In my last post I looked back at some of the big FAAB buys in the American League. Today, I'll look at the National League.
Gary Sheffield. FAAB bid: $18. FAAB date: April 6.
What I said: I think the Mets signed him to play him. He should spell both Ryan Church and David Murphy from time to time. His defense is obviously a significant question mark, but we don't have enough data to judge; he hasn't played the OF regularly since 2005. As far as what's left in the tank, that's another unknown. Sheff only hit .178 this spring but he also popped three HR and had a decent batting eye, with a 13/10 BB/SO ratio. I suspect that the batting average will remain low but he'll still pop the odd HR.
What happened: Sheffield definitely exceeded expectations, putting up a 388/481/869 slash line in 210 AB...or much closer to his 2005-2007 level of production than his poor 2008. As predicted, he hasn't quite been a full-time option for the Mets but in deep N.L.-only leagues he's definitely provided value as a third or fourth OF.
Ryan Freel. FAAB bid: $17. FAAB date: May 11.
What I said: Freel and Aaron Miles should compete for playing time at 3B. If Freel wins the job, he offers blazing speed and an opportunity to steal 1-2 bases a week. He's a gamble at this price, but one that's probably worth taking. He did sit this weekend due to a hamstring injury, so obviously his value is minimal if he can't run the way he usually does.
What happened: The hamstring injury turned out to be worse than initially believed. Freel hit the DL on May 28 and didn't return until June 26. By that time, he was not needed on the Cubs bench and proved to be expendable. The Cubs flipped him to the Royals on July 6 for cash and a PTBNL. Freel stole one base while with the Cubs.
Davis Weathers. FAAB bid: $12. FAAB date: April 6.
What I said: It's fine to take a flier on Weathers if you don't like (Francisco) Cordero, but I think Cordero will have a little rope to hang himself in the regular season....Also keep in mind that Cordero has a big contract, so any opportunity here is limited unless the whispers about Cordero's arm get louder.
What happened: Sure enough, Cordero's been fine and Weathers only has one save year-to-date. Weathers' ERA/WHIP are solid and he's worth owning in 5x5, but the big bid turned out to be completely unnecessary.
Joe Beimel. FAAB bid: $11. FAAB date: May 11.
What I said: Kip Wells and Joel Hanrahan have picked up the last two saves for the Nats, so my money wouldn't be on Beimel at the moment. He's a serviceable middle reliever, but keep in mind that those serviceable numbers from 2006-2008 were put up while Beimel was pitching for the Dodgers and tossing half his games in that pitcher-friendly graveyard.
What happened: Like Weathers, Beimel has been a solid enough reliever but has all of one save to show for his efforts in 2009.
Garrett Mock. FAAB bid: $11. FAAB date: April 27.
What I said: ...(Mock's) put in three solid outings so far, but Joel Hanrahan hasn't allowed a run in his last three appearances. Hanrahan remains the closer, and I think it'll take three or four bad outings in a row for him to lose the job completely.
What happened: I was wrong about Hanrahan keeping the job, but correct that Mock wasn't the answer for Washington. Mock's numbers were awful, he was sent down by the Nationals after about a month, and was only called back up to the big club about a week ago.
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