The Chicago Cubs recent sweep at the hands ot the Los Angeles Dodgers was quite a surprise....even for a diehard Dodgers fan. The Cubs had just finished a great year, winning the NL Central for the 2nd straight year and were the favorites to make the World Series and break the 100 year curse. One of the reasons for the Cubs success this year was the hitting of their 2bman Mark DeRosa.

DeRosa was drafted in the 12th round of my NL only snake draft league behind the following 2bman: Utley, Phillips, Hudson, K. Johnson, Uggla, Weeks, Kent, Matsui and Tad Iguchi of all people. In my two auction leagues, he was drafted at $11 in one, and retained at $6 in the other. Needless to say, DeRosa outperformed all but Chase Utley, Dan Uggla and Brandon Phillips if you factor in steals. Derosa hit .285-21-103-87-6 in 505 ABs. He also has eligibility at 3B and in the OF.

Going into 2009, because he hits in the solid Cubs lineup, and can play several positions, DeRosa should be drafted ahead of all NL 2bman not named Utley and Uggla in my opinion. Amongst NL 2bman, only Utley, Uggla and Wigginton hit more HRs, only Utley and Uggla had more RBI, and only Utley scored more runs, than DeRosa did in 2008.

The question on my mind will be: can he repeat his 2008 performance in 2009? His past performance since becoming a regular says no. I think, for the reasons mentioned previously, he can repeat his 2008 numbers, with maybe a slight drop in the power numbers.

What do faketeamers think?

Over the past couple days, there have been a slew of significant injuries to fantasy studs - three 1st or 2nd round hitters and two top closers.  This roster destruction creates opportunity.  Here is a lst of those five along with where I see the fantasy opportunity.

C Victor Martinez Cleveland Indians -  VMart injured his elbow to compound the lingering hamstring injury he suffered on Opening Day.  Kelly Shoppach immediately becomes a John Buck-esque fantasy option - double digit pop with a .250ish AVG.

OF Alfonso Soriano Chicago Cubs - Soriano is back on the D.L. with a broken hand.  2B Mark DeRosa moves to the OF.  His near-.900 OPS means he is likely rostered in most leagues. 2B Mike Fontenot takes over for now.  If the Cubs decide to recall Eric Patterson, and play him, he could be a sleeper for cheap steals.

1B Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals - The season opened with fantasy players worrying about Pujols' elbow and now he has hit the D.L. with a strained calf.  Joe Mather and Chris Duncan are the main beneficiaries.  OF Ryan Ludwick is going to hit 3rd so he could see an uptick in RBIs if he continues to hit.

Closer J.J. Putz Seattle Mariners - Putz was pulled mid-inning with right elbow pain.  Brandon Morrow took over and closed out the game.  he is the leader for saves, but be wary.  He had been shut down recently with a sore shoulder.  I can see the M's utilizing a committee to close games if Putz is out for a significant amount of time.

Closer Rafael Soriano Atlanta Braves - Want an idea of what the Mariners' save distribution could look like if Putz returns to the D.L.?  Look at the Braves.  Since Soriano went on the D.L. on April 7th, more than two months ago, Manny Acosta leads the Braves in Saves with three.  Soriano returned from the D.L. two weeks ago, he notched two saves.  Four other players have a save.  Expect Mike Gonzalez to return from the D.L. and Tommy John surgery and immediately become the seventh Braves relieve rto notch a save.