The Wire Troll: Eric Young Jr. Gets New Life
Eric Young Jr. has holes in his game, but physical conditioning is not an issue.
Congrats to Max Scherzer, who after a rough first inning against Boston Saturday, settled down and moved his record to an incredible 11-0 on the season. He’s now struck out at least six in all 15 of his starts this season, pretty impressive, considering he’s still behind Justin Verlander on the Detroit depth chart.
Without further ado let’s give this week’s Troll recommendations the once over.
Eric Young Jr., OF, New York Mets (CBS: 7 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): The trade from the Rockies to the Mets has given Young a new lease on life. The biggest question mark is whether he can get on-base enough to utilize his speed. The depleted Mets outfield should provide plenty of opportunities for Young to get his game on track (and he got off to a nice start as a Met as you can see in the video below). He did manage to steal 27 bases in only 198 at-bats in 2011, so there is reason for optimism.
Esmil Rogers, RP/SP Toronto Blue Jays (CBS: 27 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): After a horrid start, the surging Jays have now moved above .500 and Rogers has been a big factor in that resurgence. A new sinker that’s been added to his mid-90s heater has keyed the breakthrough. Brandon Morrow has been shut down — again — and this should give Rogers ample opportunity to build on his early success. In a two-start week, Rogers faces Tampa Bay and Boston this week if you’re looking to stream starting pitching.
Koji Uehara, RP, Boston Red Sox (CBS: 23 per cent owned, ESPN: 10 per cent): Manager John Farrell finally tired of the on-going struggles of Andrew Bailey and removed him from the closer role Friday. Although many thought that Junichi Tazawa would get first crack at the job, Farrell is turning over the ninth inning gig to the veteran Uehara. Uehara is more than capable of getting the job done as evidenced by his run as closer in Baltimore in 2010. The biggest concern here is the workload and, rest assured, the BoSox will proceed with caution in that regard (which means that Tazawa may still get a save chance or two).
Joaquin Benoit, RP, Detroit Tigers (CBS: 35 per cent owned, ESPN: 44 per cent): The Tigers have ended the Jose Valverde experiment, designating him for assignment Friday. Benoit will inject some stability into the ninth inning, something that Valverde was unable to do. Benoit’s 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in 30 IP this season is a good indicator that he’s more than capable of getting the job done. Our concerns revolve around the fact that he has been an option for Detroit from Day One yet the Tigers chose to go with Valverde. Somewhere in the Detroit organization there is a lack of confidence in Benoit, so they could very well look for bullpen help outside the organization (or give Bruce Rondon another shot) down the road, but for now he has the gig and should be owned and rostered in all formats.
Other Options
Rajai Davis, OF, Toronto Blue Jays (CBS: 16 per cent owned, ESPN: 2 per cent): Even with limited at-bats, Davis will help pad your stolen base numbers.
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Cleveland Indians (CBS: 17 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Chisenhall is getting a second kick at the can after tearing it up at Triple-A.
Brian Dozier, 2B/SS, Minnesota Twins (CBS: 18 per cent owned, ESPN: 8 per cent): In Dozier’s last seven games, he’s gone 7-for-22 with four homers, eight RBI, and seven walks. He’s now found himself hitting at the top of the Twins lineup (as RotoRob predicted might happen last month). Sustainable, no, but for short-term help, yes.
Nathan Eovaldi, SP, Miami Marlins (CBS: 6 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): In Eovaldi’s 2013 debut, he held the Diamondbacks to two runs over six innings in a no-decision. There’s great upside potential in keeper leagues here.
Charlie Morton, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates (CBS: 4 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Morton held the powerful Reds offense scoreless over 5 1/3 IP to gain his first win of the season.
Tim Stauffer, SP, San Diego Padres (CBS: 1 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Clayton Richard’s shoulder injury could force the Padres hand and mean a return to the rotation for Stauffer, making him worthy of a look in NL-only leagues.
Roy Oswalt, SP, Colorado Rockies (CBS: 30 per cent owned, ESPN: 3 per cent): After a disappointing 2012, Oswalt got out of the gate with an 11-strikeout performance last week. There is reason for optimism.
Jordy Mercer, 2B/SS, Pittsburgh Pirates (CBS: 4 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): The job share with Clint Barmes is disappearing very quickly.
Zoilo Almonte, New York Yankees (CBS: 8 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Two game totals: one homer, four RBI, and 5-for-8 at the dish. Some serious FAAB cash will be spent on Almonte this week.
Adam Eaton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks (CBS: 44 per cent owned, ESPN: 4 per cent): Finally, a rehab stint is on the horizon.
Martin Perez, SP, Texas Rangers (CBS: 9 per cent owned, ESPN: unowned): Perez turned in a great start Saturday against the Cards — just what the doctor ordered as the Rangers attempt to break out of a horrible slump.
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