This is a post that isn’t about Shohei Ohtani. Welcome back to Perception Vs. Reality where we take a look at the player rater and try and find trade value or players who might be overlooked on the waiver wire. Last week we took a look at: Gregory Polanco, Matt Davidson, Tim Anderson, Cesar Hernandez, and Jose Martinez. We will bring in some fresh faces this week now that the MLB has more games under its’ belt. Also, the names up at the top are a lot different than they were last week when each team had played three games or less.
Shortstop
Didi Gregorius – Didi is the #1 player on the player rater, thanks much in part to a scorching two home run and 8 RBI game last week. Gregorius is off to a fantastic start, especially considering he was one of the biggest regression names fantasy analysts were talking about during the off season. On top of having double digit runs and rbis already in this young season, he has also has swiped a couple of bases. Whether you choose to sell high, or hold onto Didi, the returns should be Greglorious.
Third Base
Matt Chapman – Chapman has started 2018 on an absolute tear. The popular late round sleeper has already piled up 6 multi hit games in this young season. It’s likely too late to find him on waiver wires in even the most shallow leagues and I wouldn’t be in any rush to trade a struggling star for him. His batting average is going to regress a lot, but probably not as much as someone like Matt Davidson. If you’re an owner, you can either ride the wave or try and grab someone like Jose Ramirez or Jose Martinez for him. I’m not so sure on the other Jose’s but those two are a start. Oh, probably not Bautista.
First Base
Justin Smoak – Justin is Smoakin’ the ball to the tune of a .351 batting average and 10 RBIs so far for the second place Blue Jays. I came into the season liking Justin a lot for my corner infield spots and as of today, it is paying off. If you think that his start is a fluke, can I remind you that he hit 38 home runs last year? Can I remind you that J. Cole has went platinum twice with no features? Don’t make me remind you that jet fuel can’t melt steel beams.
Colin Moran – You haven’t picked up Colin yet? Are you a Moran or something? Honestly, I don’t know why I’m making so many name puns tonight, if you never click on another one of my posts, I’d totally get it. But, before we say our goodbyes, Moran is more than his 4/5 performance on Friday. He’s getting hits in a lot of games and could be very useful in deeper formats. After all, he is only 12% owned in ESPN leagues. Would he be in the top 25 in the player rater without the clinic that he put on Friday? Of course not, but maybe he has more similar games up his sleep while the iron is hot. Or wood.
Outfield
Shin-Soo Choo – Time to jump on the Choo-Choo train. Alright, that’s it, I promise. You’re going to abandon me like Patrick Reed abandoned his parents. This past Wednesday through Friday, Choo had a home run in each of the Rangers’ three games. The week-long tear that he has been on has him hitting .325 for the season so far. Choo is still available in 34% of ESPN leagues so it might be worth taking a peak at the waiver wire and seeing if he is available in your more shallow leagues.
Odubel Herrera – Herrera isn’t someone who is going to hit 20 home runs for you but he did steal 25 bases back in 2016. He’s under 50% owned in ESPN leagues and is coming off of 3 straight multiple hit games (7 total hits in that span) and he’s scoring runs in a much-improved Phillies offense. Herrera is a suitable OF5 who might be able to help you in two different categories, and that is all you can really hope for that deep into your roster.
