Marcus Semien - Semien should get free rein the next few weeks with Conor Gillaspie out, and although the numbers don't look great just yet, there are some incremental gains being made in Semien's game, particularly on the plate discipline side. He has drastically cut his swinging strike% through his first 25 games this year through a combination of a lower chase% and better contact rate overall, resulting in a couple fewer K's but a bunch more walks. The power numbers have been steady in the early going for the 23 year old, but people sometimes forget that Semien swiped 26 bags last year across 4 levels, and he did manage his 3rd steal of 2014 Monday. 15-20 steals and homers are both a possibility for Semien if he can pick up enough playing time, and the injuries to both Beckham and Gillaspie have given him the opportunity to carve that time out for himself. With Beckham off to a slow start as well, Semien could find himself back at 2B much of the time once Gillaspie comes back. I would still be a buyer here.
Justin Masterson - I'm still not worried about Justin Masterson after a 7 1/3 IP, 5 ER performnce against the Angels Monday. He was definitely left in at least a batter too long, and perhaps more than that. Prior to that his line looked just like his last few outings, and the control and GB rate seem to have stabilized after the first few tough outings. The velocity dip is still a bit of a concern, but let's wait until the weather warms up to see how much of a drop there really is. For the time being, I would be buying low here.
Trevor Plouffe - Plouffe is off to a 310/419/483 start to the year, primarily on the strength of a 4th (!?!) straight improvement in both chase% and LD rate. The homers have been doubles in the early going, which has put a bit of a lid on just how hot he has been, but at age 27 it looks like Plouffe isn't done improving yet. I am buying into the hot start here.
Chris Getz - Chris Getz is expected to get the call to Toronto Tuesday, as the demotion of Ryan Goins leaves a hole at 2B for the Jays. Getz has no power to speak of, but he's always a source of cheap steals, and with a contact rate perpetually hovering around 90%, he's usually able to avoid hurting your AVG as well (something he couldn't do in 2013, unfortunately). His upside is limited, but for some cheap steals and the possibility of a decent average (along with playing time in a solid offense), Getz could be worth a cheap grab in deeper leagues.
Collin McHugh - McHugh has had quite the first two starts with Houston, striking out 12 Mariners in his Astro debut and then coming one out short of a complete-game two-hitter against the A's. McHugh has five average caliber pitches and has shown improved control the past few years, but there was no hint of this coming whatsoever. He does get the Mariners again this weekend, but I'm not sure if that's a help or a hurt as the "newness" factor will be gone. I don't trust it and would be inclined to stay away in just about all formats.
