This week, it was home run that reigned supreme in the Twitter vote! Make sure you follow me on Twitter (@colbyrconway), as that is where you can find the weekly poll. So, make sure you cast your vote next week!
We find some guys that are likely available in your league, and while they are far from household names, they could be pivotal factors as you make your chase for the title. There’s a powerful hitter in Boston that is leaving the yard like his life depended on it, and a San Francisco outfielder not named Mike Yastrzemski whose services you should employ. Lastly, hitters in Detroit and Seattle provide some fantasy pop for the final couple weeks.
Without further ado….
Bobby Dalbec, BOS – I’d be remised if this article on power didn’t begin with the powerful Bobby Dalbec. Sure, his average exit velocity isn’t overwhelmingly off the charts, but his barrel rate is absurd. He’s homered in five straight games, and while the batting average isn’t quite what you’d expect, the power is legit and he’s binging! Now, the downside with Dalbec is, yes, the batting average and the strikeouts. In eight September contests, he’s punched out 13 times, but hey, FIVE HOME RUNS! With the Rays, Marlins, Yankees and Orioles on the ledger for Dalbec and the Sox, he needs to be added in your league. Enjoy the power binge while he’s on it. It’s rather exceptional.
Alex Dickerson , SF – It seems like yesterday that fantasy owners avoided the San Francisco outfield like the plague. However, that’s not the case anymore. Sure, Dickerson isn’t the biggest name roaming the Giants’ outfield, but he’s been rather productive.
From previous season, his barrel rate is up, average exit velocity is up and that launch angle remains high, and even increased from previous season. It’s been steady improvements across the board that have led to increased production, notably in the power department. He’s swinging at more pitches in the zone and yes, he’s riding a lofty 21.6 HR/FB ratio, but you reap such rewards when your barrel rate, exit velocity and launch angle are ALL up from recent season. He’s owned in under one-third of fantasy baseball leagues, and that’s simply unacceptable.
Jeimer Candelario , DET— Candelario has rather impressive marks in a few Statcast metrics, notably his exit velocity (81st percentile) and hard hit rate (78th percentile). His .333 batting average is quality, to say the least, and he’s had some impressive barrels of late. Four of his last 11 batted balls have went for 99 miles per hour or faster, three of which flew more than 380 feet, and two surpassed 400 feet.
He homered in both ends of the twinbill yesterday, boosting his home run total to three in the month of September with a .432 batting average to boot. His ownership rate is jumping through the roof, so scurry to free agency and get him before you miss out. The Detroit Tigers are committed to playing him with regularity, and depending on your league provider, he just might have eligibility at not one, but two positions! Hey, you gotta love that flexibility, especially down the stretch run here when every at-bat matters.
José Marmolejos , SEA – Marmolejos is getting regular time in the Seattle lineup and he’s impressed. He has a hit in four of his last five contests and he has four home runs on the season. One thing that’s impressive with Marmolejos is that he’s punishing fastballs this year. In the bigs this season, he’s hitting .364 with five extra-base hits (3 HR). Awesome. Now, the concern with him is that non-fastballs have led to uninspiring results. Against breaking and offspeed pitches, he’s hitting .059 and .133 respectively. Ouch. Over the long term, I have concerns with his power, but he’s making it work now. It’s been a bit since his last home run, but he’s due for a few.
Adam Duvall , ATL – I’m not going to provide too much insight here, as he’s owned in nearly half of ESPN fantasy baseball leagues, but he’s a priority must-add if he’s still available in your league. If your fellow leaguemates have moved onto the fantasy gridiron and he’s available, go get him NOW! He had three triple-dong days in eight days! Add him if he’s available.
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