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Through the early goings this baseball season has been filled with stories of young pitchers making a splash around the Majors and headlines are on the horizon.

The New York Mets Matt Harvey has been one of the NL’s most dominant hurlers through the opening two months of the season. He’s posted five wins, a 1.29 ERA, and a through 70 innings of work over 10 starts. The 24-year old has also churned out a 74:17 K/BB rate and been flat out unhittable at times.

Now the Mets are ready to bring up another highly-touted arm, Zack Wheeler. Wheeler is the 11th ranked prospect by Baseball America and should be added in all formats and stashed away for his pending arrival.

A high-ranking team official told the NY Post on Thursday that “barring a setback, the club's top pitching prospect is expected to make 2-3 more starts for Triple-A Las Vegas and then join the Mets.”

All the hype before the season centered out Baltimore Orioles phenom Dylan Bundy. However, an elbow injury has slowed his path to the majors. It has not stopped Baltimore from flashing their young talent though. The team called up Kevin Gausman to make his MLB debut on Thursday night.

Despite getting roughed up by the Blue Jays to the tune of four runs, seven hits over just five innings, Gausman did show some positive signs by striking out five batters over his five innings with 58 of his 89 pitches going for strikes. He did walk a pair of batters.

Ranked as the No. 26th overall prospect by Baseball America, Gausman is a player to take notice of. He’s a must grab in dynasty leagues, but should be viewed as a must-add in yearly formats as well. In leagues with a FAAB plan his rough first start could pay dividends as his price may be cheaper. Owners will like the fact he doesn’t walk many batters.

YOUNG ARMS COMING SOON
(These guys are worth keeping your eyes on as they could be called up to the big leagues in the near future)

Dylan Bundy (BAL) - 20
Taijuan Walker (SEA) - 20
Zack Wheeler (NYM) - 22
Gerrit Cole (PIT) - 22
Jameson Taillon (PIT) - 21

Fantasy Baseball, MLB kevin guasman, zack wheeler, dylan bundy, matt harvey, new york mets, baltimore orioles

Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman converted his first eight saves, but after giving up back-to-back homeruns to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday he’s blown two straight save opportunities.

The closer’s struggles go beyond the last two outings. Chapman has ceded six runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in his last seven outings.

My guy Lance McAlister on ESPN 1530 provided the following splits on his blog:

First 14 appearances:
13.1 IN, 5 H, 3 BB, 21 K, 1 HR, 0.68 ERA, .114 BA

Last 7 appearances:
5.2 IN, 9 H, 6 BB,  9 K, 2 HR, 9.53 ERA, .360 BA

Chapman's 2012 funk
June 7-24: 7 games, 6.1 IN, 9 H, 8 ER, 3 HR, 11.80 ERA (0-4, 2 SV, 3 BS)
All other: 61 games, 65.1 IN, 26 H, 4 ER, 1 HR, 0.55 ERA (5-1, 36 SV, 2 BS)

Chapman on days rest 2013
When pitching 0-1 days rest: 13 games, 12.2 IN, 0 R, 4 for 41 (.097), 22 K, 3 BB, 0.00 ERA
When pitching 2+ days rest:   8 games,   6.1 IN, 7 R, 10 for 28 (.357), 8 K, 6 BB, 10.32 ERA

I am still convinced part of the problem is that he has only pitched 19 innings through the team's first 44 games. The Reds are going to continue to roll Chapman out there and eventually they are hoping the Cuban Missle will once again take off.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB cincinnati reds, aroldis chapman, fantasy advice, fantasy closers

The debate has been going on for weeks about who will leave the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation once ace Johnny Cueto (strained lat, oblique) returns from the disabled list. Now it’s nearly time for the team’s front office to make the decision.

Cueto reported no issues after Thursday’s rehab stint in Dayton and is expected to take the mound again on Tuesday night. Barring a setback his next turn in the rotation would come around on Sunday and that would likely come with the big league club.

The Reds shuffled their rotation a bit. Tony Cingrani was to pitch Thursday versus the Marlins. He has now been bumped to Friday in New York.

