BABS offers second look at out-of-favor players

by Doug Gruber

The MLB season hasn’t yet reached the quarter turn, yet owners are already doing the proverbial dropping of certain players like hotcakes. Many who were promising enough to be drafted on almost all fantasy teams have now fallen out of favor for various reasons. Some of course have gotten hurt and needed to be replaced. But what about those who haven’t yet performed up to expectations for reasons such as cold starts, loss of playing time, or demotions?

Let’s take a closer look at on several players who have been dropped in many leagues and get BABS’ take to see if one owner’s trash could become your cherished treasure for the balance of the fantasy season. First the hitters:

Garrett Hampson (S+,a) was a hot commodity at draft time, as he brought lots of speed potential and looked to have the inside track to the starting Rockies 2B job. Hampson’s start, however, has been dreadful… .186 BA, .211 OBP, 1 HR, 1 SB in 86 ABs, as he failed to capitalize on his opportunities while both Ryan McMahon and Daniel Murphy were on the DL. Meanwhile, McMahon is only hitting .225, and Murphy is below .200, while currently dealing with a new back injury. Hampson could still take the job and “run” given his significant speed asset and is now readily available on waivers. BABS Position: BUY  

The Dodgers Chris Taylor (p,s) had a breakout year in 2017, hitting .288 with 21 HRs and 17 SBs. A year ago, Taylor (pictured) had contact issues with 178 strikeouts, but still posted a respectable BA of .254, along with 17 HRs and 9 bags. 2019 began with Taylor losing playing time, due to the return of Corey Seager and Kike Hernandez assuming the full time 2B role, leaving Taylor with a short side platoon in the crowded LA outfield. Owners made Taylor expendable. However, A.J. Pollock’s elbow infection along with cold spells by Seager and others have resulted in Taylor earning seven straight starts. He has converted on the opportunity by hitting 10-28 (.357 BA), along with 2 HRs and 2 SBs. Taylor won’t be available for long. BABS position: STRONG BUY

Wilmer Flores (AV) was a popular pick with his move to Arizona, where owners envisioned a full-time role with both CI and MI eligibility. But the situation changed. His playing time status became crowded with the signing of Adam Jones and the impressive start by rookie slugger Christian Walker. Worse, Flores began the season ice cold, with a .200 BA and 0 HRs over his first 70 ABs, causing fantasy owners to look for other options. Flores has since turned things around. In his last eight starts, he has five multi-hit games, going 14-35 (.400 BA) with 2 HRs and 11 RBIs. BABS position: BUY

Baltimore outfielder Cedric Mullins (s) was being drafted before round 20 in most drafts, as it looked as if he would hit atop the Orioles lineup after showing some pop and speed when he was promoted last August. Regrettably, Mullins was overmatched at the plate over the first month of 2019, with only six hits in his first 64 ABs (.094), earning him a trip back to Norfolk. In fact, he finished 2018 on a 2-for-36 slide, which brings his running total to eight hits in his last 100 at bats, rendering his speed asset worthless until he demonstrates more plate abilities. BABS position: WATCH

Josh James (e,KK) was drafted with the anticipation that he would make the Astros rotation and build upon his late 2018 success. An unfortunate leg injury in the spring, and the signing of Wade Miley relegated him to a bullpen role. James struggled early in this capacity, causing owners to bail on him. However, he has shown dramatic improvement over his last three outings…4 IPs, 7 Ks, 1 hit allowed, 0 runs. Collin McHugh started strong but has allowed 25 runs over his last 4 starts, which won’t cut it in Astro land. It may be James’ time soon. BABS Position: STRONG BUY

Corbin Burnes (e,k) was a popular sleeper pick, as he was named to the Brewers starting rotation to begin 2019, fresh off a 2018 campaign where he flashed great skills out of the pen (7 wins, 2.61 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). In his first four starts, Burnes struck out 24 hitters over 17.2 IP, however, he allowed an atrocious 11 home runs and 21 total runs. The result… a trip to Triple-A San Antonio. Burnes is now back but has assumed a middle relief role with mixed results. Meanwhile, the Brewers have signed Gio Gonzalez, and have had good performances from its other starters. BABS Position: WATCH

In 2016, Michael Pineda (e,k) fanned 207 batters in 175 IPs, but the last two seasons were marred first with TJS and then knee issues after his return. During the spring, Pineda looked once again very impressive and owners placed a bet on this tantalizing skill set. Unfortunately, none of his seven starts have been quality starts, and owners have quickly turned to other options. Thirty-four innings is a small sample, especially after nearly two years away, but a 30:9 strikeout to BB rate says the results may soon emerge. BABS position: BUY

According to BABS, both Seranthony Dominguez (E+,K+,sv-) and David Robertson (E+,K+,sv-) have dominant pitching skills, and were drafted with speculations of becoming the Phillies closer. So far, they do not have a single save between them. Dominguez’s stats are damaged due to back-to-back outings in early April where he yielded 5 runs in 1.1 innings. He has been unscored upon in 10 of 13 outings since. Similar, Robertson surrendered 4 runs across his first 2 innings, but then had four straight scoreless appearances before landing on the DL with a Grade 1 elbow strain.   Hector Neris holds the closer role for now, but these are two superior arms (assuming Robertson returns to full health) who are now available in most leagues. BABS Position: BUY