Week That Was September 26, 2016

Last week of the season additions who could just make the difference highlight this week’s Week That Was.

Manuel Margot:  Stolen bases is one of the categories where you can make up a lot of ground in the last week.  Margot, who stole 30 in the minors this year, could be a huge add who showed what he can do Sunday by going 3-4 with a swipe.  Oh, and he did hit over .300 in AAA so he is not just a Terrence Gore pinch runner type.  I am buying if I can.    

Hunter Renfroe:  The PCL MVP is 4 for his first 13 with a dinger.  Given that he earned the MVP honors by hitting 30 dingers and posting 105 RBI in AAA this year you know he can hit.  If you need power and remain in a pennant race, Renfroe is your man.

Scott Schebler:  It has not been a huge rookie year for the Reds OF who has managed to earn fewer than 250 AB in the show this year.  That said, the 9 runs and 10 rbi over last two weeks with .351 OBP say he could be a difference maker in the last week.   Oh, and if you want some signs that he is maturing, consider this – Schebler has posted a higher walk rate in the show than he did in AAA this year. 

Trey Mancini: 3 HR in 11 AB going into Sunday.   20 HR in the minors this year with a gaudy .400+ OBP in AA in the early part of the year say Mancini could keep the lightning flashing in this bottle for the rest of the year.  Add if you need a boost in the last week of play.

Sean RodriguezLast week we wrote: “I have been waiting forever for this guy to reach his potential.  Well, it will not happen but he has produced under the radar this year.  Sunday, the Bucs utility man hit his 17th jack of the season and his 8th in the last month.  Oh, and SRod is eligible everywhere but catcher!  There are a lot of teams out of FAAB.  If you have a buck left, roster SRod as he is no fire and can play anywhere.”  Well, what have the last 7 days looked like for SRod?  If you think 3 HR and a .998 OPS show success, well then the week has looked pretty good.  Buy now if you still can!   

And now the moment you well, may or may not be waiting for, the Baron of Bottom of the Page pontificates -- a/k/a Schultz says: “For journalists, especially those of the online variety, hyperbole and vamping are too often relied upon as a viable method for attracting attention. Why write about ten rookies that should be on your roto-radar when you can tout the Top Ten Rookies That Will Guide You To A Fantasy Baseball Championship! Instead of calling a story interesting, why not write in all caps that it's the MOST INTERESTING STORY YOU EVER SEE IN YOUR LIFE!! (or until the next life-changing story comes around). All the background noise and excess verbiage makes it hard to characterize Jose Fernandez' untimely death with any type of perspective. Notwithstanding the fact that it very likely one of the most tragic events to occur in the midst of any baseball season, using those terms seems trite in light of the fact that not so long ago, many might have used the same expressions and superlatives to describe Alex Rodriguez' misguided battle against MLB or the blown call that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game. The 24-year-old pitcher was quite likely the best starter in baseball not named Clayton Kershaw and there's nothing to do but mourn his loss. 

As for the week that was, there's really nothing else to talk about, is there?”

Response:  Schultz putting things in perspective.  Our thoughts are with Jose Fernandez’s family and friends and the families/friends of those that perished with him.