There is a special class of Fantasy Baseball player who we like to call “post-hype players.” Basically, if a prospect has lots of buzz around them -– think Colby Rasmus -– and they have a dismal start to their major league career, there is a definite tendency to write them off.
However, in many instances, young players may take several seasons to become serviceable Fantasy players — think Carlos Gomez –- but when they do, they represent both a success story and an actionable Fantasy asset.
This column looks at some recent surging players and offers buy or sell advice, with a special emphasis on those post-hype players.
Post-Hype Players
Domonic Brown, OF, Philadelphia
Probably the hottest hitter in May is one of your classic post-hype players. I added him on speculation after he was cut in my keeper league, and the rewards have been considerable. If Dom Brown is available in your league, he is a must add.
Domonic Brown has 16 homers and 40 RBI in just over 200 at-bats so far this season. Photo Credit: BeGreen90
Should you trade for him? — He is simply too hot right now. The time to buy Brown has passed. If you had him, you benefited. If you didn’t …
Should you trade him? — I doubt his value (or, indeed, any post-hyper) could have a higher value than Brown has right now. Having said that, very few — or all but the most naive — would actually expect his production to stay as insanely high as it has been.
Moreover, I like Brown for the rest of season (ROS). His average against left-handers is great, his slugging percentage is strong — and he is only 25. Unless you can get a blue-chip return (top 15 hitter), then he’s a hold. I believe he will finish the season as a top-25 hitter, at least.
Mitch Moreland, 1B, Texas
Moreland didn’t have a ton of hype around him, but he has rounded into being one of the best overall first basemen in the game in the last 30 days. Word is obviously out on him –- 61 percent owned in Yahoo! Leagues –- but if you are in one of the leagues where he is available, he is a must add.
Should you trade him? — Absolutely. He has put together terrific power and AVG numbers this season and the buzz around him is good. If you could cash him out for an established, premier hitter, now is the time. His AVG can essentially only regress and it’s that which will make him appealing to other managers. Shop him for those bargains –- established names who are struggling.
Should you trade for him? — Moreland represents a classic buy-high. I expect his power numbers to stay strong, and he could push 30 HR/90 RBI. But, as I argued before, I see no reason to expect his AVG to stay where it presently is -– a very solid .285 as of this writing. Having said that, he hits in a very good lineup, which I think will only get better if Jurickson Profar emerges. (Spoiler alert: He will emerge.) The ship has largely sailed on buying Moreland, though.
So basically, the word is out on Moreland and Brown. Who are some players who could join them as significant producers in the coming weeks and months? Read on…
Other Players to Consider in Coming Weeks …
Anthony Rendon, 2B/3B, Washington
Anthony Rendon is one of the top third-base prospects in the game, but Ryan Zimmerman’s presence has him learning second base now. Photo Credit: Mark Briscoe
Yasmani Grandal, C, San Diego
He would be a top 10 catcher for sure if he had not gotten himself suspended. With that out of the way, he will soon return to the top of his position.
Matt Adams, 1B, St. Louis
Then pray for an injury!
Yasiel Puig – OF, L.A. Dodgers
It’s a matter of time and you want to get in on the ground floor.
Peter Bourjos, OF, L.A. Angels
When he returns, perhaps he can finally live up to the potential of batting in a potent lineup.
Mike Zunino, C, Seattle
When, not if, he cracks the lineup, he has a chance to become a force very quickly. Act now and stash if you can.
Ryan Ludwick, OF, Cincinnati
Tons of RBI potential when he comes back. Don’t let him sneak up on you! Add to your DL now!
Chris Coghlan, OF, Miami
Huge speculation here, but his recent play has been a throwback. Post-ROY sleeper? Maybe.
Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland hit .300 with eight homers and 16 RBI in the month of May. Photo Credit: Keith Allison
Hopefully, you can get in on some of these post-hype players. Next time, we’ll talk about post-hype pitchers and some likely candidates to blow up in the second half!
Follow John on Twitter @MullinSports!
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