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Fantasy Sports Fix: Rookies can make a difference

Chris Gingrich/For the Craig Daily Press
Chris Gingrich
Chris_Gingrich

Baseball is creeping up to the All-Star Break already, and fantasy baseball is also finishing up its third month. It’s been a rough season for my team just keeping my head above water in the middle of the pack, bouncing between sixth and seventh place.

Although it’s been a subpar season for my team so far, there is some hope with players like Carlos Gonzalez coming around and hitting again, Chris Davis also starting to hit some more and with the fantasy baseball MVP Paul Goldschmidt.

This year, there is a great class of rookies in the majors that are making an immediate impact. Although they might already be taken by another team, there’s still a chance they might be on your waiver wire, but it’s not likely at this point.



Carlos Correa, shortstop, Houston Astros — Just 20 years old, he made his debut June 8 with one hit and one RBI and has been stellar ever since. He was the top overall pick in the 2012 draft, and he’s the first player in Astros franchise history to have nine doubles in his first 20 games. Since being called up earlier in June, he has already amassed a .314 batting average along with 15 RBIs, five home runs and four stolen bases.

Joc Pederson, outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers — Now sixth in National League All-Star voting for outfielders, this rookie already has 19 home runs and 37 RBIs. He is one of the top Rookie of the Year candidates this season along with Kris Bryant of the Cubs. He has hit for power but has not been the base-stealing threat many hoped he would be, being thrown out in five of his seven stolen base attempts.



Kris Bryant, third base, Chicago Cubs — He is one of the leading candidates for National League Rookie of the Year since making his major league debut April 17. He’s got 10 home runs and 43 RBIs, but his production has slipped in June hitting just three homers and just 11 RBIs. He also has six stolen bases on the season, which is always a plus.

Pitchers are harder to come by but nonetheless still impressive. These guys are standing out among the rookie pitchers so far this season.

Chris Heston, starting pitcher, San Francisco Giants — The 27-year-old rookie threw the season’s first no-hitter in just his 13th major league start against the Mets on June 9, striking out 11 in the process. Still owned in just 51 percent of leagues, so pick him up if you’re in need of a pitcher.

Nathan Karns, starting pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays — He has always been a high strikeout pitcher and is playing in pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field. He continues to be a reliable streaming option and a deeper league add.

Anthony DeSclafani, starting pitcher, Cincinnati Reds — Last Thursday he allowed just one earned run in six innings against the Pirates. He owns a 3.35 ERA, 61 strikeouts in 88.2 innings pitched so far this season.


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