Putz sits atop Mariners fantasy ranks
Many fantasy fans prefer to stock their rosters full of players from their favorite team, as opposed to players who make a living playing for a feared rival. Wouldn't you rather go through the season checking Ichiro's stats every night, instead of a player from another American League West team?
If competing for a title feels empty without having a bunch of Mariners on your team, here are 10 guys to focus on come draft day: (Here it is just three former Appleton alums)
1. J.J. Putz RP $25
Putz came out of nowhere to end up among the 2006 save leaders, with 36. But is he a one-year wonder? He's shaved a run or more off his ERA in each of the past two seasons. While it's doubtful Putz will put up a sub-2.00 ERA in 2007, he remains a great bet for excellent numbers with an arsenal that includes a 95-mph fastball, a plus slider and an above-average splitter. Not convinced? Consider this: with no other notable relievers in Seattle's bullpen, you can bet on Putz getting all the save opportunities the Mariners have to give.
Others with Appleton ties on the list are:
4. Felix Hernandez SP $18
The King's coronation was delayed just a bit, but all the skills that will lead to his ascension were as advertised. Hernandez was the victim of some bad luck, a few ill-timed pitches and an inordinate amount of homers given his fly-ball percentage. All he has to do is keep pitching like he has been, and he'll be fine. The addition of Miguel Batista was partially made to provide Hernandez with a good influence in the clubhouse. Focus on the fact that he had one of the better ground-ball ratios in baseball and a 3/1 K/BB ratio, and invest for this year. After not living up to the hype, he'll scare some people off, but don't be one of them.
5. Raul Ibanez OF $16
The 34-year-old Ibanez -- apparently inspired by the same offseason motivational tape as fellow veteran Jermaine Dye -- somehow managed to lead American League outfielders with a career-high 123 RBIs last season, blowing the 86 he averaged from 2002-05 clear out of the water. Ibanez's emergence was one few outside of Seattle saw coming on draft day. Still, common-sense skepticism says that Ibanez is unlikely to repeat his career year, especially if his .243 batting average against left-handers and/or his declining second-half strikeout rate carries over into 2007. Bank on a return to earth in the form of a .275-25-100 output.
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