The Feel Good Stories
Early in the baseball season, feel good stories run rampant. Whether it’s a guy making it back from injury or the guy with the troubled past getting his life back on track, you can usually find a couple of heart warming stories around the league this time of year.
And not only can these stories warm the heart, they also have fantasy implications. Although usually these type of players are more of an impact in keeper or dynasty leagues, there are always a couple players who come out of nowhere to be big contributors right away.
Here are three players who you should keep an eye on:
Josh Hamilton - Hamilton’s story has the chance to become one of the best feel good stories of all-time. Here’s a guy who battled various demons over the last few years that kept him out of the game completely. He was the number one overall selection in the 1999 draft, but drugs ravaged his career and it wasn’t until this week that he finally appeared in a big league game. If he can shake off the rust and regain some of the skills that made him the top prospect in 1999, Hamilton could be the sleeper of the season for the Cincinnati Reds.
Elijah Dukes - This 22-year-old member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays has had his share of run-ins with the law. It’s been reported that he’s been arrested a half dozen times, including a couple incidents recently. Given that, he’s a phenomenal five-tool talent who could do big things down the line. If he can turn his life around (and there are reports that he has), be sure to track his status.
Eric Gagne - In 2003, Gagne had perhaps the best season ever by a relief pitcher. He converted all 55 save opportunities with the Los Angeles Dodgers that season, to go along with a 1.20 ERA, a Cy Young Award and a sixth place showing in the MVP award. However, over the last two season, the once unhittable Gagne has only been able to pitch 15 total innings. This season, he has signed with the Texas Rangers and while he’s currently on the injured list, he’s expected to pitch soon and could have an immediate impact.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:36 am
believe it or not, small town Alaska is big on baseball!
http://www.oilersbaseball.com/
our local Peninsula Oilers are the 2006 Alaska Baseball League champs and finished 13th in the NatioNBC World Series. It’s quite fun to watch on a chilly summer day. (told you, Alaska)
lots of folks around here are into the fantasy leagues also.