It’s kind of crazy how fast the 2013 Major League Baseball season is blazing by. Week 13 is coming to an end which means very few undiscovered diamonds in the rough remain on the free agency wire. Now might be the best time to really analyze what you have on your roster and look into putting your general manager hat on to cut some deals for players who otherwise have been looked over all season by their current owners. It may be a bit of gamble, but these guys are ones who would make a fine fit to any fantasy roster in need of getting out of the cellar.
Matt Carpenter St. Louis Cardinals 1B, 2B, 3B, OF
With so many positions to utilize him in, St. Louis Cardinals every day guy Matt Carpenter has gone above and beyond the call of duty offensively this season. He’s currently hitting .319 with six home runs and 27 RBI, not a bad stat line for a guy who traditionally plays the infield. Even though he hasn’t hit for power often this season it’s his consistency that makes him such a reliable pickup for any team. With the exception of Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina, Carpenter has been one of the biggest catalysts for the Cardinals’ offense batting in the leadoff position. His stock is only going to continue to rise as the Cardinals push for their 12th World Series title.
Jay Bruce Cincinnati Reds OF
Hopefully you all ready have Jay Bruce on your team by way of drafting or picking him up before last week. If not, now would be the time to really get aggressive about it. Over the last week Bruce only managed to go 9/33, good enough for a .273 average; however, seven of his nine hit came by the way of the long ball. Something has awoken inside of Bruce and he has been an absolute wrecking ball when it comes to his power numbers. Bruce is one of the few players in the Majors hitting in the cleanup position provided with protection on all accounts by Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. Therefore, Bruce will rarely be walked and almost always given the chance to provide the Reds with an early offensive push. Do what it takes to get him on your roster, even if it means getting rid of a quality starting pitcher. His value is too high to pass up.
A.J. Pierzynski Texas Rangers C
It’s pretty surprising that A.J. Pierzynski is owned in roughly 61 percent of all leagues, so you might be catching a break if he’s still available on your free agent wire. Over the last 14 days Pierzynski has been one of the best-hitting catchers on the season, going .306 with 28 total bases and three home runs throughout that stretch. Not too bad for a guy who put up career numbers last season with the White Sox only to struggle to get picked up by the Texas Rangers during the offseason for way less than he’s worth. It might be best to cast your Pierzynski biases aside on this one and look to ending the season with a championship trophy in your collection. Pierzynski is one of the guys that will help you be victorious come season’s end.
Joaquin Benoit Detroit Tigers RP
It was announced earlier in the week that Joaquin Benoit would be taking over duties as the Detroit Tigers’ full time closer. The return of Jose Valverde didn’t quit work out and Jim Leyland didn’t want to rely upon a bullpen by committee to help get him through the rest of the season. So far this season Benoit has done a solid job as a set-up guy, locking up nine holds, a 1.80 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. He’s currently at four saves and has averaged a strikeout per inning pitched. If there’s one thing any fantasy team can use it’s a more reliable closers. Get him quickly.
Chad Gaudin San Francisco Giants SP. RP
After beginning the year in the bullpen for the San Francisco Giants, Chad Gaudin has been thrown into a starting role with promising results. In four starts since June 2nd Gaudin has gone 2-0 and is currently sitting on a 2.60 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. It’s hard to say how long he’ll stay in this roll; however, as long as he keeps producing at least six innings with minimal hits and walks allowed while striking out at least five better per contest he’ll keep his job. If anything he’ll make for a great spot start every week for your team. He’s currently owned in roughly six percent of all leagues.