X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Dynasty Review: Deep Fantasy League Advice for Week 17

Brad Johnson's premier dynasty advice for week 17. These MLB prospects and breakout candidates should make fantasy impacts in 2016 as fantasy baseball sleepers.

What a busy week for dynasty prospect watchers. Real world trades, promotions, and injury rehabs have affected a bevy of players.

The major league trade deadline is always an important time to monitor your dynasty league. Opportunities abound. Here are a few...

Editor's Note: RotoBaller offers the best Premium MLB Subscription - only $1.99 per week. All the tools you need to help win your seasonal and daily leagues: Hitter & Pitcher Streamers, Matchup Ratings for every player, Under-the-Radar Surgers for AVG, HR, Ks, plus daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

 

Dynasty Advice for Week 17

Aaron Altherr - Philadelphia Phillies

I see it as my job to find unappreciated diamonds in the rough. Over the last couple seasons, I've been particularly effective with Phillies semi-prospects. One of those was Aaron Altherr. Once considered a promising five-tool talent, years of mediocre play scrubbed Altherr from prospect lists. Last year, I noticed a solid power-speed profile with just enough plate discipline to maybe work in the majors. Sure enough, it panned out in year one. Now he's back in the majors.

This spring, Altherr suffered a wrist injury. He's finally on the rehab trail. His bat appears to have picked up where he left off, but he's yet to hit for any real power in 45 plate appearances. Phillies fans are pining for a look at Altherr in the major. Given the nature of his injury, a power slump is possible. As such, I wonder if Altherr might be best served by remaining in Triple-A. As outsiders, it's always difficult to judge the best way for a club to handle each specific player.

Depending on the depth of your league, Altherr may be easily overlooked. He's not the kind of player who oozes talent. The overall profile reminds me of Gerardo Parra with more power and less contact.

Gleyber Torres - New York Yankees

In the intro to last week's column, I had this to say about Cubs prospects: "I think I've (temporarily) run out of Cubs prospects to hype. Well that's note quite true, I'm pointedly ignoring a couple." The player I was most pointedly ignoring was Torres. And now I get to talk about him as a Yankee.

The 19-year-old shortstop was having a superb season as one of the youngest players in High-A. For the Cubs, he hit .275/.359/.433 with nine home runs, 19 stolen bases, and solid plate discipline. His game is described as all-around average. For those familiar with scouting grades on the 20-80 scale, Torres rates as a 50 across the board.

This should help inform our expectations about his future numbers. He probably won't steal more than 10 or so bases per season, and his power may cap out around 10-15 home runs. The development of his approach at the plate may determine whether he's a good utility man or a starting caliber player.

With merely average defense, he's very likely to move away from shortstop sometime in the next few seasons. The Yankees have Didi Gregorius and Jorge Mateo lined up as long term shortstops. This is bad news for dynasty owners since his lack of standout tools will limit his path to production. That's fine at shortstop, but it's harder to tolerate at second or third base. With his name recognition at an all-time high, now may be a good moment to trade him away.

 

Rapid Fire

Roman Quinn - Philadelphia Phillies

Altherr isn't the only Phillie returning from injury. Quinn, a speedy, oft-injured outfielder, is rehabbing in the GCL. He'll return to Double-A soon. Quinn has the speed to be a menace at the top of the lineup, but there's no guarantee he'll make enough contact to be relevant. Durability has eluded him throughout his pro career. He's on the 40-man roster. I expect to see him in the majors this September.

Clint Frazier - Cleveland Indians

The Indians recently promoted their two top outfield prospects to Triple-A. Frazier is one of the pair. The righty features plus power and above average speed. Strikeouts could be a problem. If he ever clamps down on the whiffs, he'll offer solid five category production in the middle of the Indians lineup. Of course, the 21-year-old could be outbound via trade any day now.

Bradley Zimmer - Cleveland Indians

The other Indians promotion is Zimmer. The path to the majors reminds me of George Springer in a vague sense. Zimmer rolled through Double-A, but he wasn't exactly young for the level. He stole 33 bases in 407 plate appearances, but he thrives on instinct over raw speed. Translation, he'll steal fewer bags in the majors. The left-handed hitter has burgeoning power and should blast 20 per season in his prime. His strikeout rate could brush 30 percent in the majors.

