The playoffs are here!
No, not the major league playoffs. I'm talking about the ones we care about: fantasy playoffs. For leagues that operate with a playoff format, the next few weeks will determine a champion.
Yet September is a funny time to be counting on your fantasy players to shine. For teams in the playoff hunt, it's business as usual. But for the Royals, or the Nationals, September is more about auditions for next year than fielding the best team possible.
So what does that mean for your fantasy squad?
Here are some hitters who may benefit from extended September roles, and a few guys whose value may drop just when it matters to fantasy owners most.
PLAYOFF READY
Ryan Theriot, 2B, Cubs
Fast, fast, fast. You won't find a lot of players with better wheels than Theriot, who has made an immediate impact, stealing seven bases in his first 65 at-bats. He's also shown an impressive ability to get on base, going 5-for-6 on Aug. 30 against the Pirates. The Cubs, by trading infielder Neifi Perez to Detroit, have found an opportunity for Theriot to show what he can do as an everyday player, at least for this month. If you're in a tight race for steals, Theriot could be your saviour.
Chris Duffy, OF, Pirates
Yes, the same Chris Duffy whom you drafted and watched bomb in April. He was batting under .200 when he was sent to the minors in May. But since coming back up in July, Duffy has quietly done a serviceable job leading off for the Pirates. His average has been hovering near .300 since the callup, and he stole 11 bases in August. Duffy is a safe bet to steal a bunch of bases in the final month.
Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
A few weeks ago, the Rockies were in the wild-card hunt. No longer. The only silver lining is that the Rox can now focus on an extended tryout for their future shortstop. Tulowitzki has power and could be a real force in a few years. Days after his callup, he had a four-hit game, followed by his first home run the next day. He'll likely have some impressive games, but beware: He's only 21, has no experience above Double-A, and has some trouble making contact. Expect inconsistency. He's a gamble that could pay off big, or sink you.
PLAYED OUT
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, Indians
Admit it. You were excited when he hit a grand slam in his first major league at-bat. And when you heard that he hit better than .380 with 19 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A this year, you got even more intrigued. Fact is, Kouzmanoff has made huge strides, after three quietly impressive years mostly in Single-A ball. He's 25, and he may have a major league future. The problem in Cleveland is that there's no place to play him. Young Ryan Garko is getting a chance at first, mega-prospect Andy Marte is locked in at third, and DH Travis Hafner isn't going anywhere. He won't help your fantasy team much in September because he won't get enough at-bats.
Damon Hollins, OF, Devil Rays
Smart owners in deep leagues have enjoyed Hollins' intriguing power so far this year. The last two years, he's been consistent in getting between 300 and 400 at-bats, and hitting 13 to 14 home runs. There are worse fantasy choices. However, Hollins' playing time is just about gone, now that Delmon Young is up. Young, Rocco Baldelli, and Carl Crawford will be pencilled in just about every day in September, as the Devil Rays get a taste of next year's starting outfield. Hollins is done being useful for the year.
Cory Sullivan, OF, Rockies
Sullivan had his chance. The Rockies handed him a starting job in center field in April, and what did he do with it? He hit two home runs, and struck out 92 times, the most by any player without 10 homers. Sully has had two years to acclimate to the big leagues, and Clint Hurdle isn't likely to give Sullivan another chance next year. He has speed, but still stole just nine bases. He'll see very limited action from here on.
Julio Lugo, SS, Dodgers
Lugo is a fine fantasy choice, or at least he was, until he was traded to the Dodgers. Now he's on a team that has starters at all the infield positions, and he's playing off the bench. With the Dodgers in the playoff picture, he's unlikely to steal much time from Jeff Kent, Rafael Furcal, or Wilson Betemit. Even if they were out of it, Lugo would be the odd man out since he's a free agent at the end of the season and the Dodgers have no intention of re-signing him.
