Surging
Kendry Morales, 1B, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
It’s nice to see Kendry Morales, who clobbered 34 home runs last year, getting back into the swing of things. Over the last week, Morales has a .379 batting average with three home runs and 10 RBI and it looks like that power we all saw in 2009 is legit. He has a chance at 40 home runs and he has always hovered around a .300 batting average in the major and minor leagues.
Michael Bourn, OF, Houston Astros
Michael Bourn fell in a lot of drafts because of similar, cheaper options (Juan Pierre anyone?) available later in drafts, but Bourn has a .333 batting average and a ridiculous .484 on-base percentage to go along with his six steals in the past week. It’s clear that when Bourne gets on base he will swipe bags and with the entire Astros offense turning it around, we could be seeing the beginning to another nice season for the young speedster.
Prince Fielder, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
Despite an 0-for-5 performance yesterday, Prince Fielder is starting to get on a roll and that very small window of opportunity you had to get him at a discount is rapidly closing. Fielder usually starts hitting in late April or early May and his .300 batting average and two home runs since April 21 are a nice sign. An even better sign is his cutdown on his strikeouts. In that same timespan, Fielder has struck out once every 4.3 at-bats, which is an improvement over his one strikeout per ever 3.5 at-bat rate. Oh, and I’m not buying into this whole injured wrist thing. Just so you know.
Falling
Curtis Granderson, OF, New York Yankees
It’s safe to say that Curtis Granderson will want to forget this past week as he went 2-for-22 with three runs and seven strikeouts. I loved Granderson this year because of his great home run potential in Yankee Stadium, but he has yet to hit a home run at home and is basically useless against left-handed pitchers (.210 career BA). Until he learns to fix this problem or at the very least starts hitting more home runs, consider me skeptical that Granderson can cash in on his top 40 potential.
Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta Braves
Ladies and gentlemen, Jason Heyward has come back down to earth. After his torrid start over his first 13 games (.300 BA, 4 HR, 16 RBI), Heyward has just one hit over his last 20 at-bats and just one run. He is still drawing walks (four in his last seven games), which is a nice sign, but this was to be expected from Heyward this year. Remember, he is still just 20 years old and in non-keeper leagues Heyward is no better than a fourth outfielder. However, when he’s on a hot streak he has shown that he is worthy of everyday starting status in any league.
Placido Polanco, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies
Placido Polanco is as streaky as they come and if you rely on him as an everyday starter be prepared to endure long drought much like the one he is currently in (.130 BA, 0 R, 1 RBI). Polanco will bat around .300, but it will be a bumpy ride and his run totals should spike up towards 100 when it is all said and done. However, if you were expecting 15 home runs and double digit steals you might want to look elsewhere. Polanco has reached 15 home runs just once (2004) and double digit steals twice (2001, 2003) in his career.
Pickups of the Week
The Colorado Rockies Duo
If you haven’t been paying attention, the Colorado Rockies made a couple of internal moves that could have major fantasy impact. The Rockies called up Eric Young Jr. over the weekend and he has started in two straight games. Overall, he is 5-for-10 with four runs and two steals and could be in line for a good amount of playing time with Clint Barmes struggling at the plate. Colorado did not call Young up to sit on the bench.
Also, everybody’s favorite catcher sleeper was sent down to Triple-A, which means regular playing time for Miguel Olivo. Right now, Olivo is batting .314 with five home runs and 13 RBI and while his batting average is not legit, his power and RBI’s are. Olivo is more like a .250 hitter, but he could hit 25 home runs if he starts every day.
Jim Thome, DH, Minnesota Twins
Uh oh, Justin Morneau’s back is acting up again, which could mean a potential DL trip for the former MVP. Waiting in the wings for more playing time is Jim Thome, who is batting .282 with four home runs and 10 RBI in 37 at-bats. With Morneau currently sidelined, look for Thome to get regular time at DH and Kubel to be moved into the field. If you’re team needs some power don’t be afraid to pick up Thome even if it’s for a couple of games.
On the Mend
Nelson Cruz, OF, Texas Rangers
It was only a matter of time before Nelson Cruz hit the DL as he was bothered by a hamstring for over a week. He currently has seven home runs and five steals and was well on pace to replicate his 30/20 season from last year. While hamstring issues are a little alarming, Cruz should be back when he is eligible and could be relegated to some more time at DH to take the load off his ailing leg. I still see Cruz as having an outside chance at 40 home runs this year so consider me not worried as of yet.
Down on the Farm
Mike Stanton, OF, Florida Marlins (AA)
Not sure if you’ve noticed, but baseball’s best prospect not named Jason Heyward or Stephen Strasburg is tearing it up in the minors. Over 19 games, Stanton is batting .338 with nine home runs, 22 RBI and a ridiculous .789 slugging percentage. This power surge isn’t out of the blue because Stanton hit 39 home runs as an 18-year old in Single-A ball and while he struck out over 140 times, his approach is improving as he has 20 walks compared to 19 strikeouts this season. The Marlins don’t really have any incentive to call up the 20-year old Stanton anytime soon with Cameron Maybin, Chris Coghlan and Cody Ross in the outfield. But just know that if it wasn’t for Heyward or Strasburg you would be hearing a lot more about Stanton in the minor leagues.
No comments yet.