Detroit Tigers' Dontrelle Willis pitches to the Milwaukee Brewers in...

Detroit Tigers' Dontrelle Willis pitches to the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning of an exhibition baseball game, Saturday, April 3, 2010, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps) Credit: AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

If the first week were to occur in the middle of July, it wouldn't be such a big deal. Since it's the opening week of the season, a small sample gets analyzed with a microscopic eye and fantasy owners panic or get pumped up over one start. Make sure you don't overreact. If you were high on a player before the season just two weeks ago, don't let a few games alter your beliefs. Here are some players making headlines and how to react.

Mike Napoli (Angels): Napoli owners are very concerned after he started just one of the first four games. He hit six home runs in the spring, but continued to struggle defensively. Jeff Mathis is getting the playing time, but he's not a threat offensively. It isn't a huge surprise because this happened last season, as well. Napoli had 382 at-bats last season and 227 in 2008. He may not get 400 at-bats, but in the last two seasons, Napoli hit 20 home runs. He doesn't need a lot of at-bats to put up solid numbers because of his power. It could be a bumpy ride, but you should stick with Napoli.

Jason Heyward (Braves): No truth to the rumor that Heyward's Hall of Fame induction is next week. The hype and expectations for the 20-year-old are immense and he bolstered them by hitting a home run in his first major-league at-bat. His most impressive attribute is his approach at the plate. He had a 49/49 K/BB ratio in the minors last season. He looks like he will be a terrific player, but with all the buzz, I'd be looking to deal him in non-keeper leagues for a more established player.

Adam LaRoche (Diamondbacks): If you know about LaRoche and his slow starts, going 0-for-12 with six strikeouts is no surprise. If only we could flip his calendar to July. Don't panic. He will have a very good season.

Kelly Johnson (Diamondbacks): A prime example of people drafting on last season's statistics. Don't forget he had 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases two years ago and is now in a ballpark that is excellent for lefthanders. He hit two home runs batting leadoff Wednesday, but might hit eighth often. Either way, he's a good add.

Dontrelle Willis (Tigers): He had a 14/12 K/BB ratio in 22 innings in the spring and walked two in six innings against the Royals. His velocity picked up as the game went along and was clocked as high as 94 mph. The Royals lineup isn't good and they started four lefthanders. We need to see more.

Garrett Jones (Pirates): He may continue to hit for power, but it's doubtful he provides a good average or steals. If he stays hot, sell high.

Brad Penny (Cardinals): So all it takes is the tutelage of pitching coach Dave Duncan? Penny induced 13 ground-ball outs and allowed one run in seven innings against the Reds. He's intriguing.

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