Fantasy Baseball Trends
Three Up and Three Down
Three Up
Carl Crawford BOS
Crawford is a must add, in his second game back Carl stole 3 bases against the Chicago White Sox. His long DL stint was due to an injury to his throwing arm, it had nothing to do with him swinging the bat or running the bases. In fact, I honestly believe he could have been the teams' DH over a month ago but because David Ortiz is having a great season Red Sox management saw no reason to bring more playing time controversy into an already animated dugout.
Carl Crawford BOS
Crawford is a must add, in his second game back Carl stole 3 bases against the Chicago White Sox. His long DL stint was due to an injury to his throwing arm, it had nothing to do with him swinging the bat or running the bases. In fact, I honestly believe he could have been the teams' DH over a month ago but because David Ortiz is having a great season Red Sox management saw no reason to bring more playing time controversy into an already animated dugout.
Francisco Rodriguez MIL I mentioned K-Rod earlier this week on Twitter as a good pickup. Now you know why. John Axford lost his closing duties and Rodriguez was next in line. The key to this promotion is simple; if Francisco performs well he will get traded for good value. If he struggles the team will be able to cut ties with him and his 8 million dollar contract. |  K-Rod was rumored to be on the Mets "Buy" list |
Nick Markakis BAL
Like Crawford, Markakis has done well since his return from the DL. The Orioles slugger has had a hit in 6 of his first 7 games off the Disabled List (includes having 3 hits in 3 of those games). Markakis is a must own and a definite Buy Low guy. Markakis is the new lead off hitter for the Orioles who look to contend for a Wild Card spot this year.
Three Down
Trevor Bauer ARI
The rookie phenom was sent back to triple A Reno this week. In his first 4 Major League starts Bauer posted a 1-2 record with a 6.06 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. Control seemed to be the issue with young Trevor but don't cut him from your keeper team just yet, I have a feeling we'll see him again in September.
Brett Gardner NYY
New reports from Yankee camp suggest that Gardner may end up missing all of 2012. His MRI results have been sent to Dr. James Andrews. Need I say more?
Like Crawford, Markakis has done well since his return from the DL. The Orioles slugger has had a hit in 6 of his first 7 games off the Disabled List (includes having 3 hits in 3 of those games). Markakis is a must own and a definite Buy Low guy. Markakis is the new lead off hitter for the Orioles who look to contend for a Wild Card spot this year.
Three Down
Trevor Bauer ARI
The rookie phenom was sent back to triple A Reno this week. In his first 4 Major League starts Bauer posted a 1-2 record with a 6.06 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. Control seemed to be the issue with young Trevor but don't cut him from your keeper team just yet, I have a feeling we'll see him again in September.
Brett Gardner NYY
New reports from Yankee camp suggest that Gardner may end up missing all of 2012. His MRI results have been sent to Dr. James Andrews. Need I say more?
Michael Young TEX The veteran hitter is having a typical Michael Young season. There in lies the problem. If you take away his home run totals from 2009 and 2010 he has not hit more than 14 long balls in any season since 2005 (back when he was 28 years old). Keep in mind that his 2009 numbers were inflated due to a .351 BABIP. Young hasn't showed any speed this year, which should surprise no one as he never had more than 13 steals in any season. I think people get excited over what Michael Young could be in that powerful Ranger's lineup but what many people don't realize is that Young currently has a career low walk rate thus taking away his on base numbers. He isn't a bad baseball player but with 2 home runs and 3 steals in over 80 games this year he is a bad fantasy player. I think it's time to cut ties with the 35 year old. |  Young is hitting 30 points below his career .302 average |
What To Watch For
The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are neck and neck in the National League Central Division. The Reds recently lost NL MVP candidate Joey Votto (knee surgery) for the next 3-4 weeks. The Pirates still have a lot of question marks regarding left field and some uncertainty with the back end of their rotation. As we approach the trade deadline it is important to keep an eye on these teams to see if they are buyers and who they go after.
Rumored To Be Available:
Josh Willingham
Francisco Liriano
Ryan Dempster
Matt Garza
Wandy Rodriguez
J.J. Putz
Yunel Escobar
Kendrys Morales
Anibal Sanchez
Extra:
Tim Tebow may be used as the main Red Zone QB this year for the Jets. If this is true he may hold some actual Fantasy Football value.
Be sure to Tweet me your Fantasy Sports questions @Awies28
Alex Wiesner
July 19th, 2012
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