Tuesday, April 1, 2008

What was learned on Opening Day

BARRY ZITO IS A BUST

The Giants gave Zito a contract as disproportionate as Mr. Mets' head. San Francisco spent $126 million on Zito, a cost that does not include how long he will set back franchise recovery. The Giants will be one of the worst teams in baseball this season, and Zito will be a leading reason why.
After leaving the American League for the 300-thread-count soft National League West, Zito figured to benefit. He has not.
His bloated ERA last season was 4.53, the highest of his career. He also pitched less than 200 innings for the first time since becoming a full member of a rotation.
Zito will be 30 in a month, and anyone who can trade him on name recognition alone would be wise to do so.

CARLOS GUILLEN IS UNDERVALUED

Three hits, including a home run, on opening night for Guillen. He drove in 100 runs last season, and stole 13 bases for good measure.
When Curtis Granderson returns to the Detroit lineup, Guillen will benefit. He won't move up in the lineup, but he will have Granderson at the top and Edgar Renteria behind him. Guillen is in a perfect spot hitting sixth for Detroit. He has Miguel Cabrera in front of him, and may benefit the most from that offseason acquisition.
One hundred runs and 100 RBIs are reasonable goals for Guillen.

IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT CHRIS GOMEZ

Who? The guy at the top of the Minnesota order, that's who.
Gomez was a big piece of the Johan Santana deal with the Mets, and the reason was his speed. He told Sports Illustrated he often beat Jose Reyes in a 60-yard dash.
Gomez put his ability on display opening night. He reached base three times, stole two bases, and scored two runs.
Gomez will benefit from the Metrodome's fast track. The 22-year-old needs to cut down on his strike outs, but only needs to hit around .280 in order to have fantasy owners benefit from his wheels.

CONOR JACKSON IS GETTING AN ENORMOUS CHANCE

The Diamondbacks hit Jackson in the cleanup spot opening night. Coming out of spring training, he was slated to hit third, but now is in an even better position. His power is in question, but a substantial improvement in walk/strikeout ratio last season means his pitch selection is getting better, allowing him to hit his pitch more often, and, as a result, see a rise in power.
Jackson, a first baseman like Guillen, could allow the movement of a more prominent name at first base to fix a bad spot on your roster. Jackson went undrafted in many large team mixed leagues. He may be the waiver grab of the season.


TODAY'S BEST MATCHUP

The Tigers vs. Kansas City's Brian Bannister. Last season Bannister was 2-1 against Detroit with a 2.55 ERA in three starts. Those numbers are misleading.
The Tigers hit .307 against Bannister, who threw 17 2/3 innings against them, allowing 23 hits. That is a precarious line. Sit Bannister, start any Tigers.


TODAY IN LOU

To the Chicago Tribune:

"It was a good ballgame. It was well-played, tough conditions. But somebody had to win, somebody had to lose, and they won the ballgame."