MLB

Roto Files: A few tweaks away from playoff success

Football has taken over the fantasy sports world, despite the fact the baseball season is winding down and fantasy playoffs are upon us.

For those who failed to make the playoffs this season, better luck next year. For those who dominated your leagues or squeaked into the postseason with a late-season surge, Roto Files would say congratulations, but your season has just begun.

It’s not the time to just sit back, relax and consider the season a success based on the fact you made the playoffs. It’s not time to be satisfied with your roster and say, “Hey, these players got me here, they’ll get it done.”

It’s now time to dissect your opponent, figure out their weaknesses. It’s time to scour the waiver wires to stream two-start pitchers with favorable matchups. It’s time to grab that hitter who will boost your home run total or batting average. It’s time to grab the speed demon who will leave your adversary in the dust as you inch closer to glory.

It’s time to deliver that fatal blow that leaves your opponent wobbly to the point at which the Mortal Kombat voice in your head says, “Finish him,” moments before you ultimately reach down his throat, pull out his spine and stomp on it with your steel-toed boots. Here’s a look at some red-hot players who are still widely available and can give your roster a boost while trying to capture the fantasy crown (sorry, folks, Peyton Manning is not available):

PITCHERS

Joe Kelly, Cardinals: Since rejoining the St. Louis rotation, Kelly has been on fire, going 7-0 in his last nine starts while allowing just 10 runs and striking out 30. He has a 1.70 ERA over the span and is somehow still available in more than 70 percent of Yahoo leagues and about 58 percent of ESPN.

Charlie Morton, Pirates: Hasn’t lost since Aug. 1 and has won four of his last six starts. In that span, he has not allowed more than two runs in any start and lowered his ERA from 3.88 to 3.00. He’s not a strikeout machine, but he’s on a team atop its division and he’s still available in more than 75 percent of ESPN leagues and more than 80 percent of Yahoo leagues.

A.J. Griffin, A’s: Has won his last two starts against quality opponents (Tigers, Rays), allowing five runs (four versus the Tigers) on five hits over 12 innings. Still available in about 35 percent of all leagues.

Yusmeiro Petit, Giants: Is 3-0 in his last three starts — with a near perfect game Friday night — and struck out 23 in that span. He is available in about 90 percent of all leagues.

OUTFIELDERS

Avisail Garcia, White Sox: In 26 games since being acquired from the Tigers, Garcia has gone 32-for-96 (.333) with two homers, 13 RBIs, two stolen bases and a .831 OPS. The 22-year-old has been one of the most added players in all leagues this week, but still remains widely available.

Adam Eaton, D’backs: Since Aug. 1, Eaton is hitting .312 with three homers, 12 RBIs, three stolen bases and a .856 OPS. Grab him if you need some outfield assistance.

INFIELDERS

Zack Cozart, Reds: Since Aug. 26, Cozart had recorded at least one hit in every game, hitting .375 with six RBIs and a .869 OPS over that span. Reliable bat available in more than 70 percent of Yahoo leagues and 63 percent of ESPN leagues.

Billy Hamilton, Reds: Popular pick-up this week, despite the fact he hadn’t recorded a major league at-bat as of Thursday. He’s a pinch-runner who has two stolen bases. Use at your own risk.

Coming next week: NL season awards!