Daily Dr. Roto — March 13
Fantasy Preview in a Nutshell: Minnesota Twins
Players to Watch
Brian Dozier — All Dozier does is hit for power, score tons of runs, and steal 15-20 bases. He’s as solid a third-round pick as there is out there and yet I still feel like he is under-appreciated by Fantasy owners.
Jorge Polanco — If you decide to wait on SS at your draft or auction, call out Jorge Polanco’s name late and smile. He’s capable of going 15-15 and hitting .270+. Even better is that he might end up hitting atop of the batting order which would give him even more at bats.
Miguel Sano — Sano is coming off an injury, but he has something that cannot be taught — brute power. Sano should hit 30 HR even in a bad season. I do worry about his average and his ability to stay healthy, but I know that he can help you in two categories for certain.
Byron Buxton — If someone asked me to name a player who is being taken in the top 50 who I believe could be a first-round pick next year, I would name Buxton. Buxton finally looks like he is putting it together and showing maturity at the plate. He has decent power (15-20 HR) to go with incredible speed (30-40 SB). Put those two things together, and we are looking at the makings of a Fantasy star.
Eddie Rosario — I like Rosario and don’t think that last year was a fluke, but admittedly I am worried about his triceps injury. He still hasn’t played in the field in Spring Training, and at this rate, there is an outside chance he might begin the year on the DL.
Jose Berrios — I am all in on Berrios this season and think he can take the next step into Fantasy greatness. The Twins offense has improved dramatically which should give Berrios enough run support to win 15 games. Moreover, he plays in the same division with the White Sox and Royals, which should lend nicely to keeping his ERA under 3.50.
Ervin Santana — There is no way I am drafting Santana as anything more than a reserve round pick this season. He is recovering from finger surgery, and I am worried that the weather in Minnesota will be so cold that he will have residue numbness until late June.
Jake Odorizzi — I have always liked Odorizzi’s talent but playing for the Rays in the AL East not only hurt his win total but his ERA as well. Pitching in the AL Central on what should be a winning team should give him the confidence to become a top 30 AL pitcher.
Fernando Rodney — I know he’s like 50 years old, but Rodney still seems to get the job done one way or another. The Twins starting staff is improved, and Rodney should be in a position to get about 35-40 saves again so long as his body does not start breaking down.
Addison Reed — If you simply don’t trust Rodney (and who does?), then I can’t blame you for taking a shot on Addison Reed. Reed has been lights out over the last couple of seasons, and he appears to be the heir apparent for saves should Rodney finally fall off a cliff.
