Rising Up
Brent Morel (7% owned last week; 10% this week)
Morel was having a lost 2011. He hadn't posted an OPS above 700 for any month through August. Seemingly out of nowhere, Morel has been one of the hottest hitters in the American League, putting up a 267/389/644 slash line in the last two weeks with five home runs, making him a Top 20 A.L.-only hitter over that time frame. The difference is probably due to increased patience at the plate. After walking seven times through August 31, Morel has walked nine times in September. This doesn't mean that Morel is suddenly going to be a 30 HR, 100 RBI hitter, but it does once again make him someone to consider as a keeper for 2012 if you have him at the right price. And if you're playing for this year, Morel is a must own at this point.
Everett Teaford (0/2) @CHW
Teaford wasn't considered much of a prospect entering this year, and it looked like his future might be in the bullpen or as an emergency arm in AAA. He pitched extremely well this year at both Triple-A and then in the Majors, and the Royals decided to give him another crack at the rotation. His stuff is considered average, but Teaford throws four pitches for strikes, changes speeds well, and knows how to pitch. I don't like the match-up against the White Sox next week, though, particularly since it will be Teaford's second time facing them in a little less than a week.
On the Waiver Wire
Rich Harden TEX, @LAA
The results haven't been there for Harden this year, but his 3.62 xFIP is in line with his most of his career numbers, with the exception of last season's stint with Texas. Harden is an obvious play if you need strikeouts and don't care about anything else. Otherwise, he's questionable, particularly if you need wins. The A's are playing if safe with Harden's pitch counts; don't be surprised if he doesn't make it through five innings in either one of these starts.
Nothing has been formally announced, but I'd be surprised if Morneau makes it back this season.
Peavy has been shut down by the White Sox and has no value for 2011.
Thornton has pitched very well since his extremely poor April, but Sergio Santos is a lock for the closer's job for both 2011 and probably from 2012. If Ozzie Guillen doesn't come back this could certainly change, but keep in mind that Chris Sale - and not Thornton - had been Santos' back up this year in the 9th. Thornton is a middle relief play now only.
1 comment:
Hey Mike and Toz,
Last question of the season, I think. Here's the situation: In my NL Roto league things are very, very tight, with four or five contenders for the title.
I'm behind one team in ERA by 0.03, and I'm the second of four teams with WHIPs 0.02 away from each other. Add to that I'm 8 K's ahead of the person behind me. Wins is also very tight, with one team with one more win, and another with one less.
With just a week and a half to go, and given all that info, would you rather have Jason Hammel in the hopes of a vulture win or K bump, or a dead spot (Mike Leake) to preserve ratios and guard against a blowup in mop up time?
My other pitchers are Greinke, Marcum, Anibal Sanchez, Lilly, Mike Minor, E. Jackson, and Clippard. I'll be replacing one of Hammel or Leake with Teheran.
As always, thanks for your thoughts.
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