Playoffs are almost here for head-to-head leagues. If you need that extra spark for your team heading into the post-season, most of these guys are available in many leagues. Pick them up and get an edge on your competition while you still can.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline…
Top 5 Fantasy Baseball Playoffs
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Carlos Carrasco SP - Cleveland Indians
30% owned
I wasn't a believer at first either, until I realized he has a 0.73 ERA over his last four starts. Add to the fact his K/BB ratio is at 24/3 since that time and the once promising prospect appears to finally be living up to expectations. Sure, he's in a fairly tough division, but if you need any pitching whatsoever in your mixed league, Carrasco needs to be picked up.
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Jedd Gyorko 2B/3B - San Diego Padres
48% owned
Just like the rest of you, I gave up on Gyorko earlier this season when he landed on the DL after hitting below the Mendoza line. However, the Padres gave him a mega-contract in the off-season so you know they're not giving up on their potential super-star anytime soon. The regular at-bats after coming back from the DL has appeared to give Gyorko somewhat of a resurgence.
He's been relegated to some pinch-hitting duty because of a bum hamstring, but over the past month he's been hitting .273 with 4 HRs and 20 RBI -- a MUCH better line than what we saw earlier in the year. Gyorko fills in two shallow infield positions and could be very valuable down the stretch for your fantasy team.
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Jorge Soler OF - Chicago Cubs
41% owned
My new favorite prospect! In my Harry Caray voice I've been screaming 'HO-LY JORGE!.'
The young Cuban was absolutely thrashing in the minors, as noted in my article last week:
"After a slow start due to injury, Soler has hit .338 this season with 15 bombs and 54 RBI. His slash line is .340/.432/.700 across all levels in the minors and he hit .282/.378/.618 with eight homers and 29 RBIs in Triple-A alone."
He also hit a HR in his first MLB at-bat Wednesday. Go ahead and jump on the bandwagon baby. It's Jorge time!
P.S. But you better hurry, after going 2-4 Thursday, Soler's ownership nearly doubled over night.
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Kennys Vargas 1B - Minnesota Twins
37% owned
Vargas has been sneaky because he qualifies at a super deep position. However, you can no longer ignore what the rookie has been doing in Mini-sohta.
The first baseman is hitting .312 on the season, but over the last 14 days he's hit .322/2/13 with six doubles. The extra base hits confirm his hitting is no fluke.
He was a good hitter in the minors and the Twins are going to give Vargas at-bats since they're out of contention.
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Tsuyoshi Wada SP - Chicago Cubs
29% owned
Japanese imports can be incredibly unpredictable and after one bad start most of us -- including myself -- gave up on the 33-year-old. That appears to have been a mistake.
Since surrendering 5 earned on July 23, Wada hasn't give up more than 2 in a single start. Four of his last six outings have been quality starts and he owns a 2.12 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over the last month. Wada else do you want from a starter? Watashi Wa, Subete noda yo Wada!... Which -- according to Google Translate -- is Japanese for "I'm all in on Wada!
