Speed is something that fantasy owners trying to make a late season run in their leagues are searching for. In recent days you may have lost Coco Crisp, Hanley Ramirez, Michael Bourn, or Scott Podsednik. If you have been holding onto a player like Elvis Andrus, you’ve seen the stolen bases dry up.
Let’s take a look at a few names who may be available on your waiver wire who could provide a little boost over the final week of the season
OF Peter Bourjos, Los Angeles Angels
He’s been playing everyday of late, going 4-for-23 in the six games prior to Friday. With the Angels out of contention, they are giving him a long, hard look and he has the potential to really open some eyes over the season’s final few days. He doesn’t strike out much (only three strikeouts over those six games), so you have to think that sooner rather then later his luck is going to improve.
When that happens, he should get an opportunity to steal bases and score runs, things that owners are looking for. You would be taking a leap of faith with him, but you need to hope that you catch lightning in a bottle and get a couple of stolen bases. Big risks could lead to big rewards, so consider him if you are in need.
OF Jose Tabata, Pittsburgh Pirates
He’s been playing every day for awhile, hitting near the top of the order. He entered Friday on a six-game hitting streak, going 9-for-23 with 6 RBI, 3 R, and 0 SB. The thing is, that’s a bit of an aberration. You wouldn’t expect him to have that many RBI, especially hitting second, and he certainly has the speed to wreak havoc when he gets on base.
He had 25 SB prior to his recall and has 17 with the Pirates. He’s also all but guaranteed everyday at-bats the rest of the way. He may not be available in five-outfielder formats, but if he is, you can certainly roll the dice on him.
SS, 3B, OF Emilio Bonifacio, Florida Marlins
He’s been dealing with his own injury problems (hamstring), but is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday. With Hanley Ramirez’s season potentially over, you would think that once healthy Bonifacio is going to be in the everyday lineup. He has stolen as many as 61 bases in the minor leagues and could potentially hit in the leadoff spot over Cameron Maybin. If that’s the case, he could also help out in runs scored and is a player you can fit into your lineup almost anywhere.
OF Jarrod Dyson, Kansas City Royals
He has speed (24 SB in 294 AB in the minor leagues), but he is not playing full time. If he were, he’d be worth considering, but the Royals are also taking a look at Gregor Blanco. There are certainly more likely options to contribute that should be available.
OF Jason Bourgeois, Houston Astros
Inserted into the everyday lineup, he had four stolen bases in three games while going 5-for-12 earlier this week from Tuesday through Thursday.
Will he continue that pace? Absolutely not, but the speed isn’t in question. The Astros appear like they want to get a look at him to see if he could fill the leadoff spot moving forward (especially with Michael Bourn’s season potentially over due to an oblique injury), so the opportunity appears like it is going to be there the rest of the way.
He should chip in a few more stolen bases as long as he’s in the lineup, so take the flier if you are in need. He certainly has the potential to have the most stolen bases out of anyone on this list.
What are your thoughts on these players? Who would you use? Who would you avoid?
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