Thomas Pham (+21.5%) was the most added player in fantasy baseball over the past week. No Holliday? No Grichuk? No problem! “Just call up the kid who’s name sounds like an oil filter. And change the oil in my Escalade while you’re at it.” That’s Cardinals GM John Mozeliak delegating authority while sipping on some single malt scotch in his office. Basically an afterthought entering this season, Pham has made the most of his sudden opportunity. The 27-year-old rookie has flashed little power and occasional speed in the minors since his promotion to AA ball in 2010 (single season highs of 10 homers and 20 steals in 2014), but has produced a 1.654 OPS with 4 homers and 1 steal with the Cards over the past week. Schmotato alert! His upcoming slate against the Reds and Brewers staffs is far from imposing as well. Enjoy the fling while it lasts, but be wary of a long-term commitment.
Here are a few other significant adds and drops in fantasy baseball over the past week:
Angel Pagan – 24.7% owned (+11.2%) and Kelby Tomlinson – 12.3% owned (+7.8%)
How does a Giants bundle of SAGNOF sound? Probably like a nonsensical rambling if you’re not a Razzball loyalist, but fortunately you are! These guys have been active on the basepaths recently, with Pagan registering 3 steals over the past week and Tomlinson swiping 5 bases during the month of September. Next up on the schedule is a series with the Padres, who have allowed the 3rd most steals (111) in MLB this season. Tonight’s starting pitcher in particular, Tyson Ross, has allowed the 2nd most steals of any pitcher in baseball this season. Look to San Francisco if you feel the need for speed. TREASURES.
Francisco Lindor – 79.4% owned (+9.4%)
The #1 fantasy shortstop of the second half is apparently still available in some leagues. Not in RCLs or other competitive formats, of course, but I thought it was worth mentioning. More of an update that 20.6% of ESPN leagues are currently abandoned.
Ian Kennedy – 33.9% owned (-7.9%)
A buddy of mine recently stumbled across a stack of old 8-bit Nintendo games that his wife was itching to get rid of for a few bucks. Upon further review, one of the more obscure titles turned out to be worth $280 in used condition. The moral of the story? Don’t listen to your wife. Wait, that’s not it (sometimes). Don’t judge a book by it’s cover? Getting warmer. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure? There we go! Kennedy’s disappointing 2015 season (8-15, 4.29 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) has owners tossing him on the trash heap, but he might be worth a second look. Over his last nine home starts dating back to June 2nd, Kennedy has gone 5-2 with a 2.55 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 65 Ks over 53 innings pitched. His last two starts of the season are both at home, with the first coming against the Giants on the 24th and the second against the Brewers on the 30th. The SON loves him and so do I. Stream on. TREASURE.
