Rookies always are out to prove they can hang with the big boys. When they get off to a hot start, they have even more to prove — they have to show they can sustain success in The Show.
It’s your job as a fantasy owner to know who can keep it going and who may drop off, as well as when you can cash in to help your squad in the long run. Here are some rookies Roto Files has identified to buy or sell early on:
After three starts, Archie Bradley is looking like the ace the Diamondbacks have expected him to be. He’s 2-0 (could have been 3-0, had it not been for an Addison Reed blown save), while allowing just three runs on seven hits over 18 2/3 innings en route to a 1.45 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Walks (11) are an issue, just as they always have been (he walked 202 batters in 373 innings in the minors, yet allowed just 130 runs).
Bradley has held his own against Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner, and that’s what you want to see from your future fantasy ace. Buy big.
San Francisco’s Chris Heston has pitched like an ace, going 2-1 with a 0.87 ERA and 0.97 WHIP, but it’s hard to imagine a pitcher who was 46-45 with a 3.56 ERA in the minors is this good. Like a bagel, Heston is best to be sold when hot.
Tampa Bay’s Steven Souza Jr. has shown power (four HRs), the ability to drive in runs (11 RBIs) and get on base (seven walks) and steal bases (four). Buy with confidence.
As good as the Blue Jays offense, it’s hard to believe Devon Travis (.375, five HRs, 16 RBIs) can keep up this pace. He was the third most added player in ESPN leagues and the fourth most-added in Yahoo, which makes him a desired commodity for many owners. Selling him now should bring you nice returns.
In just 19 at-bats before Friday night, the Dodgers’ Alex Guerrero was hitting .474 with four homers, 12 RBIs and a 1.661 OPS. Because the 26-year-old still is behind Juan Uribe (.250, zero HRs, zero RBIs), he is available in 85 percent or more in ESPN and Yahoo leagues. It’s not a bad time to buy and plan for your future.
Anthony DeSclafani was the most added pitcher in ESPN leagues (second most in Yahoo), and for good reason — the Reds hurler is 2-0 with a 0.86 ERA, 0.62 WHIP and 16 strikeouts after three starts.
Keeping up these numbers may be tough, which is why you should consider selling while he can bring you something good in return.
Big hits
Chris Young OF, Yankees
The Mets castaway was red-hot before Friday’s action (.357, four HRs, nine RBIs, 1.187 OPS). Just remember this, if and when you consider picking him up: He is a career .235 hitter.
Stephen Vogt 1B/C, A’s
Vogt (.360, four HRs, 14 RBIs) was the most added player in ESPN leagues, going from 10 percent ownership to 100 percent.
Wilmer Flores SS, Mets
He is available in 90 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues, and hit .344 with three HRs, seven RBIs from April 12 through Thursday.
Joakim Soria RP, Tigers
Had collected five saves before Friday, and now he can add more without looking over his shoulder expecting Joe Nathan to reappear.
Big whiffs
Steve Pearce 1B, Orioles
Dug a big hole for himself after collecting just seven hits in his first 52 at-bats. Not the start fantasy owners were hoping for, hence his being the most dropped, non-injured position player in ESPN leagues.
Rougned Odor 2B, Rangers
Whether you call it a slow start or a sophomore slump, hitting .140 in the first 15 games stinks. (Insert foul Odor joke here.)
Phil Hughes P, Twins
He is 0-3 with a 5.30 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. So, it’s true. He really does miss The Bronx. Well, he’s pitching like he does.
Danny Santana SS, Twins
A leadoff man hitting .218, who has scored four runs, hasn’t walked and stolen just one base in 42 plate appearances. You do the math.
Quick hits
It’s not shocking Tigers hurler Alfredo Simon is off to a stellar start (3-0, 1.74 ERA, 0.87 WHIP), largely because this guy was an All-Star last year. What is shocking is the fact he was owned in just 8.6 percent of ESPN leagues at the start of the week.
Since being named the Mets’ closer, Jeurys Familia’s numbers look like this: Eight saves in eight tries, 1.17 ERA, .129 opponents batting average and nine strikeouts.
Yes, Drew Hutchison has a 5.48 ERA. Yes, he pitches in the Rogers Centre, where runs are scored almost as often as a Kardashian/Jenner will post a pic to Instagram. But, jumping ship after four starts? He is 2-0 with 21 strikeouts, and that is not worth a 40 percent drop in ownership. He is a solid buy-low option for your rotation.
It will be tough for Zack Cozart, a career .246 hitter who averaged 10 homers and 45 RBIs from 2012-14, to keep up his hot start (.306, four HRs, nine RBIs, .898 OPS). Does Reds manager Bryan Price agree? Who the (bleep) cares?
Team name of the week
Duda-Wright Thing — Submitted by @heatslingers
