Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Top 5 Added:
1. Dexter Fowler (OF, Rockies) .216, 2 HR, 12R, 7 RBI, 9 SB
Fowler has entered a bit of a slump this week, but still offers good value in deep leagues. He's going to get on base in Coors Field and will certainly steal bases as he already has 9 this season. Right now he's more of a 4th outfielder/utility guy in fantasy unless you're in a deep, deep league. I think he'll put up 30+ stolen bases this year and add 10 or more home runs. He's only owned in 45% of leagues so pick him up if you need cheap steals.
2. Russell Branyon (1B, 3B, Mariners) .320, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 17 R, 1 SB
Russell Branyon has always been a hit or miss type of hitter. So far this season, he's been an all around beast. His average is sure to drop a good 40 points, but it looks like he's going to get enough playing time to hit 30 homers and drive in 85+ runs. That is extremely good value for someone who wasn't even drafted in most leagues. He's still out there in almost 65% of leagues. I say go get him. If worst comes to worst, you can ride out the hot streak and drop him later. He does offer good versatility as he's eligible for both first and third base.
3. Phil Hughes (SP, Yankees) 1-1, 2.70 ERA, 8 K, 1.50 WHIP
Is it time for Phil Hughes to stake his claim in the Yankees rotation? Yes, at least until Wang returns. He's looked pretty decent in two starts so far this season, but a 1.50 WHIP is too high for a fantasy starter. That should go down as he gets more starts. Personally, I think they Yanks should stick with Hughes when Wang returns and put Chamberlain back as the 8th inning man. It just makes the team better in my opinion. Phil Hughes has all the tools to be a solid fantasy starter.
4. Hank Blalock (3B, 1B, Rangers) .258, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 15 R
This is a contract year, so the most important this is his health. He's always shown he's a good hitter when healthy, and this season is no different. His average will increase over time, but he's put up very good production so far. He's still available in about 50% of leagues, and offers multi-position eligibility. If healthy, he should hit 25 homers and drive in 90 runs in a very deep lineup.
5. Asdrubal Cabrera (2B, SS, Indians) .315, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 18 R, 4 SB
It looks like Cabrera has established himself again after a sophomore slump last season. Somehow he's still out there in 40% of leagues, and if he is in yours, go get him. He's eligible at both second base and shortstop. His 4 stolen bases add even more value. His power should increase as the year goes on, but don't expect much more than 10 on the season.
Top 5 Dropped:
1. Travis Hafner (Util, Indians) .270, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 10 R
Just when you think Pronk has returned to his former self, he goes and gets injured again. It looked like his power had returned and then his shoulder started bothering him again. If you have a DL spot, keep him, but if not let him loose. You never know if he'll fully return to form, so don't lose too much sleep over him.
2. Joel Hanrahan (RP, Nationals) 0-1, 2 S, 14 K, 6.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP
Hanrahan has lost the National closer role for now thanks to his awful start. He looked better on Friday night, but it may be a little while before he gets the role back. Mark my words, he will get the role back so if you can pick him up, do it now. He's out there in 34% of leagues so you may be able to pick him.
3. Carlos Marmol (RP, Cubs) 0-1, 2 S, 14 K, 5.25 ERA, 1.67 WHIP
I love the heat that Marmol can bring to the table, but when he can't find the strike zone, it's hard to put him in your fantasy lineup. He' also been bothered by a sore knee, but it's not deemed serious. Like Hanrahan, he will get save chances, so don't drop him or pick him up if you can. He's only out there in 29% of leagues, so it's unlikely you can even get him in deep leagues. You might as well check just in case. He will right the ship and you want to be on board when he does.
4. Kelly Johnson (2B, Braves) .208, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9R
Johnson has been riding the pine for the better part of the past week due to a prolonged slump. He was back in the lineup on Monday, but went 0 for 4 dropping his average to .208. He's not a good play right now, but should eventually come out of it. There are better options at 2B right now so you might want to pass on him. He's not the most valuable 2 bagger anyway, so don't fret if you have to unload him.
5. Manny Corpas (RP, Rockies) 0-3, 1 S, 5 K, 6.75 ERA, 1.88 WHIP
Sometimes I think Corpas and Marmol are the same player. They have very similar pitching styles and track records as hard throwing relievers who can't seem to keep the closer role. According to several reports, he's in jeopardy of being sent to the minors, so I would wholeheartedly suggest dropping him. It doesn't help that he's allowed a run in 4 of his last 5 appearances. Cut bait now.
Players who should be on your radar:
Do you know who Scott Richmond is? If not don't worry, but he does have 4 wins already for the Toronto Blue Jays. Those wins have come against suspect lineups, but you can't argue with wins. If you're in deep league and are looking for starters, give him a try. By now you may already know that Latroy Hawkins is the temporary closer due to injuries. He's looked decent in the role, but only had 1 save this past week. You can blame the lack of chances on a last place team. Kendry Morales will never be the player that Mark Teixiera is, but he's looked pretty darn good so far. He's hitting .279, with 4 HR, 16 RBI and 13 R in 83 at bats. That projects out to be more than 20 homers and 80 RBI for the season. That would be pretty good production for his first full major league season. Despite a slow start, Matt LaPorta, should provide solid power numbers if he gets the at bats. He was the Indian's centerpiece in the Sabathia deal last summer and is a tremendous power prospect, but may struggle a bit off the bat. Edwin Jackson may only be 1-1 in 5 starts, but he does have an 2.25 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. He's also owned in only 42% of leagues and should be picked up pronto. Mike Fontenot is owned in only 12% of leagues, but should be considered for a pickup. He's on fire this past week with 3 homers for the diminutive second baseman and would be a good get in NL only leagues. His average is only .264, but has hit 5 home runs so far.
Well, I hope everyone has a good fantasy week.
(Coming Friday: Frozen Ropes by Jim Ingram & Chin Music by Chad Garner)
No comments:
Post a Comment