Week 18: August 2nd
Just finishing up on what was a pretty fun Minnesota weekend. But I can't wait to get home to sweet home, Chicago!
I TOLD YA SO!
1) Neftali Feliz (RHP - Reliever) -- Rangers -- I've been telling you all for months that Feliz would eventually get the call to the big league club right in time for the stretch run. All of you who didn't listen to me back then are going to be so sorry you didn't as soon as Feliz starts blowing away major league hitters and works his way into the Rangers closer job.
PERSUING PADRES?
2) Mat Latos (RHP - Starter) -- Padres -- His stuff is just dominant. The Padres are saying that they will rest him in the final weeks of the season but until then he is set to go out there and give quality performances. This will be his last week in The Hot 8 as I just hate having to repeat myself all of the time. This guy is the real deal and should be in your plans if you are making a drive towards a championship this year or if you just want to play spoiler.
3) Kyle Blanks (Outfield) -- Padres -- Blanks started out real slow after being called up in late June but has found a rhythm of late. He is starting to blast some HR's to all fields and in dramatic fashion lately. He's a very patient hitter and a guy who makes good adjustments. He has obviously figured out how to drive certain major league pitches as he's hit 4 HR's in his last 10 games now. We are all looking for power at this point in the season and Blanks could be a huge supplier down the stretch.
4) Clayton Richard (LHP - Starter) -- Padres -- I am sad to see him go from my beloved White Sox in exchange for Jake Peavy. As much as I don't like the trade for Peavy, I don understand that the White Sox needed to become less lefty heavy and they sold off two pretty darn good ones at that in Richard and Aaron Poreda. I think that Richard can churn out some very good performances for the Padres. Coming over to the National League will help a bunch and going from the most HR happy ballpark to the least HR hitting ballpark will also bring great fortune for Richard. He's definitely worth taking a shot on for the rest of this season.
HOT ROOKIES
5) Bud Norris (RHP - Starter) -- Astros -- His first major league start was a gem as he threw seven shutout innings while giving up just two hits and flirting with a no hitter for awhile. Norris has thrown as well as any young pitcher in the minors this season and I like his chances of getting outs the rest of this year. If he can keep his walks to a minimum, he'll have a nice run in him as the Astros always seem to play some better ball in the second half.
6) Brian Matusz (LHP - Starter) -- Orioles -- This guy was absolutely dominating at three minor league stops this season including a 7-0 record at AA Bowie. He's got a really good curveball that he locates to both corners of the plate and a changeup that he varies speeds on and keeps hitters off balance. The test for Matusz will be whether or not he can establish his fastball at the big league level. His secondary pitches are top of the line. He was the fourth overall pick in last years draft and cannot be contained in the minors any longer. There are just not enough words for me to explain how much I like what the Orioles are doing.
IMPACT VETERANS
7) Ty Wigginton (1B, 3B, OF) -- Orioles -- Wigginton is getting a lot of playing time at 3B lately at the expense of Melvin Mora. He is a professional hitter who destroys lefties. His hot bat gets him into the lineup and his versatility makes him useful in fantasy leagues. Wigginton can fill in for you at most positions including eligibility at the MI spot in Yahoo leagues. He is a known run producer who has some fine pop in his bat especially against left handed pitching.
8) Orlando Cabrera (Shortstop) -- Twins -- Call this a hunch, but I feel that Cabrera will be just what the doctor ordered for this Twins team. He is an edgy, somewhat arrogant player who rises to the occassion when the pressure is on. I think he will get a second wind now that he is back in a pennant race. Look for him to start driving the ball once again and swiping a few bags along the way. If you are in need of SS or MI help, grab Cabrera off the waiver wire. You'll thank me later!
That is the Hot 8 for this week. What do you guys think?
Post your comments below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com
I TOLD YA SO!
1) Neftali Feliz (RHP - Reliever) -- Rangers -- I've been telling you all for months that Feliz would eventually get the call to the big league club right in time for the stretch run. All of you who didn't listen to me back then are going to be so sorry you didn't as soon as Feliz starts blowing away major league hitters and works his way into the Rangers closer job.
PERSUING PADRES?
2) Mat Latos (RHP - Starter) -- Padres -- His stuff is just dominant. The Padres are saying that they will rest him in the final weeks of the season but until then he is set to go out there and give quality performances. This will be his last week in The Hot 8 as I just hate having to repeat myself all of the time. This guy is the real deal and should be in your plans if you are making a drive towards a championship this year or if you just want to play spoiler.
3) Kyle Blanks (Outfield) -- Padres -- Blanks started out real slow after being called up in late June but has found a rhythm of late. He is starting to blast some HR's to all fields and in dramatic fashion lately. He's a very patient hitter and a guy who makes good adjustments. He has obviously figured out how to drive certain major league pitches as he's hit 4 HR's in his last 10 games now. We are all looking for power at this point in the season and Blanks could be a huge supplier down the stretch.
4) Clayton Richard (LHP - Starter) -- Padres -- I am sad to see him go from my beloved White Sox in exchange for Jake Peavy. As much as I don't like the trade for Peavy, I don understand that the White Sox needed to become less lefty heavy and they sold off two pretty darn good ones at that in Richard and Aaron Poreda. I think that Richard can churn out some very good performances for the Padres. Coming over to the National League will help a bunch and going from the most HR happy ballpark to the least HR hitting ballpark will also bring great fortune for Richard. He's definitely worth taking a shot on for the rest of this season.
HOT ROOKIES
5) Bud Norris (RHP - Starter) -- Astros -- His first major league start was a gem as he threw seven shutout innings while giving up just two hits and flirting with a no hitter for awhile. Norris has thrown as well as any young pitcher in the minors this season and I like his chances of getting outs the rest of this year. If he can keep his walks to a minimum, he'll have a nice run in him as the Astros always seem to play some better ball in the second half.
6) Brian Matusz (LHP - Starter) -- Orioles -- This guy was absolutely dominating at three minor league stops this season including a 7-0 record at AA Bowie. He's got a really good curveball that he locates to both corners of the plate and a changeup that he varies speeds on and keeps hitters off balance. The test for Matusz will be whether or not he can establish his fastball at the big league level. His secondary pitches are top of the line. He was the fourth overall pick in last years draft and cannot be contained in the minors any longer. There are just not enough words for me to explain how much I like what the Orioles are doing.
IMPACT VETERANS
7) Ty Wigginton (1B, 3B, OF) -- Orioles -- Wigginton is getting a lot of playing time at 3B lately at the expense of Melvin Mora. He is a professional hitter who destroys lefties. His hot bat gets him into the lineup and his versatility makes him useful in fantasy leagues. Wigginton can fill in for you at most positions including eligibility at the MI spot in Yahoo leagues. He is a known run producer who has some fine pop in his bat especially against left handed pitching.
8) Orlando Cabrera (Shortstop) -- Twins -- Call this a hunch, but I feel that Cabrera will be just what the doctor ordered for this Twins team. He is an edgy, somewhat arrogant player who rises to the occassion when the pressure is on. I think he will get a second wind now that he is back in a pennant race. Look for him to start driving the ball once again and swiping a few bags along the way. If you are in need of SS or MI help, grab Cabrera off the waiver wire. You'll thank me later!
That is the Hot 8 for this week. What do you guys think?
Post your comments below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com
posted by Jeff Mans at
11:58 AM
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