We are in the last couple weeks of the fantasy baseball regular season! And while your league mates may be asleep at the wheel and already looking deep into football, you are staying active. This is where you amp up your roster to get it geared up for the playoffs. Trade deadlines have passed, so the only means of improving your team is through the waiver wire. I’ve got a few guys that should help you make this last push for the playoffs. It wouldn’t be a Razzball article from me if it didn’t come with a corny title, so you all can Semien the Playoffs baby with these hitters.
Marcus Semien – SS, Athletics (49.6% ownership)
Bet you didn’t see this one coming. No I did not just use Semien here for a grimace worthy title. It just so happens to be convenient. All jokes aside, Semien is a guy I’ve had my eye on since he’s had modest production all year, but now he is really heating up. In the last month, he is slashing .327/.382/.475 with 3 home runs, 3 stolen bases, 18 runs scored, and 8 runs batted in. He plays one of the more shallow positions, so if you need another SS/MI, Semien seems poised to finish the year strong. He plays on one of the hottest teams in the league that continually produces runs in bunches. The Athletics are 7th in runs scored this year with 607, and 4th in home runs with 173. One of the big things I look for in hitters is the offense they hit in, and there are few hotter lineups in the league than the Oakland A’s. Semien has that coveted pop/speed combo, and should continue producing runs in a potent lineup.
Miguel Sano – 1B/3B, Twins (47.1% ownership)
I know the “wave” to scoop Sano after his promotion to the MLB has come and gone. However, I have seen people drop him and his ownership dropped a little so I figured it would be appropriate to include him here. He is easily one of the best available power sources to close out the year, and I think he can make a difference in the HR category to close out the year. Upon his promotion back to the MLB, he was initially striking out less and putting quality balls in play more. He had started out piecing together hits, but there was much to be left desired in the power department. The power seems to be coming along lately, as Sano has hit a home run in 3 of his past 9 games played. His average has dipped back down and he has seen an uptick in K’s, but I still think Sano holds value going forward. The waiver wire is pretty bare this time of the year, but I think Sano can help make a difference to close out the year.
Greg Allen – OF, Indians (13.5% owned)
Due to some injuries to the Cleveland outfield, Allen has found himself an everyday spot in the lineup and has taken full advantage of it. In the last 15 days, Allen is slashing .362/.412/.447 to go along with 6 stolen bases, 1 home run, 8 runs scored, and 6 runs batted in. Allen has been producing accross the board lately, but it is his speed that many are coveting at this stage of the season. His 6 stolen bases over the past two weeks could be a common occurrence now that Allen has seen consistent playing time. He is 12-for-13 in stolen base opportunities this year, so as long as he remains efficient we should see him getting plenty of green lights. The Indians have had one of the best offenses all year, which means Allen has and will continue to reap the benefits of hitting in such a loaded lineup. The Indians are 3rd in the league this year in both runs (643) and home runs (175) thus far. Look for Allen to continue producing runs and being a threat on the base paths.
