Kole Calhoun appears locked into the leadoff spot for the potent Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. However, he also appears locked into a platoon with Colin Cowgill. The left-handed hitting Calhoun has just 39 at-bats against left-handed pitchers this season. It is a concern and counting stat killer if Calhoun misses a game, or two a week.
Calhoun suffered an ankle injury early in the season. When he returned he went into a 1-for-15 funk against left-handing pitching and hasn't seen regular playing time against southpaws since. His production in June was beastly: 20 runs, four home runs and 13 RBIs, with a stolen base and a slash line of .346/.386/.568.
Calhoun's bat should push manager Mike Scioscia's hand for everyday playing time, at some point, but until then, his upside is somewhat tapped. He has the potential to be a five-category contributor. Expect Calhoun to hit his way into everyday at-bats, so it is advised to try and cash on his current-platoon status.
Mookie Betts hasn't had much opportunity to shine at the highest level, especially after Friday's rainout game. However, he is an ideal middle-infield target for teams searching for answers. Betts boasts the power-speed combo fantasy owners crave and shouldn't have many obstacles for playing time.
Betts has been slotted into the No. 8 sport in the lineup through three games, but he has top of the order speed and contact skills. He has pop, but his speed will be more prominent in the big league. Although, he could make a living slapping doubles off the Green Monster.
Betts will likely be plagued by inconsistent production and potentially playing time, like most rookies, but there is upside. If he can carve out a role at the top of the Red Sox's lineup, his run scoring chances and stolen base opportunities will skyrocket. There are no guarantees, but with the team reeling, they have nothing to lose giving the kid a chance. Fantasy owners in similar situations can turn to Betts as a high-upside, low-risk option.
All C.J. Cron has done so far in 2014 is mash. He left nothing to prove at Triple-A Salt Lake, after he slashed .319/.369/.602, with a .283 ISO and .416 wOBA. It has been more of the same with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The 2011 No. 17 pick has continued to produce.
In just 147 plate appearances, Cron has eight home runs, 17 runs, 24 RBIs and a slash line of .286/.320/.529. His ISO is .243 and wOBA sits at .369. His major league numbers are huge, but also, have regressed proportionately to his jump from Class AAA to the major leagues.
The Angels released Raul Ibanez to get Cron at-bats. He is going to be given every opportunity to continue his torrid start. Make sure to check your waiver wire for Cron, he is mashing, attached to a solid lineup, and he has the pedigree to back up his hot start.
Yordano Ventura caught plenty of headlines during Spring Training with his three-digit velocity. He was a popular late-round pick in draft season and has rewarded owners handsomely, especially given his lack of experience at the highest level. Ventura entered Friday's game with a 3.26 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, five wins and 76 strikeouts, which go to the tune of a 7.74 K/9. His near-complete game last night only strengthened those numbers.
Ventura suffered a valgus extension overload in his elbow in late May, but has returned strong after missing just a single start. Ventura matches his high-octane velocity with a plus cutter, and solid changeup and curve ball, which all contribute to his 10.4 percent SwStr%. Ventura's vertically-breaking curveball is a dynamic strikeout pitch.
The pitching arsenal is lethal and explosive, but it could be argued Ventura is still a thrower first and pitcher second. The elbow injury is also a long-term concern. Ventura shows no signs of slowing down, but if he could be flipped for a safer pitcher of equal value, it is worth testing the trade waters.
Mike Zunino has put together a solid season to date. His 12 home runs rank third in baseball among catchers, and he is seventh in runs with 32 at his position. Better yet, Zunino is raking of late. The 2012 third overall pick has taken the fast track to the highest level, and he appears ready to stay.
Zunino is striking out a lot. His 33.6 percent K% is among the leagues worst and offers an explanation for his .223 batting average. The .212 ISO is beastly, although Zunino's .313 wOBA represents his true feast or famine nature. His 4.2 percent BB% is not helping in any kind of OBP formats either.
If you can stomach a bad average and need pop, Zunino is a perfect add candidate. He is getting consistent at-bats with the Mariners, who are suddenly scoring more runs. There are likely to be inconsistent periods, but home runs are often difficult to come by, and Zunino hits bombs.
