A few guys to grab if you’re in a deep league…
DAMION EASLEY
Easley takes over the second base job for the Mets following Jose Valentin’s knee injury. At first, I believed this was a major step down for the Mets, and I thought you’d have to be pretty desperate to pick up Easley in your fantasy league.
But when I compared Easley’s skills and stats to Valentin’s, I came away with a rosier view. Easley isn’t much worse than Valentin. Actually, he might not be worse at all.
Check out these power stats, for instance. Over the last three years, Valentin has homered once every 19.62 at-bats and has a 0.59 GB/FB. Meanwhile, Easley has homered once every 25.1 at-bats and has a 1.08 G/F. Advantage to Valentin for sure, but Easley’s production hasn’t been too much worse.
Easley closes the gap between him and Valentin in the plate discipline category. Over the last three years, Easley had a 113/71 K/BB. On the other hand, Valentin was at 248/111. Easley has a much better eye and is going to be less prone to slumps.
Anyway, moral of the story: Easley is an acceptable fill-in for Valentin. Don’t hesitate to pick him up.
RUSS BRANYAN
Branyan will return from the bereavement list either tomorrow or Friday. Expect him to get plenty of playing time when he does, as Kevin Kouzmanoff is hitting .113 and appears destined for beautiful Portland.
You know the book on Branyan: plenty of power, putrid patience, atrocious average. But one trend worth watching -- if it even is a trend -- is that Branyan has walked eight times in 32 plate appearances this year. That’s a miniscule sample size if there ever was one, but nevertheless it’s encouraging to see Branyan being patient. If he can keep it up, he might be able to sustain a decent average to complement his pop.
JEFF CIRILLO
He’s back from the DL, and there’s plenty of playing time to be had with Nick Punto’s struggles and Rondell White’s injury.
MATT DIAZ
I’m not a fan of any hitter with a lifetime 83/18 K/BB in the majors, but Diaz is going to get the opportunity to shine in Atlanta following the trade of Ryan Langerhans. Expect near-everyday duty for Diaz. Yeah, I know Willie Harris started in left field yesterday, but that can’t possibly continue.
