Fantasy Baseball Tips #1 – April 9, 2012

I have been playing fantasy baseball since 1993. As some of you know, I live for fantasy baseball (and football) and want to help all of you try and win your leagues. Every week during the long baseball season, I will focus on a batter and a pitcher that I hope will do just that. I can't guarantee they will help you win your league, but they should be able to help fill some weaknesses.  

Zach Cozart, shortstop, Cincinnati Reds

Cozart, a rookie who was called up to the Reds last summer, is beginning his first full season as starting shortstop. He injured his non-throwing arm last year and had Tommy John surgery. Now, Cozart is back and capped off a solid Spring Training with a great first week. While he is not a Top 10 player at his position, he is someone who will give you above average offensive stats across the board. A .280 average with 20 homers, 75 RBIs, and 20 steals is a definite possibility. Grab this guy if he still available in your league, and he could be in your starting lineup real soon.

Lance Lynn, starting pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals

Lynn has always had great stuff in the Minor Leagues and came up as a starting pitcher. However, he was originally slotted into the Cards bullpen, but that changed when Chris Carpenter injured his neck late in Spring Training. Lynn's first start of the season yesterday was terrific; he pitched 6 2/3 innings and gave up just one run with eight strikeouts. Lynn throws gas and can hit 95 mph on the radar gun. His future in the rotation depends on how soon Carpenter can return from his neck injury. If Lynn continues to throw like he did yesterday, rookie manager Mike Metheny will have to keep him in the stacked St. Louis rotation. The 24-year old is easily worth the gamble for teams needing a cheap pitching option.