Fantasy Baseball Tips #2 – April 16, 2012

This week's installment of my Fantasy Baseball Tips focus on an outfielder in the NL Central and a starting pitcher in the AL Central. Both players are young and off to great starts this young 2012 season.

J.D. Martinez, outfielder, Houston Astros

Did anybody see this coming? Martinez, who played in over 50 games as a rookie with Houston last season, took over as the Astros' starting left fielder. After two weeks, he's been one of the hottest hitters in the NL. Martinez has a gaudy .371 average, with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs. Is he going to keep hitting at this pace? Of course not, but a .280 average with 25 homers, 80 RBIs, seems like a good bet. Grab this 24-year old if he still available in your league, and ride the hot streak as long as you can. Just remember, the Astros are not expected to compete this season, but Martinez hits in a great home ballpark. 

Rick Porcello, starting pitcher, Detroit Tigers

When Rick Porcello was drafted in the first round of the 2007 Amateur Draft, everyone expected the New Jersey high star to rocket to the big leagues. That is exactly what happened in 2009, when Porcello made his Major League debut at the age of 20. Unfortunately, the Tigers rushed Porcello to the Majors and did not give him enough time to become the ace they projected. Just 23, he had a great spring and appears to be turning the corner for the loaded Tigers. Porcello has given up just three earned runs in his first 14 innings and has struck out eight. If his punchouts increase and his ERA stays below 4, then Porcello has a chance to become a top 30 starting pitcher. Many fantasy players have labeled him a "bust" because of his slow development. That could be a great opportunity to pick up a bargain starting pitcher with 20-win potential.