Scooter Gennett (2B, CIN) - Gennett went 2 for 4 on the day, with a homer and three RBI in the Reds' 7-2 beatdown of the Mets Thursday. On the season, the 27-year-old is slashing .287/.341/.537 with 23 home runs and 81 RBI. Gennett is playing like a top ten second baseman, virtually out of nowhere. With a .363 wOBA, and a .320 BABIP, when he is making contact, it is netting extra bases for the Reds. The ISO at .241 is nearly 80 points above his career mark, and makes me a little skeptical about a 2018 repeat. Scooter will be a popular player at second next season, and is worth starting in most league, but do not be shocked if there is a bit of a letdown.
Joey Votto (1B, CIN) - At first glance, Votto had just one hit in the Reds' 7-2 win over the Mets Thursday. The one hit happened to be his 34th home run, which helped the winning cause, but that was not the highlight of his day. Votto proceeded to make a young fans day by giving him a jersey, and the bat he hit the homer with (search the video if you haven't seen it). Votto keeps the standout year rolling, and is playing his way into the top five discussion for 2018 drafts. On the season, Votto is slashing .310/.448/.591 with the 34 bombs and 91 RBI. In OBP leagues, owners love the 19% BB% which helps the OBP out quite a bit. His .304 BABIP helps the counting stats as well. In 2017, there is very little Votto is doing wrong, and is returning big on his investment. Be prepared to pay up in 2018, especially in OBP leagues.
A.J. Pollock (OF, ARI) - Pollock got in on the act Thursday as the Diamondbacks topped the Dodgers 8-1. On the day, the 29-year-old went 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBI. Overall, it has been a disappointing season again for Pollock, and per the usual, it is due to injury. Despite playing in just 87 games, he ranks as a top 50 outfielder, and owns a .264/.323/.453 line with nine home runs, 29 RBI and 17 stolen bases. When healthy, Pollock is a 30/30 threat, and has unquestioned talent. However, a player with his OBP leaves a little to be desired, and is a direct result of his .297 BABIP, as well as his 6.4% BB%, which is nearly a percent less than his career mark. Heading into 2018, it is hard to not get suckered into taking him, and thinking "this is the year he stays healthy." I am going to avoid Mr. Pollock and let someone else deal with the headache. You should too.
Trea Turner (SS, WAS) - Despite coming up on the short end, Turner chipped in with a 3 for 4 day at the plate, coming up a home run short of the cycle, in the Nats' 6-3 loss to the Brewers Thursday. Turner also added his 37th stolen base, and is on pace for 45, despite missing a chunk of the season. On the year, the youngster is slashing .282/.329/.433. The main knock on Turner this season would be his 6.2% BB%, which helps hold his OBP down, yet the number is right around his total from his minor league seasons. At just age 24, he has yet to hit his prime, which is scary, since he could steal 50 bases still in 2017, despite missing time. He is showcasing why he is a first round talent, as he contributes in all categories, and dominates in steals.
Jack Flaherty (SP, STL) - At $5800, and facing a Giants team that hits just .249 on the season, and has struggled in 2017, why not take a flyer? The Cards have a knack for producing solid pitching options, and Flaherty is one of the better ones to come down the pike in St. Louis in recent years. He saves a ton of money to be able to stack a Coors game that figures to be high scoring.
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