What is up party people? Who is the hottest bat in the majors right now and why is it Tyler Fitzgerald? Fitz may be the only guy hotter than Lawrence Butler (more on him later) right now with his home run binge. If he gets the chance to play every day, and let’s be honest the Giants should run him out there to see what he can do, there might be more than just a hot streak here. Both power and speed were on display in the minors along with a fairly solid average with more strikeouts than you would like. He has defensive versatility and has seen time all over the field. He’s even taken the mound in three games but with no strikeouts and a 9.00 ERA you wouldn’t want to put him in your lineup there. The ability to play all over the diamond should help him get in the lineup and at least opens up the possibility that he could add to his shortstop and outfield eligibility at some point. Eligibility isn’t everything but it would add to his value, particularly in leagues with short benches.
Yordan Alvarez – The second cycle of the season for the entire league is certainly one way to start the second half. His performance this season has been quite good, but it’s not crazy to think that he could get to another level. He has 60 home run power but has never even made it to 40 in a single season due in part to a lack of games played. Based on his current pace 40 is well within his reach and a hot streak or two would have him staring at 50. That kind of power with a .300 average over the second half would likely put him in contention for points league MVP.
Rece Hinds – He has sure introduced himself to the league in a big way. The power on display is very real unfortunately his strikeout rate may not be. And I don’t mean that in a good way. In limited major league action, he’s around 30% but for his minor league career that number is almost 40%. That is… rough. It’s not impossible to be a great points league player with a high strikeout rate, Elly De La Cruz is striking out around 35% of the time this season, and think we would all agree he’s been pretty darn good this year. However, that is the exception and I don’t think Hinds can keep even a respectable batting average without some major changes. I’m more than on board with adding him for the short term because there is definitely upside but I would also be ready to pivot if and when the bottom falls out.
Brenton Doyle – The power has really been on display going into the break and really throughout the month of July. Going beyond the power, he has actually been putting up pretty solid numbers all season. And now he has been moved all the way up to the cleanup spot. Crazy concept to put your best hitter in a prime spot in the order but what do I know? Anyhoo, he has power, he has speed, and he backs it all up with a solid average. Tough to hate on that, especially for a guy who was a wavier option for most of the season. Plus it’s always fun to see a guy put up a 30/30 season.
Michael Toglia – Power hitters in the Mile High City are always worth a look. The good is that he has 16 home runs in 55 games. The bad is that he is batting below .200. When he goes on a run, he can blast 4+ bombs in a week and you’ll be happy. However, if he doesn’t have a power run you will be very sad. Deep leagues can take a shot on him and most likely put him in your lineup if he’s at home for the Coors boost.
Colt Keith – The window to scoop him hasn’t completely slammed shut but with his hot July, it may not stay open for much longer. Over his last 30 games he has raised his batting average by 30 points and launched 7 of his 10 home runs. I’ll keep bringing him up until I’m blue in the face because I think he is primed for a second half breakout.
Lawrence Butler – Is there anyone hotter than he is right now at the plate? He capped off the first half with a triple dong night as a highlight to his strong July. Like some guys mentioned above he has big time power but batting average may drag him down. He does have good speed so that may offset things a bit but strikeouts were a problem in the minors. I’m intrigued by the power potential but he’s merely a flyer who can win you a week unless he can start making more consistent contact.
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