Author: TJ Streett

Shane Victorino Still Available

Shane Victorino is still available in a few leagues out there despite a long history of producing.

Analysis: Victorino has played in just 47 games this year but he’s hitting .291 with 8 stolen bases, 28 runs and 3 bombs. He’s the 60th rated roto outfielder this year despite missing 30 games. Over the last two weeks Victorino is the 16th best fantasy outfielder which takes us directly to the point- why isn’t he universally owned? He’s available in 12-17% of fantasy leagues yet Colby Rasmus and Kyle Blanks are getting all the attention on the wire.

What is not to like? He’s hitting in the two-spot in the BoSox lineup and the Sox are scoring runs in bunches. Victorino is a proven power/speed, five-cat outfielder but he isn’t being hyped any longer… perhaps it has to do with all the rookies breaking out or his age. Regardless, if he’s available he is worth a serious look. I don’t see second baseman Jose Altuve outperforming Shane by much going forward and Altuve is considered an absolute stud.

Whether it’s post hype or just plain fantasy negligence Shane Victorino is being lost in the mix.

Under The Radar- Venable

Will Venable has been a top fifty fantasy outfielder thus far this year yet he continues to fly under the radar.

Analysis: Venable’s line this year looks like this- 10 HR, 9 SB, 26 R, 26 RBI, .228 BA. Yes, his average is not up to par with his career .251 mark but his BABIP this year is .050 points below his career average. As far as power/speed combos go only eight other players in baseball this year have at least 10 home runs and 9 stolen bases. With his numbers it is shocking to see him available in 85-97% of fantasy leagues considering he is on pace for a 20/20 season.

Venable is currently outproducing Vernon Wells, Melky Cabrera, Josh Hamilton, Ichiro and Denard Span in roto leagues. Despite his production he continues to be passed on and looked over in the fantasy world. He is on pace for a career year in terms of home runs but his steals and runs are reliable while his batting average will pick up going forward. There aren’t many power/speed guys like this available on the wire but because he plays for the Padres he will continue to fly under the radar.

Deep League Help- Hellickson

Jeremy Hellickson is worth owning in deeper leagues despite his 5.67 ERA.

Analysis: Over the past few years Jeremy Hellickson has been one lucky pitcher if you go by “ERA minus FIP.” This year is completely the opposite. Hellickson’s ERA minus FIP is 1.48 which is third in baseball. A lot of his unlucky and inflated numbers can be attributed to his strand rate of 60%- 18% below his career average and third worst among qualified starters. When his numbers were low over the past years he made a great sell high option now he’s a perfect buy low candidate.

Hellickson’s 1.26 WHIP is 53rd in baseball this year and ahead of guys like Cole Hamels and Justin Verlander. His walk rate is also 25th best in baseball. His xFIP is a respectable 4.03 and ahead of guys like Dan Haren, Wandy Rodriguez, Matt Moore and Ian Kennedy. He’s not a fantasy baseball savior but he can help your ratios and he isn’t bad in the strikeout department either. He has 66 K’s this year which is 53rd among all pitchers and 26th in the American League.

Hellickson is not as bad as his 5.67 ERA, expect a 4.00 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP going forward.

Stock Rising- Eric Hosmer

Eric Hosmer is the 8th best roto first baseman in the month of June.

Analysis: It appears that Eric Hosmer is finally finding his groove this season. He’s hitting .319 with 1 home run, 2 stolen bases and 10 runs in the month of June. He has five multi-hit games this month and now has his batting average up to .273 this year. He is quite capable of posting numbers like he did in his rookie year- .293 AVG, 19 HR, 11 SB, 78 RBI and it seems he is back on track. Hosmer has always projected as a poor man’s Joey Votto in the fantasy world and that isn’t a bad thing. The biggest plus going for Hosmer right now is his 5 stolen bases this year which is second among major league first baseman.

Hosmer is available in 35-50% of fantasy leagues which does come as a surprise considering his play this month. There are not many injuries at first base in baseball right now but there are tons of injuries piling up with outfielders. Depth is always a plus and that is exactly what Eric Hosmer should provide going forward.

Last Call On Cameron Maybin

Cameron Maybin has four games under his belt after being out with a wrist injury for nearly two months.

Analysis: Maybin has made a significant impact in his return. He has 4 stolen bases, 1 home run, 4 runs, 5 hits and 4 RBI in his first four games back. This is really good news considering Maybin was batting under .100 through ten games in April prior to the injury. We have to remember that Maybin has averaged 9 home runs and 33 stolen bases over the past two years… so we know he can contribute.

The Maybin hype is just getting started so it is time to pluck the twenty-six year old up off the wire now if you are in need of some speed and power potential. The runs should come with consistency after he climbs higher in the San Diego batting order although it has not been a problem thus far. His batting average should not be much of a concern going forward. He is a career .248 hitter and the sub .100 batting average was due to an extremely low BABIP. At the moment Maybin is available in 70-80% of fantasy leagues.