Maybe we won't have to wait for Upton to reach his much talked-about potential. The Diamondbacks' rookie has four home runs in 38 at-bats this season and has driven in eleven runs. Even with the amount of hype that followed Upton to the big leagues, I'm not sure anyone expected this kind of start. Keep him active in all leagues and do not hesitate to pick him up off waivers. He'll obviously cool down at some point but enjoy his production while he is red-hot.
Icon SMI
Carlos Pena - 1B - Tampa Bay
Pena is picking up right where he left off in 2007 with six home runs so far. While his average is only .225, his power numbers are strong and it looks like last year was no fluke. The batting average should improve and if he keeps up this kind of power be happy with him at first base as he approaches the top tier of the position.
Ben Sheets - SP - Milwaukee
Sheets has been dominant so far in 2008 with 20 strikeouts and only 4 walks in over 23 innings pitched. He has only given up runs in one of three outings this year and his miniscule ERA and WHIP are among the league's best. I apologize to Brewer's fans in advance for possibly jinxing him, but it seems like Sheets may finally be ready to reach the elite status that has eluded him because of injuries. He has shown thus far that when healthy he is a legitimate fantasy ace.
Eric Gagne - RP - Milwaukee
Sheets' teammate Eric Gagne, however, has not had a very promising start to 2008. He did register his second save Saturday night with a scoreless ninth inning, but that is not enough to convince me that Gagne is ready to be regarded as a valuable closing option. He's going to earn some saves but expect some ulcer-inducing moments along the way. If you can make a deal for Gagne it may be worth it to avoid the aggravation.
John Smoltz - SP - Atlanta
Apparently the injury that forced Smoltz to miss his first start was not very serious after all. Smoltz won his second consecutive game on Saturday, striking out five and allowing only five hits in six innings. Even as he approaches age 41 Smoltz remains a viable fantasy ace and one of the more consistent pitchers in all of baseball. Even in losses Smoltz rarely gets knocked around too badly. The shoulder soreness will probably continue in between starts for the early part of the year, but as long as he is throwing like he is now it should not bee too big a worry.
John Lackey - SP - Los Angeles Angels
Lackey is scheduled to throw a 45-pitch bullpen session before the Angels game on Sunday, this time including breaking pitches along with fastballs. It's a big step in Lackey's rehab and if it is a positive session Lackey should move along to pitching live batting practice. The Angels, and all of Lackey's owners, are now hoping for an early-May return for the ace.
Derek Jeter - SS - New York
Jeter will sit out the series finale tonight in Boston but expects to return to the lineup Monday when the Yankees travel to Tampa. Jeter has missed a week with a strained quadriceps muscle. This injury could slow Jeter a little as he gets back into the groove but it shouldn't be too big a hindrance for him at the plate. If he was not really ready to return the Yankees would not have him out there so you can be fairly certain he's fine. However do not expect Jeter to run much in the next couple of weeks.
