The Wire Troll: Time to Give Nook a Look?
If you can add B.J. Upton or Ryan Braun in a package for A-Rod, you’ve got to think about pulling the trigger.
I know this is The Wire Troll, but I’ve got to take a quick time out here to toot my own horn just a little, so indulge me, please.
If anyone remembers, in the May 18 installment of the Wire Troll, I said that Alex Rodriguez would slide in the second half of the season, and he really has. A-Rod’s pre-break numbers: .316/.412/.663; Post-break: .240/.382/.479. You’re going to think I am crazy, but I would deal A-Rod to the highest bidder now and pick up someone like Ryan Braun or B.J. Upton and something else pretty nice. If you take Upton, you are likely to get a top tier SP in return.
Now, on to our trolling.
Dustin Pedroia: I’ve noticed him available in a couple of my leagues, but I don’t have enough faith in him to grab him. Dusty Diamond is hitting .391 with eight runs scored, one home run, two RBI, and two stolen bases in the last week. If you need someone to take over for your slumping shortstop or second baseman, give Pedroia a look.
Nook Logan: This little thought of an outfielder has been pretty smoking hot over the last month. Going 25-for-72 (.347 BA) with 13 runs scored, five RBI, and seven stolen bases got my attention enough to cut ties with Shannon Stewart in favour of Logan. I’d give Nook a look (yes, I’m a poet) if you need runs and stolen bases.
Ross Gload: Now, I hate taking on Royals almost as much as I hate taking on Devil Rays. But, alas, stats are stats, and Gload is hitting for a .382 BA with 10 runs, two taters, and 15 ribbies in 76 at-bats over the past month. Since he is a dual qualifier at 1B and OF, he can take the place of someone slumping in either position right now. This is one of those guys I didn’t pick up, but will keep a very close eye on.
Kason Gabbard: Over the past month, Gabby has found his groove and his fantasy owners (if there are many) are taking notice. Sporting 32 1/3 innings, with three wins, 20 strikeouts, a 3.34 ERA, and a 0.99 WHIP over the past month will tend to do that, though. I’d give Gabbard a look and run with him for the last two months of the season as he isn’t giving me a reason not to trust him right now.
Andrew Brown: Brown offers nothing more than someone to bring the ERA and WHIP down. He’s a middle reliever, so don’t expect many wins or any saves, just assistance, as mentioned, in ERA and WHIP. His season totals (17 innings, 20 Ks, 2.12 ERA, and a 0.76 WHIP) will help you more than you think.
You know who else you just might want to look at for your 4th OF spot… Rick Ankiel. The guy is looking legit!
If nothing else, what a great story! I can’t believe this guy has actually been able to reinvent himself and make it back to the majors as a hitter. Wonderful stuff.
Have mixed feelings on Gabbard now that he’s moved to Texas and just dealt him in my auction keeper league. Who was the last solid sp that did well in Texas, Nolan? Could be all wrong here but just think Texas is not going to help him.
Kenny Rogers did well in Texas before he decided to beat up camera men. Before that you have to go back to the early days of Kevin Brown and of course Nolan Ryan – but that was a long, long, long time ago.
You’re right Tim; “Texas” and “consistent quality pitching” and two phrases you don’t hear together often.
Texas just isn’t a place right now that is producing quality players. Tiex was good for a minute… then he faltered. Blalock is a bust from what he was supposed to be. Gagne got out of there. Texas is just not the place to be right now.
Well, I’m not so worried about using Ranger position players as I am pitchers.