Roto Riteup: August 16, 2013

Today marks the anniversary of yet another 90’s movie, one of the greatest movies of all time. If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch The Usual Suspects trailer and then the full film right now.

On today’s agenda:
1. Buy on Brandon Belt
2. Need steals? Look in Toronto
3. Alex Cobb’s return
4. So long, Rickie Weeks

Buy on Brandon Belt
Since we last touched on Brandon Belt he has gone on quite the hot streak. Currently in the midst of a 10 game hitting streak — with four multi-hit games — and three home runs, Belt has gathered enough attention to finally get the chance to keep playing every day. Apparently a grip change has taken place and Belt is quick to attribute that to his recent success. It is probably a little pos hoc, as Belt did have a decent amount of success last year too. Regardless of any potential change, Belt is playing and hitting. He is still available in almost 70% of ESPN leagues, 57% of Yahoo! formats, and 35% of CBS leagues.

Need steals? Look in Toronto
With Colby Rasmus on the 15-day disabled list and Emilio Bonifacio now a member of the Kansas City Royals, Rajai Davis has become a de facto starter. That role may change in the coming days if the Toronto Blue Jays call up Anthony Gose, but both Davis and Gose have speed worth owning. If Gose is called up, he is worth owning in any format deeper than 12-team mixed. Until Gose gets the call, grab Rajai and hope he steals a handful of bags in the meantime.

Alex Cobb’s return
After a two month stint on the disabled list, Alex Cobb returned to action yesterday with a five inning, one run outing against the Seattle Mariners. He struck out six and gathered 11 swinging strikes while issuing a pair of walks. Cobb is currently owned in 89% of CBS leagues, but just 64% of ESPN leagues and 71% of Yahoo! formats. If for any reason Cobb is still available, scoop him up.

So long, Rickie Weeks
Rickie Weeks‘ 2013 season can be summed up in one word: welp. As in “Welp, that was awful.” Or “Welp, I’m glad I burned a seventh round pick on him.” No matter how one obtained him, Weeks torpedo’d fantasy teams this season. He was limited to 104 games and when he did play, he put up a .209/.306/.357 line with 10 home runs and seven steals.

With Weeks’ brutal 2013 officially over after undergoing surgery on his hamstring, the keys to second base have been given to Scooter Gennett. He doesn’t offer much in terms of power or speed and thus Scooter, no, not Skeeter, should only be an option in deep leagues or someone who is really hurting at middle infield. The appeal is that Gennett has consistently hit for a good average at every stop and power can be developed as Gennett is only 23-years-old. If you happen to be playing in a 14-team mixed leagues, Gennett can do some good, but his counting stats hurt him.

Bonus
Kolten Wong is expected to be called up today and potentially make his big league debut. Our very own brilliant and handsome Mike Petriello will be giving a full write up of Wong’s value later today.