Fantasy playoffs are here, and if they’re not, they are right around the corner for you. In order to make it to the championship game you need to take that extra step, and find that hidden gem. In some cases it might be a rookie that has been overlooked by the masses that gets you just what you need.
The Detroit Tigers needed one thing for sure if they were going to take the next step, to fill the void left by the suspension of Jhonny Peralta. They did just that when they traded for Jose Iglesias. While Iglesias isn’t going to hit for power, he is owned in only 22% of Yahoo leagues and is hitting .319 on the season. So while he may not fill the stat sheet he is going to get on base, and getting on base is all he’ll need to do to score a bunch of runs in that Tigers lineup. If runs and average is a category you’re weak in, then make a claim on Iglesias. On top of the average and runs scored he is eligible at both third base and shortstop in Yahoo leagues.
The Rockies have an interesting rookie that you may want to look for in Nolan Arenado. Arenado is only owned in 19% and is currently ranked 138 over the last two weeks, and in those two weeks he has scored 10 runs and knocked in six with one home run. He’s eligible at third base and plays in Colorado where the ball flies all over the park. If you are in need at third he just may be the man for the job.
Avisail Garcia was once compared to his teammate Miguel Cabrera, and other than looks wise he didn’t live up to the comparison. Because of the lack of production he was traded away to the White Sox in the same trade that brought the Tigers Iglesias, and now that he’s in Chicago he’s starting to shine. Garcia is only owned in 14% of Yahoo leagues and is ranked 61 over the last two weeks. Outfield is very deep in fantasy sports, but he is still on a hot streak right now that doesn’t come along everyday on the waiver wire. Over those last two weeks that has him ranked so high he has a stolen base, two home runs and scored and drove in six while batting .388. If you need an outfielder, give this youngster a shot, and if you are in a dynasty league, what they hell are you waiting for.
The Angels hand was forced when starting center fielder Peter Bourjos went down for the year and they had to put J.B. Shuck in the everyday lineup. Shuck is only owned in a miniscule 4% of Yahoo leagues and is ranked 188 over last two weeks. While being ranked 188 isn’t outstanding it is very good for a young player like Shuck and has eerily similar stats to Garcia over that time. He’s hitting .306, a bit lower than Garcia but still really good, and is only off the rest of Garcia’s stats by one home run. Much like Garcia, if you need an outfielder then Shuck could be your man. He is hitting in a lineup with Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo and a rejuvenated Josh Hamilton so you can expect much more from Shuck down the stretch as the Angels try and earn respect.