Can I please take a moment to pat myself on the back for taking Braves’ closer Craig Kimbrel late in a dynasty league draft in February 2010? Thanks – I deserved that.
And now, without further ado, below are 10 free agents owned in less than 75 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, starting with the first player below the threshold. Please note that no players will be repeated within any four-week period.
Hiroki Kuroda, SP, Dodgers (74.9 percent owned)
Next year, I think I’ll just make a monthly note on my calendar to add Kuroda to this column. The guy has a 3.43 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP in just under four big-league seasons, and his strikeout rate is a tick above average. It’s not like he’s widely available, but I can’t imagine a format in which he’s not worth owning.
Cameron Maybin, OF, Padres (29 percent owned)
Before the season, the thought here was that Maybin would hit 10 homers and steal 30 bases. He already has eight homers with 32 thefts, and is on pace for close to 100 runs. Maybin’s power makes him better than the average speed merchant, and he’s worth owning in most formats.
Jed Lowrie, 2B/3B/SS, Red Sox (25.3 percent owned)
Lowrie was about to get his starting shortstop job back from Marco Scutaro, but with Kevin Youkilis on the DL, he’s getting some time at third base. Lowrie will play every day for the foreseeable future, and his multi-position eligibility makes him a more valuable commodity in daily transaction leagues.
Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals (16.7 percent owned)
Strasburg gave up two runs in three innings in his latest rehab start on Monday, but he also whiffed six batters while reaching 97 mph on the radar gun. It’s possible that Jordan Zimmermann will reach his team-imposed innings limit by this weekend. If that happens, Strasburg could slide neatly into Zimmermann’s rotation slot very soon. If you want to stash Strasburg for the stretch run, try to do it now.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Red Sox (11 percent owned)
Salty finally got his chance this season, and he’s acquitted himself well, with a dozen home runs in 271 at bats. He strikes out too much to be a really good hitter, but appears ready to enter the realm of fantasy backup catchers with solid power and bad batting averages. Miguel Olivo, John Buck and Chris Iannetta, please welcome Mr. Saltalamacchia to your club.
Jose Lopez, 2B/3B, Marlins (7.8 percent owned)
Didn’t this guy get ditched by two different teams in the last year, with one of them being the hitting-starved Mariners? Yes, but Lopez has always had some pop, and he’s been playing every day for the past week. Lopez’s hacktastic ways always put him in danger of losing a lineup spot, but his power potential and middle infield eligibility make him an interesting NL-only gamble. Come on, live a little.
Peter Bourjos, OF, Angels (2.1 percent owned)
Eight homers, 17 stolen bases and a .286 batting average? You could do a lot worse than that, even If a .391, five-homer August has made Bourjos’ season stats look prettier lately. He’s going to play every day, he’s going to run, and his minor-league track record suggests some modest power. Try to ignore all those strikeouts and grab Bourjos’ fantasy versatility.
Lucas Duda, 1B/OF, Mets (1.9 percent owned)
The 25-year-old Duda isn’t going to be a star, but he appears to be the Mets’ starting right fielder for now and into 2012. His six homers in 196 at bats is OK, and he has a history of solid batting averages in the minors. If you’re in a deep mixed league or an NL-only circuit, take a look at Duda.
Bobby Parnell, RP, Mets (0.8 percent owned)
After Jason Isringhausen recorded his 300th career save last Monday, he reportedly told manager Terry Collins that he’d be OK with giving some of his teammates a shot at the closer’s job. Parnell and his triple-digit heater will still share some of the opportunities with Isringhausen, but with the Mets planning for 2012, they need to get an idea if Parnell can do the job. He’ll get his share of chances down the stretch, with the likelihood of recording enough saves to make him valuable in all but the shallowest mixed leagues.
Mike Trout, OF, Angels (0.7 percent owned)
Trout got called up again on Friday, and unless he falls on his face, he’ll be in Anaheim to stay this time. The Angels appear fed up with the struggles of aging veterans Vernon Wells and Bobby Abreu, and think their 20-year-old super prospect can help them in a tight American League West race. Trout is the best prospect in baseball, and he had 11 homers, 33 stolen bases and a .982 OPS at Double A this season. He might struggle, but if you’re in a deep mixed or AL-only league, you could do dumber things than take a chance on such a special talent.
One more thing: Those rebuilding in keeper leagues might be able to make a reasonable deal for Trout if they act fast. Trout’s current owner doesn’t want to trade him, but that guy probably thought he was going to be able to keep the rookie stashed on a reserve list all season. An owner that is hesitant to activate Trout for the fantasy stretch run might make you an offer you can’t refuse.
