The Wire Troll: Mike Carp Off the DL
Mike Carp should be a nice power source down the stretch.
We had quite a week in the world of baseball. Ichiro Suzuki has a new home in the Bronx; Zack Greinke becomes just another “ace” in the Angels’ outstanding rotation; Hanley Ramirez brings some much needed pop to the Dodgers lineup; The Tigers made a move to bolster both their rotation and middle-infield when they acquired Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante. It’s been an incredible run up to the trade deadline with more moves surely to follow.
Last week we saw two rather impressive debuts. Matt Harvey of the Mets struck out 11 batters over 5 1/3 scoreless innings in garnering his first big league win. Starling Marte homered in not only his first at-bat, but on the first pitch he saw as a major leaguer. For those that invested a bit early as we recommended, congratulations. For those that waited until this week be prepared to loosen up the FAAB purse strings as it will be needed to acquire either of these great young players.
Moving forward, let’s see who the Troll recommends this week.
Mike Carp, OF/1B, Seattle Mariners (CBS: 7 per cent owned, ESPN: 9 per cent): Carp returned from a lengthy DL stint just in time to inherit the first base gig from demoted Justin Smoak. Last year, Carp hit 12 homers with 46 RBI in 290 at-bats; with regular playing time, he should be an asset in deeper leagues down the stretch.
Jean Segura, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (CBS: 8 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): With the Brewers now out of the race and in free fall mode it shouldn’t be long before we get to see Segura plying his trade in the bigs. At Double-A, he’s hit seven homers with 40 RBI, 33 thefts, and a solid .294 BA. Cesar Izturis won’t be a stumbling block to this kid’s future.
Jaime Garcia, SP, St. Louis Cardinals (CBS: 54 per cent owned, ESPN: 29 per cent): Garcia is slated to head out on a rehab assignment Monday and should be ready to roll by mid-August. Track his progress very carefully because if his shoulder strain is behind him, he could provide solid value over the last six weeks of the season.
Nate Eovaldi, SP, Miami Marlins (CBS: 11 per cent owned, ESPN: 3 per cent): The main component of Miami’s haul in the Ramirez trade showed off some of his skills Saturday by winning his Marlin debut – tossing 5 1/3 innings of five-hit, two-walk ball with five strikeouts. The 22-year-old righty will get regular turns in the Fish rotation over the duration of the season and is a solid add in deeper leagues.
Kris Medlen, RP/SP, Atlanta Braves (CBS: 8 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Will Medlen start or won’t he? This has been an ongoing theme in Atlanta for a while. Jair Jurrjens has reverted to his early-season form and is now heading to the bullpen, which forces the Braves hand. Medlen is coming off three shutout innings in relief with five punchouts Wednesday againt the Marlins and is tentatively scheduled to take the hill and start Tuesday against those same Fish. He’s had great success this year, posting a 2.48 ERA and 1.09 WHIP and is worthy of an add in all formats.
Other Options
Donovan Solano, 3B, Miami Marlins (CBS: 1 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): The trade of Ramirez to the Dodgers has created an opportunity, and Solano is getting the first crack at the job. Solano’s stolen base potential is intriguing.
Samuel Deduno, SP, Minnesota Twins (CBS: 1 per cent, ESPN: unowned): The opportunity for Deduno to start every fifth day is at hand with Francisco Liriano moving to the White Sox. Deduno has now put together back-to-back wins but the high walk rates have to be a concern. Bid with caution.
Steve Cishek, RP, Miami Marlins (CBS: 24 per cent owned, ESPN: 34 per cent): It’s not like we haven’t mentioned Cishek before, but with two saves in the past week and only 24 per cent ownership at CBS he’s worth another recommendation. There are far worse closers you could be running out there. Just ask Francisco Cordero and Francisco Rodriguez owners.
A.J. Griffin, SP, Oakland Athletics (CBS: 58 per cent owned, ESPN: 17 per cent): Six consecutive quality starts to begin your career is not a bad way to get out of the gate.
Chris Iannetta, C, Los Angeles Angels (CBS: 13 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Iannetta offers potential in two-catcher leagues.
Vernon Wells, OF, Los Angeles Angels (CBS: 22 per cent owned, ESPN: 3 per cent): Wells has been activated off the DL, but how he’ll find playing time is another issue. A move would be best for all concerned but unless the Halos are prepared to eat a big chunk of that contract it simply won’t be happening.
Jordany Valdespin, New York Mets (CBS: 6 per cent owned, ESPN: 6 per cent): Valdespin’s five pinch-hit home runs have found their way into the Mets’ record book. Maybe it’s time the struggling Mets found some regular at-bats for Valdespin.
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