Taking a look around the league, here’s a recap of yesterday’s action and suggestions for your fantasy baseball team.
Mr. Clutch (pitcher) – The large one. The big cheese. Mr. PED himself, Bartolo Colon, was on form last night just completely shutting down the Angels. He scattered four hits and struck out five in his complete-game shutout performance. It’s funny, I cannot give this guy away in a couple leagues I am in, yet he just continues to rock it out every night out. The command has been lethal. If you can still get this on the cheap, I suggest you buy now.
Mr. Clutch (hitter) – Poor Matt Kemp; hell, poor Matt Kemp owners. It has been a season marred with disappointment. You were treated to the possibility of what he has to offer — 3-for-4 yesterday with a home run. Now, one game back from a DL stint, Kemp is dealing with swelling in his ankle. He has the ability to be a top-five fantasy stud, but knicks and bruises have diminished his value this season. Hold on tight Kemp owners. If Kemp can get over this most recent injury, there may be hope yet.
Surprise, surprise! – Injuries have taken a toll on Jayson Werth, but he came out swinging last night, going 2-for-3 and cranking out two home runs. He has been a shell of his former self this season, but if he can stay healthy, maybe he can crank out a productive second half. Owners are begging for this to happen.
Here comes the heat – Is it time to pass the best second baseman torch to Jason Kipnis or am I a year too soon? Robinson Cano has had a good Cano-like season, but Kipnis is the new hot car on the block, and he has everyone’s eye, especially after last night, going 2-for-4 with a home run. He is still ahead of Cano on ESPN’s player rater, and I don’t look to see him relinquishing that spot any time soon.
Left out in the breeze – Jordan Zimmermann had the shortest outing of his career, surrendering seven earned runs off of eight hits in just two innings. This also ties his season-high with seven earned runs allowed (one shy of his career high). Zimmermann was brilliant in the first half and an absolute delight for fantasy owners. A start like this makes me question a possible regression from Zimmermann. His ERA jumped a half a point due to this start. I expect it to stay there.
Who’s trending? – Marlon Byrd continues to find his way onto fantasy teams this season and did not disappoint Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a home run. This 35-year-old seems to have something left in the tank. A 25-homer season does not seem out of the question from this old slugger.
Bench me, please? – Can we please get over these Yankees players who have been mainstays on the DL? I’m tired of hearing about Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. They are not going to help you this season and it is best that you look elsewhere. If anyone does make it off the DL from this team, they are not going to have the impact you expect. This is not 2005 people. Your nephew in high school has more fantasy relevancy left in him than these guys.
The Streamer – A reader had posted my success rate to date a couple weeks ago, and I like the idea so much, I researched the past seven days to see how I had faired. Let’s take a look:
7/21 Willy Peralta 8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K, ND
7/20 Jake Peavy 6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 R, 0 BB, 3 K, W
7/11 Erasmo Ramirez 4.2 IP, 6 H, 7 ER, 7 R, 4 BB, 4K, ND
7/10 Jacob Turner 7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K, W
7/9 Ricky Nolasco 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K, W
7/8 Hector Santiago 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K, ND
7/7 Jeremy Hefner 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K, W
Total: 45 IP, 30 H, 15 ER, 13 R, 15 BB, 35 K, 4-0 with 3 ND
Combined Numbers: 3.0 ERA, 1.0 WHIP, .777 K/9 and a .333 BB/9
Moving onto tomorrow, Tyler Skaggs has been called back up by the Diamondbacks, and I like his odds Monday against the Cubs. He is owned in less than 1% of leagues and I expect that number to change come tomorrow.
Links of the day – You asked for some links, and here they are.
- Prospects, they are all the rage. Get an update of what is happening here.
- I’m worried about Justin Verlander. Read more about him and some other players here.
- Our very own Matt Commins breaks down pitching performances for the upcoming week. Check it out.
- Looking to add some up and comer from your favorite team? Well if you a Twins fan or a Rangers fan you are in luck. MinorLeagueBall.com has updates on their top-20 prospect reviews for both the Twins and the Rangers.
- More second half sleepers coming your way here.
