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Fantasy Baseball Spring Training News and Notes for 3/7/16
Cano Showing No Ill Effects From Off-Season Surgery
Robinson Cano's 2015 Spring Training stats gave no indication that he was going to struggle for the first three months of the regular season. But that is exactly what happened when he hit .251 with six home runs during the first half due to hernia issues. Cano would turn things around in the second half by hitting .331 with 15 home runs, but as many of his owners will attest, it was a painful process to get there.
Double off-season hernia surgery has left Cano saying that he is already feeling better this spring than he did all of last season. He now has more movement in his hips, something Cano put on display during his third spring game when he went 1-3 with a two-run homer. A healthy Cano should have no problem reproducing 2014's .314 average with 2015's 21 home runs. His best season with Seattle is upcoming. Our experts have Cano ranked as the 3rd best 2B of 2016, and that seems about accurate considering his healthy Spring so far.
Rumors of Michael Brantley Returning Early True?
While Cleveland was initially hesitant to deviate from Michael Brantley's recovery process as spring was approaching, his performance so far in Spring Training has management softening their stance. Manager Terry Francona admitted as much recently when he told reporters "I don't think it's going to be that long." This is wondrous news for fantasy owners. Brantley is one of fantasy's best young outfielders, an exciting multi-tool player who has yet to display his full potential.
If Brantley were to return over a month early, that would add significant value to a player who may come with an injury discount on draft day. The next step in his recovery is hitting, and as long as Brantley doesn't suffer any setbacks, he could find his way into Spring Training games sooner rather than later. The real test will be seeing how his surgically-repaired shoulder responds to power swings. The home runs may come back slowly, but the speed and high average should be there right away.
Austin Jackson Signs With the White Sox
Speculation began to run rampant about Austin Jackson's final destination after he spurred a recent offer from the Angels, but those rumors were put to bed Sunday as the White Sox announced he would be joining their team. Jackson has signed on for one year to be Chicago's center fielder in hopes of rebuilding his free agent stock for next season. Splitting time between the Mariners and Cubs last season, Jackson hit .267 with nine home runs and 17 stolen bases.
For fantasy purposes, the White Sox are not an appealing destination for Jackson to have chosen. He may already be familiar with the AL Central from his time with the Tigers and the White Sox are allowing him to play at his preferred position of center, but with Jackson stuck in yet another pitcher-friendly home park, there is no reason to expect more than last year's fringe fantasy starter stats. Jackson will be good for 15-20 steals, an average near .260 and not much else.
Byung Ho Park Hits First Grand Slam in Twins Win
Twins rookie first baseman Byung Ho Park had two firsts Sunday. He hit his first Major League home run, which would also end up being his first Major League grand slam, as he helped the Twins defeat the Rays. A prolific slugger in his native land of Korea, Park is hoping that his natural power will translate over seamlessly. Having hit 105 home runs over the past two seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization, fantasy owners will be hoping Park can come as close to those numbers as possible with Minnesota.
Which is why him getting that first dinger out of the way early is important. There is no discounting the fish out of water feeling that comes with changing countries and cultures, and fantasy owners are going to want Park feeling as comfortable as possible throughout the season so he can focus his energies on hitting. Anything is possible, but expecting Park to replicate his KBO numbers, especially as a rookie, is a tall order to fulfill, but there is no reason he can't hit .260 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI on his way to Rookie of the Year gold if he acclimates quickly.
