Sporting News officially announced the launching of 2008 Stratomatic season set! Here’s a list of 10 clutch hitters that I would consider drafting. I based my picks on my preference of contact hitters with low walks and strikeouts who are less prone to injury.
1. David DeJesus 5.75M 12 clutch - Perhaps the one of the best clutch ratings in the set. Has a good OBP vs right handed pitchers and will hit a lot of triples.
2. Bengie Molina 4.57M 8 clutch – Had a solid defensive card c-2(-1)e1, T-5(pb-0) this year. He’ll put the ball in play, zero walks and zero strikeouts, but will also ground into double plays (27 DP chances).
3. Ian Kinsler 5.75M 7 clutch – If drafted, he’ll most likely need to become the DH because of his defense at second base 3e24. He has a solid OBP against right handed pitchers and will hit a lot of doubles. Kinsler also has a lot of speed (1-17) and can steal bases (A steal rating).
4. Pablo Sandoval 4.91M 6 clutch – Another Giants catcher. He can also play 3B and 1B. Has 29 single chances against right handed pitchers! Zero walks and very low strikeouts. Will have a lot of double opportunities. He is a high risk for hitting into the double play (30 DP chances), however.
5. Justin Morneau 7.04M 4 clutch – Morneau always seems to have solid years. This year, he’s an ‘Iron Man’ – zero injury chances. He had 47 doubles during the regular season – 8 2B chances on each side.
6. Denard Span 5.68M 3 clutch - I never heard of this guy until now. Maybe I’ll add him to my Yahoo Fantasy Sports team. This is another Minnesota Twin who will play well defensively 2(0)e7 in RF or CF. Has a very good OBP against both sides and will produce a lot of triples. He will walk quite a bit against left handers but he’s a good base stealer.
7. Derek Jeter 5.77M 3 clutch – Jeter will get on base and hit a lot of singles. He does have a low OPS (.771) but good defense at shortstop seems to be a little thin this year. Jeter has a 1-16 rating on the base paths.
8. Andre Ethier 6.22M 2 clutch – I always prefer outfielders with good arms. Either has a -2 arm and can play either LF or RF. Another hitter with high double chances against right handers.
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