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Category Power Rankings: Week 21

Colin Ward gives his latest take with Category Power Rankings for Week 21 of the fantasy season

Colin Ward
Category Power Rankings 8/26/2019

It is time for your weekly dose of CPR!

 

Batting Average (AVG)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Michael Brantley HOU OF +1
2 Christian Yelich MIL OF -1
3 DJ LeMahieu NYY 1B/2B/3B +1
4 Anthony Rendon WSH 3B -1
5 Nolan Arenado COL 3B +1
6 Jeff McNeil NYM 2B/3B/OF +7
7 Freddie Freeman ATL 1B -2
8 Charlie Blackmon COL OF –
9 Mike Trout LAA OF -2
10 Cody Bellinger LAD 1B/OF -1
11 J.D. Martinez BOS OF -1
12 Xander Bogaerts BOS SS -1
13 Rafael Devers BOS 3B +1
14 Whit Merrifield KC 1B/2B/OF -1
15 Jose Altuve HOU 2B +1
16 Kris Bryant CHC 3B/OF -1
17 Ketel Marte ARZ 2B/SS/OF +3
18 Justin Turner LAD 3B +1
19 Mookie Betts BOS OF -2
20 Jorge Polanco MIN SS -2
21 Bryan Reynolds PIT OF +1
22 Francisco Lindor CLE SS +1
23 Juan Soto WSH OF -2
24 Ronald Acuna Jr. ATL OF –
25 Trea Turner WSH SS Unranked

 

Off the list: Andrew Benintendi

Michael Brantley has hit .418 in the month of August, and it has now placed him at the top of the MLB leaderboards in average at .337. He really has not stopped hitting all year in his first season in Houston, and I do not see that changing.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Bryan Reynolds PIT OF –
2 Hanser Alberto BAL 2B/3B –
3 J.D. Davis NYM 1B/3B/OF –
4 Dee Gordon SEA 2B/SS/OF –
5 Corey Dickerson PHI OF +2
6 David Fletcher LAA 2B/3B/SS/OF +2
7 Leury Garcia CHW SS/OF -1
8 Howie Kendrick WSH 1B/2B/3B/OF Unranked
9 Amed Rosario NYM SS +1
10 Hunter Pence TEX OF Unranked

 

Off the list: Kolten Wong, Adam Eaton (ownership)

Corey Dickerson has done a nice job for the Phillies since being dealt to Philadelphia at the trade deadline. It was uncertain whether he would just be a platoon player, but Dickerson is getting everyday playing time for the Phils and has always been a good source of average.

 

Runs (R)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Mookie Betts BOS OF –
2 Mike Trout LAA OF –
3 Ronald Acuna Jr. ATL OF –
4 Cody Bellinger LAD 1B/OF –
5 Freddie Freeman ATL 1B –
6 Charlie Blackmon COL OF –
7 Xander Bogaerts BOS SS +1
8 Christian Yelich MIL OF -1
9 Anthony Rendon WSH 3B –
10 Rafael Devers BOS 3B +2
11 Kris Bryant CHC 3B/OF -1
12 Trevor Story COL SS -1
13 DJ LeMahieu NYY 1B/2B/3B +1
14 Whit Merrifield KC 1B/2B/OF -1
15 Alex Bregman HOU 3B/SS +2
16 Nolan Arenado COL 3B -1
17 George Springer HOU OF -1
18 Javier Baez CHC 2B/3B/SS –
19 Francisco Lindor CLE SS –
20 J.D. Martinez BOS OF –
21 Starling Marte PIT OF –
22 Marcus Semien OAK SS +1
23 Carlos Santana CLE 1B/3B -1
24 Jose Altuve HOU 2B +1
25 Adam Eaton WSH OF Unranked

 

