Rocket Fantasy Baseball July 10, 2015

Rocket Sports’ Fantasy 500

• Our weekly look at some movers, shakers and difference-makers in the world of fantasy baseball.

Note: all stats current as of close of play on July 9, 2015.

The All-Star break is upon us, and many fantasy players will use the time off to assess their team needs and line up some potential trade targets or waiver-wire grabs for that epic second-half run to glory. This week, we’ll look at a few players who are performing well, but whose value may be a bit suppressed due to various factors. Identifying and obtaining these below-the-radar performers is one of the keys to fantasy baseball success, so have a look at some names to know as you plan your post-break strategy.

Hitters:

John Jaso, C, Tampa Bay: Jaso had not played since injuring his wrist on Opening Day, but in his first three games since being activated from the DL, he has gone 7-for-12 with a homer and two RBI. Jaso figures to be the Rays’ primary DH and leadoff hitter, and his catcher eligibility greatly enhances his fantasy value.

Cesar Hernandez, 2B, Philadelphia: Chase Utley’s ankle injury cleared the way for a starting spot for Hernandez, but the youngster was making a case for a regular gig even before Utley landed on the DL. Hernandez batted .324 with eight stolen bases in 68 at-bats in June, and he has already pilfered three bags in July – while batting a tidy .333. Hernandez lacks pop, but his speed makes him a valuable fantasy commodity in deeper mixed leagues.

Cameron Maybin, OF, Atlanta: We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from Maybin before, and his current run is invoking comparisons to his 2011 season, when he stole 40 bases, smacked nine homers and batted .264. His batting average figures to tumble a bit – his BABIP is currently a robust .343 – but Maybin is on pace for close to 30 stolen bases, and he needs just two home runs to establish a new career standard.

Pitchers:

Taijuan Walker, SP, Seattle: Walker was knocked around a bit in his start against Detroit, but the 22-year-old fashioned a 4-1 record, 2.36 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in five June outings, and he tossed six innings of one-hit ball in his first start in July. Walker has ace-caliber upside, and the window to buy low on the promising youngster is likely closing rapidly.

Cody Anderson, SP, Cleveland: Anderson has been outstanding in his first four big-league starts, allowing just three earned runs and 17 hits while fanning 11 batters and walking just three in 30.1 innings of work. Some internal stats suggest that Anderson’s numbers are due for a correction, but he’s worth adding while he’s on this kind of a roll.

Roberto Osuna, RP, Toronto: It’s still technically a closer-by-committee in Toronto, but Osuna has converted three of the Blue Jays’ last four save opportunities – with the lone exception being a 12-inning affair in which he pitched in the top of the ninth. Osuna owns a 2.31 ERA and 0.95 WHIP on the season; he looks like the best in-house option for the Jays’ ninth-inning duty at this point.

Roberto Osuna (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

Jason Motte, RP, Cubs: The Cubs’ bullpen has been a rather confusing affair lately, but it appears as though Motte has pitched his way to the head of the committee. The former Cardinals’ closer has notched four of the Cubbies’ last five saves, and he posted a 0.93 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 11 June outings. If you’re hunting for saves, Motte looks like the Cubs’ reliever to own.

That’ll do it for this week; good luck in your fantasy leagues and we’ll talk again soon.