With a full week of interleague play, there are definitely going to be some dilemmas facing fantasy owners. While some players could gain value due to 6 games in AL ballparks (like Gerardo Parra, who we will talk about later today), other players are going to be left virtually useless. Let’s take a look at the AL clubs who have six games in NL ballparks, meaning their DH could be left out in the cold:
Boston Red Sox
DH – David Ortiz
This situation is probably the worst for fantasy owners for the coming week because it is littered with uncertainty. The Red Sox have already shown that they are willing to move Adrian Gonzalez to RF and they have been doing so even when playing at home. That’s because they are trying to find a way to get Kevin Youkilis and Will Middlebrooks in the lineup at 1B/3B, with Ortiz as the DH.
So, they were already squeezing a square peg into a round hole. Now, Ortiz’ spot disappears for a week and what are you left with? An absolute mess, to say the least.
Ortiz obviously isn’t going to be a pinch hitter for the next week, but Bobby Valentine is going to be forced to use some sort of a rotation. That means, outside of Gonzalez in the outfield, the other three are a lock to lose some playing time. How much? That’s the $1,000,000 question.
My guess is that Ortiz plays three games, as the Red Sox may view him as a defensive liability. They’ll want his bat, but not every day. So, if you are an Ortiz owner, as painful as it is, you may want to check for an alternative who is guaranteed more playing time for the coming week. There really is too much uncertainty in his situation, despite how productive he could be in limited AB.
Chicago White Sox
DH – Adam Dunn
Paul Konerko is not far removed from wrist surgery, so it is possible that the White Sox use this opportunity to give him a little additional rest and time to heal. Dunn has also seen time in the outfield this season (albeit 1 game) and, with Dayan Viciedo potentially on the sidelines with tightness in both hamstrings, it’s possible he sees a game or two there.
I would envision him playing three or four games this week, mostly depending on the team’s outfield situation. The Cardinals are marching out three right-handed pitchers, so he should play in at least two of those three games. However, with the Dodgers sending a pair of left-handers to the mound in Clayton Kershaw and Chris Capuano, I’d expect him to start just once of the three.
If you are going to use him or not truly depends on the other options you have. Like with Ortiz, if you own someone with the potential to produce and more guaranteed playing time you may want to have him on your bench. It’s just a tough situation for these players.
New York Yankees
The Yankees don’t necessarily have a set designated hitter, so playing in the NL full-time isn’t going to be a major issue. They won’t have a spot to rest someone like Alex Rodriguez, but for one week it shouldn’t be a concern.
Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones will likely share time in leftfield, but otherwise the Yankees lineup should remain intact. No one loses value due to the schedule.
What are your thoughts on these three teams? Would you start Ortiz or Dunn? Why or why not?
