Deep in the Hole- Fantasy Baseball Week 19

By Charlie Wright on August 10, 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

Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres (SS) – When healthy, Cabrera is one of the premier base stealers in the National League. He’s battled injuries throughout his career, which has limited his steal totals, and 2014 has been no different. Cabrera missed almost all of July with a hamstring strain, but since returning from the DL he is 14-for-40 with five stolen bases. He won’t hit for any power, but the stolen bases keep the floor of his production high. Cabrera is available in nearly half of ESPN leagues, those who just lost Hanley Ramirez should take note.

Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals (1B) – Butler has disappointed since his 29-homer 2012 campaign, and his stock continued to fall the first four months of this season. August has been much better for Butler though, as he is 12-for-30 with four doubles and two home runs in nine games this month. The extra base hits are especially significant, as Butler had experienced a major power outage this season, with only five homers through July. The man they call Country Breakfast is primed for a strong final six weeks, and he has regained first base eligibility due to Eric Hosmer’s injury.

 

Cooling Off

Alex Rios, Texas Rangers (OF) – The Rangers have been underwhelming this season, and Rios deserves some of the blame. The .293 average is solid, but four home runs in a hitter-friendly ballpark doesn’t cut it. Rios does have 16 steals, which made him a viable option for most of the year, but ankle issues have sapped his speed. Rios hasn’t stolen a base in nearly a month, which limits his fantasy value. Rios is best left on the bench until he shows he is fully healthy.

Martin Prado, New York Yankees (3B, 2B, OF) – Prado has struggled since the trade to New York, going just 6-for-33 in 10 games. While he hadn’t exactly been tearing it up for Arizona, Prado has been worse in New York, despite being in a slightly better situation. Eligibility at multiple positions is always hard to let go, but Prado should be dropped in most leagues. Check the waiver wire for players like Yangervis Solarte and Brock Holt, who can provide similar positional flexibility with better production.

 

Minor League Chatter

With Hanley Ramirez possibly done for the year, Corey Seager may be called up by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seager has hit 19 home runs between High-A and Double-A this season, and has only defensive specialist Miguel Rojas and utility man Justin Turner in front of him.

Nugget of the Week- On August 9th, the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels played a nineteen inning game, ending in a 5-4 victory for the Angels. The following day, the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays also played a nineteen inning game, ending in a 6-5 victory for the Blue Jays. This is the first time in Major League history that nineteen inning games have been played on consecutive days.

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