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Injuries impacting draft picture
Early ailments a factor in draft strategy
"It's only spring training!"
That's the rally cry of homers who see their team's top guys facing injuries prior to the start of the regular season. And they're right: Most will make a full-recovery from whatever ails them and will be ready to compete April through August.
But it's tough to ignore that injury indicator next to a player's name as you prepare to click that big "DRAFT" button, assembling your 2009 fantasy rosters.
At the moment, 14 of ESPN's Top 50 have a big red "DTD" looming ominously next to their names. We all know A-Rod will be on the mend for a couple months and, accordingly, most have moved him out of the top 25 on their big boards. But what about names like Hanley Ramirez, Johan Santana, Dustin Pedroia, Cole Hamels and Chase Utley popping up on injury lists?
As with all things fantasy, investigation is paramount. Obviously seeing the word "surgery" associated with any of these injuries should throw-up a red flag, just as they did with A-Rod. Though, it's a long season, and I still contend that A-Rod is an absolute steal with any pick after the second-round.
The most common injury we see in spring training, as well as the regular season, is muscle pulls, strains and soreness. Ramirez, Ryan Braun, Grady Sizemore, Pedroia, Chipper Jones and Manny Ramirez have all missed time with this type of injury. Expect them to be ready on-or-around Opening Day.
The biggest scare we're seeing right now is from aces Santana and Hamels, who are both experiencing elbow discomfort in their throwing arms. While most are taking the 'ol wait-and-see approach, I've already slid the pair down my draft list. There's enough good starting pitchers available (Lincecum, Sabathia, Harden, Halladay, Webb etc.) that I'm not going to take the risk on a guy who's already having issues.
How much stock do you put in these early injuries? Have you adjusted your draft strategy?
That's the rally cry of homers who see their team's top guys facing injuries prior to the start of the regular season. And they're right: Most will make a full-recovery from whatever ails them and will be ready to compete April through August.
But it's tough to ignore that injury indicator next to a player's name as you prepare to click that big "DRAFT" button, assembling your 2009 fantasy rosters.
At the moment, 14 of ESPN's Top 50 have a big red "DTD" looming ominously next to their names. We all know A-Rod will be on the mend for a couple months and, accordingly, most have moved him out of the top 25 on their big boards. But what about names like Hanley Ramirez, Johan Santana, Dustin Pedroia, Cole Hamels and Chase Utley popping up on injury lists?
As with all things fantasy, investigation is paramount. Obviously seeing the word "surgery" associated with any of these injuries should throw-up a red flag, just as they did with A-Rod. Though, it's a long season, and I still contend that A-Rod is an absolute steal with any pick after the second-round.
The most common injury we see in spring training, as well as the regular season, is muscle pulls, strains and soreness. Ramirez, Ryan Braun, Grady Sizemore, Pedroia, Chipper Jones and Manny Ramirez have all missed time with this type of injury. Expect them to be ready on-or-around Opening Day.
The biggest scare we're seeing right now is from aces Santana and Hamels, who are both experiencing elbow discomfort in their throwing arms. While most are taking the 'ol wait-and-see approach, I've already slid the pair down my draft list. There's enough good starting pitchers available (Lincecum, Sabathia, Harden, Halladay, Webb etc.) that I'm not going to take the risk on a guy who's already having issues.
How much stock do you put in these early injuries? Have you adjusted your draft strategy?
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