Value Machine: Fantasy First Week

We're five full days deep in baseball and there's been a lot of action. In order to make the proper roster moves and know what to look for when you begin trade negotiations, it helps to understand the perceived value shifts that happen each week. So that's when we bust out the complex algorithms and determine who's up and who's down.

Ben Sheets -- Sheets looked great against the Cubs, engaging in a pitcher's duel against Carlos Zambrano, and even pitching post-rain delay; actually looking sharper. Sheets has a legitimate shot at the Cy Young and is a number one fantasy ace if he can avoid the injuries that have plagued him in the past.

Or, alternately: blahblahblahblah If he can stay healthy blahblahblahblah. I actually love Sheets but objectively he has to be considered a sell high, especially if he pieces together a few more of these starts. And considering Ned Yost seems unconcerned about his injury history.
Rich Harden -- See above.
Brian Bannister -- He absolutely shut down the Tigers. He won't overpower anyone but he's smart as hell and will get wins with nice ratios this season.

Alex Gordon -- Is 2007 already behind him? Looks like. Commence drooling. There's not much I wouldn't pay for him in a keeper league, by the way.
Johnny Cueto -- When you break out 10 strikeouts and go perfect through five plus in your MLB debut, people take notice. He's real, but perceived value/hype is higher than real value here, except for keeper leagues.
Zack Greinke -- Greinke is worthwhile again! I feel like I'm taking crazy pills! The Royals are better than everyone thinks by the way, so he's a nice option.
Kosuke Fukudome -- The hype is off the chart (raises hand indicating guilt) but he's a nice fantasy option. Probably don't want to buy just yet though.
Nate McLouth -- Everyone apparently tagged him as a breakout. This information is just conveniently getting dropped after he hits .350 with a homer and four RBI in the first week. He's fast as hell too. A nice add.
Xavier Nady -- April's Fools. Sell.
Andre Ethier -- Common sense lands him in left and now he might land 1B eligibility too. Good lower end outfielder.
Carlos Gomez -- Speed and defense galore. Torri who?
Blake DeWitt -- Out of nowhere posts a big week for LAD. Nomar can probably kick it on the DL for a while now, although DeWitt probably isn't going to win you a fantasy title at third.
Jeremy Bonderman -- Bad first start and a bad second half in 2007 make him dirt cheap right now. You should buy low.
Matt Garza -- Not a "great" start against that Baltimore "team". He's still got a ton of upside though and people don't really recognize it. Buy.
Brett Myers -- He didn't exactly beat anyone down in his first start, but he's gonna have a big year anyway.
J.J. Putz -- Poor soul patch. Decent buy low if WebMD is right about the injury not being a long term thing.
Mike Hampton -- Shouldn't be shocking but doesn't make it any less disappointing. Drop him.
Homer Bailey -- If Edison Volquez pitches well, there ain't no room at the Inn.
Eric Gagne -- Best believe that Mr. Mitchell. Er, allegedly. Not a fan.
Brandon Lyon -- He's still closing, so selling isn't a bad idea at all.
Chad Cordero -- A phantom shoulder injury let Jon Rauch sneak into save situations. I'm lukewarm on phantom shoulder injuries. And anyone who closes for the Nats (not buying the hype just yet).