You never like to hear the words “oblique strain” and anyone you own in the same sentence. Well, Hanley Ramirez is the latest guy to suffer and oblique strain, which usually means he will miss at least a month.
So who can you grab to fill the place of Hanley’s .277 average, 12 homers, 12 steals, and 58 RBI?
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That is where I come in. I will try to name players that are close to Hanley’s overall numbers.
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.
Escobar actually has more runs scored, a better average, and more steals than Ramirez. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Standard Leagues:
Alcides Escobar, Royals: There is not any one player in this tier that is available that can give you 12-12 with a decent average. So I present Mr. Escobar. He has no power (just two home runs on the season), but he has scored more runs that Hanley (53 to 50), and hit for a better average (.280 to .277). That, and his 24 steals are always useful.
Asdrubal Cabrera, Nationals: He has only three RBI since joining the Nats and is without a homer or a steal. So why pick him up? The Nat’s keep playing him, and he does have nine homers and seven steals on the season. The potential is there. That said, if you don’t have a hole at short, leave him on the wire.
Moderate Leagues:
Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox: Shortstop is a thin position. So thin that I am recommending a guy with a .230 average and eight homers.
Arismendy Alcantara, Cubs: Javier Baez is getting all the publicity (and the waiver adds), but that doesn’t mean Alcantara can’t help you. He has three homers and four steals in 118 at bats. The downside? You have to take his .220 average along with it…..
Deep Leagues:
Chris Taylor, Mariners: He is without a homer or a steal in his first 46 big league at bats. So why am I recommending him, besides the fact that this is a shallow position? Well, he is hitting .391 with six runs scored. Hey, you take what you can get in deep leagues.
Josh Rutledge, Rockies: He has hit a bit of a rough patch lately, but is still hitting .270 with three homers and 25 runs scored. He will see regular at bats until Troy Tulowitzki returns.