Alex Rodriguez may be a slob like one of us, but I’ve repeatedly told you to pick up Carlos Quentin this season, so I’ve already thrown my dignity out the proverbial window (defenestration, yo!). Instead of trying to trade for third base help, I’m saving my money and I’m hella happy that’s a bargain! Or something like that. His baby’s got sauce, but I’m not going to hold it against him. Instead I’m going to cross my fingers that he is productive for the last couple months of the season. If you’re concerned about his injuries, lifestyle choices, or age, I’d like to point to David Ortiz as an example of an oldie, but goodie. A-Rod doesn’t have elite production left in him, ahem, but he can still reach a .270/.350/.450 line. All I’m saying is that it’s a chance worth taking. Who knows, maybe if he finishes the season strong, owning him will be vogue. Anyway, here are some other guys who have my attention in OPS leagues:
Shin-Soo Choo – I’m a Seoul Man! Too bad he’s not from there. But I’m impressed with him improving his walk rate and being more awesome than he already was. Although he’s been unusually streaky this year, I’d expect him to produce numbers at the same rate as he already has. Yes, a .400 OBP could be in the cards, assuming you get your deck from Joey Votto.
Luke Scott – Sky mentioned him as a creeper and I wholeheartedly agree. I’ll send all my loving to you, Sky! Great Scott is a steady producer in OPS leagues, especially against righties. If you also feel that your team could use some grit or has a little too much rational thinking, he’s your man.
Logan Morrison – Oh hey, nice to have you back. He’s mostly been in a decline since his 2010 rookie season, but can you blame him? Of course you can. Still, I’d project something like what I have for A-Rod (for those of you who managed to completely avoid the introduction: see above).
Chase Headley – I’ve been expecting a turnaround since last month and maybe he’s starting to, as evidenced by his past few days. These are the questions that keep me up at night. Along with: “Which album do I need to listen to tomorrow?” and “When does a pizza become a pizza?”
Brian McCann – Before the season, I said, “I strongly dislike recommending people draft an injured player, but I’m going to do it this time. The last I saw, he’s expected to miss the first couple weeks of the season. Even if the injury reduces his production, I could still see him producing a high .700s OPS, with solid counting stats. Considering that you would only have to use a late round pick, it may be worth the gamble.” He must have been insulted by what I thought was a reasonable projection because he’s currently topping a .900 OPS. He looks healthy, so I think he’ll top my previous projection, even if his OBP and slugging combine to drop 100 points going forward. Did I just call him a sell high candidate? No, those were your words, not mine.
Jedd Gyorko – I don’t like writing about players whose names would be a wheel of fortune nightmare, but he should be a solid middle infielder. He’s worth pursuing now that he’s expected back from the disabled list relatively soon.
Chris Carter – After a miserable May, he’s hovered around a .900 OPS since the beginning of June. Am I really recommending that you pick up an Astros player?
Aaron Hill – After the 2012 season, I said, “I think he’s a better player than his 2011 numbers indicate, but I see him having the upside for an .800 OPS next year instead of the .882 he posted this year. That’s a backhanded sort of compliment because I’d take that production from a second baseman in a heartbeat.” Well, like McCann, he’s exceeding my expectations so far this season. I also expect his production to fall off a bit, yet remain around an .800 OPS going forward.
Yoenis Cespedes – I can’t even bring myself to write a pun about your name. That’s how much you disappoint me, Yoenis! I can only assume your impressive 2012 season was a result of a deal you made with Josh Satin.
Tom Jacks is sporadically on Twitter @votetomjacks
