RotoBaller's Three Fringe Picks for the Upcoming Weeks

by Reid Contini - RotoBaller 4/3/13 8:08 AM Follow Reid

In this piece, RotoBaller highlights three players who you should look to own over the next few weeks. These are fringe players, available on the waiver wire in many leagues, who could have an immediate impact at the start of the 2013 season. If you invest a roster spot and get a hot start, you could then trade for a more stable player, or roll the dice on continuing hot performance. Either way, you could see a fairly nice return for any of these players.

Domonic Brown, OF (PHI) – Touted for years as a top prospect, Brown enters his age-25 season in a make-or-break situation. Coming off a strong spring-- .356/.414/.633 triple-slash with 7 HR in 99 plate appearances-- he will get another chance at securing a spot in the big leagues. Scouts are saying that the Phillies outfielder looks noticeably improved at the plate and is better able to drive the ball. Since this could finally be when Brown’s talent emerges, it’s recommended to get on the bandwagon early.

Jedd Gyorko, 3B (SD) – A second-round pick in 2010 out of West Virginia, Gyorko used his advanced understanding of the strike zone and line-drive power to shred Triple-A pitching at a .328/.380/.588 clip with 24 HR in 2012. Originally blocked at third base in San Diego by Chase Headley, the incumbent’s thumb injury has opened the door for Gyorko to start 2013 at the hot corner. If all goes well, Gyorko-– who was penciled into the #5 slot in the Padres lineup on Opening Day-- will keep 3B warm and then shift to 2B once Headley returns, a move that would enhance his positional eligibility and boost his overall value tremendously should he prove he can hit at the major league level.

Chris Young, OF (OAK) – One of 2012’s hottest hitters prior to a mid-April shoulder injury, Young has always played his best in the season’s first month. That has been especially true the past three years, as Young has an aggregate .280/.329/.572 triple-slash with 16 HR in 258 plate appearances. Never a great source of batting average, the A’s outfielder has averaged nearly 24 HR per 162 games played in his career and is worth an early look if you need a cheap source of power in your lineup. Young is currently available in a whopping 80% of CBS leagues so snag him in case he pops off and you miss the boat.