Important programming note: On Thursday, we plan to host a very special, fantasy-focused opening day live chat here at Roto Arcade, beginning at 11:45 am CT. And yes, you're invited. Please bring your most challenging questions, your most biting insults, your strongest opinions. Wear something nice, preferably business casual. No denim, no flip-flops.� Buffet open from noon-2 pm. Cash bar. Use code word "Rocky Biddle" to receive half-off select merchandise.
In a not-so-surprising move, the Giants will place closer Brian Wilson (oblique) on the disabled list to open the season. But the news here isn't entirely bad. If you've drafted Wilson, you'll be able to use him soon enough.� This from the Chronicle's John Shea:
The decision on Wilson's DL assignment will be announced today. He threw 25 pitches in Arizona on Tuesday and continues to progress, but he'll need to face batters a couple of times before regaining his closer's role.
It could be as early as next Wednesday, considering that a DL stint could be retroactive to nine days before the opener. Wilson is supposed to join the Giants in Los Angeles, where the Giants open the season Thursday, and pitch in front of Bochy and pitching coach Dave Righetti.
In Wilson's absence, a bullpen committee will form. Sergio Romo is the recommended add, but Jeremy Affeldt and Javier Lopez are reportedly in the mix as well. Do whatever is necessary. I'll look away for a moment, give you some privacy.
One more piece of Giants news that should be of interest to the fantasy community: Brandon Belt is still hanging with the major leaguers. There's now a real possibility that the prospect will open the season in the bigs. More from Shea, detailing a conversation with manager Bruce Bochy:
Reporter: "If a rookie is playing every exhibition this close to Opening Day, wouldn't that generally mean he'd make the team?"
Bochy: "I can see your thinking there."
Reporter: "Is that your thinking?"
Bochy: "Could be."
So you're now free to debate Belt vs. Freddie Freeman. Recall that Belt hit an insane .352/.455/.620 across three minor league levels last season, with 76 extra-base hits, 23 homers and 22 steals. Long-term, the guy projects as a five-category fantasy asset.
Update, 5:45 pm CT: And it's official. Belt will open the season with the Giants, at the expense of Travis Ishikawa. Add Belt as needed. Enjoy.
? Joe Girardi intends to bat Derek Jeter in the lead-off spot versus left-handed pitching this season, but it sounds like Brett Gardner could get the nod against righties. In fact, according to a YES Network report on Tuesday, Gardner should get the nod in the opener against Justin Verlander. As we've all mentioned at some point during the draft season, Gardner is a well-priced alternative to Jacoby Ellsbury ? identical skill set, excellent team context, much friendlier ADP.
? Let's just hope you're sitting down for this news: One of the Drew brothers is hurt. Shocking, yes, but true. Stephen Drew is dealing with an abdominal strain, and he had an MRI on Tuesday. His manager considers him questionable for opening day, but it sounds like he should avoid the DL. So that's something.
? Mets outfielder Jason Bay apparently felt discomfort in his left rib cage on Tuesday, and there's a possibility that he'll have to open the season on the 15-day. Bad news for those who've bet big on a comeback season, obviously. Things aren't all bad in the New York outfield, however: Carlos Beltran (knee) expects to play in the opener. No promises on his status beyond Friday, though.
? Mat Latos (shoulder) played some catch on Tuesday, from a distance of 100 feet, and apparently his arm is still attached. "Latos looked fine," the San Diego Union-Tribune reported, via tweet. As everyone knows, Latos is a fantastic talent. But he's just 23, and he made a big leap in innings-pitched from 2009 to 2010 (123.1 to 184.2), activating the Verducci Effect alert system.
OK, I'd love to stick around to enjoy Lima Time, but I'm headed to my millionth industry draft this month (the "Sports Illustrated and Friends" league). Please play nice in comments. And remember: Live chat on Thursday. Be prompt.
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Photo via US Presswire
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