September 5, 2017

Daniel Burdeen recommends second basemen (2B) and shortstops (SS) who can be valuable waiver wire targets or adds to help fantasy owners for Week 23 of the 2017 MLB season.

The fantasy playoffs are here for most Yahoo leagues. It is a time to buckle down and dig deep to find a weekly diamond in the rough that can help lead you to the championship. With teams already eliminated you should have no fear dropping 'big' names who have struggled or are injured for multiple weeks. The end all goal is to win the big trophy weather it is through a largely available waiver wire pickup or if it means dropping a struggling player to take a risk on a hot player.

Week 23 will include players who are widely available in Yahoo leagues and ready to make an impact for your team. The list will include some familiar names as well as some new names. I will work to find players who can help in multiple categories to help you decide who should be your potential playoff hero. 

What we won’t be changing is the Yahoo ownership cut off to get into this column. Players still need to be available in at least 60 percent of Yahoo leagues to be eligible for this column.

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Week 23 Middle Infield (MI) Waiver Wire Targets

Ian Happ (CHC, SS): 30% owned

10-12 team leagues

Looking for power to help your middle infield? Look no further than rookie second baseman/outfielder Ian Happ. Coming into the season as one of the Cubs top prospects, Happ has not disappointed in his rookie campaign.

The rookie has hit 21 home runs thus far with a .256 batting average in 297 at-bats. He has really been seeing the ball well this month after being promoted to a full-time role after Addison Russell’s hamstring injury shifted Javier Baez to shortstop. Happ has mainly been starting in center field, but is eligible at second base. This past month the rookie has .302 batting average with seven home runs, 18 RBI and has even chipped in two stolen bases to go along with his 1.045 OPS.

He is to be taken serious and can help you power your way through a long weekly matchup. It also doesn’t hurt that he has mostly been hitting in the middle of a potent Cubs lineup behind the likes of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.

Ozzie Albies (ATL, 2B/SS): 16% owned

10-12 team leagues 

Ozzie Albies is a guy I have recommended many times in this column. The rookie and top prospect for the Atlanta Braves has really been seeing the ball lately after a rough week and half into his call-up. Eligible at both middle infield positions, Albies has worked his average back up to .286 in 112 at-bats.

Over the past month is where Albies is showing his true value. He is hitting .307 with 18 runs scored, ten RBI, two stolen bases and has even chipped in a home run. Albies provides plenty of speed and that has allowed him have five doubles and four triples thus far.

Aside from home runs, the Braves shortstop of the future is helping in every category across the board. There is no excuse he should be available in 84% of leagues and he should be picked up for the stretch run with his ability to help in many categories.

J.P. Crawford (PHI, SS): 3% owned

NL-Only Leagues, All dynasty leagues

J.P. Crawford was once the number one prospect in all of baseball. Over the past two years he has gotten off to slow starts in the minor leagues which lessened his hype. However since July his potential has finally seemed to click.

With 12 home runs and a .284 batting average in that span, Crawford finally got the promotion that Phillies fans and fantasy owners have anticipated. Although in the playoffs it is tough to trust a rookie it is worth noting that he will likely be getting everyday playing time. He has played both second base and third base down on the farm and there seems to be every reason to believe that the Phillies will want to see if Crawford is ready for a role next year.

Like Albies he offers a blend of tools to help in multiple categories but has more power. This won’t be my number one pickup this week due to the unknown but he is defiantly worth keeping an eye on due to his large potential.

Yolmer Sanchez (CWS, 2B/3B): 8% owned

AL-Only leagues, 14 team leagues

Yolmer Sanchez is another player who I mentioned last week and he has continued to rake the ball. Sanchez is never someone who is likely to help you in a season-long league, but fantasy is all about finding those hot bats to mesh with your constant lineup.

Sanchez is the perfect example of someone to ride until his bat cools off. The infielder who is eligible at both second base and third base has hit .293 over the past month which includes a scorching hot .352 average over the past two weeks. He doesn’t seem to be cooling down, however it should be noted he faces the tough task of the Cleveland Indians pitching staff including a matchup of Corey Kluber.

Sanchez is more suited in AL-Only leagues while his bat is hot. His four home runs, 20 RBI and three stolen bases this past month show his ability to help in more than just one category.

Eduardo Escobar (MIN, 2B/3B,SS): 6% owned

AL-Only leagues

Digging very deep you will find the versatile Eduardo Escobar of the Minnesota Twins. Escobar is more of a player you roster because of his versatility and ability to move around in your daily lineup. He hasn’t hit for much average this year at .253 but has racked up 19 RBI over the past month and is worth a look in very deep leagues. Having hit three home runs over the past week, you may want to check in on the Twin and see if he can carry his power over into week one of the playoffs.

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