What is up party people? That was a fun trade deadline. Some big names moved some stayed put and once again I’m not really sure what the Giants plan was. Colton Cowser was one of the winners after he decided to start hitting again. Between his hot bat and Austin Hays getting traded playing time shouldn’t be a concern. And I think we all remember how hot he was earlier. Now is the perfect time to pick him back up. As for Hays, if he plays every day he’s much more interesting and it looks like the Phillies will give him a shot in left field rather than just a platoon role. He’s been a solid points guy in the past and could be again if the trade wakes up his bat.
Tyler Fitzgerald – He exploded onto the scene last week and it looks like 5 bombs in 5 games was just the beginning as he keeps adding to that total. By now he is probably up to triple digits. Oh wait, that’s just the temperature. Strikeouts will be a problem but the upside is there.
Xavier Edwards – There’s something about a cycle that gets the people going. That may have been what grabbed your attention but it shouldn’t be the only thing that does. The man hasn’t yet reached 100 at bats but his performance has been wildly impressive in that brief span. So far he’s done what he showed in the minors and his short stint last season, which is hit for a high average with speed. There’s not a lot of power upside here, if any. There’s always a chance he could grow into some but in 459 minor league games, he only has 14 bombs. So it’s possible, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for that. However, he doesn’t strikeout that much so he should be able to avoid those negative games.
Josh Bell – Ah, the old points league stud. Bell has always been one of those guys who have more value in a points league format and is often a guy I recommended targeting. This hasn’t been his best season, but he has started to turn it around. I have no inside information but I would think that his trade to the desert unfortunately means the Diamondbacks anticipate Christian Walker will be out of commission for an extended period. Early reports have said three weeks but I worry that the injury will linger. Either way, Bell should see the field regularly both in the short term and for the rest of the season. It looked like he was being kicked to the curb after being placed on waivers but suddenly he has a new home. That should give him new life.
Corbin Carroll – Won’t pretend to know what has been wrong with him all season (it was a secret shoulder injury) but he has looked much more comfortable lately. This may be a bold call but I still can’t believe he just forgot how to be a major league hitter. Can’t really trade him at this point, but if you’ve ridden it out this far…
Juan Yepez – Since his call up in early July he has been locked in at the plate batting .340. Power hasn’t really been there but 11 doubles in 22 games makes up for it. He’s still pretty widely available, most likely because no one expects him to keep hitting well over .300. Right now he’s hot and should play every day. That’s valuable.
Jazz Chisholm Jr – Welcome to New York. That’s back to back monster games in case you forgot just how good he can be. We’ll see how the experiment at the hot corner goes but we shall see.
Lane Thomas – I like this move for him especially with him set to bat second in the Guardians lineup. July was a good month for him and he’s primed for a strong finish with a better supporting cast.
Michael Toglia – Power. That’s it, that’s his game as proven by his 18 dongs in 217 at bats. By now we know the downside, he will struggle to hit .220 and strikeout 32% of the time. Yeah, that’s pretty bad. I’m still a fan for deep leagues or those that don’t penalize strikeouts too harshly and he does get the Coors boost.
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