Archive for Roto Riteup

Today’s Roto Riteup was filmed in front of a live television audience. Just kidding. But I guess I could set up my webcam for you guys…

• Looking for a middle infielder with some pop and some speed? If so, then Kelly Johnson could be the player for you. Johnson swiped two bags yesterday, putting him at 13 on the year. He currently has 14 homers, so a 15-15 season is within his reach. Johnson’s rate states aren’t going to impress anyone, but at this point in the season counting stats are usually easier to gain points in than rate stats. If you happen to play in a Head-to-head league, then A. I’m sorry and B. tell your league to switch to rotisserie next year.
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Is it me, or is there something special about having a month with five Saturday’s in it. Either way, we’re now through 40% of our September allotted Saturdays.

• The FanGraphs team is like a big family. A big, nerdy, baseball loving family. The first cap here is thanks to our own Jeff Zimmerman for pointing out to me what a great debut Brock Holt is having. Brock initially started the 2012 season in Double-A, but he hit is way to Triple-A and then earned himself playing time in the big leagues this season. He has filled in admirably for Neil Walker at the keystone and might make for a solid replacement at shortstop for Clint Barmes. Sure, Holt has a .500 BABIP (in 21 plate appearances no less) but at this late of a point on the season, any hot hitter is worth riding. Holt is hitting .368/.381/.421. Holt has hit — and hit well — at every level in the minors, save for 32 PA’s back in Rookie Ball. Keep an eye on his playing time and where he starts defensively. If he makes room for himself at shortstop, he could be a nice late round draft pick for next season. In Yahoo! and ESPN leagues combined, Holt’s ownership rate is 0.1%. I just wish his first name was “Steve.”
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Since there were only five games yesterday, once may reasonably expect today’s Roto Riteup to be a bit scaled down. It’s a good thing that there was plenty of action in said five games. I actually found myself cheering for the Royals to beat the Rangers, if only so that my beloved A’s could creep a half game closer to the mighty Rangers. If you’re wondering how to cheer for team outside of your favorite club, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash offer a clinic:

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I’m sorry I don’t have any fantastic baseball gifs to share. I have some lovely My Little Pony gifs, but I’d rather not have Eno make me disappear with his probable mob connections.

• Post All-Star break Howie Kendrick is hitting like a man possessed. I guess I should clarify that: a man possessed by a really good hitter. He is hitting .317/.363/.437 since the break and has even chipped in seven stolen bases. In about half the at-bats as the pre All-Star break, Kendrick has just four fewer extra-base hits so far in the second half. There is still almost a full month of baseball yet to play. It’s pretty safe to think that Kendrick has rediscovered his BABIP. If your league will allow you to trade for him, I would go ahead and do so.
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It’s almost Labor Day! As baseball fans, we all know what this means: no more wearing white jerseys.

• Last night’s 2-for4 performance that was highlighted by his two home runs should persuade those of use with corner infield woes that Mark Reynolds can still sock some dingers. Reynolds’ AVG is putrid, but with only a month left in the season, rate statistics like batting average and on-base percentage should take a back seat to raw counting stats like HR and RBI’s. It will (probably) take a titanic turn around for your fantasy team to gain points in those rate stats, but counting stats can gain you just as many points. Reynolds should be available in about 70% of both ESPN and Yahoo! formats. Of course, the one caveat to throwing out rate stats applies to those of you in head-to-head leagues. The playoffs will be starting for those and you need every advantage you can get. If you do play H2H, that makes the Reynolds choice much more difficult, but I’d still probably grab him if you’re still unhappy about the power on your team.
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Zach has really been fattening you all up with so many roto stories lately. I’d be careful; I’m pretty sure he is a witch. He turned me into a newt…I got better.

• I hope by now that you’ve all been paying attention to Jonathan Lucroy. His seasonal line (though only 243 plate appearances so far) is .a robust .332/.384/.555. If he qualified, that triple slash equates to a .398 wOBA that would be second among catchers behind only Buster Posey. Last night Lucroy had himself a 3-for-5 night with a home run and seven RBI’s. He is still owned in less than half of all Yahoo! formats and not even 44% of ESPN leagues. Grab him. Now.
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Apologies to the dear reader; this will be a bit of an abbreviated Roto Riteup. It being the weekend and all, I’m sure you understand. People over the internet are always the most caring and compassionate, right? Don’t answer that.

• Even though Brandon Belt won’t be used very much in the outfield in the wake of the Melky Cabrera fallout, that doesn’t matter much. Belt already has outfield eligibility and perhaps more importantly has been hitting recently. Over the past two weeks Belt has hit a robust .366 in 41 plate appearances. With regular playing time secured at first base, Belt deserves to be picked up. He is owned in less than 20% of ESPN and Yahoo! formats. I’d go grab him.
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Holy potential trade action, batman! Obviously those you in NL-only leagues are probably panting over the chance to land Adrian Gonzalez while those of us in AL-only leagues who own A-Gon are dreading this trade. I don’t have any insider info about this potential blockbuster, but I do have today’s Roto Riteup. And that’s just a good. Right? Right. Let’s move on.

• Carlos Quentin is still hitting and people still haven’t noticed. Over the past week hit an even .300 with a homer, eight RBI’s and a trio of runs. His stats from last night’s game aren’t included because it is 11:30 at the time of writing and I am tired and old. His ZiPS rest-of-season isn’t particularly thrilling, but he is guaranteed playing time and hits cleanup. Regardless of the home park, that is worth owning. He is still free to grab in about 65% of both Yahoo! and ESPN leagues.
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I’m making it rain this morning, at least when it comes to fantasy baseball opinions!

• In his longest outing with the Toronto Blue Jays, J.A. Happ pitched 7.1 innings of one run ball. He struck out seven, unfortunately he also walked three. This makes excellent back-to-back outings for Happ now, as his August 17 start was six innings of single run action with eight strikeouts. I wouldn’t go touting Happ for the Cy Young just yet, but this is at least encouraging. To see him have these consecutive starts against the Texas and Detroit offenses is cause for even more celebration. He could be a sneaky add late in the year. Happ is available in about 95% of ESPN and Yahoo! formats.
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Fear not, my beloved RotoGraphs readers, for I am alive and well. And with internet! Many thanks to the handsome Zach Sanders for filling in for me!

• Norichika Aoki stole another base last night (although he was also caught once) and that gives him 17 on the year, four of which have come in the past two weeks. Over the same 14 day time span, Aoki is hitting a solid .292. Power still isn’t his game, but with a seasonal line now at .280/.349/.404, he is most certainly own-able in deeper leagues. He is owned in just 8% of Yahoo! leagues and 9% of ESPN formats. If you’re in the market for cheap average and the occasional steal, grab Aoki. His ZiPS rest-of-season is a very attractive .288 and four more stolen bases.
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