Daily Dr. Roto—March 28 (b)
Fantasy Preview in a Nutshell: Toronto Blue Jays
Players to Watch
Justin Smoak — Smoak smoked the ball last year to the tune of 38 HRs which was a career high. Although I think the power is for real, I would bet against him hitting that many again. That said, he still should be a 30-90 threat in the middle of the Toronto lineup and someone who Fantasy owners can build around.
Josh Donaldson — While I am not concerned about Donaldson’s prodigious power, I am concerned about his calf muscle which I don’t think is fully healed. Calves are twitch muscles which means that they are easy to pull, especially in baseball when Donaldson is trying to get from the batter’s box down the first base line. If he’s healthy, his power is outrageous, and I do expect that he will hit another 30-35 HRs this season. I also expect at least one, if not two, stints on the 10-day DL.
Kevin Pillar — In my NFBC Draft last Sunday night I took Pillar as my last pick in the 30th Round. I know he’s not the greatest player, but he certainly is better than the 300 something pick in the draft. Pillar has some power, some speed, and does a little of everything. And while he might not help me in any one category, he won’t hurt me in any category either. There is value to that in Fantasy leagues.
Randall Grichuk — For years now we have been waiting for Grichuk to fulfill expectations and become a big-time power hitter. If all goes well for him in 2018, I can see him on the same trajectory as Justin Smoak, putting up a huge power season out of nowhere. However, if Grichuk gets off to a rough start the Blue Jays have a minor leaguer name Teoscar Hernandez who is chomping at the bit to play in RF. If given the same shot as Grichuk, I could see Hernandez hitting 25+ HR. Watch this battle unfold throughout the season as the hot player might reap huge rewards.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. — Quite possibly the best minor leaguer in all of baseball is Vlad Guerrero Jr. He is only 19, but he is expected to have an impact like that of Mike Trout when he gets called up. However, therein lies the problem. Guerrero will probably spend much of this season in the minor leagues, and I don’t expect him to get a call-up until September. The bottom line is this: if I am playing in a keeper league, I take Guerrero without hesitation as he is a future superstar. In redraft leagues I need to think twice about it as he might not help me at all this season (unless I use him as a mid-season trade chip).
Aaron Sanchez — Sanchez is on the cusp of greatness. All he needs to do now is to stay healthy and cut down on his walks. Take a chance on Sanchez as your SP3 this season as it might pay off with huge dividends.
Roberto Osuna — Osuna is a young fireballer who can get 40+ saves. In a time where closers lose their jobs each week, Osuna has some of the best job security in MLB. Take him as your primary closer and you won’t be disappointed.
