The 22nd week of Major League Baseball is also the final week of the fantasy baseball regular season. At this point in the season we all know who was a bust and also who was a great success. The best fantasy baseball player of the year was easily Miguel Cabrera and for the first time in a long time he has not made the top five list. Below is the final best and worst of the regular fantasy season.
The bottom five performances of week 22.
5. Freddie Freeman, First Basemen, Atlanta Braves
Freeman had a top five performance at the first base position this season but could not say the same for this week. His batting average for the week dipped all the way down to .105 while hitting one home run with three RBIs. He also struck out six times and his OBP was only .217. He will obviously turn things around so removing him from your lineup would be the worst thing you could do. Freeman is having a great season and is arguably the MVP for the Atlanta Braves this year.
4. David Ortiz, Designated Hitter, Boston Red Sox
In 17 at-bats over five games Ortiz only recorded three hits for four RBIs and four walks. He did not hit a homerun and also didn’t score any runs. Everyone thinks that Ortiz is going to slow down and he has yet to do so. His .315 batting average on the season is the fifth best of any AL teams and considering where he was being drafted he has to be considered a steal. Look for Ortiz to figure things back out and hopefully help your fantasy team in the process.
3. Lance Lynn, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
As the Cardinals continue to chase down the Pirates, Lynn continues to try and get back to form. His 13 wins is nice to have but his ERA has been a lot higher than most people expected this year at 4.29. His weekly numbers did not impress his owners either. An 0-2 record in his two starts to go with an ERA of 9.00. He allowed two home runs while giving up nine runs over 11 innings pitched. If the Cardinals want to keep pace with the Pirates they are going to need Lynn and others to step up.
2. Jose Altuve, Second Basemen, Houston Astros
It really has to be frustrating for Altuve to play for the Astros but at the same time he is the star of the team. His numbers are a bit lower than last season but he is going to be a very good second basemen for a long time to come. His numbers on the week however were very bad. Eight strikeouts to go with only four hits in 29 at-bats are not exactly what you want to see from your second base spot. He also did not hit a homerun and the Astros continue to prove why they are the worst team in the league. Doesn’t matter if they are in the National League or the American League.
1. Wil Myers, Outfielder, Tampa Bay Rays
The rookie for the Rays had one hell of a start to the season. Since then he has slowed down quite a bit. His batting average for the week was ridiculously low at .053. He also had the second most strikeouts in baseball at nine. He could hopefully come out of it but he is still a rookie and could be going through a big slump. Might be time to put this guy on your bench for a little while.
Five best performances of the week.
5. Manny Machado, Third Basemen, Baltimore Orioles
The big name Machado has had another excellent week of baseball. When talking about great young players you have to start putting this guy in the conversation more. Over His past 21 at-bats he has recorded nine hits while hitting one home run and driving in seven men. He also scored four runs of his own and walked twice. Keep putting this guy in your lineup and your team will thank you with a fantasy baseball championship.
4. Allen Craig, First Basemen, St. Louis Cardinals
This guy is having one great season and has to be considered for a chance at being the MVP. His .318 batting average has nothing on his weekly average that hit .500. He also hit one home run but he did his six RBIs with one stolen base. This guy has been amazing at first base all season and has really done well since Albert Pujols left town. Keep putting this guy in your lineup and you will continue having success.
3. Robinson Cano, Second Basemen, New York Yankees
The best player on the Yankees has been and will continue to be this guy. Most people thought that the Yankees would be very bad this year but they have surprised some people as they are 72-64 but it will not be enough to make the playoffs. The Yankees can spend a lot of money and have put a lot of money into this guy. The money is paying off and he has proven that over the entire season and especially this week. Two home runs and seven RBIs is great and he only struck out once in five games. I don’t need to tell you this because it is obvious but keep this guy in your lineup.
2. Mark Buehrle, Starting Pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays
It is not every week that a pitcher makes the best performances list but Buehrle has done so well that it was hard to keep him off. His two wins in two starts is one thing but the main thing that sticks out is 0.60 ERA and 12 strikeouts. He did walk three men over 15 innings but only allowed one run. His opponent batting average was spectacular at .212. He has had an okay season but as of late has been pitching very well. Make sure to check who he is playing before you start this guy though.
1. Shane Victorino, Outfielder, Boston Red Sox
The best team in the American League has been the Sox for the entire year and Shane is one of the many reasons why. He had two home runs against the Orioles and had; wait for it, SEVEN RBIS! Just one of the greatest games of any player this season. In one game he managed to spark any team that had him. He followed it up with a home run two games later. This guy has taken off as of late and could be a big part of this Sox run.