Today, we are going to take a quick glance at the one series this weekend (Blue Jays-Yankees), where there is some post-season hope at stake for both teams involved (as defined as having at least a 20% chance to make the post-season). We will give a quick look at what’s at stake for both teams and highlight players from each team who have recently been getting an increase in fantasy baseball attention. With that in mind, here is the 9-11-15 Waiver Wire Report.
Toronto Blue Jays (99.8% Chance) vs. New York Yankees (97.5%)
What’s At Stake: The first-place spot in the AL East and avoiding the AL Wild Card play-in game.
Player Spotlight:
Ryan Goins, 2B, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
The fantasy value that Goins provided before the All-Star break can be described as non-existent, as he hit just .226 with two home runs. However, just like the rest of the Blue Jays team, he has played better since, hitting .270 in his last 36 games.
As we head down the stretch, one question this raises is whether Goins can help your fantasy. Even though his overall numbers this season are not great (.243/.315/.352 84 wRC+), they are still better than what he put up in both 2013 and 2014 for the Blue Jays.
While he has made improvements this season, Goins appears to be a player who can help the Blue Jays with strong defense and the ability to take walks. Unfortunately, these attributes, while useful in real life, unlikely to be helpful to fantasy owners, as he hits for a mediocre average and supplies very little power or speed.
Drew Hutchison, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
In his last two starts, Hutchison has been roughed up, giving up six earned runs each. As the AL East race comes down to the wire, it will be interesting to see if he can turn things around. His season has had some statistical quirks. While he does have a 13-4 record, this does not reflect his actual results, as he sports a 5.33 ERA. On the other hand, the 5.33 ERA is in many ways a product of bad luck, as opposing batters have a .338 BABIP, and he has a 4.25 FIP.
Hutchison could give you a few wins down the stretch (due to a loaded Blue Jays offense) even if he doesn’t pitch particularly well and can give you some strikeouts (7.78 K/9 this season). He’s not the best option, but he is capable of helping in at least a couple of categories.
Didi Gregorius, SS, New York Yankees
Gregorius came into this season with some pretty big shoes to fill as Derek Jeter’s replacement at shortstop. While he does not appear to be on track to become a legend, he has done enough to be worth 2.3 WAR .
He has seen his production go up as we head down the stretch; Gregorius is hitting .314 in 49 games since the All-Star break. Depending on how deep your league is and how much flexibility you have with the middle infield positions, Gregorius may be worth a look. One catch is that he would need to be utilized carefully. While he has put up respectable numbers against righties, he has struggled against lefties.
Greg Bird, 1B, New York Yankees
Bird has held his own since being called up to the majors. Despite only hitting .241, he has put up above average numbers offensively on the strength of five home runs (in 94 PA) and a walk rate of 10.6%. While he is capable of continuing to hit for power (he has a Hard% of 40.0), the two short-term concerns with him are that his average is likely to stay relatively low (he has a .300 BABIP, indicating that the lower average is not a product of bad luck), and that he still needs to work on cutting down on strikeouts (K% of 30.9).
If you are desperate for power and/or someone at first base, Bird may be worth taking a look; but if you need help with your batting average, we would recommend looking elsewhere.
All numbers listed through 9/9/15
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