Deep in the Hole- Fantasy Baseball Week 11

By Charlie Wright on June 22, 2014

This is my weekly fantasy baseball column where I discuss the rising and falling stocks of certain players. Hopefully this information can help with your lineup decisions, and maybe give you some ideas when looking for a boost from the waiver wire. But, of course, do not sit your studs just for these guys, or drop a guy just because he appears on the list. These are just suggestions, albeit supported ones.

Heating Up

Kendrys Morales, Minnesota Twins (1B) – Morales signed a one-year deal with Minnesota, and reported straight to the big club. He was unsigned up to this point due to the draft pick compensation tied to him, but Morales becomes an immediate fantasy asset now that he is playing again. The big first baseman is coming off back to back 20-homer campaigns, and should be a source of cheap power in the middle of an underrated lineup. Morales has seven hits in his first four games, grab him while you can.

Tommy La Stella, Atlanta Braves (2B) – Dan Uggla’s lack of production has opened the door for La Stella, and he has not disappointed. A well-regarded prospect in the Atlanta system, La Stella has hit .378 in his first taste of big league action. Although he hasn’t shown much pop, with only one extra base hit, he did have more than 20 doubles in each of his minor league seasons.  The one issue with La Stella is he is stuck at the bottom of a struggling Atlanta lineup, which hurts his counting stats. Manager Fredi Gonzalez has discussed moving him to the two-spot in the order, but until that happens his potential is capped.

Cooling Off

J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles (SS) – Hardy has actually been reasonably productive for Baltimore, as his .282 average is 20 points higher than his career mark. The problem for fantasy owners is the fact that it is mid-June and Hardy hasn’t hit a home run. Hardy has hit more than 20 bombs every season he’s been in Baltimore, and owners who drafted him were expecting premier power at a traditionally weak position. Maybe he is sacrificing power for average, but whatever it is, Hardy isn’t fantasy relevant until he finds that power stroke.

Jed Lowrie, Oakland Athletics (2B, SS) – The good news is the oft-injured Lowrie has stayed relatively healthy during his time with Oakland. The bad news is Lowrie hasn’t done much of anything this season. He is hitting .229 with a paltry four homers, and recently ended an 0-for-21 slump. Lowrie does have dual eligibility, and has already walked 31 times (his career high is 50), but for now he’s best left on your bench.

Minor League Chatter

In three seasons in the Marlins’ minor league system, Andrew Heaney has amassed 198 strikeouts in 199 innings. He’s pitched to a 2.31 ERA while making stops at every minor league level. The well-traveled Randy Wolf is just holding a place for Heaney in the Miami rotation, so the top prospect should be up soon. Get him now if you have a free roster spot.

With the return of Matt Adams pushing Allen Craig back to right field, there’s no more room for Oscar Taveras in St. Louis. He was sent down today, and can be dropped in non-dynasty leagues.

Oh yeah, and Gregory Polanco is here.

 

Nugget of the Week- Alfredo Simon earned his ninth win. That’s more than Felix Hernandez, Max Scherzer, and Zach Greinke. Simon was not going to be in Cincinnati’s rotation until Mat Latos was injured in the preseason.

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