Posted by Tom Blaz on 08/18/2013 | 0 Comments
Tags: Sonny Gray, Alex Wood, Chia-Jen Lo, Bruce Rondon, Jake Arrieta, Travis d'Arnaud, Kolten Wong, Emilio Bonifacio, Corey Dickerson, Donnie Murphy
As we head down the home stretch, fantasy owners are either battling down to the wire, or trying to improve on 2014. It is easy to focus on categories to try and make your move, but often time "reaching" for a category will hurt you substantially in others. If you are in rebuild mode, there is plenty of young talent already in the majors and much more coming in two weeks. Good luck and don't spend too much time on football at the expense of your baseball team!
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Pitching:
Sonny Gray SP Oakland- After a brief stint in the majors last month, Gray may be back up to stay judging from his two starts since his recall. Gray was solid in a losing effort last weekend and Toronto, but was dominant on Thursday night against the Astros. Gray went eight shutout innings against Houston, allowing only four hits while striking out nine.
Alex Wood SP Atlanta- Wood is quickly becoming one of the more reliable pitchers on the talent laden Atlanta staff. Wood's enormous upside has been on display over his last four starts, going 2-0 in the process. Over 25+ innings, Wood has allowed only 15 hits, while compiling a strikeout to walk ratio of 26-to-4.
Chia-Jen Lo RP Houston- Since Jose Veras was rewarded with a trip from the cellar to the penthouse, fantasy owners have been trying to sort out the back of the Houston bullpen. Josh Fields appeared to take the early lead, but Lo has earned "co-closer" role. Lo has been more effective, not allowing a run over his last seven appearances.
Bruce Rondon RP Detroit- While Rondon may be more of a long term pickup, I wouldn't be surprised if Rondon gets some save opportunities during the pennant race. Rondon has found himself and has to be considered a viable option to close. Over the past two weeks, Rondon has eight shutout innings, with eight strikeouts and only six baserunners allowed.
Jake Arrieta SP Chicago Cubs- Arrieta was the Opening Day starter on several occassions in Baltimore, but the Birds finally gave up on him, shipping him to the Windy City in the Scott Feldman deal. Just recalled from Triple-A, Arrieta was masterful at St.Louis on Friday night, going seven shutout innings, striking out seven while allowing only four baserunners.
Hitting:
Travis d'Arnaud C NY Mets- One of the game's top catching prospects, the Mets called him up while John Buck is on matenity leave. d'Arnaud went 0-2 his his debut on Saturday, but will be given the opportunity to stay with the club if he performs well. GM Sandy Alderson says he will be back the first of September, even if sent back down when Buck returns.
Kolten Wong 2B St.Louis- One of baseball's top prospects, Wong was called up by the Cardinals to try and fuel an offense that struggled while Yadier Molina was sidelined. Regular playing time is not guaranteed with ample options in St.Louis. Wong may work his way into a platoon, but only has four at bats through his first three games.
Emilio Bonifacio 2B Kansas City-*Need stolen bases and runs scored? Bonifacio was brought in by the Royals to try and end the revolving door at second base. Toronto gave up after acquiring him from Miami and he could secure a long term job with a strong six weeks. Over the past week, Bonifacio is hitting .250 with four stolen bases
Corey Dickerson OF Colorado- Dickerson brings short term value with Carlos Gonzalez' eventual return. Dickerson had a monster series against the Padres with four doubles and two triples. Over the past two weeks, Dickerson is hitting .364 with a home run, seven RBI and a stolen base.
Donnie Murphy 3B Chicago Cubs- Is Murphy the real deal? Judging by his wide availability, many still have doubt. Murphy qualifies at second base in many formats which obviously makes him more appealing. Over the past two weeks, Murphy is hitting .324 with four home runs and nine RBI.
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Tom Blaz is a writer for Fantasy Alarm and co-owner of The Recruiting Eagle a website focusing on Auburn University Athletics. Follow Tom on twitter @RecruitingEagle
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