So I’m going to the Angels game this weekend, and in a couple weeks to a Dodgers game against my Cubbies. Both stadiums I’ve never been to before so I’m looking forward to it. Especially the Angels game, not because I like them more (though I am pumped about seeing Mike Trout for the first time in person), but the seats are so so much better. That’s because I didn’t buy them. Shout out to the wonderful people who graced me with good seats.
It seems like whenever I’ve bought seats they’re either standing room or bleachers but I’ve gotten to enjoy some sweet seats and ballpark experiences via others; if you’re one of those people who does that for their friends, a hearty thank you, and if you’re lucky enough to know people like that who do it for you, make sure you show them some appreciation. Because without those types of people to come along in my life I wouldn’t love the game as much as I do.
That love leads me to write about fantasy baseball for the best site out there. I took a look at the top 16 OPS leaders as of right now (or Friday morning, which is when I’m writing this) with at least 30 plate appearances and a couple of guys stand out. Not Eric Thames, who everyone has figured out is pretty awesome. He wears the full arm and leg armor a la Barry Bonds, and I’ve never understood why more guys don’t do that. Bonds basically stood on home plate, and was only hit 106 times in his career (two less times than Mo Vaughn) and I’m sure he barely felt it most of the time. A guy like Anthony Rizzo should be rocking that for how close to the plate he is in the box.
The next nine are Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Nolan Arrenado, Aaron Hicks, Chase Headley, Avisail Garcia, Trey Mancini and Zach Cozart. Zimmerman is an injury waiting to happen, but he’s hitting, so add him as needed, though I was watching MLB Network (as I’m wont to do, sometimes I think I’m just punishing myself having to listen to the majority of idiot ex-players they have on, but a few guys I do like, Amsinger, Pedro, Smoltz are all decent in my book) and one of the idiot ex-players said, Zimmerman is learning from Daniel Murphy to hit the ball in the air more, so that’s why he’s been so good this season. Well, I’m sure every player doesn’t try to ground out every time, right? Jeez.
Hicks should be getting more playing time after upping his home run total to four and a season OPS at 1.222. 7% owned in Yahoo! and 9% of ESPN, he’s a guy to add if you can keep up with when he starts versus when he doesn’t. Not for the casual fan. Avisail I’m jumping in with two feet, and it seems like I’m not alone…as he’s owned in 65% of ESPN and 67% of Yahoo! This means that if you’re in a competitive league he’s probably gone…but if there’s any chance go get him asap!
Mancini after two two-homer games has gotten his ownership up to 20% in Yahoo! and 23% in ESPN. Looking at his minor league numbers he comes across as a 25% MLB K rate guy with 6.5% walk rate, 20 or so homers, and an OPS in the lower .800 range. Servicable, but not ownable yet as he only has UTIL/DH eligibility in Yahoo! and ESPN. Likes me some Cozart, it’s just the one homer and one steal thus far that’s keeping me from being all in on him this season. If you just need a fill in at SS I’d look at him (and I have, I own him multiple leagues, so I’m not telling you to add a guy I’m not in on too, cause that ain’t cool, mang).
Also let’s not forget about my weekly reminder about Ryon Healy and Josh Bell. Bell hit a homer this week, and with Marte out, Bell will play and should only get better. He’s owned in only 10% of ESPN and 26% of Yahoo! leagues. Healy looked lost after a solid first week, but a three-hit game Thursday night following a two-hit game Wednesday night he looks to be coming out of it, and I can renew my request for a Knris Davis-Healy Bash Brothers poster.
If you would let me know if you have any tips/tricks/lifehacks for either Dodger stadium. Besides that, I’m off to the Angels game so that’s all from me folks. Carpe diem Razzballers and Razzballettes!
