Categorically Speaking is designed specifically for Rotisserie GM's. The information is great for all fantasy baseball formats, but for those of you who could use some help bolstering a specific roto category, this is for you. We're going to pay close attention to players who might be readily available on your waiver wire or who you might target in non-blockbuster trade talks.
Over the last week a few of the big-time home run hitters seem to have woken up. Hanley Ramirez blasted three last week which constitutes 60% of his year long output. Matt Holliday also hit three home runs, bringing his year-long total to four. But, let's take a look at a few options to help you in home runs that might be available in more fantasy baseball leagues.
Justin Upton, Diamondbacks - Upton was tied with two others to lead the league over the last seven days with four home runs. Over the past week he's also stolen a base and has a slugging percentage of .920. His batting average for the season has climbed to .294 and he now has six total home runs. He's only owned in about 64% of fantasy leagues. Find a spot for him as this is the year he climbs above the 20 home run mark.
Jayson Werth, Phillies - Werth hit three home runs last week and had an OPS of 1.332. His season average is up to .284 now and he's hit five home runs with a bonus three stolen bases. He's owned in 74% of fantasy leagues and is now back on track to repeat his 20/20 season.
Chris Iannetta, Rockies - Iannetta isn't doing any favors for your batting average right now as he actually raised his season average by hitting .250 last week. But, we're not focused on batting average right now, we want power. Iannetta has power. His three home runs last week raised his season total to six. And if my math is correct, that puts him on a 36 home run pace for 2009. He's owned in 69% of fantasy leagues and if a catcher who can hit 36 home runs isn't something you desire, forget about going to sign him in the other 31% of leagues where he's available. With a season batting average of .194, Iannetta might still be available from some unwitting owner as a buy low candidate.
Here are the top ten home run hitters from the last seven days:
1t. Evan Longoria, Rays - 4
1t. Carlos Pena, Rays - 4
1t. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks - 4
4t. Albert Pujols, Cardinals - 3
4t. Carlos Beltran, Mets - 3
4t. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays - 3
4t. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins - 3
4t. Jayson Werth, Phillies - 3
4t. Jay Bruce, Reds - 3
4t. Ten others tied with three home runs
In case you don't really care about such short weekly trends, here are three more hitters who have been showing pop all year long.
Aaron Hill, Blue Jays - There are only seven players in Major League Baseball with more home runs then Hill. It's insane that he's only owned in 87% of fantasy leagues. Dude has a .362 batting average too.
Russell Branyan, Mariners - Branyan is hitting in the clean-up spot for the Mariners at times now and has seven home runs on the season with a .302 average. He's only owned in 53% of fantasy leagues. Tom Herrera thinks that Branyan would make a nice Manny replacement.
Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks - If you're afraid of strikeouts, Reynolds isn't the hitter for you. He's on pace, once again, to strike out 200+ times. He's also on pace for 39 home runs. Isn't there always bad news with good news?
