Ozuna From the Braves
Marcell Ozuna (ATL): 2-3, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, BB.
Sooner or later we had to talk about what Marcell Ozuna is doing for the Braves.
Olson? Hack. Acuña? Washed up. Riley? Boo. This joke, is it working? I’d like to think so. The Braves haven’t fully gotten it going but they are still one of the best teams in baseball because of Ozuna. His slash right now is sitting at .315/.396/.646 with 12 home runs and an OPS of 1.042. For those that don’t know, that is insanely good. Not good, insanely good.
Remember when he was a Marlin? Am I that old? The return for Ozuna was actually quite impressive and the Marlins kind of Marlins’d it. Ozuna went to the Cardinals in 2017 for Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Daniel Castano, and Magneuris Sierra. I remember Sierra being the second talked about piece in that trade behind Alcantara. Where does the time go? Ozuna then signed a free agent deal with the Braves in 2020 and through thick and thin has remained with the Atlanta ball club.
He’s been a steady force in the Braves lineup these last two years but this year is different. The Braves aren’t where they are in the win/loss column without him right now. Their other guys will get the ball rolling I’m sure. They are not hacks, washed up, and I do not boo them. But Snitker and the Braves must be praising Ozuna every day for keeping them where they are. Once the others get involved, this Atlanta offense will become only more lethal.
Let’s see how the other hitters did Wednesday
Shea Langeliers (OAK): 5-9, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 3 R, 8 RBI.
The Oakland A’s had a doubleheader with the Texas Rangers and both produced a lot of offense. I believe I put these stats correctly from the two games, and if I didn’t, my bad. The only thing to know is that Shea Langeliers had himself quite the games at the plate, amassing a cycle over the two games with a double dong. He is only 26 and on such a strange team. I’m sure the move to Oakland was weird but it feels like he’s getting more comfortable each game. I think he’s worth a look at the catcher position in any 12-team league, but expect a bit of a hit at AVG/OBP.
Brent Rooker (OAK): 5-9, 2 2B, HR, 4 R, 3 RBI.
Rooker and Langeliers did much of the heavy lifting in the doubleheader Wednesday. It’s a shame the A’s couldn’t pull off the day sweep, losing the night game in truly bummer fashion; they were mounting a comeback in the ninth but fell short. Last year I was maybe one of the few that was surprised at how bad the A’s were. I know, weird, right? I say this because the A’s always seem to piece it together no matter what. Even if they don’t have bonafide studs, they just get it done. They look solid to start the year, thanks to this guy named Mason Miller, but their offense hasn’t been terrible. Rooker is as streaky as they come but he’s definitely worth rostering on what seems to be an improved A’s team.
Juan Soto (NYY): 3-5, HR, R, 5 RBI.
Juan Soto is really good and is going to win the AL MVP unless Bobby Witt Jr. continues to have an insane year. That’s all I really have to say, he’s amazing.
Aaron Judge (NYY): 3-5, 2 2B, HR, R, 3 RBI.
It’s nice to be writing about Aaron Judge, it sadly feels like it’s been a bit. Judge didn’t have the best April and I know a few who panicked. That’s fine, but it’s Aaron Judge so give him some slack. Over his last seven games his slash is .375/.483/.792 with counting stats to back it up. Don’t worry about him, just prayer circle for his feet. For his feet to stay healthy that is. Not for his feet in other ways. Not in that way. I’m digging myself a hole here.
Bobby Witt Jr. (KCR): 2-3, 2B, HR, 3 R, RBI, BB.
This is the guy that could take the AL MVP from Juan Soto in 2024. In fact, I feel like if the vote happened today, it would maybe be Witt? No? It would be insanely close. Witt is going to be the next star of the league and it’s great that he’s on a smaller market team on the rise. KC looks improved and Witt is the engine. If he can remain consistent throughout the year, the MVP may be his.
Willi Castro (MIN): 2-3, 3B, HR, R, 2 RBI.
I get to write about Willi Castro again, which is a good thing. I’ve mentioned before that I was a Willi believer, a Williever if you will. And after a slow start, he’s showing why he’s one of my favorite deep-league targets. Is he Bobby Witt? No. Is he a star? No. But players like this are how you win championships. You have to find guys who can score points or tally categories. Castro can do both. If he’s available, put him on your bench now.
Brice Turang (MIL): 3-4, 3 2B, R, RBI, BB.
The hot start from Turang is not stopping it seems. Maybe he’s actually just kind of good. The speed has been shown from Turang and he’s been able to produce some pop, but so far the consistency is what’s making him so valuable for fantasy. He’s firmly cemented in their everyday lineup, ride this streak while it lasts cause the “streak” is going on a month.
Gary Sánchez (MIL): 2-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB.
Ehhhhh Gary Sánchez is a Brewer. Remember when some were worried about Contreras’ playing time when they signed Gary? That’s hilarious. Sánchez finds his way into the lineup from time to time and when he does, he’s usually good for a hit or two. I don’t think there’s much here fantasy wise but maybe throw him in your 2C spot in two-catcher leagues.
Paul DeJong (CHW): 2-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.
The White Sox have such a funny roster and when Paul DeJong is producing, it’s even funnier. I saw something that their GM said he’s basically trading everyone but Luis Robert Jr. Which yeah, totally get it. If they can get a prospect for DeJong, take it and run. He’s good for a few home runs but that’s it.
Michael Conforto (SFG): 2-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB.
What a nice story Conforto has been to start the season. I don’t think we ever see that crazy stretch from 2017-2019 again, but he’s proving to be a solid player in San Francisco. I have him rostered in a five-outfielder categories league and he’s been a god-send honestly. He isn’t going to consistently fill up categories or score points for you, but with outfield being thin, he’s a more than solid option.
Nathaniel Lowe (TEX): 3-8, 1 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB.
The only Ranger of the doubleheader on the list. Marcus Semien had a great day too but we know how good he is. Nathaniel Lowe is on a bit of a heater and needs to be rostered. The power isn’t there yet but a .438 OBP is something to keep an eye on. He’s swinging a good bat and when players are swinging a good bat, usually power or speed is close behind it. In Lowe’s case, power.