Welcome back to another edition of the "Buzz Around the Bullpen". If you are anything like me, it was a little more difficult taking some time to look at your fantasy baseball team this week. Any spare moment I had, I was in the "war room" in anticipation of my upcoming fantasy football draft. By draft day I had my entire draft mapped out in hopes that I would have as few decisions to make as possible during the draft. Unfortunately like it happens so often, I found myself scrambling for each pick throughout the entire draft. The one thing I have learned in both my fantasy baseball and football drafts this year is that regardless of your plan, you have to be willing and able to adapt.
The one thing to remember over the next couple of weeks is that you've worked all summer to keep your fantasy team in it. Now is not the time to put your fantasy baseball team on the back burner. Someone in your league will, so now is your time to make a move in the standings to give yourself a better seed for the playoffs.
Big Hits
Kevin Slowey (P, Minnesota Twins): It seems like just yesterday that yours truly was stepping to the plate against a young right hander from Upper St. Clair High School named Kevin Slowey. Even as a young pitcher, Slowey had a command of his pitches that was almost never seen at the high school level. Now Kevin Slowey is a rising star in the American League and I've resorted to owning him on my fantasy team. My how the mighty have fallen...Well now that I've placed my lettermen's jacket back in the closet, let me tell you why Slowey will help your fantasy team. In his last five starts, Slowey is carrying a ridiculous 2.03 ERA. Often not viewed as a strikeout pitcher, Slowey has also recorded 27 Ks in his last 19 1/3 innings. Along with Glen Perkins and the rest of the Twins' staff, Slowey is helping the Twins make a push for a playoff birth. His ownership is on the rise and if he's available, make your move now. Not that this adds any fantasy value, but Slowey has a great head on his shoulders and his work ethic will keep him in the league for a long time. If you're in a keeper league, take a look at Slowey. I think the comparisons to Brad Radke are right on.
Chris Dickerson (OF, Cincinnatti Reds): The Reds' trades over the past month have opened the door for Dickerson to step right in as an everday outfielder and leadoff guy. In his first month of full time at-bats, Dickerson has not disappointed. After a short slump, Dickerson has rebounded and is now hitting .328 with 4 HRs and 10 RBIs. He has even managed to swipe 4 bags in his short time with the Reds. Although his critics may not like his high strikeout numbers, he has too much upside to be sitting on your waiver wire. Dickerson is one of those guys that finds a way to get on base. Once he's on base, his speed gives him the ability to make things happen. He's worth taking a flier on and he's even still available in over 75% of leagues.
Dave Bush (SP, Milwaukee Brewers): While C.C. Sabathia has stolen most of the headlines in Milwaukee, Dave Bush is putting together a respectable season after a rough start. Bush has improved his overall record to 9-9 by winning four of his last five starts. During those five starts, Bush has held the opposition to 3 or less earned runs. For the past couple of years, Bush was coined as a sleeper on draft day. In the past, he has shown signs of breaking out but his inconsistency has left owners leaving him on the waiver wire. The time might have finally come for Bush to be a consistent starter in this league. It can't hurt watching a Cy Young winner every fifth day to teach you a little something about consistency. Bush is still available in 40% of leagues if you need a back-end starter to strengthen your rotation.
Big Miss
Eddie Guardado (RP, Minnesota Twins): As we've talked about the past couple of weeks, trades often impact a player's fantasy value. With "Everyday" Eddie's move back to the Twins, he has lost any fantasy value that would justify a spot on your fantasy roster. As a Texas Ranger, he had some value as a second-tier closer. However, Guardado is now stuck behind one of the best closers in the game and he will only be used in middle relief situations. Although he was only owned in 40% of leagues while serving as the closer of the Rangers, Guardado was a nice option for owners with a struggling or injured closer. If you are a Guardado owner, monitor Cleveland's closer Jensen Lewis. Prior to his last two outings, he had been rock solid for the Tribe. Hopefully Lewis can recover from his recent struggles and serve as a nice source for saves for you down the stretch.
As with any SportsJudge articles, please feel free to post any questions or comments. Until next time, keep your ears open for the Buzz Around the Bullpen.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment