With the news that Paul Goldschmidt suffered a fractured left hand, this likely is a big blow to your team’s power during the most critical time of the fantasy season. So how can you replace Goldy’s .300 average with 19 homers, 69 RBI, and nine steals? The short answer: you can’t.
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That does not mean that I will give up and leave you hanging though. I will give you some players that can help ease the loss.
The standard league replacements are available in 15-50 percent of leagues. The moderates are available in 51-90 percent of leagues. The deep league replacements are available in 90 percent of more of leagues.
Howard’s power is back. HIs average? Not so much. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Standard Leagues:
Chris Carter, Astros: Yes, the average sucks, but if you need the power with Goldy out, his 22 home runs are enticing. Just beware of the Adam Dunn-esque average.
Ryan Howard, Phillies: Howard’s average is nearly as bad as Carter’s but he has his power stroke back. He has launched 17 homers and driven in 67 runs this year.
Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians: His .303 average is right in the neighborhood of Goldschmidt’s. The 11 homers and 46 RBI are a bit off the pace, but this is what you have to roll with if you don’t want an average-killer.
Butler is FINALLY starting to come around. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Moderate Leagues:
Mark Reynolds, Brewers: Let’s face it: when you’re talking about replacing a guy like Goldschmidt, it’s the power that is the hardest to find on waivers. So you will have to deal with some bad averages along the way. Reynolds has clubbed 19 homers and stolen five bags, so he is closer to Goldy’s numbers than most. The bad news? The .208 average.
Adam Dunn, White Sox: Assuming his pitching career doesn’t take off, Dunn is still on the right end of the DH platoon in Chicago. Not hitting against tough lefties has his average up to .222 to compliment his 17 homers.
Billy Butler, Royals: Half of his season home run total has come in the last 12 games, so he might be coming around. His .276 average certainly won’t hurt either. Of the guys on waivers, he probably has the most upside.
Vargas has the potential to put up good numbers over the rest of the year. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Deep Leagues:
Kennys Vargas, Twins: Sure, he is a reach, but one worth taking a chance on. He is still available in 98 percent of leagues, and hit 17 homers in the minors this year. Oh, and he has a homer and seven RBI already in just 18 at bats. He could be just what you are looking for.
Robinson Chirinos, Rangers: 11 homers are hard to find on waivers. His .240 average is not horrible, and he plays for a pretty good team. You could do worse.
Chris Parmelee, Twins: First base is one of the toughest positions to fill in deep leagues. Parmelee’s .265 average and six homers will have to do unless ou can find someone better.