Tim Anderson has scored 14 runs in 19 games to start his big league career, and he’s batting .314 in what has been an excellent start with the White Sox. Still, concerns abound. In 88 plate appearances Anderson has but one walk while he’s struck out 28 times. That’s simply unpalatable and not a pace that he can continue if he hopes to hit .250, let alone .314. For all his speed he’s also attempted just two steals (both successful). There’s a lot to like with the youngster who has even hit three homers, but there’s plenty of work to be done with the fleet of foot shortstop.

Alex Colome hopes to be back out there at some point next week for the Rays as he will throw a bullpen on Sunday to see how his bicep responds. Folks, Colome hasn’t lost his 9th inning job. Xavier Cedeno can be added but he’s not taking the job of Colome who has 19 saves, a 1.76 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 30.2 innings.

Freddie Freeman has 29 RBI in 78 games. That’s embarrassing for a guy who is also on pace for 26 homers which would be a career best. Over his last 17 games he’s been blazing hot with a .426/.487/.794 slash line with four homers, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored. A stable, legitimate offensive force. Help him out Braves and get on base.

Brian McCann has a knee issue, tendinitis in his left knee, and that’s a concern for the catcher. Concerns or not, McCann is still the owner of a .767 OPS and he’s on pace for 24 homers, 70 RBI and 64 runs scored. That’s still pretty good, ain’t it?

Buster Posey has five hits his last two games and multiple hits in three of five games. The slash line continues to climb and it’s up to .288/.349/.464.

Kevin Siegrist has been placed on the DL with mononucleosis (I wonder who he has been kissing?). That obviously removes him from 9th inning consideration. Trevor Rosenthal has worked 3-straight scoreless innings without allowing a walk as he tries to reclaim his 9th inning job. Meanwhile, Seung Ho has been the best producers of the three no doubt, but he walked two batters his last outing and over his last five outings he’s allowed six hits, three walks and three runs (one earned) in 5.1 innings. I still think Rosenthal gets the job back.

Miguel Sano (hamstring) has been activated from the DL . He’s got a huge bat but there are concerns with the strikeouts and lack of base hits if I’m being completely honest. He will take the roster spot of Byung-ho Park who has bene demoted to Triple-A Rochester. Park has hit .123 over his last 30 games and his .191/.275/.409 slash line this season is pathetic, power or not.

Stephen Strasburg has a back issue and there is hope that he will be able to start Sunday. Strasburg is feeling better but we’re not clear if it will be he or Lucas Giolito on Sunday. I’m so tired of talking about the ill health of Strasburg over the years.

RANKINGS UPDATE

The 2016 Player Rankings, more than 650 of them, are ranked every single month, on the first day. That means that the most recent update is out since it’s July 1st. Click on the following link for the Updated July Rankings.

ARTICLES TO CHECK OUT

The Week 14 Preview article is out from Evan Tarracciano.

Which youngsters in the California and Florida Leagues do you need to know about? David Kerr lets you know.

Who are the closers in San Diego and Florida now that Fernando Rodney has been sent from the Padres to the Marlins?

PODCAST

Howard Bender and David Kerr give a prospect report in this week’s Fantasy Alarm Podcast.

VIDEOS TO WATCH

Each day, Monday through Friday, I crank out two videos. One vides breaks down hitters (Big 3) while the other discusses pitchers (Daily Dive). Here are a few of the most recent entries.

Carlos Carrasco has had a big June. Kenta Maeda is getting it done for the Dodgers. Michael Pineda is too talented not to get it done the rest of the way. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

Danny Espinosa has had a spectacular June. Cameron Maybin is hot, but expect him to get hurt again. Brian Dozier is on his way to being one the best second basemen in baseball again. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO.

Masahiro Tanaka doesn’t look right. Jameson Taillon is off to a good start in his career. Danny Salazar continues to throw smoke and getting it done. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO.

Matt Shoemaker can’t keep this level of play up all season. Vincent Velasquez can’t go deep into games. Blake Snell is just a guy with a big arm. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO.

You can always find all the videos list on, duh, the video page.

 

I will have a review of the top-50 players in fantasy, according to preseason ADP, on July 4th. Look for it. Until then, be safe, and have a great weekend.

 

Ray Flowers can be heard Monday through Friday, 7 PM EDT and Friday on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 7 PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).