Beltran, Bradley Opinions for 200X Rookie

[JohnnyBlazers]

Decided to give the 2008 game a whirl and need some advice. I've been playing ATG exclusively for a while now, and it has grown a bit stale. This card set is a definite challenge for me, but in a good way.

I have a team with Bradley, Bay, Jeter, Utley, Hawpe, DeRosa, Berkman and Beltran in Yankee Stadium

Beltrans card seems overpriced, esp. if you are not facing a least half lefties - am I right in this assessment?

Bradley is my DH, but the Injury factor and his speed are slow - should I drop?

Hawpe is my RF, but that 4 and error rating in the OF has me thinking drop - not too many options in RF however

What' the deal with the pitching - if you dont get a stud, you are seemingly stuck with a mediocre staff? I have Lowe, Hudson fronting my staff, but in my park I need a lefty or two at least - problem is the pickings are slim - Kazmir? maybe - I guess ATG spoiled me cause you can always get decent pitching in the after draft/waivers - not so with this set. any help or opinions would be appreciated

[keyzick]

I agree with your assessment on Beltran...I usually avoid him.

Bradley's probably the best value out there, as long as you use him as DH. Definitely a keeper.

Bay, Jeter, Utley all definite keepers.

With your middle infield at 2's, I tend not to worry over a 3 in CF. Some good fits for you park in the OF at CF or RF, given you already have Bay in LF, would be: Gerut, Giles, Ludwick, Schumaker (as part of platoon).

Assume you're using DeRosa at 3b?

Lowe's good...not too high on Hudson. Good, cheaper lefties include: Olsen (my personal favorite), Lester, Maholm (so-so). I've seen Kazmir and O. Perez used too.

[boyer14]

I also agree on Beltran - I have never used him and often see him disappoint others offensively.

Bradley is a star as a DH - hits well for average and has power - plus he seems to always be on base .318-.423-.576 for the one season I had him in Yankee Stadium. Great value!

I also like Ludwick in HR parks - he drives in runs by the bunches and is good for 40-50 HRs. Ankiel is also an option for Yankee Stadium. He is often available, produces well offensively (better than Beltran often), can be had for much less, and has a great arm. The 3e13 is not appealing, but in a HR park often he gives you enough offense to tolerate it. A Ryan Freel type can be used as a cheap platoon for Ankiel against lefties in a pitcher's park if you like.

I think your pitching is OK - you will have enough offense to make up for it.

[MARCPELLETIER]

about Beltran: it really depends on the number of lefty pitching you expect to see. But over 33%, in a homerun ballpark, Beltran will earn all his salary.

In this very context, I recently took him in one of my team, and he sluggs .662 so far.

[schnoogens]

Kazmir is my favorite budget lefty in the set. Guthrie and Sarfate provide decent RH value as well.

Avoid Beltran. In fact, avoid most of the 1's in CF. I usually go with Span there, or even Nyjer Morgan.

Bradley can perform well.

[Roscodog]

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/team/team_other.html?user_id=187242

here's the only time I used Beltran. Dominated lefties, usable vs rigthies.

[JohnnyBlazers]

Thanks for the help. I'll probably stay w/Beltran as the options are pretty slim at this point.