Fantasy Baseball: Week 15 of the Fantasy Baseball Season

Michael Heiman/Getty Images

History was made last week as Derek Jeter became the 27th player to join the 3000 hit club, and the first Yankee to complete the feat entirely in pinstripes. Jeter hit a home run in the left field bleachers off Tampa Bay’s David Price, on his way to an impressive five-for-five outing against their division rival. 

The Boston Red Sox finished the first half of the season on a 9-1 run, including a four-game sweep of the visiting Baltimore Orioles. The AL East promises to be an exiting race to the finish, as the Red Sox and Yankees hold the top two records in the American League at the break.

Offensive Player of the Week: Dustin Pedroia

Elsa/Getty Images

Offensive Player of the Week: Dustin Pedroia

.345 4 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 0 SB 

Pedroia nearly beat out fellow Red Sox Jacoby Elisbury last week to earn his first top performance award of the 2011 season. Pedroia scored 11 runs and hit four long balls for the surging Sox. 

Although he started slow this season, Pedroia has been the top second baseman over the past 30 days with a .346 average and 27 runs scored. The Red Sox offense is clicking on all cylinders and Pedroia appears poised for a huge second half.

Honorable Mention: Jacoby Elisbury, Jose Bautista and Adrian Beltre

Pitcher of the Week: CC Sabathia

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Pitcher of the Week: CC Sabathia

16 IP, 2 wins, 20 strikeouts, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP 

All-Star snub CC Sabathia appeared to pitch with a chip on his shoulder this past week, on his way to an amazing 16-inning scoreless run for the Yankees. Sabathia struck out 20 batters and won both of his starts last week while posting an impressive 0.75 WHIP. 

With 13 wins, 126 strikeouts and an minuscule 2.72 ERA, it is a shock that Sabathia was left off the 2011 All-Star roster. Perhaps the snub will turn out well for Sabathia owners, as it could provide excellent motivation for the lefty to dominate foes in the second half of the season. 

 

Honorable Mention: Dan Haren, Fernando Salas and Justin Verlander 

Working the Wire

Jeff Golden/Getty Images

Working the Wire 

An injury to Peter Borjous opened the door for the Angels to promote center fielder Mike Trout last week. Trout is a highly touted 19-year-old prospect that is the second overall prospect on Baseball America’s Top 100 list in 2010.  It remains to be seen if Trout will have fantasy value this season, however, he is a must add in keeper leagues.

 

Other Players to Target

1) Emilio Bonifacio (IN, OF FLA)

2) Nate Schierholtz (OF SF)

3) Mark Trumbo (1B ANA)

4) Daniel Murphy (OF,IN NYM)

Infirmary Report

Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images

Infirmary Report 

Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season was filled with numerous high-profile injuries. Jon Lester was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained latissimus muscle, while Alex Rodriguez suffered a torn meniscus that will require surgery. 

All-Star starting pitcher David Price revealed to the media that he has been hampered by turf toe in both feet for the majority of the season. The injury has forced Price to miss the All-Star game in Phoenix on Tuesday. 

Other Notable Injuries: 

• Ryan Braun (Calf – Day to Day)

• Troy Tulowitzki (Quad – Day to Day)

• Carlos Gonzalez (Wrist – Day to Day)

Closer Carousel

Abelimages/Getty Images

Closer Carousel 

Frank Francisco has been temporarily demoted from his closer role, according to John Lott of the National Post.  Jon Rauch will likely receive the majority of save chances while Francsico takes a few games off to regain his composure. 

JJ Putz was able to throw a successful bullpen session before Sunday’s game and will likely return to the closer role for the Diamondbacks when he returns from the DL on July 16th.  David Hernandez has done an excellent job closing games for Arizona, while Putz healed from an elbow injury.

Fantasy Dud: Victor Martinez

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Fantasy Dud: Victor Martinez

.148, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB 

Although he has delivered an All-Star worthy debut season with the Detroit Tigers, Martinez was a dud for fantasy owners last week.  Martinez went four for 17 over the past seven days, managing to drive in a measly four runs and failed to score a run of his own.    

 

Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki, Mark Teixiera and David Price

 

This article was originall published on Kramerica Sports, the home of free fantasy baseball news, rankings and advice.