I really think that I will know my target audience when I start breaking out the Sanford and Son references. What is a head to head article without some good ole Americana? With that being said, this article series parallels the television series perfectly. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. There was this episode of Sanford and Son where LaMont brought home this suitcase, let’s call it Sorje Joler. It appears a little worn and not worth much anymore, despite the fact that at one point you could tell it was very nice. Well, LaMont gets the suitcase home and Fred finds that it is stuffed with cash. Well now it still appears to be junk to the naked eye, but when you dig a little deeper, voila!
As we all know, the trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and a lot of potential junk could have a shiny new coat, and vice versa. This reminds me of the episode where Fred wants a buy an “antique” commode, and upon further inspection, a polished toilet…is still a toilet. I could continue to go on and on with my S & S references, but I think I feel the big one coming Elizabeth. I shall bring you your Week 17 Head to Head junk heap heroes before Aunt Esther comes a knocking…..
Runs/SB
Harrison Bader, OF, STL-35% rostered in Yahoo-It sure felt like Bader was on the IL for a very long time with that broken rib, but no matter the time spent, it sure didn’t seem to take long to shake the rust off. Since his return on July 1st, Bader is going crazy at the plate. In the 73 ab’s in July, he has gone 12/5/16/.384/3. Bader possess elite speed, it’s just not always on display. This could be the time to jump and see him more aggressive on the base paths.
Myles Straw, OF, HOU-35% rostered in Yahoo- If I have to mention Straw another time, it must be clear that we all have enough SB’s on our teams, or we have collectively punted. The batting average is an issue, but if you need to get the SB edge?
Kolten Wong, 2B, MLW-37% rostered in Yahoo- If there is a search engine for key words that I have spelled this year, Wong has to be pretty high on the list. That is also why I delete my browser history daily. It appears the fantasy managers clear their fantasy history daily, because he is never rostered in enough leagues. He is top 5 among 2B over the past 2 weeks in Runs and SB.
HR/RBI
LaMonte Wade Jr, 1B/OF, SFG-19% rostered in Yahoo- How Wade is only rostered in 19% of leagues is incredible. Few have been hotter at the plate than him over the past 2 weeks. He has gone 7/5/10/1/.323 during that stretch. While he is still seeking the illustrious 1st hit against a LHP, he fortunately get the luck of facing 6 RHP and only 1 lefty, if all holds the same.
Joey Votto, 1B, CIN– 47% rostered in Yahoo- I mentioned that there are few hotter than Ward over the past 14 days, and Joey Votto is one of the rare exceptions. Votto had mentioned that he would sacrifice his batting average for a little more power, and it appears he has found a way to hit for more power, without hurting his average. His 13 RBI during the past 2 weeks is good for 4th most in MLB, and is top 10 over the past month. The Reds also have the benefit of playing 6 at home this week, where Votto has some pretty significant splits in his favor.
Jorge Soler, OF, KC-49% rostered in Yahoo- As the title implies, if you stare directly at Soler during one of his AB’s, there is a chance you go blind. There was also I chance that I went blind if I kept doing something my mom told me not do….20/20 vision baby! 6 HR’s over the past 14 days. Beware the weekend series in StL, as he may sit vs
Wins/Ratios
Tylor Megill, SP, NYM-39% rostered in Yahoo- Megill has been dominant since his call-up. Going into his Wednesday start vs Atl, he carries a 2.10 ERA and a tidy 1.10 WHIP. He gets a two-start week vs the Marte-less Marlins and the Phillies. The Marlins matchup alone is worth the pickup. Over the past month, they haven’t been able to figure out righties, and are striking out at a 25% rate. The Phillies haven’t exactly been tearing the cover off of the ball against righties at home in July. Their 92 wRC+ ranks 21st over that span. I am going to guess that the 39% rostership is going to be doubled by the time you read this after his start against the Braves. Go grab him now.
Nestor Cortes, RP, NYY-3% rostered in Yahoo- Recently activated off of the COVID list, Cortes will be a real shot in the arm for the Yankees staff/bullpen. He took the ball on Wednesday against the Rays and went 5 strong, allowing only 1 extra base hit and striking out 5. Cortes has been phenomenal for the Yankees, no matter the role. It looks as if he will get the start against the Orioles on Monday, and has a shot to take the mound twice next week. IF/WHEN the Yankees make a move for a SP will dictate those starts. Updates to come.
Patrick Sandoval, SP, LAA-42% rostered in Yahoo- I told Grey that I am going to stream every pitcher possible against the Rangers, and I am a man of my word. Sandoval is only a few days removed from a near no-no, and gets to go into Arlington to face a Gallo-less Rangers ball club. Needless to say, this is a mismatch that need to be taken advantage of. Sandoval has been using his change very effectively, and the Rangers have the highest K-rate (28%) over the past month vs LHP.
Speculation and Saves
Paul Sewald, RP, SEA-36% rostered in Yahoo- Has been mentioned pretty consistently over the past month. Now with Graveman and Montero out of the way, it is pretty much his job for the rest of the season. Steckenrider may have gotten a save, but it was only on the heels of too many pitches for Sewald. He legit has a chance to get double-digit saves from here on out.
Anthony Bender, RP, MIA-10% rostered in Yahoo- With Yimi out of the way, it is a job up for grabs in Miami. There isn’t a clear cut favorite for the job between Bender, Floro, and potentially Anthony Bass, but I am leaning Bender for the majority. There is a chance he gets the tougher matchups, which may be in the 8th, but for majority rules, I will take Bender.
Tyler Duffey, RP, MIN-5% rostered in Yahoo- Rogers in on the IL. Hansel Robles is feeling dizzy and/or will be traded in the next 24 hours. Next man up should be Tyler Duffey. I am been a Duffey fan all season, and let’s be honest, Colome just isn’t the answer.
Stay tuned as the trade deadline looms. Follow me @natemarcum as I update any RP news as they come.
