Cut:

• SP Mitchell Boggs
• SP Felipe Paulino

Matt Diaz went 3-for-5 with two RBI as the Braves rallied late to crush the Mets 8-3 on Monday night. Diaz is a rare player who hits well against starter Johan Santana, as he was 8-for-15 against him before Monday. While the final results might not suggest it, this game was a pitcher’s duel early on, with Derek Lowe and Johan Santana both looking very strong over the first six innings. The Braves jumped all over the Mets bullpen in the seventh, though, when Diaz broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run single and then scored on another two-run single by Casey Kotchman in the following at-bat. Diaz is hitting .258 with 13 RBI on the season. Diaz has gotten back to playing almost exclusively against left-handers after a brief period of playing every day, and he should get his batting average back over .300 as a result. Playing less than every day, he won’t matter much in Fantasy, but he can help as a fourth or fifth outfielder in NL-only Rotisserie leagues. (Rotoworld, Rotowire, CBS Sports)

FAAB Acquisitions:

• C Robinzon Diaz, Pirates ($0 bid, reserve)

Up:

• OF Matt Diaz (to DH)

Down:

• OF Conor Jackson

Move:

• DH Austin Kearns to OF

Cut:

• RP Juan Gutierrez

Notes:

• Lost on bidding for Marlins 2B/OF Chris Coghlan.  I bid $5, as did Pi Train, but Get Off Kong! bid $11
• Lost on bidding for new Cubs 3B/OF Ryan Freel.  I bid $3, as did Get Off Kong!, but Misogynistic Padres bid $5
• Conor Jackson was placed on the 15-Day DL (illness) after the transaction deadline.  I had already decided to send him down.

Atlanta LF Matt Diaz went 2-for-4 in a 7-5 loss to the Astros on Sunday, hitting his first triple of the season and adding a triple. Diaz drove in one and scored once in the game, striking out on one occasion as well. Diaz is off to a pretty slow start to the season, hitting only .233 with two homers and 11 RBI. He is not an everyday player with the Braves but does have some power and hits well for contact. He is only worth using in the deepest of NL-only leagues until he somehow finds a way to get everyday ABs. (CBS Sports)

Matt Diaz had a two-run go-ahead single in a 2-1 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday night. The Cardinals’ bullpen strikes again. Even though they had plenty of opportunities against Kyle Lohse, the Braves offense was unable to break through until the eighth. Diaz singled off Kyle McClellan with the bases loaded to plate two and give the Braves a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Diaz will continue to get plenty of at-bats as long as Garret Anderson is out. Left-handed Brandon Jones started on Monday, but it looks like the two won’t platoon while Garret Anderson is on the DL. Diaz will likely get the bulk of starts in right field. (Rotoworld)

Matt Diaz went 2-for-4 with a double, a homer and two RBI in a loss to the Nationals on Monday night. Diaz has played pretty well when he’s gotten into the lineup. Still, he isn’t likely to play regularly unless Garret Anderson is injured for a prolonged period of time, which isn’t exactly unthinkable. Diaz got the start against rookie right-hander Jordan Zimmermann because Garret Anderson (left quad) was unavailable. Anderson is day-to-day, but he was just getting over a calf injury as well so he might sit out a few more games, allowing Diaz to see some additional playing time. (Rotoworld, Rotowire)

Versatile to play four infield positions, Brian Barden, the former Diamondbacks prospect, is in a good situation with the Cardinals. He’s half of the 3B platoon while Troy Glaus is out (through June, at least), and he’s also capable at SS and 2B. He can play 1B, but usually Chris Duncan will fill in for Pujols first. Barden has been seeing some time at short and will find himself in the lineup as long as he can remain productive. His ceiling is not very high, so this could end fairly quickly. However, anyone on this type of run is worth taking a flier on in NL-only play at least. He already has 3 HR and a .391 average in just 23 at-bats so far.

Braves OF Matt Diaz is finding his way into more playing time in Atlanta. Diaz will continue to make on-and-off starts for the Braves this season. He’s an excellent contact hitter with above-average pop, but because he doesn’t get regular at-bats, he’s not worth owning outside of deeper NL-only leagues. However, with platoon-mate Garrett Anderson hitting the Disabled List for a strained quadriceps, Diaz looks to be the go-to-guy in left, at least through April.

Diamondbacks reliever Juan Gutierrez wasn’t high on the closer food chain, but he has already moved past Jon Rauch to sit closer to manager Bob Melvin in his bullpen Circle of Trust. (Rotowire) Gutierrez has long-term potential, but he is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point. Acquired from Houston in the Jose Valverde-Chad Qualls del, Gutierrez has been very solid this season, and he struck out five in two scoreless innings Sunday, and looked good doing it.

Houston starter Felipe Paulino has teased us in the past. Once a high-profile (at least for the Astros) starter, injuries have cost Paulino most of 2007, and he was ineffective last season. However, in a spot start filling in for the injured Brian Moehler, he did not allow a run on three hits over six innings on Sunday against the Reds but still didn’t pick up the win. Paulino was saddled with a no decision as the Reds ended up winning by besting Geoff Geary later in the game. Paulino walked two and had six K’s. “We got a great start from Paulino,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “I think he did a terrific job today. He just kind of ran out of pitches a little bit, but I thought he was really overpowering, and he opened a lot of eyes.” Paulino was called up to make this start from Triple-A. If it was up to us, Paulino would not be going down to the minors again so soon after Sunday’s performance. He was dazzling while in the game. Paulino had only three career starts coming in to Sunday’s game and he was 2-1 with a 7.11 in 2006. Paulino was a top pitching prospect before arm injuries set him back. It seems his career is on track and now Houston will give him a shot. Consider him a NL-only Fantasy SP unless the matchups are great in his favor. That won’t be in Week 3 (April 20-26) however as he only pitches once against the Brewers and Yovani Gallardo on Friday. (CBS Sports)