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Three for Free
by Geoffrey Stein on April 08 2009
Here is this week`s look at Three for Free -- three players available as free agents in most leagues that have the potential to make a significant impact somewhere down the line.
P Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals
The scab covering the wound at the backend of the Cardinals` bullpen was torn off on Opening Day after fireballer Jason Motte gave up four runs in his first save opportunity against the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates.
Motte won the closer spot after an impressive spring, but his lack of end-game experience showed on Monday as fastball after fastball sailed across the middle of the plate. Not surprisingly, they were pounded.
While Motte isn`t out as the door-slammer in St. Louis, one has to imagine that Tony LaRussa will put the youngster on a short leash. Should LaRussa go to option No. 2, the new closer would likely be Franklin, who saved 17 games last season with the Cardinals.
Franklin`s worth an add in deep leagues, leagues with a big bench and for those currently counting on Motte to produce saves. Don`t drop Motte, though, as he still has a shot at being a very good closer.
OF Brett Gardner, New York Yankees
Very rarely does a member of the Yankees fly under the radar. Very rarely does a player capable of stealing 20-plus bases fly under the radar. Somehow, Gardner, who is a member of the Yankees capable of stealing 20-plus bases, is flying under the radar.
Gardner, who stole 13 bases in 42 games last season, beat out Melky Cabrera this spring to claim the Yankees CF job. He provided plenty of excitement on Opening Day with a hit, run scored and near bunt for a hit; he also cut down a runner trying to score on a sacrifice fly at home plate.
As a hitter in the Yankees` lineup, Gardner will unquestionably score runs as long as he can get on base. He won`t do much in the power categories, but he`s worth grabbing for teams needing more in the speed categories.
P Ryan Perry, Detroit Tigers
With three runs allowed on three hits and two walks in his first inning of the season, it`s becoming rather obvious that P Brandon Lyon isn`t going to be closing for the Tigers any time soon.
Current closer Fernando Rodney has the tools, but has never been able to effectively shut down games at the major league level. It wouldn`t be a surprise to see him struggle when called upon.
Next in line would likely be Perry, the Tigers` first-round selection in 2008, who will make his major league debut with his first appearance of the season.
How Perry performs at the big league level is still a huge question, but his spring numbers were fantastic and his stuff drew fantastic reviews from oppposing Grapefruit League managers.
Perry should only be considered in AL-Only leagues at this point. Should he perform well in middle relief, be ready to grab him in all other leagues.
P Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals
The scab covering the wound at the backend of the Cardinals` bullpen was torn off on Opening Day after fireballer Jason Motte gave up four runs in his first save opportunity against the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates.
Motte won the closer spot after an impressive spring, but his lack of end-game experience showed on Monday as fastball after fastball sailed across the middle of the plate. Not surprisingly, they were pounded.
While Motte isn`t out as the door-slammer in St. Louis, one has to imagine that Tony LaRussa will put the youngster on a short leash. Should LaRussa go to option No. 2, the new closer would likely be Franklin, who saved 17 games last season with the Cardinals.
Franklin`s worth an add in deep leagues, leagues with a big bench and for those currently counting on Motte to produce saves. Don`t drop Motte, though, as he still has a shot at being a very good closer.
OF Brett Gardner, New York Yankees
Very rarely does a member of the Yankees fly under the radar. Very rarely does a player capable of stealing 20-plus bases fly under the radar. Somehow, Gardner, who is a member of the Yankees capable of stealing 20-plus bases, is flying under the radar.
Gardner, who stole 13 bases in 42 games last season, beat out Melky Cabrera this spring to claim the Yankees CF job. He provided plenty of excitement on Opening Day with a hit, run scored and near bunt for a hit; he also cut down a runner trying to score on a sacrifice fly at home plate.
As a hitter in the Yankees` lineup, Gardner will unquestionably score runs as long as he can get on base. He won`t do much in the power categories, but he`s worth grabbing for teams needing more in the speed categories.
P Ryan Perry, Detroit Tigers
With three runs allowed on three hits and two walks in his first inning of the season, it`s becoming rather obvious that P Brandon Lyon isn`t going to be closing for the Tigers any time soon.
Current closer Fernando Rodney has the tools, but has never been able to effectively shut down games at the major league level. It wouldn`t be a surprise to see him struggle when called upon.
Next in line would likely be Perry, the Tigers` first-round selection in 2008, who will make his major league debut with his first appearance of the season.
How Perry performs at the big league level is still a huge question, but his spring numbers were fantastic and his stuff drew fantastic reviews from oppposing Grapefruit League managers.
Perry should only be considered in AL-Only leagues at this point. Should he perform well in middle relief, be ready to grab him in all other leagues.
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