Bargains to find in the Tribe
Accuring at-bats on your fantasy baseball roster might sound simple and basic, understand that in the time of COVID, it can actually be quite daunting, as we’ve seen numerous series postponed.
In addition to postponements, we have our usual rash of injuries, as well as numerous managers mixing and matching in an effort to jump-start their array of struggling players. You have to keep a watchful eye over a variety of changing situations. Case in point: the Indians outfield.
Manager Terry Francona continues to search for the right combination of outfielders to boost the team’s offensive production. He has a right-handed power bat in Domingo Santana, but that .167 average is ugly and the two home runs are feeble. Francona also has Jordan Luplow, but put a righthander on the mound and Luplow becomes the king of Whiff City.
Francona also has speed from the right side in the form of Delino DeShields Jr. But can he turn around his .269 average and paltry two runs scored since his return from the IL? If he gets the opportunity, maybe. He has posted 20-plus steals in four of his past five seasons, but that is all he brings to the table.
From the left side, Francona has been using veteran Tyler Naquin, who never has been more than a fourth outfielder, and though his defense has been sound, a .250 average with just three runs and three RBIs are hardly the numbers upon which fantasy dreams are built.
Finally, there is post-hype sleeper Bradley Zimmer, a left-handed power/speed combo whose career has been hindered by a rash of injuries. With the demotion of Oscar Mercado, Zimmer could actually find his way into the lineup and could actually be worth a gamble come waiver time.
Most people will pass over the Indians’ outfield in their search for statistical help, so these players can all be had for a discount. Zimmer should be first on your radar, followed by DeShields and Naquin.