Clint Frazier (NYY, OF, 47% owned)
The big rookie prize this week, finds his way to the injury-ravaged Yankees lineup. A homer in your first game is a sure fire way to win over the faithful. Will he stick? Only time will tell, but if he continues producing he will ultimately force the Yankees hand. The balance of power and speed (12 HR and 9 SB at Triple-A) is worth investing a good chunk of that FAAB this week.
Tyler Wade (NYY, SS, 7% owned)
Starlin Castro is reportedly looking at a fairly short stint on the 10-day DL, but a small investment has the potential to help in the stolen bases category. Wade did go 24-for-28 stealing bases at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Nick Williams (PHI, OF, 11% owned)
In what could be the first of many moves, the Phillies have called up Nick Williams. The 15 homers with 44 RBI is the good news. The 90 strikeouts with only 16 walks in 282 at-bats is the bad. He made his debut on Friday, and now has hit safely in three consecutive games. Cesar Hernandez is out for six weeks with a left oblique strain, so Howie Kendrick has a place to ply his wares once he also returns from his current stint on the DL. The playing time opportunities should be there for Williams.
Orlando Arcia (MIL, SS, 29% owned)
Hiding in the Midwest, Arcia has quietly been having a great season. In June, the 22-year-old smacked two homers, drove in eight runs, swiped four bags, and produced an outstanding .326 BA. The slow growth curve is no longer slow.
Michael Taylor (WAS, OF, 48% owned)
A dismal April, led into a decent May, and was followed up by an outstanding June. Seven homers, 18 RBI, and six stolen bases is getting it done. The focus this week will be on both Frazier and Williams. A sneaky low bid could win this prize.
Scott Kingery (PHI, 2B, 6% owned)
He started the year at Double-A Reading and in 278 at-bats hit 18 homers and swiped 19 bases. He was recently promoted to Triple-A and hasn’t skipped a beat. In his first 24 at-bats at Lehigh Valley he has three homers and two thefts. It’s only a matter of time.
Adalberto Mejia (MIN, RP, 17% owned)
The Angels on Monday followed by Wade Miley and the Orioles on Saturday. If one is looking for a cheap two-start option, Mejia could be your man.
Logan Forsythe (LAD, 2B/3B, 32% owned)
The Dodgers had visions of Forsythe being the answer in the leadoff slot when they traded for him last off-season. Between injuries and ineffectiveness, it hasn’t come to fruition, but over the past week we’re seeing a serious uptick in the form of 10-for-19 at the dish with 7 runs scored. A more favorable spot in the Dodgers batting order could be right around the corner.
Ketel Marte (ARZ, SS, 6% owned)
Nick Ahmed finds his way to the DL with a fractured right hand and is likely to miss upwards of two months. Marte has been enjoying a great season at Triple-A Reno with six homers, seven thefts, and 62 runs scored to go along with a .905 OPS. The former Mariner could provide solid numbers on a Diamondback roster that has no shortage of supporting offense.
Austin Barnes (LAD, C, 2% owned)
The big game last week (2HR, 7 RBI) woke us up, but even ignoring that one-off effort, the .942 OPS holds solid value as a #2 catcher in 15 and 20-team Leagues.
Marcus Semien (OAK, SS, 29% owned)
Finally, the return of Semien is in sight. The A’s are looking at activating him off of the DL next weekend. One shouldn’t forget the 27 homer/ten stolen base production from the 2016 campaign.
Ramiel Tapia (COL, OF, 11% owned)
It’s a temporary gig, filling in for the injured Carlos Gonzalez, but if one is looking for a short-term fix, Tapia could be your guy. In the past week he has gone 6-for-16 with a homer, two stolen bases, and four runs scored. I’m expecting more of the same solid production until the return of Cargo, which is likely to be after the All Star break.
R.A. Dickey (ATL, SP, 16% owned)
I know, Dickey is an aging knucklerballer, but in his past three starts (20 innings) he’s allowed a total of only two earned runs in two victories. Roll with it while the going’s good, as it will eventually end. It always does, right?
Kevin Gausman (BAL, SP, 45% owned)
In his past two starts, Gausman has pitched 12 1/3 innings of shutout ball striking out thirteen batters, and earning a pair of victories. It has been a horrid season for Gausman, but has he finally righted the ship? I’m betting the answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Blake Parker (LAA, RP, 7% owned)
Parker has allowed one earned run since May 6, a span of 24 appearances. On the season he is now sporting a 51/9 K/BB ratio. That’s a lot to like, especially in Leagues that count holds.
Matt Bowman (STL, RP, 2% owned)
Seung Hwan Oh is struggling. Trevor Rosenthal hasn’t stepped up to take advantage of the opportunity. Matt Bowman bailed out the Cards on Saturday earning his first save. Why not?