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The season rolls on and fantasy managers need to continue analyzing their roster with an eye on categories instead of just adding any random player. This week the primary focus for outfield additions will be to maximize venues. Some might cause a little tingle of concern when you read their name. Don't be afraid. Do what you're comfortable doing with your roster. No Fear, Just Fantasy.
Whether you're streaming a hot bat or need to replace a guy long-term, there are plenty of different options. The issue is that you are not alone and others in your league might have intent on doing the same thing. Just make sure you make a decision and grab someone. You'll lose valuable counting stats if you leave a roster spot empty, even if only a day. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in week 20. This week we cover guys that primarily have advantageous environments.
Even in the first few weeks, ownership can change quickly. Be quick to check your leagues for their availability. Key points - this list will focus on players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. When you want to chat it up regarding outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter @EllisCan2.
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Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire Options
Shallow Leagues (50-30% Owned)
Adam Jones (OF, ARI) — 36% Owned
Jones has had a rejuvenating season. 13HR, 51RBI, and a .265 batting average is more than anyone could have expected. He’s had a rough go of it the last couple of weeks, batting .226. However, this upcoming week could easily get things back in his favor. Jones has three games in Colorado before heading home to face the Giants for four games.
Mallex Smith (OF, SEA) — 50% Owned
Everything of value comes at a cost. Smith leads the majors with 31 stolen bases. His owners are thankful but are conflicted internally because it comes with a .232AVG. He’s better against left-handed pitchers(.267), but he only gets two of those in the six-game schedule. The value of Smith this week comes less in the stolen base opportunities but more in the (lack of) quality competition. He’s sure to enjoy the road trip to Detroit and Toronto.
Ian Desmond (1B/OF, COL) — 42% Owned
Home-cooked meals do everyone good. Desmond is no different, batting .315 with six long balls and 33 RBI at Coors. This can overcome that fact that the Rockies only play six games this week. There are no other stats to look at; start him (and everyone) at Coors. Even though he only six games, all of them are at home in Coors when D’backs and Marlins come to visit.
Deeper Leagues (30-10% Owned)
Brett Gardner (OF, NYY) — 21% Owned
Nobody seems to want to believe in Gardner’s accomplishments this year; thankfully, he doesn’t need your vote of confidence. Gardner continued his impressive season upon his return from the IL, accruing eight runs with two homers, a stolen base, and a .417AVG in the last 24 at-bats. Surprisingly, he accrued a majority of his 17HR and nine stolen bases at the bottom of the batting order. Gardner is extremely attractive this week with an eight-game slate. Only one side of the O’s/Cleveland schedule provides any amount of concern.
Jarrod Dyson (OF, ARI) — 11% Owned
With five right-handers on the schedule (.333AVG in 36 at-bats), Dyson will be giddy to continue his performance at the plate. Over the last two weeks, he’s maintained a .323 batting average with two stolen bases. This is where his value lies and he’s already surpassed his steals total for 2018. It should also be noted that all 25 of his stolen bases this year have come against righties. If that wasn’t beneficial enough, Dyson also has the pleasure of a field trip to Colorado as part of a seven-game schedule. This is sure to not only brighten everyone’s day but also invite more people to the party.
Jesse Winker (OF, CIN) — 26% Owned
You're definitely targeting splits with Winker as the team doesn't have the confidence to let him develop versus southpaws. It doesn't matter this week as he will have a full seven-game slate of right-handed starters. All 15 of Winker's homers have come against righties with a .283/.364/.514 slash line. Hitting atop the lineup is quite attractive with the offense heating up as it is.
Others to consider: Kole Calhoun (OF, LAA) —30% owned; Brian Anderson (OF, CHC) — 23% owned; Anthony Santander (OF, BAL) — 30% owned
Super Deep Leagues (< 10% Owned)
Raimel Tapia (OF, COL) — 3% Owned
It took an injury to David Dahl for Tapia to sniff more playing time. Even then, the Rockies brought up an outfield prospect to keep the waters murky. However, over the last week, Tapia has managed to hit .368 with one long ball. While he is hitting 50% of his balls on the ground, Tapia does have the speed that is isn’t as detrimental as it would be to others. Also helpful is an improved average exit velocity this year (87.9mph). There are only six games on the docket, but they’re all in the thin air of Denver. Tapia also gets five right-handers on the schedule as well(.280AVG). As we all know, offensive magic happens at Coors. You could either watch from the outside or be a part of it.
Jon Berti (2B/3B/OF, MIA) — 5% Owned
If you are desperate for speed, you don’t care where it comes from and you’re definitely not particular on the age of the player providing it. He’s not a household name, but 29-year-old Berti has come in and stole our hearts. No? Not good? Ok, let’s just stick to the facts of fours steals with a .400 average the last two weeks. This is very attractive, but you may have to play matchups this week. If you just need steals, you’ll not be playing matchups. However, I’ll say that the series against the Dodgers won’t be as attractive as the one against the Rockies. Oh, I forgot to mention. The games versus the Rockies will be in Coors so Berti might even add to his two-homer collection.
Others to consider: Harold Ramirez (OF, MIA) —2% owned
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