It’s been a long offseason, but now that we’re less than a week away from the start of the 2016 MLB regular season, it’s time to dust off the trash/treasure column and take a look at a few of the players who have made fantasy owners take notice in recent weeks. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this series, the concept is pretty straightforward: identify a few of the players who have experienced the largest change in ownership percentage over the previous week and determine which of these players are deserving of their sudden gains or declines respectively. The players who I believe carry limited value moving forward will be deemed TRASH while the potential waiver wire gems will have the coveted TREASURE label bestowed upon them. Dig it? Cool. Now let’s take a look at some of the buzzy Spring Training names as Opening Day approaches…
Trevor Story – 36.9% owned, +12.2% over the past week.
The NeverEnding Story is not only the name of a cheesy ’80s fantasy movie but also an apt description of the consistent fantasy relevance of Colorado Rockies hitters over the last two decades. Why? Coors Field, of course. Humidor, no humidor, PEDs, no PEDs (or maybe just less PEDs) – it hasn’t really mattered. That field has always been a hitter’s dream. Story appears to be the next young player with an opportunity to take advantage of this friendly hitting environment. Based on his huge spring (1.339 OPS) and minor league track record, he appears to have the inside track on Colorado’s starting SS position with the skill set to be a productive fantasy option immediately. He’s had some contact issues, which could limit his potential batting average during his rookie season, but possesses an intriguing power/speed blend, particularly for a middle infielder. Think .250/20/20 type of potential. Remember what Danny Espinosa was like 4-5 years ago? That’s essentially Story but with the added bonus of the Coors Field factor. No guarantees here, but massive fantasy upside. Be a good Bastian and grab this modern day Atreyu if he’s still available. TREASURE.
Juan Nicasio – 12.8% owned, +10.2%.
What do Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez have in common? At one point in their respective careers, each of them were pitchers with above average “stuff” who also had questionable mechanics, command, and pitch selection. That is, until they came under the tutelage of Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage. Think of him as the pitcher whisperer. He seems to already be working his magic this spring with Nicasio, who hasn’t allowed an earned run in 15 innings and has struck out 24 with only 5 walks over that span. Will Nicasio be the next Searage success story? The price is right to find out. TREASURE.
Jeremy Jeffress (38.5% owned; +16.2%), J.J. Hoover (33.9% owned; +12.7%), Andrew Bailey (28.0% owned; +22.6%), and Alex Colome (14.8% owned; +7%).
The save chasing game is a fun one, isn’t it? What? You agree? Masochists! Chasing saves is never fun. It’s a constant grind, but a necessary one if you’re looking to find saves on the cheap, which is always advisable. With the recent injuries to Will Smith and Brad Boxberger, as well as the general sucktitude of the Reds and Philles bullpens, these four pitchers have risen to the forefront of the save chasing game in recent weeks. The problem is that each of these pitchers is surrounded with uncertainty. Hoover is appropriately named considered how badly he botched his first opportunity to save games a couple of years ago. Bailey hasn’t thrown at least 30 innings in a single MLB season since 2011. Jeffress and Colome don’t have any 9th inning track record in MLB to speak of. Questions, questions. When in doubt, prioritize skills and health, and, as always, SAGNOF!
Hoover and Bailey – TRASHES; Jeffress and Colome – TREASURES
