There are seven words a fantasy owner never wants to hear come out of a star player’s mouth — seven words that will send chills down your spine the second they are spoken: “I’m going to see Dr. James Andrews.”
The last time we saw Nationals phenom Bryce Harper (knee bursitis) on the field was May 26 against the Phillies. when he went 1-for-3 with a stolen base. He has been on the disabled list, eligible to come off Tuesday, but has yet to resume baseball activities.
Now, the 20-year-old will visit with Andrews on Monday to get a second opinion on the knee that has been bothering him since crashing into the wall at Dodger Stadium on May 13 (Jason Bay was never the same for the Mets after crashing into that wall … wait, yes he was, never mind).
Losing five-tool players such as Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Reyes, Ian Kinsler or Matt Kemp for any amount of time during the season is not easy to deal with, whether they’re having good or bad seasons. These are players you drafted to build your team around.
Harper has a solid batting average (.287), leads his team in home runs (12), drives in runs (23), scores runs (29), draws walks (25) and can steal bases from time to time (only two this season). Losing the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year to an injury with no real timetable for his return stings.
Harper has said he will not rush back; he wants to make sure his knee is 100 percent, but also said he plans to be on a rehab assignment next week. That seems a bit optimistic considering a visit to Andrews is on the schedule, but when you want the best prognosis for your injury, you go to the best doctor in the business. All owners can do now is keep their fingers crossed and hope Harper can be back on the field soon.
In the meantime, how do fantasy owners cope with losing a five-tool player like Harper? The waiver wire, at this point in the season, is full of players who can help in certain categories, not each and every one. You can find a player who will help with home runs and RBIs, but will kill your team batting average. Or you can find a player who steals a decent amount of bases, but has no power or batting average. It’s rare to find a player who can help in each and every category, like Harper. Here’s a look at some players who can offer assistance in one way or another:
Yasiel Puig, Dodgers: In his first four games since his call to the bigs on Monday, the 6-foot-3, 215 pound Puig has been a monster, going 7-for-16 (.438) with three home runs (including a grand slam Thursday night), nine RBIs and a 1.501 OPS. The free-swinging outfielder has been the most added player in ESPN, Yahoo and CBS leagues since making his debut, and is now owned in 78 to 100 percent of all leagues. If the 22-year-old’s first four games are any indication of what he can do, anyone who has him may be left saying, “Bryce who? Matt Kemp who?” It’s unrealistic to expect this type of production every week, but make sure he’s in your lineup if you have him.
Raul Ibanez, Mariners: From 2002-11, Ibanez hit 225 homers, drove in 942 runs and hit .284 for the Royals, Mariners and Phillies. He was a steady fantasy option year in and year out. He’s not that player any more at the age of 41, but in 40 games this season, Ibanez has 11 homers and 30 RBIs. If you’re looking for the power you lost with Harper’s injury, look in his direction (he’s available in more than 85 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues), but know you team will take a hit with his .233 batting average.
J.D. Martinez, Astros: Since May 12, he has four home runs and 14 RBIs and is batting in the middle of the Astros’ lineup. That probably doesn’t instill much confidence, but, hey, an every day player in Houston is better than nothing, right?
Garrett Jones, Pirates: Decent power numbers (six homers), decent batting average (.256) and he drives in a good amount of runs (28). So, why isn’t he owned in more leagues? He’s streaky. But if you’re looking to stream a player while your five-tool star heals, you could do a lot worse.
Juan Pierre, Marlins: The only reason Pierre is on this list is because of his speed. Even at the age of 35, Pierre is still a terror on the base path, stealing 16 bases this season. One problem: He’s a terror (as in terrible) at the plate, hitting a paltry .238 despite a four-game hitting streak going into last night.
Adam Lind, Blue Jays: Offers some power (five homers), but is on this list because of his .329 batting average.
Marlon Byrd, Mets: Hey, he had a good week.
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