The Wire Troll: Tyson Ross is Making Us Believe
Xander Bogaerts drilled his first career home run Saturday.
It’s hard to believe that the 2013 MLB season that was once a marathon has so quickly evolved into a sprint. To wrap up the season, we’ve assembled some of our favourite picks to click for the stretch run. Some old, some new, some borrowed, but hopefully not blue. We’d like to thank everyone that has taken the time to follow the Wire Troll this season, and here’s hoping it was of assistance as you chased those elusive league titles. Good fortunes down the stretch and have a great offseason!
In the words of the immortal Bugs Bunny, “That’s all, folks!”
Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox (CBS: 45 per cent owned, ESPN: 5 per cent): The Sox are starting to run away from the pack in the AL East and will be resting the regular gang as much as possible as they prepare for the playoffs. Expect Bogaerts to garner some serious playing time over the last two weeks of the season and if Saturday was any indication (when he hit his first career homer — see video below) it could be a great, albeit short ride.
Tyson Ross, SP, San Diego Padres (CBS: 50 per cent owned, ESPN: 23 per cent): Ross spun another gem Saturday against the Rockies, going seven shutout innings in a no-decision. In 58 1/3 IP over nine starts since being moved into the rotation, he’s amassed 63 strikeouts and allowed only 14 earned runs. We’ve seen enough to believe that this run isn’t ending anytime soon.
Corey Kluber, SP, Cleveland Indians (CBS: 43 per cent owned, ESPN: 8 per cent): Fresh off the DL, Kluber pitched five solid innings Saturday to earn the victory over the Mets. The Indians have to be ecstatic about those results as they attempt to secure a berth in the postseason and Kluber should only get better as he rebuilds strength.
Matt Adams, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals (CBS: 28 per cent owned, ESPN: 8 per cent): Allen Craig was last seen hobbling around the Cardinals clubhouse in a walking boot. The consensus coming from the Cards hiarchy is that they’ll be happy to see him return for the postseason. After a great start, Adams has scuffled a bit lately but you can’t ignore his big-time power potential as he’s likely get full-time at-bats down the stretch.
Yusmeiro Petit, SP, San Francisco Giants (CBS: 22 per cent owned, ESPN: 14 per cent): Friday, Petit held us captive as he came within one strike of a perfect game against one of his former teams, the D-Backs. He’s now won three straight and just keeps pounding the strike zone. It’s been a long time coming, but Petit is now delivering on the potential he flashed as a prospect coming up in the Mets system.
Other Options
Chris Colabello, 1B, Minnesota Twins (CBS: 4 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): RotoRob looked at Colabello just a few days ago and three homers and eight RBI in his past five games later (combined with Justin Morneau getting dealt to the Pirates), has prompted a Troll recommendation.
Joe Kelly, SP/RP, St. Louis Cardinals (CBS: 56 per cent owned, ESPN: 43 per cent): Since moving into the rotation at the end of June, Kelly has been absolutely on fire. He’s reeled off eight straight wins and has been a key component in the Cards contending in the tough NL Central.
Michael Wacha, RP/SP, St. Louis Cardinals (CBS: 43 per cent owned, ESPN: 8 per cent): Wacha rolled into the bandbox in Cincinnati Wednesday and proceeded to toss six shutout innings. With the Pirates and Seattle next on the agenda in a two-start week, he should be owned and active in all formats.
Billy Hamilton, OF, Cincinnati Reds (CBS: 40 per cent owned, ESPN: 19 per cent): In four games since being added to the roster, Hamilton has yet to record an official at-bat. Yet he already has four stolen bases and three runs, two of which have been game winners. He’s a difference maker.
James Paxton, SP, Seattle Mariners (CBS: 6 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): The southpaw made his major league debut one to remember, going six strong against Tampa Bay Saturday to earn the win. Paxton is worth a look in deeper and AL-only leagues.
Wilson Ramos, C, Washington Nationals (CBS: 44 per cent owned, ESPN: 12 per cent): Ramos has 10 long balls and 40 RBI in only 217 at-bats, yet is owned in only 12 per cent of ESPN leagues. What up with that?
LaTroy Hawkins, RP, New York Mets (CBS: 21 per cent owned, ESPN: 66 per cent)/Brad Ziegler, RP, Arizona Diamondbacks (CBS: 35 per cent owned, ESPN: 65 per cent): Here are two closers that should be owned in a few more leagues than they currently are.
Brian Roberts, 2B, Baltimore Orioles (CBS: 25 per cent owned, ESPN: 10 per cent): Roberts has two homers in his last three games. You could do much worse from the MI slot in September.
Tanner Roark, RP/SP, Washington Nationals (CBS: 6 per cent owned, ESPN: 10 per cent): Roark has moved into the rotation, has a sub-1.00 ERA and WHIP, and has the Mets up next on the schedule. What’s not to like?
Dioner Navarro, C, Chicago Cubs (CBS: 8 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Navarro is enjoying a solid season in the Windy City and in two-catcher sets, you could do much worse. Looking at his ownership levels a lot of people are doing just that.
Garrett Richards, SP, Los Angeles Angels (CBS: 21 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Richards has seven quality starts in his last nine tries.
Tyler Moore, 1B/OF, Washington Nationals (CBS: 2 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Bryce Harper is once again dealing with hip issues and is off to New York to see a specialist.
Josmil Pinto, C, Minnesota Twins (CBS: 2 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): It could be the only time in your life that you’ll be able to brag about owning a Pinto.
Who is your favourite Fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup of the week? Let us know in the comments below.
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