I never know what to expect from Jay Bruce on a weekly basis. He’s been killing me softly the past month (or really, season), but it always feels like he might turn things around instantly. Is there a term for when a fantasy baseball owner is afraid to bench a great player out of fear of retribution? Or is that simply good old fashioned passive-aggressiveness? I’m not sure if it’s better to have “streaky” players in a head-to-head league or not. Theoretically, they could kill your team in a given week, but they could also save it. Maybe it’s just about having a good balance. What are your thoughts on “streaky” players? Anyway, Bruce has been alright, but is fairly underwhelming in an OPS league, considering his likely price on draft day. I’m thinking about jumping off the ship next year and letting somebody else grab him, but then he would probably make me regret it. There he goes again with that passive-aggressive behavior! Here are some other players on my mind who may or may not stab you in the back:
Miguel Cabrera – As his owners know, he’s been out with a supposedly minor injury the past few days. I’m bringing him up because there is always the chance that studs who are on teams that are not in a close playoff race could get rested down the stretch, especially those with recent injury concerns. If you have the bench space, you should try to keep a backup ready if you could experience this situation.
Brandon Moss – Like a B-oss! After mentioning him several times this year, it makes me delighted that he’s owned in nearly every league. What does that say about me, fellow narcissist? Don’t answer that…
Bryce Harper – It’s been reported that he may need offseason surgery to remove a bursa sac. I just watched the movie Alien before I wrote this and I’m hoping that’s not what a bursa sac is. Harper’s quietly made significant improvements in his walk and strikeout rate this season, which could make him even more enticing, assuming a lack of injury and aliens.
Will Venable – I’m trying to figure out how to value this guy going forward. Your input is more than welcome.
Avisail Garcia – He’s very intriguing, isn’t he? I’m buying him for the rest of the year and may have to make him my lede soon…
Luke Scott – He’s back from the disabled list. You know what to do.
Yoenis Cespedes – I wouldn’t have guessed that he has 21 homers, unless you put a decimal point in there.
Jed Lowrie – His .291/.349/.438 line is fantastic considering his low price this season and that he’s a middle infielder. That’s all folks.
Tom Jacks is sporadically on Twitter @votetomjacks
