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Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. Thankfully, we have real, live baseball being played every day again, and while it doesn't count for anything, these exhibition games gives us the smallest glimmer into players and teams heading into the new season.
We're officially through the first week of spring training games and now with fans in the stands, things seem to be normalizing in the sports world. We'll keep out fingers crossed that doesn't change anytime soon, as games continue, we'll start to gain more substance behind on-field performance. With about three weeks left until opening day, guys are going to start either feeling the heat or getting into a groove to take on the long, grueling season.
As fantasy baseball managers, we must perform our due diligence in understanding every team's situation heading into the season. There's so many names to keep track of so it's crucial to find a place where the most important information is in one spot. Here at RotoBaller, we have everything you need for success this season, and I'll do my part here as I bring you a quick-read, one-stop shop of 2021 spring training information with a fantasy twist.
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Injuries
Whitley Likely To Require Tommy John
Houston Astros star prospect Forrest Whitley experienced some soreness during a simulated game late last week and the initial doctor's recommendation was Tommy John surgery. Whitley will be seeking a second opinion. The 6'7 fireballer has been on the radar of Astro fans for years now but health hasn't been on his side. If the news here is true, this is just another cog the 23-year old's career.
Mikolas Set For Bullpen
St. Louis Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas (elbow) is slated to throw a bullpen on Wednesday. Originally scheduled to throw on Sunday, the team pushed it back a few days for extra rest, but the righty has been dealing with several issues after originally coming to camp cleared for takeoff. He's been able to play catch and long toss, but the team doesn't want to commit to his availability until they know more.
Ramirez, Reyes Break COVID Protocols
Cleveland Indians sluggers Franmil Reyes and Jose Ramirez will be forced to miss time after breaking MLB's COVID Protocols. Their offense was being caught out at a restaurant and didn't have masks on. There hasn't been any indication if the league will administer any punishment, but they were sent home to isolate and be away from the team until they're able to get back within protocol. There's still several weeks before opening day, but not a great look for the pair as every player and coach is expected to follow the protocols to ensure the season runs smoothly.
Bogaerts Nears Batting Practice
Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (shoulder) was taking some swings off a tee and by Tuesday will be ready to take batting practice. According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the team hopes to have him DH by the upcoming weekend. This is great news for his availability for opening day, so long as there are no setbacks. His current 34 ADP will likely get a small boost if the slugger can come back strong and show he's ready for the regular season.
Xander Bogaerts To Take Batting Practice Soon https://t.co/llOgvV8Xiq
— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 7, 2021
Newman Leaves For Hamstring Tightness
Pittsburgh Pirates middle infielder Kevin Newman (hamstring) left Sunday's game against the Orioles early after experiencing some tightness in his left hamstring. He was 2-for-2 at the plate before exiting and is off to a solid start this spring. The Arizona product is competing for time at shortstop and to backup Adam Frazier at second base. The 27-year-old had a very bad 2020 season, but had a nice 2019 campaign where he had a slash line of .308/.353/.446 with 12 homers, 64 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. His 549 ADP is a product of the team he plays on, but if he can earn significant playing time, he will be a solid streamer with a decent power/speed combo.
Roster Talk
Pirates Acquire Bullpen Help
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded for relief pitcher Duane Underwood Jr., from the Chicago Cubs. In turn, they gave up prospect Shendrik Apostel. The 26-year-old has 36.1 MLB innings to his name but a 5.20 ERA, .356 BABIP against, and a 23 HR/FB% aren't great numbers, but again, it's a very small sample. This move doesn't have much fantasy relevance (yet), as Pittsburgh will likely look to one of their many other options to close down games, or employ a committee.
Duane Underwood Jr. Acquired by Pittsburgh Pirates https://t.co/jvPS7cgVH1
— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 7, 2021
Around The Diamond
Votto Off To Strong Start
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto picked up two more hits Sunday, including a double against the San Francisco Giants. He's got four hits in nine at-bats thus far, but the 37-year-old has taken quite a large step back from the production of his prime. He's going undrafted in most formats, and outside of a few hot streaks, Votto will likely only hold NL-only and DFS value as his career winds down.
Gallo Hits Fourth Spring Homer
Texas rangers outfielder Joey Gallo hit a solo home run in Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was his fourth of the spring, a number that leads all of baseball. Gallo leads in several other categories as well, hinting that he's ready to put last year's disappointing season behind him, where he hit .181 with 10 home runs and 26 RBI. At just 27, the lefty swinging slugger is an absolute liability if he's not hitting home runs, carrying a career 37 K%. However, if he can raise his average back up, keep hitting homers, and you can stomach the high strikeout totals, you'll get fantastic value at pick 163.
Bart Making Noise In Camp
San Francisco Giants catching prospect Joey Bart went 2-for-3 Sunday, including a home run, and he is now 6-for-8 through the first week of spring games. Known for his bat, the 24-year-old got 33 MLB games under his belt in 2020 but underwhelmed with no home runs, seven RBI, and just a .233 average. However, if he can get some comfort at the plate and stay strong defensively, it's possible he could work himself into some extra playing time to ensure Buster Posey can stay rested. Bart is strictly a dynasty name right now, but if he continues to hit, watch his name creep into mixed league discussion during the season.
Darvish Dirty In Debut
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish spun two shutout innings in his first game appearance since being traded over from the Cubs this offseason. The righty touched 97 mph and also struck out the first two batters he faced. This Padres rotation has the makings of being one of the better units in baseball, and Darvish will be a key piece of it. He's going inside the second round of fantasy drafts currently, and with more spring outings like this, it could even start to creep up.
Yu Darvish Throws Two Shutout Innings https://t.co/vSc0YRqCTb
— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 8, 2021
Wainwright Punches Out Five
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright worked the first three innings of Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. He allowed one run on one hit but struck out five and walked none. The 39-year-old is showing he still clearly has something left in the tank, after going 5-3 over 65.2 IP with a 3.15 ERA last season. His fantasy value is slightly underrated because of his age, but in a weak NL Central, he will provide some value to the Cardinals' rotation, making a solid mixed league streamer.
Swanson Hitting Comfortably
Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson smacked a three-run double in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Red Sox. Despite the shortened season, Swanson had arguably the best season of his five-year career in 2020, slugging 10 homers, driving in 35, and batting a career high .274. At an absolutely loaded shortstop position, Swanson gets overlooked in fantasy because he's not a 20/20 candidate, but on a loaded Braves lineup, Swanson provides a solid balance at shortstop if you aren't able to grab on the several studs early in the draft. His current NFBC ADP is 104.
Alfaro Adds Pair Of Base Knocks
Miami Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro recorded two singles in Sunday's game against the New York Mets. The 27-year-old is looking to get back to his 2019 performance, after being shown the bench in the 2020 playoffs. He hit just three home runs and drove in 16 in 2020 after hitting 18 homers and driving in 57 the year prior. The 15th catcher off the board in NFBC drafts, Alfaro has an important year in front of him.
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