If you’re fantasy baseball team needs some power, check the waiver wire for Houston Astros left fielder Chris Carter who here celebrates with designated hitter Carlos Pena (12) after he hits a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
As we get ready for the third week of the MLB season, it may be time to overhaul your fantasy baseball roster. With a number of high-profile injuries and some slow starts, some fantasy owners are now officially counting down to their fantasy football season. Don’t give up yet, there’s plenty of time remaining and there’s some nice values on the waiver wire if you stay active.
Even if your team is doing well though, there’s probably a tweak or two that could help improve your production. Each day at FantasyCPR, we highlight players who are available in 50% or more of ESPN leagues and who are turning in some nice production numbers for the owners who grab them (archive here). If you play daily leagues, these players represent some of the better “bargains” that allow you to stack other positions with the top performers.
Here’s your lineup from yesterday’s action:
Sleeper Starting Lineup
Apr 13, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) is congratulated by third base coach after hitting a two run homer against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
C– Evan Gattis-Altanta Braves: (41.0%) If Gattis is somehow still available in your league, make the move now. He’s continuing to bat in the middle of the Braves solid lineup and producing very nice power numbers while not hurting your batting average at all. Gattis connected on his fourth home run of the season yesterday while reaching 8 RBI and keeping his average at exactly .333 (10-30). He’s the top catching pickup, in my opinion, even over John Buck who started so hot for the Mets.
1B– Todd Helton-Colorado Rockies: (0.4%) Helton has had a throwback series in San Diego going 5-8 in his last two games with a pair of doubles, two runs scored, and two RBI. He’s still just batting .241 but can still hit for average and get on base even in the twilight of his great career.
2B– Chris Getz-Kansas City Royals: (2.8%) Getz had a big day for the Royals yesterday as he returned to the lineup. He went 3-4 with a double and RBI and is now hitting .303 on the season (10-33). He’s losing a little playing time and doesn’t have a stolen base yet this season, but he has value if he plays everyday especially at the thin 2B position.
3B– Josh Donaldson-Oakland Athletics: (2.5%) Donaldson has been on fire lately with two hits in each of his last five games raising his average to .277 He has a pair of home runs, seven RBI, and eight runs scored on the season and continues to be part of the A’s everyday lineup. He’s not an elite option, but is definitely a viable option at the hot corner.
April 12, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) slides into home to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
SS– Zack Cozart-Cincinnati Reds: (36.5%) Cozart has gotten off to a rocky start to the season coming into yesterday’s game hitting just .114 with only two homers and five RBI which all came in one game against the Nats. Yesterday, Cozart had another solid day going 3-5 with a run scored, double, RBI, and his third home run of the year. If you need a Jose Reyes fill-in, Cozart could be heating up and available if someone in your league dropped him.
OF-Chris Carter-Houston Astros: (3.2%) If you need straight up power, Carter is a great pickup. He has four homers in his last four games and has hit safely in six games in a row. He’s driven in seven and is a solid option while he’s hot like this. He’s shown the tendency to be streaky in the past, so enjoy this run for as long as it lasts and then move on to someone else.
OF-Nate McLouth-Baltimore Orioles: (1.2%) McLouth went 3-5 yesterday with a pair of doubles and a run scored. He’s had a solid start to the year although he has yet to hit a home run. He’s hitting .294 and regularly leading off for Baltimore which gives him a chance to run some (two stolen bases already this year) and score runs (6). His power numbers should come, but he’s a solid batting average add at this point if you need a leadoff-type outfielder.
OF-Will Venable-San Diego Padres: (0.1%) Venable continues to produce when given the chance for the Padres. He went 2-4 with a double, home run, RBI, and a pair of runs scored in last night’s loss to the Rockies. He’s driven in eight runs and scored five over the five games on this homestand and has a pair of home runds, a triple, and a double as well. He’s playing his way onto the radar in NL only leagues and keep an eye on him to see if he continues to produce.
Apr 13, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Joe Saunders (23) pitches to the Texas Rangers during the 1st inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
AL Starting Pitcher-Joe Saunders-Seattle Mariners: (0.9%) In his second straight successful start at Safeco, Saunders allowed only one unearned on three hits in seven innings against the Rangers yesterday. He didn’t get a decision, but is definitely a spot starter option at home in pitcher-friendly matchups.
NL Starting Pitcher-Jeff Locke-Pittsburgh Pirates: (0.0%) Locke was good enough to get the win over Johnny Cueto and the Reds yesterday after Cueto had to leave the game early with an injury Locke held the Reds to a run in five innings of work to get his first career win. He didn’t strike anyone out but got 11 of his 15 outs on ground balls a good sign that his sinker was working. Locke is still an iffy option even as a spot starter but maybe this is something he can build on going forward.
Relief Pitcher-Santiago Casilla-San Francisco Giants: (0.6%) Casilla went two shutout innings to get the save at Wrigley yesterday allowing a walk while striking out two. He hasn’t allowed a run since his first appearance of the year and now has six K’s in six innings this season. He’s an elite setup option and would be next in line if Sergio Romo needed to be replaced.