Deep in the Hole- Fantasy Baseball Week 21
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
Oswaldo Arcia, Minnesota Twins (OF) – Minnesota’s offense just exploded against Detroit, including scoring 20 runs in a game. Arcia was at the center of the action, and has hit six home runs in his last 12 games. With 14 homers this season, Arcia has already matched his career high, set last season. He has considerable power and could threaten 20 bombs this year. He is a cheap source of power, and can be a serviceable third outfielder down the stretch.
Justin Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers (3B, 2B, SS) – Turner is valuable to fantasy owners for the same reason he is valuable to manager Don Mattingly, his versatility. Turner has filled in for the injured Hanley Ramirez and Juan Uribe, and has been productive. He’s gone 9-for-24 in his last seven games, with five RBIs and a couple steals. Turner is not an exciting player, but he can put up decent stats at three positions. Hanley Ramirez has returned, but Juan Uribe remains sidelined, so Turner will continue to see at-bats.
Cooling Off
Devin Mesoraco, Cincinnati Reds (C) – Mesoraco has been one of the top scoring catchers for most of season, but has scuffled of late. He has just one hit in his last 10 games, and his average has slipped to .273. He still has 20 home runs though, one behind Carlos Santana for tops among catchers. Because of the power potential, owners have to stick with Mesoraco. He’s been dropped in some ESPN leagues, and that’s crazy. Be patient, he’s gotten you this far.
Brandon Moss, Oakland Athletics (1B, OF) – Moss is in a similar situation to Mesoraco. He has had a strong season, with 23 home runs. Recently he’s struggled, going hitless last week, and has begun to lose playing time. Unlike Mesoraco, though, Moss plays a deep position. Power hitters can be replaced in the outfield or at first base. Moss can be dropped in most leagues, and owners should check the waiver wire for guys like Khris Davis or Kennys Vargas.
Minor League Chatter
The Pittsburgh Pirates sent down the struggling Gregory Polanco, but he should be recalled once rosters expand in September.
Nugget of the Week- On August 20th, Pennsylvania and Mo’Ne Davis faced Las Vegas in the Little League World Series. The announced attendance at Lamade Stadium was 34,128, over 9,000 more fans than at the Philadelphia Phillies game.