MLB Fantasy Fixer-Uppers August 11th 2015
MLB Fantasy Fixer-Uppers
Well, well, well. Look who's still alive for their fantasy crown. Do you know how I know that? If you were out of it at this point of the year there's no way you'd be reading this right now. So kudos to you. Here are some players who are still available this week that could help push your team to the top.
Luis Severino, SP, New York Yankees (67% owned standard ESPN leagues)
Everyone knows the Yankees need pitching help. When the trade deadline passed and General Manager Brian Cashman failed to add a started most fans were left scratching their heads as to why. The answer may be simpler than you think. Severino has ripped his way through the minors and had an impressive debut last week even though he was a tough luck loser. The rookie went five innings against the rival Boston Red Sox while allowing just two hits and one run (a David Ortiz moonshot) while striking out seven. His next start is tonight against the Cleveland Indians which looks like a good matchup on paper. If the rookie shines again his ownership numbers are sure to skyrocket. Don’t wait until you see that stat line tonight. Strike now while you still can.
Nick Markakis, OF, Atlanta Braves (53% owned)
A .372 OBP is tough to find on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues. Someone with on-base skills like that is typically owned in each league across the board. Well, not this time. Nick Markakis has been sitting out there in roughly half of fantasy leagues for most of the season. A good reason for that could be his lack of power (just two home runs). While the low home run total is a bit troubling he has never been a power hitter surpassing 20 home runs in a season just twice and not since 2008. The OBP, however, is real. Cakes boasts an impressive career .359 OBP and is now starting to drive in runs as he hits more in the middle of the Atlanta lineup. The Braves have become a veteran-heavy lineup of late and professional hitters will hit. If they are getting on base in front of him look for the rib-ees to keep coming.
Chris Bassitt, RP/SP, Oakland A’s (21% owned)
In late June Oakland decided to move Bassitt from the bullpen to the starting rotation. At the time I didn’t think anything of it. In fact, I didn’t even notice. East Coast Bias? Perhaps. But he’s certainly got my attention now. Bassitt twirled a gem against the Houston Astros on Sunday allowing just three hits and one run while striking out a career-high 10 batters against just one walk. He has allowed three runs or fewer in all seven of his starts and while he has a poor 1-4 Win-Loss record he boasts an impressive 2.48 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. His next start will come against a Baltimore Orioles team that he held scoreless over seven innings in a previous outing. The A’s have been a disappointment this season but that doesn’t mean they don’t have valuable fantasy players to offer. Bassitt sure seems like one.
Junichi Tazawa, RP, Boston Red Sox (8% owned)
Still looking for some help in the saves department? Well today’s your lucky day. There’s a new closer in Boston due to Koji Uehara’s fractured wrist and word on the street that new closer is Tazawa. The reliever has been solid since joining the Red Sox back in 2009 and has continued that success this year while posting a 3.19 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. His 48:7 K:BB ratio is fantastic and he has struck out at least nine batters per nine innings each year since 2011. While he has only one career save to date that number will only go up. The Red Sox aren’t a great team and saves may be hard to come by but anyone who is given the opportunities is worth rostering in any league. Including yours.
Danny Valencia, 1B/3B/OF, Oakland A’s (6% owned)
When the Toronto Blue Jays went bonkers revamping their roster around the trade deadline Valencia was one of the odd men out and was designated for assignment. Oakland claimed him and the early results are quite positive. In just four games Valencia has gone 7-for-16 with two home runs, two doubles, two walks and five RBI while registering at least one hit in each game. There is a possibility that he will sit against right-handed pitching which is a tough factor to deal with when managing a fantasy roster but if he keeps swinging the bat like this there is no way the A’s can take him out of the lineup. If you are looking to take a flier on someone late in the season Valencia is your man.
Have questions about a player I didn’t mention? Feel free to leave comments or questions below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Want to reach me in a more direct manner? Find me on Twitter @therichwhiteguy.
