Catching a hot player at the beginning of a streak is an art form in fantasy baseball. Hot players can single handedly shift a week in head to head leagues while they’re able to grab precious points in roto leagues towards the end of the season. Luckily, you’re dealing with the Monet of the waiver wire and finding your streaking pick up is just a read away.
Percentage of players available taken from Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball leagues
All stats accurate as of 8/21
Coco Crisp (OAK-OF): 24 percent owned- Crisp has been on an absolute tear of late, ranking as the 2nd best fantasy player over the last two weeks by smashing his way to a .412 AVG over his last 51 ABs. Crisp, known for his speed, has also added two homers and nine RBI over the last two weeks to complement his six steals. Crisp is 20 for 22 on steal attempts this season.
Ryan Raburn (DET-1B,2B,OF): 15 percent owned- After injuries ravaged the Tigers offense to offer little protection for AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera, Raburn entered the 3 hole in front of Miggy, enjoying fat pitches and producing as one of the hottest players in the game right now. Four homers and eight RBI in the past two weeks is evidence Raburn is enjoying his time hitting in front of Cabrera. The multiple position eligibility combined with his low ownership makes Raburn a smart add coming down the stretch.
Jim Thome (MIN-UTIL): 7 percent owned- A blast from the past, Thome has provided a strong season for the 1st place Twins after turning it on of late. Always a classic source of power, Thome has cracked four homers over the past two weeks, driving in 10 runs while maintaining a .357 AVG. While the utility position eligibility holds him back a bit, Thome could be a resourceful add for owners looking to add power to their lineup.
Homer Bailey (CIN-SP): 7 percent owned- The epitome of a post hype sleeper, Bailey failed to live up to expectations after the Reds selected him with their 7th pick in the 2004 amateur draft. Flash forward to the present and Bailey has yet to fully reach those expectations but is beginning to show signs of life his last two starts. Bailey has tossed 13 innings of one run baseball over his last two starts while striking out 10 and only walking two batters.
Brian Duensing (MIN-SP/RP): 24 percent owned- Since the Twins moved the middle reliever into the rotation, Duensing has embraced the role and given the Twins a much needed push in August. Over his last 24.1 innings as a starter, Duensing has allowed four runs while pitching into the 7th inning in each of his last three starts. Owners looking for a spot start can ride the hot wave Duensing has provided for the Twins. Owners are advised that his next start come @ Texas, one of baseball’s best offensive ball clubs.
Ryan Madson (PHI-RP): 23 percent owned- Never underestimate the impact of clean innings from middle relievers in fantasy baseball. Madson hasn’t allowed a run since July 29th, posting 12.1 scoreless innings while punching out 21 batters over that stretch while picking up a rouge win along the way. Owners looking for leaner, meaner ERA and WHIP numbers look no further than the Phillies 8th inning man.