That leaves things looking like this for the staff in the week ahead:

(@Miami)
Tue: RHP Homer Bailey
Wed: RHP Mike Leake
Thu: RHP Mat Latos

(@Philadelphia)
Fri: LHP Tony Cingrani
Sat: RHP Bronson Arroyo
Sun: RHP Homer Bailey

It is now expected that while he could return to the rotation on Sunday (normal rest) vs. Phillies that Cueto will get the extra day of rest and pitch next Monday in New York against the Mets.

If that is the case that would be Mike Leake's spot in the rotation and would seem as if it will be Leake, not the rookie Cingrani, headed to Louisville.

THE STATS
-Cingrani through five starts: 2.83 ERA, 28 IP, 37 K, 7 BB
-Leake last five starts:  3.34 ERA, 29.2 IP, 22 K, 6 BB

While I was discouraged last time out on how quickly Cingrani lost it and I do worry about him depending on the fastball way too much, I know what Mike Leake is capable of. He’s a No. 4 or 5 starter at best and about as reliable at the plate as a hitter as he is as a pitcher.

Leake is nice depth. Cingrani is the future. He just might need to be more polished though, so brace for some bumps in the road. The Reds apparently are ready for him to hit those bumps at the major league level.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB cincinnati reds, johnny cueto, tony cingrani, mike leake

When the Reds sent left-handed starting pitcher Travis Wood along with two minor leaguers to Chicago in a trade in December of 2011 in exchange for Sean Marshall, I had my reservations.

Nothing against Sean Marshall, who has been solid as a late-inning setup man, but Wood was still under control for four more years at that point.

After some up and downs over the past two seasons, Wood has found his groove and once again emerged as one of the league’s solid young arms.

Following his win of the Cardinals on Tuesday night in which he only allowed a single run in 6 2/3 innings, Wood (3-2) now boasts a 2.33 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings this season. He currently ranks 11th in the NL in ERA.

As his breakdown on FanGraphs.com would indicate the past couple of seasons have been a roller coaster ride, but as he's becoming more consistent the wins are starting to pile up.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB chicago cubs, travis wood

The Reds' pitching staff has been light out during the team's recent homes stand in which they produced a 6-1 record. Part of the success has been based on the fact the team is striking out the opposition at a high rate.

Cincinnati has now struck out 10 or more batters in five consecutive games dating back to Thursday night (4/18), and in six out of the last 7 games; a feat that has not been accomplished since the World Series winning 1990 team did it.

LaRosa’s, the city’s top pizza chain, has a deal on the back of every Reds ticket that offers a free small pizza with up to four toppings for those in attendance. Thus far, that is six times in just 14 home games.

My guy PJ O’Keefe at WCPO.com started doing the math in a great article he recently posted…

In the six games in which free pizza has been awarded so far this season, an attendance of 146,712  fans have been able to redeem the no-cost pie. The rules of the promotion require that fans redeem their pizza within seven days beginning the day after the game that the Reds staff struck out the required amount of batters, and it must be carry-out or pick-up.

Again, that's 146,712 free pizzas. The normal price for a small, 8-inch, 4-topping LaRosa's pizza is $6.79. If everyone redeemed their free pizza, that's $996,174.48 worth of free pizza.

Fantasy Baseball, Just For Fun, MLB cincinnati reds, larosa's pizza, strikeouts

Here’s a look at five players that could prove to be great buy low candidates…

JOEY VOTTO – The Reds first basemen finally broke a 54-game homerless streak a few days ago, but many are still balking at his power numbers.  Through the first two-plus weeks of the year Votto has totaled just 3 RBI. Those stats aren’t telling the whole story though. He has drawn 22 walks and currently boasts an eye-popping 0.521 OBP.

JOSH HAMILTON – Moving to a new team/lineup always raises questions about what the fantasy impact could be. So far this season it has led to slow returns for Hamilton in Anaheim. The slugger has hit a pair of homers and driven in eight runs through his first 55 at bats as an Angel, but his 18 strikeouts and .200 BA have some owners frustrated.

JASON HEYWARD – The 23-year old has gotten out of the gate slowly and seems to be lost in a red-hot Atlanta lineup.  He’s batting just .127 with 2 HR and 7 RBI thus far, but it is only a matter of time before the youngster turns around.  Heyward is too talented and surrounded by too much talent to continue to post such mediocre numbers.

