RADIO
Luis Valbuena also benefited from a change of scenery in 2015. Despite a drop in certain categories from his final season in a Chicago Cubs uniform, Valbuena’s power numbers increased, reaching career highs in both home runs and RBI’s. His 25 long balls and 56 ribbies last season deserve him a mention in fantasy talks, along with other factors looking forward to 2016. Valbuena’s versatility and flexibility are appealing, with his ability to play first and third base, and now an opening at the DH slot with Evan Gattis injured.
If Valbuena was judged solely on his first half performance last season, where he hit 19 home runs before July, than he would be a no-brainer, sure-thing fantasy pick. But then, July came and he was held to zero dingers in the month, hitting only six the rest of the way. He is also a consistent strike out candidate. This is extremely worrisome, making Valbuena solely a short term, day-to-day, week-to-week option. The Astros plans for Valbuena are somewhat unclear, but because of his solid glove, he should easily find a spot in their everyday lineup, and is worth at least a spot on fantasy benches.
