Deep in the Hole- Fantasy Baseball Week 16

By Charlie Wright on July 21, 2014

This is my weekly fantasy baseball column where I discuss the rising and falling stocks of certain players. Hopefully this information can help with your lineup decisions, and maybe give you some ideas when looking for a boost from the waiver wire. But, of course, do not sit your studs just for these guys, or drop a guy just because he appears on the list. These are just suggestions, albeit supported ones.

 

Heating Up

Chris Carter, Houston Astros (1B, OF) – Carter is a hard player to endorse, as he strikes out a little more than once every three at-bats. A player who makes such poor contact is susceptible to prolonged slumps, which make them hard to own in Fantasy. That said, Carter has 19 home runs in only 280 at-bats. The power is for real, and he plays in one of the best hitter’s parks in baseball. Carter has six homers in his last 10 starts, yet he is owned in less than a third of ESPN leagues. He will strike out a bunch and hit for a low average, but if you can get past that, he provides dirt cheap power.

Chris Coghlan, Chicago Cubs (OF) – In his last week of games before the All-Star Break, Coghlan went 14-for-31. The former Rookie of the Year knocked in nine during that span, and added a couple stolen bases. Coghlan has shown flashes of brilliance, but has struggled with consistently over his five year career. Considering the timing of this current hot streak, Coghlan could be a potential trade candidate for Chicago. A trade to a contender could boost his counting stats, a make him a legit asset to your squad.

 

Cooling Off

Adam LaRoche, Washington Nationals (1B) – Despite his reputation as a slow starter, LaRoche had a great first three months of the season, but July hasn’t been so kind. He has just five hits this month, and is yet to homer. LaRoche’s OBP has fallen 36 points since the beginning of the month, mostly due to a K/BB ratio of 12:4. Until he starts seeing the ball better, LaRoche is best left on your bench.

Gregory Polanco, Pittsburgh Pirates (OF) – Polanco broke a 1-for-24 skid with two hits Friday, then followed that with an 0-for-5 Saturday. His batting average has fallen to .255, and he is only 2-for-4 stealing this month. An adjustment period was to be expected for Polanco, owners can only hope he gets back on track. Polanco’s potential is immense, he must be held on to in dynasty leagues. I’d be fine dropping him in a redraft league though.

 

Minor League Chatter

With the return of Shane Victorino, Mookie Betts has been sent down by Boston.

The recently traded Addison Russell is hitting .194 in his first eight games at Double-A Tennessee. Russell joined a stable of stud infield prospects for the Cubs.

 

Nugget of the Week- After releasing Dan Uggla, the Atlanta Braves still owe over $18 million. Jose Altuve will make less than $1.5 million this year.

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