BUSTER POSEY – Despite my warning for owners not to overpay for the reigning NL MVP in their drafts/auctions leading into the season, now may be the time to make a run at the C/1B option. Posey has gotten out of the gate slowly with just 10 hits thru his first 47 AB (.217) and is still looking for his first long ball of the season.

MATT CAIN - Through three starts the Giants’ ace is still searching for his first victory and his 5.94 ERA and 1.647 WHIP has fantasy owners fretting. However, he did register a two quality starts so the numbers are slightly lopsided. Expect Cain to still finish as a top 15-20 SP in fantasy this season when the dust settled.

Fantasy Baseball fantasy advice, joey votto, josh hamilton, jason heyward, buster posey, matt cain.

I was on with Kay Adams and Ray Flowers Sunday night on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio to talk about my team in the SXM Experts League. My team is struggling a bit out of the gate, but baseball season is a marathon not a sprint. Here are some early notes on my team two weeks in:

Matt Kemp
--The most life Kemp has shown this season so far came in the Carlos Quentin/Zack Greinke brawl. I drafted him hoping for 30HR/20 SB potential and through the season’s first two weeks he hasn’t hit a homerun and has yet to steal a base.

Jason Heyward
--He’s off to a horrendous start which included a seven-game hitless streak (0 for 21 slump). His 1-for-4 effort today has his average finally over a hundred at .103. I have to remember he’s only 23, but the frustrating part is that Heyward is not racking up any stats as the Braves light up the scoreboard.

Brett Lawrie
--Started a Single A rehab (rib cage) on Sunday at 2B. He started his career there and with Jose Reyes on the shelf for three months the Blue Jays may slide Jose Bautista in to third base and put Maicer Iztruis and shortstop.

Jered Weaver
--It is unfortunate that Weaver is out for 4-6 weeks and my rotation and certainly use him. However, the fact the injury is his non-throwing arm I am confident he will still be a big contributor.

Adam Wainwright
--Can’t complain about what the Cards’ ace is giving me (2-1, 24 K/22 IP, 2.05 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). I am going to need more of the same from him if I am going to contend.

Jarrod Parker
--He’s followed up a terrible spring with atrocious start to the 2013 season with three disappointing starts. He was pulled after 3.1 innings in Sunday’s route by the Tigers. He entered Sunday with a 6.48 ERA and 2.40 WHIP before Sunday’s debacle and those numbers are only rising.

Homer Bailey
--Bailey is a guy that I’ve touted as a top 35 fantasy SP and solid No. 3 pitcher coming into the season and despite a couple bad innings last time out against St. Louis I am still convinced good things are ahead. Before getting rocked in the 5th and 6th inning versus Bailey had a 19 inning scoreless streak going. Bailey is going to have some bad days at the office, that’s why I say he’s a No. 3 at best. Staying healthy will be a key factor.

Hyun-Jin Ryu
--My 22nd Round pick is off to a good start with a 2-0 record with a 2.89 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 20 K’s in 18.2 innings.

Tony Cingrani
--The Reds put him on a 45-pitch pitch count on Sunday and pulled after two innings, striking out five of the six batters he’s faced giving him 26 strikeouts without allowing a run over his 14 1/3 Triple-A innings this season. I picked up last week in many leagues and grabbed him quickly in every other one that I'm in as soon as Cueto left the game Saturday night.
 
Bullpen Woes
--Huston Street, Cassey Janssen, Mitchell Boggs have combined for six saves, I already dumped Carlos Marmol, who I absolutely dreaded drafting to begin with.

Fantasy Baseball fantasy advice, siriusxm fantasy, experts league, matt kemp, jason heyward, jered weaver, homer bailey

The Cincinnati Reds are about 1/3 of the way through a brutal April schedule and after three series versus play-off caliber teams in the Angels, Nationals and Cardinals the team stands at 5-4. While there have been encouraging signs, there have also been some reason for concern:

THE GOOD
--Shin-Soo Choo:  Defensive issues aside he has a 1.197 OPS.
--Todd Frazier: Hitting .333 and leads team with 3 HR (tied) and 10 RBI.
--Brandon Phillips: Shuffled to the cleanup spot early in year and been clutch.
--Aroldis Chapman: Staying in closer role has him looking comfortable (5 IP, 2 SV, 9 K).
--Johnny Cueto: Could have beat Jered Weaver and won vs. Stephen Strasburg.
--Xavier Paul: Paul is 4 for 9 (.444) with a homer and six RBI. Been clutch off the bench.

