Felix Hernandez (SP - SEA) - King Felix was on the mark early yesterday through 4 IP before running into some problems against the Texas lineup, partly aided by an infield error, and further exacerbated by a walk and another error on a double play ball. Peel back the specifics, and he ultimately struggled with control as evidenced by his 5 walks and 1 HBP (though just 1 hit!). His margin for error is lower than ever before since he's lost his true dominance. Felix fell off big time last year, as his FIP was a pedestrian 3.72, so a start like this (6 IP, 3 R, 1 ER) won't be that abnormal. For that reason, I'm not owning Felix in any year-long leagues this year because I just have no idea what to expect, and I would advise you do the same.
Prince Fielder (1B - TEX) - The Rangers had only one hit yesterday in their 5 run victory, and it was a bloop single from Fielder. You take what you can get, right? Prince is an underrated fantasy option because he falls right around the bottom ten of 1B, but he can help your average and counting stats pretty effectively, and right around 22-25 home runs. He lowered his K rate to an impressive 12.7% last year, which means he's putting the ball in play, and when that happens, bloopers tend to fall.
Cole Hamels (SP - TEX) - Hamels pitched an effective 7 innings yesterday, allowing 2 ER off two home runs with eight strikeouts against the Mariners. The Mariners don't exactly have a prolific offense, but it was an impressive start nonetheless. Hamels' foray into the American League had mixed results last year as he ended up with a 3.61 SIERA with Texas, which is respectable but about a quarter run higher than his career average. Hamels showed yesterday that he can adjust to the AL hitting, and I'd anticipate similar results to last night the rest of the way from a consistent Hamels.
Drew Smyly (SP - TB) - Smyly got lit up yesterday against the Blue Jays, giving up 5 ER over 6.2 innings with 5 K's. It was a rough start, but let's be honest - the Blue Jays crush left-handed pitching. It was a tough matchup for Smyly, so chalk it up to a bad day at the office. His kryptonite will be the flyball; he surrendered 4 HR last night and only generated 23.8% GB, which will leave him susceptible to outings like yesterday. You can start Smyly going forward, but make sure it's a more favorable matchup than the Jays.
Byron Buxton (OF - MIN) - Uber prospect Byron Buxton started his season with a whimper, going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. What's worse for Buxton is that he's batting in the 9 hole, which will severely limit plate appearances and run producing opportunities throughout the course of the season. Buxton was dropped in a 12-team Roto league I'm in; I scooped him up right away. I'm not starting Buxton right now, but with a ceiling as high as his, he could be at the top of the order as a five tool player by mid-season. You can't find that with many players, so don't sour on Buxton despite a potential slow start.
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