This is it, the fantasy baseball playoffs are almost upon us, if you’re still in the running for a championship you deserve a pat on the back. But the season isn’t over yet and you’ve got one more week to lock up your spot. With that in mind lets take a look at some guys who are primed for a big final week. You don’t need me to tell you to start your studs so I’ll to focus on guys who may be out there for you to pick up and put right into your lineup so consider this a wavier column. For all your start/sit decisions don’t forget to check out Hittertron.
And without further ado, on to the targets.
Catcher
Elias Diaz gets the nod since he’s in Coors and catcher can be a bit of a mess. He’s been a serviceable backstop for the year, finding himself just outside the top 10. The power is nice and he should have a chance to flash it.
Travis d’Arnaud puts up fantasy points when he’s healthy and right now he is feeling good and back from the paternity list. His potential is makes him worth a start.
Daulton Varsho A catcher who plays the outfield? He doesn’t have a set spot but he does seem to have found a near everyday role. Consistent playing time is really all you can ask for out of your catcher, afterall they can’t score points if they’re riding the bench. Varsho has flashed his potential as well as his struggles. His last week was pretty good and I like him to keep that momentum going. Sign me up.
First Base
C.J. Cron is always in play in Coors and as luck would have it he closes out the week with four games in the Mile High City. He also opens the week in at the Ballpark in Arlington, which is not unfriendly to hitters. All that sets him up for big final week to put your team over the top. Everything we just covered also applies to the rest of the Rockies hitters as well. That brings guys like Connor Joe and into play. Joe has been coming on strong of late. He’s out there to be had in a number of leagues and based on his recent play you should look into scooping him up.
Frank Schwindel is making the most of his opportunity and you should have already added him to bolster your roster. If you haven’t now’s your chance. He’s set up for a good week and I like him the rest of the way.
Second Base
Brendan Rodgers you know the drill by now, if he’s in Coors he’s a good option. He’s also been hitting well in August batting over .300. He should be able to add to his home run totals this week.
Abraham Toro has been rolling in August and I told you before to pick him up. Grab him for this week and reap the rewards through the playoffs.
Third Base
Jeimer Candelario is a solid, if unspectacular source of points. However, it’s guys like that on the back end of your roster that can make all the difference. Don’t forget about the guys like him that aren’t flashy but post solid numbers.
Luis Urias has quietly been getting it done for his fantasy managers will look to keep the good times rolling into the fantasy playoffs. As a bonus he also brings some position flexibility with eligibility at second and shortstop as well as the hot corner. That makes him an ideal depth piece to have on your roster.
Ke’Bryan Hayes has lost some of the luster that he had coming into the season but I still like his potential this year and he could be a great pick next year. Injuries haven’t done him any favors but he is in a position to get something going here to close out the season.
Shortstop
J.P. Crawford has been enjoying the month of August along with anyone who was brave enough to start him. He’s a deep league add or if you’ve been ravaged by injury.
Outfield
Joc Pederson has always been a streaky hitter, the zero he put up over his past seven games is evidence of that. He also tends to sit against lefties which makes him a tricky guy to use in weekly leagues and he forces you to carry an alternative option in daily. His projection says that he should be in your lineups this week. He’s only scheduled to face one southpaw so he figures to see the field quite a bit. It may be tough to trust your season to a guy who can put up a negative number but this is about upside. You gotta risk it to get the biscuit.
Jorge Soler is powering up and has been all summer. despite that he’s out there in some leagues. Don’t let that be the case in yours. Go green and get some Soler Power in your life.
Austin Hays plays for a bad team but he can still be part of a winning one if you scoop him up. He’s a top 40 outfielder this week and should continue to be valuable as a fourth outfielder through the end of the season.
Ian Happ is batting a paltry .198 for the season but over the last week he’s rocking a robust .438 average. Now that’s what I’m talking about. When he’s locked in he can be a fantasy monster. That kind of potential is worth holding on to and the bot says he’ll keep it going this week.
