What is up party people? Few things are worse than seeing a guy in the midst of a breakout season go down with injury. Jordan Westburg was that guy and it sucks that he may miss the rest of the season. Naturally, you will need a replacement. He may not be available in your league but if he is he should be your top add. Luis Garcia has come out of the break on a mission, just to be clear, I mean the Luis Garcia who plays second base for the Nationals and the breakout season he is having. He’s about to pass last year’s point totals and we still have two more months. And over the past month, he has really turned it on, batting over .350 with 6 home runs. That’s a very nice month but he’s actually been pretty good all year long. How has he accomplished this you might ask. Well, he’s making better contact and hitting the ball harder more often so his batting average is about 20 points higher than last season. He has also unlocked his speed and the 18 bags he’s swiped have more than doubled his career total. And while his 19 doubles don’t put him anywhere near the top of the leader board he is very close to surpassing his previous career high. Power is a similar story, although he has already set a career-high in that department. Roll all that together and you end up with a pretty solid player. If he’s still available, you might want to change that, he can help your team down the stretch.
Jose Ramirez – There he is. Well, he didn’t really go anywhere, but a week like this one reminds us just how great he can be. He flashed his power/speed combo and another 30/30 season is within reach.
Vinnie Pasquantino – His past week was darn near every bit as good as JoRam’s. I’d say he’s rebounded pretty nicely from his injury. You can’t be too disappointed with what he’s done so far and there’s potential for him to be even better.
Jake Burger – The past week has been good for him, but the past few games reminded us that he has a real big downside. He can hit for power so there’s always a chance he will pop off but you don’t want to count on it.
Royce Lewis – When he’s healthy he can mash and has actually been one of the better players on a per game basis. Unfortunately, he just can’t stay on the field.
James Wood – This is the upside that had everyone so excited for him to get the call. Strikeouts are unfortunately still an issue, even if unsurprising. Power numbers should start to pick up as he settles in and I have a feeling he will learn to be better about picking his spots to run. he has shown off his speed with 3 doubles, 3 triples, and 5 steals but has also been caught 4 times. Upside is there, but right now it’s all untapped potential.
Tyler Fitzgerald – Another week, another strong performance. I don’t know how many more home runs he can hit this season (now up to 12 in 148 at bats over 53 games) but it is fun to watch. I would hope that he will get every opportunity to see what he can do because he just keeps hitting. Is it crazy to think that he could be the man to break the Giants 30 dong curse? No, but for next year, I’m not sure there are enough games left this season for him to make that happen. But for 2025, look out world, he’s coming.
Jonah Bride – He looks more like a bridesmaid than a bride, but hey a guy on a hot streak can be a revelation in deeper leagues. The Marlins don’t have a ton of other options to walk down the aisle in front of him so he should get his shot to prove himself. Could very possibly be a quad-A player but sometimes all you’re looking for are regular at bats so you can field a full lineup.
Matt Chapman – What felt like a slow start has given way to a fantasy stud. I was a little surprised that he wasn’t moved at the deadline but as a Giants fan, I am loving his production. You have also been loving his production if he is a member of your fantasy team. This is the guy who actually has a shot to break the team’s 30 home run curse. Or maybe it will be Heliot Ramos who has 17, just two less than Chappy in 126 fewer at bats.
Tyler Stephenson – Not too long ago he was seen as one of the higher end catcher options. Then, well he sort of fell into the abyss. But it’s a new year and he has come roaring back. Power has been nice for a catcher and his batting average has been acceptable. Glowing recommendation, I know but the results have been there.
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Photo Credit: Wally Gobetz
