Hot Rodriguez

Julio Rodríguez (SEA): 5-5, 2B, HR, R, 5 RBI.

Throughout the season I’ve used the term “what else is there to say” with regard to particular studs. There are many teetering on this distinction while others do not fall under the category. JRod is one of the toughest players to add or not add to this list, and what he did today helps his stud status.

Julio Rodriguez is such a funny player. I say funny because he has only been in the MLB for coming on two years and yet, he feels like a 10-year vet. He has struggled, both down the stretch last year and at the start of this year, and the baseball community has almost been shocked. I love that because it speaks to his talent level; since he’s been in the game, he’s carried himself like a premier talent and has usually been able to back it up.

I say usually like he has this long track record. The man is 22. He is closing in on 4 bWAR for the season, and it may go down as a “disappointing” season. I don’t bring this up to call anyone out, I too fall under the trap of what have you done for me lately when it comes to baseball players. I say all of this because it feels like we need to remember that this may be the next guy, this may be the next face of baseball. As a 22-year-old, he is already closing in on Kyle Schwarber’s career bWAR total. I get they are very different players, but I was just looking at Schwarber’s career stats, so it was fresh in my mind.

WAR is not the end all stat, but it has proven to be a great way to determine between the small minutiae of good and great baseball players. JRod is sitting at 10 bWAR on the nose near the end of his age 22 season. That’s insane, and we need time to process that that is insane.

Also, it is worth noting that the Mariners won this game and are playing great ball since the all-star break/trade deadline. They also were able to add great young talent when moving Paul Sewald, I’m a big fan fantasy baseball-wise, of Ryan Bliss (A+ name too). The Mariners need Rodriguez down the stretch and it feels like he is going to deliver.

Let’s see how the other hitters did Thursday

 

Joey Meneses (WSH): 2-5, 2 2B, 2 R, 5 RBI.

Make way for the king. Seriously make way. Meneses helped me win a championship in my dynasty league last year. He filled into the 4th outfielder slot beautifully, and I just look at him and smile. He’s perfect, truly perfect in every way.

Enough about my love for Meneses, he’s also been hot over the past 15 games slashing .279/.362/.508. The Nationals feel like they are this close, don’t they? My thumb and finger are crazy close together. Meneses probably wasn’t a part of their long-term plans, but he has been too solid to not keep giving him a shot.

Luis Urías (BOS): 2-3, HR, R, 4 RBI.

Certain players get traded and when seeing them in their new uniform it’s like wow, perfect fit. Luis Urías is the perfect fit for the Red Sox. The team off the Charles River wasn’t able to pull it out against the Nats, but Urias has been a solid pick-up for them. He’s still just 26.

Nelson Velázquez (KC): 2-4, HR, 2 R, RBI.

Now here is a player that, if he got full playing time, we could maybe see a breakout. Velazquez helped the Royals put up a fight Thursday but ultimately lost to the Mariners thanks to the player above. Now that Velazquez has a place he can possibly play every day, there may be some value here. His statcast data is through the roof, and what are the Royals playing for? Keep an eye on him.

Triston Casas (BOS): 1-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB.

Back to Boston and the Charles River, Triston Casas is becoming an offensive star as of late. In the first half of the season, Casas hit 9 home runs. In the second half, he’s already at 10. I think it’s safe to say Casas in figuring something out at the major league level, and I, for one, love to see it.

Tommy Pham (ARI): 1-4, HR, R, 2 RBI.

I keep forgetting that Pham was traded to the Diamondbacks. Good trade for the Dbacks. Pham helped propel the Dbacks past the Padres Thursday in a 3-1 victory. Pham is as steady as they come. He may not be the most valuable fantasy player, but over the years he’s always shown that he can put up stats when need be. He also didn’t seem to love Queens, no one did this year. So it isn’t shocking that he is performing better once leaving.

Stone Garrett (WSH): 2-4, 2B, R, 3 RBI.

What do we do about Stone Garrett? He really only plays against lefties, even though he has started the Nats last 5 games. And when he plays, he usually does something positive. Garrett helped the Nats take care of business against the Red Sox Thursday, and I am curious how the organization treats him moving into next year. I truly believe the Nats are so close and Garrett is the least of their issues.

Sal Frelick (MIL): 1-2, 2 BB, 3 SB.

Oh, look, Sal Frelick again.

Man does Frelick look comfortable. He and Zack Gelof remind me of one another because since their call up they both just look comfortable; they look like they are where they belong. Frelick stole 3 bases Thursday, but the Brewers couldn’t get any runs across the board to help out Corbin Burnes. Frelick is a major part of the Brewers plans. If you have shares, trade me him.

Bobby Witt Jr. (KC): 2-4, 2 2B, R.

Witt has been breaking out. I’ve heard this on a few different baseball prospect publications. I’d say he broke out last year since he was almost a first-round pick in Redraft, but who am I to argue? We do know that Witt is becoming a premier player in the league and he has firmly put himself in the “what else is there to say” category.