Player News – Page 64 – FantasySP Blog

Mike Minor Is Surging

Despite a 5.18 ERA, Mike Minor is one of the hottest starting pitchers in the National League.

Analysis: Mike Minor has not allowed more than two earned runs in a start over his last four starts. He is also averaging just one walked batter per start during this hot streak. His ERA may not be ideal but he has put together a few very solid weeks here. His 1.29 WHIP is very respectable in roto leagues while his 7.81 K/9 is more than enough as well.

Minor is available in over half of fantasy leagues primarily because his five plus ERA scares many owners. His xFIP is sitting at 4.41 which is not all that bad considering his previous struggles. Minor is not a high velocity starter but he does have four quality pitches and when he is locating he gets results like we have been seeing over the past few weeks. Picking the lefty up can be a gamble but it just may be worth it. His walks are extremely low and his WHIP is solid, you just have to hope the wins and run support will be there for him.

Last Call On Chris Davis

Baltimore’s Chris Davis is one of the few power bats left on the wire as the fantasy baseball season is nearing the home stretch.

Analysis: Chris Davis has hit three home runs in his last six games to bring his season total up to eighteen bombs. Davis is available in about forty percent of fantasy leagues so pick him up before it is too late. The biggest benefit of having a guy like Davis on your squad is multi position eligibility. Chris Davis is eligible at first base, at third base and the outfield. His fifty-three RBI in just ninety games played is just another example of the under the radar production that Davis is capable of.

The trade deadline can see many ballplayers hyped but Davis remains a solid power bat who will not murder your batting average in roto leagues like a Carlos Pena type of hitter. Davis could stand to lower the strikeouts and draw more walks but he is who he is… a modern day slugger. With multiple position eligibility and protection from Adam Jones it is last call on Chris Davis.

Jayson Werth’s Return Near

Washington National’s outfielder Jayson Werth is several games in to his return with minor league clubs Potomac and Syracuse.

Analysis: Jayson Werth may not be worth the money that the Nationals spent on him but he will produce when healthy. He’s in a lineup with Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper and Michael Morse, so the RBI opportunities with be plenty. Werth is expected to make his return at some point next week so now is the time to be vigilant on the wire. Werth is available in over half of fantasy leagues which is a big shock considering he is a solid power bat. Manager Davey Johnson has hinted that Werth may be splitting time with Harper out in center field but they pay him too much money to sit on the bench. Werth most likely will push Harper to center and find a home for himself back in right field.

For those on the fence concerning Werth’s fantasy value, keep in mind that he has averaged 25 home runs and 18 stolen bases over the past four years. He’s not going to win any batting titles but his OBP and slugging percentage is very good outside of a down 2011 season.

Selling K-Rod

There are better options for saves available on the wire as well as low ERA and WHIP relievers than picking up or staying with Francisco Rodriguez.

Analysis: Francisco Rodriguez has now allowed a run in each of his last two save opportunities. He has actually allowed five runs, six walks and four hits in just 1.2 innings of work in those two appearances. His ERA is now on the wrong side of four with a 1.60 WHIP. K-Rod has been a hot commodity on the wire over the past few days but there are far better options out there for you.

Sergio Romo is sporting a 0.62 ERA and a 0.72 WHIP at the moment. Romo does have five saves on the year but he is certainly your best bet to lower your roto ratios. Romo’s career ERA is 2.09 while his career WHIP comes in at just under 0.90.

Buy low options at closer include Carlos Marmol and Tyler Clippard, both of which are better than K-Rod. There are plenty of options out there, just don’t stay or stick with a reliever who’s stuff has not looked good in recent days.

Stock Rising- Coco Crisp

Coco Crisp is one of the few remaining stolen base threats that is widely available on the wire.

Analysis: Crisp now has six hits and two stolen bases in his last four games and Crisp’s stolen base count is now up to eighteen for the season in just sixty-five games played. He’s heating up at the right time and he is doing all his fantasy damage rather quietly. Crisp is available in over sixty percent of fantasy leagues nationwide. In deeper leagues his speed is extremely valuable and he just may reach the thirty plus steal mark despite missing some significant time. Keep in mind that Crisp did steal forty-nine bases last year while only hitting .264.

Oakland is sixth in baseball in stolen bases thus far this season and with the Athletics still in Wild Card contention you can expect Coco Crisp to be getting tons of green lights. At this point you have to like Crisp’s value over unproven commodities like a Jarrod Dyson or a Tony Gwynn. Crisp’s value is down a bit since he missed a bit of time last week so make a move on the speedster because he may not be there for you in the near future.