We do a lot of posts here on who you should pick up or drop in leagues. Now here is one to show you who you should be targeting in trades. All of these players are owned in at least 85 percent of ESPN leagues, and are in the middle of the worst starts of their careers for the most part. Over the weekend I will let you know who you should be trying to buy low on.
This piece will focus on infielders. Tomorrow’s will focus on pitchers. The first installment is here.
Apr 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles batter Chris Davis (19) connects for a home run in the first inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
First Base:
Chris Davis, Orioles: Davis had just two homers in 76 at bats before landing on the disabled list. After slugging 53 last year and driving in 138 runs, you can call that a disappointment. Davis could return as soon as next week, so I would try and pry him away from the disappointed Davis owner before he returns and starts mashing again.
Prince Fielder, Rangers: Fielder is off to a disappointing start, hitting just .228 with three home runs. Still, he is walking more than he is striking out, and is showing signs of life. Prince has tallied a hit in nine of his last ten games. Your window to buy low may be closing.
Second Base:
Robinson Cano, Mariners: Cano’s .289 average and 19 RBI are not bad, but he has just one home run on the year. And two steals. I have a feeling that once Cano adjusts to Seattle, both of those numbers will go up. You might be able to get him for less than the price of the top second baseman in the game because of his lack of counting stats.
Brandon Phillips, Reds: Yes, most of the Reds’ offense is struggling. Phillips is not as bad as some. His .277 average is right in line with his career numbers. After his 103 RBI season last year, his seven so far is a huge disappointment. Phillips has hit 18 homers for three straight years, and has hit 17 or more in all of his full season. His steals were down last year, so those might not resurface. However, there is reason to believe that his total of two home runs so far will climb as the summer goes on. See if you can pick him up on the cheap.
May 9, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes hits a single in the first inning against Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Shortstop:
Jose Reyes, Blue Jays: Reyes went on the DL after one at bat. He then returned and was ice cold. Don’t look now, but Reyes has finally got his average above the Mendoza line, and has two homers this week. He is showing signs of turning it around. I know he is a huge injury risk, but he should be relatively cheap. Cheap enough to take a chance on.
Hanley Ramirez, Dodgers: Hanley is a notoriously slow starter, and this year is no exception. Remember the two month tear that Hanley went on last year? A repeat is a possibility in that lineup. Trade for him before he gets hot. Try not to give up too much though, considering he is still an injury risk.
May 8, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) argues with home plate umpire Mark Ripperger (90) after striking out during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Third Basemen
Adrian Beltre, Rangers: Beltre has only two homers in 84 at bats this year. The whole Rangers team has pretty much been a train wreck on offense this entire season. Beltre has shown signs of turning this around. After all, both of the homers have come in the past week. Beltre has a lot of potential to succeed in this lineup, so he could be worth chasing after.
Manny Machado, Orioles: Machado’s owners who have stuck with him this far have been “rewarded” with a .161 average and a lone solo homer. His is 5-for-31 since his return. For those impatient owners who managed to hang on to him this long, his awful start might have pushed them over the edge. Machado’s upside has been all over the internet since he picked up a bat in his first pro assignment. You don’t need me to tell you what he is capable of.
Come back tomorrow for the pitchers portion of the show!