Well, if your roster is littered with DL/injured players, let’s get over it and stop complaining. The topic of injuries this year has been all over my previous articles but let’s keep in mind that the testing for PED’s has done a great job of getting the game cleaner. The fallout of PED’s getting out of the game is certainly deserving of a whole article in itself but I’ll focus my energy on getting you some solid fill-in players and quite possibly some guys who could stick on your roster.
Hitters:
Seth Smith, OF – Now I will be the first to say that owning a Padre is a risky investment, outside of Huston Street of course. Seth is a veteran hitter that is finally flourishing for a new team. We can’t get inside the minds of players but SOMETHING has clicked. He has been on quite a streak and I don’t see it continuing at the current pace (.500 BA over past 2 weeks) but I do see a nice spot in the order, Smith seeing the ball well, proven by the walks (.565 OBP over past 2 weeks) and Carlos Quentin coming back to the order. The Padre offense is better than most would think recently so if you have an injury in the outfield or a player struggling, put him in asap. He may get an occasional day off when a lefty starts but the streak has his manager playing more and more. San Diego only faces 1 lefty starter in the next week.
Drew Stubbs, OF – Grab ANYONE on the Rockies roster right now. They are distancing themselves as the best offense in baseball rapidly! Stubbs was a frustrating player with the Reds, showcasing speed and power but could never hit for a respectable average. Well, Colorado has a way with players and whether it be some technique change or just a placebo mental effect, Stubbs is grinding good at-bats from the 2 hole in front of the hottest hitter in the planet, some guy named Troy, and an entourage of offensive monsters in CarGo, Morneau, etc. Drew’s .382 avg to go along with a .700+ is outstanding, but throw in 4 SB’s in the past week and you have a phenomenal streak going on. Jump on but keep a close eye out for consecutive O-fer days and proceed to bench. He has some sticking power though for most rosters, no matter the format.
A.J. Pollock, OF – I’m glad a massive amount of OF’s are getting hurt because there are several that have always been on the radar finally breaking out. Along with Stubbs, Pollock has a knack for SB’s to go along with some quality pop. This is another guy, that if he stays healthy, could have staying power on your roster. Playing in the poor man’s version of Colorado, Arizona has a healthy offense. With Prado starting to put some good AB’s together, Pollock and his top of the order spot should continue to give you solid roto stats. In head-to-head, weekly line ups, take a look at the matchups but for now, pick him up and cheer on Goldy and Prado knocking Mr. AJ in a lot!
Dustin Ackley, 2B, OF – Talk about a gem! A 2B flexibility spot that is heating up. I don’t see him keeping it up but 2B is pretty shallow so take a look and if you have a Rendon or other weak/struggling 2B, pick up this Mariner. Solid AB’s and good slugging numbers (.686 last 14 days) have me excited to get him in the lineup asap.
Chris Johnson, 3B – We have a Chris Johnson sighting. With Atlanta’s offensive cooling a bit, nothing could be more opposite for CJ. His past 2 weeks have really changed his season around. Hitting .390 over the past 2 weeks is a sight for sore Atlanta fan’s eyes. He has a lifetime .500+ BA against three of the next seven starters he faces so the sun is shining on this guy at just the right time.
Kole Calhoun, OF – Calhoun is mashing the ball at Triple-A right now as he rehabs back from his ankle injury he hurt back in April. Everyone’s seemed to have forgot about his potential, leading off in that powerful Angels lineup. He’s expected to return on Tuesday and if he was dropped in your league, go get ’em!
Jose Abreu, 1B – Abreu lands on the DL after continuous issues with his ankle. The injury is referred to as posterior tibia tendonitis, but apparently it’s only inflammation. Abreu should return from the 15 Day DL, when those 15 days are up. For now, Konerko and Dunn should handle first base.
Pitchers:
Chad Qualls, RP – Even with Farnsworth signing with the Astros, I see Qualls getting a strong look at closer. He has had an exceptional run since late April and a veteran savy presence that I think will help the Astros in the long run. Factor in the Astros lackluster offense, and you have a player that has a surprising amount of possible opportunities since the Astros will rarely ever blow anyone out. If they win, it will be a close game. With 11 consecutive scoreless appearances, enjoy the production while you can.
Jordan Lyles, SP – For the exception of his last start, giving up 6 ERs, he has been nothing short of one of the most consistent pitchers in the game. The Rockies factor is always going to be a deterrent but don’t overlook him. I see his ownership growing but he is a must add for just about every single format. He doesn’t have the wow factor when it comes to strikeouts but a pitcher that consistently puts up quality starts who has THAT offense behind him, is good to go in my book. Add him!
Wei-Yin Chen, SP – Another “soft” thrower that won’t get you the ever-popular pile of strikeouts, is heating up! His past couple of starts have put him back on the radar. He is now 5-2 with a sub-3.70 ERA and takes on the Pirates in his next start.
Edwin Jackson, SP – I have to recommend him for those guys looking to add a high risk, high reward pitcher. I picked him up for his start against the Brewers and was rewarded by 11 strikeouts and no runs in 7 innings. I wouldn’t have been shocked if it played out the opposite way, but Edwin has the stuff to maintain a good strikeout ratio and when he is on, he is on. Really analyze the particular matchup when looking to start him; a team with a Buehrle or Lyles or Chen or Kuroda, etc may need some strikeout potential. Grab Jackson and keep your hands right where fellow Cubs fans do….tightly gripped together in a prayer manner.
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