By Dan O’Shea
The New York Knicks won the battle for Carmelo Anthony. Did they pay too big a price?
We don’t care. We just care about how much this deal will affect our fantasy teams.
As we discussed a few weeks back, Anthony probably will take a giant bite out of the Big Apple and the aggressive offensive game plan of the Knicks.
Other than that, the player whose fantasy numbers could be most affected is the one who was a bit of a surprise addition to the ‘Melo trade package.
That would be Raymond Felton, PG/SG, who is headed to Denver after having the best half-season of his career in New York.
Denver Coach George Karl already has said Felton won’t start at either of his eligible positions, and when he does play, it will mostly be as a committed PG with fewer opportunities to shoot.
But if you own Felton, hold onto him for now; there is actually a chance he is only making a temporary stop in Denver.
If he stays, don’t expect him to be the top 25 player he has been thus far, but once his role becomes clear, he could make nice trade bait with assists as his primary value.
Expert Wire
* The Toronto Sun has a nice player-by-player look at the ‘Melo deal, as well as a couple other trade rumors.
* Examiner.com says ‘Melo trademate Chauncey Billups will see his PPG decline.
* Dime Magazine offers a dissenting view on how ‘Melo’s own PPG will be affected.
Fantasy Baseball
Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit, got a DUI during spring training. How will this affect the fantasy value of one of the top five players overall?
I would say not much, assuming he doesn’t miss any time at the beginning of the season, for court dates or rehab or what have you.
Cabrera had his best season in 2010, and after 38 HRs last year, 40-plus seems very possible for this young talent in 2011. If you have the fourth or fifth pick in the first round of your fantasy draft, I wouldn’t hesitate.
Next up, the next stop in our ongoing fantasy baseball draft guide is the backstop:
1. Victor Martinez, Boston.
Overall best power/average combo. Boston’s offense will feed him.
1. Joe Mauer, Minnesota.
Best-hitting catcher, doubles king, but HRs lagged in 2010 after big 2009.
3. Buster Posey, San Francisco.
A mini-Martinez. 25 HRs, 80 RBIs, .300 average definitely possible.
4. Mike Napoli, Texas.
Ranking him higher than most because position’s HR king moved to HR park.
5. Carlos Santana, Cleveland.
Benefit of full season should translate to 20-plus HRs, handful of SBs.
6. Brian McCann, Atlanta.
Still very productive but RBIs and average have been sliding.
7. Miguel Montero, Arizona.
Flopped in 2010 under great expectations, but potential remains high.
8. Geovany Soto, Cubs.
Make or break year? Power, average could inch upward, walks a bonus.
9. Matt Wieters, Baltimore.
Like a mini-Mauer. Has a lot to offer, but lacks HR numbers.
10. John Buck, Florida.
Broke through last season with 20 HRs, .281 average.
Catcher Sleeper: Bryce Harper, Washington. It’s not clear what the Nats will do with him and when. At this point, he is a viable late pick in keeper leagues, and perhaps in others if you are willing to gamble a roster spot on the possibility he shows up in the majors sometime this season.
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Dan O’Shea’s Fantasy Fix appears in this space every Wednesday. He welcomes your comments. You can also read his about his split sports fan personality at his Beachwood blog SwingsBothWays.
Posted on February 23, 2011