Travis Demeritte - Atlanta Braves

The Braves acquired Demeritte from the Rangers yesterday for a swingman and a high upside reliever. The 21-year-old second baseman is in the midst of a breakout season at High-A. The fantasy numbers are fantastic - .272/.352/.583 with 25 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Unfortunately, there's a fly in the ointment - the kind of fly with an ugly brown patch,  glistening red eyes, and an over-sized proboscis. Demeritte's 33.1 percent strikeout rate represents the second best strikeout rate he's ever posted at any level. That won't play in the majors, and strikeout rates usually get worse upon reaching the upper minors.

Triston Mckenzie - Cleveland Indians 

We're Indians themed today. Mckenzie is a high ceiling, 18-year-old starting pitcher currently working in Low-A. In eight starts (44 innings), he has a 0.61 ERA with 9.54 K/9 and 2.84 BB/9. The Indians are currently more focused on managing his workload than challenging him. Expect to see him work in High-A and Double-A next season with a possible major league debut as a 20-year-old in 2018. His secondary stuff flashes plus but requires more polish.

 

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Milwaukee Bucks

Chris Livingston Waived by the Bucks
Keegan Murray

Nique Clifford Shines in Keegan Murray's Absence
Cooper Flagg

Continues to Start at Point Guard
Chuba Hubbard

Expects to Play in Week 7
Ron Harper Jr.

Earns a Two-Way Deal with the Celtics
Spencer Dinwiddie

Waived by the Hornets
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sterling Shepard's Stock Rising for Buccaneers
Cam Talbot

Collects Third Straight Win
Connor Bedard

Shines With Three Assists
CFB

Jermod McCoy Officially Out for Alabama Matchup
Zach Benson

Records Four Assists In Season Debut
CFB

Jam Miller Questionable to Face Tennessee
Cam York

on Track to Make Season Debut Thursday
John Klingberg

Deemed Day-to-Day
Will Borgen

Battling Lower-Body Issue
Hampus Lindholm

Still Day-to-Day
Jaden Ivey

Considered Day-to-Day
Josh Hart

Making Progress
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Busy in Preseason Debut
Keegan Murray

Lands Five-Year, $140 Million Extension
Domantas Sabonis

Sustains Hamstring Injury Wednesday
Jaylen Brown

"Fine" Following Wednesday's Early Exit
CFB

Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt Probable For Saturday
Jake Walman

to Remain Out Thursday
Dmitry Kulikov

to Miss Five Months Following Surgery
Darcy Kuemper

Day-to-Day With Lower-Body Injury
Anze Kopitar

Listed as Day-to-Day
Jacob Markstrom

Out for "Couple of Weeks"
Kevon Looney

Slated to be Sidelined With Knee Injury
Nick Foligno

Out on Wednesday
Lucas Raymond

Misses Wednesday's Game
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon Calling it a Career After Nine NBA Seasons
Russell Westbrook

Inks Deal With Kings
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Open 21-Day Practice Window for Khalik Mack
Quentin Johnston

