Desperate times call for desperate measures, hence a Milli Vanilli reference in the title. Weather’s moved to the forefront of fantasy baseball causing numerous delays and pushing the number of postponements to 24 prior to post time of this column. For context, some facts:

  • Boston’s Patriot’s Day Game cancellation on Monday marks the first one since 1984.

  • There were 25 total postponed games in all of 2016, yes, the whole season.

  • Kansas City’s had more games called than total wins this year.

Not only did many who played daily fantasy sports become angered with the inability to adapt to last minute postponements, but teams who’ve incurred multiple rainouts will play some interesting double headers in the future. Plus, if interested, trying to trade for a player on the Twins means adding four more games in the future. Just saying.

 

Night Moves

Trying to save face with a Bob Seger reference here, the injuries keep piling up and it feels like Monday night reveals the latest on the news front. So, here goes nothing trying to recap the deluge of information.

Starting with the Rays, Kevin Kiermaier will miss up to 13 weeks with a torn UCL in his thumb. This affects the team’s pitching staff due to the high volume of runs he saves due to his stellar defense in center field. Mallex Smith ’s fast, but his routes to fly balls and arm leave much to be desired. As for the fantasy impact, those who speculated on Smith as a late round speed target stand to profit. He’s racked up multiple hits games in four of his last six played with a .458/.500/.667 slash line with two triples and three RBI. Of course, owners want steals. Green light Mallex should produce soon enough.

Milwaukee’s been busy adding Jacob Nottingham to the roster replacing an injured Manny Piña who landed on the 10-day disabled list. He’s a key part of the Khris Davis trade and offers offensive upside, but it remains to be seen if Nottingham’s ready for the show. Plus, Christian Yelich ’s nearing a return. He needs to complete two or three straight days of pre-game baseball activity before the Brewers will activate him. Perhaps by the end of the week?

Pittsburgh suffered a loss with Josh Harrison slated to miss six weeks with a fracture to his fifth metacarpal. His blend of speed and power seems to be overlooked each year in drafts. While Adam Frazier starts on Monday night, our own James Bowden feels Sean Rodríguez will garner the lion’s share of playing time at second base due to the defensive liability Corey Dickerson can be in left field.

Following the cancellation in Chicago on Monday, it appears the Cubs will get Anthony Rizzo back into the lineup for Tuesday and beyond. Just in time for a trip to Coors later this week. Good thing many picked up Ben Zobrist for the Colorado trip. Shoot.

J.T. Realmuto seems ready to be activated on Tuesday by the Marlins. Meanwhile, Jacoby Ellsbury suffered an injury, rehabbing from an injury. Ellsbury’s suffering now from plantar fasciitis and his existence as the world’s worst contract continues.

 

On tap?

While fantasy owners continue to fume over the Braves leaving Ronald Acuna in Triple-A, stashing Gleyber Torres could prove fruitful, especially for those looking to boost their middle infield production. Currently, the Yankees second baseman possess an underwhelming cumulative .608 on-base plus slugging percentage. Through 10 games at Triple-A, Torres has four extra-base hits, 10 RBI and a .385/.405/.564 slash line. If he joins the team on Thursday, the Yankees get an extra year of team control. In case you’re curious.

Toronto did cancel on Monday despite a retractable roof on the Rogers Centre. Ice from the CN Tower damaged the roof causing a double header to be played on Tuesday. They did promote Teoscar Hernandez who lights up the Statcast data hitting fly balls and line drives with an average exit velocity of 93 MPH last year in 53 batted ball events. He can struggle with contact at times, but his burgeoning power and chance to accrue double digit steals makes him an intriguing flier for fantasy.

 

I feel the need, the need, for speed

It’s easy to panic early and chase steals, but those in deep leagues or ones with daily moves along with deep rosters should pay attention to some veterans. Craig Gentry of the Orioles has swiped four bases this year with a .273 average in 22 at-bats. There’s not much there in counting statistics, but in leagues where every steal matters, so does Gentry.

Rajai Davis seems to age gracefully and keep on running. He’s also stolen four bases in 11 games and 25 at-bats. Last, Niko Goodrum ’s swiped three bases in 25 at-bats but is hitting just over the Mendoza Line.

 

Burning Questions

Bryce Harper hit a home run in the first inning off of Jacob deGrom and broke his bat. Physics folks, how can this happen? Will facing the Marlins awaken Giancarlo Stanton in Yankee Stadium? If the Padres continue to hit well versus left-handed pitching and no one notices, does it happen? Should people start to pay attention to José Pirela ? Can Luis Castillo bounce back in Milwaukee? Will the regression monster get Reynaldo López on Monday night? Why won’t the Brewers just name Josh Hader their closer? So many questions, so little time.

Stay tuned and be sure to check back in the morning for Fantasy Alarm’s Round Up to stay ahead of the competition in your league.

 

Statistical Credits:

MLB.com

Fangraphs.com

BaseballSavant.com