I have some tough decisions to make.
This weekend was nothing short of a disaster for Met fans. The curse of Turner Field that has seemed to haunt the Mets for over a decade reared its ugly head again as the Braves swept New York in what could bode to be crippling fashion. To make matters worse for those with fantasy ties to the Mets, several key performers over the past few weeks such as David Wright, R.A. Dickey, and David Wright did not live up to their normal standards. Now the Mets will travel back up north to visit the first place Washington Nationals, in which could be the most important series of the season.
Here is who I think will have a big series for the Mets against the Nationals, who you should sit for this series, and which Washington player matches up well against New York.
Start ‘Em
Ruben Tejada: Tejada continues to impress in all aspects of his game. He made several “Rey Ordonez” type plays on the defensive side of the ball against the Braves, but it was with his bat that he made some noise (at least in the fantasy world). Tejada is batting .329 this year, driving the ball with authority, and his on base percentage is near the top of the league for all shortstops. Yet still, Tejada is owned in few leagues. Pick him up and start with confidence, seeing as Tejada is one of the few Mets I expect to stay hot against a exceptional Nationals pitching staff.
Sit ‘Em
Any Met outfielder: With Lucas Duda battling a hamstring problem, the value of a Mets outfielder not named Scott Hairston goes out the window. Andres Torres played well this weekend but is wildly inconsistent in the fantasy world. Kirk Nieuwenhuis still can’t hit lefties and I feel he could be the odd man out if/when Jason Bay is activated this series. Oh and if you believe that when Bay does get activated he is a viable option for your lineup, well then you may need a trip to the DL as well. Your only hope, and its a rather small one, is Hairston as he will get a minimum two starts this series with two lefties on the mound for Washington. If you have him, he could be a solid starter in a pinch., especially if your a team lacking in the power department.
Nationals Fantasy Outlook
Gio Gonzalez: As if you needed to be told, those of you who have Gio should start without hesitation. The Mets have trouble against lefties and it could be said that Gonzalez has been the best south paw in baseball this year. Barring a mistake made against say David Wright or Hairston, Gonzalez (unfortunately for Met fans) should cruise in his start on Thursday.
MLB Fantasy Notes
With the dog days of baseball upon us and trading deadline fast approaching, there are several trades that could be made from some teams that are out of it, clearing the way for some younger prospects to make their debut. One of these prospects could be Wil Myers for the Royals. If you haven’t heard the name, you soon will. If I wasn’t for two young players by the names of Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, it could be said the Myers would be the most impressive outfield prospect in baseball, with a stat line of 28 homers and a .330 average in the minors this season. If you are in a keeper league and have the room for him, adding Myers would be a wise investment as he could contribute this season and for sure next year.
