Fingers crossed for a healthy final month!
Sad as it seems, the fantasy baseball season is about to wind down. It’s September 8th today and the last game of the regular season is on October 3rd. That’s just 25 days left. For most head to head leagues, you’re in the midst of your playoffs and in rotisserie leagues, you’re biting your nails in angst as your team scratches and claws for every run scored, RBI or batting average point. While most of the fantasy world has turned its eyes towards the football season, those of us in the fantasy baseball playoffs and in contention for a top finish in roto leagues are still as locked in today as we were back in April. The season can seem like an eternity and yet now that it’s near the end, it feels like it’s just flown by. But the real problem is that there is very little we can do for our teams at this point. Sure, there might be a guy you pluck from the free agent waiver wire that gets hot for a week, but in reality, you’re just trying to fend off injuries and make it through the rest of the year. Still, knowledge is power and any bit of information helps, so here are some thoughts as we wrap up the final 3 weeks of the season.
With Nyjer Morgan getting ready to start his suspension this Friday (finally!), Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he might give 2B Danny Espinosa some time in the leadoff spot. If you’re looking for some cheap speed and middle infield help, you might want to take a look at Espinosa. Just 23 years old, the kid will be looking to make a strong impression, so if he maintains his plate discipline we saw in the minors, he could be a nice pickup to boost you in stolen bases. Between Double and Triple-A this season, he had a .337 OBP with 25 stolen bases. You know I’m a fan of the cheap speed late in the season, so don’t miss out if it can help you.
Pitcher injuries are really starting to wear me down. You too, I’m sure. You’ve got Cliff Lee with a back problem and maybe he’ll pitch this weekend. You’ve got Johan Santana out with a pectoral muscle problem and he’s not even being evaluated until this Friday to see about next week. Ricky Nolasco is done for the year, maybe Andy Pettitte makes it back for the week of the 20th, and Scott Baker is still down with his elbow troubles. Should I go on? How about Brandon Morrow done for the year after just getting good? John Danks’ hamstring? And how about Josh Johnson’s back these days? It’s enough to drive you insane. Make sure you’re watching your free agent waiver wire for pitching matchups each week, because you never know when you’re going to need an extra starter.
We’re also getting tagged with a few bumps and bruises on the offensive front as well. Billy Butler is expected to miss a few games after hurting his wrist, Josh Hamilton is still out with his rib issue, and Miguel Cabrera is down with a shoulder problem. Not the names you want to see on your injured list at this time of the year. We could also be losing Manny Ramirez, Gordon Beckham, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Justin Upton, Austin Kearns, Aramis Ramirez, and Jay Bruce for a little while longer. In my primary leagues, I have to just bite the bullet on some of these names, but if you can still tweak your lineups with roster moves, then I suggest you make arrangements for fill-ins. Some of these guys aren’t on teams in pennant races, so it’s not like their teams are going to rush them back from treatment.
Congratulations to Trevor Hoffman for notching his 600th career save the other day. It’s been a long road for Hoffman and quite a tumultuous one over the last year. Time for someone to call it a career after the season ends. Owners of John Axford can now breathe a little easier as there is no reason for the Brewers to pitch Hoffman in save situations anymore. He’s hit the milestone. Let’s move on.
Speaking of milestones, congrats to Jim Thome whose home run yesterday tied him with Frank Robinson on the all time HR list. Thome has been red hot over the last few weeks and if you’re in need of a quick fix in the power department, he might be worth a look. He doesn’t get regular at bats, but he’s definitely making the most out of the ones he gets.
Taking a moment to think about next year….it’s a shame Casey McGehee will lose his 2B eligibility next season. All the so-called experts said he would fade after his hot start to the season, and while he may be a little more subdued, 20 HR and 90 RBI with a .286 average is nothing to thumb your nose at, especially if you were smart enough to grab him at second this year. As a third baseman, he’s solid, but there’s greater power competition at the hot corner.
Just want to do a quick pat on the back for myself — remember this little moment back in March? A great second half and a solid season overall.
If you’re in need of saves and a closer and Hisanori Takahashi is still on your waiver wire, then stop being an idiot and grab him. The Mets might not be in a pennant race, but they’ll still play competitive ball down the stretch and Takahashi shoudl continue to get and convert saves chances for the team.
That’s really all I’ve got for you today on a general level, but, as always, you can comment below or email me at rotobuzzguy@gmail.com and I’d be happy to show your team a little personal attention down the stretch and offer up some free fantasy baseball advice. Stay alert folks! You’re almost home.
Good luck and I’ll see you all in the money this year!
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