Welcome back to “Off The Deep End”, where I will give you fantasy baseball tips on who to pick up in deeper leagues. For people who play standard leagues, drop/add columns are easy for you to find, but for those of you that love deeper leagues, advice can be harder to come by. That is where I can help. All of these players are available in 85% or more of ESPN leagues.
This piece will focus on corner infielders. I will have a piece up outfielders and catchers tomorrow, relief pitchers on Friday, and starting pitchers on Saturday.
Apr 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Chris Carter (23) reacts after striking out during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
First Base:
Chris Carter, Astros: I know, I know. The batting average is atrocious, sitting at just .160 on the season. However, he does have three homers, eight RBI, and eight runs scored in his last eight games. If you need power, you will have to take a hit in average no matter who you go after. Might as well go with the guy who is currently producing. Just remember to drop him when he goes cold again.
Lyle Overbay, Brewers: It is probably safe to say that Overbay doesn’t have much left. That said, he is hitting .526 since coming off of the paternity list, and has even managed to throw in a stolen base! Ride the hot hand. That’s all you can do in deep and NL-only leagues!
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: Moreland is hitting .310 over the last two weeks, so the Rangers are finding ways to keep him in the lineup. They even gave him a start in left field for the first time in his career. He should pick up his outfield eligibility again soon, which will add a little more value to his .266 average, one homer, and nine RBI.
Garrett Jones, Marlins: He won’t offer you much in the average department (.237), but he does have four home runs and 11 RBI. That and the Marlins keep putting him in the middle of the lineup. Keep playing him as long as Miami does!
Apr 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) drives in a run with a single during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Third Base:
Mike Moustakas, Royals: Once again, Moose is struggling at the plate, but he does have four homers in the last two weeks and 11 RBI. For those of you burned by the injuries to Ryan Zimmerman and Adrian Beltre, he should be a good stop-gap. He is one of the few that can replace the lost power at least.
Matt Dominguez, Astros: Dominguez has a history of hitting for a low average, but he is actually at a respectable .255 clip over the last two weeks. He has also managed to keep up his power with two homers and six RBI over that span as well.
David Freese, Angels: Remember him? He of the playoff heroics with the Cardinals a couple of different times over the last few years. He got off to a dreadful start on the left coast, but is starting to show signs of life. Freese is hitting .333 with his first home run of the season in the last week. He is in a potent lineup, so now may be your last chance to pounce on him in deep leagues.
Mark Reynolds, Brewers: He is hitting .308 over the last week. While he mostly only plays against lefties, he has gotten a few nods against righties, and will get more if he can continue to hit. His power potential makes him worth picking up if you need help at third.