Fantasy Baseball: Monday's Spring Training Roundup

Here are a few thoughts after reviewing Monday's spring training boxscores:

Billy Beane probably had a few cocktails after Ben Sheet's outing on Monday. There's not much to say as Sheets did not get a single Reds hitter out, as he gave up 10 runs, 9 earned, on 8 hits and a walk in the first inning. Would it surprise you to hear Sheets is hurt again?

Brewer's rookie shortstop Alcides Escobar went 2-4 to raise his BA to .462 this spring. If he continues to hit like this, he may steal 40+ bases.

Boston's David Ortiz went 2-3 with a HR and 2 RBI to to raise his BA to .143 this spring. Another slow start for Ortiz without Manny.

Roy Halladay is already in mid-season form as he threw 5 innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Don't believe the 20+ wins projections you are hearing everywhere, especially with the Phillies bullpen. Remember what the same people were saying about Johan Santana coming over from the Twins to the Mets two years ago? How he would win 20+ games facing the pitcher 3 times a game, yadda yadda. How did that turn out?

Lastings Milledge is proving he belongs this spring as he is hitting .381 so far. I think Milledge will surprise people in 2010. A post-post-hype hitter?

The Mets outfield prospect Fernando Martinez was 2-4 with 2 RBI vs the Cardinals on Monday. He raised his BA to .591. Are the Mets better with Martinez in centerfield till Carlos Beltran comes back?

Nationals pitching prospect Drew Storen gave up his first two runs this spring on 3 hits, a walk and 2 strikeouts. How soon before he is closing games in Washington?

Twins closer candidate Francisco Liriano gave up 3 runs in 3 innings on Monday, giving up 4 hits, one a HR, and striking out 6. Marlins outfield prospect Mike Stanton took his deep in the 3rd inning with two out. Liriano may be better suited in a closers role.

Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and a walk in 2.2 innings vs the Diamondbacks on Monday. I am on record saying Lee will have a Cole Hamels-like season in 2010.