THE EXPECTED
Willy Taveras continues to demonstrate his ability to nab bases on a regular basis. Within the last 14 days, Taveras has stolen six bases in eight attempts. Unfortunately, he has only amassed six runs and two runs batted in during this same time period. As long as he continues to see the field, he is definitely worth picking up in rotisserie leagues where you can mask his lack of statistical output in other areas.
Although his power numbers have decreased dramatically, B.J. Upton continues to steal bases. Upton, who has five stolen bases in his last 45 at-bats, did manage a homerun, eight runs, and seven runs batted in. The biggest drop-off statistically comes from his batting average. Batting just .222 in the month of August, he has not lived up to his drafting status, often taken in the first four rounds.
Still platooning in centerfield for the Boston Red Sox, Jacoby Ellsbury is starting to heat up again. Ellsbury, who stole three bases over the past two weeks, did it with half of the at-bats that other major leaguers who stole the same amount within the same time period. He has batted .313 over this two week period and even had a game-winning homerun to add to his young career statistics.
THE UNEXPECTED
There is no doubt in my mind that everyone thought that Corey C. Hart had the potential for a 30/100/100 season in him. What I also doubt is that you expected the five stolen bases he has accumulated over his past 45 at-bats. Hart, who has the potential for great things, especially with the type of line-up the Milwaukee Brewers have, is expected to produce enough fantasy points worthy of a third or fourth outfielder. With his recent .289 batting average, and the increase in stolen bases, he may very well be worth more than you paid for on draft day.
There are many players that you associate the word “injury” with and Howie Kendrick is no exception to this thought-process. Long held out to be a future star in the major leagues, Kendrick has struggled over the past two seasons to stay on the field. Now he appears completely healthy and is rewarding fantasy owners. Kendrick, over the past two weeks, has stolen four bases and shown life at the plate with two doubles, only seven strikeouts, and four walks in 51 at-bats.
A hot item on the fantasy waiver-wire, Alex Romero is taking advantage of Justin Upton’s absence in the Diamondbacks starting line-up. Romero has stolen four bases in four attempts, driven in five runs and crossed the plate four times in the past 43 at-bats. He is doing all that he can to make his case for a utility outfielder role as the dog days of summer begin to fade and the Diamondbacks try to surge and salvage their season.
FINALLY PRODUCING
Appearing fully healthy, left fielder Alfonso Soriano appears to beheating up for the playoff run in Chicago. In the past two weeks, Soriano is four for four in stolen base attempts. When you add the .277 batting average with five homeruns and six doubles, it appears that fantasy owners may still recoup some of the fantasy investment they put into this player.
Another Angels’ player synonymous with term “injured” is Chone Figgins. Over the past three seasons, Figgins has yet to accumulate more than 140 games under his belt. Beset with injuries early in the season and a horrendous return to the line-up statistically, many fantasy managers have dropped Figgins from their line-up and missed out on seven stolen bases in the past two weeks. Is it finally the time to put your faith back in Figgins?
Many have had Matt Kemp on their fantasy keeper rosters because of his star potential and five-tool capabilities. Many have waited for what seems like eons for him to receive enough at bats to warrant his addition to their starting rosters. The benefits are starting to roll in like thunder. With four stolen bases, 10 runs, and four runs batted in over the past two weeks, Kemp and his .304 batting average is starting to make many fantasy keeper managers extremely happy.
UNLIKELY SOURCES
What I love most about drafting Matt Holliday is that he is continuing to produce immense fantasy statistics with virtually no protection in the Rockies line-up. Adding to his many talents, Holliday has been ever-increasing his stolen base abilities. With three stolen bases in the last 50 at-bats, he is again demonstrating why everyone should have taken him as their number one, overall fantasy outfielder.
I have no idea where the two concepts of stolen bases and Jeremy Hermida came from, but I can tell you as I have recently picked him up in on of my fantasy keeper leagues, and that I love it. Hermida has stolen two bases in the past 47 at-bats, hit an impressive .319, and driven in seven runners while crossing the plate seven times as well. As long as he stays healthy, it appears that he may have a very productive second half of the season, as has been demonstrated to date.
With the many seasons behind him, many felt that Johnny Damon was a fantasy wash-up. Damon has had other ideas, at least over the past 50 or so at-bats. Damon, who has been scorching the ball since his return from the disabled list, has had 10 runs, 10 runs batted in, a triple, double, and 18 singles, all while batting .362 and stealing seven bases. Like Juan Pierre, he is simply too productive not to consider putting in your fantasy line-up.
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS
When considering the need for stolen bases, Cesar Izturis continues to steal bases. With five stolen bases in the past two weeks, there is the continued belief that Felipe Lopez was brought on to the team serve as a utility player, potentially taking away from Izturis at-bats. Izturis has responded by batting .395. 10 runs and four runs batted in while decreasing his strikeout totals (3 in 43 at-bats) and demonstrating impressive defensive skills.
Ronnie Belliard is not a homerun-hitter, per se, nor is he a speedster on the base paths, but he continues to surprise baseball fans with both. With 10 homeruns, Belliard has definitely shown that he can put some power behind his lumber and with three stolen bases in the past two weeks, it is apparent that he can put some speed behind that big frame of his. Belliard has only stolen three bases all season, all three coming in the past 29 at-bats, so I do not expect the trend to continue. With the pressure of young Emilio Bonifacio vying for time, as well as the teams’ need to showcase the young hitter to demonstrate the value they received for Jon Rauch, something has got to give and it is likely to be Belliard’s playing time.
The Dodgers’ are hoping that as James Loney progresses, he increases the newest statistic to his arsenal. Loney stole two bases this past week and excited fantasy owners’ and Dodgers’ fans alike. Loney is definitely worth keeping in most fantasy formats, however, his value would increase four-fold if he continued to demonstrate this type of awareness on the base paths.
