As we head into the final week of the season, the players you buy and sell this week are going to determine your fantasy baseball fate for the year. If you’re still alive in your playoffs, it’s important not to over-tweak what got you there in the first place. Same goes for roto league players at the top of their standings. At the same time, you want to sure up your stat categories so if you’re lacking in a particular stat, that’s the pickup you should make for the final week. Let’s take a look at some good last week buys and where they can help your lineup.
Buy:
Colby Rasmus: Strong Buy. Rasmus is one of the streakiest guys in the league and he’s caught fire at just the right time. He’s homered in four consecutive games since coming off the DL, driving in six runs in the process. Power is scarce and if he’s available in your league I would absolutely ride this streak in the final days of the year.
Billy Hamilton: Strong Buy. I talked about Hamilton’s value a few weeks ago and he’s been as good as advertised. Despite getting a mere seven at-bats over eight games, Hamilton has nine steals, six runs, and an RBI to his name. He may not be starting often but you can’t go wrong picking him up if you need a steals and run boost. After a 3-for-4 night against Houston on Wednesday, he may help your batting lines as well.
Denard Span: Solid Buy. Span has a hitting streak going back to August 17, the longest in the Majors this season. Over that 30 game stretch, Span is batting .371 with two homers, nine extra-base hits, 20 runs, nine RBI, and seven steals. He’ll help your BA, R, and SB categories in the final week, snag him up if that’s where you need help.
Michael Wacha: Strong Buy. I’ve been all about Wacha since he first came up this season and he’s been excellent. Prior to giving up two runs over five innings and striking out seven against the Mariners, Wacha hadn’t given up a run in 23.2 consecutive innings. Since returning to the rotation, Wacha owns a 1.00 ERA, .153 BAA, and 12 K over 18 IP. You need to pick this guy up, trust me.
Tyler Thornburg: Strong Buy. Thornburg has been comparable to Wacha, putting up a 1.96 ERA on the season and 2.00 ERA over his last three starts. Over his last 18 IP, he owns a .183 BAA and 14 K/7 BB. He’s a good all-around pitcher and a definite buy for the final week.
Andrew Cashner: Strong Buy. Cashner has quietly had the breakout season we’ve all been waiting for, putting up a 3.21 ERA on the season and a 2.44 ERA over his last 11 starts. Over the stretch, Cashner owns a .212 BAA and 59 K/21 BB. He’s a good bet for the final week and a must-draft next season.
Sell:
Allen Craig: Craig had a good season but his recovery from a foot sprain has been slow. He’s not going to be back by next week so just drop him and pick up someone that’ll be on the field.
Carlos Beltran: Beltran has had a fine season but the 36-year-old has certainly slowed down in the final month of the season. Hampered by injuries, Beltran hasn’t hit a home run since August 24 and is batting.183 with eight RBI and three runs over his last 17 games. You can do better than a slumping aging outfielder in the final week.
Kyle Seager: Like the other two, he’s had a fine season but he’s caught in a terrible slump right now and there’s no more time to wait for him to get out of it. Seager hasn’t gotten a hit in any of his last five games and went hitless in 10 of his last 11 games. If you’re wondering, that’s a .050 BA and 11 K over 11 games. Dump him now, there’s no more time to wait.
Anthony Rizzo: Rizzo went hitless in seven of his last 11 games and has seen his average drop to a mere .226. Over his last 26 games, Rizzo is batting just .194 with two homers, seven runs batted in, eight runs, and 21 K. He’s not going to help you in the final week, just as he hasn’t helped you in over a month.
