Victor Martinez (C/DH-DET): Martinez was out of the starting lineup with a scheduled night of rest, although he did log a 0-1 night after pinch-hitting in the late innings. VMart has incredibly moved his season line to a solid .301/.355/.430 with 14 homers, 83 RBI, and 68 runs with his patently solid .87 EYE. His swinging strike rate is at 4.3%, ranking well above league average and even above his solid career baseline. His value next year will largely depend on position eligibility requirements in your league, as he's only played 3 games at catcher and 11 at first base, with the others all coming at DH. Next year will be the final year of his contract with the Tigers, and with rust not likely being a factor out of the gate, look for him to be even better in 2014.
Chris Perez (RP-CLE): According to multiple reports, Terry Francona has removed Chris Perez from the closer role. It has been a rough season for Perez, who has posted a 4.33 ERA/3.83 xFIP, blowing 5 saves in 30 attempts and losing over 1 MPH on his fastball. Justin Masterson (oblique) struck out the side in an inning of work out the pen last night, and makes for an intriguing option to close this weekend and into the postseason. Cody Allen and Joe Smith all also candidates, especially if the Indians want to work Masterson back into the rotation. If I had to pick one for the weekend, I'd go with Masterson. As for 2014, Cody Allen looks ready to play the part.
R.A. Dickey (SP-TOR): Dickey capped off a disappointing 2013 by tossing 7 strong innings to pick up his 14th win of the season. He allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3. He finishes with a 4.21 ERA/4.23 xFIP and a 177:71 K:BB ratio in 224 and 2/3 innings. What should we expect for him in 2014? His second-half looks about right to me: 3.65 ERA/3.80 xFIP, 22% K-rate, 6% BB-rate, so I think he could provide decent value in the middle rounds next season. The only major concern is the troubles at home, as he allowed 23 homers in 116 innings there compared to only 12 in 108+ innings on the road.
Kole Calhoun (OF-LAA): Calhoun logged another solid night at the plate, going 2 for 3 with 1 run and 1 RBI. This pushe his season line to .282/.346/.468 with 8 homers, 32 RBI, and 29 runs through 56 games with a .50 EYE. He has hit at every level and has displayed solid power, flying under the radar in a rather poor Angels' system. The Angels have been hitting him towards the top of the order and my sense is that they'll give him a long look in spring training despite a crowded OF. He's definitely a name to keep in mind and could provide excellent value in the later rounds, depending on his role.
Alcides Escobar (SS-KC): Escobar went 2 for 4 with 1 run and 1 SB. He has posted an abysmal .235/.262/.302 line with 4 homers, 22 SB's, 52 RBI, and 57 runs with a .23 EYE. While things look ugly on the surface, I like Escobar as a bounce back candidate next season. He carries a .265 BABIP largely due to the 8% spike in his flyball rate. His .23 EYE is a career worst, but he has shown the ability to post .50 marks in the past. And despite the .261 OBP he has swiped 22 bags in 22 attempts, showing his elite base stealing abilities. With a few minor adjustments in the off-season, Escobar could easily post something in-between his 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Cheers to a strong finish to the season!
