American League
Rising Up
Avisail Garcia (1% owned
last week; 3% owned this week)
Garcia is the prototype of
a toolsy player who has not translated those tools into skills. He has the
"he's young for his level" bright and shiny glow, but has always had
poor walk rates in the minors, which doesn't bode well for long-term Major
League success. The power did jump somewhat this year: a good sign for a
21-year-old splitting time between High-A and Double-A ball. Garcia should get
a healthy chunk of AB against lefties, spelling Brennan Boesch and Andy Dirks
at the corners, and will provide some deeper mixed league value if he runs.
Got the Call
I wrote about Profar on Wednesday, but some of you might not hang on my
every word and may have missed that. Anyway, that piece emphasized the future
and ignored those of you still playing for this year. Profar seemed nearly
worthless for 2012, but Elvis Andrus is now nursing a stiff lower back. It
doesn't sound serious, but if the Rangers maintain a solid lead, Andrus could
sit more frequently as we get closer to the end of the season. Michael Young
has been starting at shortstop, though, so it's not clear that Ron Washington
trusts Profar all that much down the stretch anyway.
National League
Rising Up
Adam Eaton (3%/8%)
Eaton's Triple-A venue was a
hitters' paradise and I'm sure there was some batted ball luck in there, but a
.381 batting average is great no matter how you slice and dice. Eaton is one of
those prospects that is considered a future fourth outfielder based on ability
but whose numbers have far exceeded expectations at every level in the minors.
With his lack of power, Eaton's going to have to post a perennial .350 OBP to
stick in the Majors as a starter. As a Roto proposition, the 25-30 SB potential
make him an immediate add for next year. For 2012, watch Chris Young's injury
status. Young pinch hit last night but could still need a couple of days before
he can return to the line-up. With the Diamondbacks out of the race, they might
not be inclined to rush Young back.
Jeff Locke (1%/3%)
Locke is one of those
soft-tossers (87-91 MPH fastball) who needs all throw all of his pitches for
strikes and hit his spots. He didn't do that consistently in his Major League
debut for the Astros so while the strikeouts were there the overall results weren't.
With Jeff Karstens nursing a strained hip flexor, Locke should get at least one
more start tomorrow against the Cubs. If Locke pitches well or Karstens needs
to miss more time, Locke would get the Cubs at Wrigley next week. He's an iffy
add if you have to add him to the active roster. Long term, the consensus is
Locke profiles as a back-of-the-rotation guy.
Chris Volstad (2%/4%) @HOU, PIT
Ah, the late season allure
of the two-start free agent in a deep league. Volstad's overall numbers are
awful, though, and he isn't to be owned, even in the deepest of leagues, and
not even in daily leagues for what appears to be an easy start against Houston.
Got the Call
I profiled Miller earlier in the week. I'd grab him in a keeper in
leagues that don't allow you to bid/hold onto minor leaguers on reserve.
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