Fantasy Baseball Notes 4/20/2009

- Okay, so Geovany Soto hasn't gotten off to the best start ever, but that's no reason to panic in the first month of the season.  In one of my leagues Soto was flat out dropped in favor of Yadier Molina.  That's a bit extreme at this stage in the season, but unfortunately, I can't say it's the first time I've seen people drop stars in the first month of the season.  April is far too early to panic about anyone.

(Photo by AP)

- Another star getting off to a rough start is D-Backs ace Brandon Webb.  He gets roughed up in his first outing then hits the DL with a shoulder injury.  The good news is that he's scheduled to come off the DL this Wednesday and could be starting as soon as this weekend, but its more likely that he'll pitch early next week.

-  One star that won't be bouncing back anytime soon is Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero.  It was reported on Friday that he was out indefinitely and that "indefinitely" has turned into 4-6 weeks.  Bad news for a guy that's seen declining power numbers in the past few seasons.  This puts his owners in a tough spot.  Injured players are tough to unload and Vlad hasn't exactly been knocking the cover off the ball this season either.  You're best bet is to hang onto him, put him on your DL and hope he comes back with a strong second half.

-  Getting off the injury news now, Erik Bedard showed everyone on Saturday why he is a must own in all leagues this year.  He looked impressive in his first two starts against the Twins and A's, but they're not exactly known for their offense.  However, he had an equally impressive game against the Detroit Tigers lineup (6 IP, 1 ER, 8 K's, 2 BB), proving that he is ready to go this year and should be considered a 2nd or 3rd pitcher on most teams. 

- According to the Denver Post, Twins catcher Joe Mauer should be back in the lineup in less than two weeks.  Good news for those of you that played your cards right and drafted him late.

- Josh Hamilton, who was my number one pick in countless drafts, is really struggling at the plate right now.  He's struck out 10 times in his last 16 at bats.  There's no reason to believe he won't turn it around though.  Hamilton is one of the best hitters in the game and it'll take a lot more than a bad stretch of games to make me second guess myself.

- The Big Unit Randy Johnson flashed some brilliance yesterday taking a no hitter into the 7th inning.  He finished giving up just one hit and no earned runs to go along with his 7 K's.  He's not what you he used to be, but he'll still give you big strikeout numbers every night and makes a strong 4th or 5th pitcher on any team.

- Alex Gordon and his .095 BA will have to wait until August to "save the Royals" as he is out for the next 3-4 months with a cartilage tear in his right hip.  It's a big blow to his career, but not to anyone's fantasy team.  Gordon can easily be replaced.  Crumple up a piece of paper, throw it out the window and whoever it hits will be better or at the very least be the same as Gordon.