Stats through April 27, 2011

Troy Tulowitzki: .326/.416/.674, 7 2B, 3B, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 58 TB, 14 BB, 8 K, 1.4 WAR, .349 ISO

• 10 multi-hit games
• April 11 – April 16:  13-for-24, 2 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 8 RBI

Joey Votto: .376/.505/.624, 21 R, 7 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 53 TB, 21 BB, 12 K, 2.1 WAR, .276 ISO

• 10 multi-hit games
• Reached base safely in every game
• vs. left-handers: .579/.600/.842
• w/ runners in scoring position: 7-for-16, 2 2B, HR, 9 RBI, 9 BB, 2 K

Lance Berkman: .371/.443/.729, 18 R, 7 2B, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 51 TB, 9 BB, 8 K, 1.2 WAR, .321 ISO

• 10 multi-hit games
• April 11 – April 15: 10-for-21, 9 R, 6 HR, 12 RBI
• w/ runners in scoring .412/.500/.647, HR, 10 RBI
• w/ two outs: .450/.542/.900, 3 HR, 10 RBI

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Recently I mentioned Archie Bradley’s current ranking as the third-best prep pitching prospect in this June’s draft, behind Dylan Bundy of Owasso (OK) and Taylor Guerrieri of South Carolina’s North Augusta.  Let’s look a little more closely at these two young flamethrowers as the prep season approaches the postseason.

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Playing fantasy baseball is fashionable for many reasons.  It appeals to not only rad people, such as myself, but also has qualities that attract the nerdiest guy you know from your AP stats class back in high school.  People love the stats, and people love trying to predict the future.  If they didn’t, then why are psychic hotlines so popular?  For me, though, it is not really about the stats.  It is all about playing the role of the Fantasy GM.

I am sure that there are others who feel this way.  Maybe it is just the fact that I am now a baseball coach/manager, or maybe it is because I can’t stand being drug through the mud for another season as an Astros’ fan.  Whatever the reason, I love to play the role of the GM.  The best part about being the GM: the trades.  Oh, yes.

Trading is maybe the most exciting part of any fantasy season.  I love trying to negotiate a deal on a buy low candidate or trying to convince another owner that so-and-so is not really as good as he thinks he is.  Or maybe I just want some new blood in the lineup.  Regardless, I love trading and think that it is one of the most crucial components to a successful fantasy season.

With the one month mark rapidly approaching, I would like to introduce the first article in a new series I plan on putting out every other week this year.  I call it, Trade Bait.  It is a list of some players that I would like to acquire, as well as guys I am getting rid of as if they were the plague.  I will also start each article off with the list of trades that have gone down in the Denslow Cup before introducing each list.

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Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com: With a smooth delivery, Bradley shows a plus fastball at times, but sits around 90-92 mph. He throws a curve and a slider, and commands the ball fairly well. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he’s got the build and projectability that scouts love.

Nathan Rode, Baseball America: Bradley stands about 6-foot-4, 210 pounds. Scouts love his frame and the projection it oozes. He works with a fastball that gets up to 95-96 mph. He also throws a knuckle-curve and is working on improving a circle changeup.

John Sickels, Minorleagueball.com: Rated a likely first-rounder pre-season and still does. Has football leverage since he’s a great quarterback, too. Athletic, mid-90s fastball, good breaking ball, reasonable level of polish for a young power pitcher, competitive makeup. Would be a top ten guy in a thinner class and might still get there.

Dee Clark, The Golden Sombrero: Bradley might be the most well-known member of this year’s draft class due to his success on the football field as well as the baseball field.  Even though his fastball velocity and breaking ball sharpness have been down a little this spring compared to where they were toward the end of the summer, he will still go inside the first 20 picks.

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The man is scary without a hat

Top 2: Brett Gardner called out on strikes against Jake Arrieta

Top 4: Gardner called out on strikes against Arrieta

Top 7: Gardner flew out to left against Koji Uehara

Top 9: Gardner struck out swinging against Kevin Gregg

Top 11: Gardner struck out swinging against Jason Berken

Final Line: 0-5, 4 strikeouts, 3 LOB

NOTES: Gardner’s golden sombrero on Sunday was another red flag in what has a been a disconcerting start to the season for the Yankees’ left fielder.  The 0-5 performance dropped his slash line to .140/.197/.263 for the season.

Total 2011 Sombreros: 13