RADIO
My weekly look at the fantasy baseball diamonds in the rough is here! This week we have a prospect, some potential daily league players, and some waiver wire fillers that might get you through a tough stretch with your teams. Take a look and see if there is a good fit, some of these players may be sleepers for your team depending on league size and format including AL-Only and NL-Only leagues.
C.J. Cron - 1B, Los Angeles Angels
Owned in 11% of Yahoo Leagues
Even during his major league debut, Cron looked like a confident, middle of the order hitter. It is pretty clear the Angels feel that way too, allowing him to protect King Albert so early in his career. With injuries to Hamilton and Freese, Cron will get his chances to fill the run producer role on the team.
It’s pretty clear thus far that he has taken the bull by the horns hitting over .400 with 4 XBH in his first 7 games. His power is serious as evidenced by his monster blast against the Jays on Saturday. At only 11% owned in Yahoo leagues, this is someone who should be getting more attention off the waiver wire.
Recommendation: Big prospect and off to a fast start, I would pick him up now off the waiver wire
Lonnie Chisenhall - 3B, Cleveland Indians
Owned in 2% of Yahoo Leagues
Chisenhall was highly regarded in the Indian’s organization as a future everyday player at third base. He may not be quite ready for that, but he has been a force against right handers in a platoon role. While short on power, you can expect the hits as he's compiled a .338 average with 8 doubles. The depth at third base has thinned a bit by lackluster starts by Kyle Seager and Chase Headley, just to name a couple. It may be a more prudent decision to mix and match with a guy like Lonnie.
Recommendation: Watch how Francona plays this out, but looks like a viable option for daily leagues
Dustin Ackley - 2B / OF, Seattle Mariners
Owned in 20% of Yahoo Leagues
Once thought of as an elite prospect, Ackley has struggled to live up to his 2nd pick overall promise. However this weekend, he busted out with three long balls which raised a few eyeballs in the fantasy world. The Mariners are hoping to see Ackley succeed and really have given him every chance to do so. The ideal scenario plays out like Alex Gordon, where eventually the can't miss player finally gets it together at the MLB level. In the end, Ackley probably will develop into a decent but not spectacular hitter with gap power. How can that help you? If he stays hot, the Mariners will shoot him up in the order. So far, their table setters have been a mess.
Recommendation: Wait until he heats up enough to go to the top of the lineup, where Cano can knock him in
Seth Smith - OF, San Diego Padres
Owned in 8% of Yahoo Leagues
A Padres hitter that is on fire... that should be an oxymoron. Smith spent the last week hitting a white hot .500 and establishing himself as part of San Diego’s outfield. Like a lot of light hitting teams, Smith’s recent outburst will vault his status within the club and provide him with more opportunities going forward. Smith is not going to surprise you with power or over-the-top production. What you're getting is a professional hitter that will rack up hits and score some runs when he is seeing the ball well.
Recommendation: A stopgap option for an injury, or until a better option presents itself
Tanner Roark - SP, Washington Nationals
Owned in 25 percent of Yahoo Leagues
If you look back to 2013, Roark put up incredible numbers out of the bullpen and making some spot starts. I guess it was just a matter of time before the Nationals decided to see if it would translate to the rotation long-term. So far, you would have to say it's been a moderate success. Roark has not racked up that many wins (2), but he has been solid in nearly all of his starts. That includes his latest start where he baffled the first place As into the 8th inning. He is not going to be a big strikeout guy, but on the plus side he rarely gets blown up.
Recommendation: Pick him up off the waiver wire, he is building a solid track record