Off the list: Josh Bell

The month of August has been a friendly reminder of just how dynamic Adam Eaton can be when healthy. It is not a coincidence that the Nationals’ strong play has been parallel to Eaton’s incredibly good month at the dish. He has been the table setter they have been waiting for since they acquired him a couple of years ago. He has scored 25 runs across 19 games this month, all while slashing .346/.446/.654.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Bryan Reynolds PIT OF –
2 Miguel Sano MIN 1B/3B Unranked
3 Leury Garcia CHW SS/OF –
4 J.D. Davis NYM 1B/3B/OF +4
5  Kyle Schwarber CHC OF –
6 Christian Walker ARZ 1B -2
7 Kole Calhoun LAA OF –
8 Manuel Margot SD OF +1
9 Kevin Pillar SF OF +1
10 Hanser Alberto BAL 2B/3B Unranked

 

Off the list: Adam Eaton (ownership), Brian Anderson (injury)

Over Miguel Sano’s past 18 games, he has mashed eight homers, driven in 18 runs, and scored 18 runs, and he has a 1.066 OPS. While he will always be a drain on the old batting average, he has been the offensive force we have been waiting for this year. Here’s to hoping this version of Sano sticks around for years to come.

 

Home Runs (HR)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Mike Trout LAA OF +1
2 Christian Yelich MIL OF -1
3 Cody Bellinger LAD 1B/OF –
4 Pete Alonso NYM 1B –
5 Nolan Arenado COL 3B –
6 Jorge Soler KC OF –
7 Freddie Freeman ATL 1B +4
8 Aaron Judge NYY OF –
9 Alex Bregman HOU 3B/SS –
10 Javier Baez CHC 2B/3B/SS -3
11 Mike Moustakas MIL 2B/3B -1
12 J.D. Martinez BOS OF –
13 Ronald Acuna Jr. ATL OF +2
14 Max Muncy LAD 1B/2B/3B –
15 Hunter Renfroe SD OF -2
16 Matt Chapman OAK 3B –
17 Trevor Story COL SS –
18 Eugenio Suarez CIN SS –
19 Matt Olson OAK 1B +2
20 Josh Bell PIT 1B –
21 Yordan Alvarez HOU 1B/OF +1
22 Max Kepler MIN OF +1
23 Rhys Hoskins PHI 1B/OF -4
24 Josh Donaldson ATL 3B Unranked
25 Francisco Lindor CLE SS -1

 

Off the list: Manny Machado

Carlos Santana is enjoying his strongest season of his career, even though this is the second time he has reached the 30-home run mark. His career high is 34 dongs back in 2016, but he looks poised to surpass that total over the remaining couple weeks of the season. His career high 87 RBI from that same 2016 campaign appears to be in jeopardy as well.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Miguel Sano MIN 1B/3B –
2 Franmil Reyes CLE OF –
3 Renato Nunez BAL 1B/3B +2
4 Kyle Schwarber CHC OF –
5 Daniel Vogelbach SEA 1B +1
6 Mike Yastrzemski SF OF +2
7 Kyle Seager SEA 3B Unranked
8 Willie Calhoun TEX OF Unranked
9 Ryan McMahon COL 1B/2B/3B Unranked
10 Christian Walker ARZ 1B -7

 

Off the list: Brian Anderson (injury), Teoscar Hernandez, Kole Calhoun

Willie Calhoun has socked four home runs over his past six games and is showcasing the power that made him a top prospect in the Dodgers and Rangers systems. He is finally playing regularly and needs to be owned as he can ultimately be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy owners.

 

Runs Batted In (RBI)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Freddie Freeman ATL 1B –
2 Nolan Arenado COL 3B –
3 Cody Bellinger LAD 1B/OF –
4 Mike Trout LAA OF –
5 Anthony Rendon WSH 3B +1
6 Christian Yelich MIL OF -1
7 Pete Alonso NYM 1B –
8 Jose Abreu CHW 1B –
9 Josh Bell PIT 1B –
10 J.D. Martinez BOS OF –
11 Anthony Rizzo CHC 1B –
12 Xander Bogaerts BOS SS –
13 Rafael Devers BOS 3B +1
14 Alex Bregman HOU 3B/SS -1
15 Eduardo Escobar ARZ 3B/SS –
16 Bryce Harper PHI OF +2
17 Trevor Story COL SS –
18 Javier Baez CHC 2B/3B/SS -2
19 Ronald Acuna Jr. ATL OF +2
20 Eugenio Suarez CIN 3B –
21 Rhys Hoskins PHI 1B/OF -2
22 Aaron Judge NYY OF –
23 Jorge Soler KC OF –
24 Eddie Rosario MIN OF –
25 Juan Soto WSH OF –

 

Off the list: None

Nolan Arenado had hit a little bit of a wall, at least in terms of his standards, from the beginning of July until the middle of August. But over the past couple of weeks, he has gotten right back on track. Over his past 12 games, Arenado has hit seven home runs and driven in 14 RBI and is currently on pace to finish with 41 home runs and 127 RBI. He is still as elite as they come.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Miguel Sano MIN 1B/3B –
2 Franmil Reyes CLE OF –
3 Bryan Reynolds PIT OF +1
4 Kyle Seager SEA 3B +3
5 Mike Yastrzemski SF OF +3
6 Kyle Schwarber CHC OF –
7 Willie Calhoun TEX OF Unranked
8 Daniel Vogelbach SEA 1B -3
9 Nick Ahmed ARZ SS Unranked
10 Kole Calhoun LAA OF -1

 

Off the list: Mike Tauchman, Brian Anderson (injury)

Nick Ahmed has powered his way into the “must-own” consideration over the past couple of weeks. He has mashed seven dingers and driven in 18 RBI, giving him 70 on the year.

 

Stolen Bases (SB)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Mallex Smith SEA OF –
2 Trea Turner WSH SS –
3 Ronald Acuna Jr. ATL OF –
4 Jonathan Villar BAL 2B/3SS +1
5 Jarrod Dyson ARZ OF +2
6 Christian Yelich MIL OF –
7 Elvis Andrus TEX SS +1
8 Starling Marte PIT OF +1
9 Victor Robles WSH OF +3
10 Whit Merrifield KC 1B/2B/OF –
11 Billy Hamilton ATL OF –
12 Dee Gordon SEA 2B/SS/OF +3
13 Francisco Lindor CLE SS –
14 Adalberto Mondesi KC 2B/SS –
15 Kevin Kiermaier TB OF +1
16 Manuel Margot SD OF +3
17 Trevor Story COL SS +1
18 Tim Anderson CHW SS -1
19 Yasiel Puig CLE OF +1
20 Lorenzo Cain MIL OF +1
21 Kolten Wong STL 2B +2
22 Mookie Betts BOS OF –
23 Amed Rosario NYM SS +2
24 Tommy Pham TB OF –
25 Ozzie Albies ATL 2B Unranked

 

Off the list: Jose Ramirez (injury)

Ozzie Albies has been showing off the wheels much more lately. He has five steals over his past 22 games, when he only stole eight across his first 108 contests. It is an added wrinkle on top of what makes him a multi-category contributor in fantasy.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Mallex Smith SEA OF –
2 Jarrod Dyson ARZ OF –
3 Billy Hamilton KC OF –
4 Kevin Kiermaier TB OF –
5 Manuel Margot SD OF –
6 Kolten Wong STL 2B –
7 Amed Rosario NYM SS –
8 Leury Garcia CHW SS/OF –
9 Adam Eaton WSH OF –
10 Jon Berti MIA 2B/3B/OF –

 

Off the list: None

No change here. If you are lacking in speed, it is going be tough for you to make up for it at this point.

 

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Mike Trout LAA OF –
2 Christian Yelich MIL OF –
3 Alex Bregman HOU 3B/SS –
4 Cody Bellinger LAD 1B/OF –
5 Freddie Freeman ATL 1B –
6 Carlos Santana CLE 1B/3B –
7 Anthony Rendon WSH 3B –
8 Juan Soto WSH OF –
9 Rhys Hoskins PHI 1B/OF +1
10 Kris Bryant CHC 3B/OF -1
11 Anthony Rizzo CHC 1B +1
12 Mookie Betts BOS OF -1
13 George Springer HOU OF –
14 DJ LeMahieu NYY 1B/2B/3B –
15 J.D. Martinez BOS OF –
16 Bryce Harper PHI OF –
17 Nolan Arenado COL 3B –
18 Jeff McNeil NYM 2B/3B/OF +1
19 Xander Bogaerts BOS SS -1
20 Michael Brantley HOU OF –
21 Josh Donaldson ATL 3B –
22 Rafael Devers BOS 3B –
23 Justin Turner LAD 3B –
24 Ronald Acuna Jr. ATL OF +1
25 Ketel Marte ARZ 2B/SS/OF Unranked

 

Off the list: Shin-Soo Choo

Rhys Hoskins‘ power has not quite profiled how we had hoped this year, but man, does he do a great job of getting on base. He has increased his walk rate about 5%, and despite the dip in HR/FB rate, he has been a very good asset in OBP leagues.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Bryan Reynolds PIT OF –
2 Shin-Soo Choo TEX OF Unranked
3 J.D. Davis NYM 1B/3B/OF –
4 Jason Heyward CHC OF +1
5 Kolten Wong STL 2B +1
6 Mark Canha OAK 1B/OF +1
7 Daniel Vogelbach SEA 1B -5
8 Christian Walker ARZ 1B –
9 Justin Smoak TOR 1B –
10 David Fletcher LAA 2B/3B/SS/OF –

 

Off the list: Adam Eaton (ownership)

Shin-Soo Choo has bee pretty steady this year and has even shown signs of “must-start” production. He has fallen off a bit over the past month or so but one thing that will always remain a constant with Choo is his ability to get on base. His .371 OBP is excellent and is right in line with his .378 career mark, making him a fine pick-up if he was dropped in any OBP leagues over the past several weeks. He has also chipped in 20 home runs and 11 steals.

 

Wins (W)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Justin Verlander HOU SP –
2 Gerrit Cole HOU SP –
3 Clayton Kershaw LAD SP –
4 Zack Greinke HOU SP –
5 Hyun-Jin Ryu LAD SP –
6 Aaron Nola PHI SP –
7 Stephen Strasburg WSH SP +1
8 Max Scherzer WSH SP +1
9 Jose Berrios MIN SP -2
10 Charlie Morton TB SP –
11 Walker Buehler LAD SP +1
12 Shane Bieber CLE SP +1
13 Trevor Bauer CIN SP -1
14 Luis Castillo CIN SP –
15 Jacob deGrom NYM SP –
16 Domingo German NYY SP/RP +2
17 Lance Lynn TEX SP –
18 Patrick Corbin WSH SP -2
19 Lucas Giolito CHW SP –
20 Mike Clevinger CLE SP +2
21 Mike Minor TEX SP –
22 Ryan Yarbrough TB SP/RP +1
23 Jake Odorizzi MIN SP -3
24 Max Fried ATL SP/RP –
25 Eduardo Rodriguez BOS SP –

 

Off the list: None

Over his past nine starts, Domingo German is 7-1 with a 4.56 ERA. Just goes to show you how finicky the wins category is and how it is a complete and udder crap shoot when trying to improve it when constructing your team.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Kyle Gibson MIN SP –
2 Jeff Samardzija SF SP –
3 Dakota Hudson STL SP/RP +1
4 Marco Gonzales SEA SP -1
5 Cal Quantrill SD SP/RP –
6 Chris Bassitt OAK SP Unranked
7 Zach Eflin PHI SP –
8 Zach Plesac CLE SP –
9 Ivan Nova CHW SP +1
10 Joe Ross WSH SP/RP Unranked

 

Off the list: Aaron Sanchez (injury), Brett Anderson

Ivan Nova has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past month or so. Nova has pitched to a 5-1 record across seven starts and owns a minuscule 0.94 ERA during that span. To put this great stretch into perspective, Nova has shut down the Twins twice, the Rangers, the Phillies, and shut out the Astros.

 

Earned Run Average (ERA)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Justin Verlander HOU SP –
2 Jacob deGrom NYM SP –
3 Clayton Kershaw LAD SP –
4 Hyun-Jin Ryu LAD SP –
5 Gerrit Cole HOU SP –
6 Max Scherzer WSH SP +1
7 Charlie Morton WSH SP -1
8 Zack Greinke HOU SP +1
9 Walker Buehler LAD SP +1
10 Luis Castillo CIN SP -2
11 Shane Bieber CLE SP –
12 Patrick Corbin WSH SP +1
13 Mike Soroka ATL SP +1
14 Jose Berrios MIN SP -2
15 Aaron Nola PHI SP –
16 Stephen Strasburg WSH SP –
17 Trevor Bauer CIN SP –
18 Lucas Giolito CHW SP –
19 Kyle Hendricks CHC SP –
20 Wade Miley HOU SP –
21 Mike Minor TEX SP –
22 Sonny Gray CIN SP/RP –
23 Jack Flaherty STL SP +2
24 Marcus Stroman NYM SP –
25 Jake Odorizzi MIN SP -2

 

Off the list: None

Since the beginning of July, Patrick Corbin has dialed it back up. The lefty owns a 2.31 ERA during that time, and hitters are only mustering a .648 OPS against him.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Jeff Samardzija SF SP –
2 Cal Quantrill SD SP/RP –
3 Zac Gallen ARZ SP –
4 Chris Bassitt OAK SP +1
5 Ivan Nova CHW SP +1
6 Zach Plesac CLE SP -2
7 Dakota Hudson STL SP/RP Unranked
8 Dustin May LAD SP +2
9 Logan Webb SF SP –
10 Kyle Gibson MIN SP -4

 

Off the list: Brett Anderson

After a brief stint in the bullpen, Dustin May will return to the Dodgers rotation this week. The 21-year-old has electric stuff and is fun to watch, so it will be a sight to see as he takes his rightful place back in the LA rotation.

 

Strikeouts (K)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Gerrit Cole HOU SP –
2 Justin Verlander HOU SP –
3 Trevor Bauer CIN SP –
4 Jacob deGrom NYM SP –
5 Max Scherzer WSH SP +1
6 Stephen Strasburg WSH SP -1
7 Shane Bieber CLE SP –
8 Charlie Morton TB SP –
9 Matt Boyd DET SP –
10 Patrick Corbin WSH SP +1
11 Robbie Ray ARZ SP +1
12 Aaron Nola PHI SP +1
13 Luis Castillo CIN SP +1
14 Walker Buehler LAD SP +1
15 Lucas Giolito CHW SP +1
16 James Paxton NYY SP +1
17 Mike Clevinger CLE SP +3
18 Lance Lynn TEX SP –
19 Yu Darvish CHC SP –
20 Jack Flaherty STL SP +4
21 Zack Wheeler NYM SP –
22 Mike Minor TEX SP –
23 German Marquez COL SP –
24 Sonny Gray CIN SP/RP +1
25 Madison Bumgarner SF SP Unranked

 

Off the list: Chris Sale (injury)

James Paxton has posted an uninspiring 4.98 ERA over the past month, but he has managed to rack up four quality starts in that time, along with five wins, and is striking out 11.53 batters per nine innings. He is showing the glimpses of the ace we know him as, I just think that knee problem is still nagging him.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Dinelson Limet SD SP –
2 Zac Gallen ARZ SP +1
3 Jordan Lyles MIL SP/RP +1
4 Elieser Hernandez MIA SP Unranked
5 Jordan Yamamoto MIA SP –
6 Andrew Heaney LAA SP Unranked
7 Chris Bassitt OAK SP +1
8 Spencer Turnbull DET SP Unranked
9 Trent Thornton TOR SP -3
10 Jakob Junis KC SP -1

 

Off the list: Chris Archer (injury), Aaron Sanchez (injury), Kyle Gibson

After a 14-strikeout performance, it would be difficult not to include Andrew Heaney on this list. He has more than likely been scooped up in your league since then, but if he has not, he is definitely worth a pick-up in all mixed leagues.

 

Saves (SV)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Kirby Yates SD RP –
2 Aroldis Chapman NYY RP –
3 Brad Hand CLE RP –
4 Roberto Osuna HOU RP –
5 Kelley Jansen LAD RP –
6 Will Smith SF RP +1
7 Josh Hader MIL RP -1
8 Felipe Vazquez PIT RP +1
9 Alex Colome CHW RP +1
10 Raisel Iglesias CIN RP +1
11 Hector Neris PHI RP +1
12 Liam Hendriks OAK SP/RP +2
13 Ian Kennedy KC SP/RP –
14 Ken Giles TOR RP +1
15 Taylor Rogers MIN RP +3
16 Hansel Robles LAA RP –
17 Carlos Martinez STL SP/RP –
18 Emilio Pagan TB RP +1
19 Mark Melancon ATL RP +1
20 Craig Kimbrel CHC RP Unranked
21 Archie Bradley ARZ RP –
22 Jose Leclerc TEX RP +1
23 Seth Lugo NYM SP/RP Unranked
24 Daniel Hudson WSH RP –
25 Brandon Workman BOS RP Unranked

 

Off the list: Edwin Diaz, Pedro Strop, Shane Greene

Edwin Diaz’s tumultuous first year in Queens has gotten even worse with the recent news of some shoulder tightness that may sideline him for the next few days. Seth Lugo is the guy to own when it comes to save chances for the Mets.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-Team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Mark Melancon ATL RP +1
2 Archie Bradley ARZ RP +1
3 Jose Leclerc TEX SP/RP +2
4 Seth Lugo NYM SP/RP Unranked
5 Daniel Hudson WSH RP +1
6 Brandon Workman BOS RP +1
7 Joe Jimenez DET RP +1
8 Matt Magill SEA RP Unranked
9 Wade Davis COL RP Unranked
10 Mychal Givens BAL RP –

 

Off the list: Emilio Pagan (ownership), Pedro Strop, Anthony Bass

Matt Magill has converted three of his four save chances for Seattle since Roenis Elias was dealt at the deadline. He is looking like the clear favorite in a not-so-great situation but should probably be picked up in deeper leagues nonetheless.

 

WHIP (Walks+Hits/Innings Pitched)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Justin Verlander HOU SP –
2 Gerrit Cole HOU SP –
3 Clayton Kershaw LAD SP –
4 Zack Greinke HOU SP –
5 Hyun-Jin Ryu LAD SP –
6 Max Scherzer WSH SP –
7 Jacob deGrom NYM SP –
8 Shane Bieber CLE SP –
9 Charlie Morton TB SP –
10 Walker Buehler LAD SP –
11 Stephen Strasburg WSH SP –
12 Luis Castillo CIN SP –
13 Kyle Hendricks CHC SP +1
14 Luis Castillo CIN SP -1
15 Aaron Nola PHI SP –
16 Mike Soroka ATL SP +1
17 Patrick Corbin WSH SP +2
18 Mike Clevinger CLE SP +3
19 Matt Boyd DET SP -4
20 Trevor Bauer CIN SP -2
21 Lucas Giolito CHW SP -1
22 Madison Bumgarner SF SP –
23 Jack Flaherty STL SP +2
24 Sonny Gray CIN SP/RP –
25 Jeff Samardzija SF SP Unranked

 

Off the list: Wade Miley

Madison Bumgarner has been steady all year long and over his past four starts owns a 2.52 ERA with a 0.68 WHIP to boot. He may not be the dominant, top-five stud he once was, but he can still be an effective fantasy pitcher who will get you decent ratios with a bunch of quality starts as well.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Jeff Samardzija SF SP –
2 Cal Quantrill SD SP/RP +2
3 Chris Bassitt OAK SP -1
4 Zach Plesac CLE SP -1
5 Michael Pineda MIN SP +3
6 Jordan Yamamoto MIA SP +1
7 Zac Gallen ARZ SP -2
8 Ivan Nova CHW SP +1
9 Pablo Lopez MIA SP Unranked
10 Kyle Gibson MIN SP -4

 

Off the list: Aaron Sanchez (injury)

Pablo Lopez is set to return to the Marlins rotation on Monday after missing the past two months with a shoulder injury. He might be a wait-and-see play, but if all goes well Monday, he is worth a pick-up as the right-hander posted a 4.23 ERA and 1.12 WHIP before hitting the IL.

 

Quality Starts (QS)

 

Top 25

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Justin Verlander HOU SP –
2 Gerrit Cole HOU SP –
3 Jacob deGrom NYM SP –
4 Clayton Kershaw LAD SP –
5 Zack Greinke ARZ SP –
6 Patrick Corbin WSH SP +1
7 Max Scherzer WSH SP +2
8 Aaron Nola PHI SP –
9 Jose Berrios MIN SP -3
10 Stephen Strasburg WSH SP –
11 Shane Bieber CLE SP –
12 Hyun-Jin Ryu LAD SP –
13 Charlie Morton TB SP –
14 Luis Castillo CIN SP +1
15 Walker Buehler LAD SP +1
16 Trevor Bauer CIN SP -2
17 Lance Lynn TEX SP –
18 Mike Clevinger CLE SP +1
19 Madison Bumgarner SF SP -1
20 Lucas Giolito CHW SP +1
21 Mike Minor TEX SP +1
22 Mike Soroka ATL SP +1
23 Matt Boyd DET SP -3
24 Kyle Hendricks CHC SP +1
25 Marcus Stroman NYM SP -1

 

Off the list: None

If it weren’t for Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, we would be talking about Shane Bieber as a leading Cy Young contender this year. The All-Star Game MVP has posted seven straight quality starts and 10 in his past 11 outings. He is going to be a real popular name come draft day next year, and you are going to have to take him early.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank Name Team Position Change
1 Jeff Samardzija SF SP +2
2 Dakota Hudson STL SP/RP +3
3 Chris Bassitt OAK SP +5
4 Zach Plesac CLE SP –
5 Marco Gonzales SEA SP +1
6 Ivan Nova CHW SP +4
7 Brett Anderson OAK SP -6
8 Steven Matz NYM SP +1
9 Jakob Junis KC SP -2
10 Zac Gallen ARZ SP -8

 

Off the list: None

Marco Gonzales may be a somewhat matchup-dependent starter, but he does have 14 quality starts this year. That total is more than Jack Flaherty, Zack Wheeler, Masahiro Tanaka, and German Marquez.

Featured image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)

Colin Ward

Colin currently resides in the Buffalo, NY area and studied at SUNY Fredonia earning a degree in Sport Management. He is a former Assistant Athletic Director and Sports Information Director at the collegiate level. Baseball is his passion and he bleeds Pinstripes.

5 responses to “Category Power Rankings: Week 21”

  1. Michael says:
    August 26, 2019 at 1:18 PM

    You have Luis Castillo at 12 and also 14 in WHIP.

    Reply
  2. Ryan DC says:
    August 27, 2019 at 12:37 AM

    Not to beat a dead horse but Yordan Alvarez has the 5th-most RBIs in baseball since his debut on June 9, he (literally) does nothing but hit and he’s batting clean-up every day in a loaded Astros line-up. There is no excuse for Yordan not to be on the RBI list, and probably near the top.

    Reply
    • Colin Ward says:
      August 27, 2019 at 12:49 PM

      Damn, yeah.. I had intended on putting him on the RBI list and also the OBP list because I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him in terms of plate discipline. He honestly just slipped my mind when I was making the list as I’m staring at so many names I start to go cross eyed. He’ll be in there next week for sure. I appreciate you getting on me for that man!

      Reply
  3. Sam says:
    August 27, 2019 at 9:30 AM

    Marcell Ozuna has to be on the RBI list. He’s at 77 after missing a month and a half and is on a 600-ab pace of 125

    Reply

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