Aaron Sanchez (RP-TOR): tossed two scoreless innings of his own to pick up his first career save as the Jays bypassed Casey Janssen. A closer controversy could be brewing north of the border. After showing flashes of dominance in the minors, Sanchez has posted a 20:3 K:BB ratio across 21 and 2/3 innings and has allowed only 10 hits! He has carved his BB-rate in half from his typical mark in the minors, which isn't likely to continue as MLB hitters adjust. He has also been fortunate with a .184 BABIP. However, his fastball/curveball combination is undeniably nasty, and he could conceivably ride the adrenaline and stay ahead of the league for the final month of the season. While he is likely a starter for the long-term, if you need saves at this critical juncture and have the FAAB dollars, don't be bashful...there is too much upside.
Norichika Aoki (OF-KC): Norichika Aoki mustered a single in 4 AB's as he continues to disappoint fantasy owners in 2014. Aoki has 1 homer after averaging 9 in his first two seasons with the Brewers, as his HR/FB has dropped to an appalling 1.6%. While he is making less contact, it is still a mark well above league average, so it appears the issue is making hard contact and hitting the ball more in the air. He is 15 for 20 in steals, and has been better in the 2nd half, so he is still useful as a back end OF in deeper leagues. But, with the Royals having options (e.g., Jarrod Dyson) and Aoki with odd splits, he could see only 75-80% of the AB's down the stretch and into next season. Instead of a #3/4 OF in mixed leagues, he is now a #5/6.
Trevor Bauer (SP-CLE): Trevor Bauer looked brilliant during various points in last night's game against the Royals, but his control issues continued to hold him back. All told, the righty tossed 5 and 2/3 scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts, but he allowed 4 hits and 5 walks in the process and picked up the no-decision. While Bauer continues to be an extreme flyball pitcher with control issues, the 22% K-rate (validated by above average swinging-strike and chase rates, not to mention his improved velocity) and his ability to dominate an offense should have him on your radar for 2015. He'll have to fight his road issues and continue to grow confident with his mechanical adjustments, but he has the pedigree and is in the right organization. I'm bullish for 2015 and see him being a potential #4 mixed league starter that you may get for the price of a #5 or 6.
Drew Hutchison (SP-TOR): Drew Hutchison's Jeckyl also showed up again on Saturday, as the righty tossed 7 scoreless innings in picking up his 9th win, striking out seven in the effort. The rookie's overall state line is respectable for a back-end starter in most formats: 4.47 ERA/4.07 xFIP, 143:51 K:BB ratio through 157 innings. While he hasn't been the easiest to project start-to-start and tends to fight his mechanics and release point, Hutch clearly has issues against lefties (.362 wOBA allowed) and at home (.357 wOBA allowed). He likely has earned himself a look next spring, and with his pedigree, I wouldn't forget about him as a back end option, with the possibility for more if he continues to develop.
Jeff Samardzija (SP-OAK): Jeff Samardzija took a tough loss after tossing an 8-inning complete game against the Angels in which he allowed 1 earned run on 4 hits without allowing a free pass. The shark added 9 strikeouts to give him 19 K's in his last two starts, suggesting better days are ahead. We all know about the solid K-rate, but I'm a fan of the 5% BB-rate and 49% GB, and believe his is quietly laying the groundwork to be a fantasy stud. According to Brooks, his split has becoming one of the deadliest pitches in the game, as hitters are posting a .126 AVG against it in 103 AB's with 52 K's and 7 BB's. With 5 plus pitches in his arsenal--fourseam, sinker, slider, cutter, and split--and improved control, the Shark is on the verge of swimming to ace waters. Don't miss out.
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Best regards to all of you down the stretch. Be meticulous, stay vigilant, and fight until that last pitch is thrown!
