Written by Jock Thompson at Fantasy.USAToday.com
Almost one quarter of the way through the season, we can expect MLB teams to begin to address their ongoing problems. It’s the time of year when a little research, anticipation and speculation can pay big fantasy dividends. In the latest issue of USA TODAY Sports Weekly, BaseballHQ.com writer Jock Thompson takes a look at some teams’ possible solutions.
Houston Astros
The Astros entered the week near the bottom in production at third base. At Class AAA,Colin Moran has struggled recently, but his .281 batting average and historically good plate skills suggest he’s only a hot streak away from offering an alternative to Luis Valbuena. (Note: The Astros did, in fact, promote Moran on Tuesday.)
At Class AA, prospect Alex Bregman (.310 batting average, seven home runs, 13 strikeouts and nine walks through 84 at-bats) is hinting that his bat might be ready for a major-league debut this season. A shortstop by trade, Bregman played his first professional game at third base May 13, suggesting the wheels are turning in Houston’s front office.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are last in the AL in runs and have a sinkhole at first base, where left-handed option Logan Morrison was hitting .125 after 80 at-bats. But switch-hitting Casey Gillaspie, with a .306/442/.565 (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage) line and 28 walks against 26 strikeouts through 108 at-bats at Class AA, is looking like the Rays’ first baseman of the future.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates rotation is among the National League’s laggards in ERA. But the win-now Pirates will likely only wait another few weeks and the passage of the “Super Two” date (affecting player service times) before they bring up Class AAA starters Tyler Glasnow andJameson Taillon.
With 18 walks allowed through 39 innings, Glasnow is still working on his control. But a 2.13 ERA and 49 strikeouts suggest he might be able to thrive as a major leaguer while learning on the job.
In contrast, Taillon’s 43/5 K/BB rate and 2.08 ERA through 43 innings indicate he’s more polished and no less dominating than Glasnow. One or both should be up before the All-Star break.
Washington Nationals
The .319/.381/.464 line from top prospect Trea Turner suggests he is just toying with Class AAA pitchers as he waits his turn. In the meantime, the Nationals’ shortstop job is being manned by below-average hitters Danny Espinosa and Stephen Drew. Expect Turner to make his 2016 debut in the nation’s capital before the All-Star break. His running game — 14 stolen bases without being caught — should make an immediate fantasy impact.
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