Twins rookie third baseman sure is making a positive impression since being called up. Valencia went 2-5 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs on Saturday, and now is hitting .330-.370-.479 with 7 HR and 40 RBIs in 267 at bats. He could be a sleeper come 2011 fantasy drafts.
Saturday’s Roto Roundup: Danny Valencia Homers Twice
Tigers rookie outfielder Austin Jackson went 3-4 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and a SB on Saturday and is hitting .298-.351-.407 with just 4 HRs, 39 RBIs, 101 runs scored and 26 SBs. He should be the favorite to win the AL rookie of the year award. Fantasy owners will be looking for him to increase his SB totals in 2011.
The Diamondbacks are talking about re-making their lineup in 2011 by replacing some high strikeout guys from their lineup. Mark Reynolds could be one of the players traded this offseason, as he is currently hitting .199 and has only 2 hits in his last 8 games. He has struckout 206 times this season. On Saturday, Tony Abreu started at third base.
Braves rookie reliever Craig Kimbrel pitched the 8th inning, and set up closer Billy Wagner, in the Braves 5-0 win on Saturday. Kimbrel appears to have replaced Johnny Venters as the Braves set up man, and could be the front runner to replace Billy Wagner as the Braves closer in 2011. Kimbrel has struck out 32 and walked 13 in his 17 major league innings this season.
Red Sox starter Jon Lester shutout the Yankees for 7 innings on Saturday, giving up just 5 base runners and striking out 8, in winning his 19th game of the season. He should have one more start for a chance at 20 wins. Lester lowered his ERA to 2.96 on Saturday, which is very impressive considering he pitches in the AL East.
Diamondbacks starter Dan Hudson threw 8.2 inning on Saturday, giving up just 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks and struck out 5. He has given up 3 runs or less in each of his last 11 starts, and has given up 1 run or less in 7 of those starts.
Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez went 2-4 with a HR and 3 RBIs on Saturday. Alvarez now has 13 HRs and 54 RBIs since his call-up in June. He has the potential to hit 25+ HRs in 2011.
Rays outfielder BJ Upton went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. He homered for the 18th time this season, and has 41 SBs, so his power-speed combo are very valuable despite his .239 BA.
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