Middle Infield Substitution

My online buddy Bunt Singles had to deal with “real life” and “important things” which hopefully are just due to his moving, not a unanasthesized vasectomy or accidental amputation, so Kelder gets to fill in.

It’s also the All Star break, time to assess where you are and what ground you can make up, and where.  There’s this thing starting up about an oblong leather ball soon and some will check out.

So here are some guys that might be available to help in certain areas.  They are all flawed of course;  that’s why they’re widely available.  But for certain categories, they may get some juice squeezed out.

HR:

Nolan Gorman is the second most valuable 2B for home runs so far and is available in 64% of Yahoo leagues,  so if you need a power boost he’s due for a hot streak.  Gorman has 17 big ones this season, but only 2 in the past 30 days.  If you’re solid with average but need the HR, Gorman could be a waiver wire away.

Paul DeJong is his less rostered SS counterpart at 11%.  He’s not good except for this one category.  If you lose a guy, though, or are in a deep league and need a middle infielder, those 16 HR have been helpful at least.  Look, guys, I SAID this wasn’t going to be perfect players and I apologize to those you who gagged in your mouth.  But the rater is the rater.  Paulie HR are more valuable than Elly De La Cruz, ONeill Cruz, or any other Cruz who plays up the middle.  I just present facts.

AVG:

I love Amed Rosario, but really only because he qualifies everywhere but first base.  He is only 19% owned, so if you need a .303 batting average and are on top of daily transactions he’s your huckleberry.  Look at that eligibility! Almost makes up for him hurting you as much as helping you with his lack of power and volume,  I guess I just talked myself off the Rosario ledge.  But as a pure batting average play, he’s the sixth ranked SS in the league, so again, just presenting information.

SB:

David Hamilton of the Red Sox is the speed merchant and in a fit of laziness, he’s eligible at both middle infield spots.  Not so much lazy for him I guess as convenient for a substitute writer.  He’s at 23 swipes so far and available in 68% of leagues.   Just again keep in mind he could lose PT at a whim

Since I’m just holding this spot warm, yet making double Bunt Singles salary, here’s how I have some top tens for the rest of the season.

SS

1.  Gunnar Henderson over Bobby Witt due to his value being less tied to speed.  Also, the Orioles are really good and that helps,
2. Bobby Witt Jr.
3. Trea Turner
4. Corey Seager
5. Francisco Lindor
6. Elly De La Cruz
7. Bo Bichette

You only get seven;  I’m a sub.

Yes, I’m buying into Bo Bichette,  he had a monster September last year.  No surprises here or explanations needed.

2B Quick Ranks

1.  Marcus Semien, he’ll bounce back
2. Jose Altuve, that little bugger
3. Ozzie Albies
4. Ketel Marte
5. Nico Hoerner, speed will return
6. Luis Arraez, underrated always.  Average is a tough one this year
7. Jordan Westburg, great lineup and talent

Thanks for reading, and make sure to check out the corner report on Wednesday!