This week’s most added player was Mookie Betts (+60%). The rookie outfielder has been in the lineup every day since August 18th and has hit nearly .300 since that date with three home runs and four stolen bases. Going forward, Betts is a good option for a little bit of everything in standard 5×5 leagues. As the season winds down, lead-off hitters like Betts are even more valuable as that extra at bat can mean another hit, run, or RBI for your fantasy roster. Betts is still just 21 years old and figures to be part of Boston’s plans moving forward despite the arrival of Rusney Castillo. He’s a good example of how the value of prospects can change quickly. Drafted in the fifth round in 2011, he wasn’t a big name on prospect lists and yet finds himself contributing in the major leagues before his 22nd birthday. He doesn’t strike out much (14%) and picks his spots to steal (83% SB success rate). Even with the recent surge he’s still available in 35% of ESPN leagues. Give him a look if one of your outfielders is hobbled or under-performing in the stretch run. Here are this week’s other big adds and drops in fantasy baseball…
Kevin Quackenbush – 31% owned (+20%)
Maybe it’s because I find chasing saves infuriating or maybe it’s because I’m too far away from the west coast to appreciate Quackenbush. Joaquin Benoit’s shoulder injury opened the door for the 25-year-old right-hander in the ninth inning. He recorded two saves in his last ten games and on the season he is sporting a 2.47 ERA and a 9.5 K/9. Solid numbers, but the Padres rank 29th in the majors with 42 save opportunities. Only the Rangers have fewer (40). He had a rough outing in Arizona, but outside of that he’s managing to get guys out despite averaging only 91 MPH with his heater. Maybe past save opportunites is a poor indicator of future save opportunities and Quackenbush will close out a half dozen games in the next two weeks with massive strikeout numbers. I wouldn’t count on it and wouldn’t waste time with Quackenbush unless I was truly desperate in the saves category. Adding to the case against him is the fact that Benoit is still at least a small threat to return to the closer’s role before the end of the year. TRASH.
Anthony Rizzo – 73% owned (-27%)
Outside of teams who can’t afford to carry a bat on their bench in the heat of fantasy playoffs, I’m confused as to why Rizzo’s ownership took a 30% hit. Most of the news has him returning at some point this coming weekend. Back injuries are never easy, but if a guy who hit 30 home runs this year says he’s pain free, then he’s at least worth a gamble over the next three weeks. I wouldn’t release anybody good to roster an injured player, but Rizzo has to be just as good as any other waiver pickup if he’s playing every day. Granted, the Cubs could ignore Rizzo saying that he feels ready to play and take their time with the star first baseman. In the playoffs, we have to do what we have to do to put a winning roster out there. But if there is any way to hold Rizzo without hurting your team this September, I think holding him is the smartest thing to do. TREASURE.
