Fantasy Corner Baseball
April 11, 2014
Batters to pick up:
Charlie Blackmon, OF (Col): Blackmon has been on a tear to open the 2014 season and is looking to force manager Walt Weiss to give him more playing time. Are his numbers boosted by the hitter’s paradise known as Coors Field? Probably, but it still can’t hurt to grab Blackmon while he’s hot. Owned: 60.6 percent.
Michael Morse, OF (SF): After forgettable stints with the Mariners and Orioles in 2013, Morse returns to the National League. Off to a hot start so far, Morse has legit power and could earn 1B eligibility as the season progresses. Owned: 16.1 percent.
Yan Gomes, C (Cle): Missed out on Posey or Molina? Look no further than Gomes, who already has multiple bombs this season and looks to receive ample playing time now that Carlos Santana has moved to the hot corner. Owned: 24.3 percent.
Dexter Fowler, OF (Hou): Yes, I know, he’s an Astro. But Fowler recorded multiple hits in three straight games before coming down with an illness and has always had decent speed. He’s worth a look in a deep mixed league. Owned: 65.1 percent.
Pitchers to pick up:
James Paxton, SP (Sea): Seattle pitchers not named Felix Hernandez always seem to fly under the radar, which is a shame considering that some of them have been quite good. Paxton is no exception, and despite hitting the DL with a lat strain after a dazzling season debut, he’s worth stashing away if you have DL slots available. Owned: 53.1 percent.
Jason Vargas, SP (KC): Vargas is the definition of an average fantasy pitcher, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Though he won’t put up flashy numbers, he is relatively consistent and can still make a solid contribution to your team in streaming formats. Owned: 8.5 percent.
Edinson Volquez, SP (Pit): That’s right, Edinson Volquez. Remember him? Volquez may be long removed from his years as an ace, but if Francisco Liriano can bounce back in Pittsburgh, why not Volquez? Owned: 1.0 percent.
Shawn Kelley, RP (NYY): With David Robertson on the DL for the foreseeable future (oh Mariano, where art thou?), Kelley looks to be first in line for any save opportunities that come the Yankees’ way. A temporary fix to be sure, but worth a look if you’re lacking in the closer department. Owned: 8.1 percent.