I recieved a request to write about Giancarlo Stanton, so we'll start with that:
Giancarlo Stanton, OF, MIA
With another HR on Wednesday, Stanton now has 10 dingers and 28 RBI over his past 30 games with an OPS over 1.00 during that time. His K% over those 30 games is still high at 28.5%, but that's actually right around his career norm, and significantly better than the 33.7% mark he posted through his first 58 games this season. Don't expect Stanton to hit for a high average, but it looks safe to say that he is past the heavy slump that plagued him earlier in the season, and he can be counted on to produce elite power numbers the rest of the way.
Jay Bruce, OF, CIN
If this ends up being Bruce's final week in a Reds uniform, well what a week it has been. He has now homered in 5 straight games with 6 HR's total and 13 RBI over that span. After a couple of down years, Bruce is now on pace for career highs in HR's and RBI, while his 20.9% K% is his lowest since 2009. A trade from Cincinatti could negatively affect his fantasy value, as he has hit 135 career HR's at home compared to 98 on the road, but he will remain a power threat no matter what team he plays for.
Alex Dickerson, OF, SD
With Melvin Upton Jr. out of the picture, Dickerson is likely to see an increase in playing time and so far he has taken full advantage, as he has homered now in 4 straight games. With a FB% and Hard% both above league average, the power doesn't look like a total fluke either. He has also been an excellent contact hitter with an 11.2% K% and 6.2 SwStr% this season. He has consistently hit close to .300 throughout his minor league career, and he is showing the skills to do so at the major league level as well. Dickerson has placed himself firmly on the mixed-league radar. That being said, in daily leagues he is probably a better play when the Padres are on the road, as 5 of his 6 HR's have come away from San Diego, and he has an OPS over 1.000 on the road compared to .606 at home.
Brandon Maurer, RP, SD
Maurer pitched another scoreless inning on Wednesday, extending his streak to 9 consecutive scoreless outing in which he has allowed just 3 hits and 1 BB in 10.1 IP. He is clearly the closer in San Diego right now, yet his 4.59 season ERA may be scaring owners away. Over his last 19 appearances though, he has compiled a 0.86 ERA with a 24:2 K:BB ratio through 21 IP. If you are looking for saves, Maurer is someone you should not hesitate from picking up.
Dan Straily, SP, CIN
Straily finished up an excellent July by allowing only 1 ER on 3 hits in 7.2 IP on Wednesday against the Giants. He finishes July with an impressive 2.41 ERA and 0.86 WHIP through 5 starts this month. His peripherals during that time however were not quite as impressive as his 23:10 K:BB ratio through those same five starts is merely mediocre. Overall, Straily has a 5.04 xFIP this season, so I wouldn't expect this hot streak to last too much longer.
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