What is up party people? The weeks keep flying by and the hits keep on coming. Some are better than others. Tommy Pham – When he’s not getting into a screaming match with fans he’s actually been hitting the ball pretty well. That’s now 13 straight games with a hit for him, very impressive. There’s also a sprinkling of power and speed mixed in. At the risk of getting slapped, let’s call this what it is: just a hot streak. Call me biased but I’d rather have Joc Pederson.
Wade Meckler – A week in the show has provided some clarity and unfortunately, well… it has not been good. He’s only seen the bench for one game so far (against a lefty) but a sub .150 average isn’t helping anyone. Obviously, one week isn’t enough to properly judge him but he’s still a wild card. There’s potential here but at this point, that’s all it is. I’m fine with him in deep leagues or if you have a big bench just to see what he could turn into.
Spencer Torkelson – Nice to see him finally start to deliver on his potential. Season numbers haven’t been great but he has turned it on, especially in the power department. He has 8 of his 23 bombs in the past two weeks and oh boy do I love to see it.
Kerry Carpenter – Tork isn’t the only Tiger who has been swinging the bat well recently. He only has 7 home runs in the last two weeks so not quite as good as his teammate but still a very strong surge. Kerry has made the most of his opportunity and looks to be a near lock for everyday at bats.
Josh Bell – Miami has agreed with him and he’s flashing his on base ability. Add in his 7 home runs since the trade and suddenly he looks like a darn fine points league hitter.
Keibert Ruiz – It hasn’t always been pretty but that’s the unfortunate reality of catcher. Truthfully, I’m surprised he isn’t on more rosters. If you think you need an upgrade at that position, take a good look at Keibert.
Cal Raleigh – Less available than Keibert but still floating around on some waiver wires, Cal can also give you an upgrade behind the dish. His batting average might give you pause, and I agree, it is pretty ugly. However, he has done enough in the power department to make things interesting.
Teoscar Hernandez – Took him long enough but he finally resembles the guy we thought he could be. In the unlikely event another manager in your league gave up on him he is well worth the pickup. He has more than enough talent to be an impact bat down the stretch.
Yainer Diaz – Woah, a lot of catchers having a strong couple weeks, but with Yainer it looks more than just a hot streak. His season numbers are actually pretty solid with 18 home runs and a .280s batting average. That plays at catcher and he has been finding more playing time. In addition to his catching duties, he has also logged time at first base and DH. I’m not advocating that you put him at either of those spots but it does show that his bat is valued by the team and provides more avenues to the lineup.
Jake Burger – Turns out a move to South Beach was just what the doctor ordered. Miraculously, he has drastically cut his strikeouts over the past month and is batting almost .350 over that same stretch. Sadly he only has 2 home runs but he can turn that around.
DJ Stewart – If you are way down the rabbit hole and play in a deep league. And I am talking deep. DJ Stewie is spinning a hot beat right now. (I’m not really sure what the terminology is, I’m a bit removed from the DJ scene) Anyhoo… the man can bomb it even if he might not hit for a pretty average. Heck, even in a shallower league you can fire him up and ride the wave.
As always, find me here for all your fantasy needs.
