Better late than never!
Fantasy baseball crunch time here, folks! We’re just 3 short days from wrapping up the first half of the season and then MLB takes a rest for the All Star Break. But is it rest time for you? Hell no! It’s time to start preparing for the second half. Your free agent waiver wire probably looks pretty bleak out there, but I’m sure there are a few names available that could help your team…especially if can free up a bench spot because you’ve been clinging on to some guys you think might still be able to turn it around (Raul Ibanez, I’m looking in your old ass direction). So for today, we’ll stick to the usual routine, but this is just step 1 in your mid-season fantasy baseball prep work. There’s plenty more to follow.
3 Up
Daniel Hudson, SP CHW – There were plenty of sad eyes on the South Side of Chicago and in the baseball fantasy world when Jake Peavy was diagnosed with a detached latissimus dorsi muscle. But not to worry, help is on the way! If you remember Hudson from last year’s cup of coffee, you’ll know that he is a quality young righty and could be a fantastic fill in with Peavy out. Hell, he might, depending on what the Sox do on the trade market, stay in the majors the rest of the way. In a limited 18.2 innings of work last year, Hudson went 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. He also notched 14 Ks. Not bad for a first-timer. So far in Triple-A, Hudson, who actually got off to a slow start for the year, is now 11-4 with a 3.47 ERA and 108 strikeouts in just over 93 innings of work. In his last 10 starts, he’s 7-2 with a 2.64 ERA and 68 K in 58 innings. He should get the start this Sunday, so if you can grab him before he tangles with the Royals, do it!
Sean Rodriguez, 2B TB – Well, it took a little longer than I anticipated, but what better news to receive as you’re looking for second half sleepers than the fact that Joe Maddon has officially named S-Rod his starting second baseman? He’s currently on a 9 game hitting streak (where he’s hitting .400) and is currently hitting .274 with 6 HR, 30 RBI and 7 SB for the season. He’s been doing some extra work with hitting instructor, Derrick Shelton, and it certainly seems to be paying off. If you’re not satisfied with your 2B/MI option and thi skid is available, then you’d be a fool to pass him up. He’s going to continue to excel. Don’t forget, this is the same 25 year old that led all of Spring Training in home runs, so you know the power potential is there. The fact that he also steals bases is a HUGE bonus!
Dexter Fowler, OF COL – I was actually all over this guy last year in Spring Training and it’s great to see him back in action and finally livign up to that potential. If you’re looking for stolen bases and runs scored, Fowler’s your man. He’s still not 100% full time, what with Brad Hawpe, Carlos Gonzalez and Seth Smith in that Rockies outfield, but he’s seeign plenty of action since his recall from Triple-A on June 29th. Since that time, Fowler is hitting .388 with 13 runs scored, 1 HR, 6 RBI and a pair of stolen bases. If he continues to hit, he’ll be leading off for the Rox the rest of the way.
3 Down
Lastings Milledge, OF PIT – I remember seeing the MLB Network’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days segment on the Pirates and remember thinking, “Hmmm. Milledge could be an interesting sleeper pick if all this work he’s doing is really true.” Well, looking back now, I should have slapped myself, huh? Not only has he been a huge disappointment, but if you were thinking second half rebound, you’re sorely mistaken. Milledge has already been riding the pine for 4 of the last 5 games, and manager John Russell is now looking to Ryan Church as his go-to guy (not that he’s much better). Milledge is 3 for his last 21 and despite a .361 June, he’s still only hitting .268 on the year with only one home run and 4 steals. NL only and mixed leaguers should hopefully be looking elsewhere.
Scott Baker, SP MIN – I’m usually a big fan of Baker’s each year, but after a horrible June and a less than spectacular start to July, my interest in him is waning. Even worse now is that he’s suffering from elbow tendenitis, which coul dbe the reason behind his struggles this year. Baker insists the elbow isn’t the problem and an MRI revealed no structural damage, but with his strikeout ratio down and a cortisone shot on the way, I’m leaning away from him right now. He coul dbe someone to look into when playing matchups later on, but until I hear a clean bill of health and see a couple of good starts, I’m staying away.
Ivan Rodriguez, C WAS – Come on now. You didn’t think Pudge was going to keep this up all year, did you? He was hitting .340 in mid June, but has now gone in the tank, hitting just .183 over his last 17 games and dragging his average down to .295 for the year. Ho wmuch lower it gets is yet to be determined. For those that enjoyed a great third of the season, congratulations, but you might want to start lookin gfor an alternative behind the plate. Pudge doesn’t offer anything in power or speed, so without the amazing batting average, what good is he?
So that’s where we are right now, but expect plenty more over the next few days. I’ll be doing highlight articles such as Fantasy Baseball First Half Heroes, Fantasy Baseball First Half Busts as well as more from the Fantasy Baseball Complaint Department. And, more importantly, I’ll have some great prep articles for your post-All Star Break run such as Fantasy Baseball Second Half Sleepers, Fantasy Baseball Buying Low and Selling High, and one that I’ve been putting together for a little while now – MLB Managers and Their Effect on Fantasy Baseball. Get ready for the second half everyone! It’s time to solidify yourselves at the top of the standings!
For the best in free fantasy baseball advice, tips, strategies, free agent waiver wire suggestions, and analysis, stick with The Fantasy Baseball Buzz and I’ll have you at the top of your standings in no time. And, as always, for all questions, thoughts and/or comments related to the baseball fantasy world or not, you can reach me through the comments section below or at rotobuzzguy@gmail.com.
Good luck and I’ll see you all in the money this year!
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