After watching almost every contending playoff team performing sacrifice bunts, I do not have the desire to rant about poor tactical management. Odds are if you’re reading this, you’re in the middle of your fantasy playoffs. So, I want to provide you with players who could help you in various categories:
- If you’re looking for power, Will Middlebrooks has six home runs and is batting .272 with a .519 slugging percentage in the past 30 days. Matt Dominguez has also been on a tear the past 30 days with a slash line of .284/.370/.505 with five home runs. Dominguez has reduced his strikeout rate two percentage points and has increased his walk rate nearly six percentage points, which could make him a deep sleeper entering drafts in 2014. If I had to pick between the two, go with Dominguez.
- If you’re looking for saves, pick up Sean Doolittle. For the past three weeks, he has been by far the best reliever in the A’s bullpen. He has the lowest batting average against (.172) and the highest strikeout rate (38 percent). Grant Balfour’s velocity is down nearly two mph from last September and batters are making hard contact. I wouldn’t be surprised if the A’s shut down Balfour to give his arm a break before the playoffs begin.
- If you’re looking for steals, Jonathan Villar is a great option. He is currently owned in 60 percent of ESPN leagues. Additionally, Villar has 11 stolen bases in the past 30 days. Eric Young Jr. also has 13 steals in the past 30 days. However, with an ownership percentage of 90 percent, he may not be available but is worth a look.
- If you’re desperate for wins today, Todd Redmond, who’s widely available, has a 2.19 ERA and a 28.3 percent strikeout rate at home. For the year he has a 4.10 ERA and 24.8 percent strikeout rate. Since Alex Rodriguez has returned to the Yankee lineup, the Yankees have the sixth highest OPS in the majors (.745). Prior to Rodriguez, the Yankees were 29th in OPS. Again, proceed with caution before putting Redmond in your lineup.