Fantasy Baseball Top Championship Week Pickups
By SH
Texas Rangers catcher Mike Napoli (25) is finishing out the season strong and can help your fantasy baseball team do the same. Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE
This is it folks, this is really it. My last article of the season. I can’t believe it’s honestly here. I truly appreciate all of my viewers this entire season. I really hope that my highlighted guys have helped you get into the championship this week. From here, anything can truly happen. That’s what makes fantasy sports so great. All that matters in the playoffs is who’s hot in the last week of the season. This is why I’m here. To give you the best advice possible to take home that championship. I’m going to mix it up this week. Instead of picking 10 guys, I’m going to give you a larger list that will supplement for the rest of the season. There’s always a wide variance in leagues. Some may be done this Sunday while others go through the first week of October. I believe that these players below can win you that trophy.
HITTERS
Mike Napoli, TEX C – Not sure how this freak of nature isn’t owned in every league. The dude can carry a whole squad and is heating up.
Salvador Perez, KC C – Been all over this guy since last year and is proving me right each night. Going to be an elite catcher and has some big games in the next two weeks.
September 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) at the plate against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Chicago Cubs won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
Anthony Rizzo, CHC 1B – Catching fire in the ole Windy City. Expect him to put up big numbers to close out year.
John Mayberry, Jr., PHI OF – Been producing since he got regular playing time. Should continue that feat.
Domonic Brown, PHI OF – Expected him to do huge things, but definitely failed me. Has gotten hot though this past week and has potential to put up nice stats.
Brett Gardner, NYY OF – Only should be grabbed if you’re in dire need of steals. Will not bat at all, but will pinch run and could swipe a few bags a week.
Denard Span, MIN OF – Excelling this last week after rejoining the squad. Can hit for a solid average and steal bases.
Ryan Lavarnway, BOS C – Also been on a tear for the past ten days. Catcher isn’t the deepest position so any day Lavarnway is in the lineup, feel free to put him in yours
Justin Smoak, SEA 1B – Everyone knows he’s got the tools, but just hasn’t consistently put it together. Has looked legit lately. Maybe he can explode to end season.
Starling Marte, PIT OF – Was on Marte’s bandwagon since he got the call, but since his leadoff bomb in his first AB, hasn’t been too great. Tripled in three straight games this week. Now that doesn’t happen often. Grab him.
PITCHERS
Dylan Bundy, BAL P – The biggest pitching prospect in baseball got the call. He’s a mere 19 years old, but he can sure throw a baseball. Not sure what his role will be with the O’s, but you need to grab him. Especially in a keeper league.
Lance Lynn, STL P – One of the biggest surprises all season, Lynn is back in the rotation. Been dominant all season long. Snag him if still there.
September 19, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte (46) trots out from the dugout to start the fifth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE
Andy Pettite, NYY SP – Finally healthy again and returned on Wednesday with a win. He’s been in a pennant race before with the Yanks. I’ll trust the veteran.
Kenley Jansen, LAD RP – Fortunately, Jansen’s heart condition has seemed to be back to normal. Fortunately, the Dodgers have their stud closer back. They need to win, and win now. Needs to be owned.
Chris Carpenter, STL SP – One of the guttiest performers of 2011, Carpenter is back for the Cards. Not sure the amount of innings he will throw. But the man can pitch, and I expect him to deal in his outings.
Chris Archer, TB P – Archer has been solid in many different roles for the Rays. He’s getting some starts and coming out of the pen too, but either way, his numbers have been legit so I’d play him.
Matt Thornton, CWS RP – This big lefty throws some cheddar. Ventura is trusting him deep into games. Almost more than Addison Reed. If the White Sox are going to win the AL Central, expect crucial innings out of Thornton.
Junichi Tazawa, BOS RP – Just a no name reliever who’s stacking up some numbers out of the pen. He’s been the go to guy for Bobby V in September. He’ll give you some quality stats down the stretch.
Tommy Hunter, BAL P – Another do it all guy. Hunter lately has been taking the ball out of relief and doing big things. The O’s are really about to do this. Hunter is a key part of it.
Francisco Liriano, CWS P – Liriano has all the potential in the world, and he likes to be sporadic on the mound. He will look terrible, and then the next outing, he will be un-hittable. Hopefully you get him on his good day because he can put monster numbers if you do.
Well that’s all for me my friends! It’s been a joy writing for the great site of FantasyCPR. All of us on the staff really appreciate your support of the website and wish you the best this championship week!