While he hasn’t ever been the end all, be all fantasy shortstop, Elvis Andrus is putting it together this year. He has gone from a Ron Popiel special at SS to a must own, and by own I mean a trade for candidate. Because I am not sure people really realize how well he is comparatively to some of the leagues elite shortstops with bigger names and bigger draft day price tags. Across the five counting stats that matter for most leagues, and RCL’s are no different. this is where he ranks among qualified two-and-a-halvers. He sits 5th in batting average (.305), 5th in Homers (7), 5th in runs (34), 3rd in RBI (32) and since this is the SAGNOF post, 2nd in steals with 14. It is interesting to compare yesterday and this year. He has more steals at this point in the season than Segura did, and in case you were wondering all counting stats across the board are in King Creole’s favor, but at a 80 pick reduction in price from draft day. Value plays are what makes the fantasy champ. If Andrus, through one third of the season, can steal 14, score 34, and knock in 32 for a Rangers team that has yet to really hit their stride offensively… Why is he not a trade target for someone who may know (that is now you) to someone who thinks that Andrus is like watching paint dry and boring? His name to me in trade talks would be the most exciting, unless you were really paying attention to things. Hell, look at what Zack Cozart is doing, and that is not even a joke. So enjoy this week’s tidbits and fantasy snares that may help you on the waivers or taking advantage of some situations this week. Cheers!
Franchy Cordero – The former SS has some speed with multiple 20-plus steal seasons in places like Lake Elsinore and Fort Wayne. They sound like I was continuing the Elvis puns from up above. Put simply, if he hits he will play, and has some really obtuse position eligibility right now to take advantage of.
Whit Merrifield – A 19-game anything is noteworthy, hitting in them consecutively is the bull’s balls. Tasty and good with tartar sauce. Has just recently been moved to the top of the order in an anemic offense. That is probably a better thing then hitting after them and them doing nothing. So he can do it all by himself now.
Andrew Benintendi – Five steals in his last 14 games as Sawx fans dust of there Harry Hooper shirseys and try to say they are schmedium and the yellowing is normal wear and tear. And in case anyone was wondering Hooper is the Red Sox all-time steals leader with tree-hondo (add your own accent).
Chris Taylor – regular at-bats make the SAGNOF-dom go round. The Dodgers are utilizing him all over the playground which is a fantastic thing if you need a sub at the teeter-totter or maybe on the jungle gym.
Sam Dyson – Was recently DFA’d by the Rangers and is on the cusp or may have by time this gets posted find a sucker… I mean new team to figure out his woes. Former closer going to a needy bullpen team, news at 11.
Greg Holland – 18 saves through May 24th, 2 since. Team play dictates all. I wouldn’t say punt but did anyone who drafted him think that 20 saves was possible. Trade value is good if you can pair with another player and get a better closer like a surging Roberto Osuna?
Erasmo Ramirez – I personally would like him to be a reliever forever. Stuff just screams roller coaster future closer that we all wanna snag off waivers. i know we are a ways off but peeps in deep leagues with big benches may wanna just in case Colome goes somewheres.
