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Over the course of the season I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team. These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come. Below are my recommendations for Week 16.
As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general.
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Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups
Howie Kendrick (2B, 3B, OF - LAD) - Owned in 37% of Fleaflicker leagues
The veteran utility player has been en fuego in the month of July, hitting .419 over his last 15 games. As a bonus, he's begun to pick up the power numbers as well--he's slugging .605 over that same span. Gone are the days of .290-.300 batting average, but Kendrick still has value when he's swinging a hot stick in the middle of a surging Dodgers offense. Given his multi-positional eligibility, Kendrick will see starts for the Dodgers on a regular basis, and is therefore useful in all fantasy formats as well.
Yangervis Solarte (1B, 2B, 3B - SD) - Owned in 35% of Fleaflicker leagues
Know who else is having a smoking-hot July? Solarte. The former Yankee is firing on all cylinders in July, as he has five homers and 15 RBI already in the month to go along with a .319 batting average. For as bad a reputation as the Padres have, their offense is actually firmly in the middle of the pack in the MLB, and Solarte is a big reason why. I don't see any reason for regression, and with eligibility in the middle infield, corner infield and outfield Solarte is the perfect fantasy utility man. Add him and enjoy the production.
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Didi Gregorius (SS - NYY) - Owned in 36% of Fleaflicker leagues
Me waiting for Didi to cool off:
There must be some of Jeter's awesome aura hanging around the shortstop position at Yankee Stadium, because Sir Didi is soaking it up. After going 2-for-3 against Boston on Sunday night, Gregorius is sitting at .299 on the season--a far cry from his dismal April (.224). He's hitting .333 over his last seven games, .342 over his last 15, .348 over his last 30...all this with a .310 BABIP. Gregorius seems to have figured it all out, and while this may be bold considering how surprisingly deep the position is this year, my bold prediction is that he finishes the 2016 as a top-15 fantasy shortstop.
Alex Bregman (SS - HOU) - Owned in 22% of Fleaflicker leagues
Alright Luis Valbuena, cut the malarkey. Cool off so you can slide back into the utility role you were born to play, and let Mr. Bregman finally have his day! Many thought that Bregman would join the Astros right after the All Star Break, but it seems as though the powers that be within the organization believe he needs a bit more seasoning. He was sent back to AAA as a weapon from above to punish pitchers for their sins, but I wholeheartedly believe he'll be up with the big league club within the next two weeks. Add this stud before anyone else does, as he can be a true difference-maker in the home stretch of the fantasy season.
More Options: Brad Miller (14%), Asdrubal Cabrera (16%), Aaron Hill (9%), Chase Utley (7%) Andrelton Simmons (3%), J.J. Hardy (3%)
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