In roto, you can can’t gain ground in many categories in September, unless you’re already close. The two categories you can conceivably gain ground in is in steals and saves — SAGNOF! If you are up in power, or at least far enough that you can’t be caught by the team right behind you, then I’d stack up on guys that could get you some steals. As for saves, you probably don’t have as many options on waivers. But there’s a some guys that might get a save or two in the final few weeks, and, well, every save counts. Anyway, here’s some guys that can provide steals and saves this week in fantasy baseball:
STEALS
Drew Stubbs – He has 5 homers and 3 steals in the majors in two weeks. He had 3 homers and 46 steals in 5 months in Triple-A. Maybe he sleeps with a 1996 Brady Anderson card under his pillow.
Michael Brantley -With Sizemore out with elbow surgery he probably could’ve had in May (but then the Indians would’ve lost 95 games instead of 90), Brantley’s seeing time. He had 46 steals in Triple-A in 51 chances.
Everth Cabrera – EverCab’s linear notes tell us he has 21 steals in 80 games so far.
Angel Pagan – Pagan stole 52 bases one year in the low minors. So he has the speed (his hitting chops are the issue).
Chris Getz – Four steals in the last six games. He ain’t glamorous, but Angel Pagan is?
Brett Gardner – Could have some deep Al-Only value for speed.
Eugenio Velez – Velez is one of the few guys that when he’s standing in the batter’s box, you can read everything on the backstop. This doode needs a serious convo with Davey Lopes. “Velez, you’re 120 lbs. How about you run once in a while? Thank you.”
SAVES
Matt Lindstrom/Kiko Calero – Leo Nunez has looked blechtastic in his last few games. Lindstrom hasn’t looked much better, but the Marlins need to win the rest of their games so they may try Lindstrom or even Calero.
Phil Hughes – With the Yankees coasting towards the playoffs, Hughes may see some late inning chances as the Yankees try to Dorian Gray Mariano.
Brett Myers – The Phillies may be waiting for Lidge to blow a seven run lead by giving up eight consecutive homers. I guess what I’m saying is that Myers could be better than Lidge right now, but tell that to the Phils who have trotted Lidge out for the last five months.
Brandon Lyon – Because Fernando Rodney’s been taking anger management classes with Brett Myers.
Chris Perez – I think at some point in the last week or two the Indians will give Perez an opportunity to impress in the ninth.
Kevin Jepsen – File this away with Hughes’s potential saves. As the Angels lock up the division, they could rest Fuentes.
J.P. Wheelerfourger – The Rays bullpen is in tatters… Shattered. Key syllable is shat. Shoot, Price could figure into this closer picture if Howell continues to botch the job. (I love the word botch and I really don’t use it enough. Maybe that’ll be my 2010 resolution.)
Scott Downs/Jason Frasor – It’s been so long since the Jays got a save, I’m honestly not even sure who their closer is.
Angel Guzman – Really no reason why Marmol loses the job… Right now. Member he’s been prone to blow-ups in the past. I kinda just want Guzman to take over so I can hear what song he uses for his entrance music. Shaggy? Aerosmith? Real Life? Whatever it is, it’s sure to be lame.
