Typically, this would be where I insert some super-awesome quote written by Oliver Stone, just in order to make up for my totally lame title.. One problem: I couldn't find anything that was "family friendly" enough to slot into this post. Instead, how about we break down five different platoon situations that are emerging/have emerged in the early fantasy baseball season. If you've got a particular situation you want examined, hit us on the hip here. Taylor Teagarden vs. Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Thus far, Teagarden has gotten one start and managed the same number of hits in five at-bats. He's walked once and struck out once, and well, it's pretty obviously Salty's gig ... or is it???
Actually, yes it is. But here's the thing: the Rangers have two very good catchers. Salty is, theoretically, the better offensive player (some would argue) while Teagarden is the better overall catcher. Which means, in my mind, this is a blatant "showcase showdown" and at some point, the Rangers want to deal Salty (why else would he get an 18:5 AB ratio when he's hitting .167?) Which means you need to keep an eye on Teagarden for now, scoop him if you have a really deep bench and just keep starting Salty until further notice.
Ian Stewart vs. Clint Barmes
There was reportedly some guffawing around the Rockies clubhouse after Stewart got the regular season start because Barmes was benched at second, but, um, clearly they're jerks not fantasy players.After all, Stewart is the better option for fantasy purposes, where as Barmes is a "leader" and "beloved" and "a bunch of other stupid stuff." The downside for Stewart is that he doesn't look like he's getting run in the outfield either, which means we just need Barmes' annual injury to happen already. I'd rather own Stewart, personally, but he's not start worthy right now. (Note that deeper leagues still want to own him -- he's raking in semi-limited at-bats.)
Nick Swisher vs. Xavier Nady
WTF? Swisher pitched on Monday night in a blowout loss to the Rays. If your league has really tiny elgibility rules and somehow Swisher is available, pounce immediately. You know what? Pounce anyway. Swisher's thriving in the Bronx so far this year, hitting two jacks with nine RBI and a drool-inspiring .550 OBP. Nady, in my mind, is an afterthought at this point, until Swisher starts to cool down.
Eric Byrnes vs. Justin Upton
Now this is an interesting situation: Upton and Chris Young are both struggling right now. It was assumed that Byrnes was odd man out with Conor Jackson starting in the outfield as well, but all of a sudden, well, we could be seeing Byrnes ganking some ABs from Upton. That's mainly because the phenom has been stinking the joint up so far this season, batting an impressive .000 with five K's and one walk. Quite impressive. He has no ceiling as far as we know, but that doesn't mean the Snakes won't roll with Byrnes if it means winning now.
Dexter Fowler - Seth Smith
That's right, more Rockies. Of course, this one isn't really becoming a platoon at this point, what with Fowler absolutely mashing early in the season. In case you didn't know, Smith is as exciting (upside-wise) as his name, whereas Fowler is a rookie with a whole lotta upside. And while rookies like Fowler starting out hot (.386/.467/.846, 2HR, 1SB) may mean they may cool down later, it also means that they'll get more playing than the guy who's hitting .077. Fowler warrants an immediate pickup in most leagues for his speed/power combo and potential for playing time.
