We’ll round up notable changes and trends affecting the major fantasy baseball statistical categories. In pitching, we’ll focus on the major counting statistics (Wins, Losses and Saves) and the cumulative statistics (ERA and WHIP). In batting, we’ll similarly focus on counting statistics (HR, RBI, Runs and SB) and cumulative statistics (Avg).
Our intent is to provide you insight that allows you to identify waiver wire pickups or optimize your daily/weekly starting lineups.
Movers and Shakers, Counting Batting Stats
The gruesome ankle injury Toronto Blue Jays SS Jose Reyes suffered on Friday is sure to shake up position eligibility amongst other Blue Jays, and leave fantasy players (with Reyes) scrambling for a replacement SS. Reyes will be out eight to twelve weeks and until/if a trade is made, Munenori Kawasaki will take the bulk of the ‘Jays turns as SS. He’s not a viable fantasy SS, so who should you look to if you own Reyes?
Marwin Gonzalez is a hot-hand and faces little SS competition for the Astros. He’s off to a torrid 2013 start, with two HRs and five RBIs in 24 ABs. He’s also sporting a .333 AVG. He’s owed in just 17% of ESPN Fantasy leagues. He’s no long-term solution for your SS woes, but ride the hot-hand and dump him when his batting eye fails him.
If a longer-term solution is your tonic, look to Brandon Crawford. A defence-first shortstop, Crawford is off to a solid start that looks like a continuation of his strong showing in last year’s World Series. He’s sporting a .286 AVG with five RBIs and chips in 1-2 SBs per week. He’ll be a fixture in Bochy’s lineup, so play him daily. He’s owned in just 4% of ESPN Fantasy leagues.
I’ve long touted the benefits of a late-pick for Jhonny Peralta. Peralta has improved his conditioning, which has meant better jump on balls (in the field and out of the box). In a stacked Tigers lineup, he’ll have RBI opportunities and chip in his usual 15-20 HRs. Great production from a SS that still available in 66% of ESPN Fantasy leagues.
As the Blue Jays lack the depth to cover for Reyes injury, they may look to some out-of-the-box infield arrangements for the season’s first half. RF Jose Bautista has already logged three games at 3B; if you own him, watch his 3B games add up and you’ll be able to slot your slugger into 3B and improve your OF position options.
While Brett Lawrie has yet to play in 2013, he’s with the ‘Jays minor league teams and getting reps at 2B. The Jays brass has hinted that Lawrie may see time at 2B, which would benefit any Lawrie owner, this year or next.
The big name is in baseball is right now is Evan Gattis. If you don’t have him, do your best to grab him if still available. After years of drifting in-and-out of the game, Gattis has emerged in 2013 as the Atlanta Braves catcher in place of the injured Brian McCann. Gattis has started 2013 off with an impressive .324 AVG, 4 HR and 10 RBI. Further, he’s already OF eligible and getting reps at 1B. With his hot bat, the Braves are ensuring he’s in the daily lineup, alternating between positions when he’s not behind the plate. This is the ultimate pickup in that you can start the AVG-happy, HR-prone Gattis at C but be assured he’ll start daily between a bevy of positions. With 1B Freddie Freeman and McCann back from the DL soon, the Braves will continue to find Gattis his ABs. Looking at his 2012 minor league line, Gattis is legit and you should make every effort to nab this Mike Piazza clone.
While Allen Craig may hold down the Cardinals’ regular 1B position, Manager Mike Matheny is finding regular ABs for Matt Adams. The patient power slugger has rewarded the club with an obscene .611 AVG, 3 HR and 8 RBI in 18 ABs. With 3B David Freese on the DL, expect to see Adams inserted in the lineup more often. He’s available in 87% of ESPN Fantasy leagues.