Fantasy Baseball: July Pick-Ups
Edwin Encarncion, 3B, Reds:
After a terrible slow start to the season, it looks like Edwin could be turning it around again. He is batting .308 in July and .381 since the All-Star Game. He looks like he’s ready for a monster second half. Pick him up if you can and ride this streaky hitter in the second half.
Miguel Montero, C, D-backs:
All he needed was a regular starting job! Since getting that opportunity in July, Montero is hitting .379 and 5 homers. Before starting he had to platoon behind Chris Snyder, who is hurt now, and couldn’t get regular playing time. Snyder is due to come back but I think Montero has proved he could hit enough to stay the starter even when he comes back. Pick him up if you need a power hitting catcher.
Jeff Francoeur, OF, Mets:
One time untouchable hometown player for the Braves played himself out of town. This could be the best thing that ever happened to him, as sometimes leaving home refocuses players and gives them a fresh start. He’s already hitting .324 with New York in their injury plagued lineup. Imagine the production he can put up when every one comes back, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltarn are currently out. With the Mets he will be able to just relax and play, unlike how it was in Atlanta. I see a jump in his numbers for the rest of the season. Pick him up or trade for him now while you can.
Garrett Jones, OF, Pirates:
Who is this guy? And where did he come from? Since being brought up in July he has been absolutely on fire smacking nine home runs and batted .338 in 71 at bats. Even better he’s stolen 3 bases and scored 15 runs. Pick him up just to ride his hot wave if nothing else. He could be moving to first base permanently as the Pirates traded away Adam LaRoche. This means that he will be in the line up every day so expect the production to continue for the rest of the season.
Erick Aybar, SS, Angels:
Aybar is on fire, as most of the other Angels are right now. But out of all of them, Aybar has been swinging the hottest bat. In his past 48 at-bats has an amazing 25 hits (.521 AVG), included in that span are 2 homers, 15 RBI’s, 12 runs, and 2 stolen bases. Talk about fire that stretch alone raised his batting average 42 points. He still has to worry about playing time with Maicer Izutris and Howie Kendrick not exactly struggling right now, but with him playing like this he’ll stay in the line up. Pick him up if you need hits and runs and enjoy the occasional homer and stolen base.
Clay Buchholz, P, Red Sox
With All-Star Tim Wakefield going to the DL and Brad Penny struggling mightily recently, Buchholz should see some extended time in the Majors. It’s about time for the former no-hitter thrower as a rookie, which seems like ages ago. He’s been stuck in the minors, but if he can prove his worth right now, he could cement his spot in the starting rotation for the Red Sox. He’ll have an even better chance if the Red Sox trade away Penny, which could be very likely to happen soon. Pick him up while you still can and ride him to the finish. He’s pitched in the Majors before and knows how to handle himself. He was already tearing up the minors before his call up with (99 IP, 2.36 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 8.09 K/9). Expect similar numbers in the majors.
Image Source: AP Photo