THE BAD
--Ryan Ludwick: Losing your cleanup hitter for half the year on Opening Day blows.
--Joey Votto:  The power outage continues. Last HR came on 6/24 vs MIN (54 games).
--Homer Bailey: Writing off the 7 ER allowed to STL as a bad day. I’m still hoping for big things.
--Mike Leake: His leash will be short if he can’t get better than his first start vs. WAS.

THE UGLY
--Chris Heisey: Has done little with his opportunity for playing time (.188 OBP).
--Zack Cozart: In his 31 at bats the shortstop has more K’s (5) than hits (4).
--J.J. Hoover: The reliever was tagged with two of the team’s four losses.

REASON FOR HOPE
--Tony Cingrani: Has a 1.63 ERA in 40 career minor-league starts dating back to 2011.

REASON FOR CONCERN
--Sean Marshall: Left shoulder tendoinits has forced the key setup man to 15-day DL.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB cincinnati reds, shin-soo choo, todd frazier, joey votto, brandon phillips, johnny cueto, aroldis chapman

Undervalued - SP Yu Darvish: Darvish finished his first season in the states with 221 strike outs finishing seventh in the major leagues just 18 behind the league leader.  As if that isn’t an impressive enough debut, Darvish did this in just 29 starts three or four fewer than those ahead of him.  Darvish is also with a team that has had great success getting the most out of their pitchers with hall of famer Nolan Ryan leading the show, and Darvish has had a full offseason in the Ranger organization now and he turns 27 during this season.  Should Darvish get 32 or 33 starts this season he will challenge for the lead in strike outs and wins, and if his spring numbers continue into the regular season (1.98 ERA, .805 whip) he becomes a Cy Young candidate that you can grab two or three rounds later than the other Aces.

Overvalued - OF Nelson Cruz: Cruz is a player that teases fantasy owners with talent to fill up all five traditional categories, but is looking like he may only really be reliable in three of them.  Last year Cruz disappointed in stolen bases totaling eight, which is less than half of his career high of 20, and at 32 years old we’re not looking for the speed to return.  Cruz also only hit .260 last year and .263 the season before, making the two years above .300 look more like the exception than the rule.  Oh, did we mention that one of the best hitters in baseball is no longer protecting Cruz in the lineup, and in fact Hamilton’s absence puts more pressure on Cruz to be the man in Texas.  Don’t get us wrong, Cruz is certainly worth owning and we’d have him on any of our teams, just not at the price some are paying.

Sleeper - OF David Murphy: Murphy was a number one (17th overall) draft pick ten years ago.  While he’s had a decent career he’s never been an everyday starter in fantasy or reality, but that is set to change in 2013.  With the departure of Josh Hamilton Murphy will not only be needed in the outfield more often, but the Rangers will need his left handed stick in the line up too.  If Murphy plays everyday he will be useful in five categories offering double digits in home runs and stolen bases and 80 plus RBI and runs.  Murphy hit lefties much better in 2012 (.347) than his career average (.266) and his overall spring average (.311) make Murphy look like a guy you’ll be starting every day, especially in leagues that start five outfielders.

Bust - DH/1B Lance Berkman: While Lance Berkman has returned to the state where he had his best years it’s important to know that his best years are behind him.  Berkman turned 37 this offseason and is trying to rebound from a season where he only had 81 at bats, couple that with the Texas heat and it is unlikely that the big puma will be able to perform day to day even if he stays healthy.  There’s no denying that Berkman had an outstanding year in 2011, but we’re not betting on anything like that happening again, and since the league has at least started to crack down on PED’s you’re just not seeing hitters this close to 40 perform at a consistent enough of a level to help fantasy teams.  Pass up the puma on draft day and grab someone with a little less grey in their beard instead.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB fantasy advice, texas rangers, yu darvish, nelson cruz, david murphy, lance berkman