Will Practice Wednesday
Travis Hunter

Jaguars Plan to Expand Travis Hunter's Role on Offense
Anthony Volpe

Undergoes Left-Shoulder Surgery
Deshaun Watson

"a Good Month Away" From Practicing
CFB

Jayden Gibson No Longer with Oklahoma Program
David Njoku

Not Practicing Wednesday
Rashee Rice

Chiefs "Allocating a Heavy Workload" for Rashee Rice Right Away
Puka Nacua

a "Long Shot" to Play in Week 7
Emeka Egbuka

is Expected to Miss Week 7
Jalen Suggs

Participates in Contact Drills
Mark Williams

Progresses to Five-on-Five Work
Gary Harris

to Miss 1-2 Weeks
De'Andre Hunter

Sustains Knee Contusion Tuesday
Karlo Matković

Karlo Matkovic Hurts Elbow in Loss to Houston
Jalen Duren

Returns to Action Against Cavaliers
Stuart Skinner

Records Eighth Career Shutout
Matthew Knies

Dishes Out Three Assists in Tuesday's Win
Maxwell Crozier

Likely Out on Friday
Brett Howden

Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Adin Hill

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Versus Flames
Matt Duchene

Injured in Tuesday's Win
Emmanuel Clase

to be Banished for Life After Gambling Allegations?
Alex Bregman

Plans to Opt Out of Contract With Red Sox
Alexey Toropchenko

to Remain Out Wednesday
CeeDee Lamb

"Looking Good" for Week 7
D'Andre Swift

Breaks Out for 175 Total Yards and Touchdown in Win
Drake London

Explodes for 158 Yards and Touchdown in Win Over Bills
Bijan Robinson

Erupts for 238 Total Yards and Touchdown Against Bills
Christopher Bell

Sits Third in Points After Quiet Third-Place Finish
Chase Briscoe

Passes Denny Hamlin at the Start, but Hamlin Gets Him in the End
Joey Logano

Falling Out of Playoff Picture Despite Other Contenders' Crashes
Ryan Blaney

Stage 1 Crash Puts Ryan Blaney in Severe Playoff Trouble
Denny Hamlin

Wins at Las Vegas and Will Compete for the 2025 Cup Series Title
Kyle Larson

Dominates at Las Vegas but Ends Up Second
Chase Elliott

Struggles to Gain A Solid Finish at Las Vegas After Pit-Road Penalty
William Byron

Strong Run Ends In A Wreck at Las Vegas
Garrett Wilson

Expected to Miss "a Couple of Weeks" With Hyperextended Knee
Dalton Kincaid

Ruled Out for Monday Night
CFB

Sam Leavitt Viewed as Day-to-Day with Undisclosed Injury
Anthony Santander

Scratched From Game 2 of ALCS With Back Tightness
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Expected to Play on Monday Night
Brock Bowers

Could Sit for the "Long Haul"
CeeDee Lamb

has a Chance to Play in Week 7
San Diego Padres

Mike Shildt Retires as a Manager
Tennessee Titans

Titans Fire Head Coach Brian Callahan
Mateusz Gamrot

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Charles Oliveira

Gets Back In The Win Column
Montel Jackson

Drops Decision
Deiveson Figueiredo

Gets Split-Decision Victory
Vicente Luque

Outclassed
Vicente Luque

Joel Alvarez Outclasses Vicente Luque
Jhonata Diniz

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Mario Pinto

Remains Undefeated
CFB

Matt Rhule Denying Interest in Penn State Head Coaching Job
CFB

Le'Veon Moss Not Believed to Have Suffered Season-Ending Injury
Ricardo Ramos

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Chris Godwin

Not Expected to Return in Week 7
Bucky Irving

Not Expected to Return in Week 7
Kaan Ofli

Scores Comeback Win
CFB

Bill Belichick Says he's Committed to North Carolina
Tiger Woods

Undergoes Back Surgery
CFB

UAB Fires Head Coach Trent Dilfer After 2.5 Seasons In Birmingham
CFB

Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin After 10.5 Seasons
CFB

Penn State QB Drew Allar Will Miss The Rest Of 2025 Season With Ankle Injury
Brandon Woodruff

Will Not be on NLCS Roster
Max Scherzer

Added to ALCS Roster
Bryan Woo

Makes ALCS Roster
Bo Bichette

Won't Make ALCS Roster
Christopher Bell

the Favorite to Win at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

on the Pole at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Can Joey Logano Get Lucky in Las Vegas Again?
William Byron

has the Fastest Car in Practice at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Speed of Ty Gibbs a Good Sign for Toyota at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Should Contend at Las Vegas
Ross Chastain

Scrapes Wall in Practice But Qualifies 15th at Las Vegas
Chris Buescher

Looking for Improvement at Las Vegas
Austin Cindric

It Has Been Hit or Miss for Austin Cindric at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

Should Run Well at Las Vegas
Kyle Larson

Conservatism May Keep him from Replicating Previous Las Vegas Drive
Josh Berry

After Josh Berry's Las Vegas Win, Ryan Blaney Should be a Top Contender
Chase Briscoe

has Definitely Improved on Intermediate Tracks
Gleyber Torres

Will Undergo Surgery to Repair Sports Hernia
Bryan Woo

Expected to be on Mariners' ALCS Roster
CFB

CJ Baxter to Miss Saturday's Game Against No. 6 Oklahoma
CFB

Syracuse QB Steve Angeli Will Miss Significant Time
Cody Bellinger

Plans to Opt Out of Contract
MLB

Munetaka Murakami Will be Posted This Winter

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP