Tampa Bay occupies fourth place in the AL East, but if they're going to make a strong campaign to rise within the division, OF Steven Souza, Jr. is going to be a big part of that effort. After going 3-5, 3 R, HR, 3 RBI, K Thursday, he is clocking in a batting average of .349. Even more impressive than the already robust stat line is that he fell just one measly single short of hitting for the cycle during Thursday's game. To me, such a performance is both exciting for the XBH excellence and frustrating for how close he was to a huge accomplishment. In any case, he's been huge for the Rays of late from the leadoff spot, and I continue to campaign for his fantasy ownership to increase. [Edit: Souza, Jr. also bats from the 5-spot at the heart of the order, and the lineup is matchup-dependent on the pitcher.]
Let’s take a look at what else happened hitting-wise around the league:
Might be worth nothing Souza only leads off for the Rays against LHP. Corey Dickerson is the leadoff man against RHP
Totally valid point that he alternates between 1 and 5. His splits are really interesting: his batting average is .350 vs LHP and just a hair lower at .349 vs RHP but he has struck out twice as often (12 vs 6) against RHP and more doubles against LHP.
If you had to choose between Dickerson, Souza, Puig or Shaw, which one would you be looking to add?
Drop d’Arnaud for Hedges or Bandy in a roto league? Thanks!
Also, drop Folty for Neris in a 6×6 dynasty roto league with QS and OPS? Could use some saves. Here is my current staff:
Verlander
Fulmer
Cole
Maeda
Ray
Pineda
Folty
Gsellman
Triggs
Giolito
Chapman
A Miller
Bush
Thanks!
I picked up Souza Jr Thursday morning based on your daily article. Thank you.
And yeah me for his Thursday stats!
8 team 5×5 AL Only 5×5 Standard Roto. Trade offer on the table.
Give:
Benintendi
Bundy
Stroman
Get:
Nelson Cruz
Manaea
Current roster:
C – Russell Martin
1b – Moreland
2b – Altuve
SS – Lindor
3b – Machado
If – Healy
Of – Betts
Of – Benintendi
Of – Haniger
Of – Kepler
Until – Gallo
DL – JD Martinez
DL – Wilson Ramos
Bn – Motter
Sp – McCullers
Sp – Stroman
Sp – Liriano
Sp – Devenski
Rp – Chapman
Rp – Bedrosian
Rp – Nate Jones
P – Justin Wilson
P – Keone Kela
Bn – Bundy
Bn – Daniel Norris
Bn – Shoemaker
Bn – Eduardo Rodriguez
Love Benintendi, but fear he may be a better real life player than fantasy, at least for now. Like what Bundys done so far, but like Manaea as well. Not as high on Stroman. What’s really holding me back is that I can keep Benintendi through 2018.
Pull the trigger on the deal or hold?