Welcome back to another edition of the “Buzz Around the Bullpen”. The teams atop their respective divisions have made it much more difficult for those teams chasing after them. Beside the Angels, every divisional leader has won at least 6 out of their past 10 games. Even the Tampa Bays Rays have continued to stay hot even after losing Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford to injuries. The perennial powers of the AL East are running out of time and I believe the Rays are going to hang on to the division. Considering they finished 30 games back from the Boston Red Sox last year, you could argue this is one of the greatest turnarounds over two seasons in the history of sports.
Big Hits
Adam Lind (OF, Toronto Blue Jays): If you need a bat to sure up your outfield, take a look at Adam Lind’s numbers since the All-Star break. Since the break, Lind is batting .328 with 6 HRs and 20 RBIs. In an outfield full of fantasy disappointments, Lind has supplied far better offensive numbers than both Vernon Wells and Alex Rios. If Lind is available, make a move now and reap the benefits of one of the hottest bats in baseball. Over his past 7 games, Lind has 11 hits and has managed to ship 3 of those hits over the fence. During this hot streak, Lind has also raised his overall average to an impressive .306. While he won’t be stealing any highlights any time soon, Lind has proved to be a reliable outfield option.
Jensen Lewis (RP, Cleveland Indians): The closer role in Cleveland has seemed like a revolving door this season. Manager Eric Wedge has given everyone except the ball boy a shot at closing and no one has been able to give Wedge consistent work in the ninth. Since his early July call-up, Jensen Lewis has been a serviceable reliever but his recent promotion to the closer role has left fantasy owners scrambling to make a move. In his past 11 games, Lewis has accumulated 5 saves and has managed to lock down the closer role. There are even some reports that if Lewis continues to save games, he will be the favorite to start next year as the Indians’ closer. This is good news because it shows that Eric Wedge is committed to Lewis until he gives him a reason not to be. Fantasy owners are recognizing Lewis’ work and his ownership has doubled over the past week. If you need a closer down the stretch, Lewis could be a nice sleeper. As I’ve said so many times, Jensen Lewis is just another example of why you shouldn’t draft a closer early.
Yusmeiro Petit (SP, Arizona Diamondbacks): It isn’t very often that you can pick up a starting pitcher for a divisional leader in late-August. Yusmeiro Petit is one of those rare exceptions. Manager Bob Melvin had said a couple weeks ago that Petit would serve as a “spot starter”. However, each time Petit has been given the ball, he has given the D-Backs an opportunity to win. In the midst of a divisional race, all you can ask your starting pitcher is to keep your team in the game. As Petit continues to pile up quality starts, look for Melvin to continue play the hot hand every 5th day. In his last 5 starts Petit is 3-2 with a 2.65 ERA. His most impressive start came this past Saturday as he held the Marlins to 2 hits over 6 innings. He also showed his ability to miss bats by recording 6 Ks. For the time being, Petit will most likely remain a “spot starter”. There is no reason why he can’t play the same role on your fantasy team. If you’re in a head-to-head league and you need a start to put your past your opponent, Petit should be a guy you could go out and grab on your waiver wire.
Big Miss
Fernando Tatis (OF, New York Mets): Fernando Tatis has been demoted back to the bench with the return of outfield Ryan Church. Considering the last time Tatis had any fantasy value was in 2002, his numbers for the Mets this summer were completely unexpected. In just 229 ABs this season, Tatis hit 11 HRs with 38 RBIs. Although owners were hesitant at first, Tatis was owned in over 40% of leagues before Church’s return this week. He was a nice stop-gap for the Mets and many of your fantasy teams. Tatis may steal some ABs against some lefties and to occasionally give Church a day off but he no longer has enough value for you to keep him on your team. If you act quickly enough, you might even be able to pick up Church. Many of Church’s owners dropped him after reports that his concussions would cost him the remainder of his season.
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.
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