It’s hot in central California, especially in July. Like, almost Alabama August humid-like hot.
Sure, I don’t sweat in the shower like I did when I went to the University of Alabama, but when it’s 108 degrees every day for over a week, it takes its toll — on me and my car.
The weather has been so hot that the motor mount in my car — the part that secures the engine in place — has literally started to melt. Needless to say I’ve been at the auto-body shop quite a bit over the past couple of days.
Anywho, what does that have to do with anything?….Here’s the segue…
Here’s to my half dozen fantasy tips for the week — may they be keep your wins plentiful and your players hotter than Alabama/central Calif. on the 4th of July!
Helmuth Hail Mary
It’s worth a long shot, but picking up this guy might be your lottery ticket for 2013.
Erasmo Ramirez SP – Sea
I told people to pick him up nearly a month ago in hopes he would get the call-up soon. I’m big on this kid. It was announced Monday that someone from Triple-A Tacoma would be getting the call to start for the Mariners Thursday against the Red Sox; everyone expects it to be Ramirez. He has a great K/BB ratio and has a sub 3.00 ERA in the minors this year. All scouts love him and predict he’ll be an immediate No. 3 starter for Seattle. He could be what Michael Pineda was for the M’s a couple years ago — young and dominant.
Rookie Watch!
On the lookout for the next Mike Trout or Bryce Harper.
Josh Phegley C – CHW: He homered in his second straight game Monday against the Cubs. In Triple-A he had already hit 15 home runs while hitting .316 and slugging almost .600. I like him a lot. Some writers are already praising him for possibly saving the White Sox. I’m not going that far — but he is better than Tyler Flowers, which means he’ll play. He’s also 26-years-old which gives me further confidence in his skill set.
Erasmo Ramirez SP – Sea: (Above)
Ripe Relievers!
Snatching up saves and holds however you can find them.
Tyler Clippard RP – Was: Clippard has five holds over the last two weeks and has an impressive ERA/WHIP combo of 1.29/0.43. He’s only owned in 28 percent of leagues.
Pyrite Award!
Who is fake gold.
Alfonso Soriano OF – CHC: I like Soriano, but not this much. He’s been on a tear lately; in fact, he ranks third on the player rater of the last two weeks (No. 1 last week) with a .348/6/15 line. He’s owned in 57 percent of leagues; whether you own him or not he makes great trade bait. Put him out on the trade block and see if you can get some value. There are plenty of Cubs fans out there that should be willing to pay something. I highly doubt an over-paid 37-year old past his prime, who also most likely isn’t wanted in Chicago anymore, keeps up this level of production.
Post-Hype Sleeper!
Don’t look now, but this guy has gone from sucky to sexy.
Aaron Hicks OF – Min: Hicks was awful in his MLB debut earlier this season, batting at or below the Mendoza line the entire way. After landing on the disabled list with a bad left hammy in June, he had a chance to regain his focus and heal up. It’s made a difference. Since returning from the DL, he has batted .400 with a HR and two steals. He’s only three percent owned.
Pick-Up Of The Week!
Player that should be owned but could still be on the waiver wire in your league.
Tyler Skaggs SP or Randall Delgado SP – Ari: Skaggs could most certainly be on my “lottery ticket” list. He has a lot of question marks, as most rookies do, but he was so impressive against Colorado last week (only giving up three hits), any manager in a deep or NL-only league has to take a chance on him. He had a high ERA at Triple-A, but that was due to an incredibly high BABIP (.340). His K/10 is also over 10.
Delgado has also been pretty impressive. Although he struggled a little against a very hot Dodgers team on Monday night, his K/BB ratio sits at 28/4 and he did great against the Braves and Mets last week, only surrendering four runs in 13 innings. The Diamondbacks have produced great pitching in recent years out of nowhere; ie, Wade Miley and Josh Collmenter. Granted, they didn’t last more than a season — so far — but Delgado and Skaggs are young enough to develop into complete studs. One — if not both — will be a star. They’re unowned in most leagues.
Hitter of the Week: (Monday-Monday)
Alfonso Soriano – CHC: .321/4/10, 2 steals.
Hurler of the Week: (Monday-Monday)
Clayton Kershaw SP – LAD: 17 IP, 2 Wins, 11 K, 0.53 ERA, 0.47 WHIP
Josh Helmuth is the editor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @JHelmuth or subscribe at Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports for the latest in sports on your newsfeed.
Photo Credit: Getty
