SAGNOF: Kevin Squared

Alright speed chasers, the summer is getting underway in earnest. Find a slice of category juice anywhere you can get it. The last of the big name rookies are up, so you’ll need to start getting creative. Make sure to target the weaker catchers with guys that get green lights.

• Kevin Kiermaier was a sneaky way to source some speed on a roster this draft season. His injury-prone nature and post-hype profile suppressed his ADP. The three bases he swiped last week give him 13 steals total. Go check your wire for him. Plenty of owners decided not to ride out a cold spell in May.
• Another Kevin, Kevin Newman, also stole 3 bases last week. Like any prospect, Newman will have ups and downs. He’s worth taking a shot on for a Middle Infield spot, though.
• Jeff Mathis may catch a great game. He doesn’t throw out runners, however. His 11.1% caught-stealing and 0.1 SB/Inn contend for the worst marks in baseball.
• The Shohei Ohtani Show is moving into prime time. He hit for the cycle and stole two bases last week. Plenty of people doubted his steal potential for this season, citing the Angels fear that his elbow may explode if he has to slide. Dude loves playing baseball and you can’t reel it in. The 20/10 drafters hoped for could be 30/15.
• The Rays host the Athletics for a four-game series to end the week. There are plenty of fringe guys that could snag a stolen base for you in that series. The recently activated Joey Wendle comes to mind.
• Oh, Wade Davis. You sure do crash hard when you inevitably go bad. My guess is that his oblique is still not right (they don’t heal fast). Scott Oberg is worth holding until Davis shows he’s OK.

Catchers