Buy Low and Sell High: Just Drop 'em and Waiver Targets for Week 22

It’s likely the trade deadline has passed in your fantasy baseball league, and now you need to take some advice for the home stretch.  There's still plenty of time to make a stretch run at that league title.

Sell – You need someone to tell you it’s alright to drop certain players, as much as it pains you to do so.  Sometimes this is a tough decision.

Buy – Pickup a waiver wire guy who can make a positive contribution to your squad for the stretch run-- there are difference-makers available, as long as you pick the right guys.

Buy ‘Em

For other Buy ‘em players, check out Joe Berger’s weekly Prospect Primer.

1. Will Middlebrooks – Since his recall on August 10, he has been a solid third-base option.  He has raised his batting average 30 points by batting .441 in August, and has more recently been hitting in the five-slot of the potent Red Sox order.
2. Donnie Murphy – In 16 games, he has eight home runs, batting .328.  His SS/3B makes him a solid late-season addition at some very shallow fantasy positions for deep leaguers.
3. Emilio Bonifacio – Bonifacio can provide you with some very cheap stolen bases-- since being traded to the Royals, he's been running like crazy, with six SB  in the past 10 games. Those are impact numbers for the stretch run.
4. Ian Kennedy – He will not get you many wins, but he will lower your ERA, add to your strikeout total and get you quality starts.  It seems like the move away from Chase Field has been really helpful for Kennedy, who is pitching much better in a San Diego uniform.
5. Zach McAllister – If the Tribe can stay in postseason contention, look for McAllister to be a solid start.  August has been his best month in 2013, and the sucess could continue through September.
6. Angel Pagan – Returning from the DL on September 1, Pagan has the potential to provide you with some very cheap power/speed numbers off of the waiver wire. Your other owners have likely forgotten about him, so don't make the same mistake.

Sell ‘Em

Drop ‘Em, or at least sit ‘Em until they turn things around...

1. C.C. Sabathia – Ok, let’s NOT just drop him, but he certainly needs to be monitored closely. He hasn't been good at home, away, day night, first half, second half, vs. the AL East, or AL Central...you get the idea.
2. Ryan Howard – Done for the season and no chance he is worth hanging on to in any relevant fantasy roster.  Even his keeper potential is in the tank.
3. Jason Heyward –Will miss the balance of the season with a broken jaw, and just when he was turning it around: 326, six HR and 25 RBI in last 30 days.  You've got to hang on for the keeper potential, though.
4. Starlin Castro – If anyone has an explanation on his dreadful season, leave it in the comments below. Ugh.
5. Adam LaRoche – His power is not worth the low BA.  Four home runs and .200 BA over the last 30 days.  That’s 1 home run per week?  Yuck!

 
 
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