Waiver Wire: Justin Morneau
By Brad Kelly
Now that we are entering the latter stages of the fantasy playoffs, owners are getting a better bearing on what type of performances they will need in order to make sure they keep their championship hopes alive.
Even though our lineups are pretty set, they have been good enough to get us to this point after all, there are potential upgrades that can be acquired. One guy that I have had my eye on lately has been, Justin Morneau, and his performance after returning from his prolonged DL stint.
By now I shouldn’t have to introduce owners to who Morneau is nor his accomplishments over his 12 year career. He was a great fantasy first baseman in his prime with the Twins and when healthy, he remains rock steady at the plate.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle
Of course the main caveat here, is the term “when healthy”, as Morneau’s career has been derailed by concussion symptoms he suffered with the Twins. Over the last handful of years, he has had to battle these symptoms popping up every now and then, and 2015 has served to be no different.
In 2014 Morneau had a great season during his first year with the Rockies, as he showcased his great eye at the plate and provided modest power. Going into 2015 owners had targeted him once again as a great CI option.
Morneau got off to a great start in 2015, batting .301 in April and looked poised to have another solid season with the Rockies. Unfortunately in the middle of May, concussion symptoms got him again and he would go one to be sidelined over the next two and half months of the season.
Clearly most owners cut bait and had to move on to other options at their CI options. Morneau would actually not wind up resurfacing until September 4, leaving owners the ability to wait and see what he could do over the stretch run of the season and eventually into the fantasy playoffs.
Morneau has proved that when he gets hot, he is nearly impossible to get out as his great eye and bat skill often anchors prolonged success. Thus, owner’s interest should be sparked by the hot stretch that Morneau has been able to post over the last 14 games.
Over that stretch he has posted a, 4 R/.458 AVG./1 RBI/1.244 OPS line. Obviously Morneau is seeing the ball great, and even though the power numbers haven’t been his calling card, he has favorable matchups coming up that should potentially allow him to run into a couple.
The one RBI is perplexing as well, but with Nolan Arenado being banged up right now, Morneau should slide up in the order and get more run producing opportunities. Owners that are seeking out some immediate support should look to Morneau for help over the rest of this week and potentially during the championship week as well.