Each week I will pick 5 hot players from the previous week and review if their hot week will continue or if the are playing over their heads. I will try to find out who is real and who is not in fantasy baseball.

1) Randy Wolf - SP - Free Agent

Randy Wolf is getting quite a few offers, but he really is nothing more than an end game option in drafts. He has injury problems very often and his skills have started to slip. He had a few solid K/BB numbers back in 2001 and 2002, but none since. He would be an improved option if he takes a job in LA with the Dodgers, but he is not The Real Deal.

2) Brandon Lyon - RP - Detroit Tigers

The suspect closer now for the Tigers, but I did a review here of how he improves the Tigers pen, but not the closer spot. If healthy Rodney is probably the better option. If Brandon does have the nod for the 9th inning though he is worth a late pick. He is not the Real Deal though.

3) David Freese - 3B - St Louis Cardinals

Freese is one of several possible choices for the Cards to use at third base with Troy Glaus missing a possible month of the season. He hit 26 homers in 2008 at AAA and has had a solid batting average. Scouts haven't considered him an elite prospect, but his AAA numbers look quite impressive. If you need a fill in early in the year or take Troy Glaus late he could make a good choice if starting. He looks like a potential for Real Deal status to me.

4) Jordan Zimmerman - SP - Washington Nationals

Jim Boden said that Zimmerman is looking MLB ready and could be in the running for a rotation spot this year. His rates took a step back in 2008 at AA, but that should be expected and he scraped by with a K/BB at 2.64. I don't know if he's quite ready yet and if brought straight to the MLB he will likely struggle. I would like to see him at AAA for a bit before making the majors. CHONE has projected a 5.16 ERA and I don't disagree with that. He is not ready yet, but someday he could be the Real Deal.

5) Jonny Gomes - OF - Cincinnati Reds

Gomes signed a minor league deal with the Reds, but has had success as a power bat. The reds don't seem overly concerned with OBP and so his limit there shouldn't hurt him to much. If he ever got 500 AB's he could push 30 homers, but his limit has been his strikeouts which push him to the bench. He also is a poor fielder, but after Adam Dunn the Reds should be used to it. He is not the Real Deal, but could help a power strapped team.

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