When the writers for Saturday Night Live first created the sketch for Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken, I’m sure they didn’t anticipate the catchphrase “More Cowbell!” would become an instant cult classic. But after that night in April of 2000 when Ferrell and Walken spoofed a recording of Blue Oyster Cult’s Don’t Fear the Reaper, the cowbell phenomenon took off. They’re prevalent at college football games, rugby matches, hockey games and, of course, Major League Baseball. A group of Blue Jays fans have been cowbelling it for years and you can always hear the sounds of some serious cowbell thumping at home games for the Rays. But how is “More Cowbell” going to help you in fantasy baseball? It’s not. Sure, you could take a cowbell and smash it into the face of one of your opponents and change his lineup while he’s unconscious, but where’s the sportmanship in that? No. Cowbell won’t help you here in the latter part of your fantasy season, but what will help you, is more speed; atleast in the world of rotisserie baseball. It can help you in head to head leagues as well, if you continuously lag in that category, but roto players that find themselves in a movable situation in the stolen base category, should start bulking up now.
For the last 10+ years in fantasy baseball, the Steroids Era if you will, fantasy experts from all over were telling you that the best way to dominate in your roto league was to make sure you were near the top in saves and steals. Well, with power production seemingly down this season, the same theory holds true. When it comes to making a push in your standings in your roto league, you need to seriously evaluate what categories you can move up in the easiest. Ratio categories such as batting average, ERA and WHIP, at this time of the season, are pretty tough to advance in, especially when you have 5 months of at bats and innings with which to contend. The power categories are pretty tough too as the number of home run hitters and real quality run producers available are few and far between. Sure, you might be able to snag a decent September call-up, but how much is that one guy going to help you? He’s have to give you more than just a Pujolsian effort to make a big difference.
Which leaves you with saves and steals, yet again. However, with the state of several bullpens these days, picking the right closer off your free agent waiver wire to boost you in saves is about as much of a crapshoot as picking the winning lottery numbers. You might hit one or two in a week, but the rest is definitely more trial and error. So that, my friends, leaves you with stolen bases. In my primary roto league, I see guys that can gain anywhere from 5 to 7 points in the steals category, just by adding another one or two extra speed guys. In another one, there are teams that can jump as many as 5 or 6 points with a good month of stolen bases. Sure, jumps that big aren’t the norm, but if you can add another 3 or 4 points to your toal in steals, you’re probably also helping yourself in runs scored and possibly even batting average — so long as the burner you pick up has a good OBP.
So who are we looking at? Who are the guys out there that you can possibly pick up to help? Most free agent waiver wires have been picked clean, so it’s tough to find guys who are out there regularly and can contribute to your team’s stolen base total…or are they?
Eric Young, Jr. 2B COL — Probably one of my favorite players to start with here. Young had fallen off the map after a stress fracture in his leg sidelined him over the last 3 months. But at full health now, coupled with the fact that Clint Barmes is sucking balls and Brad Hawpe’s release, there is plenty of playing time opening up for him. He’ll play second almost on a daily basis as the Rockies try to get more aggressive and back into the NL Wild Card race, and when he doesn’t, he’ll probably get some time over in left field. Since his return to the lineup less than two weeks ago, he’s hitting .272 with 4 swipes. And on the days he doesn’t start, you can bet your ass he’ll be in there as a pinch runner. Nothing better than seeing your guy sneak in there with a pair of steals on a day you expected nothing. If you have the potential to move up in the category and Young is available to you, you’d be a fool not to give him a look.
Gregor Blanco, OF KC — Not the flashiest of names out there, but if you’re looking for speed, Blanco is here to help. So far, here in August, Blanco has grabbed 8 stolen bases. His .258 average is little to be desired, but if you’re not having BA issues overall, then you can probably afford to use him in your lineup. He’s getting pretty regular playing time in K.C., and like Young, when he’s not in the lineup, he’s still being used plenty as a pinch hitter and pinch runner late in the games. I don’t think he’ll be as strong as Young down the home stretch, but he’s doing plenty for right now.
Ian Desmond, 2B WAS — A lot of people jumped off the Desmond bandwagon as he failed to produce at levels equal to his spring training hype. Still though, he’s spent the mont of August proving that he does, in fact, belong in the bigs and has kicked in 5 steals to go with his .368 August average. He might be one that is stashed away on your opponent’s bench, depending on how deep your league is, but if you need speed and some middle infield help, then grab Desmond.
Andres Torres, OF SF — Another guy who may or may not be available to you depending on th esize and depth of your fantasy baseball league, but Torres continues to prove the Giants right when they benched Aaron Rowand in favor of him. He’s hitting .2712 with 4 stolen bases in August right now and as the Giants push harder to win the NL Wild Card, I think they’ll turn Torres loose more often.
Honorable Mention: Will Venable, Cliff Pennington, Felix Pie, Angel Pagan, Jose Tabata, Coco Crisp
And for when rosters expand in September, take a look at — Desmond Jennings, Sam Fuld, Luis Durango, Corey Wimberly, Dee Gordon, and Derrick Robinson
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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