It’s been over a decade since Gorkys Hernandez stole 54 bases for the Gulf Coast League Tigers, Detroit’s Rookie League affiliate. Nevertheless I vividly remember my days as a season ticket holder at Comerica Park, the hardcore Tiger faithful viewed this guy as the next budding superstar. Dave Dombrowksi is well known for his tendency to unload the farm to obtain proven veteran talent. Those fans in the ‘Tigers Den’ ceaselessly feared they would trade their precious Gorkys Hernandez, future Hall of Famer. It’s didn’t matter what the return was, MVP candidate? Cy Young Award Winner? Trading Gorkys under any circumstances was unthinkable. He was the future.
Fast forward 11 years, and the ‘key’ to Detroit’s future in 619 career AB’s has slashed (.242/.305/.347) with a modest 22 thefts. Still, being desperate with an endless onslaught of injuries, I picked up the failed prospect and Giants leadoff man. He’s suddenly found more than a modicum of pop, and while I believe it’s probably a flash in the pan, it doesn’t hurt to ride the wave while it lasts, and in this magical day and age of swing changes and launch angle pixie dust, why not spend a couple bucks to wish upon a star and see what happens? Bruce Bochy has stated that the journeyman will be his primary center fielder at least in the short term, and that Mac Williamson will also become a fixture in left field. Williamson isn’t available in the Main Event, but Rotowire owners will want to see if he was dropped and act accordingly.
Bat speed, power to the opposite field, knowledge of the strike zone, plate discipline, and patience….interested? Then get out your wallets because Juan Soto is the real deal. The only question is when the fantasy production will arrive, not if. The young phenom is only 19. Just ask Mike Trout how he fared at that age for the Angels. That being said, you still want this guy if you can afford him. Washington brass has shown confidence in Soto, sliding him in between Turner and Harper in the lineup, as well as fifth. The youngest Washington National is viable in both 12-team and 15 team formats.
We drafted Charlie Tilson last year as a 30th round ‘what the heck’ pick. An ankle injury kept the prospect sidelined for the entire 2017 campaign. Don’t burn more than a few pennies on the injury prone speedster, but he’s worth a place in some of your queues if you are desperate for speed. Despite displaying good contact skills in the minors, my gut tells me that Tilson is still a batting average risk, and even though he’s historically performed better vs. same-handed pitchers, he was out of the lineup Saturday with Francisco Liriano on the bump. So the former second round pick might be vulnerable to push-button platoon thinking. Keep this in mind if you pick him up. Bi-weekly moves allow you to plug him in to maximize AB’s based on matchups.
Ian Kinsler’s batting average has dropped below the Mendozza line. In fact, over the last 11 games the former Tiger is slashing a legendary (.100/.159/.179). I think it’s time to anoint the Angels leadoff hitter with a new benchmark – ‘The Kinsler Line’ for his recent ignominious BA. Those that have been taken behind the woodshed by the former All Star might consider throwing a dart at the keystone in Boston, as Dustin Pedroia is still available in 12% of 15 team leagues, and 82% of 12 teamers.
Eric Thames was dropped in 18% of Main Event Leagues and 45% of Rotowire Championship Leagues. The repatriate from Korea will produce more counting stats than the majority of lackeys on the wire and if all things click will return to the Brewers lineup in roughly two weeks.
Follow Greg @liquidhippo.
