We are getting close to the All-Star break which means many managers are looking to fine tune their teams, join another brand new second season league, or just trying to get back in the race.
And with that pursuit, comes more and more research as to whom is actually going to provide some quality fantasy fodder, along with being consistent in that same vein.
So let us take a look at who you should focus on, and who you should stay away from.
THE BIG THREE:
Stephen Strasburg – SP – WSH: Well kids, it’s finally here; the coming of the young phenom Strasburgh! The deal is with this kid is that he will be featured as a two start pitcher in the upcoming week against the Pirates and Indians who are struggling to get some consistent offense.
Don’t be dragged in too much though, both the Pirates and Indians can hit the ball (Cleveland being far more dangerous) and while it could work out for the betterment of the Nationals, it may come at a price for you in the early goings.
Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pick the kid up because you should…NOW! Regardless of whether he will be an explosive add, or another ‘hot-to-cold rookie, he will be worth it in the long run. So, what are you waiting for?
Michael Young -= 3B/U – Rangers: Let’s admit it, April sucked for Young as he hit a measly .255, but it has been May that has shown itself to be the real area for taking advantage of him.
Now, in June, the hot streak continues and Young is batting .367 with 34 RBI since that dreadful April month.
Young has always been viewed as a guy who was going to come through for owners, and despite all the guys who are SUPPOSED to be doing well (and are not) throwing a wrench in the situation, this is around the time where all the players who are supposed to come through…actually do.
If you can grab him or trade for him, I say do it!
Marco Scutaro – SS/U – Red Sox: He has started to finally show himself to be the guy that we all thought he would wind up being. Yes, he doesn’t have the comfy confines of Toronto to help him, but Scutaro has finally turned the corner for the Red Sox.
Scutaro only hit .250 in his first 49 games, but I believe that it has a lot to do with that pinched nerve in his neck. Don’t believe me?
Well, since then he is 11 for 27 with an overall .407 avg and 3 DBLS and 6 RBI…which means if you don’t take advantage of him now, you’re gonna miss out entirely thanks in part to the other managers who were wise enough to pick him up.
HOT
Miguel Olivo – C – Rockies: Olivo has quietly been putting together a surprisingly good season in the Majors, and that means good things in Fantasy.
Olivo has scored eight runs in seven games, is sitting on a nice .316 average, and his walk ratio literally 1 for 2 ratio in regard to strikes vs. walks making him a great option for getting on base. I have been riding him all year in first, you should too.
Troy Glaus – 1B/3B/U - Braves: Glaus has become really hot, really quick and in case you missed out on the news here’s your wake up call. Glaus is a great add option given his dual qualifying situation at third and first, and his modest .283 BA is one of the best kept secrets right now in Fantasy leagues.
Glaus also has 10 HR, 42 RBI and 87 TB to his credit along with a nine game hitting streak…time to grab him if you can.
Jose Lopez – 1B, 2B, 3B, U – Mariners: a 10 game hitting streak, 7 for 16 with 2 HR and 6 RBI against the TWINS and a qualifier at nearly every position in Fantasy?
To be honest, I don’t know how you DON’T take a chance and ride him out right now.
COLD
Starlin Castro – SS – Cubs: Well sir, after a very hot start Castro has clamed down and returned back to earth an in 35 AB the kid has only 8 hits to his credit and a single RBI. Yes, the .323 avg seems to be the real deal, but getting on base doesn’t mean squat if you’re not doing much else.
I wouldn’t drop him just yet, but you can justifiably make a case to trade him for an upgrade.
Carl Pavano – SP – Twins: Pavano showed himself to be a tasty pick up earlier, but nowadays his record has dropped to 5-6 with an inflated 4.11 ERA and everyone else is banking on the fact he’ll bounce back against the Royals???
In Fantasy Baseball, none of you have time for such frivolous roster moves, so if you own him, dump him for something better and let Billy Butler and crew show you why.
Jose Guillen – DH – Royals: 3 for 33 in the last 10 games (0.91 ERA) with a dropped BA down to .244 and we all still think he’ll bounce back? Don’t count on it.
Guillen is a streaky hitter who, when hot, can provide a nice shot in the arm but trying to figure out when that will happen is as annoying as Nats circling your head. Guillen is safe to drop if you own him, and don’t be swayed by some others claiming that he is worth a shot in AL leagues only.
Have a player who you think should be on the list? Leave a comment below and get the discussion going!
