Fantasy Baseball: Weekend Warriors

Brandon McCarthy – The Athletics staff was hyped up heading into 2011 with Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Brett Anderson at the front of the rotation. Here we are in September, and the most reliable pitcher since July has been McCarthy. In four of his last five starts McCarthy has gone six innings plus including a win at the Yankee Stadium. McCarthy isn’t a strikeout machine, but as an end of the rotation starter on your fantasy team with a 3.64ERA, he’s been an excellent spot starter all season. On Saturday McCarthy has a juicy matchup as Oakland heads to Safeco Field for the weekend.  The Mariners and their American League low 90HR as well as their 30^th ranked BA makes McCarthy worth starting. Owned in 14% of ESPN standard leagues, take a flier on the veteran righty if you are in need of a win in your h2h matchup.

Mike Trout - While the hype on Trout was extreme, it’s hard to argue with the results of late as he’s been the Angels best hitter of late. The rookie started slow in August, but finished the month with a .400BA, 4HR and 7RBI. Trout is clearly the future of Anaheim baseball but with the Angels in the thick of the pennant race, Manager Mike Scioscia sees the writing on the wall and it involves Trout being a regular in the lineup. With the injuries piling on at the end of the season, taking a flier on Trout for a fourth outfield spot or a utility spot is harmless, especially with the reward being so high.  

Jesus Montero – Before the season I was convinced that Montero would start the season on the Yankees roster. While I was wrong on Montero’s debut, New York’s top prospect should become a regular splitting time between DH and CA for the rest of the season. Montero wasn’t called up to sit on the bench, so expect to see him in lineup six out every seven games.  Montero’s, bat has been compared to Miguel Cabrera, as he tore it up throughout his Minor League career. He finished the minors with a .308BA, .501SLG% and an impressive .867OPS. For teams in need of a catcher, Montero is worth taking a flier on as he could finish in the top 10 at his position from this day going forward. Pounce on Montero for the weekend as he faces two lefties in Ricky Romero and Brett Cecil.