Week 13 of the regular season has came to an end which means we have to look at the five best and five worst performances of the given week. There is a lot of big name players who did exactly what they do to get their names to such a prestigious level. Without further introduction I give to you the best and worst performances of the week.
The five worst performances of the week.
5. Michael Bourn, Center Fielder, Cleveland Indians
The speed center fielder for the Indians is finally healthy and back with the Indians. This team has been playing a lot better than most people expected and are currently in second and only trailing the Detroit Tigers. Bourn himself hasn’t been playing great but he hasn’t been playing horribly either. He batted .273 on the week but the statistic that sticks out over any other is the high strikeout rate as he whiffed a league high 10 times. Bourn should stay in your lineup for the base stealing threats and the hits. This guy will get it figured out soon.
4. Jay Bruce, Right Fielder, Cincinnati Reds
Just one week ago he made the top-five list. Oh how the times have changed. His .200 batting average on the week was rough for his owners who just came off a great week. He also struck out nine times which was the second most in all of baseball. This is nothing new for the slugger in Cincinnati but his lack of hitting really affected him this week. Once again he will be fine so don’t go doing anything crazy and dropping him. If you drafted him you are somewhat aware of the roller coaster that is drafting Mr. Bruce.
3. Bronson Arroyo, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have been having a rough week. Johnny Cueto is once again placed on the DL and the other big name stars on their team haven’t been performing too well. Arroyo had a very bad start this week as he only managed to last four innings. He ended his start with seven earned runs which put his ERA at 15.75. He walked two men and only struck out one guy in his four innings of work. He has had a decent season this year with an ERA of 3.61 along with six wins. So needless to say he’ll bounce back.
2. Yoenis Cespedes, Center Fielder, Oakland Athletics
The big name slugger for the A’s has been struggling as of late. He only recorded three hits in 21 at-bats, putting his batting average at .143. To go with the poor batting average was eight strikeouts and only one RBI. This man will be back on track in no time and owners should not be worried in the slightest.
1. Ryan Howard, First Basemen, Philadelphia Phillies
The seemingly always injured Howard has been playing very poor lately. Especially when you look at the amount of money the Phillies have forked over to him. He batted .059 on the week and only got one hit in 17 at-bats. This man has been struggling all season and has not been worth much to all of his fantasy owners. It is crazy to think that three short years ago he was one of the best first basemens in the game. He has dropped off fast and the Phillies are going to struggle if he continues to perform at this level. His batting average on the season is sitting at .268 so things could be worse but at the same time could be a lot better.
Top five performances of week 13.
5. Rajai Davis, Right Fielder, Toronto Blue Jays
Here is another example of a good baseball player who isn’t respected in the fantasy baseball world. Maybe the fact that he doesn’t hit for power affects his keep but he is fast and gets a lot of stolen bases. He had the most steals in baseball this week at four and checked in at a .375 batting average. His speed has been great this year and the Blue Jays are looking better and better. Look to pick this guy up in your league if you need a outfielder and stolen bases.
4. Chris Davis, First Basemen, Baltimore Orioles
The major league home run leader continues to put up huge power numbers. He had two home runs alone on Saturday and is the first big leaguer to 30 home runs this season. His week stats were very good as well with three home runs, 10 RBIs and a .261 batting average. The batting average is the only reason that he isn’t higher on the list this week. I could talk about Davis for days and how amazing he has been playing but you all know that already. Keep starting this guy and keep reaping the rewards.
3. Chase Utley, Second Basemen, Philadelphia Phillies
With all the talk of Chris Davis and his home runs, some people lost sight of how well Utley played this week. He had as many home runs as Davis at four and hit for a better average than him checking in at .400. He only had five RBIs to go with the home runs and he also had three walks to put his OBP at .471. Considering how shallow the second base position is makes Utley even more important to any team that has him. Utley has always been a good baseball player and continues to show why he is in 2013.
2. Miguel Cabrera, Third Basemen, Detroit Tigers
Here he is again, it seems like he is on here every single week. This week is no different. He hit four home runs, batted .458 and drove in seven runs. So, just another regular week of baseball for the Triple Crown legend. It is beyond amazing what he has been doing this year and I take every chance I get to watch them play. This goes without saying but keep him in your lineup and if you bench him, I also have some land I want to sell you.
1. Michael Cuddyer, Right Fielder, Colorado Rockies
When the 2013 season started most people thought that Cuddyer wouldn’t be one of the best players on this team. He has proven everyone wrong and is dominating as of late. He recorded another hit Sunday and has a 27 game hitting streak to go with his name. He hit four home runs this week as well and is keeping pace with the other big name stars in baseball. If he can keep this streak going for a few more weeks things could start to get really interesting. He also had nine RBIs on the week which is the third most over that period of time. Cuddyer will be a good outfielder to turn to and you should keep starting him.