By Bob Bonett

Here is a look at players making fantasy news from April 18 to April 25.

Players of the week:

J.J. Hardy: Yes, Alex Rodriguez had the best fantasy week. But picking him for the POTW would be no fun. Hardy had a ridiculous week belting five home runs – the same amount he hit all of last year. That being said, sell this guy high. He is not a true power threat; he’s just acting as one.John Maine: Ladies and gentlemen, John Maine is for real. This guy showed flashes of brilliance last year, and is doing more of that this year. His 1.84 ERA for the week is a sign of things to come. Don’t count out 15-17 wins for this guy.

Worth giving a look:Aaron Rowand: Three years ago, Rowand was looked at as a guy who could end up being a watered down version of Vernon Wells with 25 home run, 20 stolen base potential. With his hot start, I think this may be the year Rowand proves that he is worthy of an outfield spot in all formats. Expect .290 with 20-25 bombs, 20-25 stolen bases, and close to 90 runs.Tom Gorzelanny: I can’t believe how many leagues this guy is not owned in. A top prospect all of last year and under-hyped going into the draft, Gorzelanny is looking like a future ace. Scoop this guy up now if he’s available; 15 wins is within reach after a 3-0 start.

Send ’em to the waiver wire:Bobby Crosby: Don’t ask me why, but Baseball Tonight loves this guy. Crosby has the potential, but he is injury prone and an under-performer. If you still have Crosby, drop the shortstop in favor of red-hot Khalil Greene.John Patterson: Remember when Patterson fanned 185 guys in 2005? Neither do I. This guy is washed up after an off-season of surgeries. Time to move on unless you like a 1.89 WHIP.

Injury updates:Akinori Iwamura: The first month fantasy darling is getting his first taste of the MLB DL. I’d be very careful if I owned him, and look for a long-term replacement. Suffering a strained oblique may seem minor, but this injury often shelves Major Leaguers for more than just a couple of weeks. Eric Gagne and BJ Ryan: Bad news for both parties here. As I predicted last week, Ryan is out for a while, perhaps until late June after being moved to the dreaded 60-day DL. Meanwhile, Gagne made managers that held on to Akinori Otsuka happy after straining his hip. My guess is that it is only a matter of time before Otsuka is closing full time for the Rangers.

Buy low:Mark Teixeira: The Rangers’ first baseman’s favorite thing to do is start slow. Tex has eight home runs in the first three months of the season before exploding late. Trade for this guy, have patience, and enjoy it when Tex explodes for 25 home runs during the late-season stretch.Oliver Perez: I think it is time to buy into Mr. Inconsistent. Rick Peterson met with the young Mets hurler after his dreadful seven-walk outing. The result: nine strikeouts and no walks in six-plus innings. I wouldn’t rule out 160 strikeouts and 14 wins for this kid.

Sell high:Jeff Francoeur: Trading an outfielder with 24 RBI this early in the season may be heart-wrenching. I don’t expect Francoeur to keep it up, though. His batting average will creep back down to the .260 level, and his RBI rate will slow down to where it was last year.Francisco Cordero: Cordero has started off red-hot for the Brewers. However, after watching him almost blow Dave Bush’s gem the other day, I think its time to start shopping this guy. Cordero has a history of inconsistency, and a determined Derek Turnbow waiting in the wings. Trade him now for an upper-echelon closer that is struggling.

If you want fantasy baseball advice, send an e-mail to [email protected], and we’ll analyze the question next issue.

Tom Gorzelanny is looking to dethrone Rich Hill as “NL Lefty of the Year.”