What is up party people? Catcher is not a position that is known for offensive prowess unless you have the great Buster Posey in mind. Joey Bart was supposed to be that replacement. Just a short time ago he was looked at as the heir to Buster in the Bay. Following a legend is tough because everyone compares you to him but whatever the reason, Bart struggled to find his footing in SF. Changing venues from Oracle to PNC seems to have revitalized him and he’s shown power and average that never quite materialized with the Giants. I’m happy to see him get things together and you’ll be happy to see him on your team if catcher has been causing you some headache.
Masataka Yoshida – We knew he had good contact skills but his last week has been insane. It’s not everyday that a guy hits over .600. Season numbers are naturally less crazy but have been pretty solid. There’s room on your team for a .300 hitter with a hint of power, especially when a good chuck of that power has come over the last month. Don’t expect a power binge, but it is a nice little bonus.
Gavin Lux – My enthusiasm for Lux is directly tied to his playing time situation. He’s flashed talent before and the supporting cast is pretty stacked. Unfortunately for him, and for us, either due to injury or the loaded lineup he has faced challenges staying on the field. This year the first four months were rough but July was a good month for him and his bat has only gotten better in August. Since the All-Star break he has tripled his home run total and batted over .350. As of right now he is pretty widely available and well worth a pickup if you need help at second base or outfield.
Ramon Laureano – Now here’s a throwback. Last time I heard that name he was poised to be the next big thing before falling off completely. After bouncing around he has found himself in Atlanta and a couple injuries may have opened up a path to playing time. So far he is the hitter we saw in Oakland with power and speed but too many strikeouts. As long as that holds he will have good weeks mixed in with some really bad ones when his batting average completely bottoms out. Deep league pickup sure, but I can’t recommend him as more than that until he shows us more consistency.
JJ Bleday – Batting average has been better than expected and his power has been fine, if nothing special. There was talk of 30 dong potential as a prospect we’ll have to wait for that to manifest, if it ever does. As for Bleday in the here and now, he has been a solid fantasy option all season with the potential for some spike weeks. His counting stats won’t wow you but should be more than serviceable.
Dairon Blanco – A part time speedster doesn’t generally get my attention but his past week has been too good. Batting .500 with 3 home runs tends to do that. Unfortunately all that fantasy goodness came in just 12 at bats which makes it even more impressive and highlights his biggest downside. The Royalslike him as a late game pinch runner/defensive replacement who might get some at bats against lefties as a treat. At 4.5 games back of the best record in baseball maybe they’re onto something. I’m just a fantasy writer but it seems to me that when a guys blasts 3 home runs in two games he should maybe get to start the next day. But what do I know? Barring a shift in lineup construction, there’s nothing more to be done than tip your cap.
Michael Toglia – We know who he is at this point, a guy who hits dingers (9 in July). He won’t hit for a high average so there will be some stretches where you regret putting him in your lineup. But those highs (Coors boost) will be oh so worth it.
Adrian Del Castillo – Small sample size but he’s looking mighty nice. He’s catcher eligible so even if might find a home at DH he can still help you. The dude is a hitter, or at least that’s what he showed in AAA. Of course the PCL is a hitters paradise so we have to take his Reno numbers with a grain of salt. That being said, he was great there and he has carried that to the majors. He should be given the chance to show what he can do
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ROS H2H ranks Wells, Bart and ADC?
ADC, Bart, Wells