Fantasy Baseball Odds - Hot and Not for August 12

At this point in fantasy baseball odds, some teams have already clinched playoff berths, some are scratching and clawing to make it, others were eliminated long ago, like many real-life teams in MLB betting. Attention, scratchers and clawers: keep reading to find some guys who can help you with your playoff push.

Fantasy baseball odds: Hot and not, August 12

• Vladdy’s power is returning
  
• Don’t trust Ervin Santana
  
• See what you can get for K-Rod in the trade market

WHO’S HOT

Hanley Ramirez, shortstop, Florida Marlins
(Last week: .459, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 6 SB)

Great to see Hanley running wild again. But what else can I tell fantasy owners? He was probably the first or second overall pick in your league this season, so…uh…good for you if you own him or acquired him.

Vladimir Guerrero, outfielder, Los Angeles Angels
(Last week: .379, 4 HR, 4 RBI)

A few other players are hotter than Vladdy, but he warrants mention this week. I’m betting you were giving him the David Ortiz treatment after he showed no power upon returning from his pec injury, right? Well, he’s starting to flash it again and he’s hitting in the middle of a fantastic offense. You can still probably buy low on him and could probably get him for cheap. Why not trade notorious second-half swooner Justin Verlander for him?

Ervin Santana, starting pitcher, Los Angeles Angels
(Last week: 15 IP, 2 W, 13 K, 2.40 ERA)

Is Ervin finally back? He certainly looked that way after tossing a three-hitter against Tampa Tuesday night. However, I’m skeptical. His weekly stat line looks good, but actually allowed four runs and walked five in his other start. He has a long way to go before you should trust his fantasy baseball odds again. I’d sell.

Top waiver pick (owned in less than 50 per cent of leagues): Derek Holland, starting pitcher, Texas Rangers
(Last week: 9 IP, 1 W, 8 K, 0.00 ERA)

Could the future be now for Derek Holland’s fantasy baseball odds? The blue-chip prospect has been dominant in two of his last three starts. His complete-game shutout last Sunday is especially noteworthy since it came against the Angels, who lead the majors in batting average. Take a flier on him in mixed leagues and RUN to the waiver wire in keeper leagues.

WHO’S NOT

B.J. Upton, center fielder, Tampa Bay Rays
(Last week: .091, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 2 SB)

Upton earned himself a demotion to ninth in Tampa’s batting order with that ugly performance. He’s openly unhappy with the move, but you can’t blame the Rays, as he’s been ineffective since the All-Star break. If you need steals, he’s worth holding or acquiring, but his fantasy baseball odds of a full offensive turnaround look slim right now.

David Ortiz, designated hitter, Boston Red Sox
(Last week: .136, 0 HR, 1 RBI)

So much for the comeback. Big Papi is Big Popup again. While it’s possible that he’ll have another power surge, the Red Sox are slipping in the playoff race and don’t have time to wait for his rebound. I’d bet at the offshore sportsbook that he gets benched more often than not down the stretch. Drop him in mixed leagues.

Francisco Rodriguez, relief pitcher, New York Mets
(Last week: 1 IP, 45.00 ERA, 1 K)

More alarming than K-Rod’s 45.00 ERA over the last week is the one inning pitched. He’s just not getting save opportunities. Yes, his velocity is down, he’s whiffing fewer batters and he’s walking guys, but he’s still an effective pitcher. However, since the Mets don’t stand to win many games down the stretch, I’d capitalize on his name value and deal him.

For more fantasy baseball odds and sports betting tips, read the Betting Edge’s Hot and Not weekly and check out our sportsbook.

Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball.