My NL-LABR “Who?” List

I just wrote about some of the players I did not know about from my LABR AL-only league. It’s time for the NL players I didn’t recognize. I figured there would be more on the list because I didn’t do the pre-auction prep work needed to roster full teams. I was wrong. I knew quite a few but a few names didn’t initially

Here are the full AL and NL-only lists.

Most fantasy owners may not agree with the recent #LABR auction values. They may not be even close to rostering as many players. BUT they should look over the players taken and find out why an "expert" wanted them.

AL: https://t.co/uCKWquXmXr

NL: https://t.co/pMafCbEK4O pic.twitter.com/4cCa0yTlU9

— Jeff Zimmerman (@jeffwzimmerman) March 4, 2019

Victor Caratini – CHI – Catcher

I must not have cared about the Cubs backup catcher the past few seasons as I don’t remember him at all. He is still Willson Contreras’s backup but has a little different hitting profile than most of the game’s catchers. He might not have the standard 15 home run power but instead, he provides some help with batting average (.259 projection). The catcher pool in a 2-catcher only league get beyond thin and players like Caratini will get rostered.

Erik Gonzalez – PIT – Second Base

After diving in a bit into Gonzalez’s profile, I remembered him, but I immediately discovered out why I forgot about him. He does enough to not be a complete drag on a team but he’s not above average at any aspect of his game.

Stat: Depth Chart Projection
BB%: 4%
K%: 25%
OBP: .284
ISO: .122

While he has shown some ability to steal bases, he’s going to have few chances with a .284 OBP and the deserving low lineup slot.

He seems to be an OK bench bat. I’d not be surprised if Kevin Newman took over the Pirates shortstop job.

Caleb Ferguson – LAD – Reliever

The 21-year-old Ferguson will be in the Dodgers bullpen to start the season but projecting him will be tough. At times in the minors, he had no control (4.1 BB/9 in Hi-A) and at other times he was great (2.2 BB/9 with the Dodgers). While throwing in the minors, he rarely allowed home runs (11 in 299 IP for a 0.4 HR/9) but posted a 1.5 HR/9 last season in the majors.

The projection systems split the difference and have him with a strikeout rate over 9.0 K/9 but a walk rate near 3.5 BB/9. He’s getting no love for the low minor league home run rate and each projection system has him near a 1.0 HR/9.

As for a chance to accumulate some Saves, he’s going to need both Kenley Jansen and Joe Kelly to lose the role for Ferguson to even be considered with several other arms in the mix.

Kyle Wright – ATL – Starter

I should have had Wright on my radar but he’s just another Atlanta pitching prospect. They all seem to run together.

Wright has been decent progressing through the minors but not elite. In AA and AAA last season his strikeout rate didn’t move above 9.0 K/9. His control struggled for a bit in AA with a 3.5 BB/9 but bounced back to 2.5 BB/9 in AAA. And his six innings of major league work were a complete disaster as seen by an 8.83 FIP.

The projections systems put him with a near 7.6 K/9, 3.8 BB/9, and 4.40 ERA. Think Carlos Rodon. He’s not a difference maker but should be a nice arm in deeper formats.

Jose Castillo – SDP — Reliever

Castillo should have been my radar, but he was an injured Padre bullpen arm. It’s not a group who gets a ton of press. In 38 major league innings last season, the 23-year-old lefty had a strikeout rate of 12.2 K/9 and a 3.29 ERA. He was helped with a 2.8 BB/9 which was unexpected as his walk rate increased as he approached the majors.

Level: BB/9
Rookie: 2.5
Low A: 3.0
A ball: 3.6
High A: 4.2
AA: 4.4

The projections aren’t buying the sub-3.0 BB/9 and have him closer to a 4.0 BB/9.

Another important consideration is that Castillo will be out for a couple of months with a strained flexor and return talent will be unknown.

Kelbert Ruiz – LAD – Catcher

Oh, that K Ruiz. I didn’t think he’d make it to the majors this season, but he has a 50/50 shot since he progressed to AA last season. He is one of the few catching prospects who may be an average major league hitter because of a plus hit tool (below average game power and speed tools). His .268 AVG in AA last season shows that he can provide more than the standard .220 AVG. His eye is great with a sub-10% K% and 6% BB%. I wish I would have stepped up and rostered him.