As we head into the home stretch of fantasy baseball, its time to look at some of the players that are heating up and some that are tailing off at the most critical part of the season.
Shooting Stars
Mark DeRosa - I never thought I'd say this about a 6 hitter, but DeRosa is a machine. He's batting .378 in August and is showing no signs of slowing down. He's currently enjoying an 8 game hitting streak and in 5 of those games has at least 2 hits. He also went on a 4 game homerun streak. The Cubs are the highest scoring team in the NL by far so his production may not continue at this pace, but he'll still be a reliable bat down the stretch. DeRosa plays second base for the Cubs, but in Yahoo! leagues he's eligible at pretty much any spot. Plug him in wherever you may have a hole in your roster.
(Photo by Getty Images)
Raul Ibanez - At the All Star break I said I believed Ibanez would have a big second half and boy was I right. Since the All Star break Ibanez is batting .372 with 9 HR and 33 RBI in 37 games. Apparently Ibanez didn't get the memo about the Mariners having a snowball chance in "you know where" of making the playoffs this year. If for some ridiculous reason, he's still on waivers, please, I beg you pick him up already!
Alexei Ramirez - The second base / shortstop position is a tough one to get production out of unless; of course you have Chase Utley or Derek Jeter. Most teams are looking for someone to get consistent production out of. If he's not already taken, take a look at Alexei Ramirez. He's been hitting up quite a storm in the Windy City and is a big reason for their surge in the AL central. If you're waiting for your dud of a second baseman to catch fire, quit waiting and get the one that is already on fire.
J.J. Hardy - After falling into a bit of slump earlier in the month, JJ Hardy is once again swinging a hot bat. This hot/cold hitting for Hardy isn't anything out of the ordinary. The good news is, his newest hot streak is just starting, so there's a good chance it'll last into the fantasy baseball playoffs. If you're not committed to your SS, take a chance on the Hardy boy.
Kevin Slowey - It took Kevin a little while to get used to the majors, but I'd have to say he's about ready now. This month he's 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA and has a, get this, 27:1 strikeout to walk ratio. He walked ONE batter in this entire month! If you're looking to solidify the backend of your pitching staff, pickup Slowey quickly.
Al Reyes - With all the problems the Mets are having in their bullpen, everyone up to and including Mr Met is getting a chance to prove their mettle. Reyes, the former Rays closer from last year, is currently in the minors "shaking off rust". He should be on the big club next week and will get a chance to close. Reyes proved to be very valuable for the Rays last season as a closer, he would have even more value in a Mets uniform.
Falling Stars:
Magglio Ordonez - Can someone please explain to me how he's not hitting right now? Miguel Cabrera, his protection in the lineup, is white hot since the All Star break, yet Ordonez is struggling at the plate this month. He's way to valuable to drop, but if you have an open bench spot, put him on it. You can't afford to have a high impact player like an outfielder not produce for you this time of year.
Gary Sheffield - Not to keep picking on the Tigers, but if you're an owner clinging to Gary Sheffield like a solider clinging to a helicopter flying out of a battlefield, let go, its not taking you anywhere you want to go. Sheffy batted .235 in July and .224 in August. It was a great career Gary, now its time to hang them up and quit hurting the fantasy owners that have faith in you.
Nate McLouth - I really hate to put NDawg on this list, but... since representing Pittsburgh in the All Star game he's batting .254 and his power numbers have dropped, way down (3 HR and 11 RBI in 33 games). It should be noted though that the sharp decline in his power numbers coincide with the departure of Xavier Nady and Jason Bay. How many batters did Hansen walk last night? McLouth is a droppable player so if there's someone better out there get him.
Dan Haren - Haren was coasting along looking like a real contender for the Cy Young award. Then he got into August, gave up 4 ER to the Pirates and hasn't been the same since. Maybe getting lit up by the Buccos hurt his confidence or maybe the NL has finally figured him out. Either way, it's a tough time for his fantasy owners. The workhorse that has been driving your pitching staff is suddenly having trouble. Yes, he was very dominant versus the Padres last Monday but don't use that to gauge whether he's back or not. Once upon a time, Yoslan Herrera pitched a gem against the Padres. However, it could be the confidence boost he needs to get back on track.
Also, just as a heads up, MLB.com is having a rookie reporter showdown. The winner gets to cover the World Series in October for MLB.com. Co-host Paul Greco of Talking Baseball Live, the national radio show I was a part of, is a finalist. Paul's a baseball encyclopedia and this could be his big break in stardom. This could also be your big break to go to a baseball game where the outcome matters. By voting online you can win two tickets to a game in the 2008 World Series. Click here to vote for Paul.
Posted
Aug 27 2008, 03:35 PM
by
Nick Fruscello