Getting acquainted to a new house, new job, or new team usually has its difficulties. It seemed that way for Paul Goldschmidt too as he started the season with the St. Louis Cardinals with a walk and three strikeouts. Of course, we were all duped. Goldschmidt signed an extension with the Cardinals about a week ago. The epitome of a St. Louis Cardinal, Goldschmidt fit perfectly into their culture. It did not take long for him to show how comfortable he is in Cardinal red. I’m also pretty sure he’s a robot, and robots don’t experience these emotional difficulties of becoming accustomed with a new place. A day after his three strikeouts, Goldschmidt goes 4-5, 3 R, 3 HR, 5 RBI, BB. Each of those home runs were launched. Not only that, all five balls he hit had an exit velocity greater than 104 MPH. This is what the Cardinals traded for and this is what we all drafted.
Michael Brantley (OF, Houston Astros) – 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI. Brantley didn’t quite make it into yesterday’s Batter’s Box, but he definitely deserved it. His performance today was not as solid but still noteworthy. He’ll keep doing damage in the middle of that Houston offense.
Yandy Diaz (1B/3B, Tampa Bay Rays) – 2-4, R, HR, RBI. We have all seen photos of how absolutely jacked Diaz is, and he put that strength on display. His home run measured at 420 feet and 112.2 MPH exit velocity. This may be a rare occurrence this season, but I want more of these lasers.
Curtis Granderson (OF, Miami Marlins) – 1-2, R, HR, RBI, 2 BB. There are not many bright spots in the Marlins offense, but Granderson’s ability at the plate matched his smile and energy. Hopefully his leadership can inspire Lewis Brinson to start hitting.
Ryan McMahon (1B/2B/3B, Colorado Rockies) – 1-2, 2 R, 2B, 2 BB. We have another positional battle watch on our hands. McMahon has started both games while Garrett Hampson had a lone pinch hit appearance. If McMahon keeps getting on base, he may solidify himself at second, and we can only hope Hampson forces Ian Desmond out.
Justin Smoak (1B, Toronto Blue Jays) – 2-4, R, 2 RBI. The Smoak Monster took a step back from his incredible 2017 last year. However, there is still things to be excited about, especially at his ADP. Even though the Jays offense is not that great, he’ll still be hitting some in the middle with Vlad right around the corner.
Ryan Braun (1B/OF, Milwaukee Brewers) – 2-4, R, HR, 3 RBI. Braun’s 2018 was an enigma. Nick Gerli detailed in February how Braun still maintained solid peripherals despite lower counting stats than usual. He can still crush the ball and will continue to crush the ball this season.
Wil Myers (3B/OF, San Diego Padres) – 2-4, R, 2B, SB. Myers has been a steady force in the Padres lineup for the last few years, despite missing half of 2018. A perennial 20/20 threat, Myers added a steal to his home run from the opener. He’s a solid bat in an exciting offense, as long as he isn’t moved sometime this year.
AJ Pollock (OF, Los Angeles Dodgers) – 4-6, 2 R, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, BB. Another new face in a new place, Pollock came up big knocking in all of the LA’s runs, including his first homer as a Dodger. Pollock’s health is the main concern but he’s playing now and playing well. While he’s on the field, he’ll be a great fantasy asset.
Domingo Santana (OF, Seattle Mariners) – 2-3, R, HR, RBI, 2 BB. I don’t know how many games it’ll take to change Batter’s Box to Domingo Box, but we’re getting close. Is he still sitting on the waiver wire? I’ll give you a minute to go grab him. Ok, you’re back? Great. You made it just in time for the end of the article.
(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire)
Drop Piscotty or Nimmo for Santana?
I think Nimmo is a fair drop as long as it isn’t an OBP league.