Where will Han Ram end up? Time will tell.
I am always thinking about fantasy sports and the type of moves I would make. Here are my thoughts on the fantasy sports world right now.
1. Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows is worth rostering. His bat and his speed on the base paths make him a cross category producer who is worth owning.
2. The Red Sox designating Hanley Ramirez was a surprise despite the fact that they made it obvious they didn’t want his $22 million dollar option to kick in next season. So what’s next for Han Ram? From a fantasy standpoint, it would be best if Ramirez stayed in the American League and DH’d. If he signs with a National League club, he will not play everyday and will have no fantasy value.
3. There is no question Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will be traded by the deadline but where? The Cubs seem to be the front runner and they are probably the best landing spot for Machado from a fantasy standpoint.
4. Speaking of the Cubs. I bet you didn’t know shortstop Javier Baez was the team leader in RBI’s this season with 42. Baez is off to a terrific start offensively but it’s gone relatively unnoticed.
5. The St. Louis Cardinals have three terrific young starters in Jack Flaherty, Luke Weaver and Alex Reyes. Reyes is coming back this week from Tommy John and he is scheduled to start on Wednesday.
6. Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar has been hitting the cover off the ball for the past week and is worth rostering even when Eric Thames gets back.
7. I would buy on Cincinnati Reds players right now, especially second baseman Scotter Gennett. Gennett will be one of Cincinnati’s biggest trade chips at the deadline.
8. I believe former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians when he says he believes rookie quarterback Josh Rosen will start over Sam Bradford. I don’t believe however that his fantasy ceiling will be very high despite the talent around him.
9. With the Stanley Cup Finals opening tonight, I am getting in some advanced scouting on next fantasy hockey season. Two guys I am watching in this series. Defenseman Nate Schmidt who has been terrific for Vegas in these playoffs and Capitals forward Chandler Stevenson who seems to have a nose for the net. He can score and has top six forward potential next season for the Capitals.
10. Given how well Lebron James has played in these playoffs, you could make the case that he should be the number one pick in fantasy drafts next season. I know he’ll be 34 in December and most people will go either with the Greek Freak or AD at one but I think James merits consideration.
There are only two issue with taking James with the number one pick. One: We don’t know where he is going to play next season. Two: There is no way he sniffs 82 games next season.