Roto Riteup: June 11, 2013

Today is the second day of e3, the Electronics Entertainment Expo, where video game nerds see the previews and trailers for upcoming consoles, games, and apps. The only convention the present author has any desire to attend is BlizzCon. Unfortunately this year is sold out…perhaps next time.

On today’s agenda:
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s hot hitting
2. The return of Peter Bourjos
3. Dilemma, thy name is Adam Dunn
4. Rickie Weeks is heating up

Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s hot hitting
After hitting a dismal .232/.321/.435 in April, Jarrod Saltalamacchia went bonkers in May and continued his hitting spree into June. His seasonal line now sits at a robust .281/.346/.520. Salty’s .400 BABIP is going to come down, but while he is being matched up against right-handed starters, he will continue to post solid numbers. If any position is going to be platooned, catcher makes the most sense. Catchers have the most physically demanding job for position players and need time off. If that time off happens to coincide with a game against a lefty starter, all the better. Salty is free to own in over 50% of CBS formats, 70% of Yahoo! leagues, and 90% of ESPN leagues.

The return of Peter Bourjos
It shouldn’t be a surprise to the present author touting Bourjos. Along with Andrew Cashner — who happens to be starting to today — Bourjos was a preseason favorite. Bourjos didn’t miss a beat upon yesterday’s return, as he finished his day 2-for-4. Hopefully his speed shines through in the coming weeks and months as Bourjos’ .322 batting average is sure to come back down to earth. The upside is that Bourjos is joining a lineup that should be hitting and scoring runs, even though he’ll be hitting low in the lineup. With Mike Trout hitting behind him — Bourjos will likely continue to hit ninth — Bourjos should score a good amount of runs. He should be owned in much more than his current 30% CBS, 7% Yahoo!, and 3% ESPN rates.

Dilemma, thy name is Adam Dunn
Just because Adam Dunn is hitting .181 doesn’t mean that he can’t give your fantasy team a boost. Dunn now has 16 home runs and is up to 37 RBI’s. If handcuffed with one — okay, probably two — high average hitters, Dunn’s poor rate stats are largely negated and his counting numbers give you a shot in the arm. Dunn is probably a best fit in weekly leagues, as his power makes him capable of having a four home run week without absolutely crushing your ratios for a full season. When at home for most of the week or in favorable parks, Dunn makes for a great stream option. He is owned in just 29% of ESPN leagues and less than 60% of CBS and Yahoo! formats.

Rickie Weeks is heating up
It is amazing what a few weeks, not to mention some BABIP, can do to a seasonal line. In the pas two weeks Weeks has a .394 on-base percentage and a .333 batting average. With Scooter Gennett scuffling at the plate — albeit in just 16 PA’s — Weeks seems to have cemented his starting job. Weeks was in the lineup yesterday, even though the Milwaukee Brewers were facing a right-hander in Ricky Nolasco. Weeks should be a “buy” in just about every league. You may not even have to trade for him, as he is available in 35% of CBS, 54% of Yahoo!, and 66% of ESPN leagues.

Reminder
Gerrit Cole is set to make his MLB debut this evening. Make sure to watch it because baseball is awesome and to stream him if you can, because Cole is also awesome.