Sunday, April 12, 2009

Week 1: What we learned


Chris Carpenter can still pitch. The 2005 Cy Young award winner, nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery, took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning of his 2009 debut. Remarkably, that was his first victory since Game 3 of the 2006 World Series. I’m expecting many more from the rebuilt veteran.

Nick Swisher can still hit. Even in a crummy year at the plate in 2008, Swish jacked 24 homers, and two years before that he hit 35. He was supposed to be role player this season with the New York Yankees, but if he continues to tear it up (5-for-10, six RBIs), or if the creaky Yanks suffer any significant injuries, Swisher’s playing time will increase, and so will his value. Ride with him for now.

The Chicago Cubs have a closer controversy. Sure, they SAY Kevin Gregg’s still the man, even though Carlos Marmol picked up his first save a day after Gregg blew his first. The spring training competition between those two may never have ended, which means a lot of fantasy frustration until this situation shakes out. My money’s on Marmol, but Gregg has a leg up for now.

Photo by The Associated Press

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