Shogo Akiyama, OF, CIN (CBS: 15% rostered): In the past week Akiyama has gone 6-for-16 with a pair of stolen bases. He has also walked four times. It took a while, but the Akiyama we thought we were going to see out-of-the-gate appears to be finally arriving.
Sherten Apostel, 3B, TEX (CBS: 3% rostered): In a rather surprising move, the Rangers have called up our #15 ranked Rangers prospect, Sherten Apostel. With only 135 at-bat at High-A, it’s safe to say Texas has moved into audition time!
Daz Cameron, OF, DET (CBS: 3% rostered): So far, the assessment at prospect361.com looks bang on. We said…“He’s a plus runner that allows him to play a great outfield and steal plenty of bases. While there is power, the swing lacks loft, so I would put his power output more in the 15 to 18 range assuming the current Major League baseball. His problem is his ability to make consistent contact. The swing looks ok, but he does expand the strike zone and that is leading to a poor contact rate.” You can be guaranteed that Cameron will see a steady diet of at-bats over the next two weeks and hopefully can contribute in the stolen base category.
Jeimer Candelario, 1B/3B, DET (CBS: 48% rostered): Jeimer Candelario has been hot. How hot? In 43 September at-bats he has hit 3 homers, driven in 13 runs, and scored ten runs. It’s worth a look to see if he’s still sitting in your Free Agent pool.
Stefan Crichton, RP, ARZ (CBS: 2% rostered): That “long leash” that we mentioned last week wasn’t very long. Kevin Ginkel went from closer to the alternate site in less than a week. Such is the life of a closer in today’s game. Crichton got the last save chance and converted it successfully, so we’ll give him the slight edge over Travis Bergen in the chase for saves in Arizona.
Rafael Dolis, RP, TOR (CBS: 13% rostered): Ken Giles has been activated, but with Dolis pitching well there is no rush to force Giles into the ninth inning role. Dolis has not allowed an earned run since August 12, and with three saves in the past week, is definitely the late-inning option in the Jays bullpen you should covet.
Bryan Garcia, RP, DET (CBS: 2% rostered): Gregory Soto looked to be in a good position to earn saves down the stretch, and then blew a save opportunity against the Twins. Ron Gardenhire turned to Bryan Garcia in the next opportunity and he successfully converted that save and the next opportunity. It’s definitely a bullpen-by-committee in the Motor City.
Victor Gonzalez, RP, LAD (CBS: 1% rostered): The Dodgers rotation is currently in a state of flux, and with a huge lead in the Division there could be solid value in a quality middle-reliever. Victor Gonzalez could be just what the Doctor ordered. In nine games since getting called up, he has allowed only two earned runs, is sporting a 2-0 won/loss record, and has 15 strikeouts in 14 IP.
Alejandro Kirk, C, TOR (CBS: 2% rostered): At 5’8” and 265 pounds, stocky would be an apt description. Don’t let the size fool you, the kid can hit. The Jays obviously believe that to be the case as they DFA’d Caleb Joseph to make room for him in a backup role as they march towards a playoff berth.
Dean Kremer, SP, BAL (CBS: 18% rostered): Team owners were obviously a bit concerned about back-to-back outings against the Yankees, but after yesterday, those fears can be put aside. Kremer worked his four-seamer and curve to a ‘t’ keeping the New York bats out of sync. There is also the potential for three starts over the last two weeks. Go get him!
Reynaldo Lopez, SP, CWS (CBS: 15% rostered): Is a five-inning shutout start against the Tigers considered turning-the-corner? He’s a risky play, with the Twins and Indians next up on the schedule, but in deep Leagues he’s also one of the few starters available in the Free Agent pool.
Jose Marmolejos, 1B/OF, SEA (CBS: 3% rostered): He keeps on hitting and keeps on working his way into the Mariners lineup. If one is looking for a cheap option with both 1B and OF eligibility, give him a look.
Caleb Smith, SP, ARZ (CBS: 34% rostered): After a lengthy stint on the Covid-IL, Smith finally saw his first action of 2020 and responded in fine form, tossing three-innings of one-hit one-run ball with three strikeouts. He was on a strict pitch count, which should be gradually increased over his final three starts of 2020. He has the Angels, Rangers, and Dodgers on the schedule and if one is looking for strikeouts down the stretch, makes for a very good SP option.
DJ Stewart, OF, BAL (CBS: 17% rostered): Since getting the call on September 4, Stewart has gone 10-for-22 with six, yes six homers, and driven in eight runs. Why is he available in 83% of the leagues playing at CBS?
Jared Walsh, 1B, LAA (CBS: 3% rostered): In the past two weeks, Walsh has pounded five home runs, driven in 12 runs, and is the proud owner of a .353 BA. He’s also rostered in only 3% of the Leagues using CBS. It’s time to part with some of your FAAB.
