Boston is playing on my iTunes and Yu Darvish (who I own in my go-to fantasy league) took a no-hitter into the 8th inning en route to striking out 15 Astros. It’s a good day. Hopefully the following half dozen tips make your day (and week) even better.
Pick-Up Of The Week!
Player that should be owned but could still be on the waiver wire in your league.
Danny Salazar SP – Cle
I was big on him when he made his debut just before the All-Star break and boy did he prove me right again Wednesday against the Tigers. You want this dude on your team, folks.
While watching him via TV land last week, I literally watched the kid hit 100 MPH on the radar gun; unheard of for a rookie starting pitcher. While he gave up four runs against the Tigers, he also had 10 Ks, and you have to believe Detroit has one of the best – if not the best – lineup in baseball. He’s going to be very good and will face a lot of mediocrity in the AL Central down the stretch. He’s still available in 67 percent of leagues. Analysts are freaking out over this kid.
Helmuth Hail Mary
It’s worth a long shot, but picking up this guy might be your lottery ticket for 2013.
Alex Wood SP – Atl: Somehow the Braves always manage to find solid pitching. Wood’s last three starts have been, shall I say it?…solid as wood. Ya, that pun doesn’t really work….With a 2.79 ERA for the year, a decent K/BB ratio (3.4) and a terrific WHIP (1.06), there’s a lot to like with this young lefty. He’s a solid spot start for now; he has the Nats, Cardinals and Indians coming up – keep a close eye on how he does against these teams; if he impresses he might be a legitimate force for your team in the fantasy playoffs.
Rookie Watch!
On the lookout for the next Mike Trout or Bryce Harper.
Andrew Lambo 1B – Pit: You might be asking, Andrew who? Lambo is the overall minor league home run leader (31) this season. He was out with a shoulder injury last year but has exploded this season with not only home runs but an incredible amount of RBIs (97) but a very good OPS (.926). He does strikeout a lot and is most likely a .260 hitter, but if he provides a spark for the Pirates lineup – which they evidently think he can – what can he do for your fantasy team down the stretch? Pick him up right away in a super deep league and watch closely in a shallow league.
Danny Salazar SP – Cle: (Above)
Alex Wood SP – Atl: (Above)
Zombie Award!
Who has risen from the dead.
Josh Reddick OF – Oak: Um, so….Redd hit 5 HRs in two games over the weekend. He’s the first player since 2004 and just the 23rd player ever to do such a feat. Absolutely ridiculous. Considering he’s been injured most of the year and hasn’t hit above .240 since 2011, I would try to sell high if possible; if not, see how long you can ride the hot streak.
Pyrite Award!
Who is fake gold.
Bruce Chen SP – KC: Chen has been red hot, posting a 1.93 ERA for the month of July and owners are now grabbing him faster than you can say (insert clever joke here)…you get the idea. However, this is it folks. This is as good as it gets for Chen. He’s a 36-year-old journeyman who has a career ERA near 4.50, so he’s already hit his max peak for the season. After his next start against Miami he’s an occasional spot start at best.
Ripe Relievers!
Snatching up saves and holds however you can find them.
LaTroy Hawkins RP – NYM: Mets’ manager Terry Collins still claims he’s not committed to one closer but it was Hawkins who has collected the first two saves in Bobby Parnell’s absence. Hawkins is still free in about 75 percent of leagues; I would still watch David Aardsma closely.
Hitter of the Week: (Monday-Monday)
Miguel Cabrera 3B – Det: 4 HR, 11 RBI, .429
Hurler of the Week: (Monday-Monday)
Stephen Strasburg SP – Was: 16 IP, 2 W, 19 K, 1.13 ERA, 0.69 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
