Batter’s Box: Moooooooooooookie Crisp

I don’t try to hide the fact that I’m a Yankee fan. More than that, I consider myself a baseball fan, and more than anything, I’m a fantasy baseball fan. But sometimes, the Yankee fan really shines through, and the last two days have been a glaring example of that, as the Red Sox put another drubbing on my Bombers, scoring 10 runs after 19 the night before. I wrote about multiple Red Sox yesterday, but today, I’m only going to discuss one: the leadoff man.

Mookie Betts straight up dominated the Yankees to the tune of 4-5, 4 R, 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI. Not just that, but he also hit all three off James Paxton, making it all the more impressive. Those who took Betts second overall are likely incredibly disappointed with his .289 AVG, 18 HRs, and 12 SBs. But that does come with 92 runs scored. I get it. You’re upset. But look at the bright side: Since June 26, he’s hitting .360 with 5 HRs, 18 RBI and 33 R.

You had to know he wouldn’t repeat last year’s batting average, so be happy with what you do have. And there are reasons for even more optimism: his LD/GB/FB splits are virtually identical to last season, and his plate-discipline figures are even better than last year, suggesting that he could maintain this high gear through the rest of the year. I know, I know, the homers and steals still aren’t there, but give him some time and he’ll reward you for it.

Anthony Santander (OF, Baltimore Orioles)—3/4, R, 2B, 3 RBI. An Oriole made Batter’s Box! Nick used to do an annual thing where he’d joke about who will be the most fantasy-relevant starter for the Padres/Twins/Royals/insert terrible team here, and I think we should do the same with the Orioles. It’s not Santander—it’s definitely Trey Mancini—but Santander has had a quietly good season, slashing .290/.341/.506 with 8 HRs, 26 R, and 29 RBI in 180 PAs. Over a full season, that’s 27 HRs and over 80 both R and RBI. That’ll play. At age 24, Santander and Mancini give the Orioles some hope at a decent foundation for their future outfield.

Daniel Murphy (1B/2B, Colorado Rockies)—2-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 6 RBI. OH BABY. I wrote a blurb about Murphy yesterday, and he came back with an even bigger game tonight! If he’s available in your league somehow, get him. Now.

Travis Shaw (3B, Milwaukee Brewers)—0-3. One of 2019’s biggest fantasy disappointments decided to continue the trend last night, going 0-for-3 against the Cubs. For what it’s worth, he hit two decently far fly balls.

Jose Ramirez (2B/3B, Cleveland Indians)—2-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB. Since May 20, JoRam is hitting .282/.342/.485. Since June 14, he’s got that line up to .318/.363/.598 with 7 HRs and 6 SBs over 146 PAs. It’s not his otherworldly numbers from the last two years, but he’s definitely starting to turn his season around. Those of you who bought low must be pretty excited right about now.

Jace Peterson (2B/3B/OF, Baltimore Orioles)—2-4, R, 2 SB. TWO ORIOLES?? Peterson has never had game-breaking speed, but he played the part Friday. He’s a career .228 hitter who is slashing .313/.398/.512 at Triple-A. Crazier things have happened than a potential Peterson career renaissance at age 29.

Francisco Lindor (SS, Cleveland Indians)—3-5, R, 3B, RBI, SB. Where are you taking Lindor in 2020 drafts? I’d argue he’s a mid-first-round pick with his power-speed combo while bordering on a .300 average for the first time since .2016.

Danny Santana (1B,2B,OF, Texas Rangers)—0-5, 3 K. Oh how the tables turn…yesterday, I was hyping up Santana for a grand slam and six-RBI game. Friday…things were a bit different. Yes, it was bad, but he’s hitting in the 3-hole for the Rangers, which should be a recipe for success (unless you play for the Mets, who have an 82 wRC+ from the 3-hole).

Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF, Atlanta Braves)—2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, SB. Another day, another dominant effort from the generational youngster. He’s one of the few five-category studs left in baseball. In our Pitcher List “2020 First Two Rounds” draft, he went with the 3rd overall pick right after Mike Trout and Christian Yelich.

Paul Goldschmidt (1B, St. Louis Cardinals)—2-4, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI. What a disappointment Goldy has been in his first season in St. Louis, but he’s now homered in five straight games, and in July, he’s up to .286/.354/.671. We saw him turn his season around in mid-May last year and rediscover his superstar hitting abilities. Could Goldy be in for a huge second half? I’m inclined to believe in talent, even if his steals have completely dried up.

Adam Frazier (2B/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates)—2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI. Another year, another middle-of-the-road season from Frazier. He’ll never really be ownable outside deeper leagues, but he puts up a good average, sitting at .282 for the year. That’s worth something, I suppose.

Jose Abreu (1B, Chicago White Sox)—0-4. Those wondering what happened to Abreu’s premier average of his first few seasons may be disappointed, as he’s sitting in the .260s for the second straight year. He’s hitting just .147 over his last eight games. I’m not expecting the average to shoot up the rest of the year.

(Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire)