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Sometimes the biggest bang for a fantasy owner’s buck is the relatively obscure minor leaguers who have earned a promotion to the big show. Sifting through the pile of recent call ups to determine which players are worthwhile investments can have a significant impact on the numbers of any fantasy squad–even if it’s only fill in duty during a couple weeks while a more established player is on the DL. The following are a few of the more notable call ups over the past week.
Josh Barfield, 2b, Indians
I still remember when Barfield was an elite prospect and I made it a personal goal to acquire him in my dynasty-esque keeper league. Lucky for me I was never able to sell my soul to acquire him. When second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera proceeded to asdrubal all over himself to the tune of a .184 average in 158 at bats, Barfield logically got the call, because regardless of his past struggles, he still has the most upside of any middle infield prospect the Indians have at the upper levels of their minor league system. He went hitless through six at bats before spraining his left middle finger during Tuesday’s game and effectively limiting any
potential he had in fantasy leagues.”I’ve never been hurt before,” Barfield told MLB.com with a smile. “I’m not sure what the terminology is, but I’m fine.” He was replaced by Jamey Carroll, who will likely play for a day or two until Barfield is ready to return to the lineup. Even when he does return, it’s too early for fantasy owners to claim and rely on him to produce.
Jeremy Sowers, SP, Indians
When the return of Jake Westbrook became surprisingly brief, Sowers became the beneficiary, making his spot in the rotation for the foreseeable future. The problem was his season debut didn’t exactly inspire, as he scattered seven hits, two walks, and five earned runs while striking out just two. Not unlike Barfield he was once a top prospect and he’s found himself in the dark place forgotten top prospect go when they are discarded and left for dead by fantasy owners. He was pitching effectively at Triple-A Buffalo, with a 4-3 record, 2.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 2.5 K:BB ratio, so it’s far too early to write him off yet. For fantasy owners in deep AL-only leagues it’s probably time to stash him on your bench and keep your fingers crossed.
Homer Bailey, SP, Reds
In my only league in which Bailey was a free agent, I made a mistake and claimed him before he had cleared waivers. I got my slap on the hand and was told to wait another seven days for him to clear. The interesting thing is that by the time he cleared said waivers, I really wasn’t interested in taking him any longer. Why? Because when he’s in the minor leagues he’s like Dr. Jekyll, but when he’s in the majors, he morphs into Hyde. His season debut wasn’t nearly as rough as some of his starts last year, as he held the Philies to two earned runs in six and two thirds innings, but the fact he gave up four hits and four walks while striking out a
measly batter is somewhat disconcerting. He is too highly regarded of a talent not to scoop him up immediately and perhaps I’ll regret not staying up to the crack of dawn to claim him, but at this point he’s a stash and follow commodity.
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