Albert Pujols, LAA– Old man Pujols is looking like a whole new monster out on the field. After an injury stricken season, the Machine is back to starting his seasons with a bang, batting over .275 and smashing eight homeruns to go with 19 runs batted in. The dude even has a stolen base, which owners probably weren’t expecting. If you have Pujols then most likely you drafted him fairly late, and for that I congratulate you.
Ryan Braun, Brewers– Steroids will always hurt the way people see his game, but after being suspended and basically humiliated in front of the whole country, Braun has turned around and slapped all the haters in the face. He is off to a strong start with six long balls already, and although owners would like to see his average go north of .300, it still is not too shabby. It was most likely a difficult pick in the draft, but for whoever has Braun, make sure he is locked on your team week after week.
Not:
Clay Buchholz, Red Sox- After nearly winning every decision he pitched in last season and also adding a championship ring, Clay has looked horrific out the gate. With a 7.71 earned run average and only 16 strikeouts on the season, a big red flag goes over his cap. Owners will need to try to get rid of him while there still is a bit of value, unless Buck can get back to his dominate ways. Big warning here both ways.
Curtis Granderson, NY Mets– The Grandy man can’t. What happened to that nearly 50 home run season a few years back? Maybe it’s because he changed teams and had to move cities… wait that’s not right. I just can’t put my finger on it. Injuries after a huge season can always slow down a career. Steroids could be a reason, and after all the punishment being handed out through the league, players are trying to stay clean. I am hoping Curt can turn this around (he’s on my starting lineup) but for now, the Mets will remain cursed.