The MLB All-Star break is approaching. Fantasy Baseball Managers are making last-minute roster strengthening efforts to solidify their position in the table.
While it’s usually recommended that trade and waiver wire selections be centered around contributions in certain categories, sometimes there will be a player you want to add to your team regardless of which category he contributes most to.
Welcome to the major leagues, Brooks Lee.
The Twins have been one of the best hitting teams over the past month.
Heading into this weekend, they rank first in team wOBA (weighted on-base percentage) at .368, first in RBIs with 158 and third in isolation power (.198), which measures the number of extra base hits a team produces.
The streak was launched with the return of third baseman Royce Lewis, who hit .271 with nine home runs and 15 RBIs in June, so when he was injured again, Twins fans and fantasy managers began to panic.
To ease everyone’s fears, the Twins promoted highly-touted shortstop prospect Lee, who was ranked No. 13 on MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects list.
He has progressed quickly this year, appearing in 20 games with Triple-A St. Paul and batting .329/.394/.635 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs.
Lee, originally a shortstop, was expected to move to second base, the quickest path to the majors, but an injury to Lewis changed that, and he now plays in Minnesota’s hot corner.
In two major league games, Lee is 3-for-6 (.500) with two RBIs, one walk and one strikeout.
He is known for his strong discipline at the plate and does a great job of putting the bat to the ball.
His power numbers are promising, and while he’s not great at stealing bases, his on-base ability will help us score runs in addition to the power category, which we need.
And best of all, the Twins are expected to move Lee to second base once Lewis returns to the lineup, at which point Lee will become eligible for more of the position.
Come the All-Star break, you’ll want to put on your lighted helmet and start mining the minor leagues.
The Futures and Prospects game at the Midsummer Classic should determine who the candidates for promotion will be in the second half of the MLB season.
James Wood is already here, but we’ll also see Dylan Cruz of the Nationals, Junior Caminero of the Rays and maybe Jordan Lawler of the Diamondbacks.
Start taking notes now and prepare for their imminent arrival.
Howard Bender is Fantasy AlarmFollow him From @rotobuzzguy He is featured on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show,” which can be heard weekdays from 6-8pm on the SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Channel. Fantasy Alarm We bring you all the fantasy baseball news and advice.
