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Do you have some trade offers you are consider, but need to bounce them off of someone? Are you pondering a roster move and want a second opinion? Feel free to post your questions in the Fantasy Baseball Questions thread.
Fake Teams Podcast; Episode 10: Let's Make a Deal
Zack and Andrew hosted episode 10 of the Fake Teams podcast on Sunday night, where they discussed the Wil Myerspromotion, Rick Porcello, Corey Kluber, Carlos Beltran and also discussed how to make a trade in keeper and redraft leagues. Make sure you listen to the podcast
Jose Fernandez: Marlins young ace
I have written about Marlins starter Jose Fernandez quite a bit this season, mostly because I never expected him to pitch this well this season. Fernandez held the Diamondbacks to 2 runs on 3 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts in 7.1 innings yesterday afternoon. Reliever Michael Dunn served up a 3 run home run to Cody Ross, and failing to strand the two runners Fernandez allowed on base. Fernandez is now 4-4 with a 3.05 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 81-29 strikeout to walk rate in 79.2 innings this season. The Marlins will more than likely limit his innings at some point this season. Over his last four starts, Fernandez has given up just 5 runs on 15 hits, 8 walks and 29 strikeouts in 27.1 innings. He is an ace already, in my opinion, and I just hope the Marlins don't ruin him for calling him up at such a young age.
Adam Lind: Breaking out again?
Way back in 2009, Adam Lind came out of nowhere to hit 35 home runs and drive in 114 runs. Big things were expected of Lind, but he never came close to repeating that breakout season, seeing time in AAA as a result. This season, he was probably a very late round pick in mixed leagues and a mid round pick in AL only leagues, but no one expected him to have another breakout season in 2013. Last night, Lind went 1-4 with a 3-run home run in the Blue Jays 5-2 win over the Rockies. Lind is now hitting .340-.406-.555 with 9 HRs, 32 runs and 28 RBI in 191 at bats this season. He is on pace for 21 HRs and 64 RBI, but I can see him exceeding those projections this season.
Round'em Up
Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig just continues to hit and hit. I am amazed at how well he is hitting, and keep expecting him to go in a long slump, but that has not happened just yet. In yesterday's double header vs the Yankees, Puig went a combined 4-9 with a HR, 4 runs and a stolen base. He is now hitting .474-.500-.789 with 5 HRs, 11 runs, 11 RBI and 2 stolen bases in just 57 at bat, hitting in 13 of his 15 games thus far. He won't continue to hit like this, but enjoy it while it lasts. He is exciting to watch, and is starting to be mentioned in the same breath as Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Manny Machado.
Many words have been written about Orioles first baseman Chris Davis this season, and he just continues to impress fantasy owners. Yesterday, he went 3-5 with 2 HRs, 2 runs and 5 RBI and is now hitting .337-.413-.720 with a major league leading 26 HRs, 51 runs and 66 RBI thus far. He will play in this year's All Star game and hopefully competes in the Home Run derby as well.
Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer has been a huge disappointment this season, as he has struggled at the plate for awhile, but has failed to hit for any power whatsoever. His lack of power will move him down the first base rankings for fantasy purposes. Last night, he went 3-4 with a run, an RBI and two stolen bases, raising his triple slash line to .274-.332-.357 with 2 HRs, 32 runs, 26 RBI and 7 stolen bases in 10 attempts.
Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez had a huge doubleheader vs the Yankees yesterday, going 6-8 with a HR, 3 runs and 4 RBI and is now hitting .359-.381-.615 with 2 HRs, 7 runs and 7 RBI in just 39 at bats. Along with Yasiel Puig, he could carry the Dodgers in the second half if he can stay healthy.
Closer Roundup
Brewers manager Ron Roenicke went with Francisco Rodriguez to close out a 3-1 win over the Astros last night, and KRod did not disappoint, as he earned his 5th save of the season, but not without giving up 2 hits and striking out 2. Jim Henderson pitched the eighth inning, and I assume he will get the closer job back once KRod earns his 300th save. Then again, the Brewers are probably building KRod's trade value, as the market for relievers is always good leading into July 31st, so he could earn a few more saves.
I ranked Pirates closer Jason Grilli as my #1 closer in my last Closer Report, as he has been the most dominant closer in baseball this season. Well, last night, he proved he was human and blew his first save of the season, after giving up a game-tying home run to Jay Bruce in the bottom of the ninth inning. Even with the blown save, Grilli is still my top closer for now.
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Fantasy Football 2013: Top 100 Standard Rankings
Prospect Preview: Niko Goodrum
Head-to-Head Risers and Fallers for Week 12
Coming Soon to A Stadium Near You: Brad Miller, SS/2B, Seattle Mariners
Has anything changed? Nick Castellanos
Injury Report: Arms, legs, heads, they're all hurt
Trading Partners: Suddenly-hot Padres don't want a belly itcher