Fantasy Baseball Insiders

2011 Fantasy Baseball Prospect Report: Arizona Diamondbacks’ Paul Goldschmidt

Paul Goldschmidt set a Texas State school record with 36 career home runs before being selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the 2009 draft.

A product of The Woodlands—a hotbed for baseball talent—Goldschmidt led the Rookie-level Pioneer League in HRs (18) and slugging percentage (.638) in his first pro season. The 6-4, 240 pound first baseman made the jump to High-A in 2010 where he led the California League in doubles (42), HRs (35) and slugging percentage (.606).

Goldschmidt’s power is undeniable, but he’s prone to strikeouts (161 in 525 at-bats last season), leading some scouts to believe he’ll struggle as he advances…

2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections: Colorado Rockies’ Ubaldo Jimenez Throws Shutout; Back to Old Form?

Colorado Rockies’ pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez is not the same flame-thrower he was last year, and everyone knows it.

After 10 starts in 2010, Jimenez was 9-1 with a historically minuscule 0.88 ERA and 61/24 K/BB ratio in 71.1 innings. This season, Jimenez is 1-5 through 10 starts with an embarrassing 4.98 ERA and 52/30 K/BB ratio in 59.2 innings.

So what’s been the difference?

2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections: Buy or Sell Cincinnati Reds’ Jay Bruce?

After an extremely disappointing April (.228/.301/.380), Cincinnati Reds’ right fielder Jay Bruce bounced back with a scorching-hot May, showcasing his elite power potential. In 28 games last month, Bruce hit .342/.402/.739 with 12 HRs and 33 RBI, and now ranks as the No. 5 player in Yahoo! leagues.

I’ve always loved Bruce for his five-tool talent. Heck, I projected him to blast 35 HRs in 2010, and forecasted at least 30 bombs and a .284 average this season. I even ranked him as the No. 54 player overall on the 2011 Big Board. But I certainly didn’t expect him to be this good so soon…