Poppin' out the box scores and right into your cubicle, the Roto Rush is your double espresso shot of fantasy baseball advice every weekday.Nearly a month ago, we ran out a roundtable on Jimmy Rollins, advising you to trade for the underperforming shortstop. Well, his struggles seem like a distant memory now. Rollins is not only back, he's one of the hottest middle infielders in fantasy baseball. Oh, and he's also one funny dude (great Dick's commercial if you've never seen it).
Just how hot is J-Roll? Let's go to the statistical tape ...
Since July 5, Rollins has homered seven times, including in three straight games to start August with a bang. Twenty-four of his 51 RBI have come since July 3, and he's also hitting over .300 in that span after not posting an average over .240 through the first three months of the season. And if that wasn't enough for you, he's swiped 13 of his 23 bases since July 1.
Rollins is the perfect example of why you need to show patience with established vets who are still in the prime of their careers. Granted, there is always going to be a Vernon Wells, who has been so disappointing that fans have started a Vernon Wells Sucks Forum. But more often than not, we'll see a progression (or regression) to the mean, assuming there are no significant injuries or off-the-field issues weighing the player down.
Bits From the Box Scores:
• "This guy here is dead!" ... "Cross him off, then!" Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the unfortunate news that Francisco Liriano is in danger of losing his spot in the starting rotation. Minnesota doesn't have very appealing options, especially now that Kevin Slowey underwent wrist surgery, but Liriano has been simply dreadful, despite the mini-turnaround he flashed in June. He continues to issue too many walks and posted a 5.32 ERA in July. He didn't fare any better in Wednesday's start, issuing four free passes and giving up four runs in five innings of work. For any Liriano owners still holding out hope, it's time to let it go. No use carrying this albatross over the stretch run.
• Tommy Hanson is pretty special, huh? The 22-year-old Braves starter and fantasy gem notched his sixth victory in 11 starts on Wednesday, striking out another five in the process. For the season, Hanson's ERA stands at 3.22 and he's holding opposing batters to a .243 average. The scary part? He hasn't even mastered his command yet. Keeper swoon.• Maybe David Wright was inspired by his pal Mark Reynolds. He's homered three times since July 25 after languishing a month without hitting one. Reynolds is still the fantasy boss. Can you believe Reynolds was drafted over 15 rounds later than Wright? Welcome to Crazytown, USA, where Wright's fantasy owners have pulled all their hair out.
• Redemption, thy name is Ryan Zimmerman. He's on pace to smash his career-high in home runs, seven of which have come since July 24. One of the great things about Zimmerman is he's been consistent, a bonus for head-to-head leagues. Coming into Thursday's games, his total hits and batting average were an identical 61 and .293, both on the road and at home.
• Nyjer Morgan's trade to Washington has been superb for fantasy owners; sixteen of his 34 steals have come since July 3.
• Another reason to despise wins: Edwin Jackson now only has eight of them. I mean, we're talking about a 2.62 ERA and a .217 batting average against. Ridiculous. Maybe he can go out drinking with Javier Vazquez when they get stiffed in Cy Young voting.
• Padres outfielder Will Venable -- getting regular playing time now -- homered for the fifth time in seven games. This kind of power isn't sustainable for Venable, but you can't deny the surge, just ride it. He's unowned in about 90 percent of leagues.
• Keep the faith in Marc Rzepczynski, deep-leaguers. Even though he gave up four runs, that was a strong performance against a tough Yankees lineup -- including seven strikeouts and only one walk. His ERA stands at 3.74. More impressive? A .197 batting average against.
The Afflicted: Justin Upton, one of the biggest breakouts of the season, left Wednesday's game with a strained oblique muscle and appears headed to the disabled list. Jose Reyes has "significant scar tissue" in his hamstring, according to a New York Daily News report. Nice knowing you, Jose. (sigh) Erik Bedard could be done for the season after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder following a bullpen session. An MRI is scheduled for Friday, but the results probably won't bring any smiles.
White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, sidelined with kidney stones, is hoping to be available Friday. "I don't think we're going to put him in right away," manager Ozzie Guillen told the Chicago Tribune. It looks like we may not see Torii Hunter until September. The Angels star failed a strength test Wednesday and will not be allowed to start his rehab assignment yet. Jason Bay likely won't play Thursday night after aggravating his hamstring. It's possible Bay could miss Friday's game, as well. Down on the Farm: Kam Mickolio didn't let a quick hook to the minors phase him when Brian Matusz was called up. Baltimore's possible future closer fanned two in another inning of late relief in Triple-A. Jake McGee, returning from Tommy John surgery, didn't even record an out and gave up five runs in Hi-A. At one point it looked like the lefty had a brighter future than fellow Rays prospect Wade Davis, but McGee has a long road before he potentially returns to dominant form. Davis, on the other hand, is pitching quite well for Triple-A Durham.
Craving more fantasy baseball? Even this late, you can still play at Fleaflicker.
